GENERAL: I am happy to be able to say that after serving some time
under my command both on the Peninsula and in the defences here
commanding a Brigade, your conduct has merited my warm approbation.
Hoping to meet you again in service under more favorable
circumstances,
I remain, yours truly,
S. P. HEINTZELMAN, _Major-General_.
_Headquarters Arlington, April 1, 1863._
MY DEAR GENERAL: In parting with you, I take this occasion to express
my deep regret that so valuable an officer should be lost to this
command, and at a time, too, when his services might prove of much
importance, and aid very materially in the defence of the city
against the threatened raid by the Rebels along the line of our
defences. As evidence of your efficiency, I am satisfied there is not
a Brigade under my command better calculated to do good services by
its discipline and instruction than your own. I trust you may be
restored to your command at an early day.
Your obedient servant,
J. J. ABERCROMBIE, _Brig.-Gen._
BRIG.-GEN. R. COWDIN, Washington, D. C.
On my returning home as a citizen, the people began to inquire the cause
of it, when one of the senators called on several of the daily papers in
this city, as I have since learned, and dictated to them what answer to
give the people. One of the number was very particular to give as a reason
that there were two more nominations from Massachusetts than she was
entitled to, and they supposed the Senate selected for promotion those
that were considered the best qualified, (or words to that effect,)
carefully concealing the fact that two of the candidates who were on the
Massachusetts list did not represent Massachusetts. One went out in
command of a New York Regiment, and the other, as I am informed, was an
engineer from Pennsylvania, and has since been discharged.
Some time after my return home, I called on Senator Sumner, and inquired
of him why I had been thus treated; what qualifications, if any, I was
lacking, which should cause them to promote junior officers over me? But
he did not give me any reason, but in substance intimated that we must
submit to higher authority whether we liked it or not. Nearly every
question I put to him was answered evasively, and my previous opinion,
that he had used his best efforts to defeat me, were then confirmed. About
the 21st of August I received an appointment as Paymaster of Volunteers,
at the instigation of Senator Wilson, which I respectfully declined, not
feeling quite willing to step from the rank of Brigadier-General to that
of Major. Since that time I have had several interviews with Mr. Wilson,
and he informs me that he has never opposed me directly or indirectly,
evidence to the contrary notwithstanding. If such be the case, _why_ am I
out of the service? Can either of these gentlemen answer?
During a recent visit to Washington, I called upon the President, and
presented him with my letters of recommendation. He informed me that I
needed no recommendation, that my conduct in the field was a sufficient
guarantee of my fitness for the office of Brigadier-General, but that
there were no vacancies at that time. He then indorsed my papers and
referred me to Secretary Stanton, who informed me that no man stood better
in the army than I did; he said that there were no vacancies at that time.
It cannot but be plain to the public that my not being confirmed by the
Senate was the work of the Massachusetts Senators, as one of them informed
me that it was by _his own personal exertions_ that a Massachusetts
General had been confirmed. That I have been treated with neglect and
contempt by them from the beginning is plainly visible, let them say what
they will to the contrary.
And I am not the only officer who has been thus shamefully treated,
hundreds of others have been served in like manner. Men who have fought
bravely in defence of their country, for the advance of its interests and
the maintenance of its laws, have been withheld from promotion, simply
because they differed in political opinion, or were not in favor with
those high in power; while others, who have not a thought or care for the
country, whether it be lost or saved, are rapidly advanced far beyond
their knowledge and ability. And I think I may safely assert that many a
"Major-General's" strap has been worn, when, if the wearer were
_thoroughly_ and _fairly_ examined, could not boast a Captain's
commission; and it is this inefficiency, together with the intemperance of
many of our Generals, that has been the sole cause of so many disgraceful
defeats; and until a change is made, and men who are competent placed in
command, we cannot and must not expect anything different.
In conclusion, I would say, that I shall ever be ready and willing to
respond to the call of my country when I can be restored to my rightful
position, one that I feel I have fairly earned by many a hard-fought
battle and by the recommendations of all my superior officers. And I feel
that at this time, when the country needs and demands the services of
every man, we should lay aside all party feeling and unite in one
brotherhood in supporting the Union, and in defending that glorious
Constitution so dearly purchased by the blood of our fathers, and which,
descending to us as our birthright, claims our undivided and hearty
support.
Very respectfully,
ROBERT COWDIN,
_Late Brigadier-General, U. S. A._
Transcriber's Notes:
Passages in italics are indicated by _italics_.
The following misprints have been corrected:
"incorreet" corrected to "incorrect" (page 10)
"Octobor" corrected to "October" (page 12)