The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-03-13
The Army Appointments.
BEN. M'CULL0CH's LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT
From the Washington Intelligenser, March II ]

BEN. M'CULL0CH's LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT.
WASHINGTON, March TO- 1856.
take leave to request that you will oblge me by Civ
ing the enclosed letter place in your paper OF Monday
morning. It will be answer to the many inquiries
which daily addressed to me- and will correct various
mistaken specuatons which have found their way to the
newspapers In relation to my nomination as major Of
BEN. MoCULOCH
WASHINGTON, March s, 1855.
To HIS ExcEI1EscY THE PRESIDENT -
SIR respectfully beg leave to decline the appoint
ment Of major Of cavalry, and briefly to state some Of
the reasons that govern me in doing
thought, and still think, civilians had right to
pect some Of the appointments field officers Of the
passed the bill raising them had it been known that all
the appointments of high grade to be made from the
army, with but single exception Out OF all the gal
Mexico surely some could have been found competent
and worthy to command regiment or battalion. Nor
was the increase Of the army as it seems to me- made
especially to benefit those who already in the
vice In making the appointments of these views
appears to have been entertained either Of which would
place me in an awkward position.
Under the latter view have no CLAIMS, not being in
the army, and by my acceptance OF the proiered up
pointment the former it would be saying to my
gallant countTymen, alone worthy OF more than
captancy. This superiority do not claim, butt on the
contrary believe there many who would not only
have been good appointments but would nave rendered
ments which created tor that particular duty II
there had been three or four field officers made
from civilians, my position would have been less ooJec
tonable. The army would have at conceded there
something due to the country and that something
had been given and Of right belonged to those appointed
and no jealousy or bad feeling could have arisen How
different from this would be my position were to &C
cept Some of my subordinates n rank might look upon
me an intruder, occupying position that they were
better entitled TO. Nor would it be strange, under
existing circumstances for such views to be entertained
when il is recollected that out Of sixteen field officers
alone from the citizens thereby giving the officers
of the army the right to infer that they have better
claims to those appointments.
proud to say that the most friendly relations
have existed between the officers Of the regular
army and myself wherever we have met, whether in
rough conflict with the enemy in the peaceful walks
OF quiet LIFE On no account would see it disturbed.
War may again come upon our country, and again
have the pleasure of seeing them in the field. IL So
wish to meet them not only brothers in arms but
also in feeling. Entertaining these views, it would be
inconsistent TO accept the appointment To do SO
would be contradiction Of all the opinions have uni
formy held, and think that If Congress shall again at
any time increase the army by creating additional res
ments they will carefully provide for the protection OF
the equal rights of citizens in civil life TO Gil the new
military offices, Of whatever grade.
have the honor TO be, very respectfully your obed
ent servant, BEN. McCULLOCH.