Report of Investigation Concerning Mr. Buerbaum’s House.

I have investigated this case and find the facts to be as follows.

Upon going to the cabin I found one window open and things scattered pretty badly. As to things taken from cabin and put in the chicken house, I found one mattress and one comfort which, to all appearences were there before the soldiers came here, as the mattress and comfort are both in very bad condition due to exposure to the weather for several months, I would say. Further, I have personally inspected the quarters and personal effects of every man of my command and find nothing that shows that the men have taken any thing from this house or other houses.

I have information from the Deputy Sheriff of this County that practically every house up here that was closed for the winter has been broken into this past winter and possibly the cabin in question was among them. Kniwing the quickness with which soldiers are accused of any misdemeanor occuring near their camp I took the precaution of warning my men to stay away from these houses as soon as we camped here.

I wont deny the possibility of men in my command having entered these houses as practically all of them are open, but as for wrecking any of them I fear that facts have been greatly exaggerated.

I have taken further precaution by having all of the houses near my camp nailed up.

Signed

John H. Trescot
2nd. Lieut. N. C. Engineers
Commanding Swannanoa Division

Copy to Hon. Lee S. Overman, U.S. Senator,
Washington, D.C.