11 November 1861

Monday, 11th Pleasant. Nothing of importance to day. Skirmishing a part of the time. Making out pay rolls &c. Gen. Smith issued an order to day severely criticizing the conduct of the regt. on the march to Melbourne, except the 9th & 12th.

[orders and circulars Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]

General Order No. 33, Head Quarters US Forces, Paducah, Ky, Nov 11th, 1861
Reports of the most painful character having reached the Commanding General from different sources in regard to the conduct of a portion of the troops who recently marched to Milburn, under the command (of) Brig. Genl Paine.
The imputations are the most discreditable and most disgraceful character to them as soldiers or citizens. That in returning several Regiments, the 9th and 12th Ills excepted, straggled home in parties without the semblance of military array. A mere armed mob, and that the property of citizens was wantonly destroyed and in some instances robbery by violence committed.
Such conduct implies a want of discipline that he can scarcely credit and he calls upon the Brigade and other Commanders to use their utmost endeavors to remedy such a state of things, That unmerited censure may not attach to any one the commanding General intends to ask for a legal investigation into the conduct of all concerned.
This order will be read at the head of every company on camp.
By order of Brig Genl C. F. Smith.