g like as serious as had been
reported, but that it was of such a nature that it could have been
handled by a company officer of force.

"The inspector recommended to the Commanding General, American Forces,
North Russia, that the matter be dropped and considered closed. The
Commanding General, American Forces, North Russia, concurred in this
recommendation.

"General Richardson, in his report of operations on the American Forces
in North Russia, referring to this matter states:

"'MORALE. Archangel and North Russia reflected in high degree during
the past winter the disturbed state of the civilized world after four
years of devastating war. The military situation was difficult and at
times menacing.

"'Our troops in this surrounding, facing entirely new experiences and
uncertain as to the future, bore themselves as a whole with courageous
and creditable spirit. It was inevitable that there should be unrest,
with some criticism and complaint, which represented the normal per
cent chargeable to the human equation under such conditions. This
culminated, shortly before my arrival, in a temporary disaffection of
one of the companies. This appears not to have extended beyond the
privates in ranks, and was handled by the regimental commander with
discretion and good judgment.

"'This incident was given wide circulation in the States, and I am
satisfied from my investigation that an exaggerated impression was
created as to its seriousness. It is regrettable that it should have
happened at all, to mar in any degree the record of heroic and valiant
service performed by this regiment under very trying conditions.' "The
above are the facts in regard to this matter, and it is hoped that
this information may meet your requirements.
"Very sincerely yours,
"NEWTON D. BAKER,
"Secretary of War."

However, as a matter of history the facts must be told in this volume.
"I" Company of the 339th Infantry, commanded by Captain Horatio G.
Winslow, was on the 30th of March stationed at Smolny Barracks,
Archangel, Russia. It had been resting for a few days there after a long
period of service on the front. The spirit of the men had been high for
the most part, although as usual in any large group of soldiers at rest
there was some of what Frazier Hunt, the noted war correspon