The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-05-06
..Ro,rANcINGo AnOrr THE WAR.


As showing just how difficult it is
TO get at the facts in all matters .elat-
ing to the late war between the States.
We cite the following incident. General
Horace Porter has a series OF papers now
running through the Century Magazine
entitled Campaigning with Grant" In
one Of these General Porter tells little
story OF the wilderness campaign, in
which General Charles II. Il. Coils, Com
missioner Of Public W orks in New York,
figured. But 1t seems that the memory
of General Porter was sadly at fault. and
General Coils sent TO the Magazine the
following correction:
In the February Century General Iior-
ace Porter. describing the affair At Guin-
ney's Station. on May Il, 1861, says
while riding forward. a little In advance
of headquarters. with another stan OIL
Ger, | saw body OF the enemy on the
opposite side Of a stream which We were
approaching. This made us feel little
apprehensive for the safety OF the COM
manding generals, as Hancock was many
miles I'm advance, and the head OF War
ren's corps was considerable distance IN
the rear. II was promptly decided 10 or
der the regiment OF infantry commanded
by Colonel G. ii. T. Coils, which served
as General Mcades headquarters guard
10 make a dash acfoss the stream ana
endeavor TO drive the enemy from his
position on the opposite bank. This was
promptly and CALAMITY done"
From this statement the reader is OK
pected to understand. first. that General
Porter and another staff officer discover
ed the enemy; second, that this made
them apprehensivc for the safety Of Gen
erals Grant and Meade. and. third. that
they promptly decided 10 order me TO
make an assault.
am as little given as any man to talk
ing or writing about my poor contribution
to the success of our armies In tho field,
hut AZ this engagement Is TO become his
toric. II NAV as well be set down correct
~. Therefore. l venture 10 correct GEN
erai Povter's memory, and j do this IN
Justice 10 myself and the gallant officers
who were all impcicd upon that occasion
by the same impulse which influenced me.
First No member OF the STAINS OF GEN
erals Grant or Meade Yas present or any
where near me when the enemy inter-
oepted and engaged my command. Sec
ond.. The enemy was discovered ,by the
troops OF my brigade. and by them only.
Third. No one was present who had any
authority 20 give me 4 command. End
no one did give me any command.
Fourth No member OF tic stats of Gen
erals Grant or Meade knew what the
trouble In our front was Until II was
all over Fifth. " .am mistaken. and
General Porter IS correct then the thanks
I received upon the fold from both Cen
erals Grant and Meade were due 10 him.
and not 10 me. ana they did him q great
injustice. CHARLES II. r. COILS
Breyct Maior-Cencrai Volunteers.
In speaking Of the affair, General Coils
went on 20 say that II there were any
possible doubt about the fact that Cen
eral Porter was not there AZ ell, II would
be removed 10y letter Which no wrote
81 1891. describing the same incident. and
the letter IS quoted by General Coils in
proof. In conclusion. General Coils said:
III General Porter had been upon the
field lie would have seen the firing in
addition 70 having heard H." said Cen
eral Coils. "and would not have learned
o. The action for the 1rst time when he
reached the station. Nor would I have
Ind 10 draw upon my instincts as sol
der II I had received orders. As General
Porter never commanded troops IN ac-
tion. he perhaps does not fully appreciate
that commanding officers are sensitive
that success produced by their own JudS-
ment should not DO recorded as the result
OF orders.
"The nffair OF Guinney's Station was Of
no great magnitude. save that Il endsn-
gsred the safety OF our generals unless