On military law

(during the war) we should treat the idea of civil

government as one in which we as a nation have a minor or

subordinate interest.

***

The law is one thing, the execution of the law another. God

himself has commanded: "Thou shalt not kill," "thou shalt not

steal," "thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods," etc. Will

any one say these things are not done now as well as before these

laws were announced at Sinai I admit the law to be that "no officer

or soldier of the United States shall commit waste or destruction

of cornfields, orchards, potato-patches, or any kind of pillage on

the property of friend or foe near Memphis," and that I stand

prepared to execute the law as far as possible.

No officer or soldier should enter the house or premises of any

peaceable citizen, no matter what his politics, unless on business;

and no such officer or soldier can force an entrance unless he have

a written order from a commanding officer or provost-marshal, which

written authority must be exhibited if demanded. When property

such as forage, building or other materials are needed by the

United States, a receipt will be given by the officer taking them,

which receipt should be presented to the quartermaster, who will

substitute therefor a regular voucher, to be paid-according to the

circumstances of the case. If the officer refuse to give such

receipt, the citizen may fairly infer that the property is

wrongfully taken, and he should, for his own protection, ascertain

the name, rank, and regiment of the officer, and report him in

writing.

Willy Sherman

***

Of course, no person who can jeopardize the safety of

Memphis can remain here, much less exercise public authority;

but I must take time, and be satisfied that injustice be not done.

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