The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-12-05

probable source Of these charges, and their
object, closing by demand that he be or
dered before competent court and have
an opportunity to vindicate himself, pro-
testing that he could not with justice to
himself or his Department continue longer
in command while this cloud was hanging
over him. The President of the United
States made no reply tn this letter but put
his official heel upon the charges and re-
fused to take further notice of the matter
and it is but q simple act of justice to both
Mr. Lincoln and Gen. Curtis to say that
the cotton matter did not enter into the
cause of his removal subsequently. 1t is
not my aim to speak of General Curtis in
connection with the administration of this
Department. Your readers are well aware
with what ability and fidelity he discharg
ed the delicate and onerOus duties, and if
mistake not would gladly see him back
l only wish to trace the cotton persecu-
tons, which though openly suspended
while at st. Louis, nevertheless were per-
sistently carried forward secretly.
ORIGIN AND ILLEGALITY OF THE NJ DOW
4, ELL COURT OF INQUIRY.
Illnow whereof 1 speak when / say that
Mr.. Lincoln did not remove General Cur
tbs because of completely in cotton traffick,
yet, right upon the heels of the order as
signing Gen. Schofield to command, the
Mcdowell Court commenced it's sittings
in st. Louis. Gen. Curtis was the first
witness summoned. Unjust be, therefore,
that some official here in Washington was
receiving evidence andinformation against
this officer and aiding in the cryStaliza-
ton of the cotton SANDERS at headquarters.
The order converting the Court did not
eminate from the President bit scdS issued
by Gen. Halleck, which is an indirect vio-
lation of Article go of the articles of War,
which says: "But as Courts of Inquiry
may be perverted to dishonorable purpos-
es, and may be considered as engines of
destructionItO military merit in the hands of
weak and envious commandants, they are
hereby prohibited, unless directed by the
President of the United States, or demand
ed by the accused" The temper of this
officer towards Gen. Curtis has never been
the best, and his course toward Gen. Curtis
and others like him has not been of an i'm
partial character. He has no more right
by virtue of his position to override
the articles of war or assume to act for the
President than Maj. Gen. Hitchcock or any
other officer on duty at the War Department..
The Court, then beside being illegally
called, in order to cap the climax and make
the affair more disgraceful, violated the
articles of war. Articles 81 and so say the
Court Martial and examine them on oath
and that the parties accused shall have the
privilege Of cross-examining and interro-
eating the witnesses, but the Court refused
Gen. Curtis the privilege of appearing by
counsel or otherwise, and also denied him
the opportunity of cross-examining wit
nesses or interrogating them. A just and
cases should be governed by the rules of
evidence, but this sham Court acted upon
common rUmOr, hearsay and opinion. 1t
is not surprising that Court which vio-
lates the plainest justice, Court that in
vites incompetent testimony, will, when it
comes to make up its judgment, give mere
rumor the, preference to the facts as they
really exist.
FINDING OF THE COURT.
The finding Of the Court was vague and
indecisive. It was thought that Gen. Cur
It's was in some way connected with the
cotton speculation, but they could not tell
just how. The thing at last was whitfield
down to very small point, and we thus
have the result of months of unremitting
inquiry on an er pGrte examination, giving
the accusers the benefits Of all doubts, the
accused none, presuming guilt upon hy-
pothesis equally consistent with inno-
cence.
Justice comes tardily sometimes but it's
sure to come, and know it will be espe-
cially gratifying 10 the large circle of Gen.
Curtis friends all over the country to know
| that his vindication before the President is
most complete, and that ne has penetrated
and scattered the cloud which has been
gathering over him for eighteen months
and baffied his enemies who were such be-
cause he was the enemy Of slavery and
dared to strike the rebellion where it was
vital. 1t will seem almost incredible to
those who credited the stories Of Gen. Cur
It's fabulous gains to see it whitfield down
| to so small a point and so easily and salts
factorily explained, and have no doubt,
some day, it will be asked, and some one
must answer, wheher officers Of Gen. Cur
tis' ability, courage and service, land he is
not the only one) can with IMMUNITY be
pursued by secret and open inquisitior
without the opportunity of self.defence un-
til all the world are ready to pronounce
him guilty. The record in his case is a dis
grace to any country and a shame to the
officers who have sought by it to blacker
as fair and honorable name as is entered
in the roster Of our country's heroes
Thanks to justice and just judge. who
sits in the final court of appeal-Hones1
Abraham Lincoln, Gen. Curtis comes out
with reputation untarnished, and it is
thought here will soon receive a command
commensurate with his ability.
| VOnrs JAMES g. porITON