22
malignity, that even my well-tried patience was rather too severely tested. Under the pressure of military discipline I held out quietly, and in passive silence. At last an official statement appears, intended to throw disgrace upon me and part of my command. Upon this official statement at last Tan put my finger, and you will not blame me, if I put my finger upon it with firmness and energy. But you will bear me witness, that in discussing the facts in the case I have said nothing, absolutely nothing, that is not clearly substantiated by the evidence before you. If my language was severe, you must not forget that the truth is severer still.
I said that the honor and reputation of a subordinate ought to be held as a sacred trust in the hands of his commander. When this trust is violated, good fortune gives us at least sometimes an opportunity to right ourselves before impartial men. For this opportunity furnished me by the Commander of the Army, I am most profoundly thankful; for if, indeed, a General could be found, who, upon a knowledge of facts so lamentably imperfect, upon impressions so vague and unaccountable, could launch in to the world so odious and wanton an accusation, I doubt whether a Court of Inquiry can be found to sanction it.
_-_Schurz_Argument_-_Page_22.jpg&oldid=11183026){kind=link}