Letter to Major Hector McKethan, 13 Dec. 1862 (Transcribed by Kirk Ward)
Camp Whiting
Dec. 13th 1862
My Dear Major:
The General sent over af-
ter me soon after you left, and I went &
saw the Board of Examination. The order was
for you and myself. The Board expressed
many regrets at you not being present and
Maj. Hill said he was sure of meeting you
after the conversation he had with you-
terday. The Gen’l, however, seemed ex-
ceedingly affable and he and myself
put in all sorts of plausible pleas for you
and the matter passed off. Their examina-
tion of me was pretty rigid, though very
pleasant. The formations in Column by Com-
panies & divisions, closing in Mass and
the Changes of Front were the points upon
which the examination was based. I learned
a new mode of forming a square from Maj.
Hill with which I am very much pleased.
I will explain it to you when you come.
They examined pretty particularly also about
the advancing in line of battle. I am per-
haps no competent judge of how I stood.
I suppose about medium. The Capt. will
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will begin to Drill the Brigade on Monday
next.
The news about Kinston is rather ex-
citing. I should not be surprised if you
join us in that locality unless you re-
turn very soon. The Abolitionists are
evidently threatening that place. What
course will be pursued is not yet
indicated. No new orders.
Very Truly
Wm. A. Allen
Letter to Hector McKethan, 3 Sep. 1868 (Transcribed by Kirk Ward)
Kenansville N. C.
Sept. 3rd 1868
Col. H. McKethan
Fayetteville, N. C.
My Dear Colonel:
Your communication of the
31st ult., requesting my cooperation for the collection
of funds to relieve the families of Capt. Tolar and his
associates, and giving me an invitation to attend your
Democratic Convention to be held in your gallant old
town on the 9th inst. For the nomination of a Con-
gressman and Elector, came duly to hand yesterday.
I regret that it will be out of power to attend your Con-
vention. Nothing would give me more pleasure
than to mingle with our good friends in Fayetteville
and elsewhere, who may be assembled in Convention
on that occasion, and to aid them in their noble efforts
to restore our beloved old State to her rights in the
Union, “under the Constitution”. Please assure our friends
that although I shall be denied this privilege, however,
by other engagements in another field, I shall be
co-operating with them in the good work. I march
under the banner of the Constitution, and a restored
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Union of equal States, with the names of Seymour
And Blair inscribed upon it and that Standard
shall never be lowered until victory relieves or suffer-
ing Country.
I should be glad to be an instrument in administer-
ing somewhat to the relief of Capt. Tolar and his asso-
ciates. If I can do anything you shall be duly advised.
Accept my thanks for your invitation to enjoy your
hospitality during your Convention. At some future
day, I hope to have the pleasure of accepting the in-
vitation.
Very Truly
Wm. A. Allen
Charges and Specifications Against Lt. Colonel Allen (Transcribed by Kirk Ward)
Camp Whiting. Jan 4/1863
Charges and Specifications against William A. Allen, Lt Col Comdg 51st Regt N.C.T.
Charge 1st Violation of 45th Article of War: Lt. Col. William A. Allen did, on the night of December 30, 1862, come into camp intoxicated and brought intoxicating liquors with him.
Charge 2nd Violation of 83rd Article of War: Lt. Col. Allen verbally abused Major Hector McKethan, calling him “a damned son of a bitch.”
Charge 3rd Violation of the 25th Article of War: Lt. Col. Allen challenged Major McKethan to a duel and threatened to shoot McKethan or anyone who preferred charges against him.
Charge 4th Violation of 28th Article of War: Lt. Col. Allen accused Major McKethan of cowardice for refusing to fight a duel, even though McKethan made every attempt to appease Allen.
Witnesses: Dr. S. B. Morissey, Surgeon; Capt. D. W. Ketchum, Commissary; Lt. J. A. McArthur, Co I; Lt. W. Hartman, Co F; Sgt. W. McKenzie, Co D; A. T. Robeson, Hospital Steward
Images of the original document are HERE.
Letter of Resignation, 5 Jan. 1863 (Transcribed by Kirk Ward)
Camp Whiting Wilmington
Jan. 5th 1863
S. Cooper, adjutant and Inspector
General, Richmond, Va
General:
I have the honor through you respectfully to tender my resignation as Lieutenant Colonel of the 51st Regiment of North Carolina Toops. I am induced to do so at this time for the following reasons:
1st Because of resenting an imputation against my character offered by Maj. H. McKethan. I am informed that upon his representation of the matter the Commanding General advised him to prefer charges against me, which though unfounded in fact are sufficiently unpleasant to induce me to seek to sever my connection with the command.
2nd Being afflicted with Rheumatism I feel unfitted for an active Winter Campaign.
This resignation is unconditional and immediate.
Wm. A. Allen
Lt. Col. 51st R. N. C. T.
[Endorsements]
Camp Whiting
Janry 5th 1862[3]
—–
Allen Wm. A.
Col. 51st Regt N C Troops
—–
Tenders his resignation
—–
Hd Qrs Camp Whiting
Janry 5th 1862[3]
In forwarding the above resignation together with a copy of the charges against Col Allen, I would respectfully remark that in my opinion the acceptance of the resignation would contribute to the good of the service.
T L Clingman
Brig Genl
Hd. Qrs Wilmington
Jany 6th/63
Respectfully forwarded, approved decidedly
W H C Whiting
Brig. Genl.
Cmdg
Considering this letter almost an admission of the truth of the very grave charges against Col Allen & that this, in the present exigencies of the service, is the easiest way of ridding the service of an officer who would resign under such circumstances & after some time say “they are unfounded “ Still the good of the service would seem to require that such grave offenses committed by a regimental commander in the immediate presence of the enemy should if proved be severely punished.
W H C Whiting
Brig Genl Comdg
Jan. 9, 1863: forwarded to A & IGO by Capt. W. H. Hatch, AAG to Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith
Jany 13/63: respectfully submitted to the Secy of War by Maj. C. H. Lee, AAG
18 Jan/63: resignation accepted by order of Secy of War [signature illegible]
Jany 19, 1863: Par. 1, S. O. No. 15, A & IGO
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