File:Letter signed O. Guitar (Odon Guitar), Head Quarters, District of Rolla, Rolla, Mo., to Col. O.D. Greene, Asst. Adjt. Genl. (Assistant Adjutant General), August 1, 1864.jpg

Requests that he be relieved from command of the District of Rolla, Mo. Includes note on reverse of J.T. Bennett, stating that Guitar cannot be relieved at present.

Transcription: August 1st 1864

Col O.D. Greene

Ast Adjt Genl[Assistant Adjutant General]

I left Department Head Quarters ten days since with the understanding that it was the determination of the Commanding General to arraign me on charges growing out of the publication of a card which appeard over my signature in the Mo Republican of the 15th of July.

I was exceedingly anxious as I expressed myself, then that immediate action should be had in the matter, especially so, as it had been my intention for some time to tender my resignation.

In Consequence of the unpleasant Circumstances growing out of the card in question, and the fact that one of the “reasons” upon which my resignation is predicated is my entire disagreement with much of the policy now being pursued in the military conduct affairs in this state, I find myself in a position of exceeding delicacy and grave embarassment, unwilling to do violence to my convictions of duty, to disobey orders, or to question the wisdom or patriotic motives of the Commanding General, I see but one way of relief open to me.

I have the honor therefore most respectfully to request that I be relieved of the command of this District at once, And if it is still the intention of the Commanding General to take Official action touching the card mentioned (which I have no disposition to avoid) I ask that such action be had at the earliest practicable moment.

If such action is not intended, I most respectfully ask to be so advised, in order that I may tender without predudice, my immediate and unconditional resignation.

Very Respectfully

Your Obt Sevt

O. Guitar[Odon Guitar]

Brig Genl

[on reverse]

Rolla Mo. Aug 1st 1864

Rolla District H. Qrs.

Guitar Brig Gen O.

Comdg[Commanding]

Requests to be relieved from Command of Rolla Dist. Gives reasons etc.

Hd. Qrs. Dept of the Mo

S Louis[St. Louis] Aug 3 / 64

Respectfully returned to Brig Gnal O Guitar Comdg Rolla Dist

The General Comd’g can not at present relieve Genl Guitar from the command of his Dist & it is not for the best interests of the service that charges should be preferred now, if at all — The Genl Comd’g desires it understood that he has no “Military policy,” that he is not here to attend to matters of “policy”, but to attend to his military duty to the best of his ability and without reference to “policy” He is therefore of opinion that Genl Guitar’s point of embarrassment is not well taken — as all he has ever asked or expected of him was the faithful discharge of his military duties accord to his honest conuchin[conscience?] of right [and] justice in which expectation it gives the Comd’g Genl much pleasure to say, he has not been disappointed. If Genl Guitar continues to administer the affairs of his District with an eye single to the best interests of the military service, he need have no scruples of delicacy in apprehension of coming in conflict with any policy.

By order of

Maj Gen Rosecranz

J. T. Bennett

a.a.l.