Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-11-30

~ hAhhaCehce Ol AAEou ltuFF-TtflA fAntttIy
end Bmciency as n Military Com-
An "old lounger' communicates the fol-
lowing to the Rochester On. " Eusning
E1preSs' Hls
After the defeat at Quebec, Burr remained
with the army, acting the Brigade Major,
until IL retreated TO near st. Johns, on the
Sorel, when be left, contrary to the orders
of Arnold, and returned to New York. The
Americans, after the departure Of Arnold on
the expedition against Quebec drove the
British out of Boston, and then removed TO
New York. Burr's reputation had preceded
him, and on his return he was invited by
the Commander-in-Ckief to become mem
Der of his family, with the intention, un-
doubtedly, of making him an aid. This was
not done, and it is fair to presume that Wash
ington, during his residence in his family,
discovered some traits in his character
which prevented his carrying out his origi-'
nal intentions. The reason why he left
was not told by Burr, and if the one which
has been given TO the public is the true one,
IT is not probable that he would disclose it.
Burr was afterward promoted, and ap-
pointed by Washington to important sepa-
rate commands, and undoubtedly was al
ways regarded by him as an able and eff
cient officer. He did not, however, wish to
have him his aid, and from this time, Burr's
hostility to Washington commenced, aud
continued during his life. He ALWAYS spoke
disparagingly Of Washington, of his ca
paeity and qualifications for the post he
held, and was connected with those who
were desirous of seeing him supplauted,
either by Gates or Lee. It is well known
that he took Lees part, when he was tried
for his misconduct at Monmouth
Upon leaving General Washington, Burr
entered the family of General Putnam, as his
aid. General Putnam was engaged in for
tuying New YOrk against the attacks of the
British, until short time before the battle
of Long Island, when, in consequence of the
sickness of General Greene, he was ordered
to take the command at Brooklyn. In that
attic, Burr acted as Putnam's aid, and was
very active and useful in removing the troops
to York Island after the defeat. Upon the
retreat from Long Island, Putnam's division
occupied the northern side of the Island, and
was the last to remove to Harlem. When it
became evident that New York could not be
held longer, Burr was very active and use
full in securing the retreat. But for him, q
brigade under Knox would have been taken
prisoners Burr remained in the family of
Putnam antil l777, when he was appointed
Lieutenant-Colo in Malcolm's regiment.
Burr sought this because he preferred more
active service in the war, and Washington
gave it to him. This appointment shows
the confidence which he had in Burr as an
officer. 'a
Col. Malcolm was the son-in-law of Gen.
Schuyler, had been merchant in the city of
New York, was man of wealth and good
patriot but not much of fighting character,
and the command of the regiment was left
mostly TO Burr. Burr took immediate COM
pnand, and soon brought it into good state
of discipline. With it he made successful
attack upon the British pickets at Hacken-
sack; was at Valley Forge during that trying
winter; and in June he commanded a brigade
at the battle of Monmouth, in the temporary
absence of its commander.
Atterward, Col. Burr was appointed by
Washington toothe command ON the lines
between New York and Westchester. No
better evidence can be given of the estima-
ton in which Burr was then held by The
Commander in chief than is found in this
appointment. The object of the command
was to conine the British as much as possi-
BILE and prevent their entrance into the coun-
try above Kingsbridge. The space called
"the Line was tract of country extending
from the North to the East River, about ff-
teen miles in width. ~ -5,..a
q The troops under his command were posted
at proper intervals and places on these lines.
He was opposed generally by British corps
of refugees, under Col. Delancey, but de-
tachments from the troops in New York
were at command when necessary.
Burr commanded on these lines for six
months without even being outwitted OF
worsted. All attempts to surprise or cap
ture any of his troops were defeated.
This success was owing to the ability, ac-
tivity and successful vigilance of Burr, being
as he said, an average twenty hours out of
the twenty-four, in the saddle He person.
ally inspected twice in tWenty-four hours
his whole lines. He trusted nothing to
others which he could do himself, and no
wonder that he was compelled to leave the
army TO recruit his health. In the perform
ance of this milaary duty Col. Burr estab-
lished his reputation as an able, active aud
efficient officer, and received the commenda-
tions of all, and especially of the Conman-
der-in-chief. ..fr
This ended Col. Burr's connection with
the army, having been actively engaged in it
for four years. His il-Aealth continuing, so
that he could not again enter the service, he
commenced the study of the law. i.
II may be safely said that no officer of his
grade in the army had SO much distinguished
himself as Col. Burr. His friends have
always felt a just pride when recounting his
military career. They are willing TO COM
pare him with any other officer in the sery-
ice for the first four years Of the war.
j. i