Posted on 06/23/2021 6:26:30 AM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
WASHINGTON, Saturday, June 22.
H.C. SPENCER, our Consul at Paris, has been ordered to close the consulate, and to deposit the papers and records of the office with the American Minister. Mr. SPENCER has been proved to entertain quite too much sympathy for the rebels.
Senator WILSON, of Massachusetts, is in Washington, and will remain here until the close of the session.
It is understood here that Maj.-Gen. DIX will assume command of the forces on the other side of the river, and that the army will be divided into five brigades, under the immediate command of Generals MCDOWELL, RUNYON, TYLER, and Colonels HUNTER and HEINTZELMAN. It is probable that Gen. DIX will establish his head quarters at Arlington House on Wednesday next.
Jos. W. WEBB, of this city, has been appointed Inspector-General of the United States Army.
On Tuesday last, the rear of Gen. CADWALLADER'S column, which crossed the Potomac from Williamsport, had returned across the river.
It is understood that Gen. MCDOWELL is earnestly desirous to push his column forward upon Fairfax, and has sought to advance in force with his impatient command, to clear the road to that point. Beyond Falls Church and Vienna, the enemy are now industriously engaged in fortifying the read with their masked batteries. But Gen. SCOTT is not yet ready, and so the zealous troops must wait. There has been no offensive demonstration in that quarter for twenty-four hours.
The action of Gen. CADWALLADER, in omitting to avail himself of the opportunity to occupy Harper's Ferry, and in his return across the river, is severely commented on here, in military circles, and is unfavorably contrasted with the late gallant and triumphant movement in Missouri.
Gen. LANE'S brigade, to be raised in Kansas, is to consist of five regiments.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: Sometime in the future.
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Posting history, in reverse order
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Link to previous New York Times thread
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3969910/posts
When I first glanced at the headline, I thought the thread was about the incursion into the US Capitol on Jan 6th.
Oops!
What is interesting is that so many “leaders” were elevated on both sides after they had some minor success or were credited incorrectly with good outcomes. It was the Peter principle in action. Most of these men were befuddled and not worthy of their prestigous appointments. They inevitably failed badly and the troopps suffered the most. Out of the carnage came real, competent leaders like Sherman, Grant, Lee, Longstreet, AP Hill ,Jackson and Stuart. The South initially were better judges of leadership. Many died however before competent military men took control. Sadly this is being repeated in today’s political pole climbing military.
I am often surprised at the complete lack of security involving the publication of troop movements. I wonder if this is continued throughout the war.
Going back over the past weeks you can see Bull Run/Manassas forming before our very eyes.
“It is understood here that Maj.-Gen. DIX will assume command of the forces on the other side of the river . . .”
That line led me to suspect he was the person Fort Dix was named after, which is apparently the case. He was an interesting guy.
At various points in his life he ran for office as a Democrat, as a Republican and (in between) as a Barnburner/Free Soil candidate.
He was also largely responsible for keeping Maryland in the Union - rounding up a secessionist state Senate apparently is a pretty effective approach.
And finally there’s this (from Wikipedia):
At the outbreak of the Civil War, he sent a telegram to the Treasury agents in New Orleans ordering that: “If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot.” Imagine someone saying that today (and actually meaning it).
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