To the Editors of the Dispatch.
--Gentlemen: Would you do me the kindness to give publicity to the following correspondence between Brig. Gen. E. Kirby Smith and myself, relating to my difficulties at Manassas, to which I referred in your columns some weeks ago? T. Clay Maddux. Richmond, Va., Sept. 31, 1861.[Correspondence]
I met this morning Col. P. P. Dandridge, who informed me that in a conversation with yourself, on Saturday evening last, upon the subject of the infamous conspiracy, by a few personal enemies, to person the position which I enjoyed both in and out of the Army, you very willingly, as well as justly authorized him to deny that you were the instrument through which germinated my unfortunate difficulties as an officer in the Army, at Manassas, shortly after the glorious victory at Bull Run, on the ever-remembered 21st July last. No doubt, General, you are sufficiently informed upon the subject of my misfortune, engendered by my efforts to render your assistance, at a time and place where surgery was so much needed. I was always found at my post, liorating the conditioned of those who were so unfortunate as to need medical assistance; among whom, with yourself, may be found Major Scott, of 4th Alabama; Captain Duke, of 2d South Carolina, and Major Smith, of — Virginia regiments; and my reward for thus ‘"being in the right place at the right time,"’ doing even (using the language of a writer) more than my duty, has incarceration for thirteen days, closing with the return of my sword and pistols, and a mysterious discharge from custody — without the justice of a trial, or the satisfaction of a copy of the charges preferred against me. The result of this unjust and tyrannical infliction has greatly compromised my position in the army, as well as mortified the pride of my family, tions, and friends, who every day witnessed the clandestine efforts of sneaking enemies to crush my prospects, and insidiously dart the poisonous fang to the very vitals of my ambition. And although, General, I have frequently been fold that all my troubles came through you, I have up to this date disbelieved that you were capable of such ingratitude, knowing as you do the promptitude with which I obeyed your call for assistance, when your life was only supported by a mere thread. Now, General, my fortune is in your hands, as your life at one time was in mine, which I protected, and all I ask is a letter of exoneration from the avarice and false degraded accusations which veils my success and happiness. Lynchburg, Va., Sept. 20th, 1861.
Sir:
In acknowledging your letter of the 16th ult., allow me to state that I have never brought any accusations against you in regard to the affair immediately after the battle of Manassas, to which you refer.
I willingly state that I do not believe that either your motives or intentions were bad, and instead of bringing accusations against you. I remember with kind feelings your attentions to me when wounded on the field of battle. Sir:
