Simon Cameron to Robert Patterson, November 30, 1861

General R. PATTERSON, Philadelphia, Pa. :

GENERAL: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th instant, calling my attention to your communication of the 1st of

‘oe Se ‘nar. IX.] OPERATIONS IN Shenandoah VALLEY. LUG

November, which contains a request for an inquiry into the late campaign in Virginia, in which you commanded a part of the United States forces. Your letter did not reach me until my return to this city, and subsequent to the departure of Lieutenant-General Scott to Europe.

There appears to be no precedent in our service for an investigation or trial of an officer’s conduct after he has received an honorable discharge. The inquiry you desire to have instituted would equally concern the late General-in-Chief, and as it appears to me, in justice to him, should not be made in his absence. The respect I have always entertained for you, as well as the friendly relations which have long existed between us, would claim for any personal request from you the most prompt and favorable attention; but in my public capacity, in the present condition of affairs, I cannot convince myself that my duty to the Government and to the country would justify me in acceding to your request. I must, therefore, reluctantly decline the appointment of a court of inquiry at this time.

With much respect,

your obedient servant,