Hello,
I am researching several officers who were involved in the Union actions against the families of McGee and Cato in SE Missouri. One of them is Wm T. Leeper. I have seen him referred to on this list as a bully, a coward, and a thug. I have seen him referred to in official records of the Union as imcompetent and negligent. Yet there are two letters in his files found at the National Archives, signed by lots of "loyal Union men" of the area, in which he is described in glowing terms. And there are some very strange inconsistencies in the way he is referred to by other Union officers...see, for example, the two instances below. In the first, "Hon. S. H. Boyd" writes that the petitioners writing in favor of Leeper "speak truly". But in 2nd letter (also written by S.H. Boyd) Leeper is characterized as an incompetent and negligent officer.

I am assuming that this is the same S.H. Boyd writing in both cases, and maybe that's not correct, but I think it is.

Not sure how to put exactly what I am asking....I just find Leeper's entire record very strange, and wonder if anyone can help me make sense of it...he's accused of incompetence, he makes several serious mistakes (for which it doesn't appear he was reprimanded in any meaningful way), he's finally dismissed for incompetence, and subsequently there are charges brought against him for violation of the 15th and 36th articles of war (the 10 witnesses against him were his fellow Union soldiers) and yet he apparently is appointed by someone (Genl Fisk? Genl Ewing? ) to serve as "Chief of Scouts" after his dismissal....was this just a fancy way of saying he was a Union guerilla fighter, and did his superiors tolerate him because he could (and would) operate outside the normal command structure?

I hope someone who is familiar with Leeper can help me. Thanks for your time,
Cynthia

Undated letter (prior to May 14, 1864)
To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln
President of the U.S.
Sir
We the undersigned “Union” citizens of Iron and Wayne Counties Missouri learn with regret that Capt Wm. T. Leeper of Co. L 3rd Reg MSM has been dismissed the service upon the “pretended” charge of “incompetency” and we therefore beg leave most respectfully to state that we have been acquainted with Capt. Leeper before and since the Rebellion and have always found in him a man who has nobly done his duty both as a Citizen and a soldier defending loyalty and freedom notwithstanding the opposition and jealousy existing against him by a few disigning persons who have at last accomplished their object at the expense of the loyal and Union loving men of S.E. Mo.
Capt Leeper entered the service soon after the war began and has been fighting Rebels up to this time and has from the Commencement been the object of Rebel persecution and malignity, his house and farm has been plundered and his stock driven off by these Rebel Fiends and now after he has successfully Commanded his present company for two years or more killing and capturing hundreds of Rebel Bushwhackers, he is dismissed upon the pretended charge of “incompetency”. he has been stationed the most of the time since he entered the service at the most advanced outposts in S.E. Mo and has perhaps done more scouting in SE Mo and NE Ark than any other person. and we now feel as though the authorities are going to turn what few there are of loyal men in this Section of the Country over to the Rebel Bushwhackers the name of Capt Leeper has been a terror to them and a protection to us. and since his dismissal Rebel Bushwhackers will feel themselves licensed to commit all sorts of depredations and the loyal people of SE Mo will feel the loss of the Captain they have learned to rely upon for protection.
His acquaintance with the people and country has made him of more value than any one else could be. and in our judgement if his incompetency was real it has taken a long time to find it out.
We therefore ask you most respectfully if it is in your power to re-instate Capt Leeper to his former Command and your petitioners will fell themselves much relieved and under lasting obligations.
Very Respectfully, Your Obt. Svts.
(signed approx 116 names)
Submitted by Hon. S.H. Boyd who writes: “This Captain Leeper served under my command for --? --? And I know petitioners speak truly.”
“Respectfully referred by the President to the Judge Advocate General of the United States.” May 14, 1864. Jno. G. Nicolay, Priv. Sec

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Letter in Compiled Service Record of Wm T. Leeper, Co B. 12th MSM
HQ Greenville
26 Sept 1862
General
The undersigned most respectfully submit the following statement concerning the conduct of Capt. W.T. Leeper of the 12th MSM whilst in command of Greenville, and allowing himself and command to be surprised by the Rebel Captain Rives in the month of July last.
First. Captain Leeper grossly neglected to guard or patrol the roads leading into his encampment
Second. Captain Leeper permitted his subordinate officers to lie out of the encampment at night
Third. Captain Leeper permitted citizens to visit his encampment—permitted pedlars of whiskey to visit the encampment for the sale of the same to the troops.
Fourth. Captain Leeper had no discipline over his company and permitted many to be drunken the night previous to the surprise
Fifth. Gross carelessness and consequent complete surprise and ruinous disaster by a handful of badly armed Rebels—of his entire command.
This occurrence Genl. took place when I was under marching orders for Arkansas to join Genl Curtis in July last—and had been ordered to halt at Rives Station on Black River. I had been there but a few days when Leeper was surprised—I cannot say that Leeper is alone criminal. Those who com. him- and those who gave him so important a command of a company of cavalry and infantry are not blameless. The undersigned would have expected no better. I am informed that his com. will be perhaps revoked at the re-organization of the militia under these circumstances shall I prefer charges.
Most Respectfully & c
S. H. Boyd Col Cmdg
To: Brig Genl JW Davidson? Cmdg St. Louis Dis.
“File ___? Charges not acted on J.N. Davidson
Recd HQ St. Louis Dist Sept 30th 1862