Culloch's regiments. Bradford requested the privilege of
attending the burial of his brother, which was granted, he giving
his parole of honor to return. Instead of returning, he changed
his clothing and started for Memphis. Some of my men were hunting
deserters, and came on Bradford just as he had landed on the
south bank of the Hatchie, and arrested him. When arrested, he
claimed to be a Confederate soldier belonging to Bragg's army;
that he had been on furlough, and was then on his way to join his
command.

As he could show no papers he was believed to be a deserter, and
was taken to Covington, and not until he was recognized and
spoken to by citizens did the guards know that he was Bradford.

He was sent by Colonel Duckworth, or taken by him, to
Brownsville.

All of Chalmers's command went from Brownsville, _via_ La Grange,
and as all the other prisoners had been gone some time, and there
was no chance for them to catch up and place Bradford with them,
he was ordered by Colonel Duckworth or General Chalmers to be
sent south to me at Jackson.

I knew nothing of the matter until eight or ten days afterwards I
heard that his body was found near Brownsville. I understand that
he attempted to escape and was shot. If he was improperly killed,
nothing would afford me more pleasure than to punish the
perpetrators to the full extent of the law, and to show you how I
regard such transactions.

I can refer you to my demand on Major-General Hurlbut (no doubt
upon file in your office) for the delivery to Confederate
authorities of one Colonel Fielding Hurst and others of his
regiment, who deliberately took out and killed seven Confederate
soldiers, one of whom they left to die after cutting off his
tongue, punching out his eyes, splitting his mouth on each side
to his ears, and cutting off his privates. I have mentioned and
given you these facts in order that you may have no further
excuse or apology for referring to these matters in connection
with myself, and to evince to you my determination to do all in
my power to avoid the responsibility of causing the adoption of
the policy which you have determined to press. In your letter you
acknowledge the fact that the negro troops did take an oath on
bended knees to show no quarters to my m