Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1864-04-01
A Word OF Caution.

There is good sense, and n word Of needed
caution, in the following, from the Army and
Nary Journal:
Mr.. Lincoln's order. appointing Lieutenant
General Grant to the command Of the armies
in the field. and naming as his subordlnates
Halleck, Sherman. and Mcpherson, is 4 curl
Gus commentary upon the reliabiilty OF the
estimate which the daily press and the pub
lie Is likely 10 put upon our military men
After the battle of Belmont, and more parti-
cularly subsequent 10 the fearful struggle at
Pittsburgh Landing, charges against the
urivate character OF General Grant were
freely bruited about which would now blister
the tongue Of the man who might have the
hardihood to repeat them. The lapse OF two
wears has not only branded these ,dle stories
as the blsest libels, 5ut has brought Gns0-
hcited to the one regarding whom they we're
uttered the highest military houors It Is m
the power of Congress to confer. 80 WITH
General Sherman. He was positively ana re-
peatedlv declared u be insane not much
more than two years ago. and WAS tcmQOr1r-
ilv without command because he irandy
declared his conviction that ut least 10000
men would be needed 70 clear the Rebels out
of Kentucky and Tennessee. To-day he en-
trols the movements OF more tnan that NUM-
ber in the Division of the Mississippi, ana
the Great West is daily sending bun rem
forcements by hundreds. Both these oilccls
have acted on the true military principle ol
allowing their deeds % -pe'k lJr them, ara
now rhev have their reward in the crl t-tl-e
and animation OF their countrymen ana
the Official endorsement Of their superiors
Gen. Mcpherson. fortunately for himself, has
thus far managed to escape hostile crlilc'5ll'
but the Rebels have given theif testimony %
his ability. and Gen. Grant takes so muca
pride in rewurding those who have ASSISTED
him in achieving his greatest successes ta-t
he has promptly advanced this oihcer TO the
nosition which he believes his brilliant talents
I dualifv him 10 fll The timc has not yet
/ come for the complete silencing Of those wlo
/ have made General Halleck the object oi un-
| inst criticism and virulent abuse, bat the
! cordial endorsement which the President be-
/ slowed upon him in his rrcens order, should
/ satisfy the carpers that he has performed his
l duties to the complete satisfaction OF the one
best qualified TO appreciate how laooIiols
and important they have been. Cen w T.
smith has also lived down the outrageous
ISLANDERS which reckless newspaper cores
nondents and even United States Senator's
uttered against him while the siege OF York
town was progressing, and now, at General
! Grants soiicitation, he has been nominated
for promotion to the next highest grade IN
tho Army. but these notable illustrations
and verv many more which might be men
TONED. should certainly make these who have
the power of so seriously damaging the re
putation and influence OF our orlcers, more
cautious about exercising 1t.
We trust now that we will not be consld
cred as actuated by any other motive tnaI
the best wishes towards the distinguishes
soldier placed ct the head OF the Army
should we whisper into the car OF the puoll
word of caution. Gen. Grants late serie
of successes has inspired many with undu
exnectations Of what it is possible for him :
DO; and has even given many false stand
ard Of Judgment respecting what 1t Is posi- ol
for anu man to do. It is not fair for Genera
Grant 10 expect that he will GlzGys be sue
cessful. Aternat;ons of victory and deiea
are the fortune Of war, and form law
which the greatest captains have been sur
|, ject. -.
i, is well to ponder, that 90 when q gener!
> has committed no faults in war be can onl
have been engaged in it but short time
II is enough If tho gross and scope OF b
|, action shall DO such as 10 forward the eaCi
he serves-if, through bright and roug
/, davs. be at least brings out victory ar
! suatches the bay. We sincerely hope tn
i General Grant will hereafter do as mud
+, :. bo has bitherto done 10 crush the Re5e
d lion, and we trust he IS destined oy 1T
vidence TO give 1t its coup De gIoee put I
a country can best aid hin in dong 'his' oy
;. the first place putting INTO his nan0 !
y means 20 do it, and in the next pace al
d always. by not embarrassing him oy
childish expectation OF uniform sneee'
/. which it has never fallen TO the lot OF a
i man to win.