elp control the river and assist the Army in its operations.

298

His next neighbor to the eastward was Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell,
commanding the Department of the Ohio, which extended from the
Cumberland River to the Allegheny Mountains. Gen. Buell's complete
cooperation was necessary to the management of affairs in the
Mississippi Valley, but this seems to have been difficult to secure.
Buell had his own ideas, and they frequently did not harmonize with
those of Gen. Halleck. Halleck recommended that Buell's Department be
put under his own command, which was also done later.

Bridge-burning and other outrages by straggling bands claiming to be
Confederates seriously disturbed the peace, embarrassed operations, and
worried the Commanding General. Halleck reported that within 10 days
prior to Jan. 1, 1862, these bridge-burners had destroyed $150,000
worth of railroad property and that they had concocted a plan to burn,
simultaneously, every railroad bridge in the State, and set fire to
the city of St. Louis in a number of places. In his comprehensive order
advising summary and severe punishment against these marauders he took
careful guards against such being made the pretext for any private
vengeance or official malice, and instituted Military Commissions of not
less than three responsible officers, acting under the solemnity of
an oath, and making written reports of their proceedings. This
order brought down a storm of abuse from the Secessionist and
semi-Secessionist press, which Halleck calmly disregarded.

Gen. Sterling Price on Jan. 12 wrote Gen. Halleck a strong letter
protesting against the order and asking the question whether
"individuals and parties of men specially appointed and instructed by me
to destroy railroads, culverts, bridges, etc." were, if captured, to be
regarded as deserving of death.

299

Gen. Halleck in reply said:

You also complain that "individuals and parties of men
specially appointed and instructed by you to destroy
railroads, culverts and bridges by tearing them up, burning,
etc., have been arrested and subjected to a general court-
martial for alleged crimes." This statement is in the main
correct. Where "individuals and parties of men" violate the
laws of war they will be tried, and if found guilty will
certainly be punished, whether acting by your "special
appointment and instruction" or not. You must be aware,
Genera