The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-03-14

"
than ever before. I wrote a care
full review of the opinions of the Gen
erals, and exhibited the fact, gathered from
ample data, that we could throw 60. 0Oo
bayonets and sabres against Bragg's Al, 600,
| allowing the most liberal estimates of his
force This paper was drawn up On the
Sth of June. After its presentation, and
full canvassing of the situation, an adj
vance was agreed upon; but it was delayed
| through days which seemed months to me,
till the Gath, when it was begun and ended
with what results you know. The wisdom
of the movement was not only indicated,
but the seventeen dissenting Generals were
compelled to confess that, IL the movement
had been made ten days earlier. while the
weather was propitious, the army of Bragg
| would, in all human probability, no longer
| exist shall never cease to regret the
sad delay which lest us SO great an oppor-
tunity to infiict mortal blow upon the
centre of the rebellion. The work of ex-
| pelling Bragg from middle Tennessee occu
| pied nine days and ended July 3, leaving
| his troops in a most disheartened and de-
meralized condition, while our army, with
a loss of less than 900 men, was, in q
| few days, fuller of potential fight than ever
| before.
! On the 18th inst the bridges were res
built, and the cars were in full communica-
| ton from the Cumberland to the Tennes
see. | have since then urged with ell the
earnestness | possess, a rapid advance,
while Bragg's army was shattered and un-
der cover, and before Johnston and he
could effect junction. Thus far the Gen
eral has been singularly disinclined TO
grasp the situation with a strong hand,
and make the advantage his own. write
| this with more sorrow than | could tell
you, for love every bone in his body,
! and next to my desire to see the rebellion
blasted, is my anxiety to see him blessed.
| But even the breadth of my love is not
sufficient to cover this most fatal delay
My personal relations with General Rose
Grams are all that could desire. Officially,
share his counsels and responsibilities
even more than [ desire, but | beg you to
know that this delay is against my judg-
msnt and my every wish. Pleasant as are
my relations here, / would rather com
mand battalion that would follow and
follow, and strike and strike, than to
hang back while such golden mo-
ments are passing. But the general and
myself believe that | can do more service
in my present place than in command of a
division, though / am aware that it is a
position that promises better in the way of
promotion or popular credit. But if this in
action continues long, shall ask to be re-
lieved and sent somewhere where | can be
part of working army.
But | do hope that you will soon hear
that this splendid army is at least trying to
de its part in the great work.
If the War Department has not always
been just, it has certainly been very indul
gent to this army. But feel that the
tip,o NOW ooT7o xxhaO If chor,16 a11cxv
nc plea to keep this army back from the
most vigorous activity.
/ do hope that no hopes of peace or sub
missiye terms on the part of the rebels will
lead the government to delay the draft and
the vigorous prosecution of the war
Ianaeo Dd7aa0s ct dond fereates
Let the nation now display the majesty
of its power, and the work will be
speedily ended.
| hope you will pardon this lengthy let
ter; but wanted you to know how the
case stands, and I was unwilling to have
you think me satisfied with the delays
here. With kindest regards, am, as ever
your friend, ]. A. GARFIELD.
HoN. s. P CHASE.
This letter plainly shows desire on
Garfield's part to have Rosecrans super
ceeded, and all the time Garfield was
Rosecrans' chief of staff and protesting
the closest friendship for him.
The Washington Critic states that well
founded story has been current for some
days that in 1868, shortly after Gen. Rose
Grams had been removed, the late Francis
P. Blair, Sr., gave dinner in Washington
to his son. Francis P. Blair, Jr., then just
from the victorious field of Vicksburg, at
which were present, among others, the
Hon. Montgomery Blair and General Gar
field, then just elected to Congress. At
his dinner the subject of General Rose
,rans' removal was freely discussed, and
here was general expression of opinion
hat his removal was grave mistake. By
40 one was this expression more foreibly
stated than by Gen. Garfield who was loud
N his praises to him as military genius
md able general. Montgomery Blair was
10 much impressed by General Garfield's |
Of the case that he went to Pres /
dent Lincoln and used about the following |
argument:
Mr. President, do not want to seem
but was SO forcibly impressed |
" conversation / had last evening with |
young member of Congress from Ohio, |
Who, previous TO his election, was General
eosecrans' chief of staff that have come
o you as a matter of duty to say that
hink Gen. Rosecrans' removal was grave
mistake The gentleman referred to i'm
'ressed me so favorablv as to his own mil
tary ability, and the positiveness of his
9clarations that am fully convinced Of
is knowledge and judgment in the mat
Err"
''Who is this gentleman" the President
reported to have inquired.
"Gen. Garfield" replied Mr.. Blair
''Gen. Garfield Why it was upon his
,atement of facts and representations
ore than anything else that his removal
as based" said Mr.. Lincoln, with an ex-
ression of surprise.
Since these disclosures were made Gen
oil lac