He declared of some of these regiments in his division, that they were as well disciplined as any men he ever wished to see; that their officers had shown practical military talent; that a young captain from civil life, whom he instanced, was worthy to be made a general.

He named regiments of volunteers which he said were among the finest regiments that ever fought on any field, and in which every officer was appointed from civil life.

[Footnote: Report of Committee on Conduct of the War, vol.iv.pp.

444-446.] He added the criticism which I have above made, that no proper method of getting rid of incompetent officers and of securing the promotion of the meritorious had been adopted; but this in no way diminishes the force of his testimony that every kind of military ability was abundantly found in our volunteer forces and needed only recognition and encouragement.

It would be easy to multiply evidence on this subject.