Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-07-31
what caused our Defeat

1t Is impossible for a citizen of the loyal States,
TO read the details of the rout of army in the
assault on Manassas Junction, without feeling
humilated. We are told, it is true, that the ac-
tual loss was but trilIing, and would scarcely
make respectable set eff to a first class railroad
accident. This may be all true, but to be can
did, we do not believe it. We do not believe
that an American army of 45 900 men, would run
from the enemy, without good and sufficient
canse for so doing. The men who are trying to
cypher down our loss in killed and wounded to
the lowest figure, are doing but little to inspire
loyal hearts, with confidence in the - grand ar
N.Y. or the officers who command it. Mother"
wrote Francis l., after the disastrous battle of
Pavia, g all IS lost but orr homer" He and his
army had fought valiantly, and although defeat
cd, had reason to feel proud Of the bravery and
hcroism they displayed in that dark and trying
hour. 1t is no disgrace to an army to retreat,
after having done all that men could do under
the circumstances but it is disgracefu to retreat
with all the disorder of a crazy mob, before the
battle has amounted to even a respectable skir-
mish. We repeat, we do not believe the reports
of thc killed and wounded we have received, al
though some Of them have evidently eminated
from official sources. The men now in power at
Washington, think they can sustain themselves
With the American people by telling them that
our - grand army" was defeated with only The
loss of 600 men, and that our soldiers like
rats from a leaky ship, the moment they smelt
gunpowder. For our part we do not believe the
libel. We do not believe that om soldiers would
retreat until they had done all that men could
Il IIDIar Fbn circumstances Tba 4
ton may think it is sustaining itself, by giving
currency to such a report but by so doing it is
really disgracins itself, the country and army.
1t is not difficult matter to account for our
defeat under the circumstances. The forward
movement on the part of army was prema-
ture We had even here in Eblnsburg enough
to convince us that Manassas Gap was a position
rendered strong by nature; that it was strongly
fortified, and held by army of at least so 900
men, commanded by able and experienced off
GERS. Gen. Mcdowell attacked this almost i'm
Pregnable position, with an army scarcely amoun-
ting to 45. 600 men. Is Il any wonder he was
defeated under the circumstances.
There is now enough on record to show that
the battle was fought in obedience to the behests
of popular clamor. Horace GrceIy, coward, a
fanatic, abolitionist Fourerite and an infidel
through the columns of the \. Y. Tribune, made
the battle necessity to the Administration
GEN. ScoTT was annoyed almost to death by the
cry of &c forward to Richmond, - which was dinn-
ed into his ears from every quarter Abraham
Lincoln felt that it was his duty to crafty the
whim of the man who nominated him at Chica-
90, and insisted iH Ueyy kind icay, and with all
the blandness of the man who smiles while he
stabs to the heart, that the enemy's works at
Manassas should be attacked and captured GEN.
SCoTT, in an evil hour, hearkened to his com
mand, against the dictates of his better Judgment
The result was the most disgraceful rOut and de-
feat recorded in history.
1t will doubtless be said that tie assertion that
GIN. SCoTT was forced into this battle against
his will, is untrue. At first, although convinced
of the fact, we did not think it could be proved.
But we have now evidence to sustain it, which is
uncOntrovertible. The following extract from
the speech Of Mr.. Richardson of Illinois, in
debate which occurred in the House of Represen-
tatIves on the Oath inst. clnches the whole mat
ter Read it carefully.
Mr. HIcHARDsoN.-I repeat that Gen. Scott
had been forced to fight this battle. | will tell
hIm what occurred yesterday morning NV col
leagues, Messrs Logan and Washburne. and my
self, were present with the President Secretayyv
OF War and General Scott. In the course of
conversation, Gen. Scott remarked, = / am the