New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-05-29
THE STOLEN ARCHIVES.
ACCUMULATION OF SHAMEFUL EvIDENCE-THy
AGEMENT.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.I

ACCUMULATION OF SHAMEFUL EYIDENCE-THE
MILITARY RINGS FREE AND EASY MAN
AGEMENT.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRTBUNEI
WASHINGTON, May 28.-The deeper the Mill
tary Committee in its investigation Of the wholesale
plumber OF the War Department records the the
affair looks fact startling than anything that
has yet been developed elected to-day in the exam
nation H. T. Crosby the private secretary Of Secretary
Beknap, and Mr. Cunningham the clerk in charge Of
the iles-room of the Department The evidence
previously taken had made it clear that Gen.
Badeau, formerly n staff officer Of Gen. Grant,
and now ConsulGeneral at London, was
responsible for the lost records and that he had carried
with him 20 London five six chests full Of the most
important papers belonging TO the War Department. at
least he took them away and returned them. 1t
now comes out that Gen. Badeau, not satisfied with the
earoad Of reports letters and proceedings of courts Of
inquiry, which he had taken wrote for after his
arrival there and another chest full shipped 10 him
from the Department Some months after, he was re-
quested by letter return the records in his possession
when he replied that he had returned them. They were
never received by the Department and there is evil
that he shipped Them beyond his assertion
His letter declaring that he had returned the documents
was produced before the Committee to-day and put in
evidence The injunction of secrecy imposed by the ma
iorty of the Committee makes it impossible to get the
details OF the statements Of the witnesses but the facts
given above may be relied correct 1t has been
established:
First That all the headquarters reports, COO original
letters, and the record Of the Buell. Court all gone
probability that other records are also missing
Second That Gen Badeau took portion Of the miss
House, where he was employed In the duties of secre
ary 10 the President and then 10 Europe where holds
the most important and lucrative consular Office IN the
Presidents gift
Third That after his arrival in England he wrote for
additional documents, which were taken from the files,
packed In a box, and shipped TO him.
Fourth: That Badeau has written TO the Department
that he has returned all the documents which he took
which were sent TO him
Fun: That none Of those documents have been
received by the Department.
Some Of the recent evidence given is said to have been
directly at variance with the statements Of Adutant
General Townsend TO the Committee in the early stages
of the investigation. Gen. Townsend, it is stated said
that the only papers which he knew to be missing
the letters and the Buell. record Whereas the
testimony would appear TO show that he must have had
knowledge Of the loss OF the headquarters report
witness stating that he had called the Generals aten-
ton 10 the fact that they missing Gen. Townsend
has been recalled, and will be asked tomorrow TO
plain his former testimony. 1t should be borne in
mind that while Badeau allowed TO rummage
the files at WILL and carry off everything he
saw TT 10 make, other persons Of known character
vainly made repeated applications 10 be allowed to
anime at the Department few Of the records which
missing to aid them in writing histories or chap
tiers OF history. OF the war. In some the app
cants brought Senatorial influence but always
vain. The reply Invariably that there a strin-
zen, rule prohibiting any person from examining the
records OF the Department SO far is known no per
son outside Of the Department except the gentlemen
belonging TO the Military Ring, have been allowed
cess To the records II these gentlemen don't Fix the
records In such way that future historian will ind
anything rejecting dscredit upon their military career,
II will not be for lack OF opportunity
Gen Buell. arrived In the city last night In obedience
20 the summons Of the Committee Ex President John
has been sent for and telegram was received from
him to-day stating that he would arrive on Monda y
next There s % fear that no report will he
made by the Committee before the Adjournment. The
fact that witness has been summoned arrive on the
last day OF the session. together other matters
which have leaked out Of the committee room, give
some ground for the opinion freely expressed