The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-02-27
Letter from Gen. Scott.

In the House Of Representatives, Oath inst.
Mr.. Stevens produced tho following copy Of a
letter from Gen. Scott. The letter is on file
in the War Department, and tells Its own
story. It Is as follows:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE Army,
Washington, Oct. 4, 1861. s
Hon. Simon Cameron. Secretary War
Sir, You are. I believe aware Of tho fact
that hailed the arrival here Of Maj. Gen.
Mcclellan as an event Of happy conse-
quence to the country and the army indeed.
If did not call for HIM heartily approved
Of the suggestion. and gave him most cor
dial reception and support. He, however,
had hardly entered upon his new duties
when encouraged to communicate directly
with the President and certain members OF
the Cabinet, he in few days forgot he had
any intermediate commander. and has now
long prided himself upon treating inc with
uniform neglect, running into disobedence
of orders. OF the smaller matters of neg.
lect, though in themselves grave military
offences, need not speak In the face Of the
following. To suppress an irregularity more
conspicuous in Major General Mcclellan
than in any other officer, published the fol-
lowing:
General Orders. No. II.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE Army,
Washington. Sept. l6, 1861. I
There are irregularities In the correspon.
dence of the army which need prompt cor
rection. 1t is highly important that junior
officers on duty be not permitted to cores
pond with the General.in. or other
commander on current official business, ex-
cept through immediate commanders, and
the same rule applies to correspondence with
the President, direct, or with him through
the Secretary OF War, unless by the special
invitation or request Of the President.
By command of Lient. General Scott.
L. ID. TOWNSEND,
Asst Adj't General.
With this order fresh in his memory, Gen.
Mcclellan addressed two important commu-
nications to the Secretary of War respective.
ly on the 10Th and 10th of the same month,
over my head, and how many since to the
Secretary, and even to the President direct l
have not inquired. but many, i have no
doubt, besides daily oral communications
with the same high functionarics, all with.
out my knowledge Second, to correct
another class of grave neglects, ] the same
day caused to DO addressed to Gen. McClel-
Ian the following order:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, Sept. 1861.
Maj. Gen. McC lellan. u s. A. Command
.... or az Dafau1r n ns,, ms nd
ing General OF the army Of the Potomac
will cause positions, state and number OF
troops under him to be reported at once to
general Headquarters, by divisions, brigades
and independent Regiments or detachments,
which report will be followed by reports OF
new troops as thoy arrive, with dispositions
made of them, together with all material
changes which may take place in the same
army.
.. BY cammand of GEs. ScoTr.
Eighteen days have elapsed and not the
slightest respect has been shown to either OF
these orders by Gen. McLellcn; perhaps he
will say in respect to the letters, it has been
difficult for him to procure the exact returns
of divisions, brigades, &c. No doubt, but
why not have given mo proximato returns
such as he so eagerly furnished the President
and Sccretares2 Has, then, senior no
corrective power over q junior oiiiccr2 In
case of such persistent neglect and disobedi
cnce the remedy by arrest and trial before q
court martial would probably soon end all
evil.
But it has been feared conflict Of au-
thority near the head of the army would be
highly encouraging to our enemies and de-
pressing to tho friends of the Union, hence
my long forbearance and continuing, though
but nominally, in duty. shall try to hold
out until the arrival of Maj. Gen Halleck
when, as his presence will give an increased
confidence in tho safety Of the Union, and
being rs am unable to ride in saddle or
walk by reason Of dropsy in my feet and legs
and paralysis in tho small of my back. I shall
definitely retire from the army.
(Signed WINFIELD Scorr..