Newspaper Page Text
Death of Maj. Webster.— We regret to hear of
the death at San Angel of Maj. Edward Web
ster, of the Massachusetts Regiment of Volun
teers. He was the youngest son of the Hou.
Daniel Webster. He left his native State a
year since as the senior Captain in the regiment,
and was subsequently chosen to the post wh ch
he held at the time of his death, lie did more
than any other man towards the organization of
the regiment, and was eminently popular. His
death will carry a pang to many a heart.
Os To-Day.— Col. N. S. Clarke of the 6th
Infantry, leaves this morning for Cuernevaca to
occupy that town. The force he takes with
hi n is the Ist Infantry, Maj. Miller, the 15th
Infantry under command of Maj. Woods,
Lovell’s battery and the Georgia mounted men.
Cuernevaca is about fifty miles southwest from
this city, and contains a population of about
8000 souls.
Col. Clarke was a long time Governor of
Matamoros, and so administered his Govern
ment as to give satisfaction to the Americans
and Mexicans, We commend him to the citi
zens of Cuernevaca.
Report of General Hospital, at Vera Cruz,
Mexico, for the half month ending the 31st day
of January, 1848.
Number of regiments, 46; remaining in hos
pital 15th January, 1843,564; joined by admis
sion,2o4; total, 768. Died, 17: discharged, 48;
returned to duty, 146 ; sent to New Orleans, 3;
remaining, 554.
The mortality of the patients in hospital du
ring the month of January, has decreased 75
percent. J. N. Gilbert.
We are indebted to a friend in this city for the
following letter, which is of the very latest date
from the city of Mexico :
City of Mexico, Feb. I, 1849.
There is scarce an hour in the day that some one
does not ask the question—“ Is there any thing new
from Queretaro to-day ?” “ Well, what is the chance
of peace?” “ Have they a quorum in the Mexican
Congress?” &c. &c. The Mexicans talk more of
peace, and have more belief in its early consumina
tion than any others, and many of the most intelligent
among them speak of itas a matter beyond question.
The declaration of the minister of relations, that our
minister is in conference with duly authorized agents
of the supreme government, and that no propositions
had been made tiiat Mexico could not accept with
honor, might well induce one to think that an amica
ble adjustment was at hand ; but still there are nu
merous obstacles in the way. A quorum of the con
gress that should have commenced its session on the
Bth nit. has not been obtained, and unless members
show more alacrity in coming together, will not, in
all likelihood be during the next six weeks. Forty
six members only had reached Queretaro on the 27th
ult., to which add the fourteen who left the city to
day, and you have sixty. It takes, I think, seventy
deputies to form a quorum, and deducting some twenty
senators from the seventy and fifty are ail that can be
reckoned, and it is near a month since the meeting
should have taken place. Allow them a quorum now,
if you will, and peace does not follow ; for even ad
mitting that the congress is dis|>osed to treat, they
may not have tune to do so before some millitary
chieftain may ftise his standard ; and now that there
is no army to Ojiposc him, inarch with his hasty levied
numbers and overthrow the Government. So you
see the hope entertained by the friends of peace is not
so bright after all.
The Ayiintamiento, the new city council of Mexi
co, oppose a peace very violently. They disobeyed
the orders of the supreme government in accepting
office, and their only hop* for the future is in the Ame
ricans. They gave a dinner to Gen. Scott on Satur
day I ist, at which many patriotic toasts were given
by th *ui, and one by the Alcalde was very strong: —
“ Death to Priestcraft and .Military Dcspoti'nn, —
May the blood of those who uphold them flow as free
ly as the wines.” You may plainly see how the cat
jumps there.
February 2. —The mail came in last night from
the interior. San Luis finding herself alone has bold
ly declared herself lor Santa Anna, and says he isthe
only man that ran save the Krpublic, ami drive from
it the North Americans. A small party in Queretaro
supports them, though not too open-mouthed.
Although advices from Queretaro upto the 29th
have been received, no mention is made of Congiesa
or the Government, ami we are all in the dark as to
what is doing.
Oaj ic i his elected her memtiers for the second
time, and H is said they will now hasten Io the capi
tal. Four Senator.- and eleven Deputies wen; chosen,
but they are Santanislas to the core.
Col. Clarke, of the (ith, with two regiments of in
fantry, a battery ami detachment of horse left yester
day to occupy Cuernevaca, a village of Bor 9000
souls, about fifty miles southwest from thiscity. The
climate there is as warm as the tierra calienlcs, but
it is a rich place and worth occupying.
The health of the army is not so good as I could
wish, and many a poor fellow is drummed olf to his
long h mi'! daily. Die me isles and a disease similar
to the black tongue prevails to some extent.
lie volt nt ta Pal, Cnliforuin.
An account is given of the revolt at La Paz ,
in the New York Globe, in a letter dated l.tt
Paz, Oct. 29, (latest prior date Oct. II),) which
says:
“ The inhabitants have risen throughout the
country against us, obliging every one who has
shown any friendship to us to llee to La Paz
for protection. One American (Matthew Da- •
vis.) was ordered at Muhje, not having time to
escape. At the last place the marines and sai
lors of the ‘Dale’ hid a skirmish with the in
habitants, and drove them from their town into
the inoiiHtams. They are now collecting al
various points in the interior, with the inten
tion of obliging ns to evacuate this place, but,
utllkough we ar« mhi.ill hi numbers we are well
fortified, and it will be no easy matter. I ran
hardly believe they will make a direct attack on
us : they will be more apt to annoy us by hov
ering about the neighboring farms, culling otf
supplies. A t*. We are too few to act on the
offensive. The sloop ol war Dale is lying in
the harbor.
•• All tins difficulty is the result of not having
a single vessel in the Gulf since the beginning
ol last July, to prevent the transportation of
arms, ammunition and men from Guayainas to
this coast. I’he English cruisers have been
there all the stormy season.”
Referring to the taking of Mazallan and
Guayainas, the letter says :
“ How they are to be retained and garrison
ed 1 cannot well imagine*, we have not a thou
sand troops from the torty-ninth parallel to Cape
St. Lucas. They are trying to make nonde
script soldiers out ol the sailors, but it will be
found much easier to gamson a maii-01-war
with »iich material, than a captured city with
a densely populated backcountry.”
Resolittions of the N. Y. Clay* Meeting.
HiereoS', Th ene ir approach ol the time when the
people of ill’’ United States will be called up hi toclecl
a new President renders it proper that they should
lilt'd in their prim try assemblies to conler with each
oilier, compare opinions and preferences, ami give ut
terance to their honest convictions: Therefore, it is
Rcsjircd, I'll il we, the Whigs of the city "I New
York, regard Henry Clay «»l Kentucky, as the most
eminent chunpma of our cherished principles; we
conii ie m him as a statesman, admire him as a p.itri
ot and I.'ve him as a man, and believe Inin finest ol
nil men to lead the Whig array in the great contest
now swiftly approaching.
/*’ vuZrc.Z, i’ll it th« piiblic life ami devices of Hen
ry Cl;»v, during the last half century, and we trust
not yet near their termination, afford to lho pair and
friendless youth of America a most cheering encour
agement and striking example; and we p>iut the
young men of our land to that hie, and to the untver
sxl respect ami general admiration wi«h which our
great leadei is now regarded as affording the tallest
evidence that virtue and true Patriotism, although
they ui.iv not always ensure success ami raise to the
must exalted station, are yd certain to be rewarded
with that which gives to success its highest zeal and
to station its only just value.
Resolved, That in w ar and peace, in Congress and
in the Cabinet, as a debater and a diplomatist, Henry
Clav has tor lite last thirty years stood unsurpassed
among the statesmen of America, ami we cannot un
derstand haw any man should be willing to vote tor
anv Wing as a Whig, vet unwilling to vote for Hen
ry Clay.'
R - . • I*hat the Whigs ol New York are
neither afraid m>r ashamed to avow fully the princi
ples and objects tn w Inch they have so ardently and
untiringly struggled, and, while they desire success in
the ensuing contest, they would value it mainly as
an evidence ot the advance of popular intelligence
with regard to public p»4ic v ami the science of G.>-
vernmeut, and as afford ng them opportunity t» give
practical « :licacy u» their cherished anus ami convic
tions.
Fh.it the eminent and ard ions exertions
of Henry Clay m behalf vt the great cause ol human
liberty throughout the voriJ his early and powerful .
ad* oc toy of '.public recognition ot the independence ;
Greece and ol the South %m rican Republics. his
thrdhng appeals to his country men m behalf ot the
starving pe.»p!e of unhappy Ireland, and the wed
known ge!ien*utv and magnantinuy ot his nature,
give him strong claims to the ailectimi and gratitude
of our fellow citizens who hive fled from despotism
and want in F irope tohia'rty and plenty in America,
and we liavereasvms to t'chcve that those claims will
m»t he disregarded in the coming contest.
fi >. I’." >'• Mr.
-I x I
ter and '.>ie .s <4’ the present war ou 'lexica, as
among the mkdest and m p.itruHic cll-cts ot the
great ami true man wh ■ * would lather :»e right than
be President.'
rca, That the simple fact that the honest ex
pt .-.i *. ■: totiwj • e ati.i t-.’ .he
fu her pn*s<KUti nos lb wai on Mt v can s- . is de
ll mpn tol c •’■■d <- nmu >• e-
- tn a strung light the i acorn, si; ibu i y of
war'Vi u ;‘ lt press*r mi J human freedom, ami we
d-’ m.*st earnest!v trust that our cmintry will never
••iiy-*gr m aaoiher w »r at invasion and conquest.
/*. > wt-. J, That. w:. Henry City isemphmeal!v
o n c.t > < r . 4 , v. Pi.-i.it ut a> we .•« l e*e is that
a m m the peo.de ot the I*mon, and we mean
to do all m o.;r power to se< are his mwnmalKMi, and
yet a*ow our unequivocal intention to await and be
A \
veai on. an i *e in c.-mmmi justice, ibal the
friends <4 a ;
kindred spin;
\\
S x .4
outdelay and iXjMess •*.< rt r-•■trn. of a candidate
i’ -
X <
the tv-pecuve C mgirs- uim l».-ir.cu s-hoald give a
,L .• ;ded express!mi o* tfic.x prvi- .
The folL'iy tng paragraph from the address
of the Tailor meeting, may be uken as a ta r
sample of the whole, preferring the Here, of
course, to aU other cand d ees;
*• The great mass e’ Hz /xx'.'s in r ' • -
I x , ...
meal actum but the g **! "i their country Bi: n
rs m»c so with their tsadsrs th* men who s.x>pe therr
party pd’ey who control the-.r a-rnm, and use their
vines sunpi* >» the means of gaining an ascendency
which-ball*r*i*e them to pJaceeoi po»6t and W
er ‘P.ese a-rX'e mm who bar- brought >xrr coun
trv lathe verge of rum —wh* hare infused cur.up-
Loa like adoadly into the veins of the body
politic— icho have made the spoils of office the re
icards rs party service— who have broken down the
restraints imposed by the constitution on executive
patronaxe and executive power —who, for party
schemes, hare planned the country into tear — and
who will prove unsafe, treacherous and false, in any
station to which their selfish arts may enable them to
rise.”
WEEKLY
CHRONICLE & SENTINEL.
BY J. W. & W. S. JONES.
TWO DOL.L.ARS PER AX NUM.
INVARIABLY IN ADVANCE.
DAILY, TRI WEEKLY & WEEKLY.
Ojflcein Railroad Bank Buildings.
DULY PAPER, ®’®
TRI WEEKLY - " »™
WEEKLY PAPER “ 2 m
AUG-U ST A, GA:
WEDNESDAY MORS’G, FEB. 23, 1848.
Mr. Stephens’s Speech.
We give in our columns this morning,
entire, the Speech of the Hon. A. IL Ste
chess, on the Mexican liar, &c., which we
commend to the careful consideration of every
citizen. Mr. S. takes bold ground in refer
ence to the responsibility of the President and
handles that functionary with gloveless hands.
A National Convention.
The importance and necessity of a National
Convention of Whigs, to nominate candidates
for President and Vice-President, and that
Georgia be represented therein, is now almost
universally conceded throughout the State; in
deed. there does not exist any formidable oppo
sition in any section, so far as we have been able
to ascertain the public sense. We therefore most
cordially approve the following suggestion of
the Journal sj* Messenger, and earnestly urge its
adoption by the Whigs throughout the State,
as the easiest and best mode of electing dele
gates to the convention.
” How SHALL IT BE ACCOMPLISHED ?—As lite
State Convention in Georgia is to be held on Mon
day, the sth of June, and the National Convention on
Wednesday, the 7th of the same month, it is plain
shat if Georgia is to be represented in the latter body
it must be by some separate and distinct action.
What is that action to be? Our friends of the <Sa
vannah Republican propose a distinct and separate
convention at Macon for the purpose of selecting dele
gates to the National Convention, and further that the
Slate Convention be postponed to the third Monday
in June.
“A distinguished Whig from a distant part of the
State, whose opportunities for ascertaining the wishes
of the people arc very g<M«l t writes and recommends
th’* following plan, viz.;
“That Conventions be held in the several Congres
sional Districts, s;iy early in May, and that each Dis
trict shall select one delegate with an alternate, to the
National Convention, and that these delegates w’hen
ch'Hen shall meet ami select two delegates fur the
Slate at large.
“ He argues that this plan will be attended with
no trouble as the Districts will have to hold Conven
tions at any rate for the selection of candidates for
Congress, and the only change required would he the
bringing on of those Conventions at an earlier day than
usual. In other respects the suggestion has every
thing to recoinmeml it. Tti«* delegates will be fresh
from the people and therefore will more likely rep
resent the wishes of the masses.
“ Upon the whole, we prefer the plan propo<ril and
hope it may ;>c adopted by our friends without fur
ther delay.”
More Money*
“Congress knows that we shall want money very
shortly tosupjMirt our army and prosecute the war.
What are they doing to contribute supplies, which,
they are informed, will x»n tie wanting ? They have
proposed a bill for creating a parstock, when they all
know that, unless they grant other facilities, the
money cannot be obtained at par. Are they about to
grant a duty on tea and coffee ? So far as the signs
go. they will vote it d »wn. Will they, then, grant a
new issue of treasury notes? If they do not, it is in
vain, we fear, that they talk of raising money at par.”
Wash in "tun Union.
’l’he people elected an opposition majority
in Congress, and turned out the one of seven
ty which Mr. Polk had when he ordered Gen.
Taylor to invade Mexico, in order to impose
n salutary check on Executive extravagance
and ambition.
'l’he Union seems not to understand this im
portant fact, when it rails on at such a rate at
the people’s representatives for not continuing
to vote indefinite millions of public stocks or
treasury notes, to be sold at any sacrifice in
in carrying on “an unnecessary and unconsti
tutional war.” Mr. Vixton, the able chairman
of the Committee of Ways and Means in the
House, estimates the revenue of the fiscal year
at twenty-eight millions of dollars. With the
present force in the field he puts the expenses
of the (iovernnient at sixty-live millions of dol
lars ; making a deficit ol' thirty scren millions.
To withdraw all this money from the business
of the country, being an average of over three
millions a month, will depreciate the price of
our great agricultural staples more than twice
that stun. But what cares Mr. Polk whether
cotion is six or eight cents a pound ? So long
as the United St ites have to maintain an army
in Mexico, the patronage and influence of the
President are greatly augmented, and can be
brought to bear in promoting a reiioinination
and a reflection. To this end the present in
cumbent of the executive chair, is bending all
hisenergies. Hence, his organ is unceasingly
denouncing the Whigs lor not voting “ten reg
iments” of new troops, whose numerous offi
ces the President has doubtless already pro
mised to twice as many anxious expectants. It
strikes us, that the country will much prefer to
have Congress employ no more men to light in
Mexico, till it has first borrowed on fur terms
the thirty-seven millions needed to meet exist
ing engagements. The Union snys:
“ Tlir money will soon be wanted. The treasury
notes which yet remain on hand, (say five or six mil
lions) along with the receipts of customs, already tor
halt thi- quarter klhmii five millions ot dollars (and
at the end of the quarter perhaps five millions no-re.)
may keepihe treasury utl>»at tor a short time; but,
with the war expenses upm the treasury, only tor a
short time. And if the Whigs refuse oilier kicibties,
and the money cannot now be raised at par, the re
sponsibility w ill fail tearfully upon them.”
’l’he •• other facilities” referred to mean
either direct taxation, or the issue of a seven
per rent, stock. Cut down the expenses of the
war one half, and six per cents, will be at par.
The St. Louis Republican says, the effect
of the decision of the Supreme Court, in the
suit of Mrs. Gaines, will be to change the
title not only of a vast amount of property in
Louisiana, but also in the city and county of
St. Louis, and in Pike and Lincoln, anil per
haps other counties in Missouri.
There are now in the service of the Ameri
can Home Missionary Society 972 ministers,
who are preaching to 1170 churches, scattered
through 26 different States and Territories.
They are sustained at an annual expense of
.’*•120.000 to the Society, or at an average ex
pense of about $l5O each.
Th K CHARLESTON AND HAVANA SIEAVEK.
This splendid sea steamer, built at Baltimore
by Mr. F.. IL Duncan, is to be launched to-day,
as we learn from the Baltimore Clipper. She
is 216 feet on deck. 34 feet beam, and 32 feet
depth of hold—is 1009 tons burthen, and pro
pelled by a 590 horse power engine. She will
be under the command of Capt. Roberts, and
every expedition is to be used to place her in
serv ice
Fetal Railroad Accident.—We regret to
learn that Joseph 11. Stores. I'm] . an Attor
ney at Law. of Dalton, was instantly killed al
Kingston, on the Western A. Atlantic Railroad,
on Saturday evening last, the 19th irist.. by at
tempting to enter the passenger tram while it
was in motion. After jumping on the train his
foot tpped and he was caught betw ven the cars
and platform, and crushed to death in an in-
-
Colonel Fktwon r \ Washington letter in
the N \ Conner savs—
In spite of a. ’.he secrecy that has been pre
served m regard to the Fremont Inal, it has
leaked out that 1. ent -Col. Fremont has been
found gusty of mvtini and <*asAi< f?f though
recommended to the mercy ot the Pres*dent
The question now is. will the latter ask the
Court to reconsider tneir decision, or wdl he
s mply disapprove of it.
\ltered Bank Noris.—M e were shown
. . . s \\ • <
ern Kanroad Bank, altered to fifty It i< quite
bun*lnigl* done, and those accustomed to
s would readily
but for the protection of those ware ftke'.y to
■ *
m r.
! vignette. tn the centre of the tuties. < a ship
u ider >. .tn the live*, st is a R road locomo
.ive and car. Ti.e figure oin a- four places :;t
the altered bil:. i* stnader than the 5. and the
sis n m lit** centre. in black letter*, while
n the genu.tr- b.ii the letters are shaded, and
presents consequen:s a..g?ft appearance. these
figures and lette s have a blurred appearance.
CMrfo.** Camner o/ the
SPEECH OF MR. STEPHENS,
OF GEORGIA,
ON THE WAR AND TAXATION.
Delivered in the House of Representatives of the
United States, February 2, 1848.
The House having proceeded to consider the reso
lutions reported from the Committee of the Whole on
the state of the Union, which propose to refer the
President’s Message to the appropriate committees—
Mr- Stephenssai<l lie had a desire some days
ago, when the question of reference of the
President’s message was before the Committee
of the Whole on the State of the Union, to sav
something upon that extraordinary State pa
per. and some of the novel and dangerous
doctrines therein very distinctly set forth as
the settled policy of this Administration.—
But, as he was disappointed in repeated at
tempts to get the floor, he had abandoned the
idea of any further struggle, and had made up
his mind to leave the discussion of these grave
and important topics in the hands of others.
And my object in seeking the floor now (said
Mr. S.) a-ose from no change of purpose.
I wish to move an amendment to the report
of the committee, and I should have confined
myself strictly to that amendment, butforsome
of the positions assumed by my honorable
colleague, (Mr. Cobb.) who has just taken
his seat. I ask the indulgence of the House,
therefore, for a few moments, while I reply to
those positions, and one or two others kindred
to them, as briefly as justice to the subject will
admit. The speech of my colleague was a la
bored argument to remove the responsibility,
the heavy responsibility, of the existing
war from the head of our Executive. And, if
I understood him rightly, he seemed disposed
to place it upon Congress—not the Congress
that passed the war bill, as some before have
done—but the Congress that passed the origi
nal resolutions ol’ annexation. Amongst the
defenders of the President upon this floor it is
not a little interesting to the curious and specu
la’i.e to see the great variety and diversity of
excuses and apologies which have been offered
byway of justification for his lawless at use of
power. The gentleman from Maryland (Mr.
McLane) first led off' with an attempt to throw
the whole burden upon General Taylor; or at
least he insisted that the removal of the troops
f.om Corpus Christi was in accordance with
the advice of that officer, and if any body was
to blame for it, he was the proper person.—
Subsequently the same gentleman attempted to
put the responsibility upon Congress for ad
mitting Texas into the Union as a State, with
her boundaries, as fixed and defined in her
constitution, extending to the Rio Grande.
And now my colleague would have us to un
derstand that the fatal blunder was committed
in the original act of annexation.
Now, sir, none of these excuses or shifts
will answer. The argument may be labored,
the effort may be bold, but truth can never be
obliterated, or even obscured by snehsophistry.
There il stands ; the fact is upon record. There
is no getting over it. or around it, or under it;
and until history shall falsify the events of the
past there can be no mistake as to the real pa
ternity of this war, winch gentlemen seem so
anxious to have us believe is now actually in
quest of an author, or in search of a father.
The true cause lies at the door of your own
Executive. He commenced it by the exercise
of p »wer never conferred upon him, and in a
wanton outrage upon the constitution of his
country. Upon ins head rests all the respon
sibiity, with all its force and weight, and there
it will continue to rest.
h will require no effort, Mr. Speaker, to
show the utter groundlessness of the argu
ment. so far as the action of Congress is con
cerned. I mean the action by which Texas was
admitted as a State w ith her constitution, as
weU as the passage of the original resolutions
of annexation. But what 1 insist upon is that
war was not a necessary consequence of an
nexation; that it was in no way involved in
that measure as it was finally adopted. Every
point hail been carefully guarded. Os this the
resolutions, which speak for themselves, af
ford sufficient evidence. But we have that
which to my colleague and his side of the
House should be even stronger; we have the
declaration of Mr. Polk himself, after the
consummation of the measure, congratulating
the country upon its having been“a bloodless
achievement.” What then prevented its re
maining “ a bloodless achievement ?” It was
the occupation of the country on the east bank
of the Rio Grande by our troops, in obedience
to the orders of the President. Was this order
necessary and right / That is the question.
The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. McLane)
says that it was, because it was the duty of the
President to deft mi the State of Texas to the
limits of her boundaries as defined in her con
stitution when she was admitted into this
Union. Ami he says her boundaries thus de
fined extended to the Rio Grande. Now’, this
is a matter that can be easily settled by refer
ence ; othe record. Here it is. 1 have that
coii'titutiou bt fore me, and 1 find in it no such
limits of boundary set forth. 'l’he preamble
of that constitution is in these words:
“ We, the people of th.' republic of Texas, ac
knowledging Willi gratitude the grace and beneficence
of Gotl m permitting us to make choice of our fi rm of
government, do, in accordance with the provisions of
the joint resolutions for annexing Texas lathe United
States, approved March first, one thousand eight
hundred and forty-five, ordain and establish this
Constitution.”
Ami the third section ofthe thirteenth article
ofthal constitution is in these words :
“ All lawsand parts of laws now in force in the Ke
public of Texas, which are not repugnant to the con
stitution of the I uited Slates, the joint resolutions tor
annexing Texas to the United States, or to the provi
sions of this constitution, shall continue and remain in
force as file law s ot this State, until they expire l»y their
own limitati'-n, or shall be altered by the Legislature
thereof. ”
This is all I find in this constitution which has
any relation to the botm I try whatever. And
there is in it not the least reference to the Rio
Grande, or any other definite limit. But.
says the Gentleman, the Republic of Texas
had a law in force which prescribed the Rm
Grande as her boundary from its mouth to its
source, which law was affirmed in that section
ofthe constitution to which I have referred ;
ami therefore the boundary with that limit was
thereby affirmed. By no means; for tiie sec
tion itself only affirms such laws in force as
were not repugnant (amongst other things) to
the “joint resolutions for annexing Texas.”
What, then, is the language of the “joint reso
lutions annexing Texas” on this subject .' 'i’he
express condition m those resolutions upon
w hich annexation was to take place, is in these
words :
“ Said Slate to be binned, subject to the adjust
mentbv this fvuvernmeni ol .di questions ot bounda
ry that may arise wiih other governments.”
The constitution of the State of Texas, there
fore. was formed subject to this condition. Her
unsettled boundary was in the very terms ofthe
compact of union reserved fortlie adjustment
of tins Govern.uent. \iui if she had any law
in force anterior to that timejiriMg the Rio
Grande as her boundary, it was clearly repug
nant to that condition in the joint resolutions
ofaiinexation. winch left her boundary an open
question for future adjustment. This to my
mind seems too dear to argue. But. if fur
ther authority be wanted to corroborate my
view and position. 1 refer to the despatches ot
Mr. Douelson. our charge d'affaires in Texas,
while the question of annexation was pending
there, in a letter to Mr. Buchanan. Secretary
of State here bearing date \ustiii. Texas.
July 11, 1845, he says:
“ Sir Y.' i will have observed that in my corres
pondence with this government there has b< < n n > dis
cussion ofthe question ol limits between Mexico and
I'exas. The joint resolution ot our Congress left the
question an o|«eu oae. And the preliminary projiusi
iton made bv tills Government under ’.he auspices ot
he British and French Governments as the basis of a
defttraive treaty with Mexico, left the q test ion m the
same state.’’
And further on. in the same letter, he uses
the idle wing language :
“ The pi oc lama’.i.Hi of a truce between the two na
tions, founded on propvsitions mutually acceptable to
them, leaving th-' question of bound try not oaly 'j cn.
but Mexico in possession ot' the east bank ot the R.
Grande, seemed tome inconsistent with the expecta
tion that m defence of the claim of Texas our tr > . s
should march immediately to that river What the
Executive ol Texas had determined net to fight L-r,
at to settle by negotiation, to say the !ea<t us it, could
as well be left to th * t inted States u the same condi
tions.'
Au 1 again, in the same letter, he says:
“ There are no unfavorable symptom* m the pro
ceedings <»t the convention; there is a disposition a
some meiulvs to res»rc to some action t' e\?. in
siren ; terms the expectation of Texas th.it ihe R>. '
Grande will be lua'ntamed as the boundary, but no
provision inak ng this a sine n? i in our action
hereafter u II :>e adapted. Members ot alt parses
b/ve assured etc that I need apprehend nothing; that
annex itioii is settled. and that the consist it:.m wi.i
entrain nothing that has not turn sanctioned by tri
uiero is precedents in the ecnstitutions ot the ether
Stales f the I iron.’
These extracts. as well as the whole despatch
itself, show conclusively that however much
confidence Tex .s may have placed in the valid
ity of her claim to the east bank of the Rio
Grande, and whatever may h ive been the ex
pectation on her part that her boundary would
ultimately be fixed at tn.it limit, yet she did not
make its maintenance and defence up to that
line a condition or sine non of annexation.
i' - • x . I .
ot the »cs i’es.'-i tie d:«tinet understanding ot
i’exas a: the time of the formation of her con
stitution, th*, the boundary between her and
M
of t.i:* Government, a.a orduig to the terms of
■ \ S
for tne arg r.nent of the gentleman from Mary
land Mr McLane
And now . >ir. i cine to the position assumed
bv mv co. eague. Mr. Cobb. And it is ne
cessary in the outset to put him right on a ma
etw ee n . He s
• ./- Nueces was
■
of the troop* al Corpus Christi. w is on
the west bank ot i.i it nvvr. I his is a radica
e r.»r of the gentleman w uh most of those who
- We do o ’■
contend that th« Nueces, er any other river,
was the proper boundary o; Texas. \\ e say
tier boundary extended jus: so lar as ne r rev
olution srccess/uily extended, and no further
—be that from the .Sabine to the Brazos, the
Colorado, the Nueces, the great desert, or any
other limit. Her t'tle to any portion of the
territory depended solely upon the right of
revolution. Her limits were marked by her
sword; and just so far as she had succeeded
in establishing her jurisdiction, so far her
limits rightfully extended, and no further. So
far they were recognized by the original
resolutions of annexation, and no further;
and so far, after she acceded to the terms pro
posed. they should have been defended by our
arms, if occasion had required it, and no fur
ther. It is true that Texas, as a department
or district of Mexico before her revolution,
was bounded by the Nueces; but after her
revolution she declared her boundary to be
the Rio Grande, from its momh to its source,
which included portions of the States of Ta
maulipas, Coahuila, and New Mexico; and,
as far as that declaration was made good by
the establishment of her authority* aud her
laws, her title was good. A portion of the
State of Tamaulipas, on the west side ofthe
Nueces, including Corpus Christi, joined in
the revolution, and thereby became a consti
tuent part of that republic. But it is equally
true that the people on the other side of the
g.eat desert, that lies between the valleys of
the Nueces and the Rio Grande—those oc
cupying the country on the eastbank ofthe Rio
Grande—never did, from the best evidence we
have, join in the revolution; they adhered to
Mexico, and recognised her laws and her au
thority. This I believe neither my colleague,
nor any other gentleman on this lloor, will
pretend to deny. Hence it was very proper
for our troops to be stationed at Corpus Chris
ti, and very improper for them, before the
boundary was settled, lo be sent by the Presi
dent to the Rio Grande. But, my colleague
asks, where was the point at which the move
ment of our troops, under the order of the
President, became aggressive and unwarran
ted ? I say al that very point where they left
the country “occupied by the people—the
ctizens of Texas’ —those who obeyed her
lawsand recognised her authority; for, until
the boundary was adjusted with Mexico, the
President had no right to do more than defend
Texas to the extent of her acknowledged juris
diction. This is the point we make, and it is
too clear to admit of argument. He had no
right to say that the Rio Grande should be the
western limits of 'Texas, when Congress had
expressly declined so to declare. But this he
did do, while Congress was in session too.
without even consulting them; and, in so
doing, we say that he grossly and wantonly
abused his powers, and “unnecessarily and
unconstitutionally” involved us in v ar with
Mexico; for no man, at this day, can doubt
that the removal of our army from Corpus
Christi, over the desert, to the banks of the
Rio Grande, which was in the possession of
Mexicans, was the occasion of hostilities; and
if this lawless measure had not been adopted,
war might have been avoided. But my col
league says, again, that the intention of the
President to maintain the boundary of Texas
up to the Rio Grande was set forth in his mes
sage of December, 1847; and that it was
known here that the troops had been ordered
lo the Rio Grande, and yet no effort was made
lo arrest their march; and according to this,
1 suppose he would argue that any act of vio
lence, or in derogation of law, is justifiable,
if those who know of its progress do not at
tempt to arrest it. But, sir, my colleague knows
that when the message of December. 1845,
was delivered, we were also informed that a
minister was sent to Mexico with a prospect
of settling this matter by negotiation. He
knows, also, that the removal of the troops
from Corpus Christi was not publicly known
here until long after‘die order was given. He
knows, also, that it was utterly impossible for
any man on this side ofthe House to gel a
resolution even of inquiry upon this subject
against that fixed, inflexible, dead majority, on
ins side, which was at all times ready, as the
same party now are, lo defend any act ofthe
President, however monstrous. .Au attempt
was made in the month of February, by the
gentleman from Massachusetts, (Mr. Ashmun.)
winch failed. And, sir, the journals show* mat.
even after the rumors reached here of the ac
tual commencement of hostilities, a majority
of the House voted against resolutions inquir
ing Into the subject. 'These resolutions were
submitted by Mr. Davis, a distinguished Whig
from Kentucky, and the House would not even
allow* them to be introduced. And yet are
the Whigs of that session to be charged with
the grave offence of not having made an effort
to prevent Mr. Polk from doing what he did.'
But again, he has labored to show that Mexi
co was making preparations for war with the
view of recovering the whole of Texas, ami
he has read several extracts from papers and
proclamations to show this hostile' inten
tion. But he certainly forgets that, after most
of these belligerent exhibitions, the authorities
in Mexico agreed lo receive a commissioner
from this countrv, and lo settle the dispute
withouta resort l<> arms. The commissioner,
he says, was rejected under a bare pretext; and
the administration of Herrera, which had been
pacifically inclined, was overturned by Pare
des, with the avowed object of making war
lor the recovery of Texas. Now in all this
my colleague must allow me most respectfully
lo say he is veiy much at fault. Mexico never
did refuse to accept a commissioner from this
Government, because no commisioner was
ever sent. She agreed to receive a commis
sioner; but our President, for reasons
known perhaps only to himself and Cabinet,
declined to semi such an officer, but sent
an envoy and minister plenipotentiary, with
certain secret instructions, which have not yet
seen the light (ami about which 1 intend to say
something more before I conclude.) and Mexi
co refused to receive and accredit him as such,
because she did not think, as the question then
stood, she could consistently with her honor, do
so- But il was from no disposition evinced
on her part to putan end to negotiation, and to
resort to arms. 'l'nis the correspondence with
Mr. Slidell, the minister sent, abundantly
shows. And we have the authority ol Mr.
Slidell himself that other and very different
i .mses operated iu the overthrow* of the Admin
istration of Herrera than those which were con
nected with his pacific views towards this conn
try. hi his letter to Mr. Buchanan, of the 27th
December, 1845, from Mexico, he says :
‘‘Toenable von better to decide upon the course
proper to be pursued, 1 will endeavor to give you, in
as lew words as (Missible, some idea of the present
state of things here. I w ; Il not enter into detail; for
their phases vary so much from day to day, ami there
are so many factions aud subdivisions of parly, that,
even if I pisscssed the necessary information, I could
not communicate it to you wi:hm any ordinary limits,
i’he two great divisions of patty are those of the
Federalists ami Centralists: the firmer desiring the
establishment of the constitution of 1824, which, with
the exception of the absence of religious toleration,
was very nearly a counterpart of our own ; the latter,
as the name implies, advocating a consolidated go
vernment as the only one adapted to the ch iracter ot
the jx-ople, and possessing suth tent strength ami en
ergv to preserve I heir nationality.'’ * * • • •• Ihe
associations of General Herrera have heretofore gen
erally been with the Federal party, ami the basis ot
his feelings in that direction was indicated by the se
lection from it of a majority ot the members ot his
cabim t; but ais f.riure to pr>>:laitu the lederative,
and to throw himself frankly upon that party, soon
1 alienated the greater portion of it, while the remaiu
' «ler have given him but a feeble and reluctant supf»ort;
I an I the whole force ofthe Centralists, composing
I nearly ill the officers of the army, and almost the en
ure ciergv. has been arrayed against him.”
’This letter of Mr. Slidell, written a few days
before, shows that the overthrow of the admin
istration of Herrera was owing mainly to the
uiffuence of domestic questions, and that bus
lihty towards the United States had but little to
do wuh it. Indeed, we have his own assurance
that he had more hope of success with a more
hostile administration. In a letter of the 17th
December. 1?45. lie uses this language:
• \ . I eve the
i present administration (Herrera’s) really entertains to
j adjust al! Their difficulties with us, so feeble and inert
is it that I am rather inclined to the opinion that the
chances f a successful nm'tiaii n would be better
with .>.:c more hostile, but possessing greater energy.
i’; s ,- t rtainlj shows th it Mr. Sii i< U did not
believe that Herrera refused to accredit him as
a Minister Plenipotentiary from any hostile mo
tives. or any disposition to avoid an amicable
settlement of the difficulty : lor he said he be
lieved the administration really entertained a
desire to adjust all their difficulties w ith u«.
This, you will observe, was m the month of
December. 1845. long after Almonte had de
manded his passparts, and declared that Mexi
co would consider annexation as a cause of
war. and long after most of the hostile threats
mentioned bv my colleague. But. sir. I now
cal! the attention of the Hou«e to the language
of Mr. Castillo y Lanzas. Minister of Foreign
Affairs under the administration of Paredes
himself, to show the feelings he entertained to
wards us. Tni* was long after the overthrow
of Herrera: it was on the 12lh of March.
He-a\s. after assigning the reasons why Mr.
8 ’.cell could not be received as a Minister:
• 1: good faith presides, as is to be supposed, over
he Govt I
riously ref
ir..J'.q<nsa?;e res:r;ctk»n with w hich Mexico has ac
ceded to the pr- pasu'; u.-iy made ~y tUt r r
roer ? It n v*a> rea<> a- i p -, : y ‘.esired to :.e
a-ram the bonds c! _* xm Tu ierstamiiLgand frien I
>h pb- tween ’.he two i.. ?;is, the w.yw ;s very easy.
I"ne Me.v. ’.n g vernme :: ctferud to !:n : tfie ; -
c >mtuiss..'mr who shoal i c -me ci xhed
vers . - ■ Tex-
as. • - • A lover o: peace, she w >aid wish to
ward otf this s.id contingency ; and, w/..; -.:: fearing
war. stw would desire k? av cd se great a calamity t >
y.h countries. F 'rt? > she h?.s cdered herself, and
w cantinae tc offer bersel '. open to all honorat !•’
means ?: c .iciKmon; and she anxi” is!y desires ’hit
the present controversy may terminate :aareascnat>le
I - - say that Mexic
maintains a pos ; .>n ‘ hostility with respect to
8
•. ;o.;s:. ." es. Her a-’..iude is one of def- ace, ct
. § has s -
iusea pi r rritorj s ccupii y th<
t p..sscs> ns-t .■ use tier p are threate:><xi
. :ne squadrons or the same power. Under such
circumstances, is sue io rema a iaacuve. witiwut ta
king saxes su - _ •_ ncy ?
• I*. :s< then, not upon Mexico, seeing iter present
s i’e. that u dev. »es *v de* ue n the issue sfiuli be a
u.e aJ iy negotiation or anopen rupture. • • •
'• The undersigned doubts not that be makes bis ex
celieocv Mr. Slidell secanbl* that, .a ticw of what ia
set forth in the present note, the Mexican government
trusts that the Executive of the United States, in com
ing to the determination which it shall deem proper
will act with the deliberation and mature considera
tion demanded by the exceedingly grave interest in
volved in this very thorny question. Ihe Mexican
government, preparing for war, should circumstances
require it, will keepalive its flattering hope that peace
will not be disturbed on the new continent ; and, in
making this declaration in the face of the world, it
emphatically disclaims all responsibility fir the evils
which may attend a struggle which it has not pro
voked, and which it has made every effort to avoid.’
I have read these copious extracts to show
the tone and tenor of the feelings of Paredes,
who, it is said, came into power with the avow
ed object of making war aga i’st this Govern
ment. Does this language of his minister look
asjif he had any such intention? Does he not
signify as great a willingness and desire to set
tle the matter by negotiation as Herrera did?
Does he not put a question which Mr. Polk has
never yet answered, either io him or this coun
try: Why, if he was really desirous < f adjust
ing the matter amicably, did he not comply
with the only terms upon which Mexico thought
she could treat consistently with her honor ?
Why, in other words, did he send an envoy and
Minister Plenipotentiary instead of a Commis
sioner, according to the terms agreed upon ?
1 wish to know, also, where the evidence is to
be found that ever our Minister was insulting
ly and indignantly rejected ? And where is the
evidence that, even up to the 12th March, 1846,
Mexico ;vas making any hostile preparations,
except for defence ? At that time your navy
was hovering on the coast of California, whith
er it had been sent the summer before, to be
ready to seize that country when the war should
break out, which the President was then so
eagerly striving to provoke. A squadron was
ready at any day to blockade her ports in the
Gulf, while the army was then on its way to the
Rio Grande. Were not all these hostile de
monstrations on our part quite enough to pro
voke any nation, however pacifically inclined,
to resistance ? But, sir. to show that Mexico
did notintend to commence the attack, I refer
to the last letter received from Mr. Slidell on
his return home; it bears date as late as the 2d
of April, 1646. Tiiis letter contained what
Mr. Slidell called the manifesto of Paredes,
and he says of it:
“The manifesto declares that until the National
Congress shall have concluded the question no act of
aggression will be committed against the United States
by the Mexican Government, but that it will repel
any that may be offered by them. This declaration,
however, under existing circumstances, even if made
in good faith, leaves a wide range of discretion ; for
the advance of our troops to the banks of the Rio del
Norte can at any time be made a ground for com
mencing hostilities.”
And why. Mr. Speaker, did Mr. Slidell say
that the advance of our troops to the banks of
the Del Norte could at any time be made a
ground of commencing hostilities on the part
of Mexico, even though the Goverumentthere,
in good faith, did not intend to make an aggres
sion upon us ? It was because he knew, as
Mr. Polk knew’, and you know, and I know,
and every man on this Hour, as well as every
intelligent man in this country knows, that the
people there were Mexicans, in the possession
of a country where they had been born and
reared, and which had been occupied by their
fullers before them; that they were loyal to their
Government, and attached to their homes, their
laws, customs, and institutions ; and that resis
tance would be inevitable. The advance, how
ever, was made in the very teeth of this know
ledge, and the resistance which was expected
and provoked was also made. A collision of
arms ensued. This is the origin of the war ;
and who, sir. is responsible for it ? The Pres
ident of the United States, who ordered that ad
vance; he. and he only, is responsible for it.—
Was there any necessity for it ' None whatever
There was not a single settlement of the citizens
of I’exas in all that country that asked for pro
tection, as far as 1 have ever heard, against any
threatened invasion. Our troops had been at
Corpus Christi for six months, during which
time all was quiet on the frontier. Moreover,
Mexico had just given an assurance of her will
ingness to settle the matter amicably and peace
ably, if' a special commissioner should be sent
lor that purpose She protested, as late as the
12th ol March, 1846, that she did not occupy a
position of even quasi hostility towards us.—
Why. then, was the advance ordered ? 'There
is but one answer to this question ; it was to
provoke resistance, and thereby involve us in a
war. Had the President power rightfully, un
der the Constitution, to do this? 1 answer in
this House, before the American people, and
in the face of Heaven, most emphatically, ho
had not. The war-making power belongs to
Congress and not to the Executive. Neither
bad the President any power to fix or determine
a boundary hue which Congress had expressly
declined to do. In this case Congress, in ex
press terms and w ith settled purpose, left the
boundary an open question Gentlemen may
turn and twist this matter asthev please, for the
purpose ol screening the President, but all such
attempts will move utterly fruitless and unavail
ing; the final conclusion that he “unnecessari
ly and unconstitutionally” commenced this war
can never be escaped. The mark is fixed up
on him as indelibly as that stamped upon the
brow of Cain by the finger of God. He and
his friends may say “ out, foul spot,” but it will
not “out.” From this conclusion I say there
is no escape—none whatever. Not Wen by
taking shelter under that, of ail others the most
miserable subterfuge, of .attempting to cast the
blame on the shoulders of General Taylor, that
gallant and brave officer, who has won such a
name for himself, and gained so much fame for
his country.
Sir. I say of all the excuses, apologies, sub
terfuges and pretexts resorted to by the advo
cates of the President, this will afford him the
least shelter ; and the attempt to throw the re
sponsibility’ of this war upon him is but a part
and parcel of that spirit of gross injustice with
which he has been >o shamefully treated by
this Administration and many of its advocates.
It is said that he advised the removal of the
troops, ami that the advance was made in pur
suance of his advice. Now, let us see how this
position is sustained by the record. The first
order to Gen. 'Taylor, directing him to enter
'Texas, bears date at the War Office here on
the loth day ot June, 1*45, and contains this
language :
“The point of your ultimate destination is the
western frontier of Texas, where you will select and
occupy, on or near the Rio Grande del N »rte. such a
site as will consist with the health of the troops, and
will be best adapted to repel invasion, and to protect
what, in the event ol annexation, will be our western
border.”
This was the order of Mr. Bancroft, the Sec
retary ol* War, in June, 1845, directed to Gen.
Taylor. at Fort Jesup, in Louisiana and before
the army entered Texas, telling him his ulti
mate destination was the Rio Hrande, and di
recting him to select and occupy a site on or
near that river, as. in the event of annexation,
it would he the. western border or boundary ot
this Government. J his, sir, was the first order
given, and before Gen. Taylor had given any
adv ice ; nor have we ever yet seen the reply of
Gen. Taylor to that letter I infer from the
correspondence published that he did reply to
it: but, as in other matters, the great injustice
has been done him of suppressing his views:
tor. on the Bth of July, Mr. .Marcy, Secretary
of W ar. writes to him :
“ In carrvmg out the instructions heretofore receiv
ed you will be careful to avoid any acts of aggression,
unless an actual stale <»f war should exist. The
Mexican Mrces at the posts in their possession, and
which have been so, will not b • disturbed so long as
the relations of peace between the Tinted Stales and
M- vi - > continue.”
And. in answer to this. Gen. Tavlors letter
is given : and a valuable paper it is, not only
in vindication of his character us an officer, but
as a patriot ami a statesman :
Headquarters First Military Departm’t, /
New Orleans. La., July 20, 1945. )
“Sib: ! respectfully acknow ledge your comma--
nica i n ■ : J -•) 8. covering instructions of the Secre
tary us War d the same date, relative to the .Mexi
can settlements on this side < t the Rio Grande. These
instructions w ill be closely obeyed; and the Depart
ment may res: assured that I wi-l take no step to in
I ierrupt me friendly relations k’ween the United
IS . .1 .
instruction*, as they confirm my views as previously
■ >mmunieated in reg ir i to the proper Use to be occu-
| pied a: present by our troops.
I am. sir, verv respectfully, voir obedient ser
vant, Z. TAYLOR,
“ B vet Brig. Gen. U. S. A.
I A ■ ■ '• y, Washington.
From this it is evident that Gen. Taylor had
i previously communicated to the Department
i some views m regard to the proper line to be
occupied by our troops which did not accord
i with the views of the Department, as express
ed m the order of the 15th June, and he was
gratified at receiving the instructions of July •*.
which directed him to abstain from interfering
with the Mexican posts on the east side of the
Rio Grande: and he assured the Department
: that he should take no step to interrupt the
friendly relations between the > tiled States
and Mexico. With these views he took a posi
tion at Corpus Christi, and ma le that point hi<
headquarters until fie received the* celebrated
fth < 131 ■ ■ * ~ • B
said that in a letter of the 4th of (>ctober. 1*45.
I he gave that fatal advice which Mr. Polk was
\ a . let us set
I that letter, or that portion of it upon which
1 gentlemen rely to maintain this position. Li
iti these words:
•I: is with great deference that I make any <su»-
st os nt pics which may become matter f iefi
c-.:e negotiation; but it our Government, m uj
the . '-scion --f XHindary. makes the line ot the Rio
■i 1 c
; merit will t>e greatlv facilitated and hastened by our
I taking ptss- s>: -a at once o’ one or tw> k a liable point*
i .»u or near that river.
Now. sir. who can mistake the character of
- _ ge ? 11 is s : • that
if our Government intended to make the R : o.
Grande an ultimatum in the settlement u: the
‘ question of boundary, it would be as well to
| taKe possession of the country at once. He
• says nothing about the propriety of making
that bne the boundary. nor any thing about the
power of Mr. Po-k to fix our ultimatum as to
boundary : nor does he recommend or advise
him to exercise any such power In his ori
ginal «»r- 4 ers. as I have shown, he was told that
h:s ultimate destination would be the Kio
Grande, which, m me event of annexation,
wou'd be our western boundary ; and he here
says, that if such is the intention of the Gov
ernment the army might as well move on to
its ultimate destination. Indeed, in the intro
ductory part of the same letter of the 4th of
October, he says : “It will be recollected that
the instructions of June 15, issued by Mr. Ban
croft, then acting Secretary of W ar, directed
me to select and occupy on or near the Rio
Grande such a site as will consist with the health
of the troops, and will be best adapted to repel
invasion.” And the plain import of the after
part which 1 have quoted is. that if it is still
the intention of the Government to make the
Rio Grande the line, the forward movement
might as well be made, as it might facilitate ne
gotiations. But, so far from advising or recom
mending the President to exercise such a pow
er. he expressly says in the same letter that he
should not do so without positive orders, par
ticularly under his instructions of the Blh of
July. But, sir, after General Taylor had been
there a few weeks longer, and had become
better acquainted with the state of things, he
changed his opinion as to the tendency of a
forward movement of the army to facilitate
negotiations. .And on the 7th of November, he
wrote that, while negotiations were pending
the position at Corpus Christi was the best one
to be occupied. This is his language :
“ The communicatior from the Secretary of War,
dated October 16, was received and acknowledged
on the Ist and 2d imtant. I purposely deferred a de
tailed reply to the various points embraced in that
communication, until I could receive an answer to
mine of October 4, which covered (at least in pait)
the same ground. The intelligence from Mexico,
however, tends to modify in some degree the views
expressed in that The position now
occupied by the tnops may perhaps be the best while
negotiations are pending, or at any rate until a dis
position shall be manifested by Mexico to protract
them unreasonably.”
And now, who from all this can say that Gen.
Taylor ever breathed one syllable to Mr Polk,
byway of advice to him, to exercise the extra
ordinary power —that power which does not
belong to him—of determining what shall be
the ultimatum of an unsettled boundary ? That
is the point. Show that he advised the Presi
dent no longer to consider the boundary line
between Texas and .Mexico an open question,
where Congress had left it, but to m ike the Rio
Grande the line by his ow n executive edict, and
to defend it with the arms of the country with
out ever consulting Congress on the subject,
and then.and never till then, may he be brought
in to share some of the blame in this matter.
But, sir, this never can be done; and the at
tempt to cast the censure of this movement up
on the head of that gallant old chief is an act
of the grossest injustice, and is but a part and
parcel of that spirit of opposition and perse
cution with which he has been pursued by this
Administration almost ever since the com
mencement of this war. It is akin to that spir
it which kept him “crippled” in the summer
of 1846, on the Rio Grande, without the neces
sary means of transportation, and then found
fault with his conduct at Monterey, where the
victory he achieved, considering the circum
stances in which he was placed, was almost a
miracle in itself. It comes from the same spir
it that sought to supplant him of his command
by the appointment of a Lieutenant-General;
that spirit that stripped him of the main bodv
of his forces, and left him with a small handful
of men. about five thousand only, and about
five hundred of these regulars, the rest all vol
unteers, exposed on the frontier to an attack
from Santa Anna, that “knight of thecockpit,”
as the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bedinger)
might perhaps style him. with twenty thousand
ot the chosen soldiers of Mexico. Why this
was done I know not. But I leave it for the
country to determine whether it was not an act
of great injustice to him and his men. to be
placed thus, as it were, “in the fore front of a
battle,” where the odds against him were so
great that retreat, if not defeat, seemed inevita
ble.
But, sir, the same great spirit which marks
his every act did not fail him on that occasion.
The resources of a keen foresight and good
judgment proved him to be not only equal, but
superior, to the perils of the crisis. The ever
memorable night of the 22d of February, Mr.
Speaker, must have been one of the most in
tense suspense to that small Spartan band of
devoted spirits who spent its sleepless watches
resting on their arms. Contemplate them for
a moment, anxiously waiting the coming dawn,
w hen life, and fame, and every thing dear to
each, were to be determined by the fate of one
day’s bloody action. Whatemotions of appre
hension must have moved in the breast o! the
most dauntless, when the music and exulting
shouts of anticipated victory ever and anon
arose from the immense hosts encamped in
hostile array against them? But the presiding
genius of ourcouiitry was there; that guardian
angel which, one hundred and fifteen years be
fore, ruled the destiny of empires at the birth
of Washington, was over ami around that ar
my. guarding the fortunes of her most favorite
son; and the next day dawned but to witness
one of the greatest achievements ever won by
the valor of arms—a victory which, in the lan
guage of a resolution on your table, is unsur
passed in the military annals of the world. Il
is true, it cost u» dearly ; many gallant hearts
poured out their life-blood on that eventful day ;
some of them, known to members of this
House, I may be permitted to name. There
was a Yell, frank, bold, and generous ; a Mc-
Kee, one of Kentucky’s most ardent, accom
plished. and chivalrous sons; a Clay, with a
heart as pure, stern, inflexible, and patriotic, as
the great sire from whom he sprung ; and a
Hardin, Mr. Speaker, well known to you ami
to me, and many of* tl use around me. and of
whom 1 take this occasion to say 1 never knew
a truer, firmer, and nobler man. These men
all fell in sustaining the flag of their country
against the sears ul odds brought against them
on the field of Buena Vista. And it was here
that gallant old officer, who bore our flag on
that occasion, notwithstanding he was left with
such a handful of* men. gained such undying
honors for himself and his country. But no
thanks to the Administration for it. By them
he was stripped of his men and crippled in his
means ; and what he did was the more glori
ous, as it was done in spite of'their neglect
But another act, emanating from the samespir
it, remains to be mentioned, which deserves ;
the indignant rebuke of’ the whole country. I
refer to the reprimand he rece.ved for writing
the well known letter to General Gaines, ami
the revival of the old order No. 650. which
had been obsolete for years, ami by which he
was threatened with dismissal from service for
the repetition of a similar offence.
I must ask the indulgence of the House while
I read a portion of the letter of the Secretary
of war to him, enclosing a copy of his letter to
General Gaines; and I affirm it to be the most
insolent outrage upon the character, motives,
and patriotism of a high-toned, chivalrous offi
cer. that was ever committed in this ot any
other country. Hear what Mr. Polk, through
his Secretary, says:
“Sir: 1 deem it proper to send to you a letter,
(taken from a newspaper.) which first appeared in the
New York Morning Express, and lias since, as a mat
ter of course, be. r transferred to many other journals
♦ * * It will in a short time be in the j«ossessioii
’ of our enemy ; and, coining as it does from the Gen-
I eral to whom the conduct of the war on our part was
| confided, it will convey most valuable information to
I t he Mexican commander.”
I h ive riot time to read all the letter; but can
I you imagine a more wanton insult to a brave
officer, who had done such service to the coun
try, than this letter contains ? It charges him
1 with having given valuable information to the
Mexican commander: in other words, of giving
-aid and comfort” to the enemy. And who is
it. sir. that brings this accusation ? The same
I man that commenc d this war in violation of
I the Constitution of his country; the same man
! whose friends now <eek to throw the odium of
it upon General Taylor; the same man who
himself gave a free pass to that same Mexican
commander to enter that country to take com
maud of her armies. And against whom is it
1 brought? Against the old soldier, who has
devoted a long life to the service of his country
in the field; who was engaged in the last war
with England; who gained the victories of
; Palo Aito. Resaca de la Palma, ami Monterey;
i a man whose every act was glorious, and every
throb of whose heart was patriotic. Ransack
i the annals of your country, and show me, if
you can.an act more scandalous than this out
i rage upon the integrity ami patriotism of that
I gallant chief- I want, sir. to see his reply to it.
We have not vet been favored with it, but it has
1 been called for by the resolution offered by the
gentleman from Kentucky. (Mr. Duncan.) and
i hope we snail have that at lei-t. if we cannot
aet the secret instructions to Mr Siidell. Ami
what was that -valuable information” which
hid been given io the Mexican commander, or
j rather which gave such offence to our Execu
i live Here u is, every sentence bearing the
I unmislakeable stamp of truth, honesty, undpa
i triotism. I wish I had lime to read the whole
letter. I suppose these are the parts consider
i cd particularly obnoxious, and for the repeat
• mg ..f which he was threatened with dismissal
from service:
; ” IS
at all satisfied with rny conduct in regard to the terms
Referring to the capitulation entered into at
i Moiiterev. And in another place, in reference
1 to the same, he says:
■ In regard to the armistice, which would have ex
j pired i’V i.mitati ain a few days, we lost noth.ng uy
: p as we ' -aid not move even n .••* had the tixur. < >n-
; far, strange to saj
w« ' -a that re ched me s n >_- the drclara: n -?• war
■ 2d —the same day on which I re-
■A ■■ -
di announce- ’.i»e taking ul M-.ni’.erev —and
then I receiteu'® l ’ ooe ,iuuilretl ““I ihirty-ti’e; w
' " it I have been smee M.iy last cumpk-tely crippled
J and arrested i t the want ol tran.-p-irtauufl. Alter
.. . . g .' ry form sai
• j ./‘.nectmg every fuck-mul-and Other means of
. u , - . Icouldbnnghc nlj ghtip thousand
rat is fitiet hy T s supph with i mod rte suf -
<fcc.; t io w
jrps bid to leave behind ■. portion ot their carnp
- . some in-
• lga u>e > lunxeera lheir personal bag-
I In another place be says :
■ I ■Hal we been ,at to the alternative of taking the
: i ; -.:e bv storm, which there is no d.-ujt we -h . ild
have vucct g») we • r
I tv hare jost some !mv or a hundred tneu io kided.
; | feJdes wounded, wa'«a I wished to avoid, a-j there
appeared to be a prospect of peare, even if a distant
one. I also wished to avoid the destruction of wo
men and children, which must have been very great
had the storming process been resorted t».”
But perhaps the part most offensive to the
royal ears of the inmate of the White House,
is where he says:
“ If we are (in the language of Mr. Polk and Gen.
Scott) under the necessity of “conquering a peace,”
and that by faking the capital of the country, we must
go to Vera Cruz, fake that place, and then march on
to the city of Mexico. To do so in any other direc
tion, I consider out of the question. But, admitting
that we conquer a peace by doing so, say at the end
of the next twelve mouths, will the amount ol blood
and treasure which must be expended in doing so be
compensated by the same.”
This is doubtless the part that wounded deep
est. But were ever prophetic words spoken
more truly? After going to Vera Cruz, and
marching to the capital, and taking that place,
at the end of the next twelve months, is the
amount of blood and treasure expended in the
enterprise compensated by our victories, as glo
rious and brilliant as they have been ? Are we
any nearer a peace ? It is true our army has
done everything that men could do, and more
than it was expected that they could do; they
have gained for themselves imperishable fame.
But have they brought us any nearer a peace ?
And yet. for uttering this prophetic sentence,
for writing the letter which contained it. Gen
eral Taylor received the insolent and insultin'*
reprimand I have read, under the preposter
ous pretence that he was giving valuable infor
mation to the enemy. The real burden of the
grief was, that he was giving valuable informa
tion to the people of this country touching the
mischievous schemes and reckless policy of
their own Executive, who is at this lime the
greatest enemy they have. I repeat it, sir, the
present Executive is the greatest enemy the
people of this country have at this time: for
he is waging a war, of all others the most dan
gerous to a free people—a war against the
Constitution of the country. But why should
we have been &o particular about valu
able information getting to the ears of the Mex
ican commander I Under whose auspices but
his own was that commander permitted to en
ter freely into that country ? Was the inso
lence of place and power ever more auda
ciously exhibited than in this instance ?
Sir, I will here say a word or two on the mes
sage of the President in relation to the return
of that Mexican commander, and the instruc
tions to Mr. Slidell. I shall not moot the ques
tion of his power to withhold those instruc
tions from this House and the people. I know
we have no power to compel their production
But 1 submit it to this House and the people,
whether it is not the exercise of Executive
power bordering “on royal prerogative,” as
the eloquent gentleman from .Mississippi (Mr.
Tompkins) said the other day—to w ithhold
from them and lheir representatives informa
tion so important in relation to the origin and
cause of this war ? 1 submit to them, also,
whether the reason assigned for withholding
them is any thing but a pretext I If they con
tained nothing but what was honorable, just,
honest, and right, as they should, how could
their publication injure our interest or cause
with Mexico, or any body else ? It would ra
ther have the contrary effect, by placing us in
the right and them in the wrong belore the civ
ilized world. The secret of this matter, I ap
prehend, is the fear of personal exposure. And
lie has a much better protection,! doubt not,
than the precedent which he quotes affords
him, in that clause of the Cons itution which
provides that no person “shall be compelled in
any criminal case to be a witness against him
self.” 1 had very little hope when the resolu
tion passed calling for those instructions that
we should get them. 1 believed then, as Ido
now, lhatlhey contained secrets connected with
the origin of this warthat he dare not publish—
not from any fear of Mexico ; that is idle, ab
surd, and preposterous ; Mexico is prostrate;
she is at our mercy—but from a fear of the
American people. I had quite as little hope,
also, of getting the facts in relation to the re
turn of Santa Anna. 1 had no idea that a man
who had so repeatedly outraged and insulted
the intelligence of this country and this age by
the misstatement and distortion of factswell
known, would make a full disclosure of all the
circumstances attending a secret transaction so
little to his credit as this intrigue with Santa
Anna. Who, sir, in this House, believes the
President in his message upon this subject ?
He says the order to let him “pass” was issued
“without any understanding on the subject, di
rect or indirect, with Santa Anna or any other
person.” Ido notintend to rely upon the no
torious rumors of the day—of the visit of John
Slidell Mackenzie to Havana—but I undertake
to say that the papers accompanying this mes
sage carry upon their face internal evid nee
thatthisstalement (or the impression intended to
be made by it) is utterly destitute of ail claims
to faith and credit. The order is in these
words :
“[ Private and confidential.]
“I. S. Navy Department, May 13,1316.
“Commodore : Il Santa Anna end»?avors to en
ter the Mexican ports, you will allow him to pass
freely. Respectfully, yours, Geo. Bancroft.
“Com. David Conner, Com’dg. Koine Squadron.
And Commodore Conner writes on the J6th
of August, 1847 :
“I have allowed him to enter without molestation,
or even spbaking the vessel, as I was informed by the
senior English naval officer here, Capt. Lambert, she
carried no cargo and would not be allowed to take
any in return. I could easily have boarded the A
rab, but 1 deemed it most proper not to do so, allow
ing it to ap|>ear as if he had entered without my con
currence. It is now quite certain that the whole coun
try —that is, the garrisons of every town and fortress
—have declared in his favor,” &.c.
Now, is it not exceedingly strange, past all
credence, that Santa Anna with his suite,
should have attempted, in the open day, to en
ter a port closely blockaded, and have ap
proached so near the flag ship of the blockad
ing squadron as that the vessel he was in could
have easily been boarded, without some un
derstanding with Mr. Polk, “either direct or
indirect, or some other person,” that be
could pass freely ? Is it not strange that Mr.
Polk should have sent such an order without
••some understanding, either direct or indirect,
with Santa Anna or some other person.” that
it was his intention to return ? And how
could Commodore Conner have known that
the Arab had Santa Anna on board, unless
there was “some understanding, either direct
or indirect,” between them upon this subject ?
'The tail will not bear telling, it is one of those
gross fabrications that carries its own detection
on its face. According to all the rules and
principles of human reason on probabilities,
the honest inquirer after truth h compelled to
pronounce it wholly incredible and perfectly
mendacious. The Pre ident is also quite un
fortunate in the reason winch he says induced
him to permit Santa Anna to return. For this
he refers to his message in December, 1846 ;
ami the reason there assigned is, that Santa An
ri i was known to be opposed to monarchy, and
in favor of the restoration of the constitution
of 1824. Now, notljiti«f is more notorious in
relation to Mexican affairs and Mexican histo
ry than that .Santa Anna was the man who
overthrew the constitution of 1824. and was at
the time this order was given in exile for his
lawless usurpations and abu-e of powers. Sir,
whoever will take all these facts into considera
tion—the condition of Mexico, the exile of
Santa Anna : the date of his permission to
pass our blockade ; the date of his return ; the
circumstances of that return, and the request of
Mr. Polk fora certain extraordinary appropri
ate n of two millions of dollars, cannot fail to
come to the conclusion that there was some
•• understanding, either direct or indirect, be
tween him and Santa Anna, or some other per
son.” yea, some ’‘mystery us iniquity” in this
business, which has not yet seen the light, and
which he would sooner see his grave than see
published to the people of this country.
But, Sir, I said upon rising that .I had a mo
tion to make before concluding, and that is,
to amend the report of the committee by
striking out the amendment of the gentleman
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Wilmot) proposing
to raise five millions of dollars per annum by a
direct tax on the personal property of the coun
try so long as me war continues. I do it to
let this House know that, for one, 1 do not in
tend to tax my constituents to carry on this
war for the objects now avowed for its prose
cution. After the war was recognised, and as
1 >ng as the proposed objects were peace and
an amicable settlement of the matters of dis
pute, I was for its prosecution, and was ready
to vole any and all necessary means to bring it
to a speedy and honorable termination ; even
taxation, if it i-hould have been required, and I
am so yet. But this war is now w aged lor
conquest; the object can no longer be di—
gtii*ed. .No man can be mi-taken after reading
the ultimatum in theinstructions to Mr Trist.
The President says it is waged for indemnity.
Every man of sense knows it is waged for no
such tiling. The sine qua non for peace in the
instructions to .Mr. I'nst was to take New
Mexico and California and pay -*» 15,000.000 or
S’-JU UUO.OOO. No m m can be mistaken. The
• reason peace w.is not m ; Je was because Mexi
! co was unw iilirig to sell a portion of hercoun
: try; and the avowed object in continuing it
' now is to compel and force her to make the
I surrender, or io take the whole of it.
Sir. I take this earliest opportunity of saying
i that I shall never tax my constituents for’anv
such object If they wish to contribute their
: substance to sustain a policy so odious and de
! testable, so entirely at war with all the most
i sacred principles upon which their own Go
vernment is founded, they must send some other
; person here to lay the taxes. 1 never shall do it.
The President assumes (if I under-tand hi
‘ position 'that the honor and interest of this
country requires us to make ibis demand of
Mexico. sßir. 1 wholly dissent from any sue':
’ doctrine. The honor of this country does not
and cannot require us to force and compel the
? people of any other to sell theirs 1 have, 1
tru-:. as high a regard for national honor a
any man. It is the brightest gem in the chap
i let of a nation's glory and there is nothing ot
| which 1 am prouder than the b-g.h caarar
' ter for honor this country ha- acq ; red through.
I out the civilized world—that c >de of hon
! or which was e-tabit-hed bv Washington
• and the men of the Revo ion, and which
rests upon truth, justice, and honesty, which
is the offspring of virtue and integrity, and
which is seen in the length and breadth of our
land, in all the evidences of art and civilization
and moral advancement, and every tr ing that
tends to elevate, dignify, and ennoble man.
This is the honor of my admiration, and it is
made of “ sterner,’* purer, nobler “ stiilf” than
that aggressive and degrading, yea, odious
principle now avowed of waging a war against
a neighboring people to compel them to sell
their country. Who is here so base as to be
willing, under any circumstances, to sell his
country ? For myself. 1 can only say, if the
last funeral pile of liberty were lighted, I would
mount it and expire in its Hames before 1 would
be coerced by any power, however great and
strong, to sell or surrender the land of my
home, the place of my nativity, and the graves
of my sires! Sir, the principle is not only
dishonorable, but infamous. As the repre
sentative upon this floor of a high minded and
honorable constituency, I repeat, that the prin
ciple of waging war against a neighboring
people to compel them to sell their country,
is not only dishonorable, but disgraceful ami
infamous. What, shall it be said that Ameri
can honor aims at nothing higher than land—
than the ground on which we tread? Do we
look no higher in our aspirations for honor,
than do the soulless brutes? Shall tve disavow
the similitude of our Maker, and disgrace the
very name of man? Tell it not to the world.
Let not such an aspersion and reproach rest
upon our name. I have heard of nations whose
honor would be satisfied with gold—that glitter
ing dust, which is so precious in the eyes of
some—but never did I expect to live to see
the day when the Executive of this country
should announce that our honor was such a
loathsome, beastly thing, that it could not he
satisfied with achievements in arms, however
brilliant and glorious, but must feed on earth—
gross, vile, dirt!—and require even a postrate
foe to be robbed of mountain rocks and desert
plains! I have no such notions of honor; and
1 have quite as little opinion of that policy
which would spend fifty or a hundred millions
of dollars in compelling the Mexicans to take
fifteen or twenty millions for New Mexico
and California, on the score of public inter
est. And, 1 repeat, I shall vote to tax my con
stituents for no such purpose. You already
have a debt of near sixty millions of dollars, and
a loan bill on your table for eighteen millions,
and another one coming, according to the re
quest of the Secretary of the Treasury, of
twenty millions more. It may be that under
this accumulated pressure the public credit may
go down. If so, all I can say is, so let it be.
Perhaps, when the business of the country be
gins to suffer, as it must, and the people be
gin to feel, as they surely will, the ruinous
effects of the policy of this administration,
they will rise in their majesty and send up a
rebuke to their rulers in such tones as will
make them feel some of the consequences of an
abuse of power, and from which there will be
no escape, no shelter, not even in the dark
vaults that contain (he hidden intructions to
Mr. Slidell. Indeed, I have very little hope for
the country until the people begin to feel; they
will then reflect, they will then speak, and they
will then act.
Mr. 8. concluded by moving the previous
question; but as some gentlemen expressed a
desire to speak, lie withdrew it.
BY DAILY EXPRESS!
ONE DAY IN ADVANCE OF THE MAIL.
From the N. O. Picayune \Slh instant.
Taylor Meeting.—At a meeting of the
friends of Gen. Taylor, at the Court House in
Baton Rouge, on the 12th inst.,a series of most
complimentary resolutions were adopted, and
sixty delegates appointed to attend the conven
tion to be held on the 22d inst. in this city.
Illness of Gen. Taylor.—We regret to
learn from the Baton Rouge Gazette of the 16th
inst., that Gen. Taylor had been confined to
his room for some days by a neuralgic affection
which has caused him much suffering.
From Vera Cruz.—By the steamship Mas
sachusetts. which arrived during the night of
the 16th from Vera Cruz., we have papers
form that place of the 9th inst., one day latei
than our previous advices. The Free Ameri
can contains but one or two items of interest
which we annex.
The train for Orizaba left on the 6th instant.
Col. Kinney who takes charge of the quarter
master’s duty, left last evening, accompanied
by a selectnumber of Texas gentlemen, splen
dilly mounted and armed. Old Ben. his faithful
servant, now 67 years of age, and old Seline,
the colonel’s favorite horse, are of the parly.
Fight with the Camanches.—The Victo
ria (Texas) Advocate of the 3d inst. says—
News has reached town this morning, which
we are disposed to credit, that Capt. Henry
McCulloch with his company of Rangers had
meta few dayssince with a party of Camanches,
a short distance above Austin. Capt. McCul
lough lost five men killed and almost all his
horses. About 40 Camanches were killed.”
NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 16, P. M.-- Cotton— The
demand has been fair, and fully 5000 bales have
changed hands, factors being free sellers at yester
day’s decline. Several lots of strictly middling and
good middling have been sold at 6< a 7c. The pur
chases have been for Europe and the North.
NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 17, P. M.— Cotton
There has been a good demand, and 7500 bales have
found purchasers at yesterday’s prices, the principal
part being for English account.
Sugar.— The market has been very quiet, and the
sales do not exceed 350 hhds.
Molasses.— Sales of 600 bbls, at 19 a 20c. for fair
to piime, and 20Ac. for choice.
MARRIED.
On Thursday evening, the 10th inst., by the Rev.
James C. Patterson, Mr. John W. Maltbie and
Miss Harriet Emeline, eldest daughter of Milza
end Sarah S. Strickland, all of Gwinnett county, Ga
On the 17th inst., by the Rev. Wm. Bussey, Dr.
Wm. McLean, of Stranraer, Scotland, and Miss
Louisa Jeanette, youngest daughter of Lewis
Parks, Esq., of Lincoln county, Ga.
In Atlanta, on Friday, the 18th inst., by the Rev.
John S. Wilson, Mr. Richard Peters, Jr., and Miss
Mary Jane, daughter of Dr. Joseph Thompson, of
Atlanta.
WILKES COUNTY RAILROAD.
s"*/' Notice is hereby given ihat a meet
ing <>f the subscribers to this enterprise will be holden
at the Court House in Washington, Wikes county, on
THURSDAY, the 24th day of February, 1848, pre
paratory to the organization of the Company.
A. L. ALEXANDER.
WM. TERRILL,
fe4 R. R.CUYLER.
tSouur.crtial
AUGUSTA MARKET.
Tuesday, Feb. 22 -P. M.
COTTON. —At the date of our last weekly report
the market was in a very unsettled condition, pro
duced by the accounts per the Sarah Sands. As the
week a Ivanccd the demand improved and a better
feeling was exhibited, whin the Hibernia’s accounts
readied us. These gave increased confidence, and the
decline consequent upon the previous accounts has
been partially regained. The weather, however,
yesterday and to day has been so wet and unfavora
ble for business that the full effect of these accounts
has not probably been developed, and to-day the mar
ket has been so quiet we find it difficult to give satis
factory quotations. We, however, quote as follows,
which approximate as nearly as we can arrive at the
true state of the market: Ordinary to good ordinary
s|aG; middling to good middling6} a6s ; middling
fair toTdir 6? a 7 cents.
The sales of the week from Warehouses have been
unusually small, amounting only to 1,851 bales, at
the following prices : 3at 5; 3a 5 11 -6; 22 at s<; 13
at s±; 3 at sj; 10 at s|; 4 at SJ; 87 at 6; 64 at 6J;
59 at 6}; 121 at 6g; 254 at 6j; 235 at 6|; 343 at6j;
145 at6J; 428 at 7; 9at 7 I 1-6; 34 at 7}, and 14
ba lex at 7} cents.
FLOUR.—The stock on hand is light and favo
rite brands are readily sold at our highest figures.
GRAIN.—The transactions in grain during the
week have been made at former prices. A lot of Corn
io inferior sacks changed hands at 43 cents, though
50 cents is the current rate for good sacks. Oats
command readily 40 a45 cents. In Wheat there is
scarcely any thing doing.
GROCERIES.—The market continues well sup
plied arid the transactions in the lending articles,
Suj.-.r. Coffee and Molasses, have been to a fair extent
to country merchants. Our quotations will afford a
fair index of the current rates.
BACON.—The receipts more than equal the de
mand ami the article is rather depressed. We quote
7 a 7| cents hog round, according to quality and the
payment.
LARI).—The transactions are to a fair extent with
out change in prices—7 a 8 cents.
SALT. —The stock of Salt is not large, yet piices
underg .n ■ no chanßuik readily commands
45 cc ns; sac k = 8 1.62 ctx.
EXCHA N< 4E.—Checks on the N >nh can b< had
f.om most of our Banks at 1 per cent, premium. On
Charleston all > ivannah and the interior towns our
Banks check at par.
FREIGHTS. —Our River is in good boating order.
Freights of C'.’t-n to S ivannah remain at 50 cts per
hale. To Charleston, by river and Railroad. <Bl per
bale.
SA VAN NAH, Feb. 20. Cotton. —Arrived since
he lltii inst. 10.1 H bales Upland (6375 per Railroad,)
ind 1.211 bales S< i Isl tn Is. The <xp
7.727 1 ■
Sea Ula , vs: To Liver 1,052
Upln.d and 155 bi!e> S-u I im-E; to >■••• Dm*
■’ ,3 • hod ;to Borton 27 upland; to Charleston
815 indsand 90 bales Sea Islands -leaving a sum k
hand, in luding all on shipboard not cleared**
. £ 74 ah I 2 025 d > Sea Island, ag» n«t
>2.Uot ides Upl and, and 2.684 bales Sea Island at
ibe market on Friday and Saturday last was very
and a bu>ines# was done, without
... The receipt of [partial ac-
Teiegrapu, of the Sarah Sands’ news on
yf ... ... we .as the daily anticipation of the ar
rival of the Hibernia, has cltecked operations, and fur
!ntu Sl « ree day8 ’ Bcarcc, y a ny sales have been
will ” I yC | S an ‘ F . e ." e . ra hre bolding off and prices
f“ g 74 7 '* 71 •> »7|;
The sales of the week amount to 5180 bales r, i
lows: 12 at 71; 296 at 7|: 1,126 at 7»; 477 at 7 T
40 al 7 5-16; 2,097 at 7J; 142 at 7 3-16; 212at7* .
41 5 at 7; 87 at 6| ;7 at 6|; 113 at 6 9-16 ;94 at 6*’
61 at 68- 5 ’
Sea Islands.— There has been a fair demand this
week, the sales amouning to 465 bales, at PH ..
20c.
Spirits.— The sales of the week are 150 bbls. N.
O. Whiskey at 29c.; 45 do. Gin at 32c. and 10 do.
Phelp’s at 45c per gal.
Molasses. — We notice a sale of 50 bbls New Or
leans at 25c.
Bacon.— A lot of 10,000 lbs. new Shoulders has
been disposed of at 6c., also, 35 hhds. Shoulders at
s|c.
Sugar.— An auction sale was made this week of
30 hhds. Porto Rico, at 5a 5 9-16 c.
Coffee. — The only sale reported is 130 bags, new
crop Rio at 7f a 78c.
CZFlour. — We notice sales of 200 bbls. Georgia at
85 50.
('orn. — The stock in market is good. The sales
of the week are 2.800 bushels at 54 : 1,600 at 56, and
2,000 at 53c. per bushel.
oalt. — Is selling in small quantities at 81 37J a 1
50 per sack.
Evchange.— Sterlings. The Banks are check
ing on the North at I per ct. prem.; outd<x»r rates If.
They purchase 30 day bills at | dis., and 60 days at
1| dis.
Freights— To Liverpool, 7-16 d. for square and
round bales; to Havre two ships put up and engage
ments made at £c.; to Philadelphia, fto g for Colton,
to N. York §at 7-16 c. for Cotton, and 75 cents per
cask for Rice, and 6}c. per bushel for Corn ; to Bos
ton § a |c. for Cotton, and 31 f for Rice.
CHARLESTON, Feb. 19.—There had been a fair
demand for Cotton on the morning of the day that we
made up our previous report, and at noon about 1000
bales had been sold, when a telegraphic synopsis was
received, containing Inter accounts from Europe, and
reporting a decline in prices in the Liverpool market,
and the trade seemed at once to come to a tacit under
standing to wait the arrival of something inure defi
nne on the subject, und the transactions of the day
were consequently limited to some 2G6 bales. On
Monday we received a condensed report of the ac
counts by the Sarah Sands, confirming to some extent
the information received on Friday last; and upwards
of SOO bales changed hands nt a reduction. The full
accounts which were received on Tuesday, continued
still further to depress the market, and bring down
prices. During the day 1000 bales were taken by
purchasers, at unsettled rates, if we except good mid
dling and fair qualities, which were generally admit
ted to be worth 7} and 7|c. Very little was done on
Wednesday, as the transactions w*ere limited to 450
bales, and the market was even easier than on the
previous day. We received on Thursday a tele
graphic summary of the Hibernia’s advices, which
although they are on the whole considered more favoe
rable than those received earlier in the week, hav
not checked the downward tendency in prices. The
operations on that day reached 750 bales, and yester
day near 1100 bales were sold. When we closed our
inquiries good middling was reported at 7c.; and lair
7} a 7gc.; the market, however, at the close the week
was in a very unsettled state, and we find it impossi
ble to give quotations. The aggregate transactions
since our report of the morning of the 12th inst. com
prise 4400 bales against the receipt in the correspond
ing period of 10,816 bales. The sales arc as follows ;
203 bales at 6j; 133 at 6§; 27 at 6f; 160 at6s; 58
at 6 11-16; 236 at 6|; 40 at 6|; 321 at 7; 232 at7f;
1136 at 7j; 765 at 7|; 554 at 7j; 43at7|; Hal7J;
an J 54 bales at Bc. There has been a fair demand
for Long Cotton during the week, and previous prices
have been well sustained. Sea Islands have been
selling at prices ranging from 14 to 28c. and upwards
as in quality; Mains from 17 to 20; and Santees
from 15 to 19c. and even higher for fancy brands. The
sales reach some 500 bales.
Comparative Statement of the Receipts of Cotton
according to the latest dates.
Ports. 1847. 1846.
New Orleans, Feb. 12622,738 409,812
Mobile, Feb. 12246,179 222,680
Florida, Feb. 10 42,109 71,572
Texas, Jan. 29 14,463 3,296
Georgia, Feb. 17 97,727 176,975
Do. Sea Island 2,705 3,744
South Carolina, Feb. 18126,816 240,608
Do. Sea Island 5,154 7,680
North Carolina, Feb. 5-••• •• 276 2,505
Virginia, Feb. 1 2,600 6,420
T0ta11,160,767 1,119,293
Rice. — The Rice market during the week just
brought to a close, has on the whole been quiet. The
sales of the week reach 1700 tierces, and the market
closes at about the rates current in our former report,
which we continue to quote as a fair index of the mar
ket. The sales have been at extremes ranging from
3 to 338 per hundred.
Corn. — Th j Corn market has been very much de
pressed during the week just brought to a close.
I’he stock on sale is rather heavy than otherwise.
There have been no sales of any importance in coun
try descriptions. We quote 55 a 60c. and nominal.
Some 4,500 bushels North Carolina, have been re
ceived, and sold at a reduction on former sales, viz:
54 a 55c. per bushel. Received by Rail Road 6,000
bushels.
Oats. — A prime parcel of Maryland, comprising
about 1000 bushels, were sold at 55c. per bushel;
another arrival, however, would not bring this price.
Country, in small parcels, has been selling from 48to
53 cents per bushel.
Flour. — There have been some limited transactions
in country brands, at prices ranging from 35| to 861
per bbl., according to quality ; and some 300 bbls,
superfine Western, received this week, brought 86 A
per bbl.
Salt— ls very scarce, and in demand.
Bard. — The supply on sale is rather heavy than
otherwise, and but a limited demand for the article.
We quote according to quality 7} a Bc.
Bacon. — Received this week some 350 hhds., 700
‘pieces in bulk, and 600 loose Hams. We have no
transactions to report beyond the retail demand,
Shoulders from 5J a 6; Sides from 6 to 6j.
Sugars. — The Sugar market during the week has
been very quiet. We have no transactions to report.
The arrivals comprise 1 »0 hhds. of Muscovado, and
500 hhds. 55 tcs. and 50 bbls, coastwise.
Coffee. — We have no transactions to report in Cof
fee this week.
Molasses. — There have been received this week
20 tierces and 80 bbls. Muscovado, which were sold;
and 250 hhd . Cuba, a portion of which was ordered
by a dealer, and the balance is unsold. We have no
transactions to report and quote nominally at 18 a
IBAc. The receipts from New Orleans comprise 580
bbls., very little of which, however, has been sold in
consequence of the high rates demanded. The only
transaction that has come to our knowledge is the sale
of 50 bbls, from the wharf, at 27 £ cents per gallon.
We quote 27| a 28c. per gallon.
Domestic Liquors. — There have been received
since our last upwards of 700 bbls. N. Orleans W his
key, the bulk of which had been wild toarrive, at 25
and 25$c. per gallon.
Exchanges.— We quote Sterling Bills at about BA.
Checks on New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and
B >«ton, < '•er cent. prem.
Freights.— There are a number of vessels in port
unemployed. We quote to Liverpool fd for square
and 7-16 a |d. Sea Island cotton; and to Havre J
a lc; and Rice nominal from 2 t 0328 per 600 lbs. The
coastwise rates have undergone no change—to New
York 3|c fcr square bags cotton, 62|c for rice, and to
Boston 8 c and 31.
CHARLESTON, Feb. 22.— Cotton— The Up
land market j psterday, if not quite as active as on
Saturday, was, nevertheless, well attended by buy
ers who generally operated on the same terms as on
the former day. The sales amounted to near 2300
bales, at extremes ranging from 6} to 7|. Our quota
ions for fair to good fair are 78 to .
House of
jjiij! CRAWFORDVILLE-..GA. jO.
TO THE PUBLIC.
rgIHE SUBSCRIBER having located in the
JL town of Crawfordville, Georgia, has opened a
HOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT, and will be pre
pared at all times to convey passengers who may
leave the Railroad at that place to their destination,
jy Carriage and Horses, or otherwise, as may be re
quired.
His charges will conform to the times.
His house is located but a short distance from the
Railroad Depot. Call anti see.
f22-w2 WM. H. CHAPMAN.
NOTICE,
SEALED PROPOSALS will be received
until the 15th day of March next for Ihe BUILD
ING OF A NEW COURT-HOUSE of Brick, two
stories high, in the town of Greenesboro’, Greene
county. The draught or scheme of the proposed build
in« can be seen at the Clerk’s office in said county,
on’application to the Clerk of the inferior Court.
The contractor to furnish all the materials, and
will be required to give bond and security for the
faithful performance of the contract
THOMAS STOCKS,
JAS. W. GODKIN.
JAS. B. NICKELSON,
THUS. CUNNINGHAM,
ISAAC R. HALL,
Justices Inferior Court Greene county.
Greeneslxtro’, 10. It Feb., 1848. fel6-wtMbls
? i.-The Southern Recorder and Temperance Ban
ner will copy the above weekly until 15th March next
and send account to V. Sanford, Clerk, for payment.
POSTPONED
Executor’s sale.-Will be sold, to
the highest bidder, before the Court-House
door in Baker county, on the first Tuesday in April
next, the following lots of land, to wit: Numbers one
hundred and twelve, (112), one hundred and thirteen,
(113), and eighty-eight (38), in the first district of
originally Early, now Baker county, containing seven
hundred anti fifty acres, more or less. Ter usof sale,
cash. JAMES H. FLYNT,
Executor of Samuel Jones, deceased.
December 29, _
JEFFERSON County, Georgia:—" »■ n
as. William W. Allen applies Ibr letters of ad
rnini-tr’ali.i I on the estate and elfects of Waddle Allen,
late of said county, deceased : . ~ .
These are therefore to cite and admonish, an anu
,-im-ul.ir, :he kindred and creditors of said •
to lie and appear at my office, within the '""'P
scribed by law, to show cause, it' any they have, iy
said letters should not be granted.
G.veu Uli fi r mV hand at office in D uisvltle.
EBENEZER BOTHWI.LL, Clerk.
February 22. 1348. -
MONTHS after date, application willbe
* -uade to th- honorable the Inferior Court ol
Warren county, " ben silting for ordinary purposes,
for leave to sell the real estate of Nancy Murray,
I lie of said co intv, deceased.
HIRAM N. WALKER, Adm’r.
February 23. 1848.
It MONTHS after date, application will be
« made to the honorable the inferior Court of
Newton county, when sitting for ordinary purposes, f >r
leave t > sell the real estate of Elizabeth Sims, dc
a ■ J. WILLIAM B. WOOD, Adm’r.
February 13, 1348. .
UR. MONTHS after dat-application will be
4 made to tbr h movable the Inferior Court of
j Columbia county, when sitting for ordinary purposes,
' for leave to sell the pcr.-onal estate ot W illiain B.
j Bealle, late of I ommy, deceased
I CHARLES A. CRAW FORD Adm r.
! February 19, 1849.
3