The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-04-08
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Farewell Addresses of Generals
French, Newton, and
PleasantOn.
ARMY OF THE Potomac
March %, 1864. {

ticularly among the troops Which have
been consolidated into other corps. The
object of the order is to secure greater
strength and means of consolidation. Ex-
perience has shown that a grand army,
composed of few army corps, with numer-
ical strength propOrtionately great, is much
more effective than one composed of
many small army corps, as well for the
purposes of discipline in camp as for ex-
tensive operations on the field of battle.
1t is the prevailing opinion in this army,
even among officers who are most unta-
vorably affected by the change, that the
present consolidation will result in benefit
to the service.
1t is with great regret, however, that the
soldiers leave the corps with which they
have been heretofore identified. The men,
bers of the First, and particularly those of
the Third corps, which was the largest in
the army, have heard with sorrow the or
der which destrOyes the organization of
those corps, under whose distinctive colors
they have fought with honor on so many
battle fields, and where the blood of their
brave companions, who fell so molly, has
covered the names of those corps with
them to retain their badges and distinctive
marks, it is with manifest reluctance that
they sunder those strong associations which
bind in common fellowship companions
in arms on the field of battle. None par
take of this feeling so sensbly as the gen.
eral officers who have been removed from
their old commands, and the various staff
officers, whose positions have been changed
in consequence
TIE general officers, however, have
gracefully yielded TO the requirements of
this order with a spirit of magnanimity
becoming noble soldiers. Only their per-
sonal aids-de-camp accompany the gen.
erals
The order was promulgated Immediate
ly after Lieutenant General Grants arrival
at his headquarters in he field. It was
not General Grant, however, but General
Meade, who designated the particular corps
to be consolidated. General Grant but
simply gives his sanction to the order.
When the news was first announced
there was great activity at the several
headquarters indicated, and arrangements
were soon mde for an immediate conpli-
ance with the provisions Ofthe order. Soon
after Major General Sykes received the
order relieving him from command of the
Fifth Corps, Major Warren, its newly as
signe! commander, rode up to the corps
headquarters, accompanied by his staff,
and formally assumed command. Major
Gen. Sykes was evidently deeply touched
when he learned that he was ordered to
report in Kansas, go far away from the
fine command with which he had been 80
long identified. He will be accompanied
to LeavenwOrth by two Of his aids-Lieut.
Ingham and Lieut.. Snyder. Capt Jay,
his other aid, has been assigned to duty at
the headquarters of the army.
General Sykes, after issuing the farewell
address to his troops sent to you yesterday,
was escorted to the depot by number of
his officers, and went down to Washington
en- route for the West.
GEN. FRRNcH's ADDRESS TO HIS TROOPS.
Major General French was also ex-
tremely sorry to leave the soldiers with
whom he had fought on SO many battle
fields. His officers flocked to his head
quarters to renew their assurances of per-
sonal regard, and to express their regret at
his approaching departure. They also
spoke of the historic fields on which they
had fought together. Many of them ac-
companied him to Brandy Station, and
there babe him farewell before he went to
Philadelphia. General French issued the
following characteristic address to his
soldiers:
GENERAL ORDERS-NO 26.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY COErs
Pp
Having been detached from the Army of the
Potomac in consequence of its reorganization
into three corps, desire to express the per-
sonal feelings of regret with which the order
is received. The consolidation of the corps
gives this army greater strength. The Gen r
ais to command them are conspicuous for their
gallantry and ability. Only known in the de-
strong probability that l may soon meet in the
field those brave soldiers with whom have
been SO long associated with pride and distinc-
ton. VIM. Il. FRENCH Maj. Gen. Vols.
GENERAL NEwTON's ADDRESS TO HIS TROOPS.
Major General Newton, lately COM
handing the First Corps, which is now
merged into the Fifth, was universally be-
loved by his troops. In quiet manner
he babe farewell to bis division and brigade
commanders. General Newton has been
intimately associated with the army Of the
Potomac, and has fought in nearly all its
battles. Last evening the troupe belong
ing to the Brooklyn Fourteenth regiment,
in his corps, gave a musical entertainment
in Oulpepper, at which some pleasing allu-
sions to the General were made. He issued
the following:
HEADo'Rs, FIRST CORPS, March 20, 1868.
In relinquishlng command, take occasion
to express the pride and pleasure have expo
rienced with you, and my profound regret al
our separation.
Identified by its services with the history OF
this war. the First Corps gave at Gettysburg
browning proof of valor and endurance In
saving from the enemy the strong position
upon winch the battle was fought. Inc ter
riEle losses suffered by the corps on the LIST OF
July ATTEST its supreme devotion to the coun-
Try. though the title of the corps may rot
survive the present changes, history will not
NC siieut upon the magnitude of its services.
JOHN NEWTON, Major General.
General Newton went down to Wash
lngton this morning. He was accompanied
by Gen. Kinley. Gen. Newton will paw q
passing visit to his family in New London,
Conn, previous to going to Cincinnati