^liWi E 467 .1 .M82 M8 Copy 1 BEFORE THE 59th CONGRESS. Memorandnin in support of !Bill for the relief of Alexander Moore, late Captain 3d Cavalry TJ. S. Army. Alexander Moore, who resigned as Captain 3d Cavalry on Aug. 10, 1879, after nearly eighteen years' service in the volunteer and regular Army of the United States, desires Con- gress to pass a bill for his relief authorizing the President to appoint him a Captain in the Cavalry of the United States Army and to place him on the retired list of the Army. Alexander Moore entered the service of the United States as a 1st Lieutenant of the 13th "Wisconsin Volunteers and became an Aide-de-Camp of Brig- General Philip Kearny participating with him in the siege of Yorktowu, the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Charles City Cross Roads and Malvern Hill (Ex- hibit No. 1). The high character of Lieut. Moore's services, his gallantry and bravery, are recited in the accompanying copies of correspondence of General Kearny (Exhibit 2, 3 & 4) and of General W. G. Berry (Exhibit 5). Having been transferred to the staff of Major Gen. Hooker he took part under him in the battles of Bull Run 2d, South Mountain, and Antietam, and in the subsequent operations on the Rappa- hannock, up to April 1863. Capt Moore's gallant efficient and distinguished services during that period are voluntarily testi- fied to by Genl. Geo. G. Meade Com'g. 5th Army Corps in a letter dated May 9, 1863 & Dec. 13, 1864 (Exhibits Nos. 6 and 7) Captain Moore became a Captain and Aide-de-Camp of '^ \\ %^ Volunteers on Nov. 10 1862, and while still on the sfcafif of Major Genl. Hooker participated in the battles of Fredericks- burg, Kellej's Ford and Chancellorsville (Exhibit No. 8) From June, 1863, to Nov. 9, 1863, Captain Moore served on the staff of Major-Geul. Sickles, Comg. 3d Corps, Army of the Potomac. During this period he took part in the Gettys- burg Campaign and in the battle of the same name. His own official report of Sept. 6, 1863 (Exhibit No. 9) and the Ke- bellion Records (Exhibit No. 10, extracts) bear positive testi- mony of the highly important and conspicuous services of Captain Moore in connection with the defence of Round Top during the battle of Gettysburg. His able and gallant services with the 3d Army Corps are testified to by Major-Generals Mott and Sickles (Exhibits 11 and 12). From Nov. 9, 1863, until the end of the War of the Re- bellion Captain Moore served upon the staff of Major-Genl. Torbert who in a letter to Secy. Stanton of Dec. 28, 1864, speaks in the highest terms of his services (Exhibit 13). Capt. Moore was brevetted Major, Lieut.-Colonel and Colonel of Volunteers Mai'ch 13, 1865, " for gallant and dis- tinguished conduct in the several campaigns of the Army of the Potomac prior to the battle of Gettysburg," and " for gallant and highly meritorious conduct in the battle of Gettysburg " (see Exhibit No. 8). In Sept. 1866, while serving as aide-de-camp to Major-Genl. Sickles, Comg. Dept. of South Carolina, he was mustered out of the volunteer service. But having been appointed Captain 38th Infantry, U. S. Army, in March, 1867, he again joined Genl. Sickles's staff for a brief period reporting to his regiment in New Mexico in the fall of 1867. He served in that territory for three years, campaign- ing for a considerable part of that period against hostile Indians, rendering most efficient services, as is testified to by Major-Genl. Hancock (Exhibit 14). In 1870 Captain Moore was transferred to the 3d Cavalry, United States Army, serving with that regiment in campaigns against hostile Indians in Arizona, Wyomiug and northwestern territories (Exhibit 8), until Aug. 10, 1879, when he resigned from the army. During his eighteen years of hard and arduous services in all sorts of climates from the extreme south to the northern boundary, Captain Moore's health became impaired and had Co^he been so inclined he mip;ht applied for, and could have ob- ,^ tained, retirement from active service on account of physical <* disability incurred in the line of duty. (See Exhibits 15 & <^16.) These Exhibits furnish medical testimony for this state- ment. Further reasons in support of this same statement and differentiating this case from other applications for retire- ment, for it is not the case of a regular or of a volunteer officer but of both, will more fully appear in two letters of Major General D. E. Sickles (copies attached Exhibits Nos. 17 & 18) who writes, from a full and personal knowledge of the case. This case stands by itself and will not establish a precedent. He is now seventy- four years of age, suffering from disease contracted in the line of duty unable to follow any pursuit in life and earn his own support, aud without means, wherefore he prays that Congress may pass the bill introduced in his behalf. Respectfully submitted, Alexander Moore. December, 1905. £xh. 1. MEMOEANDUM. I WHS commissioned a 1st Lieutenant of the 13th Wiscon- sin Volunteers by Alexander W Kandall, Governor of that State, on the 2nd of Dec. 1861, with rank from that date. I accepted the Commission and took the oath of office, the oath being administered to me by Col A. T. Torbert, then Colonel of the 1st New Jersey Volunteers. This Commission was re- ceived through the Hon Wm H Seward, Secretary of State at Washington, and was given for the purpose of enabling me to serve on the staff of Brig. General Philip Kearney, then Com- manding 1st New Jersey Brigade, with whom I was staying at St. John's Seminary, near Alexandria, Va. and was borne on the muster rolls of the New Jersey Brigade as A. D. C to General Kearney. When General Kearney was assigned to command of the 1st division, 3rd Corps I went with him and was borne on the headquarters muster rolls of that Command. I was with General Kearney at the siege of Yorktown — the battle of Will- iamsburg, The battle of Fair Oaks, The battle of Charles City Cross roads and the biittle of Malvern Hill. Immediately before the battle of 2d Bull run I was trans- feved to the staff' of Maj. Gen. Hooker, then Commanding the 2d division of the 3rd Army Corps and served with him at the battle of Bull Run, The battle of South Mountain, the battle of Antietam, and was borne on the rolls of his headquarters on my Commission as 1st Lieutenant, 13th Wisconsin Volun- teers until Nov 10th, 1862, when I was appointed Captain and Aid de Camp Volunteers. Seguin. Tex. Oct 12th. 1905. Alex Moore Late Capt 3d U S Cavalry Bvt Maj U S Arm Bvt Col U S Vols Exh. 2 [Copy]. RTERS, 1st DiV., C Harrisburg Landing, July 28th, 1862. Headquarters, 1st Div., 3rd Corps, ) 5.5 Your Excellency, I have the houoi* to present my aide, Lt. Moore, who will give you a full account of our New York Regiments. I take this occiision-, your Excelleucj, of particularly rec- ommondiDg Lieut. Moore for The position of Field Officer, as Lt. -Colonel or Major, in an old Regiment or at least Lt.-Colonel in a new one. His long military experience fits him for it. His gallantry in our service has won it. He served with very high distinction in Italy, which is a matter of record, and wdtli me his service in battle has been the subject of eulogium iu my reports. There is a certain character for decision and an impulsive- ness under fire that infliiences masses. It is a rare gift, yet it is the first qualification to secure the success of a command. This gift Lieut. Moore possesses iu a rare degree. Very respy.. Your Excellency's obdt. servt., (Signed) P. Kearny, B. G. To Gov. Morgan, Albany, N. Y. Exh. 3 [Copy]. 3rd Division, 3rd Corps, Headquarters Harrison's Landing, 28th July, 1862. Sir : I have the honor to present Capt. Moore who in a few days leaves to effect as far as possible, the convictions of the minds of the Governors of New York and Pennsylvania, of the neces- sity of filling without delay, the ranks of several distinguished regiments in ray Division — a subject which I hope has already enlisted your favor. I also take this occasion to present this officer to you for your high consideration in conferring on him the rank of Captain of Regular Cavalry, for his distinguished merit. I refer you to my acknowledgment in my reports in the many battles I have been engaged in, particularly at Williamsburg — of his bravery and efficient services. Knowing how needed men of his stamp must be I trust that you will excuse this intrusion and give it a favorable con- sideration. • Most respectfully your obdt. servt., (Signed) P. Kearny, Maj. Gen'l. To THE Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War. £xh. 4 [Copy]. Harrison's Landing, 9th Aug. 1862. Gov. Morgan : Dear Sir : Allow me to thank you, unofficially, for your very kind re- ception of my Aide, Captain Moore. His career in Italy as aide to General Avezzena is very creditable to him. His conduct in the several battles of WilHamsburg, Fair Oaks and the battle of the Retreat marked him as intelligent, as well as brave. He will prove by his great characteristic of being" at home " under fire, (an instinctive appreciation of the tide of battle,) invaluable to a regiment in its first action, and his impulsive electrifying courage will make new men act as veterans. With respectful regards, Your most obdt. servt., P. Kearny, Maj. -General, Cmdg. 1st. Div. 3d. Corps. To His Excellency Maj. General Morgan, Governor of New York, Albany. Exh. 5 [Copy]. Headquarters 3rd. Brig. 1st. Div. 3rd. Corps, Army Potomac, Oct. 10th. 1862. Dear Captain : — I deem it my, and assure you it is a great, pleasure to place upon record, so far as the power in me lies, my appreciation, at least of the truly valuable services you have rendered to the government since I made your acquaintance, some eight months since, but more particularly whilst you were serving on the staff — part of the time as its cliief — under the lamented General Kearny. It was my fortune to observe you on the various battle fields of the Peninsula, and sometimes under the most tr^ang circumstances. Your conduct ever was gallant, devoted, heroic and determined. You have. My Dear Captain, rendered me, both in the camp and field in your military capacity much valuable ser- vice. I assure you these services are fully appreciated by myself and by my entire brigade, of which rest assured you have made yourself a favorite by your devotion to duty. Your disregard for personal safety, and great gallantry on the field of battle. It is my earnest wish that you may be permitted by a kind Providence to survive this war, and with others who may pass safely throught this stubborn contest, enjoy through a long life the blessings of the most Liberal and beneficent govern- ment of earth. I am. Dear Captain, Your Friend and Servt. H. G. Berey, Brig. Gen. Capt. Alec. Moore, Gen. Hookers StaflF, Washington, D. C. Exh. 6 [Copy]. Headquarters 5th Corps, May 9th, 1863. Capt. Alec Moore, A. D. C, Captain : — Having heard you are about applying for pro- motion it affords me great satisfaction to bear testimony to the value of your services and the claim you have to advance- ment. I was an eye witness to your gallantry and good con- duct at Antietam, and during the recent operations across the Kappahanock, the (bmmanding General having assigned you to my column. I take pleasure in testifying to your activity, zeal and energy, and to the very efficient services you rendered me, particularly in going forward with the cavalry to Kichard's Ferry and infusing new life iind vigor into that branch of the service, so that tlie enemy was surprised and a number of prisoners taken. I trust sincerely you will succeed in your efforts for pro- motion, which you most undoubtedly deserve, and which I am ready to assist you in obtaining in any manner you may indi- cate. Your truly, Geo. G. Meade, Maj.-Genl. Condg. 5th Corps. Exh. 7 [Copy]. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, December 13th, 1864, Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. Sir : Learning that an application has been, or will be made to the War Department for the promotion of Captain Alex, Moore, A. D. C, I take pleasure in stating, that whilst serving in the First Corps under Major General Hooker I had an op- portunity of becoming acquainted with the activity, zeal and attention to his duties displayed by Captain Moore on General Hooker s staff, and particularly with his conspicuous personal gallantry on the fields of South Mountain and Antietam and therefore wonld be glad to see him promoted. Respectfully yours, (Signed) Geo. G. Meade, Maj. Gen. U. S. A. Exh. 8 [Copy]. R. & P. 769571. Statement of the military service of Alexander Moore, late captain and aid-de-camp and bre- vet colonel, TJ. S. Volunteers, and captain, 38th Infantry and 3d Cavalry. It is shown by the records that Alexander Moore was ap- pointed captain and aid -de- camp of volunteers, to rank from November 10, 186'2 ; that he accepted the appointment on the same date, and that the appointment, not having been con- firmed by the Senate, expired by constitutional limitation on the adjournment of that body on March 4, 1863. It is also shown by the records that he was again appointed captain and aid-de-camp of Volunteers on October 15, 1863, to rank from May 30, 1863, that he accepted the appointment on October 15, 1863, and that he was honorably mustered out of the service as such in War Department orders, dated Novem- ber 22, 1865, his services being no longer required. In a letter, dated November 28, 1865, addressed to the As- sistant Adjutant General of the Army, General Sickles re- 9 quested that the discharge of tliis officer be recousidered. In special orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office, dated November 28, 1865, it was announced that, by di- rection of the President, so much of the order of November 22, 1865, as honorably mustered this officer out of service was thereby revoked, and he was assigned to duty in those orders as aid-de-camp to General Sickles. In s])ecial orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office, dated September 26, 18(56, it was announced that this officer was thereby hon- orably miistered out of the service of the United States. The records show further that he was commissioned major, United States Yolunteers, by brevet, March 6, 1865 (service for Avhich l)revetted not stated) ; that he was commissioned lieu- tenant-colonel, United States volunteers, by brevet, March 13, 3865, " for gallant and distinguished couduct in the several campaigns of the Army of the Potomac prior to the battle of Gettysburg," and that he was commissioned colonel, United States volunteers, by brevet, March 13, 1865, " for gallant and highly meritorious conduct in the battle of Gettysburg, Penn- sylvania." He was appointed captain, 38th Infantry, January 22, 1867, and accepted the appointment March 26, 1867 ; was transferred to the unassigned list at his own request November 11, 1869 ; was assigned to the 3d Cavalry, December 15, 1870, and re- signed August 10, 1879. He was commissioned major, United States Army, by brevet, March 2, 1867, " for gallant and meri- torious services in the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania." The records show that he was on duty under his appoint- ments in the Volunteer and Regular Army as follows : Novem- ber 12, 1862, to April, 1863, aide-de-camp on tiie statf" of Major General Hooker, who commanded successively the 5th army corps, the Central Grand Division, and the Army of the Poto- mac ; June, 1863, to November 9, 1864, aide-de-camp on the staff of Major General Sickles, then in command of the 3d army corps ; November 9, 1864, to November, 1865, aide de-camp on the staff of General Torbert, who commanded successively the cavalry of the Middle Military Division, the Army of the Shenandoah, the District of Winchester and the District of Southeastern Virginia ; November 28, 1865, to September 19, 1866, on duty with General Sickles, then in command succes- sively of the Department of South Carolina, the Department of the Carolinas and the Department of the South ; Mai-cli 28, to July 11, 1867, on duty as aide-de-camp to General Sickles ; to November 23, 1867, on duty with recruits in Kansas and en rmite to New Mexico ; to June, 1868, on duty with his regi- ment at Fort Bayard, New Mexico ; to October, 1869, at Fort Cummings, New Mexico (in the field on scout August 23, to November, 1868, and April 4, to June 1869) ; to December 19, 1869, at Fort Concho, Texas ; to May, 1870, on leave of absence ; 10 to June, 1870, on dutv at the headquarters of the Department of Missouri ; to December, 1870, awaiting orders ; to Feb- ruary 12, 1871, conducting recruits to Arizona ; February 12, 1871, joined the 3d cavahy, serving with it in the field in Arizona in operations against hostile Indians, to December, 1871 ; to March, 1872, at Benicia Barracks, California ; to No- vember 1, 1872, at Fort McPherson, Nebraska (on scout April 29, to May 16, 1872) ; to May 5, 1873, on sick leave of ab- sence ; to October 27, 1867, Avith regiment at Fort McPherson, Nebraska ; to March 26, 1874, on leave of absence ; to Decem- ber 27, 1874, with regiment at Fort McPherson, Nebraska (in field on Big Horn expedition August 13, to October 2, 1874) ; to May 2, 1875, on leave of absence; to November, 1876, with regiment at Fort D. A. llassell, Wyoming (in the field at Medicine Bow, Montana, June to November, 1875, and in the field in Montana, February 21, to April 4, 1876) ; to July, 1877, with regiment at Fort Laramie, Wyoming ; to December, 1877, at Hot 'Creek, Wyoming ; to March 3, 1878, at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and to August 10, 1879, on leave of ab- sence. During the periods of his service as a volunteer and regular army officer he participated in engagements as follows : Fred- ericksburg, Virginia, December 11-15, 1862 ; Kelly's Ford, Virginia, March 17, 18(53 ; Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 1-3, 1863 ; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 2-3, 1863 ; Hatchet Mountains, New Mexico, August 27,1868; Huachuca Moun- tains, Arizona, June 1 and 10, 1871 ; and Little Powder River, Montana, March 17, 187(i. OflBcial statement furnished to Cohjuel Alexander Moore, Seguin, Guadalupe County, Texas. By authority of the Secretary of War : F. L. AiNSWORTH, Brigadier General, U. S. A., Chief, Record and Pension Office. Record and Pension Office, War Department, February 11, 1904. 11 Exh. 9 [Copy]. Washington, 8th Sept., 1863. General : — I have the honor to submit the following statements of facts connected with the Battle of Gettysbuigh, July 1st and '2nd, as they transpired under my immediate observation, and of the orders entrusted to me for execution. About two P. M., July 1st, you directed me to proceed from your Headquarters at Emmettsburgh and communicate with General Reynolds at or near Gettysbnrgh. Upon reaching Gettysburgh I found that General Reynolds had been killed, and the troops under command of General Howard, who was anxious to learn when your corps would be np. Returning to report, 1 met at short distance from Gettysburgh the head of your column advancing under command of General Birney, and learned from him that you had already gone forward to communicate with General Howard. Early on the morning of July 2nd, after accompanying you to General Meade's Headquarters, I rode with you around our lines after the formation of your new line of battle, in accord- ance with instructions from General Meade empowering you to call upon the 5tli Corps on your left, and upon the 2nd Corps on your right for any needed reinforcements, you directed me at about two and ten P. M. to proceed to General Sykes, request him to send a Vmgade to support General Birney ou the road connecting the Taneytown and Emmettsburg roads. General Sykes informed me upon delivery of my communica- tion that he would rather not send a brigade at once, but would do so if any necessity arose ; General Birney or Gen- eral Ward, who commanded Birney's left to notify him of such an event. On my return tlje artillery fire had just opened and I was directed by you to return to General Sykes and bring up a brigade immediately. Upon reaching General Sykes' Head- quarters I found him absent, but his Adjutant had authority to detach a brigade from General Ayres' command, and I con- ducted General Weed's brigade to General Birney's line, General Weed accompanying me in person to your Head- quarters near the wooden barn. Immediately thereafter, the Signal Officer on Round Top Mountain reported to you in person that the enemy was advancing in great force with the evident design of carrying that position, thus flanking General Birney's lines, and you again directed me to go for further re- inforcements from the 5th Corps. On mv way to where I had last found General Sykes, I met General Crawford command- ing the Pennsylvania Reserves, and was informed by him that 12 he had not received any orders at all that da}', and although very anxious to take part in the battle, he did not feel author- ized to move without orders from General Sykes. I pro- ceeded at once to find General Sykes, but failing in that, I met General Slocum to whom I explained the position of affairs. General Slocum immediately authorized me to use any troops- I might meet, thus triply armed with your own Generals, Meade's and Slocum's, authority, I had no hesitation in call- ing again upon General Crawford, who gladly acquiesced, and his column was instantly put in motion, reaching the extreme left of the line in time to defeat the enemy's attack upon Kound Top Mountain. Leaving General Crawford to report to you, I met an officer, Capt. Poland, who informed me of your disablement, which misfortune I at once proceeded to report to General Meade, and upon my return at dark met you as you were being borne from the field. I have the honor to be, General, Very respectfully Your Obedient Servant, Alexander Moore, Capt. & A. D. C. Major General Sickles, 3d Corps. Exh. 10. Extract and Note. " Extract from Report of Brig Gen. Samuel Crawford, comd'g. 8d Div. 5th Corps— dated July 10th. 1863. * * * " At 2 o'clock an order reached me to form my command at once, and proceed towards the left flank of our line, when my position would be indicated by a Staff Officer. The First Di- vision of the corps, which I had been directed to follow, had taken a different road from that indicated to me. Under the guidance Junvever, of Captain Moore, an aid of the General commanding the army, loho had come from the field for fresh troops, J pushed rapidly forward, and arrived in a short lime upon the field. * ■* " See War Records Vol. 27 jyc-vt 1 page 653. Note — So these troops, conducted to the spot by Capt Moore, were among those who, according to one news paper account (quoted at page 132 same volume) " reached the dis- 13 puted point just in time to prevent in falling into the enemy's hands. The report of the 5th Corps Commander, Gen Sjkes, in speaking of the engagement by Craicford's Division, says, " This combat lasted till dusk, and resulted in General Craw- ford gaining considerable ground, capturing many prisoners, a,nd a flag of a Georgia regiment. Night closed the fight. The key of the battlefield was in our possession intact * * *" same volume page 593. Exh. 11 [Copy]. Headquarters 3rd Div. 2nd Army Corps, December 18th, 1864. Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Sir: I have the honor to recommend for promotion Captain Alexander Moore, A. D. C. Captain Moore served in the 3rd Coi'ps under Generals Jamison, Berry and Birney with marked ability and gallantry. He also served with Gen. Hooker while commanding the Army of the Potomac, and with General Sickles commanding the 3rd Corps, was continuously in the field until the battle of, Gettysburg, and is now on duty with the Cavalry of the Middle Military Division. A promotion would be a recognition of services rendered and a just tribute to a gallant and merito- rious officer. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, (Signed) G. Mott, Bvt. Maj. Gen'l Vols. 14 Exh. 12 [Copy]. 23 Fifth Ave., New York City, March 3, 1904. To THE Military Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives : Gentlemen : Eeferriug to tlie application of Captain and Bvt. Colonel Alexander Moore, late of the United States Army, to be placed on the retired list with the rauk of Captain wliich lie held while in actual service, I have the honor to state that Colonel Moore was an aide-de-camp on my staff in the Gettys- burg campaign, and afterwards in the Department of the Caro- linas, and in that capacity rendered most valuable and efficient service. At Gettysburg, during the battle of July 2d, his excellent judgment and promptness in bringing up reinforcements to the left flank contributed sensibly to our success. He was one of those volunteer officers who showed so mach aptitude for military life as to commend him for service in our permanent army, and I had much satisfaction in asking for him a commission in the cavalry, where he gained distinction. In my judgment, the excellent service rendered b}^ Col. Moore entitles him to favorable consideration in bis applica- tion to be placed on the retired list, which I sincerely hope may be granted. He is worthy of this recognition by the gov- ernment. Very respectfully, D. Sickles, Maj. Gen'l U. S. A. Exh. 13 [Copy]. Headquarters Cavalry Middle Military Division. Near Winchester, Va., December 28th, 1864. To Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Sir: I have the honor to recommend Captain Alexander Moore, A. D. C. (now serving on my staff) for promotion to the rank 15 of Lieut. Colonel by Brevet. Captain Moore has served faith- fully since the beginning of the war and I have known him intimately for four years and he has proved himself one of the most eflS.cient and gallant staff officers. Very respectfully, Your obdt. servant, (Signed) A. L. A. Torbert, Bvt. Maj. Geu'l Vols., Chief of Cavalry. Exh. 14 [Copy]. New York, January 15th, 1877. I have known Brevt Colonel Alexander Moore, Captain 3rd U. S. Cavalry, for many years, and to my knowledge he won in the army of the Potomac during late war the reputation of a gallant and meritorious officer ; one who was marked for bravery, and good conduct in action. More recently-, it is within my knowledge, that Colonel Moore distinguished him- self for energy in pursuit of, and gallantry in attacking and defeating hostile Apaclie Indians. This service was performed in a manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the troops under his command. W. S. Hancock, Maj. Gen'l U. S. Army. Exh. 15 [Copy]. Fort McPherson, Nebraska, October 23, 1872. Captain Alexander Moore, of the 3rd. Eegiment of U. S. Cavalry, having applied for a certificate on which to ground an application for leave of absence, I do hereby certify that I have carefully examined this officer and find that he is suffer- ing from Congestive Intermittent Fever, and the Chronic form of Diffuse Inflammation of the Liver, or Interstitial " Hepatitis," brought on from frequent attacks of Intermittent Fever. This Officer has been on the sick report 44 days since 2nd. of June 1872 for Tertian Intermittent Fever, and under medical treatment most of that period, although performing duty, and that in consequence thereof, he is, in my opinion, unfit for duty. I further declare my belief that he will not be able to re- 16 sume his duties in a less period thiin six months. I recom- mend a change of climate in his case. Dated at Fort McPherson, Nebraska, this 23rd. day of October 1872. J. H. W. KiNCx, U. S. A. Post Surg. Exh. 16 [Copy]. I have been Colonel Alexander Moore's medical attendant for about twenty-five years and have attended him profession- ally for frequent attacks of sickness of a more or less serious character. The illness from which he has suflered and now occasion- ally suffers is the result of exposure in various climates — from the tropical to the extreme northern portions of the United States. The condition of his eyesight is seriously impaired. One is almost without sight. The eye trouble is doubtless the out- come of exposure to the glare of the sun and the alkaline dust of the desert region of New Mexico and Arizona where he was campaigning. San Antonio, Tex., February 4th, 1904. Edward Bennett, M. D. Exli. 17 [Copy]. 23 Fifth Ave., N. Y. C, January 7, 1905. My Deak Mr. Referring to the bill for the retirement of my former Aide- De-Camp, Colonel Alexander Moore, late Captain 3d Cavalry, I beg you and your colleagues will consider in his behalf his gallant and efficient work all through the Civil War as a volun- teer officer. This circumstance, it seems to me should weigh effectively in your action on this bill. It is not a case of a regular officer, educated by the Government, and afterwards withdrawing from the service and engaging in other pursuits. It should also be borne in mind that when Col. Moore re- signed, his health and vigor were so impaired by his long and arduous service that he was really in condition to be retired when he resigned, had he chosen to make such an application, but his resources at that time were sufficient for his support, and he refrained from taking steps to be placed on the retired list. 17 Col. Moore's twelve or tliirteen years of service in the In- dian Campaigns on the frontier, while in the regular army, really count for double that length of service in peace stations, as most of these years were spent in active hostilities ; and the same may be justly said of his very active career during the Civil War, so 'that there is really to his credit seventeen years of perilous field service, the result of which was such disabili- ties as would have entitled him to retirement had he sought it, besides being of a high character, entitling him to much con- sideration at the hands of the Government, as is shown by the letters filed in his behalf from commanding ofiScers. I beg to invite vour attention to the Medical certificates of Doctors King and JBennett, showing the impaired condition of his health in 1872 and subsequently, caused by exposures in his various campaigns.— confirming the views I am now pre- senting to you. These certificates are on file with the Com- mittee, as I am informed. I have already pointed out to you that Moore's present condition renders it impossible, in view of his infirmities due to service, and his advanced age— being past seventy— to earn a support, and he is now quite without other resources. It seems to me that the facts above stated take Moore out of the practice of your Committee in refusing retirement in ordinary cases of l-esignatiou from active service, and consti- tute in Moore's behalif just ground for making him an excep- tion to the ordinary rule observed by your Committee. Sincerely yours, D. E. Sickles, Major General, U. S. Army, Retired. Sent to— Hull Prince 1 Ketcham Young I All of the Military Sulzer ^Ky^^^^ r Committee. Parker Malioney | Capron Denny J Exh. 18 [Copy]. Sent in anser to his reference to mv letter of the 7th inst. 23 Fifth Ave., N. Y. City, January 10, 1905. My Dear Mr. Prince :— Thanks for your prompt reply to my letter of the 7th inst., about the retirement of Colonel Moore. Col. Moore served for a long period as an officer in the reg- 18 ular army, after the termination of the war, in which he served as a vohinteer officer. His case, therefore, is not an applica- tion to place a volunteer officer on the retired list, as you seem to rep;ard it. I quite agree with you that Congress could not help hesitating before establishing a precedent for placing officers, who had only served in the volunteer army, on the retired list, however meritorious the volunteer service may have been. I am glad to say, however, that Moore's case does not raise that difficulty. In my letter to you and your col- leagues I placed emphasis on his long and distinguished ser- vice as a volunteer officer during the war, as a good answer to the suggestion often made that when regular officers volunta- rily quit active service and leave the army by resignation they should not be heard afterwards when they seek to be placed on the retired list. Moore did not leave the regular service until he was broken down and unfit for active service in the field, and he might well have asked to be retired when he resigned, if he had chosen to do so. I aimed to point out that four years of good service as a volunteer duriug hostilities was sufficient proof that he did not resign his regular commission because he de- sired to avoid bullets or the hardships of military life. I believe you will find Moore's case to be meritorious. Sincerely yours, D. E. Sickles, Major General, U. S. A., Retired. Hon. Geo. W. Prince, M. C. House of Representives, Washington, D. C. [28533] LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 013 700 158 5^ ( ^ '/(I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 700 158 5' «S<«V«*V««t lCA.m.