Charles C. Gilbert, Charges against William H. Benneson

Charges and Specifications preferred against Col W. H Benneson of the seventy eighth Regiment Ills Vols

Charge 1. Disobedience of orders

Specification In this that he the said W. H. Benneson of the 78th Regiment Ills Vols having been required to turn out of his regiment all slaves other than those in charge of their owners or hired by special contract with their owners, did positively refuse to obey said order - This at or near Portland Ky, on or about the thirtieth day of Jany/63

Charge 2nd Conduct unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman

Specification In this that the said Col W. H. Benneson of the 78th Ills Vols, on receiving at the hands of Cap J. E. Stacey 2nd Ky Vols, an order to turn out of his company all slaves as set forth in the Specification to the 1st Charge did address the said Cap J E Stacey in a heated and disrespectful manner in the following words - "I'll be damned if I am not tired of such orders, I am no nigger catcher," or words to that effect and when asked by the said Cap J E Stacey if he did not know that a certain negro was a slave did say to him the said Cap J. E. Stacey in a heated and disrespectful manner - "it is none of your damned business" or words to that effect. - This while said Cap J E Stacey was in the lawful and proper performance of his duty as Asst Inspect Gen at or near Portland Ky, on or about the thirtieth day of Jany 1863.

(signed) C. C. Gilbert

Brig Gen Vols

Witnesses

Dr Thos J. Graffeth M. D.

Cap J. E. Stacey 2nd Ky Vols.

A true Copy

Geo. K. Speed

A. A. A. [illegible]

Gilberts Charges

No 7