The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-13
MILITARY AFFAIRS IN NEW YORK.
CAPT. vARIAN, OF THE EIGHTH REGIMENT
BATTERY


HIS STATEMENT IN REPLY TO GEN. M'pOwELL-HIS
vINDICATION BY HIS OFFICERS AND MEN, ETC.
Capt. Varan, Of the Eighth regiment battery called
upon us yesterday In relation to the extract from Gen.
AcDowell's report, published IN the HERALD which he
wishes to correct He reues the charges of abandoning
the battery having turned the artillery over to the ord
officer After reviewing the service his battery
had performed since the time they left New York says
that ten days before the expiration Of the term OF service
he Capt varan) had called upon Gen Porter inform
him of the fact Gen, Porter asked if we were the
eve Of battle whether the Captain would insist upon
being sent homer Being answered in the negative he
sured Capt. Varian that instance had occurred yet
where any corps detained longer than It's term
hstment, and that the battery would be relieved as
soon as their term up On the 18th ult., four
days before the battle of Bull run Capt. varan
dispersed the enemy at Fairfax Court House
on Inc l9th to his surprise, Captain Varan ascoraned
that portion of the men Intended TO demand their dis
charge on the following day. He stayed with them dur
ing that night and endeavored to persuade them to
main, but deferred the subject until the next morning.
when he again appealed to them, using all his influence
and power TO induce them 10 extend their service
only five days longer Seventeen, however were firm
their resolve and steadily refused stay on any cond
ton, representing that their families were in want.
Captain Varian replied that he would give an order
Captain Phillips Of the Eighth regiment Relief Committee,
to draw for 81 500, and in of any accident
KearDey was the only who responded and said that
after what the captain just stated he considered his
duty to remain, although he hadpreviousy made up his
mind TO go home.
Captain Varian then with a committee to consult
Colonel Reyes stating to that officer that he had promised
his men that they would be released from the service
on the 25th. Colonel Reyes engaged at the Time
and before the captain had opportunity to say any
more he was ordered to fall in line speedily posi-
BILE for review by General Mcdowell the Secretary Of
War.
When the two dignitaries came in front of
the battery, General Mcdowell called Captain
Varan to the front, and asked him when his term of
enlistment expired He answered on that day.
General Mcdowell further asked what he intended to do
and the Captain said that he thought that he had
enough TO work the battery for five days longer On
reporting the interview with General Mcdowell to his
men, he called all those DESTROYS returning step
to the front; twenty stepped out of the ranks
and after reporting the facts to General Mcdowell they
were soon after provided with transportation to Wash
ngton.
None of the officers had spoken up to this time except
Sergeant Kearney, and Of course Captain yarian
thought that all Of them in favor Of remaining The
captain called his officers and chiefs of pieces together
and excepting Lieutenant James L. Smith, all of them de-
cided to return home Colonel Reyes endeavored to per
suade the men to alter their determination but without
avail They were determined to and General Mcdowell
subsequently ordered honorable discharge AMI the
corps proceeded on their march 10 Alexandria.
This is the substance OF Captain Variants statement
which was verified and subscribe TO by Of his officers.
The men also held meeting and passed resolutions laying
the onus upon the seventeen and the officers except
ing Lieutenant Smith and Sergeant Kearney Also
was matter OF surprise to them when told by their Off
GERS that they had been honorably discharged.
Captain Varan has been pretty roundy abused since his
return without any reason therefor When by the action
OF some OF his men he compelled to return he actually
shed tears This fact the subject remark even
the battle field by officers of the various divisions, who
entirely exoneraed him from all blame in leaving at
that time Having been thirteen years in military ito,
Capt Varan has proved himself to be thorough soldier
and has worked steadily for his perfect knowledge Of
artillery practice in which he is perfect intentions
at nrst when he found his mon would stay longer
under any consideration that he would go all
Col. Reyes, who would only have been too glad to have
him do 80; but his mon insisted that he brought them
ont be must also bring them back.
When tho battery reached their camp, Alexandria,
they bvouacked, with the intention Of remaining until
the next day When the retreat announced Captain
Narnn ordered his men into the entertainments in order
TO resist an attack from what no thought the purs
ing enemy, but their services not needed, the
rebels did not appear 50 lines. Captain yaran
solar us he is concerned Is excnpaed from all
tons by every reasonable person. also his two officers
Lieutenant Smith and Sergeant kearncy. Captain varan
has been otrcd the command Of various regiments but
he Is determined not to again into the ed except as
commander Of his battery. Among Heterogeneous, i, is
rumored that he rendered the coonelcy Of the Eighth
regiment in the place Of its former commander