Footnote 247: [(return)]
For an inferential appraisement of Ritchie's character and abilities, see Kansas Historical Collections, vol. iii, 359-366.
Footnote 248: [(return)]
Ritchie to Dole, April 26, 1863 [Indian Office Miscellaneous Files, 1858-1863].
Footnote 249: [(return)]
The reëstablishment, considered in the light of the first orders issued by Blunt, those set out here, was decidedly in the nature of a reflection upon the reactionary policy of Halleck and Sturgis; but Halleck had no regrets. Of Kansas, he said, "Thank God, it is no longer under my command." [Official Records, vol. xiii, 440.] Ever since the time, when he had been urged by the administration in Washington, peculiarly sensitive to political importunities, not to retain, outside of Kansas, the Kansas troops if he could possibly avoid it, there had been more or less of rancor between him and them. His opinion of them was that they were a "humbug" [ibid., vol. viii, 661].
Footnote 250: [(return)]
Almost simultaneously, Schofield was given independent command in Missouri, a similar surrender to local political pressure.
Footnote 251: [(return)]
Official Records, vol. xiii, 368-369.
General Orders, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,
No. 2. Fort Leavenworth, Kans., May 5, 1862.
I. General Orders, No. 8, dated Headquarters District of Kansas, April 25, 1862, is hereby rescinded.
II. The instructions issued by the Department at Washington to the colonels of the two Indian regiments ordered to be raised will be fully carried out, and the regiments will be raised with all possible speed.
By order of Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt,[252]