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Memphis Tennessee
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| April 19/62 |
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Col. Thos. Jordan
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| A A General CSA |
| Corinth Miss |
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| Dear Sir, |
| While I fully appreciate the vigilance and
promptness of the sentence against Messr. Phelps and Hedges for their
conduct in passing our lines, subjecting themselves to arrest by the
Enemy, and themselves to the suspicion of having placed themselves
there of their own will. |
| Still from what I have seen and heard Mr.
Hedges since we commenced, the transportation of Troops and meeting
him almost every week or ten days, I cannot believe he went there from
any motivation than that curiosity that prompts thousands to desire to
visit a Battle field and securing some trophy, and without any
intention of imparting any information to the enemy
prejudicial to our cause. I have spent at various times three and
four days in the same Hotel with him and have had repeated
conversations with him about the Invasion of the south by the North,
in all of which he has expressed strong sympathy for the southern
cause and for the success of our arms. I have repeatedly heard him say
If his sympathies had not been with the south he would not have
remained, as he could as well have gone North. Having resided several
years in St Louis and then coming farther south he had against the
wiles of his friends North & South made up his mind to remain and
share her destiny. I have carefully noticed the conditions of the
various trains on which I have traveled; and I found no one more ready
& willing at all times to dutifully perform his duties to his
company and with promptness to our forces, always mindful of the
safety of his trains as Judge Brown the Prest. of the Company, and Mr.
Williams its superintendent, and all the commanding officers will
fully attest. |
| I have known him to administer to the sick
soldier in the Hotel, and to furnish refreshments and food for the
wounded on the cars out of his private stores showing fully that
though Born North, he had a heart to feel and a hand to administer to
the comfort of the sick and wounded southern soldier, while I have
seen our own citizens pass around apparently unmindful of the
suffering around them. Such were my impressions of his soundness in
our cause and co??, and industry as a Rail Road Man, that I suggested
him to the President of our Road as a suitable person to take charge
of the third division of our Road from Dunally Bluff on White River to
Little Rock Arkansas and named it to Judge Brown, who desired me not
to do so as he was their main man just now in the transportation of
troops and his road could not well spare him. I mentioned the same to
Hedges, that is told him that i was desirous of getting him on our
Road, he said he was willing to go but would not leave Judge Browns
Road while they had any use for his services. If I had any doubt of
his not being sound as any Northern man could be on the southern side
I would never have thought of him for that position and locality in
Arkansas. I do not and in the absence of proof will never believe
Hedges went on that mission from any motive save the prompting of
curiosity, unthoughtful of its impropriety and the consequences
to which it might subject him. Could I believe other wise I
would be the last man to vindicate him. He has a refined and
cultivated wife, whose distress is apparent from her letter written me
which I found at home on my return from Corinth Saturday morning,
written one week ago this morning. |
| "It is with a heart full of sadness
that I set down to communicate to you this morning. Last thursday
morning my Husband left for Corinth -- as I supposed, but have since
learned, that he is company with two gentlemen, stopped at Bethel and
got horses and started for Battle Ground and they have not returned
and it is supposed that they have been taken prisoners. I have cryed
all night and feel so unhappy, and no friend to consult with. Can you
tell me what I shall do under the circumstances. Write
immediately." "Sunday morning." On the Tuesday
following business called me to Jackson the day her Husband returned.
I had known nothing of the affair until I reached Jackson and was told
by Mr. A. G. Marshall I only know Mr Phelps by sight. I have said this
much, cannot see hard. I could say less, entertaining as I do the
beliefs as expressed, his conduct was wrong; and I trust will teach
him a lesson in the future and prove a warning to others who may be
alike thoughtless. Asking your pardon for saying so much, and knowing
Justice will be administered. I remain yours very truly & Respectfully |
| Michael Owen |
| I am glad to know that many of the best citizens of
Jackson entertain the belief I do of Hedges |
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