The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-03-06
PAST CONDUCT OF THE WAR.
The Letter Of General Scott to Secre-
tary Cameron.


In the House of Representatives, on the
Oath ult., THAD. STEVENS made an attack
on Gen. MCCLELLAN, and read the follow
ing letter from Gen. SCOTT to Secretary
CAMERON, which he said was obtained from
the War Department
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON, Oct, 4, 1861.
Hon. S. CAMERON, Secretary of War:
S1R:-You are, believe, aware that
hailed the arrival here of Major General
Mcclellan, as an event of happy conse-
quence to the country and the army. In
deed, if did not call for him, l heartily
approved of the suggestion, aud gave him
the most cordial reception and support.
He, however, had hardly entered upon his
new duties, when, encouraged to commun-
icate directly with the President and GER
tain members of the Cabinet, he in a few
days forgot that he had any immediate
commander, and has now long prided him
self upon treating me with uniform neg
lect, running into disobedience of orders.
Of the smaller matters, neglects, though
in themselves grave military offences, 1
need not speak in the face of the following.
To suppress an irregularity more conspicu-
Gus in Gen. Mcclellan than in any other
officer, publish the following:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
WAsIIINGToN, Sept 16, 1861.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 17.-There are irreg-
ularities in the correspondence of the army
which need prompt correction. It 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 except through intermediate COM
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
President.
By command of
LIEUT.. GEN. SCoTr
f. d. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adj. Gen.
With this order fresh in his memory,
Major General Mcclellan addressed two
important communications to the Secreta-
ry of War, on respectively the 10th and
Goth of the same month, over my head,
and how many since to the Secretary, Fand
even to the President direct, l have not
inquired; but many, no doubt; besides
daily oral communications with the same
high functionaries, all without my knowl-
edge.
Second, to correct another class of grave
neglects, l, the same day, caused to be adj
dressed to Gen. Mcclellan the following
order:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,(
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16. !
To Maj. Cen Mcclellan, U. S. A., command
ing Department of the Potomac:
The Commanding General of the Army of
the Potomac will cause the positions state and
number of troops under him to be reported at
once to general headquarters by divisions, brig
AIDES and independent regiments or detach-
ments, which report will be followed by re-
ports of new troops as they arrive, with the
dispositions made of them, together with all
the material changes which may take place in
the same army.
BY command of Lieut.. Gen. SCoTT.
f.. d. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. General.
Eighteen days have now elapsed, and
not the slightest respect has been shown to
either of these orders by Major General
Mcclellan. Perhaps he will say in respect
to the latter it has been difficult for him to
procure exact returns of divisions, brigades,
etc. No doubt but why not have given
me proximate returns, such as he eagerly
furnished the President and certain Secre-
taries? Has, then, senior no corrective
power over junior officer in case of 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 a conflict of au-
thority near the head of the army would
be highly encouraging to the enemy and
depressing to the friends of the Union.
Hence my long forbearance, and continu-
ing Though but nominally) in duty. | shall
try to hold out till the arrival Of Major
General Halleck, when, as his presence will
give me increased confidence in the safety
Of the Union, and as am unable to ride
in the saddle or walk. by reason Of dropsy
in my feet and legs and paralysis in the
small Of my back, shall detinitively retire
from the army.
| have the honor to remain, with high re-
spect, your most obcdient servant,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
TTrue copy.]
-Dupont's Powder Works, at Whining
ton, Del, exploded on the 14th ult. killing
fourteen persons and wOunding several.
1t appears by the following, from torney's
Y ~ Dl,yt Ia n nIy,inp