Lewis G. Sleeper, Civil War.

If I had been in the civil war I would have taken the side of the Union. I won’t have cared much abut the feelings of the Confederates as they were the enemy. But one forgets their just men. They have families just like us and are trying to make a better life for themself and their families. Most would rather be home with their families then on some far away battle field.

This is about Lewis G. Sleeper, A Confederate soldier who was away from home and when he return he found nothing but hardship for himself and his family. The trouble was caused by his own army. He wrote his government asking for help. There were 16, endorsement ( Letters ) written, but just as in the Union government, and the government of today, it was the old saying ( passing the buck.) And little was done. This report gives a insight into a enemies life that one rarely gets to see.
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CAMP FORTY-FOURTH MISSISSIPPI REGIMENT,
Near Dalton, Ga., January 27, 1864.


SECRETARY OF WAR:

Having just returned from my home in Amite County, Miss., to which place I was sent by order of General Hardee, to obtain clothing for the company to which I belong, I am compelled to complain of the shameful conduct of our own soldiers for the manner in which my place, effects, and family have been treated by Logan's brigade of cavalry in South Mississippi, now commanded by General Wirt Adams. Last summer they camped near my place for ten days. During that time they stole 6 of my mules and horses, killed nearly all my hogs and sheep, destroyed my corn by turning their horses in the field when the corn was ripening. As many as 10 to 40 men and officers would come to the house, order their meals of victuals, and have their horses fed; and that at a time when my family were buying their subsistence at the most exorbitant prices.

This, sir, is to inquire of you if I have no recourse upon our Government, and if I am not entitled to damages for the outrage thus perpetrated upon one, a soldier, who has a large family of negroes, a wife and child, dependent upon their own exertions for a support during my absence? As for my conduct as a soldier, I refer you to the indorsement of my commanding officer.

Allow me to say, in conclusion, that the cavalry in South Mississippi is a most perfect nuisance, a terror to the people, a disgrace to all civilized warfare. All men who are conscripted join this cavalry, and consider themselves out of the service.

I saw a number of absentees from this and other portions of our army who have deserted their commands, and they are actually protected by this cavalry.

Hoping this will merit your approbation and enlist your earliest attention.

I remain, yours, most respectfully,

L. G. SLEEPER,
Sergeant Company K, 44th Mississippi Regiment.

Authors note. This was the 44th., Infantry.