To Gen Rousseau From RH Milroy Date Unknown

              Respectfully referred to Maj Genl Rosseau 
Comdg, District of Tennessee for his information 
 
 
            
The within is Lt. Col. Spalding’s  answer to the enclosed order 
from these Head Quarters.  That order was issued 
upon being informed that Col. Spalding’s command 
had captured a large number of horses.  Mostly 
from citizens,  on their late scout in Lincoln 
County, & had refused to turn any of them over 
to their Brigade Quarter Masters, &  that it has 
been the habit of the officers & men of that 
command to give no account of any (stricken: capture) 
property captured by them.  There was no intention 
“to dismount” or take away the horses from Col. 
S’s comd, but merely to have them turned in & if 
not claimed by union citizens to have them properly 
branded & issued & accounted for as required 
by Regulations.  I would respectfully inquire 
of the Commanding General of the District of Tenn 
whether there is anything in the “orders from 
the Chief of Cavalry” authorizing (stricken: th) or justifying 
Co. Spalding in disobeying any order as shown