... I have written a note to the general suggesting Major Sam Breck as just the man he needs for assistant adjutant-general, in case he is about to take a new one. Breck is now at the head of one of the departments of the adjutant-general's office here, but, as I have accidentally learned, would much rather serve in the field. I don't suppose any other department commander could get him, but General Grant is pretty omnipotent just now. Breck is a first-rate man in his sphere, and a cultivated, gentlemanly, efficient fellow. If no one is wanted, or if the place is filled, all right. I have written Rawlins a note to warn him of a storm brewing against him. The complaint is one I mentioned to you the other day; and I suppose if the difficulty is not remedied some sharp corrective will be applied. Between ourselves, the truth is that the adjutant's department in the Department of the Tennessee has never been well administered. Much to my surprise I find that Judge Scates1 keeps the accounts of his office with the adjutant-general here in excellent order — not quite so perfect, indeed, as those of the Army of the Potomac, with its unequalled adjutant,2 but yet altogether satisfactory. A charge against the “High Dominie Dudgeon” was squelched the other day.... I hastened to say that Michael was a splendid old fighter, with only two grains of discretion, and this must be a blunder and nothing worse. Anyway it's laid to sleep.3 I am off for Burnside this P. M., and then to Rosecrans.As soon as it became certain that Rosecrans, in obedience to the official pressure which had been put upon him, was
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place.
This explains the following “private” letter to me, dated August 31, 1863:
1 Adjutant--general of the Thirteenth corps, a distinguished lawyer and ex-judge of Illinois.
2 General Seth Williams, of the regular army.
3 This refers to General M. K. Lawler, than whom there never was a more honest or capable soldier in the volunteer army.
Harper and Brothers, New York and London, 1907.
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