Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1862-05-06
Ceneral Mcclellan

TussDAY MORNING, MAY 9, 1859.
General Mcclellan.
We publish elsewhere severe criticism
upon Gen. McOelan's nllssry fame from the
columns of Northern journal. The writer
enforces bis unfavorsble estimate OF McCiel'
lsn's capacity by number Of plausible argu-
ments.
We would by 10 means underValue an enc
nv. Mcclellan commenced this war With
good reputation in his profession; and although
II sometimes occurs that man at.ains fame
which is bey his merit, yet we think the
instances are but few, and tho probabilities as
to any individual, small. The world is censo-
rious rather than eulogistic; and those who
arc disposed to pull man down sre lnolc Ea-
nervous and often more Jealous thsn thoy who
lend him help Hence person is generally
entitled to whatever of reputation he can hold
We do not doubt that Mcclellan deserves 10
be considered as a skilful commander. But
we very much question whether the truth
concerning him doss not lie at lcsst az low
down IS midway between the representations
of his admirers ald his critics. General Nc
Clellau has had great means at his disposal Tor
long time. He has attempted very little,
and has done less. We were told that he w:s
all the time forging great thoughts and de
visine grand schemes. How much credit ne
may have fairly earned in this respect is mat
ter OF isith. Both what he did and the value
OF it are too uncertain and undetermined 10
settle opinions. Lincoln seems to have been
compelled, under the pressure, to dethrone
him SIS grand contriver, End put him into the
field TO execute.
1t is in the character OF campaigror, that
Mcclellan is now in the Peninsula. He has
developed the leading characteristics OF his
poicy and tactics We think he has shown,
too. the size and tho tone Of his soul. We
argue fsvorabiy from these indications. We
think our generals overmatch him. We think
the man trembles at bis undertaking. bis
dispatches to his government, from the Pe-
ninsula, arc not worthy OF great man
is perfectly clear. They are not even respecH
tablc We have one before Us that is even
contemplate. 1t is falSo and scurrious and
thrasonical, ami this, roo, over small skir-
nish. The repor. OF it sent by him to the
Department would have seemed well enough
if it had been signed By the dru nEen
LIEUTENANT Tompkins who committed the
raid upon Fairfax Court House at the cons
menccm.nt of the war; for though it would
have been discredit to even that low bragsado.
clio, it would yet have been characteristic. But
signed by the commander of great army on
a great undertaking, it shows that his level Is
low, that his nerves are unsteady, and that he
distrusts his lien.
Our readers have had abundant evidences
of the exaggerations and falschoods Of the
Northern letter writer's. We copy the account
given by ono Of these, OF the skirmish we
have above referred to as tho basis Of General
McOlollsn's despatch. We present in connec-
ton with it McOlellan's account. Both arc
false aud boastful and exaggerated. But the
resder will be surprised to find the irrespon-
sible narrative of all anonymous letter writer,
less swelling and less undignihsd THAI the
official statemen. OF tho Federal Commander
iu.Chiei
A correspondent of the Philadelphia SIN
euirer," writing from Yorktown, under date
April 28, states:
During Friday the enemy cons tructed rifle
r.t.o e r.. r,,t k,
the view Of picking Oft the men working our
feld pieces, which had been posted 10 posi-
ton to prevent them from strengthening their
works At daylight yesterday morning three
companies of the First Massachusetts, Regiment
and two Of the 18th were sent out to capture
those who might occupy it by getting bstween
them and their reserve. The result was IN
every way successful, with the loss of three
killed and thirteen wounded. The number Of
killed and wounded on the part of the rebels
must lave been equal, if not more than ours.
Fourteen of the enemy were taken prisoners
and brought to headquarters, and were to-day
taken on board tho prison boat, John R.
Thompson.
The following is copy Of McCle!lan's dss-
patch:
HsADo'Rs Army OF TEE PoToMAc,
OAEP WINFIELD ScoTT,
Apri! rs, IL a. N
To the Hon. Edwin NJ. STANTON, Secretary of
War:
Early this morning an advanced lunet!e Of
the rebels on this side Of tho Warwick, near
its head, was carried by assault by company
q, First Massachusetts, regiment The works
had ditch six feet deep, with strong para
pet, aud was manned by two companies Of
infantry, but no artillery.
Our men moved over open, soft ground,
some six hundred yards, received the fire Of
the rebels at fifty yards did not return it, but
rushed over the ditch and parapet in the most
gallant manner Ike rebels broke and ran ss
soon as they saw that our Inen intended to
Cross tho parapet.
Our loss is three killed, one MORALLY and
- otherwise wounded.
The operation was conducted By General g.
Grovor, who managed the affair most hand
somely. Nothing could have been better than
the conduct of ali the men under fire. The
supports, who were also under the artillery FRO
of other works, were companies Of the LIST and
18th Massach usetts
In spite Of the rain our work progresses
we'll.
(signeD G. RMcOLELtAs,
Major General.
The Petersburg express" gives tho follows
inc az the truth Of the above affair:
"The advanced 'lunctte' of the rebels, on the
side Of Warwick river, is mere rifle pit
nothing moro. 1t was occupied by picket
guard numbering fourteen men. These men,
We regret to hear, on this particular occasion,
were more devoted to Somnus than to Mars,
and while in state Of somnohncy were sur
prised by tho enemy, and taken prisoners.