Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-03-04
THE RAFTsMAN's JOURNAL.
IMPORTANT LETTER.

IMPORTANT LETTER.
In the course of debate in Congress- on
the oath February. Hon. Thaddeus Stevens
read letter of Gen. Scott, copied from the
original on file in the War Department, which
created no little sensation. The letter is as
follows:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
WASHINGTON. Oct. 4, 1861.
Hon. s. CAMERON, Secrsfary of War:-SIR':
fon are, believe, aware that hailed the ar
rival here of Major-G Mcclellan as an e.
vent of happy consequence to the country and
the army. Indeed, if did not call for him, L
heartily approved of the suggestion, and gave
him the most cordial reception and support
He, however, had hardly entered upon his
new duties, when encouraged to communicate
directly with the President and certain men,
bers of the Cabinet. he in few days forgot
that he had any immediate commander, and
has now long prded himself upon treating me
with uniform neglect, running into disobedi-
ence of orders. Of the smaller matters, neg
lelts, though In themselves grave military Of
fences. need not speak, in the face of the
following. To suppress an irregu larity mos
conspicuous in Major Gen. McC lellan than in
any other officer, published the following:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY.
WASHINGTON. Sept. l6, 1861.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 11.-There are irreg-
nlaritIes in the correspondence OF the army
which need prompt correction. 1t is highly
important that Junior officers on duty be not
permitted to correspond with the General-in-
Chief or other commander on current official
business through aIi afa
manders; and the same rule applies to CORES
pondence with the President direct. or with
him through the Secretary of War, unless it
be by the special invitation or request of the
Pres ident.
By command of Lieut Gen. Scorr.
+. d. TOWNSEND, Asst Adj't General.
With this order fresh in his memory, Major
Gen. Mcclellan addressed two important
communications to the Secretary of War, on
respectively the 18th and Goth of the same
month, over my head and how many since
to the Secretary, and even to the President
direct, have not inquired, but many, l have
no doubt, beside daily oral communications
with the same high functionarics, all without
my knowledge.
Second. to correct another class of grave
neglects, the same day caused TO be address
ed to Gen. Mcclellan the following order:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE Army,
WAsHISGroE, Sept. 10, 1861
To Major Gen. MCCLELLAN U. S. Il. Com
mdading Department Of the Potomac The
Commanding General OF the Army of the Po-
tomac will cause the positions, state, and
number of troops under him to be reported At
once to General Headquarters by divisions,
brigades, and Independent regiments or de- |
tachments, which report will be followed by
reports of new troops as they arrive, with the |
made OF them, together with all |
the material changes which may take place
in the same army.
By Command of Lieut.. Gen. ScoTr,
4. ID. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adj't.- Gen.
Eighteen days have now elasped, and not
the slightest respect has been shown to either |
of these orders by Maj Gen. Mcclellan. Per |
haps he will say, in respect to the latter, it |
has been difficult for him TO procure exact |
returns of divisions, brigades, &c. No doubt |
but why not have given me proximate returns. |
such as he so eagerly furnished the President |
and certain Secretary. Has, then, senior no |
corrective power over junior officer in case |
oil such persistent neglect and disobedience ? |
The remedy by arrest and trial before a court |
martial would probably soon cure the evil; but |
it has been feared conflict of authority near |
the head OF the army would be highly encour-
aging to the enemies, and depressing to the |
friends of the Union. Hence my long for
bearance, and continuing (though but nomi-
naliy) in duty. L shall try TO hold out till the
arrival of Maj Gen. Halleck, when, as his
presence will give me increased confidence in |
the safety of the Union, aud being, as am,
unable to ride in the saddle or walk, by rea- |
son of dropsy in my feet and legs and paraly- |
sis in the small of the back, | shall detinately |
retire from the army.
L have the honor to remain, with high re- |
spect, your most obedient servant, |
WINFIELD SCorT.
THE TEXAS TRAGEDIES.