The Daily Wabash Express

Gen. McDowell's Report.

The report of Brigadier-General McDowell to the War Department, under date of the 4th inst., concerning the action before Manassas on the 21st ult., has just been published. It is a lengthy, yet plain and honest account of the battle. It does not seek to palliate or conceal any of the disasters of the day. The various positions and operations of the army, during the battle are very distinctly given. The causes which led to the delay in advancing and engaging the enemy, and the reason why the battle was fought on Sunday are stated at length. The causes which led to the unfortunate termination of the engagement, in the opinion of Gen. McDowell, are announced boldly and frankly. He does not criminate any one. Officers whose conduct he might not approve, he does not allude to, and recognizes liberally and handsomely the bravery and gallant bearing of those who acted well their part. There does not appear to be any of the morbid feeling of disappointment or vexation about the report. It is the plain and unvarnished statement of a soldier who fought a well-planned battle, almost to victory, and then by causes, which he could not control, lost the day.

The rout and panic which, unfortunately and disgracefully, closed the day are called by their right names. There is no effort at palliation or excuse for this. The report, altogether, is calculated to elevate Gen. McDowell in the estimation of the country. On the first news of the disaster, people were disposed, almost unconsciously, to attribute the blame of it, to him. His facts, however, are quite convincing, and go far to exculpate him from any imputation of lack of duty, or ability.

We publish the report entire, and commend it to readers, as the most truthful and intelligible description of the battle, which has been given, aside from its statistical and official character as a military paper.