The following is quoted verbatim from my gggrandfather's (who was an officer
of the 29th Maine) diary of March 12th, 1864. The order was written by MG William
B. Franklin and is worth of the British Officer Efficiency Reports that have
been seen on the Net -
Head Quarters U.S. Forces in West Lousiana
Franklin, March 12, 1864
Gen'l Orders No 28
Major Edward Van Voast, 2nd N.Y. Cav'y Vet. Vols. having shown by his conduct during the short time he has been at this post that he is unfit to command troops, having allowed his men to steal sheep and poultry, is relieved from duty in this command and will report to the Head Quarters Dept. Gulf, for duty.
It is respectfully recommended that the duty to which he may be assigned be one not requiring any ability to command men, or any knowledge of Regulations or General Orders.
By order of Major Gen'l Franklin
-s- Wickham Hoffman, A.A.G.
Oddly enough, the Major was allowed to remain with his regiment for the remainder of the war - I guess nobody else wanted him either.
By: Rob Duchesneau