New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-17
The WAR FOR the UNION.
THE GREAT BETHEL AFFAIR
FROM FORTRESS MONaOE.
Che slishap at ResheI-IA,<t;vity OF Gen But
Ier-Azrivai OF Miss Dix.
From Our spec.aI Correspondent

Ier-A.rival OF Miss Dix.
From Our spec.GI Correspondent
FoKTREss MONROE, OLD PolSr, june IA, 1861.
Nh one here fails to realize that recent events in this
vicinity have directed the eyes of the country ulon us
The reverse of the 10Th is well calculated TO awaken
inquiry and sOlicitude among the supporters OF the
mtrioc cause The causes that led 10 it no lees
sharply discussed here titan elsewhere. At the
affair at Big Bethel there shown a total ignorance
of the practical methods by which success can be
achieved end criminal die gard of tie first princi-
PIES Of military science So much was this the case,
that Col. Magiuder told the officers who with lag
of truce, subsequently visited him at Yorktown,
that he could wish for nothing better than that Gen.
Pierce should continue 10 command whenever the
opposing forces met TIE event has taught the country
that there certain prerequisites TO success which
military education aud experience only can impart
Had Gen. Pierce possessed these, he would not have
ordered the amented CREDIBLE TO take up position alike
inconsistent with mill airy tactics and every consdera
ton of humanity. When the conflict was ogressny,
Il is tie testimony of any number of witnesses, that the
Gen. was totally ignorant of his duty, seeking counsel
Of whoever came in his way and seeming TO have no
conception Of the most ordinary modes Of
action. He had never learned the methods 10y
which results are achieved, and consequently
retreat and he did it when it should have been the or
der 10 advance No doubt there are good many 9TH
or Brgaders like Pierce; and it startles one to think
that there is great danger that the number will be in
creased There are plenty of men who, by education
and genius are qualified to command fromtheir ranks
the selections should be made. Gen. Butler, who con-
fessedly has rare endowment of military genius has
as his command men of education and experience in
Col Dimnick, Majors Williams and Hayes, Captains
Tallmadge and Taylor, Lieutenants Hanes, Ayres,
Churchill and others of the fortress all Of the regular
service. In the execution Of his plans, by availng
himself of this skill, experience and attainment, he
will both honor them and add to his own fame.
Jefferson Davis relies ON the services Of regular
officers who, though faithess to the Government that
has nursed them, yet experienced and capable. He
knows their value, and in scarcely single instance
where he has been able TO command them has he
failed to secure their services. Knowing that the
forces Of the enemy will be directed by men "who
have learned the trade gallant volunteers not
unmindul of the advantage which the enemy will have
over them fthey are not handled with equal skill and
capacity. Tie experience at Great Bethel bearing on
this point they will forget. II would be dis
beartenng TO them should they perceive that the les
son taught by il had not been needed, but that its adj
monitons were disregarded. Should it, however, ap-
pear that the lesson Is not lost and that their willing
ard daring hereafter to be directed, not only
by the comprehensive judgment the quick sagaeiy and
CELEBRITY Of movement for which the commanding
General ia distinguished but also by the experience
and the knowledge of the men in the regular service
they will acquire that confidence which will render
them invincible.
wish 10 caution the reader against placing conf
dence in the suf that is telegraphed extensively
from Baltimore, acquired generally from passengers,
concerning movements here. Seldom have seen
anything more ludicrous than the yarn which
cmes back to us to-day. Such tumble Of places, dates
men, and things with hardly grain of truth or pos
sbity do not believe was ever before put into print
He'd some one Set deliberately about ridcuDng affairs
here be could scarcely have succeeded better.
don't think anybody will have any real grounds for
complaining of Gen. Buffers inactivity, or Of the
poverty Of results. The game is something more than
q play at wickets. ALe and experienced officers are
at the head OF more than twice his number Of troops
almost within sight Of his headquarters Hardly more
than half the number Of troops promised have
yet come forward; nevertheless, the eoum will ad-
vance. At all events Gen. Buffers command will keep
employed three times its number. What more could
you ask
The Baltimore boat that arrived this morning towed
down a schooner having on board the monster riaed
cannon Union which had the mishap to fall over.
board at Baltimore. 1t will be mounted outeide the
fortress probably not far from the socaled Floyd gun.
Hiss Dix arrived by the boat this morning, to devote
herself to the sick and wounded in the hospital who,
by the way, are doing remarkably well. The hospital
arrangements very complete and reflect great credit
On Surgeon Cuyler, who gives the institution his per-
sona attention Gen. Butler visited the hospital this
morning, and evineed interest in the welfare
Of the patients.