The Missouri in the Civil War Message Board

Bingham's Order No. 11 Painting

I read Bingham's discussion of his famous work of art depicting the enforcement of Order No. 11. He makes some statements that left me with questions. Any answers or ingihts would be much appreciated. Thanks in sdvance.

Quote: "I may indeed yet be compelled, should I be spared to continue these illustrations, so well calculated to instruct the fiture, to represent thieves, robbers and murderers, not only in the costume which marks the ranks of the Federal army, but in those more imposing habiliments which distinguish its officers of the highest grade. In no other way will it be in my power to do justice to that memorable reign of Roguery, to which was subjected the fairest city of our Sunny South, and whose chief, while luxuriating in the uniform of a Major-General of the Federal army, felt no scruples in forcing the vaults and helping himself to the gold of honest bankers, or in despoiling honest housewives of their jewelry, silver-plate and spoons, in quantities sufficient to stock the most extensive establishment of a dealer in such articles."

Questions: 1) What "fairest city" was he referring to? Kansas City? Atlanta? New Orleans? In this paragraph, is Bingham taking a shot at Ewing (which is what I initially had expected the discussion to focus on) or Sherman or someone else?

Quote: "Neither can I in any other way properly present to view that tragically interesting tableau at the Federal Capitol, filled up with a murderous conclave of General officers who, having formed themselve into a tribunal, unknown to the constitution and laws of our country and with hearts dead to every pulsation of humanity, relentlessly consigned to a horrid and ignomi- nious death an innocent and helpless woman."

Question: Who is the woman he is referring to? The landlady caught up in the Booth plot, who Lane reportedly conspired against (prevented her daughter from making a personal appeal for stay of the death penalty)?

Quote: "It has been asserted, in a respectable quarter, that this unprecedented measure was warranted by a military necessity as the only means of ridding the district of the banditti by which it was infested. But much the largest portion of this banditti were in daily and fraternal association with the Federal troops, and perpetrated their robberies and murders under their patronage and protection. The others, professing to act under Confederate authority, were too insignificant in numbers to have maintained themselves in the district against any serious effort on the part of the military to expel them. The frequent raids of the latter, pretendedly for this purpose, were really directed against the unarmed inhabitants, more than thirty of whom, in one raid, were murdered in cold blood.

Question: Any ideas on the event refered to in the last sentence (cold-blooded murder of 30)?

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Bingham's Order No. 11 Painting
Re: Bingham's Order No. 11 Painting
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Text of Bingham's Address
The "Border Ruffians" Painting