Record Data
Transcription
Disgraced.
A letter from one of the members of Capt. Fairchild’s company, received here on Wednesday, states that the First and Second Kansas Regiments, and the regulars under command of Major Sturgis, joined Gen. Lyon on the 8th inst., below Canton, Mo.
The letter also states that Gen. Lyon had taken away the swords of Col. Deitzler, of the First Regiment, and Major Sturgis, for barbarously flogging thirteen soldiers of the First. If the facts are as we hear them this disgrace is just, and hanging would not be too good for them. Flogging is a punishment, so barbarous, and so unworthy of the age, that in any case it is revolting to every humane sentiment. And especially is this the case when Volunteers, who have bravely enlisted to defend their country without a thought of pay, are punished for an offence in that way. No crime, no transgression, no breach of discipline, will justify it. It is alike cruel, disgraceful, and savage.
The letter spoken of states that none of the soldiers who were whipped belonged to the “All Hazard” company. The affair created intense excitement in the regiment, and at one time a serious outbreak was anticipated, the soldiers of the First threatening to turn their arms against the regulars. The prompt and just action of Gen. Lyon, however, prevented further difficulty.
