The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-04-10

Special Dispatch to The Saint Paul Pioneer.

.s'n ,,;. NEW York, April 5. !,
The full report of the Committee on the
Conduct of the War, occupies sixty-four
closely printed pages. The principal part
Of the testimony relates to the army Of
the Potomac. .,.'t,.rr .ttoFl.. 81
The report shows that in December
1851, exclusive of the command Of Gen.
Dix at Baltimore, the Potomac army num-
bered $4,000 men, well armed, disci-
plined and equipped. ia s5 .jo 4ii
b The strength of the enemy was various
ly estimated at from 10000 to 100000 at
that time, and their works exceedingly
formidable, but subsequent events proved
that their force was less than 1900, and
the strength of their Notifications greatly
over estimated at the time. 1t was con-
sidered unadvisable to attack the enemy
in front as it would be necessary to leave
$4,000 to 1000 men in front of Washing
ton for its defense, thereby allowing about
10000 for service elsewhere. .....
The committee AYERS that adequate
provision was amply made to properly man
the Notifications in Xront Of Washington.
In relation to the blockade of the Poto-
mac, the committee states that it was pro-
posed to Jake possession of Matthias Point
in June, 1861, and again in August, but
nothing was DONE In October plan was
adopted to takeit. The Potomac fotilla to
act concertedly with a detachment of
troops, but the troops were not sent as
agreed, and the plan was not tried. Soon
after the Potomac flotilla left on the Port
Royal expedition, when the river was al
most immediately blockaded by rebel bat
teries until the rebels voluntarily eyac-
uated.
On the 10th of January, 1862, the
President, as commander-in-c chief, issued
an order for general movement of all the
rmies of the United States, one of the re-
suits of which was the capture of forts
Henry and Donelson. The President Or
dered all the disposable force of the army
of the Potomac, after providing for the
safety Of Washington, to seize a point on
the railroad southwest of Manassas, and
the expedition to move before the 22d of
February
This plan was objected to as dividing our
army by to great distance to enable the
two portions to support each other. The
commanding General recommended in
stead movement by way Of the Kappa
hammock or Fortress Monroe. To this pro-
position the President propounded certain
questions as to it's feasibility and advantage,
and finally amovement by way of Annap-
oils and the Rappahannock was agreed
upon, but the rebels evacuated their posi-
ton at Manassas, retreating to the Kappa
hammock, thus rendering the plan futile.
On the 18th of March a council of Gen
erals decided on campaign by way of
York and James Rivers, which the Presi-
dent sactioned, directing that enough
force be left to hold Manassas and leave
Washington secure. Mcdowell was as
signed the advance, but the transportation
not being adequate, his division was de-
tanned till the last, and subsequently de-
tanned for the defence Of Washington.
Previous to leaving, the Commanding
General addressed a communication to the
Adjutant General showing that he left
81, 456 men at different points in Warren
ton, Manassas, Shenandoah, and on the
lower Potomac; and $4,000 60 for the
garrison in front of Washington.
The next day Gen. Wadsworth stated
his force for the defence Of Washington
was inadequate, and the subject was re-
ferred to Gen. Halleck, who reported the
same opinion, which concludes with the
opinion that the requirements of the Presi
dent that enough force be left to secure
the safety of Washington had not been
fully complied with. The President the
next day ordered McDowell's corps to re-
main.
The Committee then refer to the PENN
sula campaign. After embarking near
Fortress Monroe, the army moved towards
Yorktown on the 18th of April, appearing
before the rebel works on the 9Th. The
committee says testimony proves that the
rebels had from 1000 to 10000 men at
Yorktown then, and it is now evident our
forces could then have pierced the rebel
lines, cutting off reinforcements, but a
siege was determined on, contrary to the
wishes of the President.
The committee rehearse the facts in re-
lation to the evacuation of Yorktown and
the battle of Williamsburg, and says that
one of the Generals testified that after the
latter battle, if the enemy had been follow
ed, our forces could have reached Rich
mond almost without firing gun, but the
General commanding said bad roads made