de, when I met a distinguished Senator, and I made
inquiries of him concerning my case. He informed me that there was not the
least doubt as to my confirmation, and that no name stood better before
the Senate than mine. Another Senator also informed me that my name, with
others, had been sent forward and canvassed, and not a single objection
brought against it; and added, that I should receive every vote with
possibly the exception of the two Massachusetts Senators. It appears,
however, that there were a large number of politicians to be confirmed,
many of whom had not seen a day of real service; therefore fighting men,
who had seen nearly two years hard service, were set aside to make place
for them.

The day after I was relieved of my command I received the following
letters from my superior officers, Generals Heintzelman and Abercrombie:--

_Headquarters, Department of Washington,
Washington, March 30, 1863._

BRIGADIER-GENERAL ROBERT COWDIN:--

GENERAL: I am happy to be able to say that after serving some time
under my command both on the Peninsula and in the defences here
commanding a Brigade, your conduct has merited my warm approbation.

Hoping to meet you again in service under more favorable
circumstances,

I remain, yours truly,
S. P. HEINTZELMAN, _Major-General_.

_Headquarters Arlington, April 1, 1863._

MY DEAR GENERAL: In parting with you, I take this occasion to express
my deep regret that so valuable an officer should be lost to this
command, and at a time, too, when his services might prove of much
importance, and aid very materially in the defence of the city
against the threatened raid by the Rebels along the line of our
defences. As evidence of your efficiency, I am satisfied there is not
a Brigade under my command better calculated to do good services by
its discipline and instruction than your own. I trust you may be
restored to your command at an early day.

Your obedient servant,
J. J. ABERCROMBIE, _Brig.-Gen._

BRIG.-GEN. R. COWDIN, Washington, D. C.

On my returning home as a citizen, the people began to inquire the cause
of it, when one of the senators called on several of the daily papers in
this city, as I have since learned, and dictated to them what answer to
give the people. One of the number was very particular to give as a reason
that there were