New Market Incident Decision

July 27th, 1861
New Market, Virginia
Mayor of New Market

Sir:
This is my formal decision regarding the boy that you have brought to my attention. I believe the facts are clear in this matter. The boy shot and killed one of my soldiers while in the performance of his lawful duty. While he may have thought he was protecting his mother and her valuables, he has, in fact, taken up arms against the Federal Government. As he was out of uniform, it would be perfectly within my right to have him tried and executed as a spy.

But given his age and the fact that enough blood has been shed today, I am prepared to be merciful. I will order the boy spared and returned to his home. However, this mercy is not without a price. I wish to know the condition and number of the enemy forces which have fled to the south. Once this information is in my hands, I will release the boy.

I will make this plain to you, sir. Should any other attempts be made to interfere with my men and their duties, you and your town will soon realize this velvet glove truly covers an iron fist. I urge you not to test me upon this. Rather, I implore you and your citizens to sign the loyalty oath circulating in your town. Only then will all of you be welcomed back into the bosom of the Union and enjoy the freedoms and protections this army can afford you.

Very truly yours,
Lt. General M.T. Georgia, Commanding

By next morning, very little has changed. The mother herself presented herself before you, along with the boy's father. They brought you what money they had, a few silver dollars and a gold $20 piece. Both took the loyalty oath.

The mayor refused any oath and has also refused to give you any information, almost daring you to do something about it. He threatened the entire valley would rise up against you if the by was harmed. Your provost marshal immediately administered a "tap" to the man to remind him of his place.

The boy remains in custody of the provost.

Army of the Shenandoah Headquarters, New Market, Va
July 28th, 1861

General Georgia, pacing the floor, is displeased. "Captain Martin, get in here!"

The captain rushes in holding a sheaf of papers. "Yes, general. I have the tally of the contents of the seminary. A fat taking, if I do say so, sir."

"That's fine captain, but I have a more immediate concern. That buffoon of a mayor has been of no help. Politicians are suppose to know which way the wind blows and adjust their sails accordingly. This one doesn't seem to possess the requisite skills. So, we'll appoint a new mayor, captain. I'm appointing that boy's father to high office. He took the oath. Tell him we'll keep the boy for the time being. If he does his job well, we'll release him. If not..."

"Yes, sir, I'll draw up the appropriate proclamation. Will that be all, general?"

"Not by a damn sight, captain. The ex-mayor is to be made an example of. Strip his house of all possessions. What can't be used by the men or dear cousin Mary, burn. And while the torch is lit, burn his house too. Hell, I even want his outhouse in ashes. Is that clear, captain?"

"Yes, sir. I'll have the 43rd NY see to it."

"Good. Now let me see the fruits of our labor.", Georgia reaching for the list of plunder. Scanning the pages, his disposition begins to lighten. "Very nice. The wife's birthday is approaching, and this tea service looks like the perfect gift."

The local gardener, outside, weeding the rosebeds under the window, hears Gen Georgia's vile and cruel decision and runs off to tell his friends and to spread the word of Union cruelty and of keeping mere children in irons. Word soon speads up and down the valley...