The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
 |
TO GEORGE W. CAMPBELL.
(Private.) |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO GEORGE W. CAMPBELL.[97]
(Private.)
The Committee appointed by the H. of Reps.[98]
to enquire into the causes of the late military events
in this District have called for information on the
members of the Cabinet, and the call will embrace
you. That you may be under no restraint whatever
from official or personal confidence, I think it proper
to intimate to you, that in relation to myself, I hope
no information you may be able to give will be
withheld, from either of those considerations.
I am so far from wishing to circumscribe the range
of enquiry, on the subject, that I am anxious that
every circumstance may be reached that can throw
light on it. I am the more anxious, because I understand
that a statement furnished by the late Secretary
of War, implicates me in two particulars, 1. that
I committed to him, the direction of the military
operations on the field of battle, which I could not
even legally do, 2. that at a critical moment I interposed
& prevented it.
On the latter point, I am aware that as you were
not on the ground, you can have no direct knowledge
& may be without a knowledge of any circumstances
which I believe can be disproved by evidence as
decisive as can be required to establish the negative.
On the first point your memory may furnish circumstances
not unimportant, as the statement in
question has doubtless reference to the conversation
with Genl. Armstrong on the morning of Aug. 24,
to which I was led by the regret you expressed at
his apparent reserve on so momentous a crisis, &
your suggestion that he might be kept back by some
feeling of delicacy in relation to Genl. Winder.
The conversation was held very near to you, but
no part of it might be within your hearing. Your
recollection of my reply to your remarks, & of my
communication of what passed between me & Genl.
Armstrong may, in connection with recollections of
others, aid in elucidating truth.
I have heard with pleasure that you were far
advanced on your journey to Nashville, and that your
health was improving. With my sincere wishes for
its perfect restoration, accept assurances of my great
esteem & my friendly respects.
| The writings of James Madison, | |