The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1857-10-03
Case of Lieut.. NJ n ffift.

friend has sent us a copy OF the evidence In
the case of Lieut.. j. N Mafitt, L. S. n, before
Naval Court of Inquiry, No l. Lieut.. Maifitt was
one Of the officers retired by the late Naval Reform
Board, on the ground that, having been engaged in
the Coast Survey for the last fourteen years, he
would not be professionally competent for the
command of of war. No charge was made
against his character as an officer and a gentle
man. and In the report before us, the only point
attempted by the Judge Advocate is that upon
which the Reform Board based their decision.
The trial before the Court of Inquiry discloses
such mass of testimony in behalf of Lieut.. Maj
fit, professionally, intellectually and morally, that
We think he has reason to congratulate himself
upon the occasion which has brought forth such
splendid testimonials to his talents and character.
He has now been in the navy twenty years, not
two years of which have been unemployed. Officers
Of every rank-passed midshipmen, lieutenants,
commanders and post captains. testify not only to
his capability, but his extraordinary efficiency in
the duties of his profession. lie is spoken of in
terms not of cold commentator, but of warm
heartfelt. admiration. In regard to tue disabling
effect of coast survey duty, various experienced Of
fcers declare that it is in poiA of fact, the very
best school for seaman which can be found, and
veteran commanders say that, If going into action,
they would willingly have Mr. Maffitt as their first
Lieutonant. Among the other documents present.
ed at the trial. are the resolutions of the Charleston
Chamber of Commerce, expressing their great Te-
greet at the action of the Naval Board and declar-
ing that Lieut. Maffitt, by his long, active and ar
duous services on the coast and in the harbor of
South Carolina, resulting in the discovery of an
important avenue to the commerce and navigation
of Charleston, had entitled him to the regard and
gratitude of that community. Prof A. D. Bache,
LII D., the eminent and distinguished Superinter-
dent Of the United States Coast Survey, testifes
81 hold the professional capacity and efficiency of
Mr.. Maffitt in the highest respect. As a surveying
officer, he has not been exceled by any one with
whom have come in contact and has been eQuall-
ed by few The quantity and quality of his work
are remarkable indeed. His vessel has always been
a model of efficiency and neatness-hs surveying
expenditures always amongst the smalest-his
work has been upon the most dangerous parts Of
the coast, and he has encountered the dangers
without shrinking, and has always drawn his com
mand out of them with great success. lie has
been distinguished upon the Coast Survey for will
liDgness to work, without regard to season, place
nature of duty, character of vessel, or personal
comfort. have, upon my own responsibility, and
from grounds of public duty, interered to prevent
his detachment from the Coast Survey, not at his
ton of duty to the work. His qualifications for
this work are peculiar, that should not have
felt justified in doing otherwise. The responsible.
ty is mine, and not his, and the facts which have
stated on two three different occasions to the
Secretary of the Navy, have satisfied him that
Lieut.. Mafitt should be continued on the work. -
Finally, the late Secretary of the Navy, Hon. j, C
Dobbin, under whose auspices the Naval Reform
Board was established, sent an official message IN
Mr.. Maffitt, stating that he and the President were
firmly and fully convinced that they had sacrificed
Mat for the good of the service in the belief that
they We're bound to approve, or condemn, the re-
concentrations of the Retiring Board as q uholc :;
and that they had concluded to pursue that course
only with the determination of restoring him to
his position soon as possible, and making
him every amend possible for his pain and NORTH
cation. Secretary DObbin spoke of the action of
the Board in the case Of Lieut. Mafitt, as .sreyv
eery great mistake"
Whilst We take it for granted that Lieut.. Mafhtt
will be promptly renstated in his former position.
the facts of his case, well some other retired
officers, will have the effect of rousing the pubIc
mind OF the country to the outrageous injustice of
was organized, and the great injury, not ONLY IN
individuals, but to the public interests which
may be caused by the act on of such bodies. The
fame and the talents of riaing men in the service
belong to the nation but Y such action as that of
the Naval Reform Board, ths navy NAV be depriyed
OF its best and brightest sols. the flowers of the
garden be pulled up, and thrown aside with the
weeds.