FILE XLIX.
Reading edition
Brevetted major—Governor Fenton's Letter.
State of New York, Executive Department, Albany, 8th May, 1867.
Bvt. Major H. B. Smith.
Dear Sir.—I have the honor to transmit herewith a Brevet Commission, conferred by the President in recognition of your faithful and disinterested services in the late war.
In behalf of the State allow me to thank you for the gallantry and devotion which induced this conspicuous mention by the general government. I feel a lively solicitude in all that relates to the honor and prosperity of the Soldiers of the Union Army, and especially those from our own State, who advanced its renown while defending the cause of our common country.
Very Respectfully, R. E. Fenton.
I believe there should be no continued ill feeling towards those who conscientiously bore arms against us. Nor towards their official spies. Nor towards persons who by reason of blood relationship or former close affiliations aided them. But towards those, who for personal profit aided them, and who sought to hamper us in our efforts to preserve the Union, we cannot cease to have contempt.
It is held that "everything is fair in war." If so, then the deceptions used in the secret service were fair. But the moral effect on the one who pursues such service is not pleasant. Such persons become so used to being impressed with possible dishonesty as to doubt mankind generally. I had to fight to overcome that tendency. It is a much happier condition of mind to be freer of suspicion. "No thing is stronger than it is in its weakest point" is an axiom. Almost every person has a weak point, which a detective seeks to find.
General Wallace's references to me were made after a period of forty years, during which time he had met me but twice. It was gratifying, greatly so, and I am perfectly willing to confess that I had "zeal," but prefer to let his opinion of my "ability" be passed upon by others.
I hope I have not injured the stories in their telling, but I am very afraid I have wearied you all.
New York, April, 1911.
Semi-Centennial of the Civil War.
Transcriber's Note:
Typographical errors corrected in text:
Page 12—Blumenberg changed to Blumenburg
Page 86—Leonardstown changed to Leonardtown
Page 88—Reistertown changed to Reisterstown
Page 89—Sims changed to Simms
Page 94—Blackistone changed to Blackstone
Page 114—Kelley changed to Kelly
Page 120—Brogdan changed to Brogden
Page 123—Leonardstown changed to Leonardtown
Page 124—Leonardstown changed to Leonardtown
Page 136—Westmoreland changed to Westmorland
Page 152—Wycomico changed to Wicomico
Page 212—Brittan's changed to Britton's
Page 213—Brittan's changed to Britton's
Page 238—Leonardstown changed to Leonardtown
Page 239—Cawood's changed to Caywood's
Page 243—Blumenberg changed to Blumenburg
Page 244—Blumenberg changed to Blumenburg
Page 248—Eke changed to Eck
Page 257—Bronson changed to Branson
Page 265—visted changed to visited
Page 284—Westmoreland changed to Westmorland
Page 286—Brittan's changed to Britton's
Page 288—Brittan's changed to Britton's
Page 289—Larges changed to Large
Page 289—Westmoreland changed to Westmorland
Page 303—Barnet changed to Barnett
Page 306—Heims changed to Heim