New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-13
FROM BOSTON.


BOsTos, June II, 1861.
News has been received here OF the unfortunate
attack upon the Rebel batteries at Great Bethel, aud
of the alleged bad conduct Of Brig Cen Pierce Of this
State Without assuming or discrediting anything
to Gen Pierces conduct it may be well 70 state who
he is and how he happened TO receive the appointment
W. ich he holds Brig. Gen. Ebenezer w. Pierce is
citizen Of Freetown, in Bristol County. He N man
Of considerable property and for several years has
maintained prominent portion in the military servce
Of the State. Three or four years ago, when MAJ
Gen. Edmands resigned bis Office, Piorco was csDdi-
date before the Legislature for the vacant place, and
believe was elected by one branch. He wac, how
ever finally besten by Gen. Samuel Andrews, who
now holds the Office. When war broke ont, Gov. An-
drew found four Hrgader-Gener' in the State viz:
Pierce Butler, Richmond, and Joseph Andrews oil
Salem. Richmond snd Andrews were both IN
poor heslth Ricl mond has since died. Pierce was
the senior officer and that account, wis entitled W
the command all other tfings being equal. BH Gov.
Andrew appointed Butler OIL the express ground, ~
have 10 doubt that brGsns constituted paramount
qualification over seniority. Everybody knew thai
Butler had brains in abundance while there were var-
Gus opinions as 10 Pierces character in thai respect
The superseded Brgader took things easily and credit
ably and 70 was thought 70 have claim for consdera-
ton. believe lie Was in the ordnance department al
tL. seat Of war for while afterward be came home,
and was stationed at Fort Warren. When Butler
received the appointment OF MejorGtne?a, The ques-
ton arose whether a Brgadier-General shoulJ no
appointed in his place. Indeed, various questions
arose. TIE first was, had Governor Andrew
the right 20 sppOint q Brigfdier. On this point
there was some difference Of opinion between Secretary
Cameron and General Scott the later holding that he
had such a right Mr. Cameron yielded THE pou', but
still insisted that there need of another bga
der. And this was tie opinion Of al the military men
and civilians whom | have seen. BIT Gen. Butler,
who was probably Impressed with eense OF obhgaSon
10 Gen. Pierce on account Of tie handsome way in
which he allowed himself 10 be overslan2hed, urged
Governor Andrew to send him forward and the Cover
nor did So Mr. Cameron finally yielding, on the ground
that Massachusetts and her Governor mad given tie
War Department 70 little trouble that they ought 10
have their way in this matter. So the Cambridge, on
Der last voyage took o1t Gen. Pierce and hs siah
We had heard Of him in command OF four or live New
York regiments with his headquarters near Fortress
Monroe and this was the last news until we received
intelligence Of the daster to-day at Great Bethel
Various opinions have been expressed AZ 10 Gen.
Pierccs military character, but, in spite Of some fiat
terng testimony which have heard from men who
were with him al Fortress Monroe, think the general
opinion has been that ne wac not likely to Distinguish
himself IL has bcena common remark brought back by
Rlas.acbrsets men who have gathered public opinion
a. the seat Of war that our State has furnshed good
solders but poor officers. This remark hiss heretofore
had reference 70 Colo2es and We snll be sorry
il terms out that Pierce has given occasion for its excn
sion to the Generals aud LETT Butler alone to maintain
our credit in the field. The responsibility for his ap
poiatment will have 10 DO divided between Gen. Butler
and Gov. Andrew. Mr. Suuner urged It upon Seore-
lsry Cameron, but only at Gov Andrews urgent
for the Senator had no knowledge Of
Pierce qualifications and did not profess to have any
The steau-ingste Colorado lies oil the Nayy-YMd, !
md is nearly ready 10 eah beveral gentlemen, among
y bom were Senators Sumner and Wilson, visited her
o-day, and handsomely received and politely ELI
ertained by Captain Thatcher, Captain Of the Yard,
captain Bailey Of the Colorado, lieutenants Sproson
md Clay, Doctor Horaer, Paymastsr Etting, and
thers. Captains Thatcher and Bailey showed us the
hin and gave all the information we desired, but !
uppose The Colorado and vessels Of this class have
zen already sufficiently described to your readers
his vessel has two large guns on Der upper deck
inch and one l0nch and iorty-four Dahlgren guns
slow. Everything seems in excellent order end }