The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-11-28

1t will be remembered that the Committee on
the Conduct of the War reported that tho prin-
cipal cause of the defeat OF the Federals under
Gen. Mcdowell at Bull Run on July 81, 1861.
was tho failure of Gen. Patterson to hold the
forces OF Johnston in the Valley of the Shenan-
doah. Mr.. Bachc gives cogent reasons for be-
lievipg that, as n matter of fact. Patterson was
controlled by orders from headquarters at every
turn. and then was censured for not doing what
had been rendered impossible. He proves from
the original documents that Gen. Scott had ap.
pointed the 10th OF July MS the day for Nc.
Dowclrs attack upon the enemy at Manassas
and for Patterson's demonstration against
Winchester. The demonstration ordered was
made by Patterson on that day. The
enemy was known, at that time. not to
have reinforced Beaurcgard at Manassas. The
battle at the last-nnmcd place. however, did not
take place on the 16th. as was expected. but
even the advance thithcr was postponed by Gen.
Scott to the 18th. At Charlestown on the
18th, three days before the battle actually oc-
Cured, and twelve hours before any reinforce
ments whatever left Win chester for Manassas,
Gen. Patterson teleGrnphed Gen. Scott that.
from the condition o. his force. he considered
an attack on Winchester hazardous. but con-
Guided with the words, {" Shall I attack" There
was not only no answer to this. but Gen. Pattcr-
DowoiTs movements It IS c!ear then that even
as late as tho 18th, Gen. Scott could have
ordered Patterson either to attack Win.
chester or to reinforce Mcdowell by the way
OF Lccsburg. Finally. Gen. Patterson. tied as
his hands were. did what he could by sending. on
the Goth. the following despatch to the Assistant
Adiutant-G Generals: with "A portion of his
fore" Johnston left Winchester by tho road 10
Milwood OH tho afternoon OF tho 18th. his whole
force thirty-twO thousand five hundred" Gen.
Scott, in his comments upon Patterson's state
mcnt. subsequently said: Now il was. on the re-
ception of that news lthc despatch just quotcdl.
too late to call off the troops from that attack
tMcDowell'sl. and. besides, though opposed to
the movement Mt first, wo mad all become ami
mated and sanguinc of success; and it Is not
true that | WINS urged by anybody in authority
to stop attack, which was commenced as early.
Think. as tho 18th OF July" Mr.. Bache sub
call on the troops, Tho frame, of mind in
themselves cannot qualify the possibility of
calling Off the troops. The franc of mind in
which those authorities found themselves
doubtless brought It about that, on tho 18th.
Patterson was neither told to attack Win
chester nor to reinforce Mcdowell by the way
of L"csburg." Mr.. BaChe adds that. had the
battle terminated otherwise thnn 1t did. Gen.
Patterson's conduct, which really represented
the views of some of the hest officers of tho
army. would have been regarded as highly COM
mendable. AS 1t was. although he had TO wait
until 1865 for vindication. he had meanwhile
the solace OF many testimonials from men Of
tho highest military talent, justifying his course
in every particular and recognizing that. in
obedience to orders, 1t could not have been
other than it was.