Autobiography and personal reminiscences of Major-General BenjFButler : Butler's book : a review of his legal, political, and military career . ry, as will be seen hereafter,we sent seventeen thousand men tothe rescue of Grants army at ColdHarbor. Finding it impossible to get onwith Major-General Gillmores tardi-ness of movement, and knowing thathe was before the Senate for confirma-tion to the grade which he filled, Iwrote a note to the Chairman of theMilitary Committee of the Senate,asking that he bring his name beforethe Senate at once and have it rejected by that body, giving myreasons for
Autobiography and personal reminiscences of Major-General BenjFButler : Butler's book : a review of his legal, political, and military career . ry, as will be seen hereafter,we sent seventeen thousand men tothe rescue of Grants army at ColdHarbor. Finding it impossible to get onwith Major-General Gillmores tardi-ness of movement, and knowing thathe was before the Senate for confirma-tion to the grade which he filled, Iwrote a note to the Chairman of theMilitary Committee of the Senate,asking that he bring his name beforethe Senate at once and have it rejected by that body, giving myreasons for making the request.^ I prefer to give from the documents and contemporaneous action,such criticism or laudation of the acts of officers under my com-mand as occurred from day to day, when the mind could view themimpartially by light of results, and omissions, or blunders in actionor conduct, unprejudiced by subsequent events or malign influences,rivalries, or ambitions. I never gave an officer my confidence whomI did not think worthy, and if any blame or praise was due tohim it came at the time. It was never an afterthought arising from. Gen. Ciiakles A. Heckman. See Appendix No. 33. BUTLERS BOOK. 645 his subsequent acts toward me, censuring either my military orpolitical conduct. On the 7th General Smith struck the railroad near Port WalthallJunction, and began its destruction. Generals Brooks and Heckmanof his corps had severe fighting, with some loss, l)ut with more damageto the enemy. Colonel West, of the colored cavalry, had most successfully per-formed his march, having driven the enemy from the fords of theChickahominy after a lively skirmish, and crossing and joining usopposite City Point, as ordered. During the day of the 8th no movement was made, but the troopswere given rest, dispositions being made to move our whole force tothe railroad and destroy as much of it as possible. General Smithwas to endeavor to reach the railroad bridge over Swift Creek, sup-ported by G
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectgenerals, bookyear189
