The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-02-29

evinced aught bu, desire 10 maintain the Of his
nag and support the cause Of his COUNTRY should oe
Conduct OF The War Wuo examined the wtnesssss
what counsel had he thsref In what relation touAIos
questions that would suggest themselves 20 the mind OF
every fair minded man. Had the conduct OF Cenersi
Grant been considered BY that committee men enough
would have been found TO that he forgot MS duty
ana xet what man with heart in his bosom would nes.
tate TO say that such assault would be tho result OF
did command ct Malvern Hills and because he did Was
breyeted - major general by his generan-chisf who
spoke Of it OF the most extraordinary battles on
record. Such assaults as the present were bad
enough In civil life, but for . soldier who
asd. f 70 ). h a lie on twenty glorious ea'els
was what he mr. Johnson) never expected hear The
general mind Was perhaps wrapped up In prejudcs. He
been able TO tell why battle was lost Doubt
ess was instructive with that Senator because he was
~ nature maral-an admirable faculty with which he
tMr Johnson had never been blessed; and he had
therefore to rely upon the judgment OF experienced
ana gallant officers. which, however, be preferred to
shat OF the senator whatever might have been his or
perience during tho
Mr.. CAMERON read letter from Fitz John Porter
service and asserting that he only derrss
ton Of the facts IN his that justice may be done
him. Mr.. Cameron then said no had employed Mr.
Porter then lieutenant on some service early In the
war, and looking upon HIM Of tho most promis-
ing men In The army, had made him colonel He had
been deeply panied 10 learn that Mr. Porter vas in dis
grace after the battle OF the Peninsula He confirmed
me statement o. Mr Chandler that General Porter had
stand how Porter could have the battle OF Anetam
when he was in the reserve.
Mr. JOHNSON said he was undsr orders from General
Mcclellan.
Mr. CHANDLER declined 10 DO drawn into any contro-
versy with the Senator The witnesses al that court
martial were aimost all officers Of the army, OF
them the bravest generals OF the war; they had been
exam ned by three ourths Of the ables lawyers OF the
United States Andrew johnson perhaps OF the
most prominent engaged in the examination Every
prominent general at the battle OF Malvern Hills
Richardson, who was killed at Antietam; Kearny, who
was killed at the second Bull Run-al stated that Por-
ter was not IN command General Mcclellan was sup.
posed to be In command, but was on . gunboat, and
Ftz John Porter had been credited with that COM
mand to HE knowledge, until to day.
Mr.. CAMERON could NOT SEQ now he prevented General
from gaining the battle by refusing his troops
into IT, injustice done to Porter BY hasty action
Of that court martial they should right him, bu, that had
nothing to do with tbls bill The President should not
be allowed to interfere with the sentence Of regular
court martial.
Mr. WILSON said the Committee on Military Affairs had
not had Ftz John Porter In mind In bringing IN this
bill. He believed that gentleman did not desire to be
war, and believed him to be an accomplished officer,
who had the confidence and affection Of those under
him. In his opinion General Porter merely desired q
review Of his case for the purpose OF presenting some
testimony to reverse the sentence against him and
regain the good opinion Of the country. He supposed
fair minded would ike TO have the gentleman
vndicated If he innocent and he Mr. WILSON, had
written letter in favor Of his having examination
OF his case by competent officers
would be reached tonight, aud moved 60 into
executive session, and at haf-past four O'Clock the
Senate went into executive session. and shortly after
after wards adjourned