Richmond Enquirer

To the Editor of the Enquirer:

Strange as it may appear, sir, I have it from authority not to be questioned, that the charges against Maj. General Gaines were exhibited in Dec. 1815, or early in Jan. 1816 at the war office, and not until June 1st had the General any intimation of their existence (though they had been the topic of the closet and private circles for months before.) Some of them, I am credibly informed, date as far back as Feb. 1814--The knowing ones in this must fail.--From my knowledge of Maj. Gen. Gaines's character, I will hazard an opinion (and let time verify the assertion) that he passes the ordeal with a reputation not surpassed by any officer in the service, & that one of the Biographical Heroes will return to that level for which nature intended him--and beyond which, with military men, he never reached. His fame has been erected on the fabric of Maj. Gen. Jacob Brown. I was in Georgia with gen. Gaines, and passed through that state a few days after him. There prevails but one opinion--that he merited different treatment, and it would be as difficult to satisfy the different classes of the community that he is as properly chargeable with an offence, as it was to satisfy them of the innocence of Gen. Wilkinson at the time of Burr's conspiracy.

Is it reasonable to suppose that a general officer, placed in the responsible situation in which Major General Gaines was, during the siege of Fort Erie, should enquire of his officers, what was best for him to do, or what details should be made from his command? One of the specifications, is, for having ordered Major Trimble to the opposite side of the lake, without any visible cause, and actuated by a vindictive spirit. The result of the court will prove that this was considered the point of honor ; that was the spot on which Major Morgan so eminently distinguished himself.

Another is, his not having dealt out to Major Trimble that quantum of military glory and honor to which he fancied himself entitled. A third is, his having ordered Major General Ripley, to change or alter, his official report, so as to give the whole credit to him. (Major General Gaines.)

Pray who was entitled to it? Query ; whether is the officer who quietly signs an incorrect official account, or the one who receives it, the most culpable?--I know but little of martial law, or of the regular service ; but I am satisfied, that Maj. General Gaines will prove himself worthy of the approbation of a grateful people.

AMICUS JUSTITIAE.