He not only goes to the Quartermaster and makes inquiry whether such or such regiment or division, or whatever they may be, have received or drawn their rations, but goes himself to their camps and makes inquiry among the soldiers themselves whether they have been properly provided for, and if not he would immediately send for his Quartermasters, reprimanding and telling them that they must get rations for his soldiers, let it come from where it may and cost what it will. The soldiers must and shall be fed. Also examine their quarters, and see for himself whether they are comfortable and clean. And paid particular attention to the sick and wounded soldiers, to see that they were well and properly provided with comfortable quarters, and supplied with skilful doctors, and with a medicine chest.
But in time of an engagement with the enemy he either is afraid of taking his command into battle, for fear of getting some of his men killed, or his ambition for fame and courage fails him.
These are my own humble, private opinions of Gen. Patterson.[1] The notes taken are the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And I call upon all my readers to read it thoughtfully, and weigh it carefully; after which they can judge for themselves whether my notes are true or not.
Again it is officially reported that the Volunteer Brigade, commanded by Gen. Pillow, was repulsed at the battle of Cerro Gordo. I deny this report most emphatically, first there were no orders given for a charge upon the enemy's battery. Therefore, there could not have been a repulse. I now appeal (and I will prove it by statements from other sources), and call upon all the soldiers who served in that gallant volunteer division and brigade whether I am not correct in my statement, when I say that we were not repulsed. The only charge that was made upon the enemy's batteries (and it was done in a big and blundering mistake) was by Col. Haskell, of the Second
- ↑ Since died, August 9, 1881, aged 90.
