CSA Quartermaster Department to Confederate Senator - NEW

Item CON-11853

Description

Original Civil War letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.  Confederate letter written by CSA Quartermaster BUreau Supervisor Thomas L. Darnall in Richmond, VA to Confderate Senator Robert M. T. Hunter.


Quartermaster General’s Office
Richmond
 
October 11^th 1862
 
Sir,
 
Let us pass upon your time a few moments to recite one or two instances of great injustice, likely to be done to clerks of the department, by the bill that passed the House yesterday.
 
The writer has had eight years’ experience in the Quartermaster General's office. He is now in charge of a division numbering 10 clerks, was put in that position on account of his experience, and was assigned a 1,500 dollar place on account of that position. The nature of the services rendered by that division is the examination, predication, and preparation of accounts and other papers of the disbursing officers for the action of the auditor. A proficiency in this service can only be acquired by long experience and study. Except all the gentlemen can create with me and these duties came into the office within the first six months entirely ignorant of the duties involved upon them. Of course, it fell to my lot as chief of the division to drill them in these duties day by day and do their work was after them before sending it to the auditor. Now, if the House bill is approved by the Senate, these gentlemen will be put on a footing with myself as to salary, and while I, who have all the responsibilities of the division resting upon my shoulders, and to whom alone Colonel Meyers looks to have the business of the division faithfully executed, receive only $1,500, my old salary, these men who scarcely feel any responsibility receive the same. Again, I have a wife and six children to maintain, and I am solely dependent upon my salary for that maintenance, Whilst a majority of these gentlemen have no families or only a wife to provide for, are those of justice reached by this act of the House? I cannot see it. If the service types should be appointed to a vacancy, which might occur at any time." He would be placed on footing with myself, who would have to drill him day by day in his duties.
 
I also cite the case of Mr. Lancaster of the Finance Bureau, P.O. Department, a gentleman who knows more about the operation of the department than any man in it. To whom the department is, in a very large reason, indebted for its organization.
 
And who, by his long experience of 20 years and good business qualifications, is able to find value and assistance to the heads of the department. In such a man as that, with a family of eight, helpless children to be put on a level with the common copiest of his office, who possibly may be a young man without any family. I can't cite other cases, but leave the matter with you, hoping you will see justice done, as if possible.
 
If, however, a good bill cannot be passed, then second this. I would be gratified to see any alleviation of the wants of a part of the clerks, rather than no attention at all.
 
I do not send this to you with a reason to make myself conspiratorial and am unwilling to be known as interfering. Respectfully, 
 
Your obedient servant, 
Theo L. Darnell
 
Honorable R.M.T. Hunter
C.S. Senate