The Missouri in the Civil War Message Board

Gen. Herron on Missouri Confederates

Headquarters, North Div. Louisiana,
Shreveport, La., June 8, 1865

Gov. Thos. C. Fletcher
St. Louis, Mo.

Dear Sir: Now that the war is over, the main point with every one should be to restore quiet and good feeling throughout the country, and as many of the Missouri troops serving in the Confederate army are being paroled, and are about returning to your State, I deem it only right that I should inform you of the conduct of those I have met in this department.

When it was known in the Trans-Mississippi Department that Commissioners had gone to New Orleans for the purpose of making terms with the United States authorities, there was a general breaking up of the military organizations, the men scattering throughout the country carrying off with them their arms, and all other government property they could lay hands upon. The single exception to this was in the case of the Missouri troops, who have faithfully remained together, guarding the forts with their armaments, and all other public property entrusted to them, turning it over to the officers of the United States delegated to receive it.

The contrast between their conduct and that of most of the other troops in this department has been marked, and is greatly to their credit.

Within the past few days the Missouri division have been paroled, and are now preparing to go to your State. They have, with but few exceptions, availed themselves of Lieut. Gen. Grant’s order No. 215, and have taken the oath of allegiance, the parole and oath being given almost simultaneously.

I have talked with many of the officers and men, and find a general desire among them to do any thing that is required by the United States Government, and to become good citizens at once.

I have not the slightest idea that they will give any trouble in the State, and having acted so well here I think it best you know the fact.

I have the honor to be, Governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. Herron, Maj. Gen.

Liberty (Mo.) Tribune, July 7, 1865.