Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-04-08

.a,reat from Manassas Junction McClel-
Ian landed at Fortress Monroe and
moved on Magruder's position between
yorktown and Lees Mills Johnston
retreated toward Richmond, in the
neiphborhood of which he had counseled
Davis to concentrate all the available
forces of the Coniederacy. Lee and
Davis thought the Peninsula afforded
GOOD defensive ground. Johnston
thought differently, and made no effort
10 check Mcclellan. The Williamsburg
affair is explained as without design,
except to enable the trains to get out OF
the way. The only instance in which
Johnston assumed the initiative was
when the army was concentrated at
Richmond and Mcdowell reported as
moving from Fredericksburg to join
General Mcclellan, the result of which
was the battle of Seven Pines.
The advantage here was rather in favor
of Johnston, but he was wounded Sc
yerely. General Lee was aiterward
placed in command and compelled Nc
Clellan to fall back on the James. When
Johnston recovered he was sent to Ten
nessee and Mississippi. This was a
turning point in his career, in which he
evidently thinks Davis did him injustice
from personal OF official reasons. Davis
was in favor of more aggressive policy
than Johnston seemed likely to carry
out The latter Joined Bragg at Tulla-
homa and was shortly followed by Davis,
who offered him command of Bragg S
army. This was declined on the ground
Of ill-health, but he expressed himself
willing to take command of the united
force of Bragg's and Pemberton s
armies and attack either Rosecrans
or Grant-the latter then threatened
Vicksburg. Davis disapproved the
programme. Johnston was finally or
dered to Mississippi but arrived too late,
and is censured for not relieving Penn
berton. 1t is asserted that Grant never
had more than g., 900 or 10000 effective
men in his lines, and that Johnston had
10000 men at Canton. Johnston 8
ability and caution in retreating from
Dalton is conceded, while at the same
time it is said that Sherman had no
great love for general engagements, and
no great luck when he undertook them.
The Sun says this part Of the narrative
must be dreary reading to his comrades
of the Lost Cause. The rest of the book
is interesting, particularly that part
which refers to the final struggle in the
Carolinas; to his interviews with
Davis and Breckenridge, and the
arrangement for the final sur
render with Sherman. BE states
the charges against himself fairly, but 1t
could be wished he had been more sue
cessful in defending himself against
them. The narrative is lacking in de-
tails Of his administration as well as in
description of his tactics and manner
of handling troops in action. 1t IS in
excusably deficient in maps and plans
of battle. The literary work is well
done, but stiff and dry. 1t clears up
very few doubtful questions, except his
personal relations with Mr.. Davis and
the relative merits of his lieutenants.
The reader concludes that he did not
fight the North as aggressively as he did
Jefferson Davis. No great controversy
has been decided, but discussion has
been opened which will invite response
from Mr.. Davis. When heis heard from
the public will be better prepared to take
eides