New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-15
The Responsibility Of the Big Bethel AGai,

correspondent
FORTRESS MONROE OLD PoIsr, June 10, 1861.
Although the sfair at Big Bethel on the 9th instant
was net in all respects a success it nevertheless
veyed valuable Lesson in several respects. Is has
shown what is requisite to success The FIRST requisite
10 able leaders the field and confidence by SOL
diers in themselves II was Gen. Pierces first actual
appearance and il be has not learned wherein be
faied troops have clearly ascertined what might
have incurred different result. Inasmuch we shall
have early opportunity to profit by the experience
Of first engagement, perhaps lesson will not
have been thrown away.
II now appears that the Rebel batteries might have
b. en- taken. The enemy, instead Of pursuing,
a.ed son after Gen. Pierce gave the order for
our troops 10 retire. II would that troops
the point of gaining position that would bave
commanded the battery, theory which is sustained by
the fact that the enemy retired. Perfect tue
cess was atsinsble; it even in grasp and it
would have been fully realized with true military
leadership. This il now the universal and emphatic
Judgment. The narration has a value, since il demon
strstes that, if would be successful must have
officers TO direct forces when in action with
enlarged experience than that usually gained by riding
rampant stations ON Fourth of July. take this
sou TO say, FROM my own knowledge, that Gen. Butler
did everything possible to insure success. He could
not inspire others, twelve miles distant, with qualities
which their Maker had denied them. though he mas in
large the capacity 10 make them realize how
sadly they have mistaken their vocation.
Let as heed the warniDg let the Government learn,
a. our troops have learned that as blacksmith is
fairly presumed not 70 be good surgeon, a man.
milliner is no; likely to prove good military leader.
Though the blacksmith might amputate q leg and the
-iDilliDer win battle, yet it is safest TO employ
tried surgeon for the former operation, and the
who was either born with genius for the profession Of
arms, or has acquired the knowledge, 70 lead our
armies. believe that military leaders, ike poets aud
artists, are born, not fashioned. they not, the
education which our military schools affords il the
next bet thing, and is that which, after ALL may be
safely relied on. In him in whom genius and educs
ton are combined we have the true leader; where
there neither, degree of bravery On the part of
che soldier of the line can redress the fault The lives
of our men are TOO valuable be tred with, TO be
made the play things Of men who have everything TO
learn
cannot better express the idea that compreheDds
this whole unfortunate affair, than by repeating the
words Of veteran regular, now Oh his fifth enlistment
in the service. and who throughout the day. stood by
The lamented and heroic CREDIBLE till he fell and came
% the field with bis body. "Leutenan,," said he
sorowfuy, "tbat battery might have been taken; II |
would have been, had any one given the word at the
right time. Lieutenant, you will lead our 800 regu-
bars we will take it tonight" This little speech tells
the wbe story and showers shame on the head where
rests the responsibility. Give US no more Militia
Bnysdiers.
In Ringing the example to full view, have no
oher motive under heaven than TO serve the patriotic
ssase, and save the lives Of our perhaps TOO willing
''d's". This yss the first meeting Of the Federal