The new South. [volume] (Port Royal, S.C.) 1862-1867, 1863-01-31


Johnston were with the enemy Harvey was not
trusted Between Scott and Wool deadly feud
reigned Iwiggs had played traitor. Patterson,
like Scott was superannuated. After much con-
sntation the choice ofGovefnment fell upon Irwin
M'Dowell soldier Of fair rspute, who had been
cmployed for many years in the bureaux at Wash
ineton. The recent court -nartials have eectually
Scnced the calumnies which at one time obscured
General M'Dowell's fair fame no blot now rests
upon his honor. Put his original appointment was
probablv due to political Influence, and his subse
uuent record at Bull Run, and in the campaign of
1862. showed that, while his abilities were respec
table. he had no claim to the first place among
GeneraS s.
TO him succeeded Mcclellan, whom every one
pronounced the coming man. Such opportunities
as he enjoyed have seldom been YOU, ,hsafed to any
one in any country at any time. And 1t IS still an
open question whether or nethe made the most OF
them. For though his delays were exasperating,
il is not sure that greater haste would have been
safe: though his peninsular campaign was failure,
il is not sure that this was not caused exclusively
by the refusal of the Government at the last hour
to allow M'Dowell to cooperate with him: though
h, wasted precious monthin inaction after An
ti.tam and refused to move at the command OF
the President it is not sure that if he had moved
he would not have met his Fredericksburg. 1t is
certain that he possesses some of the qualities ofa
frst-rate General AS strategist, he is admitted
to be perfect. His plans are comprehensive, far
reaching and safe lIener-r neglects fElines OF
retreat.' He knows the value Of !earth-works, and
is aware tn t cannon-shot hit hard. He has made
an army, and, more than that, he has won their
1--we, as Napoleon won the love of hisrelie gardee
But. on the other hand, it is doubted by his critics
whether he has the dash and daring which are
essential to the making Of first-class General.
He is said never to have made an attack upon the
enemy, but always to have waited to be attacked
In him caution is said to preponderate over enter
prise he is always prone rather to eXaggerae than
to underrate an enemy's strength man, it is
even said of more science than genius. Such
soldier would b. admirable and perfect in COM
mand OF fortress, but could not aspire 10 the nrst
rank among Generals.
Burnsides place among soldiers is undetermined.
He has hitherto given proof Of the very qualities
which Mcclellan is said to lac..i, viz, energy and
daring. His attack upon the rebel batteries at
Roanoke and Newbern, and the attempt to storm
j Lees intrenchnents at Fredericksburg wer> not
at all in the Mcclellan style. They remind one
more of Napoleon's method He resembles
Mcclellan in his perseverance and in his popularity
with his men. 1t remains to be seen whether he
possesses the other great qualities OF that eminent
commander-his cooness, his power OF comblna-
ton, his foresight, and his rapidity of conception
II he does he will prove the General for the crisis.
The West has been prolific of Generals of fair
merit Lyon, had he lived wonld probably have
stood high. General Pope, who at one time en-
joyed repute second 70 none, struck his name of
the list of competitors for fame by the disastrous
campaign ending at Centreville. Ulysses Grant
has given evidence of enterprise and determina-
ton, and personal gallantry which have stood him
in good stead. He was very fortunate at Fort
Donelson. Whether his record at Shilc- where
he would have been destroyed but for accidents
beyond his eontrol-will bear the test Of inquiry,
Is aquestion yet undetermined However, he has
still opportunities of vindcating his claim to the
confidence reposed in him BY General llalleck.
General Stephen K. Curtis did exceedingly
well on the frontier of Missouri, and showed such
administrative ability that, when General Halle K
was called East, he succeeded him at St. Louis.
f,aneral Rlunt has lately won laurels in Arkansas