The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-08-09
Gem. SCOT. and tho President.

The only accusation which has thus 'ar
been brought against President Lincoln In
connection with the late rspulseofthe FEEDER
al troops at Bull run WAS based upon the re-
marx. made BY Col. Richardson OF the Uni-
rad Stats House Of Representative the mean
in, Of Col. Richardson's words was perverted
by the opposition Pres until 1t was made to
appear, that Gen. Scott had been forced to
order the advance on Manassas by the direct
interposition Of tho President. We take il
Tor granted tina. the presses which circulated
the scandal. will not take the trouble to set
the matter right before their readers, and
although we have more than once made ref
erence to the true state Of the case, we again
ask the attention ofour readers to a few facts
in connection with the subject.
ave have sen q private letter from a
member Of Congress. says the Boston Adyer'
tiser, who was present at the conversation in
which General Scott and the President bad 4
part, and which was described by Mr.. Rich
ard-on in the House Of Representative. The
writer OF the letter, speaking of the battle at
Bull Run and in relation to the conversation
alluded 60, says
II was the clamor OF newspapers and Of
reckless members Of Congress that forced the
movement on Sunday last. know the Prosi-
dent did not sympathiro with the clamor,
and at tho interview you alluded To, Gen.
Scott expressly said tho President had no
part ia il, hut on the other hand had treated
him with the greatest kindness"
We will now refer to portion Of the de-
bate in the House OF Representatives on
Thursday. during which explanations con-
vcrsation between Col. Richardson aud Lieut..
Gen. ScOtt, heretofore reported, were made.
The following is the report Of the debate
somewhat abbreviated:
Mr. Blair referred to Mr.. Richardson's
repetition Of the conversation between Gen.
Scott and the President, relative TO the late
battle
Sir. Rich,rson said he eudeaVorej to report
the conversation honestly.
Mr.. Washburu said he did not understand
his colleague as saying that Gen Scott im-
puted that he had been forced by the Presi.
dent into hattie.
Mr.. Richardson thought his language was
no, fairly construed, IL it was supposed he
sad or iutimated that Gen. Scott implied
that the President forced him into hattie.
Mr. Blair said the President could not hold
the confidence Of the psople 50 long as he
held out that he forced Gen. Sc0tt 10 light
battle against his will, but as the President
had not doae 81, he will still retain, Us he
deserved the confidence Of the country.
Mr.. Richardson, in further explanation.
said no, il Was no part Of his purpose to
make any assault on the President.
Mr. Blair reminded him that he sail that
Mr.. Lincoln was an honest man, iflet alone;
but he had 30 many willy politicians around
him, he feared the President had not courage
to stand against them.
Mr.. Richardson replied that his remarks
were not ss we'll expressed as they ought to
have been, if his meaning was - understood. |
His language was unhappy and no regretted
il.
From the above it would appear that Col.
Richardson never intended to accuse the
President. and he must have known that the
Interpretation put upon his language not
only accused the President, but Gen. Scott,
also. of want Of Independence and proper
seli.respect. We can conceive how popular
clamOr. injecting the troops, could have
forced Scott to order an advance, We cannot
conceive of the old veterans taking the re-
snon.ihilitv Of sueh An act through the inter