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32nd Mass Officer Writes of Whipping Contrabands

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War-date Autograph Letter Signed by Josiah C. Fuller, Captain, Company C, 32nd Massachusetts Infantry, a native of Plymouth, Mass, he was a daguerreotypist before the war, 4p. octavo, Lovettville, Virginia, October 31, 1862, and reads in part: "...we crossed the Potomac on a 'Pontoon' bridge. There was once a good substantial bridge there, and it was burnt or torn down by the Rebels...the Rebels have done lots of mischief in destroying property and have been recruiting in a good degree, and strengthening themselves, that is sure...if the Rebs can be brought to a stand before they reach Richmond...Last night Lt. Hamilton stopped a wagon master from whipping a couple of col'd drivers. The man had two black drivers tied to a team and was beating them so as to be heard over the whole field. Tonight just after dark I heard blows and some one crying Oh Lord, O Lord and I hastened down there and found the Ordnance Sergt had a negro tied by the arm and was whipping him, but not so severely as last night. The wagon master was whipping the same one I expect but when I arrived he was just ordering the one just whipped to tie up another one. I told him to stop and he quickly did, but made threats that he would find away to punish them, that they had been stealing. I told him I could not allow that kind of punishment and wont as long as I can help it. I don't believe in one man being judge, jury, and executioner. Flogging is done away as punishment in the Army & Navy & I wish it was done away in every family and school & society throughout the land..." Fine.

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