Indiana State Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 46, Indianapolis, Marion County, 4 May 1848 — Page 1

l.MHAXAl'QUS. AIMtlL 29. IH-tH.

County Convention. The Democratic County Convention, fur the nomination of candidates for the August election, will take sosjd on the last Saturday in May, (27th.) at 10 o'clock, A. M. Let every township send delegates. 07-A ecamp calling himself Möns. F. Charton, the great horse doctor of America," and formerly of Louisville, Kentucky, soroo months ago cheatej us out of some $7. This rascal not only cheated us, but killed at least one fine horse which he undertook to doctor. lie oujrht to be in the Penitentiary, nodoubt. and perhaps has served an apprenticeship in some such institution. The public should be on their guard I cgainst him. Mr. Van Deusen, the Blind Minstrel," we observe has been singing at Madison. It may be well enough for the printers to know that the gentleman forgot to pay a small bill which he contracted at this office a few weeks ago. Two or three dollars is not much, to be sure ; but we should prefer to give it away, rather than be forgotten oat of it. Aid and Oomfobt. Eefore leaving his country for Jamaica, Santa Anna issued a long Valedictory Address to the Mexicans, dated at Tehuacan, March 521th. It is marked by his usual mock-patriotism, bombastic self-eulogy, and complaint that all the misfortunes of Mexico have grown out of the personal hostility towards him, entertained by other leaders. There is but a single paragraph which is worthy of the serious consideration of the American people. That is eminently worthy of it, because it shows one of the chiefest reasons why Santa Anna expected or hoped fur a successful issue of the war to Mexico. The paragraph is as follows, according to the translation of the N. O. Picayune : "The friends nf humanity and justice have raised their voices in the very centre of the American capital, to warn us of the immense dangers that threatened us. The obstinacy and hatred of parties; egotism and treason, have prevented thews echoes of truth from being heard, and an inopportune treaty has deprived us of the advantages which we could have obtained in suffering, with more resignation, the evils of the war, and in facing with more resolution the events of the future." This is a clear acknowledgement of the "aid and comfort" which the Mexican Tyrant derived from the course taken in favor of Mexico, by the whig leaders in our Congress, and which he thinks he should still fu riher have profited by, had it not been for the "egotism and treason" of oVLcr Mexican leaders and their followers. We sliould think that such an acknowlment, from the greatest Mexican general, would satisfy the honest mass of the w hig party of the real effect which has been universally produced in Mexico, by the leading whigs of this country. For ourselves, we have not the least doubt, that the war would long since have been honorably closed, had the Mexicans not derived encouragement from the unpatriotic action of the whig politicians. A reward of $300 was recently offered by the Governor of New York and Win. McElroy of Ulster county, for the recovery of a child of the latter, about 4 years old, supposed to have been abducted. So strong was this opinion impressed upon the minds of the neighborhood, that a purse was made up to enable the distracted father to pursue the supposed kidnapper. He did so; and traced him, as he supposed, through the southern tier of counties to Chatauqtie; from thence up the lake to Detroit, and from thence to Canada. He frequently heard of a man, accompanied by a child, on the road, and pursued the phantom with all the eagerness of hope. Months were thus employed ; and now it appears that the little fellow was drowned Dear his own father's house. Painful though this dis covery is, it will afford relief to the heart-stricken parents. COIn order to give strength to Clay, some of the Eastern federal politicians are proposing to put Scott on the Clay ticket, os the Whig candidate for the Vice Presidency ! We don't know but Scott will consent to play second fiddle" to Clay in the manner indicated, but wc can hardly believe that ho will. At any rate, the whigs are getting into worse and worse pickle every day. They can fully sympathize with their "conservative" brethren all over Europe, who at this time appear to be so " unfortunate." No matter who the whigs may nominate, they must be beaten. The spirit of the times indicates that result well enough. A Slave Case. The Goshen Democrat contains the report of a trial for riot, at the present term of the Elkhart circuit court, against Joseph A. Graves, Elisha W. Coleman and Hugh P. Langmore, citizens of Kentucky. The charge was founded upon the fact that the defendants, on a certain night in August last, forcibly entered the houao of Samuel P. Judson, Esq., of Bristol, for the purpose of reclaiming a negro slave, who was taken from the premises by force of arms. The jury found the defendants guilty, and assessed against each a fine of one hundred and thirty dollars. Mr. Charles J. Ingersoll recently offered a resolution instructing the committee of Ways and Means to inquire into the propriety of lowering the rates of duty on certain French importations. On motion of Mr. Bailey, laid on the table. The House was thrown into laughter by au earnest remark of Mr. Holmes, of South Carolina, when Mr. Bailet made his motion. "What! a Virginian, a grower of tobacco, make such a motion ! " It was some time before the Carolinian got over his astonishment. Extensive fires have recently occurred in New York and Philadelphia. In tho latter city, the two extensive warehouse occupied by the firm of Patterson &. Co., with $30,000 worth of goods, wcro destroyed. General Patterson who is now in the service of his country in Mexico, is the principal partner in this firm. The loss is supposed to be covered by insurance, but all the General's old family wines were deetroyed. The case of Randall Hutchinson, recently convicted cf embezzling $23,000 from the U. S. Mint at Philadelphia, has been re-argued, and the court de cided, that being merely a clerk, the acts of Congress against embezzlement did not extend to him. The indictment, therefore, could not be sustained, and a rwl. pros, was entered by the district attorney. Iowa. A letter from Iowa gives us assurance that our young sister is faithful to Democracy. At the recent election Thomas H.Benton Jr., the democratic candidate for Commissioner of Public Instruction, was chosen by a decided majority. This was the only state officer to be elected. OCT" The fallen dynasties of France are likely to be represented in our army and navy. Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, nephew we presume of the Emperor, Las been appointed a cadet at West Point, from the third Congrersional district of Maryland. The Whig Convention of Missouri have instructed their Delegate to the National Convention, to sup port the nomination of Gen. Taylor for the Presi dency. it1 The ditTjrenco between a Charco and a Minister Heeidfnt, is this : The Minifttr r Resident ia acccdited - " . - to the Sovereign; a Charge ii accredited totheSecre tary of State." Thwe i also eome little dilference in the salary, if WO are nut miSCn.

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Published every Thursday. Gcu. Taylor's Dunn Letter. We copy the following correspondence between Geo-G-Dunn and General Taylor, relative to the cnduct of 2d Indiana Regiment at Buena Vista, as it appears in the State Journal of the 12th of April, and append some comments in the shape of notes. Gen. T. labors in vain to make it appear that he has been guilty of no injustice. Every letter that he writes on the subject only serves to show that he stubbornly adheres to his first opinion, in defiance of all the extenuating circumstances which have been developed since his original report of the battle was made, jt is evident, hat, rather than acknowledge his own errors, he would willingly sacrifice other men by whole regiments. IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE. WAimneToir, April 12, 1S43. . D. Defrttt, Esq. DcASia:- I forward you, by tht mail which Itsvet after this dale, a copy of a correspondence between Gen. Zachabt Tatloe and myielf, in reUtioo to the difficulties connected with the Second Indiana Regiment at the tattle of Buena Vista. The effort making, in many quarters, to throw discredit both upon that Regiment and the gallant Hero who commanded the American troops, requires authentic statements and not vagus assertions. Feeling a deep Interest in all that concerns that Regiment, I submit ibe correspondence for your disposal in snj ay you deem best. Should you think worth while to publish it, I bop you will forward a copy to Col. W. A. Bowles, that be may be remindedof a duty which be owes to that Regiment and the public generally, if nut alio to bimielf. Very respectfully, GKO. G. DUNN. Washington, Feb. 12, 1S43. Major General Z. Taylor: CtktL Sia: Availing myself of the kindness of aa introduction through your distinguished and excellent friend, the Hon. J. J. Crittenden, I beg leave most respectfully to invite vour attention to a matter about which a large number of the people of my State, in common with myself, feel a deep interest. 1 refer to the unfortunate circumstauces connected with lb Secoud Indiana Regiment in the battle of Buena Vista. I do not desire to extenuate any actual delinquencies either of the officers or men f that regimen', nor could I wish you to tcieeo real misconduct upon ucb an occasion from just rebuke and deserved public censure. The interest of the public service would forbid this, and I believe you incapable of making that secondary to any other consideration. Having do knowledge myself of military affairs, 1 do not know what are the imperative and defined duties of a commanding Geueial of our armies, in regani to the character and extent uf the Reports of matters connected with his operations, but I suppose that he is required to give a detailed account of the whole plau of operations iu an engagement, and a full and accurate account of the conduct of all the troops under his command, so far as it shall pass under bis own obeivation,or be submitted to him in the reports of the subordinate offireis ; and that it Is upon this personal observation, and the tubordimal report, that bis detailed account of any sugagement if to be made. Assuming this to be true, (and it is the only possible way I can fee of making a reliable report,) I bave examined with care, your detailed report, dated at Agua Nueva, March 6, 1S47 (in connection with all the reports of the tubordinat commands,) in regird to the battle of Buena Vista, and I roust coufess that your representation of the conduct of that unfortunate regiment is far lest severe and objectionable (1) in its terms (even if it be incorrect,) than the language employed by Gen. Wool, in his report to you, dated at the same place, on the 4tb of the tame month, in regaid to tbe same matter, or that used by Gen. Lane, on tht tame lu'uject, in hit report to Gen. Wool, dated at Buena Vista, on the 25th of February, 1347. Nor am I able to perceive how your statement could bave been different, consistently with the representations of all the minor icportt of that battle, at published with your't, and other accompanying documents, wiih the annual message of the President. Still, it is believed that injustice bat been docs that Regiment, in ill of these rcpotti, in consequence of a rotitrepretcoution of eome of the facts of the case, at the time the reports were made. Ws hive been iufortntd that tbeie facti were afterwards developed by a Court of Inquiry, called at the instance of Gen. Lane, to investigate the matter i and that it was shown upon that investigation that the misconduct was not chargeable to the troops themselves on the contrary that tbey were fully exouerated from any imputation upon their iudivi lual couiage or devotion to the honor of the service, and further, that the entire disaster wat owing to the inefficiency or unskillfulnesa of tome of tht field officers. Soon after this, there appealed in the public journals of tht United States what wat called a supplemental report of Brigodier General Lane, in iegtd to this matter, in which the troopt thetnielvtt, and many of the company officers were highly commended for their good conduct We had been ansuted, by those who assumed to know, that these facts bad been properly brought to your notice, and tbat the honor uf our State would bo fully vindicated by a supplemental report from you to tbt War Department. Upon enquiry at that Depart meot, I am advised tbat no auch supplemental report bat beta teeeived fiom you, nor hat there, as I leain,evcr been received at that Department, the proceedings of the above named Court of Ioquiiy, or the supplemental report of Bihr. Gen. Lane, of May 10, 1347. May I hope that you will feel at liberty to give tucb ex planation of this affair, to far at your infoimation will enable you, at shall vindicate that Regiment from any unjust cen sure, and, at the same time, exonerate yourself fiom the imputation sometimes made against you, of a disposition rather to fasten this ttain upon our State than to remove it a fact which I cauuot, for moment, believe. With sentiment! of the highest coosideiation, for your many valuable public services, aa well at a profound respect for you personally, I am, sir, Your most obedient and bumble tervant, GEO. G. DUNN. GEN. TAYLOR'S REPLY. Baton Rovoe, La., March 24, 1843. My dear Sir: Your communication, under date of Feb. 12, 184S, accompanied by an introductory communication from the Hon. Mr. Crittenden, havejbeea duly received. The subject-matter presented by you would have been attended to much sooner, but for a visit sonst weeks up the river, which hat presented an earlier consideration and reply. Before replying, directly, to several particular poind touched upou in your letter, permit me to sty, in general terms, in reference to the current impression, that my offi cial Report had done gieat injustice to tbe second Regiment of Indiana Yoluatcert, tbat nothing hat been developed, since the date of that rport,(2) and no itatement in an tfletat shape hat beta made to me, which, in my judgment, affects its accuracy, saving only in the case of the olficial reports fiui.plemenUl) of Gen. Lane, of the 3d, 6th, and 24th of Marth, 1S47, and which, at they were forwarded to the War Department at Washington, were deemed cufficir-nt correction tu my own, without burdening that office with additional repoita. xou are right in tie supposition that personal observation on the field, and repoitt of subordinate commanders, are the proper and only bati upon which a commanding General cars frame hit repoits. My official itatement of the conduct of the diffeient corps at the battle of Buena Vista, was made strictly in accordance with this principle, and to far at the conduct of the Secoud Indiana Regiment was reported to me, ojficiajjj, my own observation, iu most cases, sustains tbe truth aud accuracy cf time reports. (3) From the moment tbat personal crimination and recrimin ation began to pass belweu some of the officers, 1 advied, as often as opportunity presented, tbe agitation of nothing in relation to the conduct of the Second Regiment, or as to who was, and wh wae not to blame. I felt asm red tbat such a movement would only result in great injury to tbe Regiment and to its State. I truly regret that such forbearauce did not suchest itself to those interested. The gallant character of tbe citizens of Indiana, I have good reasou and good opportunities to kn iw and appiecwte. In this they are not surpaaned by any Ktete in tbe Union. My confluence in tbe second Kegtment, officers and men, was still maintained after the reverse of tbt 23J, for I lemem bered tbat ia all aimiet, the best and most expenenced troops have at timet been most uoaccountably subject, and yielded to teroporaiy panict, (4) by do tntant compromising thtir reputttion for bravery. I bad resolved, and expressed the determiaation, to place that Regimebt in action the following day, (5) had Ahe enemy resumed bis attack, in the full conviction tbat tbe officen and men, unitedly and individually, would have acquitted taemselvei with steadiness aud gallantry. This belief I bave always maintained. With these remarks, I now refer to tht ttvtral pointt dwelt upon in your letter. On reference to tbe records of olficial papers in tbe office of my Adjutant General, I find no evidence that the proceedings (6) of the Court of Inquiry, instituted at tht req'iest of Gen. Lane, were tent to me. To the best of my recollection, they certainly were nut. In the absence of Major Bliss, my Adjutant General, I cannot s peak more positively. (7) Tht order constituting the Court wat Usued by Gen. Wool, anj at it originated at bit Head Quartett, itt proceedings, he probably conceived, not necessary to be eent to me. Hit course, however, in ordering the Court, was opposed by me. It wat my imptesion tbtt this Coait of Inquiry grtw out of private animosities among tome of tbe officers tbat it was entirely inexpedient, and not conuected with the good ci intereit of tht service j lunct tht reason, most probably, why tbe rssult of itt examination was not forwarded to my Head Quarters, or to tbe War Office, at Washington. With the supplemental letter of Gen. Lane, of May JO, 1847. written, as is stated, to correct the disposition to do injustice to Indiana, I have nothing to dj. It was not, and , eojld not It termed, a Report, either tupplemental or other . i ' m f IT. . I wise i r 5 J nenre me reason wny you am nut nna ii on ircora ia tbe War Office. It first met roy eye in tue columns of a uewtptptr. After the find me of facts ry the Court of Inquiry, had un. I Lane conceived hia own oßeial Report demanded t-onectiou. L...,ul ...nn. a. In the rates of the JJ.fiih. and 2ilhnf

State

INDIANAPOLIS, March, directly to Gen. Wool. No euch corrective ttatemett wa, eo far as I koow, ever made. Without auch a ttate-' ment, either from him or Gen. Wool, there could be no wairant for a change in my own detailed Report. (9) ' Under such a state cf official facts, which have not subeequently been affected, by supplemental official reports, it ia not to be expected that I should addiess a corrective report lo the War Department, affecting any portion of the original, such a report roust be based upon ejiciaZ data, property rendered, else it can be of no avaiL (10) In my detailed Report the word "ordered1 thould be tep laced by that of intended, agreeably to tbe tupplental Report of Gen. " Lane, of March 24th. It wat thought tufficient rectificttioa to forward thia report of Gen. Lane to the War Office, for . his own, and whatever correction he made to his report must I necessarily, in this particular, affect mine also. By a nonerasur of the original word iu my report, (an erasure that could only be accomplished by a subsequent report,) it was the faitbett from my intention to couvey toy inference whatever, much less express, that tbe Indiana troops, when in line, showed any indisposition to advance. Tbe better relation of occurrences at the battle of Buena Vista, so far at the Indiana Brigade is concerned, would have been more plainly established, had Geo. Lane followed, immediately after the battle, the custom of the service, in tailing on the subordinates for reports of the operations and services of their Regiments. (II) It it notorious that Col. Bowles baa never made any official report of tbe part which hit regiment took in the action, while tbe report of Col. Lane wat madt mote than three months subsequently to the date of tbe battle. It it possible that a report made by Col. Bowles, even at thit late date, might tend much to exonerate hit Regiment tnd himself from unjust imputations j and I am ready to icceivs end forward to the War Department, at official, any report of that character which be may address to me. (12) In regaid to tbe difficulties that occurred in the second Regiment, it may not be amiss, in thit connection, to observe that Col. Bowles called on me, when on bis march out of Mexico with bis Regiment, in much distress of mind at the attack which had just been made opon bim. He remarked to me, tbat tbe want of efficient drill and discipline in bit Regiment, wat due much to hit own personal difficuliiea with Gen. Lane that hia absence from his Regimeot (made necessary for a personal visit to Indiana, to establish hit claim (13) to the command of it, a claim which had been denied to bin by Gen. Laue) was the cause, ia a very great measure, of itt imperfect drill and discipline, and hit own imperfect knowledge of the customs and leqoirementi of the service. In my official report, I wat at forbearing (14) in narrating the conduct of the tecond Indiana Regiment at it wat possible to be, under tht solemn duty to rtnder exact justice lo all engaged in the bttllej and I assure you, sir, I can icproach myself with no act of injustice, wiitten or implied, committed by my agency, towaida toy corps or individual. Willing at I am to add anything to my report which, to do justice to any, shall come before me in proper form, it will nevertheless be leadily believed, that 1 never will make any stall ment at variance with propriety and a ju.t and strict sene of duty. 1 certainly hive every inducement to go at far in tht effort to exonerate the Indiana troopt from censure at I would iu the case of the troops of any State which hat served with me duiing tbe war. I feel warmly attached to the State and ber tons, by tht ties which weit woven in my tarliett service. Early associations, and friendly regard for her citizens, have always attached me lo her, and in ber good name and prosperity 1 feel deeply interested. (15) It hat been my aim, hi thit reply to your (enquiries, to give my candid opinion, to far at I bavt deemed it proper ; and it baa been my wish od aendeavor, to make my reply at satisfactory yourself and the State as it (consistent with truth and propriety. With sentiments of high regard and esteem, I am dear air. your moil obedient eervant, Z. TAYLOR. Hon. Geo. G. Dvnir, Washington, D. C. REMARKS. (1) This virtually encourages the General that his official report can be vhite-uahed instead of being corrected. The humbug might take, provided no one had read the report. In relation to tho reports of Generals Taylor, Wool and Lane, it is proper to remark that they correspond in one particular, viz : that the 2i Indiana regiment retreated. In other points there arc slight and material differences. Gen. Taylor fays, that the regiment " could not he rallied, and took no further part in the action, except & handful of men," "under its gallant Col. Lowles," and those 'fugitives who, at a later period in the day, assisted in defending the train and depot at BucnaVista." Gen. Wool represents that a " fragment" of the 2d regiment was rallied by Col. Bowles. Gen. Itne says, These troops, the most of them, were immedi altly rallied, and fought during the whole day like veterans." To sum up the difference of the three reports: Gen. Lane rcproscnts that "the most of them" rallied ; Gen. Wool that a "fragment" rallied; while Geu Taylor uses a still more diminutive term, by saying that a " handful? rallied. Aud yet Mr. Dunn has just made tho wonderful discovery that Gen. Taylor's report is less severe and objectionable" than thoso of Generals Wool and Lane ! (2) This paragraph, when analysed presents two issues : First, "that nothing has been developed since the date of that his report," which aflocts its accuracy." Second, " that no statement in an (jjlcial shape" has been made to him which " affects its accuracy" saving only tho "official reports (supplomcntsl) of Gen. Lane, of the 3d, Cth and 21th of March, 1317." In regard to the first issue, it is proper to remark that the facts and opinion of the Court of Inquiry convened to investigate the conduct of General Lane, as well as the facts and opinions of the Court of Inquiry in the case of Col. Bowles, have been developed, at least, by a publication in the papers at Saltlllo and Monterey, where they must have met Gen. Taylor's eye. Tho second issuo may bo more correct than tho first ; but should it prove to be another of the same sort," it will be lucky for General Taylor that the public have no means of ferreting out its inaccuracy. If ho should become a witness against himself it would be something new under the sun. (3) A word ill relation to personal observation. We are informed by thoso engaged in the battle of Buena Vista, that Gen. Taylor did not arrive on the battle field uutil after Col. Bowles had given the order to retreat, and the regiment had obeyed that order ; that while the 2d regirnetit was in the act of rallying, he took a position farther to the right and nearer tho centre of tho field, where he could not have as favorable an opportunity to observe the movements of the Indianians ns those having immediate command of them. A reference to Gen. Taylor's report confirms this statement, so far as it relates to his position. In that report, Gen. Taylor says, "The 1st and 2d Illinois, and the 2d Kentucky regiments, served imrr"l iately under my eye, and I bear a willing testimony to their excellent conduct throughout the day." All accounts of the battle agree that the 1st and 2d Illinois, and 2d Kentucky regiments occupied positions considerably to the right of the 2d Indiana regiment. The distance between the point where the Indianians formed a junction with the MiEsissippians, and the position then occupied by the 1st Illinois regiment, has been represented to bo more than a mile. In view of these facts, we are forced to conclude that Gen. Taylor's "persoual observation" was brought to bear only a short timo on that part of the field occupied by the Indianians. (4) Gen. Taylor cannot write a let' er upon the subject without speaking of "panics." The Court of Itv.iuiry in case of Col. Bowles establishes the fact that the 2d regiment retreated in obedience to an or der from Col. Bowles. If the facts and opinion of the Court of Inquiry are worth anything, panic had nothing to do with the retreat, and every time that Gen. Taylor speaks of "panics" in conncctiou with that regiment, he slanders the Indianians. (5) It is very reasonable to suppose that ho would have placed the 2d regiment in action, had the enemy

resumed his attack on the following day. The American army was so much reduced that it would have required all the forces on the fiolJ to meet the enejny, with any hope uf aucccss.

MAY 4, 1848.

(G) This statement only ehows tbat he has not , , , , ., able to fil)d evidence that the proceedings of the Court of Inquiry in the case of Gen. Lane, were eent , j . . , ;, , , , . r , 10 Llm but 11 doe3 not ""ow at "nd opxnton of that Court or the proceedings, and facts, and opinim of ,he Couft of j . fa f ' , . ,T -Bowles, were not sent to him. He has examined the "records," but he does not state whether the records - , reierred to were complete or title records, or merely the record of the date and number of the orders. &c. rw"ded to hia headquarters. The facts and opinions cf tho Courts of Inquiry in the two cases were embraced in orders No. 279 and No. 281, issued and approved by Brig. Gen. Wool. The proceedings of the above named Courts, of course, embrace the re corded minutes. (7) This sentence eIiows that doubt still hangs over the matter. We have it from authority entitled to credit that the facts and opinions of the Courts of Inquiry referred to, trere sent to Gen. Taylor by Gen. Wool. It is quite probable that Maj. Bliss received them, and knowing that Gen. Taylor was opposed to ordering Courts of Inquiry in the case referred to. did not ece proper to submit the papers to him, end perhaps he did not even record the number of the orders. (8) We shall raise no question as to the correctness of this poition. We would remark, however, that at the time this report made its appearance in the newspapers, there was a much greater necessity for an immediate publication than to have a report pass through the different grades of higher ranks and be sent to the War Department, before being made public. At that time the press of the South and East teemed with slander upon Indiana, and an immediate antidote was needed to arrest the effect of the poison. (9) Gen. Teylor attempts to excuse himself on the assumption that Gen. Lane made no official report after the finding of the Court of Inquiry. It was not strictly within Gen. Lane's line of duty to make an official retmrt to Gen. Wool, predicated on the facts and opinions of the Courts of Inquiry. What are the duties of a General in relation to making reports 1 It is his duty to make a report in relation to the conduct of Aw command, and report to his superior officer. It was strictly proper for Gen. Lane to make any correction to his report until bis conduct, as well as the conduct of Col. Bowles, and the 2d regiment, were submitted to the investigation of Courts of Inquiry. The Courts of Inquiry took all matters relating to the reputation of the 2d regiment out of his hands, and the fate of that regiment hung upon the facts and opinions that might be brought forth. Both Courts of Inquiry were convened by orders of Gen. Wool, held at his encampment, the facts and opinions were reported to him, approved by him, and issued by him. Gen. Wool was an officer superior in rank to Gen. Lane ; hence Courts of Inquiry convened by the order of the former were entirely removed from the command of the latter. It would have been ridiculous for Gen. Lane to step above his official authority, and dictate to Gen. Wool corrections based on the result of the Courts of Inquiry, convened under his (Gen. Wool's) authority. Gen. Lane had nothing to do with the facts and opinions of the Courts of Inquiry any further than to publish them to tho troops under his command. They were communicated to Gen. Lane from a superior officer, and to report back their substance to the same officer, would have been to trlilo with him, p re-supposing that he was ignorant of what actually come from his headquarters. Gen. Wool, by officially approving tho facts and opinions of the Courts of Inquiry, virtually corrected his official report. It might be proper for him to make some further correction ; but all communications to tho War Department, corrections of official papers, etc., .according to precedent, must pass up through the higher grades of rank until it reaches the commander-in-chief, who forwards them direct to the War Department. Gen. Wool's headquarters was the starting point of the facts and opinions of the Courts of Inquiry ; and the only way they could reach the War Department and effect the object desired, was by taking the regular course in accordance with military etiquette. (10) Tho facts and opinions (not the proceedings") of the Courts of Inquiry in the cases of Gen. Lane and Col. Bowles, which were approved by Gen. Wool, should have been considered sufficient evidence to make the corrections desired. (11) In regard to this matter, it is proper to state that Gen. Lane was with the 2d regiment during the whole day, and had as good an opportunity to observe the movements as any of its field officers. However, it would have been proper for him to have called upon Col. Lane for a report immediately after the battle. because his regiment was detached from the 2d regiment part of the day. (12) This amounts to an invitation to Col. Bowles to come out and help Gen. Taylor in his discourse upon " panics," to criminate Gen. Lane, and take issue sgainst the Courts of Inquiry. Gen. Taylor is a pretty bird to talk about tho " custom of the service," when he invites Col. Bowles to disregard the custom of tho servico and report direct to him. According to all military precedent, Col. Bowles should report to Gen. Wool. It Ehould then be forwarded to Gen. Taylor, and by him to the War Department. (13) "Hold our hat." It is said that old Zack can't be fooled ; but Co). Bowles has certainly pulled tho wool over his eyes this time; but he can't come it over the IIooMers. Gen. Lane denied Col. Bowles the command only until he received bis commission. It is true Col. Bowles visited Indiana; but that visit had nothing to do with establishing his claim to the command of the 2d regiment. He had received his commission and taken command of his regiment before he left the camp for Indiana. (14) " Forbearing," indeed ! To make a more unfavorable report of the conduct of the Indianians than any other officer, is called " forbearing." The assertion of the General amounts to nothing less than a declaration that the Indianians behaved worse than reports represented them, but he, in his generosity, was forbearing!" We aek for none of his forbearance. We only ask fir justice and truth. (15) "Try that manteuvro over again." Soft-Bod der ; but it won't take. Major Bliss is out, sure ! A little flattery will not eradicate oft repeated acts of injustice. In conclusion, it is proper to remark that the whole letter of Gen. Taylor amounts to an effort against the Courts of Inquiry, a lecture to Gen. Lane, an attempt to recuscitate Col. Bowie, and a little flattery for the purpose of hiding his injustice to the Indianians. All must agree that the .retreat of the 2d regiment was caused by one of two things the order to rereat or panic. Gen. Taylor has ben crying panic, panic, panic. If the f-cl of the Court of Inquiry in the case of Col. Bowie are entitled to any credit, the order of Cti. Dmcles and nothing else, caused the retreat. Then, Gen. Taylor's cry of panic is nothing short of an attempt to throw Indiana back where she was before the Courts of Inquiry exonerated her from

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Volume VII:::::::::Numher 46. censure, i lie position oi uen. wool is entirely tmferent he gave his official approval to the facts and opinions of the Courts of Inquiry, and considers that the order alone caused the -retreat. When the anni versary of the battle of Buena Vista was celebrated at Monterey, Gen. Wool, in speaking of the battle ground, said : "That such was the strength of the position, that but for the unfortunate and most unexpected retreat of Col. Bowles's regiment, the 2d Indiana volunteers, the Americans would bave defeated the Mexican army early in the day the attack in the centre had been reputed with great Joss by Washington s .Battery the advancing column sent to attack the forces on the left, had also been repulsed and dispersed when, at this moment. Col. Bowles's rejriment fled, under his order to retreat, the held of battle." Now, if Gen. Wool be correct, it was the order. not panic, that caused the retreat. Correspondence. Ciiapm AK8V1IXE. Logan Co., Va. Messrs. Chafmans & Co. Gentlemen : I was in Missouri during the last Presidential election, (in '44) and was a subscriber to the Coon Skinner. If you should again publish it during the approaching canvass, (which in my opinion you ought in no wise to omit,) I desire that you will let me know it as I would not miss taking it. The Democrats are pretty well united in Virginia, and you may look for Democratic victory at the approaching election. We are not likely to be carried away by the no-party, whig party, cry for Old Rough and Beady. They will hardly gull many Democrats into this trap they have set to catch birds of every feather. Don't forget the Coon Skinner, and oblige your friend and humble servant. B. L. C. Anderson, April 8th, 1949. We are organizing as Democrats in this county. and preparing to give battle to the Mexican uhigs in the coming contest you will hear from our commit tee soon. It is composed of Andrew Jackson, John R. Shaw and myself, we nominate by convention this year; which comes off in May next "The True De mocrat, edited by Howell, is here preparing to i6ue its first sheet in a few days. The victory will be ours in Madson county the coming election. I remain, dear sirs, your well wisher, P. H. LEMEN. Extract from a letter dated Terre Haute, April 12, 1849 : I have never seen the Democrats of this county more spunky or more determined to fight the good fight, let who may be the leader. (r- According to the "Winchester Orthopolitan," a whig paper, tbe editor of the State Journal has for some time been crazy, and Gen. Taylor foolish. Upon these grounds it accounts for the singular antics which they have been cutting up, to the amusement of some and the grief of others. The Orthopolitan of the 20th April says, in reference to tho Journal's repudiation of Taylor, under the head of 'John D. Drfrees coming to his senses""It shows that the Editor has at length become rational upon this subject, and is no longer willing to urge the claims of a man who desires to be elected as a no party candidate, and whose politics are, to say the least, extremely doubtful. In this.lhe Journal stands not alone many others, who a few months since were urging the claims of "old Rough and Ready" most zealously, have wearied in waiting for some positive assurance from him, that if elected, he would strive to carry out the measures and policy of the great Whig party, and finding him still persisting in tho ridiculous idea of being the candidate of all parties ; they like true Whigs and sensible men, have abandoned his standard." Are not these whigs a set of beauties all round! We ehould think that sensible men would cut loose from such a crowd. Q$r We believe that the Wabash Express has never taken pains to publish that letter of Gen. Taylor to Dr. Lucas of Terro Haute, which we noticed had been written several weeks since, and in which the General pointedly reiterated his condemnation of the Indiana volunteers as a set of cowards, without being so mealy mouthed as he was in his letters to Dcfrees and Dunn. What is the matter with the Editor of the Express! Is he afraid that Taylor's letter to Lucas will lose the General friends in Indiana ! We suppose the Express still sticks to him, notwithstanding the change of front at the capital ! Postage Abrangements. A bill has passed the House of Representatives, changing the rates of shippostage, so as to charge upon mailable matter re ceived in any part of the United States by any lorcign packet ship or vessel, the same rate of charge for American postage, which the government to which such foreign packet or other vessels belongs, imposes upon letters and other mailable matter conveyed in American packets or other vessels. This bill is designed as a measure of retaliation upon the British Government for the illiberal spirit which they have manifested in relation to our steamships. AnEAD or Rhode Island. The provisional government of France issues proclamations in tho name of the sovereign people, and proclaims the right to vote by secret ballot, to every male citizen f over twenty-one years of age. The revolution is justified on the grouud that the people are sovereign, and have the right to change their forms of government when and in the manner to suit themselves. The Trovidence Herald notices a rumor that Louis Phillippe is coming to Rhode Island, in order to be protected from the sovereignty of the people. Oregon Railroad. A Washington letter writer states that the select committee appointed by the House of Representatives, will report unanimously in favor of the railroad project of Mr. Whitney, and in favor of granting him whatever portion of the public domain may be necessary for tbe completion of the enterprise. The committee have reduced the proposed bill of-lands from 10 cents per acre to 10, to be paid by Mr. Whitney after the completion of the road. Michigan and Illinois canal. This most impor tant channel of communication was opened with ap propriate ceremonies on the 10th inst. The Chicago Journal of the 11th says: Yesterday was an eventful period in the history of our city, of the Slate, and of the west. It was the wedding of the father c? rivers to our -inland seas a union ot the Mississippi with lake Michigan, for the fruits of which union Chicago stands sponsor commerce is its first born agriculture snd general prosperity its increase. The first boat borne on the Illinois canal passed through from Lockport to our city yesterday. Productions of Indiana. In wheat and oats Indiana is the sixth State in the Union ; in corn the fifth ; in potatoes the ninth; in hay the third; in flax and hemp the fourth ; in tobacco the sixth ; and in sugar the third. "My unaffected desire to continue in private life." Henry Clay.. Consent I

From Vera Cruz. Extract of a letter dated off Vera Cruz, 0th April, 1S4S. "To-day is the day appointed for the election of the Mexican civil authorities in this city. All the American troops, with the exception of a guard, have encamped outside the city ; but we are all ready to give them a broadside in case of any difficulty. I do not expect, however, that there will bo any danger of this." We take the following items from the correspondence of the N. O. Delta ; Mr. Sevier had left Vera Cruz, and would an-ive in Mexico about the 14th of April. Troops are constantly arriving at Vera Cruz. The Mexican authorities have required all strangers in Vera Cruz, to re

port themselves, and renew their letters of security, or be fined 20. The Free American complains very much of this order. The Mexicans, a few dais ago, seeing they were not opposed in any manner, and that they succeeded beyond their expectation in accomplishing all ilieir ends, thought that an application to Col. Wilson would not be inappropriate to relieve them or their present annoyance the American Flag, expanded from the pinnacle of the Palace staff on the receipt of which our (now ex) Governor, Col. Wilson, order ed the Lt. Governor, Capt. Winder, to "strike the American colors at the request of the enemy. It was immediately replaced at the direction of Gen. Kearney. Ihr people of the United Stales have no idea how affairs are conducted lately at this place. American citizens taxed, tried and condemned by Mexicans. I would like to know if this is a proper construction of the armistice 1 I have no hesitation in saying, (and I am well informed of the fact,) that three-fourths of the officers of the army at this place would answer in the negative. Had Col. Wilson acted with one half the firmness of his predecessor, the Mexicans would never have dared to make such a request as the low ering of the American flag. It may not be amiss to state what Gov. Twiggs said to them, at the time he offered them the civil jurisdiction at this place: "I wish it to be distinctly understood that no Ameirican here, or that may come here with supplies for the American army, shall be interfered with in any .a . . aa .a m manner : neither shall they be taxed oy the Mexicans ; and for the violstion of any laws, they shall be an swerable to the Military Commandant." I expect Col. Wilson will soon leare here for tho city of Mexico to join his regiment. The chances of peace are becoming everyday more doubtful, and even the Star, which paper was an ad vocate of peace, and, I have no doubt, conscientiously believed that the Mexicans desired it, seems now to be in doubt. The Monitor thinks that a durable peace cannot be made unless Ameiican troops remain ia the country, to sustain the Government. The Govern ment party is, of course, in favor of peace ; but, when we come to think that this party is composed of about one-eighth of the people, it can hardly be be lieved that this minority, which is held in power on!y by the presence of the American army, can make a peace which will be respected by the great majority which is adverse to it. 1 really think, like the Monitor, that peace cannot be made unless we leave an army in the country. The Annexation parly, in the places occupied by our troops, is becoming more and more formidable. Since the armistice is in force, you can have no idea of the progress hat party has made. The Annexationists want nothing short of annexation. This party is composed of all the Mexicans who have been employed by our Government. These men are looked upon as traitors by their countrymen, who take every opportunity to insult Ihem, whenever they can do it with impunity. They are threatened sometimes, and I have no doubt tbat their lives would txs itt danger should they remain in the country after the departure of our troops. The Mexican Bonds. The five million dollars in Mexican bonds, which the house of Manning & Mcintosh expected to receive in disrharge of their loan of sj!00,000 to Santa Anna who at the time was at the head of the Supreme Government have been disposed of at &l,l 0 1,000 ! The purchaser is Sr. Berstcgan. He pays $000,000 in cash, $10X1,000 in installments, and 100,000 in bunds. The latter may possibly be had for $00,000, which will bring the whole cost of the bonds lecently advertised for sale, at $750.000. A Republican Blacksmith A Slate saved. Amid the many curious scenes that the European revolutions have caused, the following is too good to be lost. It should be immediately dramatised. The Elector of Hesse Cassel (a 6mall state with about 700,000 inhabitants) was deaf to all appeals from the people. The mob, therefore, de'ermincd to use force. Seeing this ho fled into his gardens and attempted to escape. He was caught, however, by a gigantic blacksmith who carried him back to his drawing-room. The man then locked the door and demanded compliance wi;h the popular demands. The Elector still said no! The blacksmith, then, by way of giving an example of physical force, smashed with one blow of his arm a highly ornamented table into atoms. This done, he shook his fist at the Elector and told him he should never leave the room till he had yielded all that was required of him. The result need hardly be told. The Elector consented. The blacksmith, however, was a practical man, and was not disposed to trust the promise of a Prince without fortifying himself with collateral evidence. He compelled the Elector to write a proclamation "willingly according all his people's just requests." This was fortwiih promulgated, and thas by one brawny arm and the rough good nature of its possessor, a State was saved. The Elector and his people are now on the best terms, and seem not to know how to make enough of each other." Confederacy of the Teople. When the revolutionists who won the Republic for France had forced their way into the Palais Royal and had reached the apartments of Geneial Athalin, one cf Louis l'Lillippe's aides-de-camp, they encountered the General's lady, a woman of dignified department and stature, whom the General had espoused for her rare beauty, being but the daughter of a poor fisherman of Granville. "My friend'," she exclaimed, "I trust vou have not come here to offer any injury to myself or my husband. I am not one of your fine Indies bx a daughter of tlie people ; I throw myself confidently on your protection. But I will not leave my husband; he is confined to his bed, by illness." The band were struck with the boldness . of the appeal. .They repaired to the general's chamber, placed him in an arm-chair, and headed by this daughter f the people, they conveyed him to a friend's house in the neighborhood. On reaching his destination the peneral recollected leaving a sum of 130,000f. (5,200) in notes and gold in his desk. He handed the key of the dck to a working man in a blouse whom he did not know. An hour after the man returned with every sous of the money. This is by no means a solitary instance of the disinterestedness and nobility of mind displayed by the people during these most gbrious three days. 0 A bill has passed the Michigan Legislrture, embracing the following liberal provisions : "lt provides that a homestead consisting of any quantity of land, not exceeding 40 acres, and the dwelling hou6e thereon, and its appurtenances, to be selected by the owner thereof, and not iucluded in any recorded town plat, or incorporated city or village, or inslcad thereof, at the option of the owner, a quantity of land not exceeding in amount one lot, being in either the latter cases within a recorded town plat, or incorporated city or village, and the dwelling house thereon and its appurtenances, owned ond occupied by any resident of this State, shall not be subject to forced sale on execution, or any other final process from a court, or tor any debt or debts, growing out of or founded upon contract, either ex-' press or implied, made after the third day of July A. D. 1849. It also provides that such exemption shall not extend to any mortgage thereon lawfully obtained, but such mortgage, or other alienation of such land by the owner thereof, if a married man, shall not bo valid without the signature of the wife to the same. Any person owning and occupying a house on leased land is entitled to the exemption above." lt passed the House by tbe decisive vote of 33 to 13 and the Senate by a vote of 12 to 4. So rolls the ball of the people's progress. The English papers, and some of our own, abused Gen. Scott for the bombardment 6f Vera Crux; but they have no complaint against Cardamona, the royalist commandant, who, on the 20th of January aij 3d of February, threw shot and shell into Messina, killing and wounding hundreds cf the people, notwithstanding his aclemn promise u the cuutrary.