The Harper's Ferry Commission
Summary
The commission Investigating of the surrender of Harper's Ferry has closed, convicting Col. Miles of "incapacity and criminal neglect," censuring Gen. Ward and Col. Ford, but acquitting other officers of all blame.
Transcript
The Investigating Commission upon the Surrender of Harper’s Ferry have closed their inquiry into the conduct of certain officers connected therewith, and made their official report to the Department. The Commission acquit General White, Colonel D’Utassy and Colonel Trimble of all blame for the surrender, and praise the capacity and courage of the former. They found that Colonel Ford was given, by Colonel Millet, discretionary power to abandon Maryland Heights, but that this discretion was premature, that he conducted the defense [sic] with no ability, and that his exhibition of lack of capacity was such as to disqualify him for a command.
Colonel Miles is convicted of incapacity and criminal neglect, especially in neglecting to fortify and hold Maryland Heights, the key of the position; General Ward is gravely censured for placing so incapable an officer as Colonel Miles in command. The Commission also, upon the testimony of General Halleck, censured General McClellan for a lack of energetic effort in sending relief for the force at the Ferry.
Article Source
Newspaper: The Frederick Examiner
Publication Date: November 12th, 1862
Page/Column: 2
Town: Frederick, MD
County: Frederick
Subjects
- Battles / Military
