Seeking creditable and sourced info regarding the destruction of Athen, Ala. by the Union. I have this from the ORs---

HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNITED STATES FORCES

IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE AND NORTH ALABAMA,

Camp Taylor, Huntsville, June 30, 1862.

Colonel J. B. FRY,

Chief of Staff:

COLONEL: The pillage of the town of Athens* by the troops under the command of Colonel Turchin is a matter of general notoriety. At my request a committee of citizens examined the claims of those who had suffered, and the aggregate losses sworn to exceeded $50,000. I ordered a search to be made of the knapsacks and baggage of all enlisted men in the brigade. The reports were made by the officers in form, and not a solitary article was found except what was authorized by the regulations. Colonel Turchin has always declared that he did his utmost to prevent his troops from pillaging and from every irregularity. It is certain he has been unsuccessful.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. M. MITCHEL,

Major-General.

*****************************

I am seeking info from day one of this burning.

Thanks,

GP