HEADQUARTERS, Charleston, Tenn., October 30, 1863. 
Major J. J. REEVE, 
Assistant Adjutant-General, Stevenson's Division: 
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that I have examined the following citizens, prisoners in the
hands of the provost-marshal: Ballinger, a Methodist minister of Bradley County; George W.
Stout, of Roane County; Peter Coaster, of Monroe County; Monroe Morris, of Roane County;
James Grigsby, of Roane County; Robert Morton, of Monroe County. The last named is a youth
of sixteen; had a brother killed in our service at Vicksburg, and there are no charges against him. I
therefore discharged him. The others are Union men in sentiment, but all protest that they have
been guilty of no act of hostility against the Confederate Government. There are no written
charges against them. All except Ballinger appear to be too ignorant or infirm to do any mischief,
and Ballinger even has but little power to do harm. If the commanding general thinks it necessary
a bond and security might be required of the latter. I am at a loss what to do in the other cases
and respectfully ask for instructions. They should either be discharged or shipped to the rear. 
I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
MARCUS J. WRIGHT, 
Brigadier-General, Commanding Post. 
Source: OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 2, Vol 5, Part 1, Prisoners of War