The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-12-26
From Res Moines.
Dies MONIES. D

r.,... Dies MONIES, Dee. q, '63.
- Editor Of the HdWk-Eye: Dear Sir A
letter from Washington, in the RGwk-Eye,
of Thursday last, does, it seems tc me, great
injustice to Hon. J. b. Grinnell. 1t throws
upon him the responsibility of the resigna-
ton of Gen. 8. A. Rice. Your correspond
ent does no more than justice to tie worth
of Gen. Rice. 1 know him well, and know
him to be every inch gentleman and SOL
dier. The testimony of San IoUon'' in his
behalf, does him no more than justice. To
this fact no one would be more ready to
bear witness than Mr.. Grinnell. He was
the most earnest and efficient advocate of
Gen. Rice's appointment to the command
Of an Iowa regiment. 1 think that I may
safely say, that but for the efforts of Mr..
Grinnell, the appointment would not have
been made. To suppose, therefore, that he
would, by word or deed, detract from the
merits or rank of Gen. Rice, is doing yio-
lence to the good name Of Mr.. G. do not
understand your correspondent as charg-
ing that Mr.. Grinnell Willingly contribu-
ted to the resignation of Gen Rice, but that
an sndiscretion of the former led to the re-
suit. What are the facts? .-+
"a Col. i. w. Rice has boon longer in the
service than his brother. The gallantry of
his career no man calls in question. That
he deserved promotion is admitted by all
who have read the record of his Deeds
% u y,
prise he experienced at receiving notice of
his own promotion. His surprise was
heightened, because of the fact that his
brother had been longer in the service, and
had greatly distinguished himself. Mr..
Grinnen had made great efforts for the
promotion of that brother. He had Pres
idential promise and order for such pro-
motion, and left Washington, supposing
the matter settled. Soon afterwards, in the
Governors office, he was shown notice of
Col. s. A. Rice's promotion. He very nat
urally expressed the opinion that mis-
take had been made; and this opinion was
concurred in by all acquainted with the
facts. So far, however, was he from sup
posing or desiring that such an expression
would lead to the resignation of Gen. S. A.
Rice, he at once said to the Government
that the promotion was deserved and must
stand, but that he should redoube his eff
forts for the promotion OF an older and
equally deserving officer. In this he knew
that he had the best wishes of s. A.
Rice. Hehas kept his promise and brought
every influence to bear for its success,
and has only failed because Iowa has
now more than her share of Brigadiers,
and has more Brigadiers than Brigades
in the field. Her gallantry has been fit
tingly acknowledged, and make no doubt
that she will soon have at least two more
Brigadiers III the field, Hatch and +. w.
Rice). '--- ''h.~ ~" ..
The mistake in this matter (if there has
been oneJ was committed by Gen. S. A.
Rice in resigning his commission, because
some person supposed he had received a
star intended for his brother. But, the err
ror is characteristic of the man, and does
him honor while it causes regret among
his friends. 1t shows the magnanimity
and generosity of his nature. He would
not stand a moment in the way of the just
deserts of a brave companion. But, had
he paused long enough to make the proper
inquiries, and found the facts as they are
represented hv your correspondent, he
would have learned. that he could retain
his newly conferred honors without de-
tracing from the deserts or interfering
with the advancement of his brother
Mr.. Grinnell is without blame in the
matter and does not deserve the censure of
your correspondent. On the contrary. he
deserves great credit for his untiring efforts
to secure proper acknowledgment, of
the services of brave and indefatigahle
officer. His we'll known perseverance will
not fail Of its reward.
Yours, DIES MONIES.