January 17, 1862 (Thursday): The Most Difficult Enemy Is Ourselves

Fort Wyman Site 1958, Rolla Mo. (collections.mohistory.org)

SAINT LOUIS, January 17, 1862.

Brig. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS,

                    Commanding, &c, Rolla:

    GENERAL:  Yours of yesterday is received.  I regret to inform you that neither the Pay nor Quartermaster’s Department have any money.  Troops are sent from here to Cairo without pay.  I can do no better for you.  The moment money is received the forces under your command shall be supplied.  They were all paid to the 31^st of October.  Some here and in North Missouri are not paid for September and October.  I have done everything in my power for the troops at Rolla, and they have no cause to complain of me.

   The truth is that Congress is so buy discussing the eternal (derogatory racial term) question that they fail to make any appropriations, and the financial departments are dead broke.  No requisitions for money are filled.

   The extra-duty pay will be forthcoming as soon as we get any money.  Assure these men that they will be paid, but they must have patience.  I am doing everything in my power for them.

   We must all do the best we can to make the men comfortable and contented till we get more means.  I rely on you to use all your powers of conciliation, especially with the German troops.  You told me you could manage them, and I rely on you to do it.  At present we have more difficulties to conquer with our own men than with the enemy.

    Yours, truly,

                                                                      H. W. HALLECK,

                                                                                Major-General

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 8, Part 1, Page 826.

The removal of Fremont from command had been very unpopular with Missouri Republicans and German speaking soldiers.  The pay issue afforded Fremont’s allies the opportunity to stir discontent against Halleck.  Their ultimate objective was to make Sigel at least the number two in command in Missouri and regain access to patronage in the state.  Halleck attempted to move units with key rebellious officers to other posts around the state, but many of the officers found their way back to Saint Louis to advocate against him from there.