Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-11-06
CLEARFIELD, PA, NOV. s, 1861.
GEN. &c. FREMONT.


Much has of late been said in reference
to the incompetency and extravaganza of Gen.
Fremont, in the management of the Western
MILITARY Department. Adjutant- Gen. Thom-
as and the Secretary Of War made visit to
this Department, several weeks since, to aseer-
tain some facts in reference to the charges
made Last week, Gen. Thomas report was
published, and after a careful reading, we must
say, that it is rather an extraordinary docu-
ment. In reference to one of the charges made,
Gen. Thomas says: ssCaptain Edward NJ.
ssDavis, member of his (Fremont's) Staff, re-
ceived a contract by the direct order of Gen.
" Fremont for blankets. They were examined
&c by board of army officers, consisting of
Capt. Hendershot, 4th Artillery; Capt. Har
rIs, Commissary of Subsistence, and Capt.
" TURNKEY, Assistant Quartermaster. The
blankets were found to be rotten and worth
{" less. Notwithstanding this decision, they
were purchased and given to the sick and
wounded in the hospitals Mr.. Davis hav
ing read this report, wrote letter to Adju-
tant General Thomas, dated at Philadelphia,
November LIST, in which he says, that seen.
Fremont did not give him any contract for
blankets or anything else. He purchased
blankets in his official capacity and denies
that they were condemned as rotten and worth
less. When the report of the Board reached
Fremont he expressed great displeasure and
required the blankets to be returned. The
only fault that could be found with his pUr
chase was the economy practiced in making
1.-THE average price being one dollar and
forty cents for each blanket. They were part
cotton. He can only account for the misstate-
ments from the fact that when Thomas was in
st. Louis Davis was confined to his bed and
that Thomas presumed from the reports that
he had the whole truth before him in refer
ence to these atfairs.''
From the statement of Quartermaster Davis,
1t would appear that Gen. Thomas, in his re-
port, has been mistaken in reference to this
Hblanket contract;' although, perhaps, so
Informed. And, if mistaken in this respect,
might not Gen. Thomas be mistaken in refer
ence to some other charges made. And, in
relation TO Fremont's extravaganza, it is un-
derstood that "one Of the reasons why the
President hesitates to issue order super
" seding General Fremont is, that it appears
&c that on the whole, no other Military Depart
ment has been managed with such economy
as his.''
But, why was this erparte report published
1t was proper enough for Gen. Thomas to
make his report to the War Department, for
the information of the authorities. However,
should not Gen. Fremont have been furnished
with copy, and time given him to make his
defence, before it was published 2 Is it not
doing great injustice to Gen. Fremont in per-
mitting this damaging official report to go
out, while he was too far off to meet and
swer the charges If the object of the pub
fishing of the report to weaken the hold
Gen. Fremont has upon the public esteem, it
will fail of its design. The American people
like fair play, and will not see brave soldier
cried down without chance to make defense;
and more especially as in the present case,
when he is at the head of his victorious troops
driving the rebels before him.
We do not desire to defend General Fre-
mont, or any other officer, where he is CEN
surable; but we think, that justice at least de-
mands that he should be allowed a hearing
before he is condemned.