New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-09-16
THE ROx.sEwARD CONTROVERSY.
Statement by Gan. Mcigs-sec' scwar"
Defended-He Originates the Pickens
Expedition-Coudiii Of the Country
At the Timc-The Use Of Secrecy.
WARRINGTON, Friday, SEPT. IS,


M. G. Meigs, Brevet Major-General, and late
Captain of Engineers, has written letter in the matter
Of the Sumter and Pickens Expeditions and in reply to
statements in The NEw-YoRK TRIBUNE and those OF
Capt. Fox
AS he was familiar with the Pickens expedition no
deems II proper that he should call attention TO some OF
the facts in the case making comparison Of dates,
liable to the charge Of having deceived the Presi
dent Of having caused the P0whatan to be diverted
from the purpose which the President had assigned her
without his knowledge.
"Imyself" he says suggested to the President the
name Of the Powhatan, and Of her commander and
prepared the orders in relation to her movements for
his signature and this did on the 3st Of March LIST
of April three four days before the Sumter expedi-
| ton was resolved upon.
The Pekens expedition was planned and ordered
with the knowledge Of the President, the Secretary OF
State, Lieut.. Gen Scott. Col 4 ID. Reyes and myself
When Lieut.. Porter detailed to command the naval
portion OF the expedition, its object vas communicated
| to him.
| When Col Harvey Brown was assigned TO command
the troops his instructions made known TO him It's des
tinaton. To others in or out OF the expedition
was its destination known until we were nearly III
sight OF the ssndhills of Pensacola.
This the first successful military expedition OF the
war; originated with Mr.. Seward Until 1t sailed thC
United states had declined everywhere forfresses and
harbors hal been lost He carried me TO the Pres
dent merely saying hc thought the President ought
see some OF the younger officers, and not consult Only
with men, who, if war broke out. could not mount
horse.
when the President struck ont Of the instructions
prepared for the commander Of the expedition the au
thortv 10 declare martial law at Key West and on the
Gulf COast Mr. Seward induced him 10 restore H. Inc
authorities of Florida had in February arrested and
held me TO bail for defending the rights Oh
the Yankee fishermen Of the Tortugaa
| agninst the unconstitutional impositions OF
Florida sheriff The Secession flag flew oyerithe Court
House at KEY West within muske-shot OF Fort Taylor
But on the declaration II martial law. which shortly
followed our arrival in the Gulf judges sheriff. CLERK
aud Inayor fled from Key West to the main land, and
~ present loyal Provisional Governor OF Florida was
elected Mayor Of Key West and that important post
| eturned 10 it, allegiance.
Some interference with the later programme q
another expedition 1t seems, arose from the secrecy
with which both were orgiDized. But ire
most important forts and forlresses in tho CUR
Che harbors Of Pensacola Key West and the Torugas,
saved to the United States all were fortified ana
the fleets which would have been necessary Tor tner
reduction or blockade were made available at other
points which had been lost by the supnenes5 Oh the
preceding Administration.
Even ii the yctuang Of Fort Sumter was thus pre-.
vented the United States still at Fort Sumter asserted
its desire and determination 10 possess that fortress
which could then have held out long against tie
batteries by which tho Rebels had been already per-
mtted 10 encrce il. and who will assert that few
days provisions less IN sumter could compare
in Importance with the retention Of the well fortified
harbors Of Pensacola and Florida Reef.
| Secrecy has its Inconvenience, but upon perfect
secrecy depended these great States and so well kept
the secret that in the returning steamer Atlantic
brought back TO New York at once the news OF the
destination and of the success of the expedition.
The recentlypublisled statement OF Capt. FOX has
led many suppose that he and Mr. Seward are not or
amicabe terms bnt is understood that there Is nC
divergence Of views feelings between the Secretar,
OF State and the Assistant Secretary OF the Navy
whose relations are. they have always been, Of
| friendly and cordial character.