Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-06-18


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THE ARMY OF THE PoToMAC-AREvIEw,N No. 2
We yesterday briefly adverted to the wide scope
allowed themselves by the Committee on the Con-
duct Of the War in performing the functions with
which they were charged by both Houses of Con-
gress.
1t appears that very early in their Investigations
they desired to possess themselves of Gen. McClel
lan's plans" Gen. Richardson and Gen. Heint-
zelman, the first officers called before the committee
at their FIRST session, were both vainly nterrogated
on this point In the second of their sessions,
held on the 18th Of December, 1861, they called
before them Gen. William B. Franklin, known
to be trusted and confidential friend Of the Gen.
eral-in. Chief The chairman, Mr. Wade, pro-
pounded to him the following questions, (see evi-
dence, p 1928
"Qusstion. Do you know any thing in regard to the
plans of the Generan Chief with relation to the opera
tions of this armyf
"Answer do know something in regard to it,
to the committee We are all s,corw to secrssy We
ioant to knoW Dha the plans Of the Commanding General
are
Answer Before doing so would prefer, if the com.
mittee will permit me, TO see Gen Mcclellan on the sub
ecf because do nothnk he has made known his plans
to any body unless he has done or two Of his
dersauding that to keep them to ourselves IF
the committee will permit me- would much prefer to
him before saying any thing to any body about it,
Question How long since you have had such conver-
wit
Answer The last particular conversation had with
him was week ago to-day.
Question. will waive that matter for the present
then"
At later stage in the examination of this same
officer Mr.. Wade returned to this topic, and again
sought to elicit from Gen. Franklin his knowledge
of the "plans of Gen. Mcclellan. Gen. Frank
lin having urged that there might be very good
reasons for keeping things quiet, because we know
that every thing SO far has got out" Mr.. Wade
rejoined as follows:
The Chairman This nation is making an extraordi-
nary effort. Next March we sha be 5000, ,0000 900
debt for what have already DONE And nothing has
yet been done that to be at all with
the exertcus the nation has made And every body knows
that our finances are not in condition to keep this M
eternslly ALI this is hanging upon who keeps
bis counses entirely to himself If be old veteran
who had fought hundred bates,or knew him we'll
d
pose upon him with confidence But how can this nation
abide The secret counses that in his head
when have no evidence that he is the wisest in
the worldf
"The witness. / think Gen. Mcclellan feels that as
you do He knows the country has reposed great deal
confidence in him than be has shown he deserves
But believe he 10 doing all he to show the country
that he does deserve their confidence.
The chairman. ! am not complaining of his faith
lessness.
"The witness Now whether he should tell his plans
he ho
tell a-is question. 1t may be q question whether he
had not better keep them ali to himself
Question by Mr. Chandler. IL it not customary, in
council of war, for the to take the
views of his generals if he does give his own
Answer. Yes, sir. Yet the best military authorities
advise every general never to call council of
"Question by the chairman Mr.. Wade) Yet it s fire.
quenty donef
"Answer. Yes sir; but not always think IL is bet
ter for General to consult his officers and learn what
their ideas are without giving his cwn. Gen Mcclellan
has told me some things about his plans ,ohich hare not
told you.
"Question. understand that
"Answer. And which should like to see him about,
in case you should want to know about it,
The chairman. We will waive that for the present
here armed with the whole power Of both Houses Of
Congress- They have made it duty to inquire into
the whole conduct of the into every department Of
it. We do not want to do any thing that will result 10 any
knoso If can, Dhaf Is to Be done for tie coaxfy in
jeopardy want you, therefore, to consult Gen. McCe
Ian Though we expect him to be here and give infor
nation hope you will consult him. a. we may want to
call you again
Gen. Mcdowell being summoned before the
committee on the same day, Immediately after
Gen. Franklin, he was in like manner asked if he
was ain possession Of any plans Of movement
now" His reply being in the negative, the chair
man next asked If the witness did not think .
council Of officers should be held for the purpose Of
diacussing the "plans,'' whatever they might be.
To'this suggestion Gen. Mcdowell replied as fol-
lows, Up. 1919
"Peope differ very much about councils Of / my
self never bave inclined towards them and from all that
have read and from my general opinion OF councils Of
do not think well Of them. But this 10 matter Of
opinion think 1t would be proper for ths General in
Chief TO call upon sny particular officer officers Ia
mAnd upon the stan whom he might suppose had know
edaa that would Be- uaefnl haya M dos,6t fhsx - spoud