The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1863-03-07

/ Indeed, if / did no. call for him,
heartily approved of the suggestion, ,and
gave him the most cordial reception
and support.
He, however, had hardly entered up
on his new duties, when, encouraged to
communicate directly with the Presi-
dent and ce,tsin members Of the Cabi-
net. he in few days forgot that he had
any immediate commander. and hal
now long pri,ed himself upon treating
me with uniform neglect, running in.o
disobedience Of orders. OF the small
Ter ma ters OF neglect thou ,h in them.
selves grave military offences. | need
not speak, in tie face of the following.
To suppress an irregularity more con-
spicuous in Major Gen. Mcclellan than
in any other oificer,I published the fol-
lowing:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, Sept. l6, 1861.
General Orders No H..
There are irregularities in the cor
respondence of the army which need
propt correction. 1t is highly impor-
lant that junior officers on duty be not
permitted to correspond with the Geu-
eralin- Chief or other commander on
current official business. except through
intermediate commanders; and the same
rule applies to correspondence with the
President direct, OF with him through
the Secretary OF War, unless it be by
the special invitation or reques, Of the
President.
By command OF Lieut.. Gen. ScoTT.
+. ID. TOWNSEND. ASST Adjutant Gen.
With the order fresh in his memory.
Major General Mcclellan addressed
two important communications to the
Secretary of War. OH respectively the
i9lh and 20!h Of the same month, over
my head; and how n~ny since to the
Secretary. and even to The President
direct, have 90; inquired, but many,
l have no doubt, besides daily oral
communications with The same high
fgnctiouaries, all wiihou; my know
ledge.
Second. 10 correc; another class of
grave neglects. l the same day caused
to be addressed to Gen. Nc Clellrn the
following order:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE Army.
Washington, Sept, 16, 1861
To 4Ncyor General 4Hc Cieiian, u. S. H.,
Commanding Department of tie Poto-
mac:
Tie Commanding General of the
Army of the Potomac will caase the
positions, state. AMI number OF troops
under him to be reported at once 10
General Headquarters by divisions.
bridges, and independent. regiments or
detachments, which report will be fol-
lowed by reports CT new troops as they
arrive, with the dispositions made OF
them. together with aii the material
changes which may take place in the
same army.
By command OF Lieut.. Gen. Scorr.
E. D. Townsend, ASST Adj. Gen.
Eighteen days have now elapsed and
not the slig respec; has been shown
to either Of these orders by Maj. Gen
Mcclellan. Perhaps he viii say. in
respect 10 The lAi;er.it has been Difficult,
for him 20 procure exac; returns of
divisions, ,brigades. &c. No doubt; bu.
why not have given mo proxima,e re-
turns. such as he so eagerly furnished
tie President and certain Secretaries.
Has. then senior nc corrective power
over a junior oG::er in case Of such
persistent neglec, sud disobediencs
The remedy BY arrest and trial by
corr:-mar,ial would probably soon cure
! the evil; bu! it has been feared con-
f1ict Of authority near the mead OF the
army would be highly encouraging to
the enemies and depressing 10 the
friends Of the Union. Hence my long
forbearance, and continuing (though
but nominslly) in duty. shall try 10
hold out till the arrival Of Maj. Gen.
Halleck. when, as his presence will
give me increased confidence ia The
safety Of the Union, and b.;ng. as I an,
unable 10 ride in the saddle or walk,
by reason Of dropsy in nay fee. and
legs and paralysis 10 the small OF the
back. | shall de6uilively retire from tie
array.
have the honor 10 remain,
With high respect,
foui mos; obedient servant,
WIsrI2LD SCoTr.