so unobtrusive as to be
rarely mentioned in connection with him. Probably his views were the
same as generally prevailed among the Regular Army officers of that day
which were represented by the attitude of the Douglas Democrats and "Old
Line Whigs."

He believed, above all things, in law and system, and wanted all the
affairs of this world to go ahead in strict accordance with them. The
soldier epithet of "Old Brains" was bestowed upon him, and he seemed to
relish the appellation.

In the long and specific letter of instructions accompanying his
assignment to command, Gen. McClellan directed him to carefully
scrutinize all commissions and appointments, and revoke those not
proceeding from the President or Secretary of War; to stop all pay and
allowances to them, and if the appointees gave any trouble, send them
out of the Department, and if they returned, place them in confinement.
He was to examine into the legality of all organizations of troops
serving in the Department, and deal with those unauthorized in a similar
summary way. All contracts were to be rigidly probed, and payment
suspended on those of which there was the slightest doubt. All officers
who had in any way violated their duty to the Government were to be
arrested and brought to prompt trial.

256

Halleck began at once to justify the high expectations entertained
of him. Order and system followed the erratic administration of his
predecessor. Soldiers were subjected to vigorous discipline, but they
were given the supplies to which they were entitled, and they were made
to feel that they were being employed to some purpose.

The futile and aggravating marches made in pursuit of the elusive
guerrillas and bushwhackers, who were never caught, were replaced by
well-directed movements striking at the heart of the trouble.

Acting under Gen. Price's orders sometimes, but frequently under their
own impulses to commit outrages, inflict blows, and create excitement, a
large part of the State was covered by bands of guerrillas who appeared
as citizens, were well armed, rode good horses, and were annoyingly
successful in sweeping down on the railroad stations, water tanks,
bridges, and settlements of Union people, burning, destroying, and
creating havoc generally.

Gen. Halleck proclaimed martial law, and issued an order that any
man disguised as a peaceful citizen, if caught in the act of burning
bridges, etc., should be immediately shot. The troops p