Meade been more copious in his report, and less the battle on most unfortunate ground. It hardreserved as to his own important acts, the neces-ly seems possible that one who has ever seen sity for this communication would not have ex- the ground can gainsay this. isted. HISTORICUS. A REJOINDER. When General Sickles moved forward his corps, on the afternoon of the second of July, from its appropriate place in the general line, he The article of "Historicus," on the battle of excited the astonishment of the thousands of Gettysburgh, closes by saying: "Some slight er-lookers on. It was a magnificent sight, but exrors may have crept in, but this may possibly cited the gravest apprehension, and the writer stimulate others to come forward with a rectifi- well recollects the remarks made at the time by cation." It is hoped, therefore, that the follow-some prominent officers. The right of his line ing short "rectification" may find a place in your columns. The first statement of "Historicus" to which I give my attention is the indirect assertion that the arrival of the Third division of the Third corps, about four o'clock in the afternoon, on the field, put an end to the conflict on the first of July, and relieved the First and Eleventh corps from imminent peril. The facts are, that there was no fighting, save light skirmishing, after three o'clock in the afternoon, and that General Sickles's cominand did not make its appearance till nearly six o'clock. One division of the Twelfth corps, under General Geary, which "Historicus" says was four miles in the rear of the battle-field, had already been placed by General Hancock in or near the position taken up by the Third corps on its arrival. I may remark here that "Historicus" studiously avoids mentioning General Hancock's name in his account of the operations of July first-a very strange mistake for an "eye-witness." When General Sickles arrived at Gettysburgh, General Howard was not the commanding officer, and had not been for some time. He was first superseded by General Hancock, by virtue of the written order of General Meade, and afterward by the arrival of General Slocum, his superior in rank. The account is very much like the play of Hamlet with the part of the Prince of Denmark omitted. The next statement which I notice is, that a conference of "leading generals" took place, when some insisted on falling back on Taneytown, etc. It would be interesting to know, who the "leading generals" referred to, were. It is said, indeed, that General Howard, who enjoys in the estimation of the public-I will not say how justly-the honors of the day, had decided to retreat from Gettyburgh. But it is certainly true, that the leading general, Major-General Hancock, entertained no such proposition, after he assumed command, and long before the arrival of General Sickles, had selected the lines of battle, on which the troops were established as they came up. The left of that line was Roundtop Hill, and its general direction was that of the ridge connecting Roundtop, Cemetery, and Culp's Hills, and was held by the Second and Third corps. was entirely disconnected from the Second corps, leaving an interval of from one half to one quarter of a mile. General Gibbon, commanding the Second corps, at this moment threw forward into this interval two regiments of infantry and a battery, which were nearly destroyed when the shock fell on Sickles's corps. A like interval was left between the right of the Fifth corps and the left of the Third. In this position, with no connection on his right or left, General Sickles became engaged. Had the Second and Fifth corps been moved up to conform to this line, the battle would have been delivered in front of the strong features of the ground, and could hardly have helped being disastrous. Through the intervals above described the enemy penetrated with determination, pressing on until they were checked nearly on the origi nal line-on the one flank by the Fifth corps and on the other by the Second. In the attempt to extricate General Sickles from his unfortunate position, these two corps lost nearly three thousand men. "Historicus" asserts that General Sickles called on the heroic troops of the Second corps for support, etc. The truth is this: One division of the Second corps, under Brigadier-General Caldwell, was sent to report to Major-General Sykes, of the Fifth corps, and was posted by one of his staff-officers. This division became heavily engaged with the force of the enemy that had turned Sickles' flank, and was overpowered. The blow then fell on General Ayres's division, of the Fifth corps, which lost over fifty per cent of its numbers, holding its position most obstinately. General Zook, so highly complimented by "Historicus," commanded a brigade of Caldwell's division. When night fell, our lines were where they were first established, and where the next day's attack was received; but the gallant dead of the Third corps were so far to the front that large numbers of them remained within the enemy's lines until after Lee retreated. I have no disposition to pursue further the examination of "Historicus's" article. I have endeavored to show that, instead of saving the army, General Sickles nearly ruined it by a sad error-an unaccountable one. He must have "Historicus now endeavors to create the im-known that to hold the lines he assumed the pression that the ridge or elevated ground connecting the left of the Second corps was far to his front. I assert that General Sickles moved from the ridge described by "Historicus," and precipitated grave responsibility of moving on to, necessitated an entire change of the position of the troops on his right and left, and this at the moment when the enemy had already massed his columns for the attack. Pray where would the most zeal IT is known to the world that, on the eighth day of December, ultimo, the President of the United States published a proclamation which touched the heart and inspired the tongue of every lover of liberty on the civilized earth. Its burden is pardon and liberty.—“Thy sins be forgiven thee." "Let the oppressed go free." Such parental care of a people has not been exhibited to the world since the patriarchal days of old-not since the Saviour of men cried to the multitude: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." In order that the deluded and oppressed people of this State may be enlightened and informed on the subject, and may rejoice at the dawning of day from behind the black night which has surrounded them in darkness which might be felt and enabled the evil spirits to work upon them, it is directed that a sufficient number of copies of the President's Proclamation be printed, at these headquarters, to supply whatever demand there may be for the same, coming from each and every company in the command; and all officers and men are desired to use every opportunity which properly presents itself, to distribute them in the interior of the State. It is further ordered that all persons, now or hereafter within the lines, who have ever claimed to be citizens of the United States, or of the socalled confederate States, or who have aided or comforted the rebels in their hostility against the United States, and who have not, since the commencement of the rebellion, taken an oath renewing their allegiance to the United States, may have the opportunity of enjoying the full benefits of the said proclamation, by voluntarily taking the oath therein contained. The provost-marshal is required to take a census of the population now within the lines, in order that such persons as may not wish to enjoy the benefits of the proclamation, may be known, and be assigned a convenient place of residence where they will not have opportunity to do injury to the cause for which we fight. He will proceed, in the most thorough manner possible, and will give public notice of his orders and regulations to consummate the end in view, and will report, on the tenth day of February, proximo, the list of those persons who refuse the benefits of the proclamation. By order of Major-General N. J. T. DANA. Major R. M. Sawyer, A. A. General, Army of the Tennessee, Huntsville: DEAR SAWYER: In my former letter I have answered all your questions save one, and that relates to the treatment of inhabitants, known or suspected to be hostile, or "secesh." This is in truth the most difficult business of our army, as it advances and occupies the Southern country. It is almost impossible to lay down rules, and I invariably leave this whole subject to the local commanders, but am willing to give them the benefit of my acquired knowledge and experience. In Europe, whence we derive our principles of war, as developed by their histories, wars are between kings or rulers, through hired armies, and not between peoples. These remain, as it were, neutral, and sell their produce to whatever army is in possession. Napoleon, when at war with Prussia, Austria, and Russia, bought forage and provisions of the inhabitants, and consequently had an interest to protect farms and factories which ministered to his wants. In like manner, the allied armies in France could buy of the French inhabitants whatever they needed, the produce of the soil or manufactures of the country. Therefore, the rule was and is, that wars are confined to the armies, and should not visit the homes of families or private interests. But, in other examples, a different rule obtained the sanction of historical authority. I will only instance that, when, in the reign of William and Mary, the English army occupied Ireland, then in a state of revolt, the inhabitants were actually driven into foreign lands, and were actually dispossessed of their property, and a new population introduced. To this day, a large part of the north of Ireland is held by the descendants of the Scotch emigrants, sent there by William's order and an act of Parliament. The war which prevails in our land is essentially a war of races. The Southern people entered into a clear compact of government, but still maintained a species of separate interests, history, and prejudices. These latter became stronger and stronger, till they have led to a war which has developed fruits of the bitterest kind. We of the North are, beyond all question, right in our lawful cause, but we are not bound to ignore the fact, that the people of the South have prejudices which form part of their nature, and which they cannot throw off without an effort of reason or the slower process of natural change. Now, the question arises, Should we treat as absolute enemies all in the South who differ from us in opinion or prejudice, kill or banish them; or, should we give them time to think, and gradually change their conduct so as to conform to the new order of things, which is slowly and gradually creeping into their country? When men take arms to resist our rightful authority, we are compelled to use force, because all reason and argument cease when arns are resorted to. When the provisions, forage, horses, mules, wagons, etc., are used by our enemy, it is clearly our duty and right to take them, because otherwise they might be used against us. every people have a right to self-government; and I would give all a chance to reflect, and when in error to recant. I know, slave-owners finding themselves in possession of a species of property in opposition to the growing sentiment of the whole civilized world, conceived their property in danger, and foolishly appealed to war; and by skilful political handling, involved with themselves the whole South on the doctrines of In like manner, all houses left vacant by an inimical people are clearly our right, or such as are needed as storehouses, hospitals, and quar-error and prejudice. I believe that some of the ters. But a question arises as to dwellings used rich and slaveholding are prejudiced to an exby women, children, and non-combatants. So tent that nothing but death and ruin will extinlong as non-combatants remain in their houses guish, but hope that as the poorer and industrial and keep to their accustomed business, their classes of the South realize their relative weakopinions and prejudices can in no wise influence ness, and their dependence upon the fruits of the the war, and, therefore, should not be noticed. earth and good-will of their fellow-men, they will But if any one comes out into the public streets not only discover the error of their ways, and reand creates disorder, he or she should be pun-pent of their hasty action, but bless those who ished, restrained, or banished either to the rear persistently maintained a constitutional governor front, as the officer in command adjudges. If ment, strong enough to sustain itself, protect its the people, or any of them, keep up a correspond-citizens, and promise peaceful homes to millions ence with parties in hostility they are spies, and yet unborn. can be punished with death or minor punish ment. In this belief, whilst I assert for our Government the highest military prerogatives, I am willing to bear in patience that political nonsense of slave rights, State rights, freedom of conscience, freedom of press, and such other trash, as have deluded the Southern people into war, anarchy, bloodshed, and the foulest crimes that have disgraced any time or any people. I would advise the commanding officers at Huntsville, and such other towns as are occupied by our troops, to assemble the inhabitants and explain to them these plain, self-evident propositions, and tell them that it is for them now to say, whether they and their children shall inherit the beautiful land which, by the accident of nature, has fallen to their share. The Gov These are well-established principles of war, and the people of the South, having appealed to war, are barred from appealing to our Constitution, which they have practically and publicly defied. They have appealed to war, and must abide its rules and laws. The United States, as a belligerent party claiming right in the soil as the ultimate sovereign, have a right to change the population, and it may be and is both politic and just, we should do so in certain districts. When the inhabitants persist too long in hostility, it may be both politic and right we should banish them and appropriate their lands to a more loyal and useful population. No man will deny that the United States would be bene-ernment of the United States has in North-Alafited by dispossessing a single prejudiced, hard- bama any and all rights which they choose to headed, and disloyal planter, and substitute in enforce in war, to take their lives, their homes, his place a dozen or more patient, industrious, their lands, their every thing, because they cangood families, even if they be of foreign birth. I not deny that war does exist there, and war is think it does good to present this view of the simply power unrestrained by constitution or case to many Southern gentlemen, who grew compact. If they want eternal war, well and rich and wealthy, not by virtue alone of their in-good-we will accept the issue and dispossess dustry and skill, but by reason of the protection and impetus to prosperity given by our hitherto moderate and magnanimous Government. It is all idle nonsense for these Southern planters to say that they made the South, that they own it, and that they can do as they please even to break up our Government, and to shut up the natural avenues of trade, intercourse, and com merce. We know, and they know, if they are intelligent beings, that, as compared with the whole world, they are but as five millions are to one thousand millions-that they did not create the land-that their only title to its use and usufruct is the deed of the United States, and if they appeal to war, they hold their all by a very insecure tenure. For my part, I believe that this war is the result of false political doctrine, for which we are all as a people responsible, namely, that any and them, and put our friends in possession. I know thousands and millions of good people who, at simple notice, would come to North-Alabama and accept the elegant houses and plantations now there. If the people of Huntsville think differently, let them persist in war three years longer, and then they will not be consulted. Three years ago, by a little reflection and patience, they could have had a hundred years of peace and prosperity, but they preferred war; very well, last year they could have saved their slaves, but now it is too late-all the powers of earth cannot restore to them their slaves any more than their dead grandfathers. Next year their lands will be taken; for in war we can take them, and rightfully, too; and in another year they may beg in vain for their lives. A people who will persevere in war beyond a certain limit, ought to know the consequences. Many, many people, with less pertinacity than 353 the South, have been wiped out of national ex-ed that both columns would meet in the cañon My own belief is, that even now the non-slave- Since I have come down here, I have seen While I would not remit one jot or tittle of our nation's rights, in peace or war, I do make allowances for past political errors and false prejudices. Our national Congress and Supreme Courts are the proper arenas in which to discuss conflicting opinions, and not the battle-field. You may not hear from me again; and if you think it will do any good, call some of the people together, and explain these my views. You may even read to them this letter, and let them use it, so as to prepare them for my coming. To those who submit to the rightful law and authority, all gentleness and forbearance; but to the petulant and persistent secessionist, why, death is mercy, and the quicker he or she is disposed of, the better. Satan, and the rebellious saints of heaven, were allowed a continuance of existence in hell merely to swell their just punishment. To such as would rebel against a government so mild and just as ours was in peace, a punishment equal would not be unjust. We are progressing well in this quarter. Though I have not changed my opinion that we may soon assume the existence of our national Government, yet years will pass before ruffianism, murder, and robbery will cease to afflict this region of our country. Truly your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Doc. 64. OPERATIONS IN NEW-MEXICO. CAMP FLORILLA, NEAR FORT CANBY, THE Cuminating point in this expedition has although the Indians frequently fired on them through the cañon, fighting occasionally; but Captain Pheiffer's party proceeded two days long before they reached the bottom of the cañon, from the rocky walls above, the balls were spent which, in many places, exceeded one thousand five hundred feet in depth. It was a singular spectacle to behold. A small detachment of troops, moving cautiously along the bottom of one of the greatest cañons on the globe, (the largest is in Asia, I believe,) and firing volleys upward at hundreds of Navajoes, who looked, on the dizzy heights above them, like so many pigmies. As they advanced, the cañon widened in places, and various wheat, maize, beans, melons, etc., had been planted last year; while, more than a thousand spots of cultivated lands were passed, where feet above their heads, they beheld neat-looking stone houses built on the receding ledges of rocks, which reminded the beholder of the swalformation overhanging the "sea-beat caves.' lows' nests in the house-eaves, or on the rocky Further on, an orchard containing about six hundred peach-trees was passed, and it was evident that the Indians had paid great attention to their culture. son's column met the Captain in the cafion, and returned with him to Colonel Carson's camp. A On the second day, a party from Colonel Carparty from the Colonel's command had in the mean time attacked a party of Indians, twentytwo of whom were killed. ing effect on many others, who sent in three of their number under a white flag. Colonel CarThis had a dispirit son received them, and assured them that the but that on the contrary the President wished Government did not desire to exterminate them, to save and civilize them; and to that end General Carlton had given him instructions to send all the Navajoes who desired peace to the new reservation on the Rio Pecos, where they would be supplied with food for the present, and be furthe soil. They departed well satisfied, and Colonished with implements, seeds, etc., to cultivate nel Carson immediately ordered Captain A. B. Carey, Thirteenth United States infantry, with a battalion, to enter the cañon and make a thorough exploration of its various branches, and at the same time to be in readiness to chastise any to receive all who were friendly and who wished to emigrate to the new reservation. body of hostile Navajoes he might encounter, and through a branch of the cañon hitherto unexCarey, during a passage of twenty-four hours plored, made an exact geographical map of this Captain hitherto unknown. About one hundred Indians terrible chasm, and discovered many side cañons came in to him and declared that "the Navajoe fighting and nearly starved, and that they wishnation was no more;" that they were tired of ed to be permitted to advise their friends and families in the mountains; many of whom were willing to leave the land for ever and go to a country where they would be cared for and pro- a shelter among the cliffs, groves, and cañons of tected. They said they understood agriculture, their country; in pursuing them to their haunts and were certain they would make comfortable they have encountered appalling difficulties, homes on the Pecos. This was, of course, only namely, want of water, grass, and fuel; often the opinion of some; others would prefer to re- exposed to the merciless fury of the elements main and culture the soil on which they were and to the bullets and arrows of a hidden foe. born, and live at peace with the territory. How- In the face of these difficulties they have discovever, the latter were positively informed that un-ered new rivers, springs, and mountains in a reless they were willing to remove they had better gion hitherto unexplored, and penetrated by not come in, and moreover, that the troops would companies into the very strongholds of the enedestroy every blade of corn in the country next my, who fled farther west as our columns advanced, and on various occasions the dismounted cavalry have, by rapid and unparalleled night marches, surprised that enemy, capturing his camp and securing his flocks and herds, at a time when he imagined himself far beyond our reach, and really when he occupied a country never before trodden by the foot of a white man. summer. On the twentieth of January, Colonel Carson came to Fort Canby, and about six hundred Indians had collected there; but when the wagons arrived to remove them only one hundred wished to go, and the remainder desired to return to their villages and caves in the mountains, on pretence of bringing in some absent member of their families. Colonel Carson very nobly and generously permitted them to choose for themselves; but told them, if ever they came in again they should be sent to Borgue Redondo, whether will ing or not. Colonel Carson himself took the Indians to Santa Fé, and will remain absent about a month. Since his departure many Indians came in and agreed to go to the reservation. I think the Colonel foresaw this, as no person understands Indian character better than he does. Captain A. B. Carey, Thirteenth infantry, commanding in his absence, will see that all Indians coming in will be removed, and I think, before April next, if the present good feeling exists, we shall have accomplished the removal of the entire tribe. Captain A. B. Carey, after successfully marching through the cañon and noting its topography, reached Fort Canby on the eighteenth instant, and relieved Captain Francis McCabe, First New-Mexico cavalry, who commanded in the absence of Colonel Kit Carson. A military execution took place at Fort Canby on the eighteenth instant. Private John Caul Much of the credit is due to the perseverance and courage of Colonel Kit Carson, commanding the expedition, whose example excited all to great energy and inspired great resolution; but it may not be out of place to remark that it is now demonstrated beyond a doubt that, while the troops of New-Mexico have long borne the reputation of being the best cavalry, they have proved themselves on the present campaign to be the best infantry in the world. General James H. Carlton, who knows, perhaps, and understands the material for an army as well as any general in our army, has directed the formation of a New-Mexican brigade; and when the savage foe is removed, that brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General Kit Carson, would surely reflect credit on the Territory and on the Department Commander, who, in every sense, deserves the stars of a Major-General. J. M. C. Doc. 65. field was shot to death by a detachment of his DESTRUCTION OF THE STEAMER DARE regiment, in presence of all the troops at the post, who were paraded under arms on the occasion. Caulfield had been tried and sentenced for ADMIRAL LEE'S REPORT. UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP MINNESOTA, OFF WILMINGTON, N. C., January 8. SIR: The new and swift steamer Dare attemptshooting a Mexican soldier of his own regiment, ed yesterday morning to get into Wilmington by and the Department Commander ordered his ex- this entrance; was chased off by the Montecution in three days from the date of reception of the general order at Fort Canby. He diedmery and Aries; ran herself ashore, above Georgetown, bilged, filled, and became a comwithout a struggle, his heart having been pierced plete wreck. This was her first trip. Inclosed with six bullets. As the Navajo expedition is now entirely successful, it is but justice to the officers and men of the First cavalry of New-Mexico, and to Colonel Christopher Carson and his staff, to say that they have all acted with zeal and devotion for the accomplishment of that great desideratum-the removal of the Navajoes. Cut off from the enjoyments of civilized life, deprived of its luxuries, comforts, and even many of its necessaries, and restricted to the exploration of a wilderness and the castigation of an army of savages, who defied them and endeavored to find is her charter to run cotton. The annexed list shows that the Dare is the twentieth steamer destroyed or captured by the I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding N. A. B. Q Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. |