New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-09-21
FROM THE ARMY OF THE JAMES
Hesign"tfon OF Col. shRfcr--Rebci Dc
sertrrs-Rcturn OF Gen. Butler.

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HDQs. OF THE ARMY Or THE Jurrs,
September IL, 1854. )
Col. j. w. Shaiier, Chief OF Staff 20 Gen.
Butler has resigned his commission bis has
been accepted and he goes In few days to hts home
in Illinois Commissioned at the beginning Of the war;
Captain and A. Q. NJ, he served in that capacity some
time ct the West. was then made Colonel and Chief
Quariernaser oftho Department Of the South stationed
at Port Royal. Thence he ordered TO Washington
to be sent as Chief Quareinaser OF tho armies on the
Mississippi, but New Orleans having been taken about
that time, he dispatched forthwith IN the same ca
pacity to that place. where during eight months his
labors were 10 0rduous tho. N Jcnu1ry, l-O3 he
was Obliged To come North. ia worry poor health.
His originally fine constitution seeming 70 be so shat
tered I'D preclude the hope ~ returning TO ac.Ve
duty, he rendered his resignation. Sseretafy Stanton,
however positively refused 10 permit him 20 rosels
saying he might have line 10 recover lis health, but
should not leave the service
Gen Butler. on being assigned 70 The Department u
Virginia and North Carolina rendered Col Shaffer the
position Of Chief Of staff which he acccrcd, although
still IN delicate health. Since then re bas performed
tie duties Of that position to the entire satisfaction OF
even 20 exaeting officer Gen Butler. And II his
efficiency has met the approval Of the General not loss
has be, by force OF character and social qualities won
the respect and love of his brother staff ohcors, and all
others who have come IN contact With him.
Sometime ago, when 1t became apparent 10 bis friends
and TO himself that lac must quit tue service or become
hopelessy broken in bcilth Gen. Butter finally con
the great services be bad rendered forw srLed his resg
! nation and procured its acceptance.
Col SLATER will shortly West where. go far as lis
strength viii permit be- viii mid In the political cam
pagn since he believes that the defeat Of the
gonomnecs The polls depends the defeat VI the Rebel
Armies in the field.
Cen. Weitlel Will succeed him. ii lcas! temporarily.
as Chief Of Staff.
Among the deserons from the enemy yesterday were
Major and two Capteins No wonder the men desert
whom the commissioned officers set tho example IL is
known that several plans have been concerted to come
in large bodies, but nave been frustrated at tho
last moment by trcachcry. Tho only who can get
away are those placed on picket End these have no
chance except in very few localities. Probably not
in fy Il the Rebel army has had an opportunity
the las, month. which dill not involve too much risk
for 10 try il and To fail is 10 be remorseessly shot
The devices they adopt 10 get away are ten inge-
NOUS. One man goes after water between fhc mes
another for forage fur his horse another fer roasting
he 70 lines to exchange papers or tra
c tobacco for other uXnrles. But Suspected man Is
permitted any Of these privileges hencs those who es-
cape successfully those against whom suspicion has
never been excited.
Two lately came over whose home Atlanta IN
their own words-"Whcn hecrd you'd gut thar
We kinc.udcd jeff Davis war dead COON
Gen Butler has returned from Fortress Monroe much
better IN health. Ia Gen. Gran.s absene. hs commands
al the armies operating against Richmond. t. p