Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1863-03-13
rem General scott . sssrs.a.y

letter freni General scott % Secretary
Cameron
In the house Of representative, on the 24th
inst, Thad Stevens read the following letter
from Gen Scott to Secretary Cameron:
HEADQUARTERS or THE ARaY,
WAsHLS0TOsi October4, 1861.
Hon. S. Cameron Secretary Of War
SIR: You are, I believe. aware that I hailed
the arrival here of Major General Mcclellan Is
an event Of happy consequences to the country
and the army. Indeed, i'll did not call for him,
I heartily approved Of the suggestion, and gave
him the most cordial reception and support. he,
however, had hardly entered upon his new du
ties, when, encouraged 10 communicate directly
with the President and certain members of the
Cabinet, he IN s few days forgot that he had
any immediate commander, and has now long
prided himself upon treating me with uniform
neglect, running into disobedience Of orders.
OF the smaller matters, ~negleets, though in
themselves grave military offences, Insed not
speak, in the face Of the following. To sup
press an ~irregularity more conspicuous in Gen.
Mcclellan than in any other officer, l publish
the following
HEADaUARTERs oF4THE ARHY,
WAsHIEsToN, Sept. 10, ls6L
General Orders No. III
There are Irregularities il the correspondence
of the army which need prompt correction. Il
is highly important that junior officers on duty
be not permitted to correspond with the general
| in-chief or other commander on current official
business, except through intermediate command
ere. And the same rule applies 70 correspOn-
dence with the President direct, or with him
through the Secretary Of War, unless by the
special request or invitation Of the President.
By order Of LieUtenan-G General Scott
E D. TOWNSEND, A, a G.
With this order fresh in his memory Msior-
General Mcclellan addressed two important
communications to the Secretary Of War, dated
the 18th and both Of the same month, and how
many sincs TO the committee, even to the Pfesi-
ident direct. I do not know, bat many, I have
no doubt besides daily oral communications
with the same high funcEioRsries, al without my
knowledge.
Second, to correct another class of grave neg
lects, I, the same day, caused 70 be addressed 70
Gen. Mcclellan the following order:
HEADQUARTERS OF TIVE Army,
Washington, Sept. IS, 1861.
To Major Gen. Mcclellan, L.. S. A, commanding De-
pertinent Of the Potomac.
The commanding general Of the Army of the
Potomac viii cause the positions, state and
number of troops under him to bs reported at
once to general headquarters by divisions, bri-
eades, and independent regiments OF detaeh-
ments, which report will be forwarded by re-
ports Of new troops IS they arrive, with the dis
positions made OF them, together with ali the
material changes which may take place in tue
same army.
BY command Of Lieut. Gen. Scott.
E. B TOWNSEND, A. A. G.
Eighteen days have now elapsed aud not the
slightest respect has been shown TO either Of
these orders by MajosGeneral Mcclellan. Per
haps be viii say in respect to the latter it has
been dificult for him TO procure exact returns Of
divisions, b~rigades, etc. No doubt, but why not
have given me pFoximste returns, such as be so
eagerly furnished the President and certain sec
~retaries 2 Has, then, q senior no corrective
power over a junior officer In case Of suGh per
sistent neglect and d-isobediencs 2 The remedy
by arrest and trial before a coUrt-martial would
probably soon cure the evil but 10 he's bsen
feared a conflict Of authority near the head Of
the ermy would be highly encouraging to the
enemies and depressing to the friends Of the
Union. Hence nay long foTbearsnee, and con-
tinuing (shoUgh but nominslly) in duty. Ishail
try to hold out til the arrival OF Msi0i- General
Hsllsek, when. as his presence viii give me
increased confidence in the safety Of the Union,
and as I an unable TO ride in The saddle or wax,
by reason Of eFopsy in my fest snd legs and
paralysis in the small of the back, I shall defn-
itely retire from the army.
have tie honor to remain, with high respect,
your most 0bedient servant,
WINFIELD SCOTTcS