Description
The Return of Fugitives by the 2nd Ohio Cavalry - Office of the Norwalk Reflector, Norwalk, Ohio, February 27, 1862.
Editors, Cleveland Leader - Dear Sirs: In looking over the columns of your paper of the 26th inst., I read an article, copied from the Leavenworth Conservative, charging Col. Doubleday, of the 2d Ohio Cavalry, recently stationed in Platte County, Missouri, with returning fugitive slaves to their masters. Having received a letter from a reliable person in Leavenworth, in regard to the above matter, he says:
“There was a rumor here (Leavenworth) that the 2d Ohio Cavalry had been engaged in returning negroes to their masters, over in Platte County. This is false.
The truth is this: four darkies belonging to a man claiming to be Union, came into the camp at Weston and were got at work by the boys. The master applied to Colonel Doubleday to return the aforesaid darkies. The Colonel told him to get them as best he could - he would have nothing to do with the matter.
The master succeeded in getting them, but the boys had them in a very short time, and they are now in Kansas. The 2d Ohio Cavalry, I have no doubt, has liberated 400 negroes in Platte Cunty, belonging to the secesh.
By giving the above notice in your valuable paper, you will no doubt confer a great favor on Col. Doubleday, and it will be the means of correcting any wrong impression your readers may have formed by the reading of the article published in your edition of the 26th inst. I remain yours very respectfully, Fred O. WickhamDate(s) of Creation
3/1/1862
