provisions and clothing, carrying away their shoes
and bedding, and even cutting cloth from their looms, and
that you have driven women and children from their homes to
starve and perish in the cold. I have not retaliated such
conduct upon your adherents here, as I have no intention of
waging such a barbarous warfare; but I shall, whenever I
can, punish such crimes, by whomsoever they may be
committed.

300

An examination of the correspondence leads to the conclusion that
Halleck possessed very superior talents as a letter writer.

Contrasted with Fremont, McClellan, Buell and others, Halleck gave great
satisfaction in Washington, and Secretary Stanton telegraphed him as
follows:

Your energy and ability receive the strongest commendation of this
Department You have my perfect confidence, and may rely upon the utmost
support in your undertakings. The pressure of my engagements have
prevented me from writing, but I shall do so fully in a day or two.

Though he made the most of every resource, Halleck was sorely pressed
for money and supplies for his force. His letters and messages mention
the shipment of pantaloons to this one, shoes to another, blankets to a
third, as he could get hold of articles to supply present wants, and of
counsels of patience as to delays in paying off, since the Paymasters
were far behind in their work. Jan. 17 he telegraphed to Gen. Curtis:

General: Yours of yesterday received. I regret to inform you that
neither the Pay nor Quartermaster's Departments have any money. Troops
are sent from here to Cairo without pay. I can do no better for you.
The moment money is received the forces under your command shall be
supplied. They were all paid to the 31st of October. Some here and
in north Missouri are not paid for September and October. I have done
everything in my power for the troops at Rolla, and they have no cause
to complain of me.

The truth is that Congress is so busy discussing the eternal nigger
question that they fail to make any appropriations, and the financial
departments are dead broke. No requisitions for money are filled.

The extra-duty pay will be forthcoming as soon as we get any money.
Assure these men that they will be paid, but they must have patience. I
am doing everything in my power for them.

We must all do the best we can to make the men comfortable and contented
till we get more means. I rely upon you to use all your power