The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-11-14
Scott on Buchanan.

Ducnduau. ne, Scott, Is sorr
TO perceive that the publication OF his off
caai report to President Lincoln has give
ohsnse. That result was purely incidents
and did not enter into his, SCOTS purpos
10 drawing up the paper, but on refectio
he supposes, tina. under the circumstance
the ofense was unavoidable. LET it b
remembered" he says. that the new Pre-
ident had a right to demand Of me the i'm
mediate command of the army, how it ha
happened that the incipient rebels had bee
allowed to coerce several of the forts. an
from the bad condition Of others were likel
to gain possession of them, also that pima
rily. the blame rested exclusively on me
hence. to indicate my sworn allegiance T.
the Union and my professional condncs. tn
report was submitted to President Lincoln
at an early day in his administration, an,
recently TO the world"
First, TO account for not having sufficient
ly garrisoned the Southern forts named
against anticipated treason and rebellion
according to my recommendations, begin
ming October 10Th, repeated the next day
and again earnestly on December 18th
18th, 28th, and 30th, the Ex-Presiden
says there were no available troops within
reach.
Scott then proceeds to show that mall
garrisons would at first have been sufficient
tor the twin forts Jackson and st. Philip,
also that his object was to save to the Union,
by any mears at hand, all those works un
til Congress could have time TO authorize a
call for volunteers call which the Presi
dent, for such purpose. might no doubt have
made without any special legislation with
the full appreciation OF every loyal man in
the Union.
On the second point Scott says tina. the
Ex-President almost loses his amiability in
having his neglect OF the forts attributed, as
he says, without the least cause, to Gov.
Floyd, and he adds. I" all nv cabinet must
bear me witness that i. as the President,
myself am responsible for all the acts of the
Administration" Now, notwithstanding
the broad assumption OF responsibility. he,
Scott. would be sorry TO believe that the Ex.
President specially consented to the removal
by Secretary Floyd of us 600 extra mus
kets and rifles, with all their implements
and ammunition from the northern reposito.
-" " ooN'hCih diStudis. 80 tUdg on Tie
breaking out oil the maturing rebellion they
might be found without cost, except to the
nited States, in the most convenient posi-.
ION Tor distribution among the insurgents of
he South
Of the l2o or 14o pieces of artillery
which the same Secretary ordered from
to Ship Island, in Lake Borpue
nd Galveston. Texas, for forts not Vet
rected. Accidentally learning early in
iarch that under this posthumous order,
be shipment of these guns had commenced,
communicated the fact to Secretary Holt.
citing for Cameron, just in time to defeat
be robbery; but on this point we may hear
x. Secretary Floyd himself At Richmond
c expressly claimed the honor of defeating
II my plans and solicitations, respecting
ne forts, received his reward, il being there
Universally admitted that but for tina, vic.
Dry over me there would have been no
ebellIon.
Third. Mr.. Buchanan complains that
without permission, on January
s, 1861. my views addressed to him and
ne Secretary of War, October goth and
9th, 1860; but that act was caused, as
Explained to him at the time, bv the mis-
presentations of my views 10 one of the
'eeches of the same ex Secretary, after his /,
turn to Virginia.
Fourth. One of my statements COM
aiming OF the joint countermand sent :
rough the Secretary OF War and Navy,
prevent the lsnding at Fort Pickens of a
'ptaln Nodges' company, unless the fort !,
ould be attacked. is cited by the ex- Presi- :,
mt to prove singular want of memory 4
my part, and note from exSecretary !
olt is adduced TO show that had entirely !.
proved OF the joint countermand the day
at 1t was prepared. Few persons are as L
tie liable 10 make a misstatement by acct
mt. as Mr.. Holt, and no one is more inca
bic OF making one by design. Yet have
It the slightest recollection of an interview
tn him on this subject.
do remember, however, that Mr.. Holt. IL
some matter OF business, approached my n
dside. when 1 was suffering from an ex- C
SIS OF pain. Mr.. Buchanan, Mr.. Holt and
yself were all landsmen, and could know L
It little OF the possibility of landing troops Il
an open sea beach and surf. Mr. Toucey. u
e Secretary of the Navy, with officers of b
telisence and nautical experience. ought ii
have said plumply that if Vogdes had
It to land except in case of an attack upon h
ort Pickens, he might as well have re- a!
AIMED al. Fortress Monroe. as the prohibition Il
iced the fort, SO far as he was concerned a
the mercy, or as the event showed, the ii
mt of enterprise on the part of the rebel u
at Pensacola. Possibly there
other parts of the reply which a super ii
Ial reader may think requires common, or P
Icidauon and indeed, here is another n,
rked for me by my kind visitor 81
Fifth. The exPresident has brought Ii
,eiher labyrinth of dates respecting the b,
ivai and departure of rebel commission o'
, armistices, &c, with which, as l bad m
official connection. may have made an be
important mistake or two, but as have hc
by me the means of recovering the clue pr
those windings, l shall not attempt to re
ow him. WIsF1r,n Scorr uu
nth Avenue Hotel. n. Y, Nov.S. W.