The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1865-01-19
Removal OF GEN. Butler.

AT the instigation of Lieut. Gen Grant,
Maj Gen B. f. Butler has been relieved
Of the command of the Army of the James,
and ordered to report at Lowell, Mass, his
place Of residence. Like Mcclellan, who
was ordered after his relieval from con-
mand of .he Army of the Potomac to re-
port at his home in New jersey, he is thus
practically exiled. The reasons given for
this certainly unlooked-for procedure are,
first, disobedieEce of orders. more partio-
ularly with reference to the Wilmington
expedition, the failure of which is mainly
attributed to Buffers refusal to obey pos
tive instructions; and, second, general
incompetenoy. Gen. Butler has been or
dered to appear before Court Martial at
Washington city forthwith, to undergo an
official investigation of his conduct, until
which has been concluded, there should
be suspension of public opinion
The removal of Gen. Butler is a step
which pleases few, and displeases many.
There must have existed good apparent
grounds for it, otherwise the authorities
would not have ventured upon the deoapita-
tion of General who has been more promi.
nent and popular ever since the war began,
and who hes performed moro and varied
duties, than any other man in the volun-
teer service. But we shall see what we
shall see.
Gen. Ord is Gen. Buffers successor.
The following is the retiring Generals
farewell order to his troops:
HDoRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND North
CAROLINA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Jan 8, 1865
Soldiers of the ArDy of the Jdnnes Your
Commander, relieved by order of the Presi
dent, takes leave of you. Your conduct in
the field has extorted praises from the unwil-
ling; you have endured the priYations OF the
camp and the march without a murmur YOU
have never failed to attack when ordered; you
have stormed and carried works deemed i'm
Pregnable by the enemy you have shown the
positions to be so by holding them against his
herceSt assaults in the attempt to retake them.
Those skilled in war have marveled at the
obstacles overcome by your Yalor. Your line
or works has excited the wonder of the off,
GERS OF other nations, who have come to learn
defensive warfare from the monuments of
your skilled labor. Your deeds have rendered
your name illustrious. In after times your
Generals proudest memory will be to say with
you, 81 too, was of the Army of the James"
TO share such companionship is pleasure. To
participate in such acts is honor. To have
commanded such an army is glory.
No one could yield it without regret. Know
ing your willing obedience to orders, Witness
ing your ready devotion of your blood in
your country's cause, l have been chary of
the precious charge confded to me; l have
refused to order useless sacrifices of the lives
OF such soldiers, and am relieved from your
command. The wasted blood of my men does
not stain my garments. For my action l am
responsible to God and my country.
70 the Colored Troops Of the Army of the
James: In this army you have been treated
not as laborers, but as soldiers. You have
shown yourselves worthy of the uniform you
wear The best officers in the Union seek to
command you. Your bravery has now the
admiration even Of those who would be your
masters. Your patriotism, fidelity, and cour-
age have illustrated the best qualities of
manic :. With the bayonet you have un-
loci the iron-barred gates of prejudice,
opening new fields of freedom, liberty and
equality of rights to yourselves and your race
forever.
Comrades of the Army of the James, bid
you farewell, farewell.
BENZ. F. BUTLER, Maj Gen.