NA, RRB 12/21/1863

Head Quarters, District of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona
McNeel's Plantation
Decb. 21st 1863
 
Brig. Gen. J. E. Slaughter
Comdg 2d Division
Army of Texas
 
General,
   The Major Genl Comdg directs me to instruct you to cause comdg. officers of the organizations under your command to forward without delay, consolidated lists of all enlisted men absent, sick, furloughed, detailed or otherwise with reasons of their absence & if detailed, by whose orders, & in what manners employed with any information that may facilitate their return, those absent sick, to be separately stated.
   I am further instructed to say that you will adopt such measures as you may deem most advisable to return absentees to their commands, exempting as follows: those employed by Major T. A. Washington Qr. Mr. San Antonio in Ordnance Depots, -- such men on Rail Roads and in the various Staff Departments as you may consider absolutely necessary for their efficiency, also those employed by Capt. E. L. Heriot, Inspecting Engineer of R. Roads or Mr W. W. Morris, his deputy.
   I am further instructed to ask your attention to the number of absentees reported on sick furlough, that you may give instructions to induce the return of all who may be fit for duty, and to cause Company Commanders to keep themselves advised as to the condition and whereabouts of all absentees.
   The great number of men absent, many of whom are believed to be so without proper authority, renders it important that measures for their return to duty and consequent increase of the efficiency of the Army be adopted without delay.
   I have the honor to be, General
Very respectfully
Your obdt Svt.
C. M. ???
Capt & A. A. A. G.

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