Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-08-07
wAsu1xaroy, July 90

MEssRs EDTroRE-The disaster at Man
assas. are not as great as the impression in
%ashington,-en last Monday. made tncn,
sl~though'thsy we're and are bad enough.
Our loss in killed, wounded and taken pris-
ohcrs. is not as great as at first reported
Our troops contcndcd against fearful odds,
and that a victory was not gained was not
their fault for seldom on any bloody field,
have men fought more bravely. It is eri-
dent "that some ono has Hundercd," but
civilians have no right 70 attribute it to
military men. because they arc not Pre-
sunod to know anything about such mat
+srsL There is no dispute now aboet some
facts It is a fact that this battle was
commenced On our part. opposed by aforce
vastly superior in numbers to our own,a at
= place chosen and fortified by the enemy.
It is 8 fact that Gen. Patterson did not
keep in check Gen. johnson. or follow him
up 50 closelyas to be able to aid the column
of the army under Gen. Mcdowell. f.om
beoqabincd fogess of eaurcgard and John
son. It's afaot that Gen. Mcdowell either
ordered or was ordered to ommence the fight
BEFORE be knew the position of either john
sons or Pattcrsons army. 1t is fact that
our men commenced marching for the en-.
gasement sbouttwo o'clock On Sunday morn
ing. and were taken into it without break
fast or an opportunity to rest. and in that
condition fought nearly all day. with an
-euersy and desperation that is scarcely
paTaIleled in the annals Of bloody warfare.
st is Q fact that the battle was commenced
on our part on Sunday. without any mill
taxy necessity for it. Our troops needed
the rest which Sunday would have allowed.
"A civilian would naturally suppose. ifhe
had not learned the art of war at West
Peint. that a man to fight well should have
GOOD at suitable hours, and rest at proper
intcrvals- | entend no slur at West Point
graduates l approve of a thorough militia
~ education in a military commander, Int
j am not particular whether be gets it at
West Point or somewhere else. West
Point never yet made a military man or a
great General He is made before be goes
dhere, and the military education he there
receives, affords him facilities for showing
his talent If he has any. If he has none,
or fhe has not those qualities which ft
hin to command. to plan and execute. be
may graduate with the Srst hoaors Of his
class and be entirely uni! for a General.
70 learn a lesson according to the book is
ore thing. ami to have an aptitude to con-
trol men and command armies Is a differ
ent thing; both combined make a General.
Gen. NcClellan's transfer 20 the command
Of the army here, has inspired both the
civilian and the soldier with hope for the
future. 1t has restored public confidence.
xscn. Scott is too old to take the field. but
al have confidence in his patriotism and
his skill. With Gen. Scott TO aid and ad-
Sise. and Gen. Mcclellan to execute aud
pl,u. and with as brave an army as was
ever L. to mortal combat, the Federal
troops must and will put down this rebel
lion and car Government will be preserved.
1 have no fears for the result 1t will re-
.uJt IN re.construct;cn Of Southern sociSty.