New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-05-11
r,,,v-voRK DAILY TRIBUNE MONDAY MAY u, 1855

80 ,ro.od On mn NOT more than fourth Of my forcei
amornu for to guard against imaginary
protecting rebel property for the sake Oh inc
rebels instead OF using the troops to go against ''
enemy employing them only to guard the enemy houe'
fences and fields and then, when in hearing Oh the
sound OF the cannon OF General Mcclellan at Hanover
Court House, making no sign, but ON the con-
trary leaving fredericksburg to go 10 'ho
Shenandoah to avoid moving ON Kchmohu
and coming under General Mcclellan LUIS
and much moro was said OF me, week after week anu
month after month. The army seldom saw my u''io
that 1t not coupled with disparagng remarA'
IT, indeed, not with some denunciaton or discreu'
table charge These things were covered up OF a'
lowed It was sad through the influence of two members
of the Cabinet who were my brothers-in-aw. What-
ever check OF disaster tho Army Of the Potomac III
Cured on tho peninsula attributed 10 my
failure to reinforce that army when could DO so an"
TO my having broken up as Its commander was
Of sight Of the capital think have rather UNDER
rated the case than otherwise"
OF course his vindication was complete. In
stead of being drunkard, the Court found that
no living mortal had ever seen him taste liquors
or wines. Instead of intriguing to withdraw
his corps from Mcclellan, he was utterly lgnO-
rant OF such an intention on the part OF anybody
till it was ordered instead of seeking to retain
his independent command, he was begging for
permission to march to McClellan's relief; ana
instead of suggesting the foolish diversion to
the Shenandoah after Stonewall Jackson, he
had earnestly pleaded against it. Instead of
devoting his army to the protection of Rebel
citizens, he had only devoted himself to the
protection of his army, from the demoral-
izing effects of licensed pillage. Instead OF car
rying on frequent and friendly correspondence
with the Rebel commanders, almost his only
correspondence was about the wanton murder
of loyal Yirginian. Instead of being insubor-
dinate, he had Loyalty and skilfully obeyed
every order he had ever received. Wlthal, he
had shown conspicuous ability, the highest
military requirements, generosity to other OIL
GERS, and fine soldierly spirit Yet such was
the mischief the mOnstrOus clamor had wrought,
that it was never possible to assign him to an
other active command during the rebellion.
General Sherman had at the beginning OF the
war precisely similar experience and with Tar
more reason; but service remote from Wash
ington was in his favor, and the generous and
all-enduring friendship of Grant held him up
till his true qualities were displayed.
After the war closed, the Government was
again able to utilize General McDowelIs fine
attainments. From that time on he was one OF
the most useful and hOnOred officers of the army.
Commanding the Atlantic Coast, with head
quarters in New York, the South, with head
quarters in Louisville, and the Pacific Coast
with headquarters in San Francisco, he always
rendered the best service to the Country and
won the regard of the communities among whom
he was thrown. He was especially liked in San
Francisco, where he chose to reside after being
placed on the retired list and where no citizen
has been more sincerely mOurned.
1t is pathetic history; and perhaps we may
as we'll leave it to enforce its own moral upon
people who may often be hasty and harsh, but
who always mean to be just.