The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-21
President LiacOin Comm n nde r-in m.
ChieE-Mis Miiitnry Incn pncLty.

During the frat two years OF this terrible
war it was somewhat difficult TO fix the rsspon-
sibilty for our inexcusable military plumbers
and disasters in Virginia. The radical abolition
faction and the War Office we're generally be-
licved to be the marplots of the administration;
and hence. while they were unsparingly de-
nounced from all points OF the compass. there
was no end to the public sympathy for Honest
Old Abe" the unfortunate victim OF these evil
advisers. AT length, however, tho official re-
ports of General Mcclellan and of General Hal
leck, with the accompanying military views and
instructions of Pr esi dent Lincoln remove all
doubts as to the individual really responsible
for these aforesaid magnificent military pro-
misses and dcplorable military failures
We say to President Lincoln, the Command
er-in-C Chief Of the Army and the Navy Of the
United States, - the prophet Nathan said to
King David. Thou art the man" In the very
outset of this war, against the remonstrances
Of General Scott. at that time filling the post OF
General-ia Chief. the army under General Nc
Dowell was prematurely pushed forward upon
the enemy at Bull rau, and we know what fol-
lowed. President Lincoln assumed and must
bear the responsibility for that most expensive
disaster. Next, by the advice or General
Scott, General Mcclellan was called from his
victories in West Virginia to che command Of
our shattered and beleaguered army in front Of
Washington. What be did in certifying the sp-
proaches to the city, aud in mastering and
training powerful army we need not here re-
peat Let it suffice that when he was ready to
move President Lincoln interposed; and, dis
carding the plans aud appeals Of Mcclellan,
broke up his army into four or five distinct
and widely spread commands, and that thus
was brought about those sangunary and dis
as,rous seven days battles of the Richmond
peninsula.
But again: Having secured the strong and
desirable position. as a new base Of operations.
of Harrison's Landing. on the broad, navigable
james river, General Mcclellan begged for re.
Inducements for new campaign against the
rebel capital aud earnestly appealed against
\ the enforcement Of IN order be had received
for the evacuation of the peninsula
and the removal OF his army back
4 to Washington. But he was overruled again
\ by adverse opinions operating upon the mind
| Of President Lincoln: the Army of the Poto.
mac returned from the peninsula. aud what
were the consequences The commencement
| of its retreat was made the signal for the adj
/ vance Of the whole rebel army from Richmond
upon Washington. in the hope of cutting the
small interposng army OF General Pope to
\ pieces, and of reaching the city in advance OF
the forces Of Mcclellan The army of Pope
was cut 70 pieces; but fortunately Mcclellan 8
! reiuforcements in sufficient numbers arrived in
| time to save the national capital.
But the danger was still imminent What was
President Lincoln 10 do? He bad displaced
Mcclellan from the command even Of his pc
ninsnla troops; bat the crisis called for his
restoration. lie was accordingly restored to
the command Of all The forces around Washing.
ton, and speedily resumed offensive operations.
lie expelled the enemy from Maryland, pushed
\ his retrcating forces hundred miles back into
Virginia; but then, within few days perhaps, OF
another victory and ~ open road to Richmond,
he was superseded by General Burnside. Then
came tbe fredericksburg disaster; then the
| appointment OF General Hooker in Burnside 8
place; then the lanent,ble CbaDcei lorsvile
campaign, then The second advance OF General