Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1864-08-18
The Retirement Of GEN. Wm. y,
(B0ldy) Smith,

A correspondent of the Rochester Dem
ocrat with Grants army, gives the fol-
lowing explanation of why Badly Smith
was relieved. We publish it for what it
is worth, remarking, however, that it In
many points differs nom the statement
of the gallant General himself.
The announcement of the removal of
Gen. VIM. f. Smith from the command
of the Eighteenth army Corps has been
received with much surprise by the
Northern public as it was in this army.
There had existed universal inpIes
sion, based upon striking past evidence,
that Gen. Grant had the highest opinion
of the natural ability and professional
requirements Of Gen, Smith, and that
their relations partook of the utmost in
timacy and mutual confidence and trust.
1t is unquestionably true that such was
the case in the past, 1t is no secret that
for the official eminence Gen. Smith has
enjoyed until lately he was mainly in
debted to Gen. Grant. Upon his strong
recommendation Gen. Smith was nomi-
mated and confirmed Major General, and
elected to the high command from which
he has just been removed. To break
such close ties and produce determin-
alton on the part of the man that did so
much to raise Gen. Smith to send him
into retirement, powerful causes certain
ly must have been at work.
1t is asserted by those who claim to
be well informed in the matter that
Gen. Smith manifested a spirit OF fault
finding, speedily resulting in serious
misunderstanding and consequent want
of harmonious cooperation, very soon
after he assumed command under Gen.
Butler. 1t is also charged against him
that from the time his command became
connected with the army OF the Poto-
mac near Cold Harbor until he was re-
lieved he likewise showed a disposition
to satirize, know better than, and pro-
duce difficulties with his direct superb
ors, that seriously embarrassed General
Grant and affected the execution of his
plans. 1t is Furthermore said, that he
himself made exertions not creditable to
him as man and officer and incompat-
ible with the interest of the service to
secure higher commands.
The fact that Gen. Smith had troubles
both with Gen. Butler and Gen. Meade
is too notorious in this army to be de
MED. 1t was not known that there had
been for some time hardly any personal
and very little official intercourse be-
tween him and the generals mentioned.
OF the character of the troubles know
only that those with General Butler
were of an official, and these with Gen.
10 - tpr mi xxyI,o
ever these difficulties or differences may
have been,I know Gen. Smith too well to
believe or admit for moment that they
arose from any other motive than ardent
zeal for the good of his country and the
thorough overthrow of the military
power of the rebellion. That zeal may
have led him into indiscreuons but if
he did commit such they should be
judged by his motive. The natural in
dependence of thought and expression
of Gen. militia virtue which becomes
often fault when exercised within the
necessary restraints of military life, no
doubt had also something to do with
bringing ON his official difficulties.
As to the allegation that Gen. Smith
entertained unduly ambitious schemes
for his personal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, and at
tempted to carry them out to the detri-
ment of the service, it is impossible that
there is any foundation for it. | think
am correct in saying that he did be-
lieve a removal of certain of the COM
manders in both armies required by the
interest of the service and necessary for
the successful termination of the cam
paign. But this belief arose from con-
scientious conviction, and not from self
ish wishes and aspirations, however I'M
warrantable it may have been.
That Gen. Smith is an able officer, |
think not even his worst enemies will
deny. The loss of his services at this
juncture is sadly to be be regretted
That they win be lost in the future ope-
rations of this army, is certain, for Gen.
Grant removed him from the command
of the Eighteenth corps for cause-suffi-
Gent in his opinion for the step-and, as
toward him now, seems not
likely to give him another command IN
der him. To the credit of Gen. Grant
be it said, that he frankly communicated
to Gen. Smith the motives of his action
against him.