It has always been the opinion of the writer that,
if Fremont had been permitted to take his own way
in his Western command a little longer, he would have
achieved a brilliant military success. He was
a weak man in some respects, being over fond of dress
parade. The financial management of his department
was bad, or, rather, very careless. Of these
shortcomings, which were considerably misrepresented
and exaggerated, Fremont’s enemies took advantage,
and succeeded in effecting his overthrow in the Western
Department. But, notwithstanding his admitted
failings, he gave evidence of military ability.
He showed that he possessed both physical and moral
courage, and he knew how to plan a campaign.
He undoubtedly formulated the movement that resulted
in the capture of Forts Donelson and Henry in Tennessee,
taking the initial steps, but of which Halleck got
the credit. He was removed from command when
in the field, and almost on the eve of battle.
He had an enthusiastic army and the prospect of a
decisive victory. His recall gave up nearly the
whole of Missouri to the enemy, and was one of the
causes of complaint that the Missouri Unionists had
against the National Administration.
Not long afterwards, with no more than even chances,
Fremont defeated Stonewall Jackson in Virginia—at
Cross Keys—which was more than any of the
other Union generals then in that department could
do. His prompt removal made it sure that he should
not do it again.
It was the misfortune of Fremont that his independence
caused him to clash with selfish interests, and he
was sacrificed. He was selected for the Trans-Mississippi
command by the Blairs, evidently with the expectation
that he would bend to their wishes. He soon showed
that he was his own master, and the trouble began.
The Union people of his department were mostly with
him, but the Blairs had control of the administration
in Washington.
As for his freedom proclamation, it was, to a certain
extent, an act of insubordination, but it was right
in principle and sound in policy. Its adoption
by the General Government would have saved four years
of contention and turmoil in Missouri, spent in upholding
a tottering institution that was doomed from the first
shot of the Rebellion. The President, however,
for reasons elsewhere explained, did not at that time
want slavery interfered with.
The story of Fremont’s fall is best told by
Whittier in four lines:
“Thy error, Fremont,
simply was to act
A brave man’s part without
the statesman’s tact,
And, taking counsel but of
common-sense,
To strike at cause as well
as consequence.”
