Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1863-01-10
SATURDAY, JAN. 10, go.
The FKEDERIC X snURG BLUNDER

The FREDERICK sBURG BLUNDER
In view of the developments brought to
light by the Congressional Committee
which visited the scene of our late defeat,
we may we'll inquire who controls the
military operations Of our country. The
rational conclusion would be, under ordi.
nary circumstances, that the War Depart
ment was the great central head where all
the sources of information centered, and
from whence emenated all orders regulat.
ing the movements Of the different divis-
ions OF the army; that q we'll matured
plan of the campaign was arranged for
the advancement of which the various
commanders were operating under the
orders Of one who acted advisedly with q
view to general results. Under the ion.
preston that this was the correct theory
there was a general distrust of the ability
Of Stanton to discharge the duties of Sc.
cretary of War, be being a mere civilian
to remove which Gen. Halleck was made
Commander in Chief with bis head quar-
tiers in Washington. Under this state Of
things the public were content, believing
that through the administrative talent of
the one, and the military skill of the
other, our complicated affairs would be
managed with wisdom and prudence but
the Fredericksburg investigation proves
all this a delusion. In order to shield
themselves from responsibility these pub,
lie innctIclaries are forced to make the
Illuminating avowal that the advance of
Burnside was not by order-or in accord.
anee with any plan of the President, the
Secretary of War or Gen Halleck The
fact is revealed that in assigning to Burn.
side the command Of the largest and most
important division Of our force he is not
only left without specific orders, but is
required to report what he proposes to do.
And the further fact is made public that
Burnside frankly avowed his inability to
take charge Of so large an army. and thu.
he really knew less Of the position of the
troops than any other corps commander.
Yet in the face of the enemy and upon
the eve of the most decisive events of the
whole war he is appointed to superceed
one whose fam, is world wide, and know
ing we'll the cause which led to his pro.
motion, he resolves to appease the insane
demand of the radicals by disregarding
the prudence and caution of his predeces
sor in making an advance upon the strong
ly fortified intrenchments of the enemy.
The result is before the world, and the
only consolation we may derive from it is
that dark and stormy night enabled our
army to escape utter annihilation. That
Burnside was entirely ignorant Of the
strength of the enemy is apparent from
the fact that in reply to a question on this
point, he states to the Committee that
Lees force is estimated all the way from
100, 900 to 100000 men. To the same
question the veteran Sumner replies, that
in his opinion the opposing force fully
equals our own. All the information the
commanding General possessed was that
new road had beeu made the possession
Of which would give him decided advan.
tage-and this was based upon the state.
ment of contraband-and most unfor-
tunately the reputed road was not found.
70" The result of the Congressional inquest
seems to be that no one is to blame except
Burnside, and that he is entitled to public
sympathy, because OF the frankness with
which he assumes responsibility. And so
the whole matter ends, with loss of
probably $4,000 men, and letter of fell.
titation from the President to the suryiv-
ors at their fortunate escape.
S. p. 1eomans has assumed the edito.
rial management Of The Sioux City REG
Wa ;nI,o IL >: 4