Letter from General R. Taylor.
Washington, October 15, 1863.
Brigadier-General W. R. Boggs, Chief of Staff:
General—It has just been brought to my attention by Major-General J. L. Walker, that the language of my report touching operations near Milliken's Bend reflects on him. He learns this from one of his staff just from Richmond. As I have not a copy of the report before me to verify the original words used, I respectfully ask the Lieutenant-General Commanding to convey to the War Department the statement that nothing in the report was intended to reflect directly or indirectly on General Walker. The plan was mine, and the position held by General Walker was strictly in accordance with my orders. The misconception existing at Richmond is calculated to injure unjustly a meritorious officer, and I ask that this communication be forwarded.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
First endorsement:
Headquarters Department Trans-Mississippi, Shreveport, Louisiana, 1st November, 1863.—Respectfully forwarded.
Second endorsement.
Adjutant and Inspector-General's Office, December 4th, 1863.—Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
Third endorsement:
Noted—File with report, 8th December, 1863.
