Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-07-19

bringing ABOUT an lnveStlgatlon oil Inc clrcum-
stances under which he was elected. End.
had direct or positive evidence of the fact that
he had received qualified to his commission, 1t.
Col. Bell having made no direct mention of it,
Lastly If he was properly the commandment of the
Regiment, L was not prepared to reconcile what
seemed TO me an arbitrary and suPercillOus order,
with his declaration made but few days before, to
the individual applying to Lit. Col. Bell to organ
lie the company, and this order given, too, by an
individual at the time, the commandant of the Re
giment.
L had about that time, business of private
character, which called me TO Richmond. During
my stay there, applied to Cen Richardson for the
commissions of the officers elected in the company
Of Artillery. On waiting on him, he expressed his
regret that we could not have formed corps of
some kind that could be armed with more certainty
than Artillery, but informed me if would call the
next day, at IL O'Clock, NJ, could get the com
missions. called at the time designated. and they
were handed me, in an envelope directed TO 'ihe
commandant of the l60lh Regiment" and unseal-
ed. On opening it, upon my return, found, be
sides the five commissions for officers of Artillery,
two others, which forwarded to those for whom
they were intended. had no hesitation or scru-
pie, whatever, in opening the package, unsedled as
ii ,c0s, and especially 50, as | had superintendent
the election. 1t was in my charge, and as consld-
cred, at my full control. Some of the friends Of
Sdpt DdiuWln nave DeeH UlSpOSeu 10 lnuuiOe Ill IT,
marks of upon my course and in the at
tempt made by him to have me arraigned by
Court Martial, this was one OF the charges, viz -
"of conduct unbecOming an officer" If | have
done wrong in this, how much more innocent is
Col. Baldwin? Pending the arrival of the com
missions, for the new company of militia, in Staug
ton the package containing them, sealed, and d.
rected to the commandant of the Regiment. or 1t
may he to 1t. Col. Bell, q am not certain which,
h.r,, Oh ID, Dot
master forwarded it to Staunon, it fell into the
hands of Colonel, at that time Capt. Baldwin, and
without any authority from 1t. Col. Bell, in the
world. or even his Knowledge, until months after
the election this conscientious. scrupulous gentle
man, brealtS the SEAL and distributes the contents.
Why? it may be asked. We are at liberty TO
conjecture. He knew 1t. Col. Bell opposed the
ganizaton of the company. and lack Of char
ity may have induced the belief if the Lieut. Col
had gotten the commissions, they might not have
been forthcoming in due time, and the election was
to come off in a few days.
On the Oath of April (court day) received. by
the hand Of Mr.. VIM. Il. Johnson. the following
communications
STANTON, April TO- 1913.
Maj. ]. NJ. McCuc-
Dear Sir learn from several sources entitled to
dit, that in speaking of the election OF Col ofthe
l60th Rcgt you have stated publicly that you would
not have a commission obtained mine has been, or
commission.
have also received from the Adutant Generals Of
flee copy of communication addressed by you the
Governor the Both OF March last in which, after
ting various grounds OF objection the election, you
conclude with the remark that if defeated fair open
and honorably conducted race, no one than Yourself
would bow with willingness the ''voX populi -
Now As there can be no reason why any should
accept the Office of Colonel if fairly honorably
obtained your remarks have naturally been
mputing either 10 inc or TO those who active in
my behalf gross improperly. This consideration
would seemed TO be strengthened by the remark quoted
You will perceive that in either sense these
remarks nearly concern me and that il becomes highly
important M to ascertain their true construction
l therefore beg leave respectfully to enquire of YOU
whether by these remarks the protest referred to-
you intended to be understood imputing per-
sonally conduct IN connection with the lection
becoming gentleman!
AS will not in advance suppose that such your
intention, propose TO enquire the second place whe-
Their you intended TO be- understood imputng TO the
friends who active in my behalf in the election
any such improperly as should il known to me, pre-
vent fair and honorable man, from accepting
office obtained through such agency
have received my commission, but have not vet
qualified under it, aud shall defer doing until hear
from you which hope will be your earliest conve
nicncc. Until then, L remain yours, with respect,
JOHN b. BALDWIN.
! SrAUSToN, April 81, 1915.
MAJ. j. NJ. McCuc--
Dear Sir: Enclosed, send u note which was pre-
pared its date and delivered Mr. j. l.. Peyto 10
be handed to you.
learn from him that owing 10 various causes he has
not been able to deliver it sooner. Soon after it was
handed to him. was called TO act officially as Colonel
of the Regiment and deemed it proper qualify my
commission. In other respects the note requires al
iteration. Respectfully yours SC,
/ j. Il. BALDWIN.
will observe here that the order issued through 1t
Col Bell countcrmanng the order 10 hold the election
was probably the reason for his Qualifying to his
mission it having been among the first, if not the ue
first official act OF the Colonel
SrAuNroS, April "a, ls4s
Col. J. b. Baldwin
Sir: Your notes of date respectively, 10th and DIST
inst, were handed me this morning In reply, would
merely state that in what have heretofore said in
laon 10 your election as Colonel ofthe Tooth Regiment
have made charge OF unfair dshoDorablc conduct
on the part Of yourself personally, am at present
aware OF any improperly Of conduct in yourself that
initiates against your honor as man or officer
But that of your friends acted in highly impro-
per and may add dishonorabIc manner, / have smi-
ccnt reason to believe and have stated in substance
and again repeat. That you cognizant Of or ap
proved their course, have evidence, and cannot be-
evc from my knowledge Of you hitherto that you would
condcscend to il.
Before closing this communications take the oppor
tunty TO tender my commission Commandant of the
I'd Battalion, unless difficulty presented by the ncccs
sy of calling Court Martial for my trial for an of
fence understand alleged against me, stands in the
way.
4 Ifhcre is any disposition, any necessity for thi
course, hare desire, the remote to tender m,
commission TO avoid it, and hereby express desire
may not be received under that contingency.
! Very respectfully,
j. MARSHALL McCUE.
p. 81 am satisfied with the explanation made b,
Mr.. Johnson touching the influence brought TO bear OF
the vote Of Movers and disclaim any knowledge c;hc
on my part that of my friends, Of any influence hav
ing been used by them on said Meyers, and therefor
withdraw the charge Of mProprety above.
j. NJ. McCUE.
Half past 3, P NJ.
The explanation referred to in the above postscrp
was first made BY Mr.. johnson TO the 9th of
pril, but declining TO accept it for Maj McCuc mas
much as he was himself IN town, Mr.. johnson made
TO Mai. McCue in my presence 1t substantially a
r. l.. -