5 3/4 x 9, imprint, 14 plus pages.
Report of Committee on Quartermaster and Commissary Departments, on Case of Major Frank G. Ruffin.
The committee on the quartermaster and commissary departments and military transportation, to whom was referred the resolution of this House, instructing them "to make special inquiry and report as to any connection, official or otherwise, that Major Frank G. Ruffin, of the commissary department, may have had with the making, or with the benefits" of a contract entered into between the Confederate States and Messrs. Haxall, Crenshaw & Co., for supplies of flour; have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report: That after a full and searching investigation, and an examination of all the witnesses who were supposed to be best acquainted with the facts, and after soliciting evidence by giving notice of the time and place of the sessions of the committee to all parties concerned, (copies of which correspondence, together with a memorandum of the proof, are herewith submitted,) the committee arrived at the conclusion that Major Frank G. Ruffin had no connection, either official or otherwise, with the making of said contract, and no interest whatever in the benefits or profits thereof. On the contrary, the proof conclusively shows that he knew nothing of the fact that any such contract was in contemplation until after it was consummated, being absent on furlough, by reason of sickness, when it was made. All of which is respectfully submitted.
W.P. CHILTON,
Chairman
RESOLUTION
Resolved, That the committee on quartermaster and commissary departments, to whom has been referred the subject of the flour contract of Messrs. Haxall, Crenshaw & Co., be instructed to make special inquiry and report as to any connection, official or otherwise, that Major Frank G. Ruffin, of the commissary department, may have had with the making or with the benefits of that contract; and that said committee have full power to investigate all matters appertaining to said contract.
JOHN B. BALDWIN
Eleventh Virginia District
LETTER FROM MAJOR FRANK G. RUFFIN
Confederate States of America,
Subsistence Department,
January 16, 1863
Sir:
On Tuesday last, in the House of Representatives, Mr. H.S. Foote took occasion to make very distinct charges against me as an officer and a gentleman. I learned by the papers yesterday that an investigation of that matter had been referred to the committee of which I learn you are chairman, and I write to you this morning to announce myself ready for instant trial. I ask for it on two grounds: 1st, your duty to rid this bureau of my prescence if I be corrupt; 2d, the justice which I am very sure you will accord me at once, if I have been outraged by Mr. Foote. I shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience. A letter will reach me at the office of the commissary general.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
FRANK G. RUFFIN
Major and Commissary Subsistence
Much more content including more letters from Major Frank G. Ruffin, Chairman W.P. Chilton, Confederate Congressman Henry S. Foote, and a lengthy deposition from Dr. Beale, family physician and character witness for Major Ruffin who is trying to defend his honor and reputation as a Confederate officer.
Light age toning. Very fine condition. Excellent content.
Faint Rebel Archives rubber stamping on the first page.
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