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gained the maintop by swimming from the
steerage hatch, was ordered by Capt. Semmes
to take charge of the boat. Finding that there
was no chance of savin’ the brjg. and that she.
was iinrstnttt!!B7CdW3..”orderea Mr. Clarke
to shorr f>ff wtth Dr- Wright and seventeen
men, besides Purser Steele (who reached the
boat by swimming as she was clearing the
wreck, first inquiring if there was room in the
boat tor another) to pull for Green Island, about
half a mile distant, and immediately to return il
possible and save more lives. This order was
at once executed, but not until some ot those in
the boat had solicited, by name, each ot the
officers left on the wreck to come with them.
These officers resolutely declared that they
would wait and talje their chance with the brig.
Passed midshipman Hynson, who had beer,
partiallg by a bad burn received in the
firing brine Creole, was particularly implored
to go into rhe-boat. A lad by the name ot Nut
ter jumped out of the boat and offered his place
to Mr. Hynson, and a man by the name ot
Powersfiid the same thing. Mr. Hynson re
fusing both offers, those men declared that
others might have their places, and that they
Would-flbide on the brig with Mt. Hynson.
Capt. femmes, who was in impaired health,
was also entreated to go, but refused. Lieut.
Parker answered a similar solicitation by say
ing he.would drown with the brig. Lt. Clai
borne apd Acting Master-Clemson held the
same language. It is a remarkable circum
stance Jfiat three oi the officers and all the men
who acted,thus, nobly are saved. When
the off the gale was blowing with
great violence and a heavy sea running, so
that for some moments it was a matter ot doubt
whether the bpat would live. Purser Steele at
one time proposed to leave the boat for a fish
davit he saw floating by. The boat, however,
reached the island in about twenty minutes.
As Strongs the men were landed, Mr. Clarke,
disregarding the most strenuous entreaties, reso
lutely shoved off again with a volunteer crew
at the imminent hazard ot their lives. Less
than three minutes after the boat left the brig,
Capt. Semmes, finding the vessel settling under
them, gave an order lor every man to save him
self. AU simultaneously plunged into the wa
ter, and grasped the-posts, gratings, spars, coops
and other floating objects at hand. Many must
have gone down from the wantot any support
whatever: others struggled on frail floats to be
finally drifted on the reefsand dashed in pieces.
Some were driven to sea to be heard of no more,
and others encountered the worst fate which
could be apprehended in being devoured by
sharks. Ot near sixty who plunged from the
wreck, only seventeen escaped.
Through all of this appalling scene the great
est composure was observed by men and officers.
There was no appearance ot panic, no exhibi
tion of selfishness. Those who couldnot swim
were particularly enjoined to go in the boat.
A large man by the name ot Seymour, the
ship’s cook, had got into the boat. Lieut.
Parker commanded him to come out in order
to make room tor two smaller men, and he
obeyed theorder, but was afterwards directed to
go in the boat, when it was found he could not
swim. Capt. Semmes and Lieut. Parker were
picked up by Mr. Clarke from a grating, and
Jacob Hazard, yeoman, was rescued swimming
near them; Those who have survived have
told of many instances of heroic self-devotion.
The acting master, Henry A. Clemson, was
struggling on a small steering sail boom with
five others, two ot whom could not swim.
He found that all could not be supported and
he left and struck out alone and unsupported.
He was seen for the last time upon a sky-light
and probably perished in the surf.
The five men he lelt were saved, the two who
could not swim being supported by tbeir com
rades, Amos Colson and John Williamson,
This completes the history ot our own efforts ;
but with gratelul hearts we have yet to mention
the daring and devoted exertions of the foreign
men ot war.
There were lying at Sacrificios, about two
miles toleewardof the wreck, H. B. M. ships
Endymion and Alarm and the brig Daring, com
manded respectively by Capts. Lambert, Frank
lin and Matson; the French brigs Pylade and
Mercure, Capt. Dubut and La Voyaire; and
the Spanish corvette Louisa Fernanda, Capt.
Puente. As soon as the accident was disco
vered the boats of all these were simultaneous
ly called away. The crew of the Endymion to
the number ot two hundred came att and vol
unteered. There was the most noble emulation
as to which vessel should use the greatest ex
pedition and persevere in the most strenuous
exertions. The violence of the gale was such
at that time that none ot the boats could pull
against it, and it was with the deepest regret
that Capt. Lambert and others in authority felt
it to be their duty to make signals recalling their
boats. An hour or two afterwards, when there
wasa slight abatement ot the eale, they again
put lorth at the peril of their lives, and succeed
ed in saving fourteen persons and bringing from
Green Island those that had landed there. The
first lieutenant es the Endymion, Mr. Tarleton,
rescued the first-lieutenant of the Somers from
Pajaros reel, which he succeeded by a miracle
in reachingsafely, but where his situation was
most critical. .The most gallant and well di
rected efforts were made by the officers and
crew in the boat of the Mercure. She rescued
ten men at to. leeward, on a spar. One
hardly knows wtu<_r. i o admire most, the fore
thought m the daring ot this noble adventure.
The risk was incalculable. Five boats repre
senting each of the foreign vessels, reached the
island, and took off 23 persons to their respec
tive vessels, where they were received with a
degree of kindness and delicate consideration
which I cannot adequately describe,.but which
none of us will ever forget. They gave us re
freshments and supplied us with clothes. I re
gret that I do not know the names of all the ge
nerous and brave officers who were in charge
of the boats of the different vessels. I cannot
however, forbear mentioning such as I have
learned, viz: Lt. Wood and the gunner ot the
Endymion, and midshipman Jaliz, ot the Pylade.
The strange vessel proved to be the Abrasia
bound for the squadron at Anton Lizardo. She
passed very near the Somers, but the catastro
phe was so sudden that she failed to discover it.
As soon as the boat landed at Green Island,
Dr. Wright took the colors and had them hoisted
in the most conspicuous place, in order to at
tract the attention of the Abrasia, so that the
accident might be reported to the squadron. We
were however to-day the bearers of our own
sad story.
The Mexicans saw the accident from the mole,
and cheered and exulted for a long time. The
brig had been for a long time engaged in the
blockade, and had done more to interrupt the
commerce of the port than almost all the other
vessels. Within the last fortnight both town
and castle had been kept in a state of constant
alarm by the burning of the Creole and other
demonstrations which I presume you will hear
of in due time. I have no doubt the Mexicans
were relieved when they saw her sink into the
ocean. I append a list of the lost and saved—37
men saved—37 lost. One officer, Mr. Rodgers.
Passed Midshipman, and one man, John G. Fox,
were captured by the Mexicans two days before
while reconnoitering an important point, in com
pany with Dr. Wright, the latter escaping to
witness the catastrophe of the brig. J. H. W.
List op officers and men Lost in the Somers.
Henry A. Clemson, Acting Master; John R.
Hynson, Passed Midshipman. Win. C. Brazier,
Ebenezer Terrel, Charles H. Haven, James
Ryder, Ja nes Thompson, Charles Lowe, Thoma s
Young, William Gillan, Matmas Gravel, Major
Cain, Dennis Reliy, Alexander Anker, Charles
McFarland, James Fennel, Charles True, John
Day, William Pardy, Edward McCormick, Wil
liam Elmsley, William Quest, John Hargrave,
William W. Cardy, John McGowan, Joseph
Antonio, Adolph Belmente, Manuel Howard,
William W. Powers, Henry W. Spear, James
Chapman, Lewis Johnson, Jonatius Leopold,
Thomas Jefferson, William H. Rose, Peter
Hernandez.
List or those Saved.
R. Semmes, Lieut, commanding; M. G. L.
Claiborne, Lieut.; John L. Parker, Lieut.; John F.
Steele, Purser; John H. Wright, Passed Assistant
Surgeon ; Francis G. Clark, Midshipman . Edmond
T. Stevens, Purser’s Steward; Jacob Hazard, Yeo
man; Amos Colson, Wm. Johnson, Mathew Buck,
John McCargo, John G. Van Norden, Charle s Sey
mour John Williamson, John Pollen, John Smith,
Henry’ Strommcll, Thomas Mulhoilen, George
Wakefield, Wm. Keys, Francis Haire, Wm. To
land, William F. Thompson, Christropher Law
rence, Joseph Todd, Stephen Maynard, Samuel
Bennett, Thomas D. Burns, William Power, Jo
seph Skipsey, Joseph Jones, Charles Nutice, Wash
ington Cooper, William Dix, Francis A. Waldeon,
James Chambers.
U. S. Squadron, off Vera Cruz,?
December 11, 1546. 5
On the 3d inst., the United States store ship
Relief arrived, ten days from Pensacola; on the
following day the steamer Mississippi, bearing the
broad pennant of Commodore Perry, accompanied
by the steamer Vixen and schooners Petrel and
Bonita, also came io, last from Tampico. On the
6th the United States frigate Cumberland (having
exchanged officers and crew from the Raritan) was
towed to sea, bound to Norfolk, saluting the Com
modore as she went out.'
There seems to be some fatility attending the
brigs upon this station—three gone within a few
months.
The John Adams sails to-day to blockade.
In haste, yours, truly, ■■■
U. S. Frigate Raritan, Dec. 13, 1546.
• As the sailing of the Morgan Dix has been de
layed by a headwind, I have an opportunity to add
the good news that eight more of the men of the
Somers have been picked up by the Mexicans on
the beach near Anton Lizardo, whither they were
driven by the gale on a hen-coop. One of them
has since died. They are held as prisoners in Ve
ra Cruz. This makes forty-four, all told, who
have been saved from the wreck. The Somers
had near eighty souls on board, all told.
I have also learned some more of the names of
the officers of the foreign vessels who picked up
our men on their boats, viz:
Lieut. Petit, of the French brig Mercure, who
commanded the whale boat that went so adven
turously to seaward and rescued ten men.
Midshipman Fox, of the English brig Daring.
Mr. Anthony, gunner of the Endymion.
The others are mentioned in my narrative. I
have yet to learn the names of the officers of the
English frigate Alarm,and of the Spanish corvette.
Yours, &c. J. H.W.
On coming out of Antou Lizardo, the Morgan
Dix was boarded by a boat from the English frig
ate Endymion. The officer in command of the
boat, alter placing a package of letters for England
in the hands of Capt. Hamilton, informed him that
it had been ascertained that eight more of the
crew of the Somers had been picked up by the
Mexicans, after being in the wn ter no less than
thirty hours on a hen-coop. Another party, num-
bering also eight, is said to have leached the shore
in the same manner, one of whom died after land
ing from exhaustion. What number of these two
parties—whether both or only the former —are now
in the hands of the Mexicans, we cannot distinct
ly understand. It will doubtless increase the sus
pense of friends, yet must mitigate the gloom which
this most melancholy calamity creates, to ascer
tain that the loss of life was not so great as was at
first feared, and we shall now look with anx
iety for further particulars in relation to the sur
vivors.
From the N. O. Picayune of Sunday.
LATER PROM THE ARMY.
Movements of the Troops—■ Later from Mon
terey—Death of Genera I Hamer—Marine
Disasters—Loss of Government Steamer
Gopher, &c., &c.
By the arrival at halt past 1 o’clock this morn
ing, of the steamship McKim, Capt. Peck, we
have dates trom Brazos Santiago up to the 15lh
inst., with accounts two days later from Mon
terey. Among the passengers in the McKim
were Col. Weller, Major Arthur, Capt. Cooper,
Drs. Chamberlain, Hoxie and Craig, Lieuts.
Steward, Dolon, McMahon, Roe, Murphy and
Richmond, Messrs. Linn, Lemon, Tippett,
Raines and Levinkshold, and sixty-one sick
and discharged volunteers.
The report of a duel between two officers of
the Quartermaster’s Department was a hoax.
The steamship Virginia left the Brazos for
Tampico on Tuesday, 15th inst., with Lieut.
Col. Clarke and «ix companies of the Alaba
ma Regiment, numbering 400 men rank and
file. The steamer Cincinnati and U. S. pro
peller James Gage, left on the 16th, with Gen.
Shields and staff, Mr. Lumsden of the Pica
yune and Capt. Siielly’s company of Alabama
volunteers—all bound tor Tampico.
From the report of the McKim we lean that
the U. S. steamer Gopher broke her hog chains
andsteam connections in crossing the bar
on Sunday 13th. She was however enabled to
get outside and come to anchor in five fathoms
water, but the wind blowing stong from the
southeast and a heavy sea running, she was lit
erally tr.ashed to piecesand sung at her an
chors. The U. S. steamer De Rosset and John
R. Thompson were despatched to her assistance
and succeeded in saving some fifty lives be
fore she went down. The pilot boat Ariel was
lost the same day, a large sea splitting open
her wood ends. Cargo and crew saved. Seve
ral vessels were blown to sea in a gale on the
7th, losing anchors and cables. The bark Wm.
Ivy returned on the I3th, with a lossoflhirty
mules.
The McKim, which was nine days outside
the bar before communication could be had to
discharge her, reports the tollowing vessels
ready to unload at the Brazos : ships Ocean,
Liberty and John Holland, bark Win. Ivy,
brigs Architect and Etrurian, schooners Wm.
Thompson and General Worth, and several
other vessels.
The following letters from Mr. Lumsden,
for which we are indebted to the politeness ot
Mr. Lemon, give all the news which has come
to hand:
Brazos Santiago, Dec. 12, 1846.
The Cincinnati did not sail yesterday, as
was expected, and I am consequently here
another day. The C. is expected to leave this
evening.
I have a little news from Monterey, as late
as the 29th of November. Two regiments of
Indiana volunteers, the 2d and 3d, and Lieut.
Mackall’s (Captain Taylor’s) batterey had gone
to Saltillo, to join General Worth.
Gen. Twiggs’ division is on its march for
Victoria.
Brig. Gen. Hamer, one of Mr. Polk’s ap
pointments, died at Monterey a few days ago,
of inflammation ot the bowels. His illness was
of short duration—not more, 1 learn, than
two days.
Gen. Butler will remain in command at
Monterey, 1 spoke ot this as somewhat uncer
tain in a former letter.
Col. Taylor arrived at Matamoros two days
ago, with despatches for General Patter
son.
Mrs. Hart and her husband, Wells and a few
other actors, are here on their way to Tampi
co. They have been for a longtime lhe pio
neers of the drama wherever the army moves.
Since 1 was last here a most excellent and
most desirable improvement has taken place in
lhe establishment ofa very comfortable hotel,
by Capt. Perkins. But for this the island would
be intolerable. The hotel, which is called the
“Greenwood Saloon,” is kept in good style, and
is doing a thriving business.
By an advertisement in the Matamoros Flag
I see that Rice Garland is about opening a law
office and land agency at this place and Mata
moros, inlending to pursue the legal profession
in the courts of Texas.
Yours, &c., F. A.L.
Brazos Santiago, Dec. 13, 1846.
I have another marine casualty to report be
tore leaving this place—which you will per
ceive 1 have not yet done, contrary to all my
expectations. “To-morrow and to morrow”
is still the word. But to the casualty.
About 12 o’clock M., to-day, as the U. S.
steame: Gopher was going over the bar, laden
with provisions, &c., bound t<> the mouih ot the
Rio Grande, she grounded. The De Rosselt
was promptly despatched to her aid, but could
render no efficient assistance. The G. had
sprung a leak, and in about two hours totally
disappeared. She was seen to drift in about
three and a half fathoms water, when her chim
ney, masts and everything disappeared out of
sight! Fortunately nola life was lost—the De
Rosselt having taken every person off' when she
was tound to be in a sinkingcondilion.
The Gopher had on board when she went
down, 264 bbls, of pork, 44 bbls, of bread, 14
bbls, of pickles, 64 bbls, of vinegar, 6 bales
oakurn, 2 coils rope and 2 bundles ol cast-steel
—all the property of the United States. If
“Uncle Sam” was a rich man, this would be a
pretty place to “break” him. The beach and
bar are strewn with wrecks in all directions.
The pilot boat Ariel was also lost at the same
time and place. Two men, Capt King and a
sailor were in her ; thev were also picked up
by the De Rosseti. A heavy sea struck the
boat and literally broke her to pieces. I was
witness trom the sand hills, at a short distance,
o/ihescene of destruction.
I am off to-morrow, for Tampico, sure. Yours
in haste, F. A. L.
Prom the N. O. Picayune of the 221 inst.
From the Army.
Our correspondence by the McKim reached
us at too late an hour for our paper of Sunday,
and to day it must give place to the very inter
esting and more important intelligence from the
squadron. Our dates from Saltillo,come down
tothe3oih ol November, tn the absence of
positive news, it is satisfactory to have the
Mexican rumors in regard to the state ofthe ar
my entirely set at rest by the silence ot our
various correspondents.
VVecan only find room for one extract from
our letters. It isnot very late, but mentions in
cidents we have not elsewhere seen.
Correspondence of the Picayune.
Monterey, Nov. 25, 1846.
Gentlemen— Gen. Taylor arrived trom Sal
tillo day before yesterday (22>i inst.,) escorted
by one squadron oi Col. May’s horse, having
left one squadron in Saltillo. The General
succeeded in having captured one hundred pack
mules, with their cargoes, consisting ot subsis
tence stores intended tor Santa Antia’s army
at San Luis Potosi. The squadron left are
said to be in pursuit ot tour hundred mules,
loaded also with the same cargoes.
Col. May bad a very severe fallal Saltillo,
by his horse tripping on the pavement which
inclinestoivards lhecentrefrom each side. He
is doing well, and will be ready for duty in a
few days.
Santa Anna is said to be very' strong in San
Luis, having some 30,OOOvoinnteers, beside his
regulars. Reports, however, are conflicting.
The Mexicans are disappearing daily from this
neighborhood—no doubt to join Santa Anna.
The gamblers are collecting here in great num
bers trom Matamoros. A private belonging
to the Louisville Legion was found murdered
al the edge ot the town this morning. The 7th
Inlantry occupy the Plaza, and are the only
troops belonging to Gen. Worth’s division leit
here. The officers who returned with Gen. Tay
lor report having met with ice in Saltillo,
whilst here we have all the evidence of a tropi
cal climate around us. The health ot the
soldiery is generally good; some fever and ague,
however, is still found amongst them. The
volunteers are gradually perfecting themselves
in drill, and are much belter calculated for
soldiers than upon their arrival. Yesterday at
10 A. M., all the Mexican officers and soldiers
lelt town in compliance with orders ot Gen. Ta
ylor, removing their hospital, &c. Those to
whom I allude were left with the sick—an act
ot clemency on the part of our commanding
general. The post office arrangement is now
complete, and we receive our letters with some
regularity. A few days will decide the move
ment of the troops when and where to.
Further Mexican News.
By the arrival ot the schr. Martha Louisa,
from Havana, we are placed in possession of
our full and regular files of the papers of that
city and our correspondence.
We learn verbally that Gen. Woll, who was
for many years in the service of Mexico, and
who signalized himself in Texas and on the
Rio Grande frontier, recently effected a landing
at Laguna and had proceeded towards the
Mexican capital. Gen W. is a Frenchman by
birth, retired to his native country a year or two
since with a fortune, and has the reputation ot
being a brave officer.
The Diaro de la Marinais particularly .well
informed in Mexican affairs, and we gather
from it some items.
The chief of the Mexican difficulties arise
from pecuniary embarrasment, says the Diario.
Santa Anna is continually calling upon the
Government tor means. The clergy, being
called together by delegations, both ofthe regu
lar and secular orders, refused positively to
guarantee a loan ot two millions of dollars;
but the Government, considering the straitened
circumstances ot the treasury and lhe necessi
ties ofthe state—quite too urgent to be provided
tor by general contribution—had resolved to
issue drafts for the amount of two millions ot
dollars upon the responsibility of lhe clergy,
the clergy to be compelled to meet the same
within two years—the Government recognizing
the amount as a loan, to be ultimately reim-
bursed with interest at the rate of 5 per cenq
per annum. To render these drafts at once
available, the Government had determined to
draw them for amounts from 200 to $20,000
in favor ot individuals ot wealth and according
to their circumstances, and compel them to ad
vance the respective sums within eight days.
Such in lhe forced loan to which Santa Anna
has driven the Government, which the latter
excuses by alleging that “the clerical order,
both secular and regular of both sexes, has al
waysshown itself ready to make the greatest
sacrifices.” We are yet to see how the church
will digest this measure.
The decree relative to the grant to D. Jose
Garay, ot the exclusive privilege of opening a
communication between the Atlantic and Pa
cific by the Isthmus ot Tehuantepec, has been
extended two years and otherwise modified so
as to facilitate colonizalicn.
On the 10th of November, by order of Santa
Anna, a grande mass was celebrated, all lhe
officers ofthe army being present to implore
the Divine aid for the happy issue of the war.
The same night the termination of the armistice
was to be celebrated by a grande serenade.
The reports from Chihuahua were that the
Government had organized a force of 1200
regulars and 10,000 volunteers, with fifteen
pieces of artillery, and that all were to inarch
against the enemy on lhe Bth of November.
We do not believe the halt of it.
A communication had been received from
Sinaloa, dated the 28th October stating that
Capt. Flores, with a tew regulars and some
volunteers, had routed a party ot North Ameri
cans. It was added that at Los Angeles the
Indians had massacred one hundred and fifty
American sailors acting as soldiers.
The negotiations between Com. Conner and
other authorities at Tampico are given, but
they are not important and we are crowded for
room.
A private letter from Mexico assures the
Diario that a good understanding existed be
tween Santa Anna and lhe Central Govern
ment, but that the necessities ofthe General were
such that he was constrained to insist upon the
lorced loan ot two millions. His armyamoun
ted to about 25,000 men the best arm o/ which
was cavalry. Gen. Taylor had suffered much
from desertion and sickness, but the number of
his troops was variously estimated.
The Mexicans are continually apprehensive
ot a night attack upon San Juan de Ulloa.
An attempt was made, they thought, the night
of the last ult., but it resulted in nothing, hav
ing been early discovered. We annex our cor
respondent’s letter:
Havana, Dec. 6, 1846.
Dear Pic.— The British steamer is in to-day
trom Vera Cruz, and I send you an extra con
taining the news as published here. Rumor
adds somewhat to these, but you can judge
tor yourself. Santa Anna is said to have
threatened to retreat to Queretaro it they don’t
send him the $2,000,000 that he has asked for,
which great exertions are being made to raise.
Some say he will fallback whether or no, in
order to be nearer lhe capital on the opening
ot Congress. Propositions had been made to
the British merchants for a loan of 20,000,000
secured by a reduction of duties on articles now
prohibited. The moneyed and landed interest,
it is said, are quite tired ofthe war, and Santa
Anna’s retrograde movement may possibly be
in order to intimidate Congress into peace mea
sures, while he apparently sacifices his am
bition. The initialed suppose him not to be
inimical to peace. At all events he won’t meet
lhe enemy—it it is done at ali, some one else
must do it.
The blockade is not considered at all an
effectual one; several vessels sent from here
have discharged.
An American sloop of war, said to be the
Albany from New York, is just coming in.
Yours, &c. AMIGO.
From lhe N. O. Picayune 22d inst.
Capture of Midshipman Rogers.
The successful exploitof burningthe Creole,
a fast-sailing vessel supposed to be fitting out
as a privateer and moored alongside the very
walls ofthecastie of San Juan de Ulna, em
boldened the officers of the Somers to under
take fresh enterprises. One of these was a re
connaissance ot Vera Cruz itself, with the in
tention of ascertaining the locality of the maga
zine and the feasibility of an attempt to blow it
up, and on this hazardous undertaking a little
party, which Midshipman Rogers and Surgeon
Wright volunteered to conduct, was made
up.
For two nights, favored by the darkness, the
party pursued its reconnaissance; on the third,
after having obtained a most complete and
satisfactory knowledge ot the localities about
Vera Cruz and ascertaining that their object
could be accomplished, they were surround
ed by a small body ot Mexican lancers while
returning to the boat. Rogers and the only
sailor along with him were at once taken pri
soners—Mr. Wright, by presenting a pistol at
the horsemen, succeeded in keeping them oft’
until he reached his men at the shore, when
they at once shoved off and succeeded in gaining
the vessel in safety. Mr. W. did netdarefire,
thinking it might bring a large force upon him :
as it was, he had the satisfaction of Knowing
that he had saved the boat and her crew.
Os the disposition made ot young Rogers we
have no definite information. One account has
it that he was chained and marched off by lhe
Mexicans to the cold and gloomy castle of Pe
rote, but this needs confirmation. An act ot the
British Consul at Vera-TJruz is mentioned in
one of our letters which does him great credit.
It is said that on learning that Mr. Rogers was
about to be marched to Perote, he at once start
ed off himself in quest of him, or else sent the
sum ot SIOO, besides refreshments and clothing,
for his comfort. It is certain that the gallant
young midshipman, who has thus lost his liber
ty while performing a hazardous and important
service, was not at first started off tor Perote,
whatever may have since befallen him. We
shall look lor accounts ot him with interest, as
also of the unfortunate prisoners whom the ele
ments have thrown into lite powerof the Mexi
cans.
Passage cf the Rail Road Bill.—The Le
gislatures of North and South Carolinahave
granted a Charter of Incorporation to the “Wil
mington and Manchester Rail Road Company,”
untrammelled by the binding of the private pro
perty of lhe stockholders. It passed our Le
gislature on the 14th inst., by a vote of 75 to 271
And all that is now wanted to insure the building
of our part of the Road, is for the Legislature to
grant the prayerof the Memorial, which is now
before them, signed by three fourths of the own
ers oi real estate in Wilmington, asking the pri
vilege of taxing themselves, and permitting the
town of Wilmington to subscribe for $200,000 of
the stock. We have too much respect for the
wisdom, patriotism, and State pride, of a North
Carolina Legislature, to permit us to doubt on
this subject, and therefore it is a settled ques
tion with us, that the “ Connecting Link.” to the
South Carolina line, can and will be built! And
although the Legislature of South Carolina did
not lend the aid which was asked, and in justice
due to the people of Sumter, Darlington and
Marion Distiicts, in the transfer of State stock,
yet, we have the best of assurance, that thecap
italists and people generally of that region are
able, and that the stock will at once be taken, and
both ends of the Link” commenced at the
same time. — Wilmington Chronicle, Dec. 21.
Their Sons. —Major Van Buren, son of the ex-
President, acted as aid to Gen. Taylor at the siege
of Monterey. John C. Calhoun’s Son is aid to
Major Geneial Gaines. Henry Clay’s son is Lieut.
Colonel of a regiment of Kentucky volunteers.
Daniel Webster’s son is Captain of a company of
volunteers, and will be in Mexico soon. John J.
Crittenden’s son is Captaiu in the new regiment of
Mounted Riflemen.— Baltimore Clipper.
General Taylor.—The London correspon
dent of the New York Journal ot Commerce,
under date of the 9th ot November, writes:
“Gen Taylor is achieving for himselt a great
European reputation for military stratagem,
_qpd high chivalric character. The most cap
tious critic admits that he has secured success
at the least possible sacrifice of lite. What
can be higher renown 3 His moderation, after
victory, has been viewed here with con
siderable satisfaction." While [compliments
are thus showe'ed upon old “Rough and
Ready” trom abroad, it is remarkable, that
the President ol the United States, in communi
cating to Congress the splendid triumphs ot our
arms, could not find space for one word in
commendation of lhe gallant General who com
manded at Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma and
Monterey. We shall not pretend to ascribe to
Mr. Polk any motive for the omission of all
allusion, by name, to Gen. Taylor, in the mes
sage—an omission which only serves to render
the hero more conspicuous. In an age of Ro
man degeneracy, we are told, that on one oc
casion, the busts ot Brutus and Cassius were
excluded ftom a procession in which those of
men oflessdeselt were conspicuous objects; but
it was the universal judgment that they were
more honored bv the exclusion than were their
rivals and enemies by the public exhibition of
their marble effigies.
Mexican] Affairs.—Having conversed with
gentlemen who arrived here on Thursday from Ha
vana, we learn that there is a prevailing impres
sion among those who know Santa Anna in that
city, that he is far from desirous of hazarding an
action with the troops of the United States —that
he is at heart averse to the war, but has not yet
secured such ahold as to be able to act counter to
the universal desires of his countrymen.
It appeals to be understood in Havana that San
ta Anna has made a demand upon the clergy of the
country for a loan of two millions and a half. His
sincerity in this is greviously suspected; and he
is even charged with secretly instigating the reply
of the clergy, that the money cannot possibly be
procured. Santa Anna persists that it is absolutely
necessary for the prosecution of the war, and upon
the refusal of the clergy he may found his excuse
with his countrymen for not assuming active and
offensive hostilities.
We learn further that Gen. La Vega, before
leaving Havana for Vera Cruz on the British
steamer, received from his Government the com
mand of a brigade, and was ordered to repair at
once to join the army at San Luis Potosi.
We have not yet received Mexican papers by
this arrival at Havana, and are looking at events
in Mexico through the spectacles of those whose
sympathies arc naturally excited in favor of our
enemies. We look with much curiosity tor frank
and explicit expositions of the rumors which have
been circulated in all parts of Mexico in regard to
the dissensions in her armies as well as her civil
councils. At present every thing is enveloped in
a mist. —.V. O. Picayune 12th inst.
MWVST.I,
TUESDAY MORNING, DEC. ‘29, 1816.
A Message ofthe President.
The House ot Representatives, on the 18th
inst. adopted a Resolution, on motion of Mr.
Garrett Davis ot Kentucky, to call upon lhe
President for information as to the instructions
which had been given to commanding officers
ot lhe army and navy ot lhe United Slates, in
New Mexico, California and upon lhe coasts
oftheMexican Republic.
The President responded on lhe 22nd inst.
by a Message with voluminous accompany
ing documents. We shall lay them all before
our readers shortly, or a synopsis oi them at
least, which will convey a full and correct idea
of them.
It will be seen from the Message, that the
President professes not to have approved and
recognised all that has been done by General
Kearney, but he passes by, without remark, lhe
still more objectionable proceedings ot Com
modore Stock’.on.
We do not propose to give a lengthy and
critical review to-day of lhe conduct of lhe ad
ministration upon this subject. But, who will
not be struck with the littleness ot the reasons
given in the Message for lhe President’s not
having expressed his views upon these interest
ing questions in his annual Message, and for
withholding these important documents from
the representatives of the people ? He must
wait until forced to produce them by a cal!
from those representatives tor information.
The President says that one ol the documents,
“a form oi government” “established and or
ganized,” called by the Secretary “ organic law
ot lhe territory of New Mexico,” was not
brought to his notice till alter his annual Mes
sage of the 7th inst. was communicated to Con
gress.
He thus, indirectly, throws the blame, so far
as this document is concerned, upon the Secre
tary ot war.
The Secretary says, that he received the do
cument on the 23d oi November, but was so
pressed for wantot time that he did not examine
it until a few days since.
It would seem that all the other papers, let
ters, documents &c., had been seen and ex
amined but this one. There was not time lor
looking into that. It was received fourteen
days before the meeting of Congress, ac
cording to lhe Secretary’s own showing. The
substance ot lhe document was published in
some of lhe papers at least a month before
that time, and being ot quite a startling char
acter, one would have supposed that he would
have been eagerly anxious to look into it to see
if such strange proceedings had actually been
enacted by an American Colonel on the North
American Continent.
What a farce the President and Secretary
have made ot lhe whole matter. It is a farce,
however, which can do them no good, tor they
have made themselves the “clowns” of lhe
play.
Mr. Marcy was so oppressed with business
that he could not look into a document which
every reading man in the Union was deeply
excited to see, and Mr. Polk, poor unfortunate
man, could not give his views upon lhe subject,
because Mr. Marcy had been cruel enough to
keep him in ignorance of its contents!
It seems to us, that seeing the Proclamation
alluded to in all lhe papers of the country, he
might have had sagacity enough as well as
public spirit, to ask Mr. Marcy for a sight of
lhe document, or at least if he had ever receiv
ed it.
We are not remarkably incredulous, but for
lhe life of us we cannot fully comprehend this
official excuse. We shall, probably, learn
more about it, and as we intend to recur to the
subject again, wc await further developments.
In the meantime, we must express our admira
tion of the extraordinary fidelity and industry
which the administration has exhibited in this
matter, in attending to the public interests.
The Georgia Regiment*
We have been permitted to read an extract from
a private letter from a memberof the Georgia Reg
iment, dated at Monterey on the 4th inst., in
which the writer says “the Regiment had been
ordered to march upon Victoria, a tofWrr about 170
miles southeast of Monterey, where it is said,
there are 6,000 Mexicans engaged in fortifying the
town.” They anticipated a warm reception.
The resolution for the adjournment ot the
North-Carolina Legislature from the 23d to the
28th, was rescinded on Monday last, by almost
a unanimous vote. The proposed adjournment
was for the purpose of the members visiting
Wilmington, where preparations had been
made to receive them. The Journal states that
a number of the gentlemen are coming down,
and were expected to reach there on Friday last.
Lieutenant P. Calhoun, an Aid-de-Camp of
General Gaines, and son of the Senator, has
been elected Colonel of the second Regiment of
New York Volunteers, called for by the last
requisition.
The National Intelligencer says that, during
the Executive session of the Senate on Wed
nesday, the nomination of George Bancroft, to
be Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo
tentiary from the United States to Great Britain,
and that of Nathan Clifford, to be Attorney
General of the United Slates, were confirmed.
From lowa.—The Whigs have elected all
the officers of the House, in which the three
Independents hold the balance ot power, as well
as the joint vote of the Legislature.
Senator from Illinois.—Mr. Douglass, who
has been long a member of Congress from
Illinois, has been elected to the Senate tor the
term commencing on the 4th of March next.
Railroad Charters. —The Raleigh Register
of the 25th inst., says : —The bill to charter a
Railroad from this city, via. Fayetteville, to
Camden, S. C., as well as the bill to charter the
Wilmington and Manchester Road, have been
passed into laws. The Legislature of South
Carolina (just adjourned) also granted similar
charters.
South Carolina Regiment.—The Charles
ton Mercury ot yesterday says:—About one
halt the Palmetto Regiment left Camp Hayne
on Friday and Saturday mornings in the cars.
The remainder will probably go this morning.
The regiment goes into camp between Aiken
and Hamburg, where they will await the sup
ply of clothing, &c., and then take their course
for New Orleans.
The Pennyslvania regiment ot volunteers at
Pittsburgh, is to be conveyed to New Orleans
in five steamboats, for each ot which the Go
vernment pays SIOOO. Four of the compa
nies left Pittsburgh on Monday, in two boats,
and theiemainder were to leave on Tuesday.
N. C. Volunteers.—Gov. Graham has in
structed the Colonels ot the various Regiments
to return the names ot all volunteers, even if
there be not enough to form a company, so that,
by uniting those from two or more contiguous
Regiments, a Company might be formed by
the Adjutant General.
New York Volunteers.—lt was announced
on Tuesday evening at the meeting in Mechan
ics’Hall, that the New York Volunteers now
at Fort Hamilton, had received orders to hold
themselves in readiness to sail in ten days.—
A’. Y. Cour. 4* Enq., 2444 inst.
Marine Disaster.—The brig Savannah, ar
rived at Savannah from New York, reports
having come in contact, on the evening ot the
17th, with the schr. Laura Jane, ot Mattapoin
sett, bound to Cape Florida, in a gale, which
latter vessel it was supposed sunk, as she could
not be seen at daylight. Part of the crew and
one passenger jumped on board the Savannah
at the moment of collision, leaving on board two
of the crew’ and twelve passengers, supposed to
be lost,
Officer A. M. C. Smith arrived in New York
on Sunday from New Orleans, having in cus
tody a man named Levi H. Solomons, who is
charged with having defrauded merchants ot
New York and Philadelphia of goods to the
amount of 340,000, by false pretences. The
accused, or rather his wife, keeps an extensive
fancy store in New Orleans.
Correspondence of lhe liallimore American.
r WEN T Y N 1 N T H C O N G R E S S.
W Second Session.
IN SENATE Dec 21.
A large number ot memorials, principally
praying inibmniiy tor French Spoliations, were
presented all appropriately referred.
Mr. Dickenson, on leave, substituted a bill
to amend the Act of 4th March, 1813, regulat
ing the enlistment of seamen on hoard the pub
lic and private vessels ot lhe U. States.
Mr. Semple, on leave, introduced a bill to re
model lhe Consular system cf lhe U. States.
Mr. Pearce, from the Library Committee,
reported a bill for lhe relief ot the widow of
Alexander Hamilton.
The resolution heretofore submitted by Mr.
Breese, calling upon the Secretary of War tor
a statement ot all appropriations tor lhe im
provement ol harbors, &c., was taken up and
adopied. *
On motion ot Mr. Semple, lhe President was
requested to communicate to lhe Senate all
such information as may not be incompatible
with lhe public interests relative to the claims
of our citizens against the Republic ot Colum
bia.
Mr. Barrow submitted the tollowing:
Resolved, That lhe President ot lhe United
States be requested to inform lhe Senate if any
officer or agent ot the United States was sent
bv him, or by his direction, to Havana to ad
vise, procure, or in any way, or in any manner
promote the return of Santa Anna to .Mexico;
and, if S 3, who was the officer or agent, and
what were his instructions, and when was he
sent on such mission. Also, that he inform
lhe Senate by what means and through what
channel Santa Anna was informed that an order
was issued to lhe commander of our naval for
ces in the Gult, directing said commander not
to obstruct hit (Santa Anna’s) return to Mexi
co. And also, that he transmit to lhe Senate
copies of any correspondence in possession of
the Government relative to the terms and con
ditions on which Santa Anna was permitted to
pass through our blockading squadron, or in
any manner relating to the subject of Santa
Anna’s return to Mexico.
Mr. Sempfcsubmitted lhe following:
Resolved, That the President ot lhe United
Slates be requested to communicate to lhe Se
nate all such information (lhe publication of
which will be prejudicial to the public ser
vice,) as'witi show the situation of lhe claims
of citizens ot lhe United States against the
late Republic ot Columbia; whether there is
any prospect ot the settlement of the same, and
whether it is or not necessary tor Congress to
adopt measures for the speedy assertion of the
just rights oi the claimants.
HOUSE.
Mr.Gentiy,ot Tenn., asked leave to make
a personal explanation.
Mr. Gentry stated that lhe explanation h - ■-
sired to make was elicited by an article in me
Union newspaper of December 17, which, as
he conceived, did him great injustice.
Mr. G.thereupon read the article, (which
had retentive 4 to what Mr. G. had said in his
speech or me President’s message respecting
certain language attributed to Mr. Buchanan
respectiig the Oregon treaty, .and which Mr.
B. denied having used in the unqualified sense
stated by Mr. G.
This article conveyed lhe idea that .Mr. G.
had cone injustice to the Secretary of State
As Mr. G. felt himself to be incapable ot wil
fully doing injustice to any man, he desired to
set hinselfrighl in reference to this accusation.
He Scid he had been correctly reported in
this pm of his speech in the Union, and some
what iicorrectly in the Intelligencer: yet lhe
editor, passing over the report made in his own
paper, chose to refer to that contained in lhe
Intelligencer, purposely, a- it would seem, that
it migh misrepresent what he had said.
Mr. G. here read from the report in the
Union, xrhich represented him as quoting gene
ral rum>r unly as to the expressions used by
Mr. Buchanan, which, from lhe other report, it
might b; supposed that he had spoken as if trom
his ownknowledge. Mr. G. was unwilling to
place a listinguished gentleman like the Secre
tary ot Stale in an unpleasant position, and
therefore he had not sought or asked for any
testimon/ to show what language he might have
employe!: but were il necessary, Mr. G. could
procure certificates from the most respectable
sources tiat lhe Secretary did use the ses
sions imjuted to him by general rumor, and re
ferred to )y Mr. G. in his own remarks. But
no such »roof was necessary; the article in the
Union ifcelt virtually admitted it.
Mr. G.in his speech had referred to language
employee by a Senator, in rcr'v to what had
beens’aidby Mr. Haywood, o‘ the President’s
being wiling to settle our controversy with
Britain o) the Oicgon question by taking 49
deg. nortl as a compromise line, viz : That he
could not believe the President had ever inti
mated an; such willingness, and that, it he ever
did sign i treaty accepting of that line, “he
would d n himself to such a depth of infa-
my that lie hand of resurrection could never
reach him” In confirmaii m of the position
taken in hs speech, he might further refer to
the vehement language used by the gentleman
from Illinois, (Mr. Douglass,) and the reference
made by hin to his political pilgrimage to the
Hermitage,and the speeches made by him to
Gen Jackson, and his political friends in Ten
nessee, and their assent to the positions he there
took, as well '9 to Lha_L gentleman’s fiery de
nuflciationSKU. minated against the President at
the very hint ittat he ever could consent to a
treaty based on 49 deg. The existence of the
rumor mentioned by Mr. G. wasa thing per
fectly well known; it could not but be known to
every gentleman on that floor; it was the com
mon talk everywhere, in hotels, in boarding
houses, in ihe lobbies, and the street. Who
then could doubt that Mr. Polk did give to those
of his partisans who went strongly h r 54 deg.
40, to believe tnat the administration hn I fixed
itself immovably on that parallel as the only
boundary to which itever would consent? But.
according to th® article in the Union, the Se
cretary ot State now qualified what he had
said about sooner having h’s right arm cut off
than putting his hand to ; -y treaty which re
cognized 49 deg. as our boundary, by the alle
gation that he had added “ unless a majority of
two-thirds ot the Senate should agree to it.”
This put Mr. G. very much in mind of the re
ply of a girl to her lover who was pressing lor
a kiss, you never shall get it unless you are
stronger than Z.” (A laugh.)
Mr. G. said he would now read the evidence
which he had before referred to, as warranting
him in being a little sceptical as to the truth of
a statement which had nothing to support it but
the assertion of the President of the United
States. In his speech, Mr. G. had venter;rd to
question the sincerity of that declaration o.‘ the
message, that the war against Mexico had not
been undertaken for the sake of conquest; and
as a justification of himself, he had contrasted
the assurances and declarations of the Presi
dent to his confidential political friends with
what was said by Mr. McLane, our Envoy to
the Court of St. James, on his return home from
his foreign mission.
What did Mr. McLane say?
“I certainly could not have been induced to
return to political life, as the representative of
my country abroad, unless I had been peisua
ded that, in the crisis to which you have refer
red, the Views of ray own Government I.ad
been entirely consistent with such a settlement
of the Oregon question as ought to nave secur
ed an honorable peace, and unless I had enter
tained the hope that I might be enabled in some
degree to co-operate to that end.”
And again :
“Having some knowledge, from my official
position at"that time, of the policy and objects
of the convention of 1828, 1 am quite purs jad
ed that its main design was to .cad. in a future
partition of the territory, to the recognition of
our claim to the country, not north, but south
of the 49th parallel, and between that and the
Columbia river. A division of the country up
on that principle, with a reasonable regard to
rights grown up under the joint possession, al
ways appeared to me to afford a just and prac
tical basis for an amicable and honorable ad
justment of the object. Such, also, I was satis
fied, were the views of our Governmental the
time I engaged in my recent mission ; and, in
earnestly and steadily laboring to effect a settle
ment on that basis, ijwas but representing the
policy of my own Government, and faithfully
promoting the intentions and wishes of the Pres
ident.”
Mr. G. would now submit it to the candor of
every gentleman present wi ether he had not
proved the position he had taken in regard to
the insincerity of some of the President’s decla
rations. It the Administration were content
with such a position as this placed them in,
Mr. G. had nothing more to say. He had
quoted these authentic historical documents to
show that he had been fully justified in all he
had said on the point of Executive sincerity and
truth.
Mr. Broadhead moved to suspend (he rules
to enable him to offer the following resolution:
Resolved, that the Secretary of the Treasury
be directed to report to this H.-use on wh ar
ticles embraced in the tariff act of 1846 the du
ties can be augmented beyond the existing rates,
so as to increase the revenue ; and to what ex
tent said duties can he increased, and what ad
ditional revenue would accrue therefrom.
The vote stood yeas 69 nays 96. Two-thirds
not voting, the resolution was t i received.
Mr. Seaman (previous notice having been
given) introduced a bill for the ascertainment
and satisfaction of spoliations of the French pri
or to the 31st day of July, 1810; which bill was
twice read and referred to Committee on Foreign
Affairs.
A bill for the relief of Patrick Kelly, the brave
teamster of Maj r Ringgold, who lost his arm
where his noble leader lost his ii.’e, was passed
upon the spur of the occasion,as soon indeed as
it was reported.
Mr. Thomasson of Ky. offered the following
preamble and resolution :
Whereas the acquisition of territory by con
quest, not absolutely necessarj’ for self-protec
tion, is repugnant to the genius of the United
Slates Government, and dangerou • in its tenden
cies upon the minds of the people :
And whereas it is impolitic to acquire any
portion of the Mexican territory without pay
ing a fair compensation therefor, and the in
habitants of the country to be thus acquired
should give their tree consent to the change be
fore jurisdiction over them is assumed .
And whereas to require a conquered nation
to nay the expenses of a war. because it hap
pens to be the weaker Power, is in opposition
to the gen rotis impman’s natnre, and
such a in e to be made applicable in all cases
would be the emanation ot despotism, and un
worthy a great Republic whose citizens love
liberty:
And whereas the cost ot a war avowed to be
waged for principle alone should not be lhe
cause ot its continuance: Therefore—
Zte tl resolved by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America
in Congress assembled, That when Mexico shall
make ample remuneration tor acknowledged
indebtedness, and establish lhe Rio Grande as
the boundary tor the two nations, lhe peace
between lhe sister Republics so unhappily dis
turbed ought to be restored.
Objections being made to lhe reception, the
House, by a vote ol 33 yeas to 138 nays, refu
sed to suspend the rule, and they were not re
ceived
Mr. Douglass oflllinois called up the Bill
for the admission ot lowa into lhe Union. The
Bill was debated at length by Messrs. Sims of
S. C., Rathbun ot N. Y., Dodge ot lowa, Pettit
ot Indiana and others. The Bill was passed,
and a call tor lhe yeas and nays made by Mr.
Thompson of Pa. was refused.
President's Message.— The House between
two and lh:ee o’clock went into Committee of
the Whole upon the state of the Union—Mr.
Boyd of Ky., in the Chair.
Mr. Jones ofGa. was entitled to the floor,
and had not spoken many minutes before he in
volved himself in a controversy with Mr. Win
throp of Mass., and Mr. Genty, both of whom
he undertook to reply to.
Mr. Jones spoke his hour, when lhe Com
mittee rose and the House soon alter adjourn
ed.
During the day Mr. Giles presented the
memorials of Coleman Yelloil and Washington
Yellott, Sarah Massey and John Falconer, ot
the city ot Baltimore, praying indemnity for
French Spoliations prior to 1800 Referred
to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
IN SENATE Dec. 22.
A number of petitions were presented and
referred.
The bill from the House for fie admission
of lowa into lhe Union was referred to lhe Ju
diciary Committee.
On motion of Mr. Semple, the Committee
on Roads and Canals were instructed to inquire
into lhe expediency of incorporating a company
to construct a railroad from some point on the
Missouri River west of the limits gI the State
ot Missouri, to lhe mouth ot lhe Columbia Ri
ver in Oregon.
On motion of Mr. Rusk, lhe Military Com
mittee were instructed to inquire into the pro
priety ol adopting the Rifle more extensively in
the service, and that they be requested to re
commend a suitable model ot a rifle to be
used.
On motion ot Mr. Rusk, lhe Office
Committee were instructed to inquire into the
propriety of providing by law for the transpor
tation ofa mail semi-weekly from New Orleans
to lhe head quarters ot the army beyond lhe
Rio Grande.
Mr. Ashley, from the Committee on Public
Lands, reported a bill to establish a permanent
general pre-emption system in favor of actual
settlers upon the public lands.
Mr. Woodbridge, from the same Committee
reported a bill granting alternate sections ot
lhe public lands ot Michigan, fur lhe comple
tion ol works ot internal improvement.
Also, a bill to provide tor lhe sale of the Mi
neral Lands of the U. Slates in Michigan and
W iscons in.
Mr. Semple introduced, and had laid upon
lhe table, a joint resolution to amend the Con
stitution of the U. Stales, so as to deprive the
Supreme Court of the powers to declare as un
constitutional any law ol Congress or ot a State
Legislature.
The resolution inquiring into the return of
Santa Anna to Mexico, submitted yesterday by
Mr. Barrow, coming up in its order, Mr. Sevier
asked that it might lie over for a day or two.
It was then postponed till Tuesday week.
After a short Executive Session lhe Senate
adjourned.
HOUSE.
A Joint Resolution was reported th is morn
ing to allow all the officers and soldiers ot the
Annj’ in Mexico to receive letters and news
papers tree of postage. The Resolution was
not received.
The rults were suspended to continue the de
bate upon the President’s Message.
The House went into Committee of the
Whole, and Mr. Morse of La. addressed the
committee n an argument to show that the
Whig press and the Whig party were giving
aid and comfort to the enemy. All the gentle
men who had spoke in opposition to lhe Presi
dent’s Message had done this. They desired
to make war upon the Administration, and a
party passion and party zeal were the objects ot
their opposition. The war which the President
had made was just and proper, and the Presi
dent would have been worthy of condemnation
it he had not done what he had done.
Mr. Barclay Marlin ol Tenn, made a speech
in reply to Mr. Gentry, designed,as he said, for
the Meridian ot Tenn, and, therefore, ot but
little interest elsewhere.
Mr. Gentry was afterwards in the Hall, and
Mr. Mattin was anxious to make him say yea
or nay upon lhe justice of the war.
Mr. Gentry had no objection to being cate
chised by those who had a rwtlu io question Mm.
He held it to be right to prosecute the war now
that il had commenced, and that regardless of
the manner in which we tound ourselves in
volved in the war. The Constitution had been
violated in ihe origin of this war, and this was
his declaration.
Mr. Martin then went on to charge Mr. Gen
try with voting tor the war, and, therefore, shar
ing in ihe violation of lhe Constitution which
had been charged upon the President.
Mr. Davis of Ky., made a brilliant speech in
rebuke of those who stood forth as the servile
detenders ot Executive power. He argued up
on the extraordinary spectacle which was pre
sented to lhe American People in the defence
of lhe President, who had, without consulting
Congress, and in a reckless violation of lhe
Constitution, involved (he country in a war
with a foregn Power; and yet, tor pointing out
and condemning an act like this, chaiges ot
treason were made.
Mr. Davis rejoined to those who were charg
ing lhe Whigs with treason by a most point
ed retort. What was treason? It was giving
aid and comfort to the enemy. And had not
the Executive done this in admitting Santa
Anna to the city of Vera Cruz'? Supposing
Commodores Conner, Morris, Perry or any
other naval commander had done this, would
they not have been arraigned and tried for trea
son, and most justly? Supposing they had
been found in conference and correspondence
with Santa Anna, would thev not have been
dragged before the House, under Court Mar
tial orders? Unquestionably they would. And
this was precisely what lhe Executive had done
and he could not escape from the dilemma in
which he was involved.
When Mr. Davis concluded, Mr. Gordon of
N. Y. moved that the Committee rise—carried.
The Speaker then announced lhe following
Message from lhe President:
Po the House of Representatives ofthe U. Slates:
In compliance with the request contained in
lhe Resolution of the 15ih in%t. 1 communicate
herewith reports trom the Secretary of War
and Secretary ofthe Navy with the documents
which accompany them. These documents
contain ail the orders or instructions “to any
officer of the Government in relation to lhe es
tablishment or organization of a Civil Govern
ment in any portion of the territory ct Mexico
which has or might be taken possession ol by
the Army or Navy ot the United States/’
These ordersand instructions were given to
regulate the exercise of the rights ol the belli
gerents engaged in actual war over such por
tions of the territory ol our enemy as by mili
tary conquest “ might be taken possession ol”
and be occupied by our armed forces—rights
necessarily resulting from a state of war and
clearly recognised by the laws of nations. This
was a>l the authority which could be delegated
to our military and naval commanders, anil its
exercise was indispensable to the secure occu
pation and possession of territory of lhe enemy
which might be conquered. The regulations
authorized were temporary and dependent on
the rights acquired by conquest.
They were authorized as beligerent rights,
and were to be carried iatoeflect by Military or
Naval officers. They were but the ameliora
tion of Martial law which modern civilization
required, and were due as well to lhe secuiity oi
the conquests as to the inhabitants of the con
quered territory.
The documents communicated also contain
lhe reports of several highly meritorious offi
cers ol our Army and Navy who have con
quered and taken possession ot portions ot the
enemy’s territory.
Among the documents accompanying the
Report oi the Secretary ot War, will be found
‘a form ol government,’ ‘established and organ
ized” by the military commander who conquered
and occupied with his forces the territory of
New Mexico. This document was received
at the War Department in the latter part of lhe
las: month, and, as will be perceived by the
report of the Secretary of War, was not, tor the
reasons sta’ed by that officer, brought to my no
tice until after my annual message ollhe 7th
inst., was communicated to Congress.
It is declared on its face to be a “temporary
government oi the said territory,” but theie are
portions of it which purport to “establish and
organize” a permanent territorial government
ofthe U. States over the territory and to impart
to its inhabitants political rights which under
the cons'itution ct the U. 8. can be enjoyed per
manently only by citizens of the United States.
These have not been approved and recognized
by me.
Such organized relations as have been es
tablished in any ot the conquered territories lor
! the security ot our conquest, for lhe preserva
tion ot order, for lhe protection of the rights ct
lhe inhabitants, and for depriving the enemy ot
the advantages ot these territories, while the
miiitr.ry possession of them by the forces of lhe
Unit d States continue, will be recognized and
approved.
It will be apparent from the reports of lhe
officers who have been required by lhe success
which has crowned their arms to exercise the
powers of temporary Govenment over the con
quered territories, that it any excess or powers
nas been exercised Hie departure has been lhe
offspring ol a patriotic desire to give to lhe in
habitants lhe privileges and immunities so cher-
ishf-ify the people of our own country and
which they believed calculated to improve their
condition and promote their prosperity.
Any such excess has resulted i n no practical
injury, but can and will he early corrected in
a manner to alienate as little as possible the
<mmhl feelings of the inhab tantsof the conquer
ed territories. JAMES K. POLK.
Washington, 22d December, 1846.
Before lhe adjournment to-day, Mr. Giles
presented lhe memorial of A. Grovennan, of
Baltimore, praying indemnity tor French
Spoliations prior to 1800—referred to the Com
mittee on Foreign Relations.
IN SENATE ....Dec. 23.
Mr. Breese introduced a bill to organize a
Territorial Government in Oregon, and lor
other purposes.
Mr. Semple, from lhe Committee on Roads
and Canals, reported a bill io relinquish lhe
National Road to Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and
Missouri, upon certain conditions.
Mr. Breese, from the Committee on Public
Lands, reported back the bill giving lhe assent
ot Congress to certain Slates to impose a lax
upon lhe public lands within their borders, as
soon as sold, without amendment.
The bill to establish the office of Surveyor
General of the Public Lands in Oregon, and
to grant donation rights to settlers, was report
ed with certain amendments, which were order
ed to be printed.
Mr. Dix, from the Committee on Commerce,
reported a bill to repeal lhe Pilot Law of 20tli
March, 1837.
After a tedious debate, a report by the Print
ing Committee relative to lhe engraving of a
Map of Florida, was laid upon lhe table.
The Printing Committee to which had been
referred a memorial from lhe yearly meeting ot
lhe Society ol Friends in New England, pray
ing Congress to adopt measures for speedily
terminating the present war, reported a resolu
tion that the said memorial be not printed.
Mr. Davis expressed his surprise at the re
port. The memorial was upon a very impor
tant subject; it was couched in respectful lan
guage, and could give offence to none. The
memorialists simply asked that their memorial
should be printed, and it was but right that they
should be gratified.
Mr. Atherton said the Committee had com?
to the conclusion to recommend the printing ol
no memorial unless it contained historical in
formation or statistics, and not then when-it was
referred to a Committee who would embody it
in their report. He disclaimedjany disrespect
being intended to lhe memorialists.
Mr. Sevier called for the reading of lhe me
morial, which was read.
After a long debate, Mr. Davis moved to
amend the resolution by striking out the word
“not.”
This was negatived, yeas 21, nays, 21, lhe
Vice Pressidcnt giving his casting vote in lhe
negative.
On motion ol Mr. Mangum, lhe resolution
was then laid on the table.
Altera short Executive Session the Senate
then adjourned.
HOUSE
The Committee on Post Offices and Post
Roads, by resolution, were instructed to report
the Post route bill at as early a day as practi
cable.
Mr. Douglass ot Illinois, reported a bill from
the Commit ee on Territories, establishing a
territorial Government in Oregon. Referred to
the Committee oi the Whole on lhe stale of lhe
Union and made lhe special ordei ot the day
tor the first Tuesday in January.
A River and Harbor Bill was also reported
on leave and referred to the Committee on
Commerce. Also a bill proposing a new ter
ritorial government for the territory ot .
A number ot resolutions and bills were pre
! sented, but objections being taised, they could
not be received.
The House went into Committee of the
whole at an eally hour upon the President’s
Message, and upon the question ot reference
of lhe President’s Message to lhe Committees oi
lhe House.
Propositions were made to modify lhe Reso
lutions so as to pul them in a form of requir
ing the Commitiee on Military Affairs to bring
in a bill providing by law for an additional
three months’, pay lothose serving in the war
with Mexico. Also, for remunerating those
who have been wounded in the battles in Mexi
co, and providing pensions for those who have
been left as widows and children.
Mr. Hunt, oi N. Y. addressed the Committee
at length upon lhe meritsot the great questions
involved in th? debate, touching lhe President’s
power and abuse ot power, and lhe attempte
made to drown discussion in the Hall by im
puting treasonable purposes to all disposed to
discuss the view’s ot lhe Message.
Mr. Hunt said he was against seizing upon
any portion ofthe Mexican territory either by
conquest or by purchase. He believed indeed
that a large poilion ot the people were opposed
to an enlargement ot cur National boundaries.
Mr. Hunt gave notice that he should improve
lhe first opportunity to offer an amendment to
some of lhe resolutions before lhe House, re
quiring lhe Piesident not to continue in the
prosecution ofa war with Mexico.
Mr. Bayly ot Va. continued ihe debate in an
elaborate argument, justfying the President,
and declaring that lhe President justifced him
selt by his message. Mr. B. also look wn
Whig arguments lor the purpose ot response.
Mr. Davis ot Ky. asked leave to explain
and correct the statements of his argument.
Mr. Bayly, in a very peremptory manner,
said he would not give way, and would
not consent to any interruptions.
Mr. Davis—The gentleman misrepresents
my argument when he asserts that I favored
the cause of Mexico.
Mr Bayly, (with great vehemence)—l de
mand the floor. 1 will nut give way.
The Chair.—The gentleman trom Kentucky
cannot have the floor.
Mr. Davis, (with earnestness)-The gentle
man falsely presents my argument.
Mr. Bayly.—• If the gentleman says 1 falsely
represent him it is a lie.
Mr. Davis wras not permitted to respond, and
Mr. Bayly went on with his vindication ot the
President lor lhe admission of Santa Anna and
covered up this transaction in the smallest pos
sible measure.
Mr. Stanton, of Tenn , continued lhe debate
and with it the defence ofthe President.
Some explanations passed between him and
Mr. Hudson as to the Texas right over the
country between lhe Nueces and the Rio
Grande, when she chair gave the floor to Mr
Guidon,of N. Y., andlhe Committee rose.
Mr. J. C. Ingersjll offered a resolution to
close ihe debate to morrow at 2 o’clock. He
supposed lhe President’s Message recived yes
terday would afford an equally proper subject
of discussion, and fur aught that he carted,
gentlemen might discuss il to their hearts’ con-
A motion was then made that the House ad
journ, and carried by a close vole— 66 io 62.
[ she Oregon Bill reported in the House to
day is a verba’im copy of that which passed lhe
House at the last session of Congress, with
the exception ol a single section. Instead of
“the prohibition of slavery and involuntary
servitude, except lor crimes,” in (he territory,
the Committee report a new section imposing
all lhe restrictions and allowing all the privi
leges granted to lhe people of 'he North West
territmy under lhe ordinance of 1787.
The River and Harbor Bill reported this
morning is also nearly a cop/ of that which
passed Congress at lhe last session. The Ma
ryland appropriations are preserved.
IN SENATE Dec 24
Mr. J.M. Clayton presented a memorial from
citizens of Delaware, praying Congress to use
speedy and efficient means for terminating the
Mexican war in an honorable peace. He said
ihe memorial was signed by numerous persons
belonging to both political parties, who were not
opposed to war on any religious principle.
He would like to co-operate with them in
bi inging about an honorable peace, but for him
self, he could see no wav ot bringing the war to
an end but by fighting it out. He was disposed
to vote for any supplies for carrying on ihe war.
He had heard il said that there was a pattv in
Congress determined io oppose their own Gov
ernment in this war, an 1 to support that ot the
enemy. He did not believe in the existence
of any such party. The supposition was a
base calumny on the American character.
There might possibly be a lew individuals so
situated, but he w; uldsay lor ihe Whig party
that they were the firm supporters of the Govern
ment and were not to be driven from that
position by such base charges.
Mr. Morehead introduced a bill to extend the
time for selling lhe land granted to lhe Ken
tucky institution for the deaf and dumb, and
moved its reference to the Committee on Pri
vate Land Cmims. Aber some debate the hill
was referred to the Cornniitee on Public Lands.
Mr Ashley on leaye introduced a bill to grant
a quantity of the public lands to Arkansas, tor
the purpose ot internal i nprovement. It was
referred to the Committee on Public lands.
Mr. Sevier from the Finance Committee re
ported back the bill to establish a Branch Mint
in the city of New York without amendment.
He gave notice ot his intention to call op the
bill immediately after the Christmas holidays.
Mr. Speight from lhe same Committee re
ported back, without amendment, the bill pro
viding for a Branch Mint at Charleston, S. C.
He gave a similar notice to that of Mr. Sevier
in reference io lhe bill.
Mr Ashley, from the Judiciary Committee,
reported back, without amendment, the House
bill for ihe admission of lowa into the Union.
Mr. Yulee moved to amend it by adding lhe
following:
Provided, That nothing herein contained -hall
be construed as authorising any diversion of the
lands at any time granted to the said territory of
.“State of lowa for the purposes directed in the act
makin. such giants.
After K ome debate, the amendment was nega
tived, yeas 2, nays 40. The bill was then read a
third time and passed by a unanimou : vote
On motion of Mr. Semple, tne joint resolution to
amend the Constitution, introduced by him on the
22d instant was taken from the table and referred
to the Judiciary Committee.
On his motion also the Committee on Patents
were instructed to inquire into the expediency of
so amending the patent laws, as» to make a patent
when granted valid as to the public until vacated
by due process of law, and that in all cases, posi
tive injunctions is-ue against those infringing the
patent light until such patent be so vacated.
On motion of Mr. Woodbridge, the Military
Commi’tee were directed to inquiie into the expedi
ency of making provision for additional works at
Fort Gratiot near the outlet ot Lake Huron, and
o f connecting the same with the military works at
Sand Hill in the Stale of Michigan, with leave to
report by bill or otherwise.
On his motion it was also ordered that the sun
drv communications from the War Depart nent on
that subject be referred to the same Committee.
After the consideration of some piivatc bills, the
Senate adjourned to Monday next.
HOUSE.
The Resolution pending yesterday evening to
end the debate upon the President’s Message this
day, at two o’clock, was postponed until to morrow
by a vote of 84 to 53.
Mr. Smith of 111., appealed to the House, in
consideration of the fact that this was a short ses
sion and nearly four weeks ot it had transpired, to
consent to devote the day to such resolutions and
notices of bilh as shoul I not give rise to debate.
The motion was lost.
Mr. Rathbun moved that the House resolve it
self into Committee of the whole on the Presi
dent’s Message.
The motion was agreed to. The debate com
menced at once in a speech from Mr. Gordon, of N.
Y., who commenced by saying that ht should first
pay his respects to the Whig parly. They were
opposed to the prosecution of the war with Mex
ico.
Mr. J. R. Ingersoll of Pa. —As a Whig, one tong
a Whig, and a Whigmcrnberof this House, speak
ing for myself and my constituents, I deny that
the Whigs are opposed to the prosecution of the
War with Mexico.
Mr. Gordon. 'I he gentleman may be an excep
tion to the rule,but my declaration is that the Whig
party in this House and in the country are opposed
to the prosecution of the war with Mexico.
Mr Pollock of Pa. now rose and many other
members were ready to represent themselves lather
than to be misrepresented by Mr. Gordon ; but Mr.
G. peremptorily refused to allow any Whig to rep
resent himself, and went on to state what others
believed.
The caus? of the war was then stated, as Mr. G.
regarded the cause to exist. The fault was all
with Mexico, and a weak and miserable Govern
ment Mexico was for provoking such a wai.
In regard to the annexation of foreign territory
to the United States, he was in favor of retaining
the provinces of Mexico as far as we had con
quered them —or just as many of them as wc
thought proper to take possession of.
The permanent acquisition of the provinces was
now certain, according to Mr. Gordon, and it was
to be so not because the President asked it, but be
cause the American people desired it.
Mr. Kenned}’ of la. in his seat—That’s right
Gordon—Thai’s the doctrine.
Mr. Gordon continued —In regard to slavery,
which was a mooted subject in relation to annexa
tion, he Would stay that if slavery existed in these
provinces, we should lake them, slavery notwith
standing, but if slavery did not exist there we
were not bound to put it there. He did not expect
to vote for the creation of any new slave territory,
and if the question was put to him to keep it out,
though he should regard such an amendment as
premature, he should vote to keep it out. He
should do this in obedt»nn» to public sentiment at
the North, and he ?hould <1 > it. hit or miss, sink or
swim ; aad he trusted his Southern friends would
not oCerany opposition to such a proposition.
Some of lhe Whigs, indeed, were opposed to the
annexation of California upon the ground that this
new country was to be free from Slaver} —and Mr.
G. by firing at the Whigs in this manner, and put
ting them in a position which no one of the party
ever dreamed of, made war upon the Southern wing
of his own party. The Whigs laughed and the
Southern men booted al this double purpose of de
ception.
Mr. Root of Ohio next addressed the House in
an earnest, but occasionally very witty speech in
opposition to lhe origin of the war. He believed
it unnecessary and therefore unjustifiable. War
at best was a terrible infliction upon any people,
and the cause ought to be most ample before it was
brought on.
The war with Mexico was, in his judgment, dc
libeiately brought upon us when we took Texas
and assumed her quarrels. It was further pro
voked when we sent our troops beyond the proper
bounds of Texas into Mexico. We were, how
ever, now involved in it, and so deeply that ic was
not easy to see the end.
Gentlemen told us that before it could be closed
by us, Mexico must pay for ali the losses and cost
incident to the war—for all the maimed horses that
had been broken down, for all lhe dredge boats that
had been sunk in the Rio Grande—for all the arms
and subsistence that had been provided, and for the
millions of dollars that had been expended.
Bui this was not the only co<t. The President
could not appreciate it. Thi? House could not un
derstand it, and if wc weie truly to estimate it we
n.ust go to the wives whose husbands had been
struck down in battle, and to the children who had
become fatherless. And why should not losses
like these enter into the account. Was human
life less precious than the beast of burden ? Ah,
sirs, if you mean to exact from Mexico renumcra
tion for all ycur losses, you will not leave her one
acre of soil.
But we mean to annex to our country,according
to an Ami-Slavery fighting gentleman who had
spoken this morning, all of Mexico that we had
conquered, and it would come into the Union not
as a slave territory by his vote. Sir, 1 wish to
God that Northern gentlemen had stood up for
their peculiar institutions as Southern gentlemen
had for theirs.
W’e should not then have had this war upon us.
And let not gentlemen now suppose’hat they were
to secure free territory as they wished it, at least
without wait hing. I’here was a President and
there was a Senate, and he would say, look to both.
For one he was ready, if the days of compromise
preserving the Union as it is.
But the question in some form must be met, and
met here, in this House, without delaying and
without excuse, and without complaining ; and let
men prepare to meet it, for no human power could
keep it off.
Mr. Root spoke with alternate power and wit,
good humor and good sense, for nearly an hour.
His speech commanded more attention than any
during the discussion, and was listened to either
in loud merriment or in deep silence to the end.
Mr. Bowlen, of Mo. followed in a speech in de
fence of the War and the Executive, justifying
both, and dcclraing that the people would su tain
both.
Mr. Sawyer obtained the floor and the Commit
tee rose.
Mr. J. R. Ingersoll obtained leave to report a
bill for the better ascertainment of the owners of
vessels, which was referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary, and lhe House then adjourned to
Monday.
The two Houses of Congress having adjourned
to Monday, many members have left the city. It
is well understood that but little Congressional
business will be done until after the holidays.
The representatives from lowa will take their
seats next week, and may do so as soon as the bill
is signed which passed the Senate to day.
The rumor of the destruction of property on the
Pacific, at the city of the Angels, is not credited
here altogether. Col. Benton does not credit it,
and Colonel Fremont he says, for the information
of his friends, is several handled miles distant.
'There is, however, great anxiety, to hear from our
forces in this quarter.
Fromlhe Rallimorc American, 23</ inst.
Funeral ObsequiCH of Major RinggohL
'i he solemn ceremonies connected with lhe
interment, in their final resting place in Green
Mount Cemeleiy, ot th i mortal remainsol the
gallant Major Ringgold, look place yesterday
in conformity with the arrangements which
have been heretofore announced.
'Fhe general aspect of lhe military array was
truly imposing. The silence in v. hich lhe long
procession moved, interrupted only by occasion
al bursts of funeral music from seme ot the
bands and by lhe slow tolling of the church
bells, enhanced the solemnity ot the scene.
Along lhe whole extent ot the route traversed
by ihe procession lhe windows on both sides of
the streets were filled with spectators. The
pavements to the curbstones were thronged also
by a gazing crowd who watched lhe pageant
with deep interest, preserving tor the must part
a profound silence.
I' requires only an occasion of this sort, it
any occasion is needed, to show how strong a
hold upon lhe public mind and heart is possessed
by brave men who devote their lives to their
country. There is in such devotion an inherent
nobility which exalts the character and invests
it with a peculiar charm. To say of a gallant
soldier that the died for his country, is at once
to make a h ru of l.im, to inscribe upon his
tomb lhe most glorious < >t epitaphs, to pronounce
upon his name the noblest eulogium. That a
military lite, with its dangers and its devotion,
is regarded with especial interest by all classes
of people, is evident from the pomp and circum
stance witn which warlike doings are surround
ed. The citizen in the ordinary pursuits ol life
is clothed in his ordinary garb, btr the soldier is
arrayed in the brilliant uniform. The high deeds
>t martial glory call, as the fit accompani
ments, tor waiving plume l -, glittering arms, the
banner, lhe richly capaiisuned steed, the spirit
stirring strains ot music.
Ol the multitude that looked upon the funeral
procession which conveyed lhe remains of
Ringgold to their last resting place, there were
many who no doubt recalled the times ul.cn
they had beheld the erect and stately lorm ol
the noble officerat the head ct his fine com
pany parading lhe streets over which his lifeless
body was now conveyed Another who was
once wont to accompany him in the beautiful
parades of the Flying Artillery, and whos»*
manly countenance and form are familiar to
the recollection of our citizens, will soon pass
also along our streets for the last time to the
same resting place where his former comrade
and commander now reposes.
Texas Indians. —We learn fiom the Austin
Democrat of the 9lh inst., that Capt. Grumbles
came in from his camp in Live Oak Prairie, on the
Bth. He sent out a scouting partv of fourteen
men, under the command of Lieut. Neal, who re
turned to camp on the previous Saturday, 'after
having been absent five days. They reported the
presence of a large body of Indians, supposed to
number not less than five hundred, near the San
Gabriel, about forty miles from Austin. Lieut.
Neal sent a Shawnee to ascertain as much as he
could without running into danger; he approached
their camp as nearly as he thought safe, and re
turned. advising the party not to advance any fur
ther in that direction. This Indian camp is in a
section of country where there is little or no game
—they kept up constant signal fires, in every di
re- ’ion, Lieut. Neal believed it prudent to return
to Live Oik Piairie and report, inn»much as he
had but a few oi ammunition.
The first election under the constitution of
lhe Slate ot New York will be held tor Judges
ot the Court of Appeals, Justices of ihe Su
preme Court. and County Judges. Thiselec
lion is to take » between lhe first Tu-sday
ot April and the second Tuesday in June, 1847;
the day to be fixed by the Legislature.
ST.f,
WEDNESDAY MORNING, DEC. 30,1846.
Political Moiality.
As much as we are disposed to draw the ni
cest distinctions in politics, between political
and private morality, we nevertheless insist,
that when men and parties transgress a certain
limit in public licentiousness, they should be
arraigned for il at the bar of public opinion.
It will be remembered, that, at lhe last ses
sion of the present Congress, Mr. Charles J.
Ingersoll, the Chairman ot lhe House Com
mittee on Foreign Relations, made a specifica
tion of charges against Mr. Webster, and
among others, that he had embezzled or cor
ruptly used a portion of ihe secret service fund.
It was the universal sentiment of lhe country
at the lime, that Mr. Webster or Mr. Ingersoll
one, was doomed to irretrievable disgrace; lhe
first, if Mr. Ingersoll’s charges were true, lhe
latter, himself, it they were lalse. They were
made in the must positive manner, with such
cuol confidence and composure, that a few of
lhe great Senator’s timid friends were tearful,
for a lime, that something was wrong. Bui
time and investigation, as most of our readers
recollect,proved that it was lhe coolness of de
libsrale malice. Mr. Webster rose higher, it
possible, in the public regard. All of lhe char
ges were met, refuted and overthrown, and lhe
attack recoiled with overwhelming power upon
the assailant. Mr. Ingersoll was looked upon
a« he deserved to be, as a wilful detamer, and
he accordingly sunk to a state of merited dis
grace. That man was reappointed to the high
and honorable station of Chairman oi lhe Com
mittee on Foreign Relations tor lhe presenises-
I sion of lhe 29tn Congress. It is true that the
appointing power belonged to the Speaker of
ihe House. But who doesnot know that these
important stations are filled after due consulta
tion with ihe friends oi (he parly in power 1
Though ostensibly lhe act of Mr. Speaker Da
vis, it may be considered lhe act ot lhe leaders
of the Democratic party in Washington.
'This act may. and, doubtless, will be looked
upon, as an outrage upon public opinion and
political morality and decency. It is a public
sanction ot lhe grossest defamation of private
and political character, and is a confirmaiion
ot lhe existence oi that laxity ol moral princi
ple with which Democratic leaders have been
so often charged.
We have felt it to be our duly to call public
attention to lhe fact, to arouse and awaken the
country io a sense of the corrupt influences
which are at work in lhe land to curse and cor
rode its purity. No people can be blessed with
out national virtue, and no means to destroy it
are so effectual as the bestowal of public re
wards and honors upon
‘ Men (hat make
Envy, and crooked malice imurishmenl,”
to aid them in trying to wither lhe green laurels
of honest reputation.
The American Whig Review.
The December number ot this able and in
fluential Journal of Politics, Literatur”, Art
and Science, has been on hand for some days.
This number is ornamented w ith a beautiful
engraved likeness of that distinguished author
and statesman, lheTlon. John P. Kennedy, for
merly a Representative in Congress from the
Stale of Maryland.
We can only mention some ol its leading ar
ticles, as follows: The Twenty-Ninth Con
gress; A Brief Notice oi lhe Career ot Mr.
Kennedy; Reciprocity Treaties; Adolphe
Thiers; The Adventures ol a Night on lhe
Banks ot the Devron; Notes by the Road; The
Quadrupeds of America; Monopolies; Criti
cal Notices, &c.
This work is published in New York, by
George £l. Colic n, editor, to whom all commu
nications must be addressed. Price $5 per
year in advance fora single copy. Throe co
pies for *sl2; five lor S2O.
We have often recommended this work to
the public, particularly to the Whigs, as we
now do, as an able and excellent journal.
Col. P. M. Butler and Staff, of lhe Palmet
to Regiment, and Col. Andrews, Major Wade,
aud Dr. rk* «—c* • - - < '
ved at Hamburg last evening and took lodg
ings at Shelton’s.llolel.
'The Georgia Conference of the M. E.
Church is in session at Macon.
The Southerner.—The New York Commer
cial Advertiser says:—“The steamship South
erner, we understand, has been examined by
naval officers with a view to her purchase by
the Government. The result has been perfect
ly satisfactory to the examining parlies, and lhe
probability is, that the vessel will be mustered
into lhe United Slates service. The price de
manded for her by the owners is $175,000.
gj-Secretary Dickens, ofthe U.S. Senate»
says he will pay eveiything in specie after Jan
uary next. He is said to be now paying mile
age in gold, and has paid out some $20,000.
Webier- company ol volunleeis,
Company A. under lhe requisition upon Mas
sachusetts, has been mustered into lhe service
ot the United Stales.
Pur the Chronicle and Sentinel.
There was a lime in this Republic, when a
member of Congress, availing himself ot lhe
servile suppleness of an executive officer, to
expose the secret archives of the government,
and basing on such exposure charges against a
high public functionary, which proved false
and groundless, would have been considered
hopelessly disgraced.
There was a lime, when such an executive offi
cer would have been promptly cashiered. “Pro
gressive Democracy” has doner.way will;these
antiquated notions ot honor and decency.
What promotion a certain clerk in (he Depart
ment <4 Stale may have received, fur being the
ealspaw of Mr. Charles J. Ingersoll, in lhe me
morable display ot ihe last session, lhe papers
have noltold us. But for hisdistinguished servi
ces on lhe occasion, Mr. Ingersoll himself is
again appointed Chairman of lhe committee on
Foreign Relations. What nexl ? Q.
From the N. O Picayune.
From llavaiina.
We have received the following letter from'
an occasional correspondent al Havana, who
appears conversant with public affirs. Some
oi his speculations are interesting, and should/
ihey turn oat to be well founded, they are ol im
portance:
Havana, December 13, 1846.
OenUemcn — Capt. Aranjo is still here with*
his three hundred privateer licenses and letters
otcilizship. Hj has nut been able to dispose
of a single one as yet. The price a*ked tor
each is SIOOO, with lhe corresponding letters ot
citizenship. It is probable he will take them
all back with him to Mexico. It is supposed a
man try the name of Juan Nepo. Pereda has
been despatched to Columbia on business of a
similar kind.
Information has been received here from
Mexico, that the Mexican Government had
soldor delivered over to a Frenchman by the
name ot Ribaud, well known in New Or
leans, the two Mexican men oi war at Alvara
do called Santa Anna and Mexicano, and that
Riband had left Mexico, intending to endeavor
to get these vessels al sea under lhe French,
flag, lake them roun I Cape Horn and ciuise
against our commerce in the Pacific and East
Indies. It is said that Ribaud holds a commis
sion as captain in the Mexican Navy, yet it is
not probable he will be able to accomplish bis
purpose.
'The splendid new sloop ot war Albany,
Coin’r Breese, is here tu sail to morrow for
Pensacola. While <ff this port lhe Albany
fell in with a schooner under English colors,
bound in. The schooner, on passing lhe Moro,
hauled down English colors and hoisted the
Mexican flag, much to lhe astonishment of
every hody, and turned out to be a schooner
trom Yucatan with a very valuable cargo ot
cochineal and indigo.
Cross Plains. —We learn from a gentleman
who resides at this new city in the woods, that
the spirit cf improvement is fully as high as
the friends ot the place anticipated. The Com
pany who owned the site ot the town have suc
ceeded in disposing of a number ot lhe Lot
since the attempted public sale, and several
business houses fare going up rapidly. The
Depot building is nearly complete, and other
large buildings are in a state ot forwardness
The superstructure on the Rail Road is laid
down neai ly to Cross Plains, and they are pro
gressing with the work in good earnest. It Mr-
Garnett succeeds in getting Iron shortly, it will
not be long before the citizens ot Cross Plains
may welcom lhe “ steam horse” to their own*.
So mole it be.—Chat I anting a Gaze lie.
j-Cotton has be»m received in Griffin trom
Randolph county, Ga.