Head Quarters Brownsville, Dec 7^th 1863.

 

Brig Gen C. P. Stone

            Chief of Staff

                        On the 18^th of Nov under a sufficient instruction one H Meiger and family of twelve persons were granted a pass to New Orleans. I think he will arrive in your city by the Pocahontas or the Clinton which will bring this dispatch. I have today received the enclosed papers touching this man from Brig Gen Hamilton, who thinks it of sufficient importance that the man ought to be stopped and his baggage examined in New Orleans. I would not have granted the pass if I had known the exact state of things, but at the same time it is a question involving delicate points whether the door is to be closed against the return to their allegiance of men who have aided and abetted rebels by measures so harsh as to deter others from returning. Where acts of cruelty or oppression are alleged as having been committed against refugees and loyal men, I should entertain no doubts, but when the charge is one of speculation and profit merely, although I would not receive the offender into favor or confidence, or permit him to enjoy chances of profit under authority, I am not sure that extreme and harsh measures would be politic when he sincerely desires to return to his duties, even though his motives might be selfish.

 

I have the honor to Remain

/signed/           N.J.T. Dana

Maj Gen

 

[overleaf]

 

Head Qrs Brownsville

            Dec 7^th 1863

To

Brig. Gen. C. P. Stone

            Chief of Staff

SOURCES