Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1861-11-08
cameron, rhomas and fremont.

Secretary Cameron, Adj. -Gen'l Thomas
Senator Chandler, and other distinguished
officers and civilians, when at Upton, Mis-
souri, rode out with General Fremont and
Staff to Syracuse, five miles, and witnessed
a review Of the division Of the army encamp-
ed there. A letter 10 the Cincinnati En-
quircr describing the review states that Sec
retary Cameron and Gen. Fremont rode off
to commanding elevation, and were in the
saddle for some hours, general reconnois-
sance, explanation, etc, of all Gen. Ere
monts acts were gone over.
The writer says: f alt +t. t,
The General was particularly severe upon
the treatment he had received, and charged
tho responsibility upon the Administration
for any failure that might occur because of
inadequate preparation. His own personal
expenditures, which exceed that of any 9th
er citizen in the United States twofold,
was remarkable exhibition of Gen. Fro
mont's love of country and devotion to the
cause in which he takes so lively an interest.
His personal obligations exceed two millions
of dollars, freely donated for the cause of
the Union and caushing out rebellion. The
Z
ters as he found them in Missouri upon ar
riying at st. Louis; what the necessities
demanded, and how he preferred his plans
for movement south; the object of his
proclamation; its legality as he understood
the Act of Congress, passed August 9th,
and the benefits that have accrued there
from. The actual condition of affairs in the
Western Department, in detail were laid
before the Secretary of War with clear
ness and ability that satisfied Mr. Cameron
that General Fremont has been much abus.
ed, belied and misrepresented, and that, all
IIsssiassts e the contrary, General Fremont
was the man for the position.
The Secretary exhibited the profoundest
attention and interest in all that passed and
after General Fremont had concluded, re-
marked emphatically, that he was clearly Of
the opinion that all had been done that
could be done, under The embarrassments
which the General labored, and that any
: change in the command of the department
would result disastrously to the Western
army. He regretted the difficulties existing
between Colonel Blair and the General, and
: while be could not endorse the conduct OF
Colonel Blair as being soldierly or proper,
he felt it the duty of the administration TO
take cognizance of the papers filed and let
the facts 90 to the public the result Of which
he had not the least doubt General Ere.
mout was assured that bis supersedure was
contemplated and might vet take place,
which removal he would earnestly oppose
and hoped that, on his return TO Washing
ton, proper understanding would continue
the General in bis present command 9th
: ermatters explanatory were talked over, but
the above will suffice in giving the substance
of that interview. ....s.-.-
: An interview then took place between
Adjutant General Thomas and Gent Ere
f, mont, in the course Of which the Major Gen
denounced the Adjutaut General in term:
that were terribly scatbing. General Thorn
as undertook to take exceptions to General
: Fremonfs proceedings by alleging extraya.
: gance, useless expenditures, incompetency
! as a Military Commander, DC, which was
answered by Gen'l Fremont with a rebuke
& and Remuneration that made Gen. Thomas
vince and cover in the commanders pres
ence. Those who heard the reply of the
Major General represent il to have been the
most bitter and sarcastic, from the effects o
) which General Thomas will not soon recoy
: en- After the party separated from Gen
I Fremont, few personal words took plac'
between General Thomas and one of Gen
!. Fremonts staff, in which the gallant subor
. dinate denounced the Adjutant as mar
who would not deal justly. The AdjutanI
inquired if the insinuation was intended &c
reflect upon his honor and integrity, tc
which he received the reply: "If to be un
) just is a reflection upon your honor and in
E tegrity, have no retraeiion to make, o
| any apology 70 eaer.D 81 r8 elt
Z The Adjutant declined any reply, excep
] to say that the breyity of General Fremont
5 authority would speedily return his oppo
nent 10 civil life. a 20 58ss 81 lI.e "a
IL