The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1862-10-18
what are Mccrellan,s Purposes.

what are McCfelIanss Purposes.
Tt occasioned much surprise that General
Mcclellan allowed our army to remain idle
many months on the Potomac when IN the
presence of an inferior foe.
After the battles of Yorktown, Williams
burg and Malvern Hills the late Gen. Kear-
ney wrote an indignant letter because Cen
eral Mcclellan failed each time TO follow up
and annihilate the enemy. The same policy
was pursued by Mcclellan at the battle of
Antietam. The New York Times of Oct.
4th, tells why McCleLan's staff officer,
Major Key, was dismissed from the service.
We copy it below. Does Major Key state
the real purpose of Nc Clellan? ~
Major Kew, who is brother to Coll Key,
of Gen. Nc Clellan's staff, was attached to
Gen. Halleck's staff on Gen. McClellan's
recommendation. . ,---.--7y
Some few days after the battle of Ante
tam, an officer asked Major Key, as one like
" to be well in formed, what was "the reason
of our army's neglecting the military axiom
(which says thatIa beaten, crippled or re-
treating enemy is always to be pursued =
To this Major Key responded, that "the
immediate destruction of the rebel army
was lot the programme" 1t would be
better he said to let the war linger on indie
cisivey, and with advantages to both sides,
until he end of Mr.. Lincolnss term, when
sit could be settled on compromise which
would save slavery"
Tie officer to whom these remarks were
made paid NO particular attention to them'
such utterances being unfortunately too
familiar in certain circles of the army; but
in ths course of a casual conversation with
L It. aoSo
1t is said-he mentioned "the programme
as ore of interest, considering the authority
on which it had been put forth.
/ TIE matter. with commendable prompt
ness, was Immediately laid by the Cabinet
officer before the President, who instantly
caused the officer who had repeated Major
KEYS conversation to be sent for.
As,onished at the serious turn things
were aking, the officer appeared; and on
being cross-examined, though reluctant to
iniure Major Key. was obliged to give the
whole conversation, the substance of which
was tfen reduced to writing by Mr.. Hay
the Presidents Private Secretary
Majpr Key was then sent for and appeared
before the President in company with the
officers to whom he had first spoken. The
minutes of the alleged conversation were
/ then feaQ TO MN, anu ne WAS aSheu HHu NC
been guilty of imputing any such motives
to Gen Mcclellan.
To this Major Key responded. stating
that he had undoubtedly used the language
alleged--after which he commenced launch
ing out into a general yindication of the
sacredness of the institution of slavery. ano
the justifability of the policy of inaction. oil
any other policy, which had for its objec
to preserve it.
"Stop, Sir" interrupted Mr.. Lincoln
81 have not sent for you to discuss the alb
stract question of slavery, its sacredness oil
the reverse. But am clearly of opinion
that no officer can ,Oear shoulder straps unde'
my commission, aoho does not believe IN aOis
ming decisive victories sOherever they are to b.
had. You may go, Sir; you shall hear from
me-"
Thus terminated this extraordinary inter
view. Notification of the case was immedi
ately sent to Gen. Halleck, and next morn
ing the order appeared, giving Major Key
permanent leave of absence from duty, ant
1 allowing him his whole time in which tt
consider the futility of programmes" ane
the uncertainty of the favor ofprinces. W.
learn that Efforts are being made to have
him reinstated.