The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-10-03
General Fremont.

There has seemed to be very general dispo-
siton since this war commenced, 10 shift the
blame for every disaster to our arms, upon the
General who commanded the expedition, OR upon
the officer who had in charge the military dis.
trct in which the trouble occurred, just as suits
the preiudices Of those who are making the
complaint. Success against whatever opposing
force, or under whatever combination of un-
favorable circumstances, is too often regarded
the only test, not onl of capacity and fitness
for seneralship but of honesty and loyalty Of
purpose in the service Of the Nation. just
now it seems to be popular in some quarters to
cry out against Fremont as the real cause Of the
Rebel Success, both at Wilson S Creek and at
Lexington, just as though having been appointed
to the command Of that military district he
was expected Ct course to make quick work
with the Rebels there, and guarantee that no
disaster should thereafter happen to our arms.
To be sure, he had to raise, organize, arm and
equip an army for this purpose, to keep watch
of the rebels on the Mississippi river, in Ten
nessee, Kentucky, and Southern Missouri, to
keep garrison at Cairo and Birds Point, to
seize Paducah in Kentucky, as absolutely essen.
tia to the safety of operations in that quarter,
to keep guard over St. Louis, that imperial city
of the West, to send troops to protect the Han
nibal and st. Joseph Railroad, and to do innu-
merable other things. But all these things seem
to be ignored by those who assal him. and he
is treated as though, having accepted the COM
mand Of that district, he must be held strictly
responsible, without time to be heard in his dc.
Tense, for every reverse that happened to any
portion OF our troops. 10 those, however, who
are willing 70 hear something IN Fremont's de-
Tense, the following statements from Morris Da-
VS., member Of Congress from Pennsy lvania,
who has been spending some time in ST. Louis,
are interesting and important:
" GA the Saturday preceding the siege of Lex
ington, 5000 troops were ordered to Washington
from St. Louis, Gen. Fremont then had in St.
Louis bat 300 men, bat he immediately sent
on two OF his best regiments. lie said as they
left, The heart must be preserved, even if the
extremities perish The news from Lexington
caused him to decline sending more, and Gen
The position of affairs in Missouri, Mir. Davis
says, has been most embarrassing Gen. Fre-
mont had not, up to week CT two ago at all
events, more than one-half the force the public
thought he had. This force, necessarily scat
tered at way distances, could not possibly be |
concentrated tany point without weakening
other positions important 10 be held.
Gen. Fremont sent 6000 troops to Paducah
about 5000 to Birds Point and left some 5000 ,
at Cairo, all being necessary 10 the Union cause
in Kentucky. He begged the Government to
seize Bowling Green and occupy Columbus at
the tlme Paoucah was occupied. Had this been
done, great results would have been accom-
piisheu.
Mr.. Davis had an interview with the Presi- |
dent to day, when the Prosdnt stated that his |
confidence in Gen, Fremont was undated, and !
that complete justice should be done him by the |
The tone OF Gen. -Iogs' con-
yersation IN st. Louis led to the belief that lac !
was very iavoraby impressed with Gen. Ere
mont, and with the condition OF things general |
ly III that quarter.