Alexandria Gazette

Officers of the Volunteer Army.

We yesterday called attention to the circumstance that some persons had got commissions in the army, which they were disgracing. The arrest of the Schnabels, Lieutenants in Captain Holtscheitzer's company, at Fort Mann, was mentioned in the same connection. Further light is thrown upon this arrest by the following letter, which we have translated from our contemporary—the German Tribune:
FORT MANN, Nov. 29th, 1847
Mr. Editor:—To our very great astonishment, we have a soldier in our battalion, in the person of a female. This will look strange to any military man, as he will at once recollect that every one has to pass an inspection: but what I tell you is nevertheless true.
This girl was brought to Fort Leavenworth as a servant, by a Lieutenant, and through the assistance of this Lieutenant, mustered in the United States Service. Her name is Caroline Newcomb—but was called Bill Newcomb. As the train for Fort Leavenworth passed Fort Mann, this soldier started with it, but she was soon brought back, and there the whole matter was discovered.
The cause of this was, that both Lieutenants were put under arrest, because the girl acknowledged by both of them. We are all very anxious to hear Col. Gilpin's opinion about this matter.
Some of the officers I understand are going to resign.
The following is a true copy of a letter written by the Lieutenant to the girl then a man.
The letter to Caroline, alluded to above, was delivered to the martial damsel, through a non commissioned officer, with the following request from the gay military Lothario:
"My Dear Friend: Please read this to Caroline, and give me an answer as soon as possible."
This love letter is very impassioned—running on in the following strains:
"Loved and adored one, doubt not my passion for thee: doubt not that I love thee.—rather doubt the existence of the human family, and all the great works of His divine architecture * * O would to God you were here, that I could feast my eyes upon you it would be music to me. * * *"
Caroline, believe me, I have never before in my life addressed a letter of this description to any one. I met with you By your consent I will meet you at any appointed hour, or at the moonlight dreamy hour.
O, forget me not Come and see me, will you not
The letter in the Tribune gives the following copy, of a Morning Report, which, it seems was made by Lieut O'Hara.
—Bill Newcomb can't serve because he is a girl I certify that the above is correct Lieut O'HARA
This adds another chapter to the Romance of the Plains: though in its relation to military discipline and the character of our army officers it calls for a prompt application of the punitive provisions of the military code.—St Louis New Era. Dec.