Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-11-13

IHE REPORT OF THE lARPERS FERRY
INVESTIGATING COMMISSIONS This commits
ssion, consisted of Maior-Gen, d, Hunter,
Maor-Gen, q. Cadwalder, Brighten, c. C.
Augur, Major Dom Piatt, Capt, F, Ball, Col.
j. Holt, Julge,Advocate Gen.
The following IS synopsis of the material
facts reported, and of the conclusions arrived
at by tno Commission:
Col, Miles was in command at Harpers Fer
~. Gen. White was present from Sept. ~
I'LL the surrender, but did not assume com
mand, Col, Ford took command of Maryland
Hlghts Sept 5. Gen. Mcclellan left Wash
iugton for Rockville Sept 7, most of his forces
having preceded him.
The enemy attacked Maryland flights on
the mornlng of Sept. Is. The 10th New
York hrY Q and tied disgraoef.lly, and the
breastwork on the hill was lost. Col. Miles
was on Maryland flights that evening for
some hours, consulting with Col. Ford. He
left between | and IL o'clock, without direct
ly ordering Col. Ford TO evacuate the II ghts
but with directions TO spike his guns if com
PEELED TO abandon. About s o'clock Col.
Ford abandoned the flights, The enemy did
not occupy them, and the next day Col.
D'Utassy sent over four companies, who
brought away four guns and a wsgon-load of
ammunition.
After the evacuation Of Maryland Nights
Col Miles sent word to Gen. Mcclellan, then
at Frederick city, that unless reinforced he
could not hold out As hours. Gen. McClel-
lo,, ba1 tnf 4
Franklin, who was engaged with the enemy
at Champions Gap, wholly unable to give the
needed assistance, or to give 1t IN time. Gen.
Mcclellan appears to have made no other eff
fort to relieve the beleagured stronghold.
The enemy attacked Harper's Ferry itself
on the morning of the 18th, and at a. m. the
surrender was agreed on, Col. Miles represent
ing to the brigade commanders whom he con-
suited that his ammunition was nearly exhaus-
ted, and they concurring in his decision to sur
render.
The Commission acquit Gen. White, COL
D'Utassy and Col. Trmble of all blame for
the surrender, and praise the capacity and
courage CT the former. They find that Col
Ford was given by Col. Miles, discretionary
power to abandon Maryland Heights but that
the exercise of his discretion was premature ;
he conducted the defense with no ability, and
that his exhibition of lack of capacity was
such as to disquahfy him for a command
Col. Miles is convicted of incapacty and
criminal neglect, especially in negiecting to
fortify and hold Maryland flights, the key of
the position, and the evidence stated in the re-
port concerning his communications with the
Rebels is such as to raise the strongest suspi.
cions of treachery also
Gen. Wool is gravely censured for placing
so incapable an officer as Col. Miles in COM
mand
Concerning Gen Mcclellan the evidence ad
vanced in the report, and the opinion expressed
by the Commission are most direct and dam
aging. The General-in-Chief testfes that
Gen Mcclellan, after receiving orders to
drive the enemy from Maryland, marched on
an average of only six miles day in pursuit,
and thai III his opinion he both could and
should have relieved and projected Harper's
Ferry, and in this opinion the Commission fully
concur.
The Tribune says, there will be no COM
plant against this report, of whitewashing.
Its array of facts, and its logical conclusions
upon them are impregnable. The country will
gratefully recognize the courage and Just sever
lty with which the Commission, while award
ing due censure to inferior officers, has de-
clared that the shame of the surrender of Har-
per's Ferry rests chiefly on Gen. Mcclellan.
For, if Mcclellan had mo'ed with decent
swiftness he would hvae raised the seige, or
would have taken the enemy in detail, with
the Potomac dividing his forces.