The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-11-20


were found and destroyed
onmy entry into the town, party OF the enemy were
seen, bnt retreatIng precipatey
/ Pueba.
}, have the honor to be, sir very respectfully your
most obedient servant
i Hon. w. /. MARCY Secretary OF War.
PurNrE NAcfoSAL, (NlEvIco.)
I October 20, 1877
TO the Editor Of the Union.
SIR My attention has tins moment been called to
letter from Captain Carleton, of the Dragons published
IN the National lntelligencer of Washington. dated
the 2st OF september on the subject of the selection of
/ the battlefield of Bueaa VISTA
As far as my agency in the matter is concerned think
! l can dispose OF the question very briefly
\ Ii may, Tor proper understanding OF the subject be
necessary TO PREMISE that the chief of General Woos
Typographical staff IT became, in addition 10 other
vice, my duty under the regulations of the army,
4 ec the sites OF encampments Besides this, was
charged with The laying out OF the camps, and with the
assignment OF the troops 10 their positions From the
/ time we arrived at Moncova, until the column left Par
discharged those duties in person-of course under
the general and sometimes under the special directions OF
the commanding general
AT the time that General DOL moved suddenly on Sal
o, from Parras (about the middle of December 1867
absent about so miles distant recommending the Du-
range road, and was not aware OF the movement until
my return TO Parras Leaving that town the next
ing and passing through the mountain goges, reached
the headquarters OF the division at San Juan de Vacherie
at midnight the third day after it had quilted Parras The
next day cannot be particular dates my Jour
nal is not with mel selected and laid out the camp at
| Aqua Nueva ate
AS stated by Capt Carleton, with other staff officers
accompanied General Wool SalGllo in the night of the
22d December II he descbesi it, extremely dark
and we were forced TO find our as best we could
The next day the General and Capt Carleton returned
to camp, leaving Capt Robert Lee, of the engineers and
myself, in the town until the 2ith Whilst in Saltillo,
sened with much attention and interest," to the various
specula,lons of numerous intelligent officers of all
Of rrice and of all ranks, in relation the probable
movements OF the enemy and especially regard to the
IN. Mall At
daily expected, and naturally the questions Just indicated
became the exciting topics OF conversation Some few
| were in favor of meeting the enemy at Agn NueUa
others at Encaatada; but large majority in favor
OF giving battle at position short distance in advance
Of Saltllo-about L or miles; but no one in my
hearing, suggested Buena VISTA. expressed, at that
time, no opinon for, in truth was profoundly gno
rant OF the localities.
On the Goth December, Major General Butler the Sc
Nor officer visited our camp at Aqua Nueva 20 miles
from Satillo and directed General Wool to fall back and
occupy Encantada, (haltway between Aqua Nueva and
10 suppose he meant to offer battle General WOOL proba
bly, misunderstood General Butler (but this is con-
troversy in which feel no interests for he nSructed
me to select camp in reference to field of battle at
some point between Encanada and Saltllono however
TO approach nearer than miles OF the latter place
stating that it had been left to his discretion TO make
such selection At the same time, he added that mas
much it might be necessary 10 throw up defensive
works. he had associated Capt Lee, of the corps of
gneers with me. This arrangement afforded me much
Qualification not only from the long intimacy that had
subsisted between Capt Lee and myself, but from the
high estimate in which held his skill military engi-
neer. do, however, most soemnly aver that the Gene
raj gave other instructions than those above
toned, and that he named to me, even
/ limited at, Buena Vista-nor did any other person
Accordingly, on the morning of the 27th and some
hours in advance of the division Captain Lee and my
self left the camp, and after passing Encantada,
menced our examinations On arriving at the pass Of
recommend that position for defence. AS we rode
on pointed out what believed TO be the great strength
of the position and the comparatively small force with
. IN
which might be occupied by batteries. He did not
agree with in opinion, saying that there better
San Juan de Buena Vista. We then rode to examine
that locality It was in many respects strong but in
others thought exceptonabe and therefore held to my
first opinion. Not being able to agree, we returned to
Buena VISTA where met General Wool at the head of
the division, and informed him of our disagreement
then pointed the General Gas had previously done
Captain Lce) the general topography OF the country,
and where proposed to encamp, its advantages &C.,
&c. sc. He then accompanied by Captain Lee, Captain
Mcdowell his aid, Captain Carleton, and myself rode
very carefully.
AS a mere encampment, the place chosen by me
at Buena Vista, was unexceptionabe. 1t was on a
smooth beautiful plain, well sheltered from the prevail
ing winds with cool delicious in front and rear
good grazing in the vicinity, and plenty of fuel hard by
Important all these considerations they not
the most important Its highest recommendation was its
remarkably defensible character: AS comfortable,
agreeable, and convenient camp was not necessary to
: look further
1t would be fair, think, from all the circumstances of
the case, 10 lndt, Gene-
raj had certainly not formed any deinitve opinion on
the subject much less that he had arrived at fixed de-.
termination where he would fight the battle. For, he
had, why inquire and examine furtheri And why not
have specifically instructed u.s. before leaving Aqua
Nueva, where TO encamp for, remember, the encamp-
ment to be selected in particular reference to po-
siton of defence. After careful reconnaissance of the
two positions, General Wool finally gave the preference
to the one had designated. He may say, his friends
may say for him. that after all, he selected the ground
never claimed to do so, (and, indeed, have set
up any claim in reference it, but the facts spoke for
themselves,) only say that suggested it, and pointed
out its advantages, while in The discharge Of my official
, duties.
And yet Captain Carleton would have us believe that
General Wool had defnitively made up his mind some
days before, to the position he would occupy II so,
it is most extraordinary that considering the official and
was not only his chief typographical engineer whose
duty it to select his camps but also his principal
aide camp, (Nr Mcdowell having just entered
his duty of assistant adutant general to which post he
has since been worthly apponted)-he should have
given ntmaton of his predetermination especially
as had been sent forward expressly for the purpose OF
J looking for military position.
Captain Cartoons letter appears to have been written
to General Wool, he supescripton is wantingD but
whether a voluntary DISTINGUISHED, and chivarous act,
induced By the belief that unworthy attempt had been
made TO deprive his friend OF hard earned honors
at the instance OF General Wool himself, shall not
undertake to decide leave 10 either, both of them,
to reconcile the discrepancies have pointed out they
best may.
Before leaving Washington, was instructed by the
chief of the department 10 which belonged the topo-
graphica) TO prepare minute maps and memoirs il.
of the t,eraons the army ia which was