Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
THE REPORT OF GEN. BURNSIDE,

We print this morning one of the most re-
markable and extraordinary documents that
ever were written by an officer in command of
an army. Gen. Burnside, having been repul-
sed from Fredericksburg, found the country
SAD and anxious over his misfortune. He
found great and audscious party using his
mama for purpose of sedition by extolling his
valor as soldier and his strict adhereance to
the orders of superior officer. He was hon.
ored for his obedience to command which
had cost US the lives of thousands, and in pro-
potion as his course was sustained bitter de-
nunciations were heaped upon the Secretary
of War and General HaIleck. The Secretary
was blunderer, Marplot. a rash, needless man.
General Halleck a lawyer who had never
fought battle-who had written some books
whose ideas were stolen-who had ruined Gen.
Mcclellan because he was jealous of his talent
and his fame. These two men had conspired
to sacrifice the Union army. They had refu-
sed bridges and pontoons, and supplies, and
railroads, and by reason of their delay the
great disaster fell upon our arms. Knowing
how sensitive the soldier is to failure, and the
temptation there existed for silence. we should
not have been surprised if General Burnside
had held his peace. He was fast coming a
party idol-he was even named in connection
with higher honors, and enemies of the coun-
try spoke approving of him. We say this
course would not have surprised us. for We
know that human nature is weak, and fame
cherished thing. General Burnside, however.
has chosen no such seductive path. He rises
above the hope that any such applause would
give him, and assumes, from first to last. the
responsibility for the defeat on the Rappahan-
mock. He moved from Warrenton by his own
will he selected the point of attack he based
his judgment upon what appears TO US to have
been just conclusion he had ammunition,
transportation, clothing, and food in abun-
dance he moved more rapidly than the Sec.
of War or General Halleck expected him to
move he was almost successful; his valor and
intrepidity certainly deserved success; but he
failed. And4or that failure he assumes the
entire and full responsibility.
1t is rarely that we such magnanimity
among men in ilustrious stations. We have
seen no such example of moral courage in the
course of this war. Gen. Burnside has shown
it in the highest and most honorable degree.
There is manliness about his whale career,
frankness in bis intercourse with bis superiors.
and calm self reliance in his own powers, that
make us draw near and cherish the man. it
is not the first time that General Burnside has
done such a noble deed. When the opponents
of General Mcclellan were charging him with
want of interest in the plans OF bis suborGi-
mates, and an ignorance of the details Of the
war, incompatible with his position as Gen
eral-in-Chief, General Burnside took from his
own brow the iaurels of Roanoke. and placed
them on the head of his censured commander.
He told the country that success in North
Carolina was merely obeying the wishes of
General in Chief. He tells tho country that
failure in Virginia was in taking responsible
ity against the wishes of General-in Chief.
In both cases We see an exhibition Of moral
courage which will endear General Burnside
to the hearts of his countrymen. We
more than this. We see that bis mistake was
an error of judgment, from which no man is
free-a mistake similar to that of Napoleon
when he crossed the Danube, and was beaten
only to recross and win the magnificent victory
of Wagram. Gen. Burnside has shown too
often the genius of great solder for us to
mistrust him now. We can believe him and
trust him, and it is with pleasure that we hear
it stated that the President has declined his
resignation. "We came very near success"
he says. The fog and delays among his own
men turned the tide against him. The rebel
Lee shows how nearly our victory was gained.
His dispatches, far as published, claim no
triumph, like those he has claimed before.
They are cold. timid, and want enthusiasm
they show that Burnside s:came very near sue
cess,'' Let us thank this General, in the
name OF his country, for his valor, his skill,
and his manly honor let us continue in his
hands the confidence he has SO justly earned;
and, borrow hope from the experience of Ma
poieon, let us pray that he may achieve VIC
tory like Wagram, on the banks of the Kappa
hammock. Philadelphia Press.
Mark what you wish to remember upon your
finger nails; they make convenient horn
books. and you will have your lesson at your
fingers ends.
The red cheeks, the white theeth and the
blue eyes of lovely girl. are as good flag
as a young soldier, in the battle of life, need
fight under. as9
eyes, ma'am, that crack article" said
ashopkeeper toa lady purchaser. "Oh mer-
cy,' ''cried she, ssif the thing is cracked don't
want it.'' t taeea..~ Is a7H
We are told to hope and have trust but