An Explanation by Captain Charles J. Faulkner, Jr.

This letter to the editor by Captain Charles J. Faulkner, printed in the July 19, 1877 edition of the Baltimore Sun defends his decision to leave the railroad yard at Martinsburg, West Virginia. Faulkner's letter comes in response to newspaper editors who suggested that his company left too soon.

MARTINSBURG, W. VA.,
July 18, 1877—

Editor of Baltimore Sun:

Injustice has been done my company in the editorial comments of several daily papers. The impression conveyed seems to be that I withdrew from the railroad too soon. My orders were to protect all men willing to run the company's trains. When the first shot was fired the engineer and firemen deserted the engine. After clearing everything from the front of the engine I asked the authorities if there was any other engineer or fireman willing to take the train, and was informed there was not. I then stated my orders had been complied with, as there was no attempt at personal violence or injury to property. I told Mayor Shutt when the company informed me that they had men willing to run the trains I would attempt to protect them. This he telegraphed to Vice-President King. No such information has been given me. The company was not disbanded, but dismissed to be assembled when it was deemed proper to call upon them.

CHARLES J. FAULKNER, JR. Captain Berkeley Light Infantry