T. P. Tufts to J. G. Carmick

Centralia Nov 18 1864

J. G. Cormick, Esq.

Mayor of Centralia

Sir as for request I herein state what I witnessed of the disgracefull conduct of the 62 Regt Ill Volt Comd by Col True while delayed here on the 16th inst.

I saw a squad of 12 or 15 privates enter the cigar manufactory of H Stock and help themselves to whatever they could lay their hands on, To remonstrate was to risk your life. I saw one of the same party walk up to the window of W. S. Ghawkins jewelry store and with a weight in his hand smash it in and without cause. I saw another party of the same Regt try to break through the window of H. Grofe & co butcher shop and to prevent their breaking in Mr Grofe opened the door and offered to give them whatever they wanted but not satisfied with that they threw his beef into the street, carried off 4 or 5 bushels of turnips he had in store and loaded themselves with

sausage. I saw them make repeated efforts to break into stores and saloons that were closed up to prevent being pillaged. I saw them roll sacks of coffee and corn from the sidewalk into the street gutters. In fact they held complete controll of the business portions of the west side and any civil Officer or citizen who would have undertaken to check their operations would in all probability have lost his life. While the private soldiers were committing these depredations the Commissioned Officers were standing on the R. R. Platform in full view of the whole proceedings quietly and carelessly regarding it all. After the men had got through with their pillage an armed patrol was sent to prevent any further damage. It was an easy matter to detect leading spirits in these outrages but while the Regt remained in the city I did not see or hear of a single arrest.

For the soldier who risks his life to preserve this Union and perpetuate her free institutions I have the most gratefull feelings. He is my friend, and I am his. But for the Officers of the 62nd

Regt who by their example and discipline leave their men to commit in loyal Cities upon loyal men gross and wanton outrages without cause or necessity whatever I have the utmost contempt. This is not the first time Centralia has suffered in this way, and their is but one way to prevent these depredations upon peacefull and law abiding citizens and that is to cashier the Field Officers and Captains of company's of Regts guilty of such conduct. And I certainly hope that this occurrence will not be allowed to rest untill the Officers of this Regt who are alone responsible are taught a lesson they will not soon forget.

Yours Sincerely,

T. P. Tufts