Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-10-07
COL. nLAIR,s LETTER To rOg1mAsrEn BLAm.

ST. LOUIS Sept. l, 1861.
DEAR JUDGE: / wrote you quite fully
about our affairs here by Judge Gamble, and
am more and more convinced Of the views
1 stated to you in that letter. Affairs are
becoming quite alarming in the Northern
part of the State, as well as at the South
Men coming here to give information, are
not allowed to approach Fremont, and 60
away in disgust
| have felt it my duty to tell him what
they say, and he throws himself behind the
reports of his officers, who are trying TO
prevaricate and shield themselves Tor neglect
OF duty, and he still clings to them, and re-
fuses to see for himself ! told him he
would not escape responsibility in that way,
and he would very soon find an army of reb-
els 10000 strong, on his hands in North
Missouri, threatening st. Louis, and divert
ing his attention and occupying the forces he
desired to use against McCulloch and Pill
low. He talks of the vigor he is going TO
use, but can see none of it, and, fear, it
will turn out to be some rash and inconsid-
crate move, adopted in haste, to make head
against formidable force which could rot
have accumulated, except through gross and
inexcusable negligence.
Oh for one hour of our dead Lyon
Many have been disposed to blame Fremont
for not sending re-inforcements to Lyon, and
thus averting the calamities brought on by
his death, and the abandonment Of Spring
field by his command. 1t is very certain that
if he had sent the regiments to Lyon that he
took to Cairo, when it was supposed that
the place was threatened, Lyon would have
1,sr,rE MoNu1Innh Erov bn Gfofa I
not say whether the attack was serious
ly contemplated on Cairo or not; but
am disposed to believe that the
movement by McCulloch and Pillow were
intended to be simultaneous and cooper
ate, brit Lyon should have some part of
the re-enforcements at any rate and if he
had received two regiments, his victory
would have been complete. l undertake to
say if Fremont acted on them as he does
now q was away and cannot speak on that
head) he could not have informed himself
very accurately of the necessities ofhis posi-
ton. The event shows that no attack was
made on Cairo, and it was probably averted
by the re-enforcements sent If the same
or one half OF the regiments had been sent
to Lyon, we should bsVe had equally salts
factory results.
The views have given of this matter are
facts becoming public opinions here, and l
think the Government should know it,
Probably you have information that will
satisfy you that Fremont was to blame
If so, the public here should know it also,
in order that the confidence of the people
should not be withheld from the Command
ing General. l could not think, when l
4k,k ,,EF Fbo
blame could rest with h IN; but my observa-
tons since have shaken my faith to the
very foundation.
There is one point which did not refer to
in my letter. and which intended to re-
mark on, and that is the utter want Of dis
cipline in the camps round and about St.
Louis. ) Il is a rehearsal of the state of af-
fairs in Washington before the fight at Ma
nassss, and will, am apprehensive, conduce
to similar results. brought these matters
to Fremont's attention, but he put it aside
by saying it would not do to be too exact
ing at once. Our enemies at the door and
yet too early to impart discipline to our
troops and keep them out OF the whisky
shOpsll! know that you and l are both in
some sort responsible for Fremonts appoint
ment, and for his being placed in command
of this Department, and therefore / feel an
other and an additional motive to speak out
openly about these matters. Ny decided
opinion is that he should be relieved of his
command, and man of ability put in his
place. The sooner it is done the better
l have given you my opinion and the
ground for it. If the Government knows
more of his plans than know-if you are
satisfied with them-then you can burn this
paper and say that l am an alarmist; you
know. however, that I am not. No man has
been more hopeful and confident than I have
been up to within a few days past felt
satisfied on my return here that affairs were
critical, but that the success and elatiOn of the
enemy could be turned to good account if
the proper steps were promptly taken. They
have not been taken, and either the Govern
ment has failed to support Fremont as he
should have been, or he has failed to apply
the means at his disposal. Affairs are worse
than they were two weeks ago, and are get
ting worse every day. Secession increasing,
Uuion men driven out and the General, l
fear, incapable Of fcomprehending his position.
His recent proclamation is the best thing of
the kind that has been issued, but should
have been issued when he first came, when
he had the power to enforce it, and the enemy
no power to retaliate. Now they are sub
stantially enforcing against us the substance
of his proclamation outside of St. Louis and
our garrisons. Iwant you to lay these things
to your heart, and get ready to spply the
remedy before it is too late.
will write you again very soon. hope
may have better news to give you. I shall
be but too happy If anything occurs to restore
my confidence in Fremont. l am well-bet-
ter than have been for eight months.
Yours, afectiOnstely,
[Signedl FRANK P. BLAIR.
Secession COIOrs Displayed in the United
States Capitol.