Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-04-24

THE VERMONT DELEGATION AND
THE PROVOST MARSHALS.

THE PROVOST MARSHALs.
Captain House, late Of the Sd Vermont
Regiment, has written long article which
! first appeared in the Pbnnix and then in
other papers, in which he attempts to show
that the Vermont Delegation acted without
patriotism, Independence or fairness and re-
commended men simply on political grounds.
These are very grave charges. They have
the appearance of being very well backed up
With evidence. They seem at glance to be
proved and established, and yet the whole
thing is misrepresentation. 10 say The least.
Captain House complains because army
officers who have lost health in the service, or
have been discharged on account of wounds,
have not been appointed Provost Marshals
instead of citizens who have not gone into
services.
This looks fair at frst, but when we reflect
upon it can we find any reason why an officer
who has served his country in the field and
lost his health or limbs there, should have
appointments in other capacities simply on
account Of that
Take, for example, this Capt House. He
went out in the Sd Regiment, and from all
know, served faithfully until he resigned. He
has l am told, been trying to get the Delega-
Now some, and perhaps the majority, at first
thought, will say his services are claims to
such an appointment But let us look at this
fact: when he went out, there were some
twenty young men in the place where he rails
ed the company who desired to 20 in his
place. lie thought himself fortunate in go
ing they considered themselves unfortunate
in staying at home In one sense he was
tauorod--he had a chance to show his patriot
ism and yalor,-he could serve his country
in an honorable position. He went 1t was
his ohoice--his advantage Others could not
90 as Captains, and he was the more fortunate.
Now TO say that because he had the good
fortune to occupy position which tDeaty
men as worthy as himself would have been
glad to have occupied, he ought to have
post assigned him to the exclusion of all
others, is simply to say because a man has
good thing once, he should have another good
thing again Certainly he who goes out to
defend our country is deserving Of regard,
but are there not hundreds of others who
would gladly have gone in these officers
places, who deserve just as much regard when
1t comes to appointments in other branches
of the service
Captain House complains because Hon. |
Elisha White was recommended for Provost
Marshal in the Sd district. Now let us look .
at the facts in regard to this recommendation |
Mr., White is a man too old for active service |
in the field. He is man of integrity and
ability. He is not politician. lie never ask |
ed for an office IN his life He himself propos-
ed the name Of Capt. j. T. Drew for Provost
Marshal in his district, but it was dscertained
that the Capt. would not accept of it. He
also mentioned Lieut.. Col. Grout, of the sta
Regiment, but it was thought he could do
more good in. the field 1t was then resolved
that he should himself assume the duties,
although ne did not desire it,
In case of Mr.. Henry, it was known that
he is an active, energetic and popular man
he too is out of the range of conscri ption-so
his taking this post does not lessen the num-
Der Of those to be drafted He was recon-
mended because he was the best man brought
forward for the place, and because he has not
been in the service is no reason why he should |.
not now have chance to do so.
Hon. X. Gleason is an active. energetic and |
capable mana man too old to go into SER |
vice in the field, but who sent his sons, and |
who has always been a man who worked hard
for the success Of the loyal party. Captain
House calls him political hack" Tns
may mean a great deal or it may mean moth
ing 4; we choose to take the latter view One
thing is certain, he is man in every way fit
ted for the duty he will have to perform, and
as he is an old man and cannot go into the
field, and as Captain House is a young,
well man, and can, am sure this delegation
acted wisely in leaving nothing to prevent
both from being useful.
The names of Captain Corbin, Captain
House, Capt Eaton, Capt. Smith, Lieut.. Col
Joyce and Major CLARK were mentioned, and
were highly recommended by many and spok
en- well of by all All were brought forward .
for the places but in view of so many good /
names, and as most OF them will be able to do
active duty again, it was thought best to
make the appointments from among the old
men who have the zeal and intelligence for
active duty, but not the physical strength
This was done. 1t is pity Capt. House is
not pleased, for it may embarrass the govern
ment. TRAXUs