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an official wrong to me as the order itself to you Let us dispassionately reason with the Government on this subject of command, and, if we fail to influence its practice, then ask to be relieved from positions, the authority of which is exercised by the War Department, while the responsibilities are left to us.
I have taken the liberty to detain your letter, to make this appeal to your patriotism, not merely from warm feelings of personal regard, but from the official opinion which makes me regard you as necessary to the service of the country in your present position.
He agreed, ultimately, to remain in the army.
I wrote to the
President on this subject on the 5th:
I have just received from Major-General Jackson a copy of the letter of the Secretary of War to him, directing the evacuation of Romney, and withdrawal of our troops to Winchester.
On a former occasion I ventured to appeal to your excellency against such exercise of military command by the Secretary of War.
Permit me now to suggest the separation of the Valley district from my command, on the ground that it is necessary for the public interest.
A collision of the authority of the Hon. Secretary of War with mine might occur at a critical moment; in such an event disaster would be inevitable.
The responsibility of the command has been imposed upon me; your excellency's known sense of justice will not hold me to that responsibility while the corresponding control is not in my hands.
Let me assure your excellency that I am
