Irvin McDowell to George Cadwalader, November 24, 1862
Maj. Gen. GEORGE CADWALADER, President of the Court of Inquiry instituted in Special Orders, No. 350:
GENERAL: It appearing from the indorsement on the recorder’s letter of the Assistant Adjutant-General at the Headquarters of the Army that there are nocharges against me in the possession of the Government, and that therefore the literal reading of the order convening the court, directing it to investigate ”certain charges” against me, does not apply, I beg the court to obtain a copy of my letter to the President of September 6, 1862, asking for a court, and on which this court has been instituted; and, further, that the investigation in my case may be as therein requested.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Major-General.
The court is of the opinion that it is not the proper medium through
which this communication should reach Headquarters, particularly as
the order convening the court has been returned indorsed "The General-in-Chief is not aware that the Government has any charges against
Major-General McDowell."
Further, as the General-in-Chief has communicated that "the court