CONDUCT OF THE WAR: The Committee Close Their Long Investigation; Curious Facts in Regard to the Army of the Potomac (5/23/1865)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 5/23/1865

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Monday, March 22.

The Committee on the Conduct of the War today adjourned sine die, submitting their report to the Secretary of the Senate. Gen. SHERMAN'S testimony was taken to-day. The first part of the evidence collected is in regard to the Army of the Potomac, concluding as follows: Your committee could not forbear asking the witnesses before them if the army, after all these indecisive movements and retrograde movements still retained confidence in its commanding Generals. Various answers were returned to this inquiry, all, however, tending to establish the fact that much discouragement had been felt by the army at these ineffective operations, and but for the highly interesting character of the rank and file, it never would have retained its even then effective condition.

Gen. PLEASONTON states that the cavalry under his command did not retain confidence in the ability of Gen. MEADE.

Gen. BIRNEY states the same about his corps, stating that while Gen. MEADE was liked as a man, he was not regarded as a man of resolution, or one who is willing to assume that responsibility required by the position he occupied. Gen. HOME states that in his opinion the rank and file of the army do not regard Gen. MEADE as possessed of that zeal, activity and energy necessary to carry on an offensive warfare generally, but he admits that the most of the corps commanders would probably say that Gen. MEADE was eminently qualified for the command he now holds. That opinion Gen. HOWE qualifies, however, by stating that so far as he has observed the most of the principal officers of the Army of the Potomac, including the Commanding-General, are governed by the same sympathies, feelings and considerations which have been infused into the army by its commander during

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 25, 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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Conduct of the War: The Committee Close Their Long Investigation – 2
The Grand Review: Great Rush of Visitors to See the Boys in Blue – 3
The Pacific Coast: Projected Monument to the Memory of Mr. Lincoln – 3-4
North Carolina: The Records of the Rebel War Department Captured – 4
The Southwest: Reported Assassination of the Rebel General Kirby Smith – 4
From Kentucky: Prevailing Sentiment for Execution or Exile of Jeff. Davis – 4
Trial of the Assassins: Full Report of the Testimony Taken on Monday – 4-7
From Washington – 7
Health of Mr. Seward – 7
Editorial: Trial of Jeff. Davis – Guilt of the Leaders of the Rebellion – 7-8
A Negro Riot at Memphis – 8
Editorial: No Amnesty to the Murderers of Prisoners – 8-9
Trans-Mississippi Affairs – 9
Editorial: Rebel Insolence – 9
General City News – 9
Brooklyn News – 9
Condition of the Chattanooga Railroad-Mustering Out of Indiana Troops – 9
Bridges Washed Away – 9