Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-08-24
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"Faf Contributor vs.. Col. SheTwln.
EDIrORs LEADKR;-The charges in last
evenings Plain Dealer, against newly OPP
pointed officers in general, aud certain Ma
jors in particular, was perhaps, well laid IN
the main, but there are few facts in my
possession respecting my brother, Col. W.
6. Sherwin, which it might be we'll 10 make
known, as even our "Fst Contributor
would certainly not Intentionally iBjure the
cause Of this wsr, by circulating false aud
malicious accusations.
Col. sherwin Of Cincinnati, is now in the
full vigor Of manhood, being about twenty
close military student, q careful observer Of
all military operations, q particular admirer
of the genius of Napoleon, and Of HE
mastery evolutions and msneuvers on the
battle field, which he always studied not rs
q matter Of history, but as lessons in the art
Of war. His acquaintance with the tactics
Is thorough, having been 3 military man in
practice for years, so far as the drill of COM
panies is concerned. At the fall Of Sumpter,
he organized company Immediately, and
offered the fRst roll for artillery of any in
Ohio.
AS artillery companies were not the ao-
septed, he continued to drill his men, and
70 make some further experiments in the
review Of gunnery. Subsequently with the
aid ofoDe or two others he produced his new
breach leading cannon. This being thought
so highly Of by Gen. Mcclellan and Maj
Anderson, who examined it, he resolved
70 present it once 70 the proper authorities
at Washington. Calling upon President
Lincolr, they, with a number Of experienced
gunners, rode over to the Navy Yard and
tested the new gun by actusl experiments.
These trialb were several times repeated
alter which my brother was invited 20 at
tend full meeting Of the Cabinet, which he
did; and after q careful investigation of the
whole matter, resolutions was passed unan-
imously 10 offer him Colonel's commission,
with power 70 raise and conduct q regiment
af ten batteriers, one Of them q battery Of
six guns, 10 be Of his new pattern. Such is q
air statement Of the proceedings leading 10
the organisation Of his regiment Of artillery.
As the commission was first proposed by
he President, and ordered at a full meeting
OF the Cabinet, it seems they were satisfied
as 10 his ability.
Soon after this, some other Official dignita.
ries appeared, who were not so well satisfied
Prominent among them was the sub editor
Of the Cincinnati Commei oial, who being q
sterreotYped graduate Of West Point, clsimed
that the pointment should have been ten
0GreQ hlAls HOk Uecttuit ne lHQ NAeI pau
Unele Sam for the victuals and clothes made
use Il By him while at school, but because
he was graduate, ''he was" The other digni-
terry, is this "iat contributor, ,"of our cry who
CERTAINLY comes nearer to being gentleman
lf, indeed, ho be not more efficient in militia
ry science. All he knows, however, OF Col.
5herwin is based upon Oneof those malicious
little scraps in the Commercial, penned by
AIS brother, the aforesaid ''sub." five were
70 stop here and take a vote OF these real and
assumed "dignitsries," on my brothers pro-
motion il would stand thus:
Affirmstiye-Messrs. Lincoln, Seward
Chase, Cameron, Wells, Smith, Baies, Blair
Mcclellan and AnderBon.
Negstive--MessrB. Jones and Griswold
The only thing painful about it is, thatths
negative are unable TO muster even respect
abe minority
As TO myself, have little 10 say. Ny
brother suggested while here, thatif would
take such q commission, coui assist him
in transporting troops and in other general
matters that could not we'll do without
Accordingly accepted, agreeing to assist tc
the utmost Of my abilities TO organize the
Regiment. whether retain my Post after
that will depend upon "circumstances;' par
ticularly, as with al the other officers, upon
he toiH Of the RegitHCHt.
Very Respectfully,
WV. X. SHERwIS.