The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-10-18
FRANK BLAIR VS.. FREMONT.
COPY OF COL. FRANK BLAIR's CHARGES
AGAINST GENERAL FREMONT.

From the Cincinnati Enquirer.
On Friday we published at length, offs
cially and exclusively. the charges and spe-
cifications OF General Fremont against
Colonel Blair, with all the letters accom-
panying. This morning we publish also
exclusively another letter of significance
from Colonel Blair, and all the charges and
specifications against General Fremont, by
Colonel Blair. The Court martial for the
trial of General Fremont, nor that for the
examination of Colonel Blair, have yet been
called, but both will undoubtedly be con-
vened at an early day. This difficulty be-
tween General Fremont and Colonel Blair
has excited much comment in the North !;
therefore the following will be read with
interest. The second letter OF Colonel
Blair to Adjutant Thomas, was the cause
OF his re.arrest and confinement at Jeffer-
son Barracks, as per order published be-
low:
COLONEL BLAIR's LETTER TO ADJUTANT GEN.
ST. LOUIS, September &c, 1861.
Brigad,er General Thomas, Adjutant General
United States Army Washington CITY, ID. c.;
GENERAL Il herewith inclose letter
from Captain McKeever, Assistant Adju-
tant General, addressed to me by the order
of Major General John G. Fremont, COM
handing the Western Department, which
- TOD
ceived by me last evening.
You will observe that the letter orders
my release from arrest, as it alleges, in con-
sequence of the request of my brother, the
Postmaster General Blair, and accompa,
MES the order for release with some STRIFE
lures upon " the breach OF military prOpri.
eties," of which it states have been guilty,
and states moreover that the improperly
consists in using my family position to lay
private letters, with unsustained accusations
before the President, disturbing the Presi.
dents confidence in the Commanding Cen
eral, and seriously impairing the efficiency
of this Department"
l feel myself constrained to say that l
have not, in my opinion, been guilty of any
act of improperly, but have performed my
simple duty to the Government in the act
to which the letter refers, which was more
over done at the instance of the President
himself, and that 1 am unwilling, under
any circumstances, to shield myself from re-
sponsibility, by the influence or favor of
any individual. could not, without utter
disregard of my character, as an officer and
gentleman, permit the statement-that
had made unsustained accusations against
the commanding General of this depart
ment-to pass without notice, and there.
fore as soon as the charges can be made in
form, shall transmit them to you, through
the proper channel, to be laid before the
President, and if he shall consider it expe-
dent too order court martial, l shall be
prepared to sustain the accusations have
made against the commanding General of
this department.
In the mean time, l find myself and my
actions assaulted in the public press of this
city, which, under the military surveillance
which exists in this department, could hard
ly have been allowed except by the sanction
of the commanding General, and as my ar
rest and release, without any charge pre-
ferred against me, has given rise to imputa>
tions upon my charter as an officer, de-
mand a court of inquiry to afford me an
opportunity of clearing myself from all
stain in matter which / consider vital to
the honor of soldier, and in which be-
lieve that l have acted for the good of the
service alone.
Respectfully your obedient servant,
FRANK P. BLAIR, Jr
Colonel First Regiment Mo. Light Infantry.
Upon this letter being made known to
Gen. Fremont, the following order was is.
sued for the COlonel's rearrest:
Headquarters WESTERN DEPARTMENT..
ST. LOUIS, Mo-, Sept. rs, 1861.
Especial Order No. 26s.] =
Colonel F. P. Blair, jr., First Missouri
Light Artillery, is hereby placed in arrest.
He will proceed without delay to Jefferson
Barracks and report himself in arrest to
Lieutenant, Colonel S. Burbank, Thirteenth
Infantry, commanding.
His limits will be those of the post of
Jefferson Barracks.
By order of Major General Fremont.
CHAUNCEY McKEEVER,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Immediately upon his rearrest Colonel
Blair prepared the following charges and
specifications against General Fremont, and
forwarded the same to Washington:
COLONEL BLAIR's CHARGES AGAINST GENERAL
FREMONT.
Charges preferred by Frank P. Blair, jr.,
Colonel of the First Regiment Of Missouri
Volunteers, against Major-General John G.
Fremont, of the Army of the United
States, commanding in the Department CT
the West:
CHARGE Neglect of duty and unoffi>
GER like conduct.
Specification (1)-In failing and neglect
ing from the Sd day OF July, 1861, to re,
pair to the city of st. Louis, lie the State
of Missouri, the Headquarters of the Wes-
tern Department, and there enter upon the
duties belonging to him as the military
chief of said Department, to the serious
injury of the public service therein and The
loyal people thereof.
/ Specification (2j-ln failing and neglect
ing to inform himself of the wants and ne
cessities of the said Western Department,
from the Sd day of July, 1861, to the 26th
H. ~ T,,Iu 1871 fo tho rrroot Iotr;,ooot