The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-11-13
Why Rosecrans was Removed.
JOHN L. H0DSD0N,
Adjutant General.

Why ROsecrans was Removed.
From the Washington correspondent Of q
New York paper who assumes to speak author
itatiyely, we learn what appears to be reliable
reasons for Gen. Rosecrans' removal. 1t is
well enough to state that all reports concerning
the habits of the General, which are said to
have at times incapacitated him for his duties,
are entirely incorrect. The first dissatisfaction
of the Government at his course began at the
battle of Stone river in what appeared to be an
unwarrantable delay in not following up the
victory which he had so nobly won. Cores
pondence ensucd which was irritating to both
sides, especially so to the Government, from the
Generals indiscreet and naughty replies.
2. After occupying Tullahoma there was the
same ground of complaint with the same re-
suits. Perhaps the Department did not well
appreciate all the difficulties under which Rose
Grams laborcd; but having had good grounds
for complaining of the delay at Murfreesboro',
they might not have scrutinized as closely as
they would have done under other circum-
stances. Add to this the tact that at the time
tho Department was urging Rosccrans to adj
varcc, unfortunately for himself he went to
Nashville to inspect the garrisons there, and
stopped at hotel two weeks. This the Gov
ernment construed as an act of Indifference to
its desires, and the former state of irritation
was not thereby allaycd. lie was now ordered
to advance, which he did, crossing the Tcnnes-
sec river with commendable dispatch.
3. We now come to the Chickamauga cam
paigu. After crossing the river the stronghold
to occupy was Chattanooga. He might advance
and storm the position rs Burnside attempted
TO do at fredericksburg, or flank the enemy by
crossing 30 miles below; and when he should
thus outAank Bragg, Rosccrans was to fight
his way into Chattanooga The attempt to thus
occupy that position brought on BATTLE
when Bragg found his line Of retreat threaten
ell by Rosecrans 30 miles on his flank he has
tened to leave his position. and one corps OF
Rosccrans occupied that stronghold, but It was
only temporarily. and the battle of Chickamau-
"a was necessary in order to get his army into
Chattanooga. This he did, although technical
~ the battle was defeat to us.
4. Add to the dissatisfaction as thus far ex-
pressed that to which VIC called attention soon
after the battle was fought-thc absence OF
Rosecrans from the front on the second day
By some mysterious manner, unlcssit was VOL
untary, the General became separated from his
Chief of Staff at the crisis of the battle. While
trying to rally that part of his army that was
routed he was pressed back with it from the
centre and leGt, to the foot of the mountain. To
again reach his command it was necessary to
climb the mountain and make detour of seven
or eight miles. While doing this he met stray
Clers from Ncgley's command, from whose re-
ports he concluded that both his right and left
were routed. and he instantly resolved to has
ten back to Chattanooga, and this was the IA
tai mistake of his life. This act of his which
the Government could not excuse, decided his
removal.
5. The fifth reason assigned as influencing
the Government in making up its decision was
the abandonment of lookout Mountain"
which Gen. Hooker has recently reposSesscd.-
The Department regards that as unnecessary,
and calls il a further result of his having been
"stampeded." Gen. Rosecrans regarded the
point as too far from his main body to be de-
feasible.
6. Another reason as stated by this CORES.
pendent was the connection OF Rosccrans with
a dsrcputable officer whom he appointed Chief
of Police, Mr.. Truesdale. This person was, 1t
is said, expelled from Grants army for cotton
speculation of an Illicit character. Yet he
managed to work upon the good will of Gen.
Rosecrans till he got this important position
Add to this tho fact of an unpleasant feeling
existing between Rosccrans and Grant, and a
reliable data We think can be obtained for the
action of the Government in this matter.