The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-04-15
injustice to a Noble Officer,
Card From Major-Gen. Howard.

We publish the sub-joined letter from
Major-General HOWARD, for the purpose
merely of noticing the fragrant Injustice
that has been done to Col. S. S. CARROLL
one of the bravest and most competent
officers of the Army. He belongs to the
Regular Army, and has been const antly
in command of brigade, and participated
in some of the severest battles of the War,
but has not been thought worthy to receive
the rank of Brigadier-G General. 1t is a
disgrace to the Administration and the
country that such an officer is kept in the
background while such boobies as Dick
BUSTED can attain the highest rank:
GARD FROM MAJOR GENERAL HOWARD.
HEADoUARTERs, nth CORPS,
LOOKOUT VALLEY, Tenn, March q, 1864 {
EDS CON-. In the Army and Navy Journal.
March IL, 1864; also in the Cincinnati Com
mercial, March "a, 1864, letters appear from
Brigadier- General John Gibbon, command I'd
Corps, complaining that the services of Colo
mel 8. s. Carroll at the battle of Gettysburg
official manner. 1t is with painful regret that
find it appearing that have not complimented
the gallantry and efficiency of Colonel Carroll
and his command in such manner as was nv
purpose. The letter l wrote Colonel Carroll
was in no sense intended as private letter.
l have copy in my official record, which l
most gladly have transmitted to Major Gen.
eral Meade, and will be pleased if you will
publish the same. | would also furnish YOU
an extract from an official report relative to
Colonel CAROLS Brigade, had permission to
publish it.
1 wish to say in excuse for apparent negli-
gence, that supposed his own Corps Com
mander completely cognlzant of the doings of
this Brigade at Gettysburg. / warmly sub
scribe to the sentiment of Gen. Gibbons letter.
SO far as it concerns Colonel Carroll and pub
licly disclaim any intention to do an Injustice
to him or any other gallant soldier Twill add
that have omitted to commend several worthy
officers, who were connected with me and rem
dered the most honorable and timely service.
acknowledge this with sorrow, but am deter
mined to make all possible amends for such
omissions On the second day of the battle,
toward evening, my line being pressed, sent
an aid-de-camp to General Meade, requesting
achievements. The same aid-de-camp was
entrusted with on order or request from Gen.
eral Meade to General Gibbon, commanding
the Second Corps, to the same effect. be.
Meysenburg directly to General Hancock
commanding wing, with a similar request
this being done to save time. At any rate,
with generous promptitude, brigade under
Colonel Carroll was dispatched to the point
most endangered, moving up. in the manner
described in my letter. Colonel Carroll not
only repulsed the enemy at that point, but re-
manned during that night and the next day,
holding an important portion of the line, be-
tween Gems. Ames and Wadsworth Qst corps. J
Col. Carroll was exceedingly disappointed at
being retained after the position became one of
inaction. He was eager to participate in those
glorious operations where the I'd corps had SO
prominent part on the third and last day of
the battle. For fearlessness and energetic ac-
ton, Col. Carroll has not superior.
Respectfully.
90. HOWARD, Maj. Gen.
COPY.
HEADQUARTERS, nth CoRps,
WARRENToN JUNCTION, VIRGINIA.
July 90, 1868.
Colone! s. s. Carroll, Commdndiny Brigade, I'd
Corps:
CoLoNEL:-I wish to thank you for the
prompt support you gave me on the evening
of the I'd of July, at Gettysburg, on the ex-
IRENE right of General Ames' Division. was
particularly week at that point. having only
single thin line, through which the enemy were
just breaking. You came up quickly, deployed
and came into position after your old style.
For this, and for your subsequent patience in
strengthening that position until the close of
the attack on the Sd of July. tender you my
hearty thanks. Respectfully,
(Signed) o. HOWARD.