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COLUMBUS, GA.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 184 C.
*Tinifs Office” on Randolph Street, in the
UrtfUwrpp Building.iu rear of the Post Office.
dj’ Mr. E. w. Carr has been appointed an
agent for this paper in the city of Philadelphia,
to obtain subscribers and advertising matter.
THE GEORGIA REGIMENT.
We presume that every officer and private dj
this body feels the importance of confiding its
rare, conduct, and destinies to the hands of able,
competent, and fearless leaders. We have al
ways been an advocate, in political arrangements
of putting the best men forward for the civil ser
vice of the county. We feel, that, ia military
matters it i* a mod essential principle to he acted
npon. This Regiment is to fee ordered [proba
bly] to join Gen. Taylor. Its duties, whether in
the field, or in garrison, whether in active services
wooding danger and winning laurels in the field
trill depend upon the character of its officers. If
the Georgia Regiment joins the army of Invasion,
With a man at its head ignorant of military af
fairs, A lacking those high moral & intellectual
‘qualities necessary lo constitute a good com
mander, GCW. Taylor is not the man wc take
him to be, if this command is ever sent upon any
such service of danger and honor, as we presume
tfcvcry soldier in it desires to see. Gen. Taylor’s
In*business will be to measure tlie intellectual
and military statute of our leader, and wo to the
Regiment if he prove to be a pigimy ! Its destiny
will be to lie in camp, dig ditches and perform the
menial labor for the fighting Regiments. Docs
any man covet such a duty ? Then let him
choose a soldier for his Colonel. The candidates
are before the Regiment—let them look well to
their capacities and remember that, none arc so
much interested in the decision as themselves.
Wc write for, we ask for, wc electioneer for,
Ho particular man. All wc say is, give us the
best commander, without personal favor or preju
dice and with an eye single to the good of the
oervice.
The Aagu.sta Chronicle maliciously asked us
how wo felt, after commenting upon the factious
course of certain Whig Editors in respect to the
Mexican War, to see Judge Calhoun, a Whig
Editor in tho same city with ourself at the head
of a company bound for Mexico, while we were
Content to remain at homo ? Our answer was
ready. It was that wc were a volunteer ourself
•nd therefore did not feel so very bah as the
emiahle Chronicle had hoped we should feel.—
The reply, or rather the fortunate fact upon which
it was based was rather a poser. But we never
knew a Whig Editor of the Chronicle’s class to
be at all “ taken a back” in anything where brass
or finesse would avail to brave or worm him
through a dilemma. What docs he reply 1 Oh!
that our being a volunteer in the Guards and
as ready as Mr. Calhoun to start for Mexico, does
not “impair the force of what (he the Editor)
meant to say”—-because, though we (the Times)
Are a Lieutenant and going to Mexico, it is no
excuse for our charging Mr. Calhoun with a want
of patriotism !! Wc will not undertake to say
what the Editor meant to say. Wc know he
did say, that wc ought to blush to see Calhoun
going to the Wars, while wc were not, and we
do opine that our reply that wo were going not
only “ impaired the force” of his sneer, but to
~-4iae a vulgar, but expressive term, “ knocked it
into a perfect cocked hah”
The idea of the Chronicle’s basing its insinua
tion on our charge of a want of patriotism against
Judge Calhoun, is an afterthought. It did not
appear in its original article—that article was
- written in reply to our charge against him of an
unpatriotic course, and the example of Calhoun
was lugged in and thrown into our teeth in aid
of its own lame self-defence. Judge Calhoun
himself here on the spot, never has complained
of what his sensitive friend of the Chronicle now
trumps up as an assault upon his patriotism.
The Chronicle publishes the reply of the 2d.
Ass't Post Master General, to our letter asking
leave of absence and thinks it would have been
vastly more patriotic in us to have resigned our
civil post—that, says he, would have made our
going “certain.” In order, to bs entirely and
heartily patriotic according to Mr. Jones, a man
must begin to fight for his country by not only
neglecting all his private affairs, but by resigning
•m office necessary to the comfort of his family,
daring his absence—he must not only run the
risks of black vomit and poisoned Mexican bul
lets, for himself but he must begin the pilgrimage
and seal his patriotic faith by making sunt
that his wife, children, mother, and sisters, suffer
‘trhile he is gone.
Hear the editor—hear what he will do, when
ke goes to fight for his country :
“When we go to fight for our country as an
offiorr, or private, we intend to go without asking
permission from a subordinate dispenser ot
“Treasury Pap,” or any body else. We would
never, at any rate, permit the “pap” of a gov
ernmental office to outweigh the calls of patriot
ism.”
Well, Mr. Jones, why don’t yc* go? You
have not even the “pap” which in words you
hold in such sovereign contempt, but which eve
ry line in the conduct of your Journal shows, is
its polar star, to keep you back ? We presume
Texas is just as much a part of your country as
it is ours—why then, not heed the “calls of pat
riotism” which in requiring us to give up a com
fortable office, demand no stlch sacrifice at your
hands?
The Chronicle & Sentinel is not a fair paper.
It u I pxrty hack. It looks to effects and steers
of principles. It has, indeed, no principles.
The breaking dov n ofthe Democratic administra
tion—and the ascendancy of the Whig party are
its undeviating ends and aims. Pre-judged, pre
condemned, the administration . can in its jaun
diced mind do nothing right- If the President,
like Curtius were to plunge into an earthquake
chasm, a holy self-sacrifice to his country’s good,
the Chronicle dt Sentinel is just rabid enough to
write, “fool, dotard and scoundrel” as the epitaph
upon Uie stone commemorative of the act.—
Even the flame of war, which usually melts the
heat of party feeling into the broad mould of
patriotic enthusiasm, serves but to whet the fiery
appetite of the Chronicle & Sentinel for the ca
rion banquet of party , rxmx, PARTY.—
While the boom of artillery, the rush of squad-
the clash of crossed steel, is warming every
other heart to a sense of a bounding love, and
thrilling pride of country, this Harpy of party,
flaps Us foul wings and scents in the gale, filled
with glorious and warlike sounds nought—but
the instincts, the behests, tue putrid odours of
party, rTT, PARTY !
AVc leave the Chronicle dc Sentinel to its own
selected course. Before Heaven, we do not Cr
ay it, nor do we think wc could ever so hate a
Whig President at to imitate it.
While gone to the Rio Grande, and with the
Editors good wishes, as he very unexpectedly
tells us, after the foregoing flings, we trust that
reason will resume its empire in his party-poison
ed mind. Though, not personally acquainted
with Mr. Jones, we understand from those who
are, that he is a man of amiable temper and good
heart. His banc is a party monomonia. He is
run mad with the one idea, and unless the Whigs,
before long meet with some great success, wc
advise his friendstc look after him.
The Editor of *ihc Savannah Republican is
still unfortunate in all his facts, as men will
be when they plunge blindly to the assault with
it* knowing the ground they tread upon.—
Having put him hors de combat in his first thrust
at us for not volunteering for the war, by show
ing that we had done that very thing ; he now
comes hack with a changed front and makes a
mighty pother with us for not resigning our civil
office. “Why” says he “did he (wc) not resign
and tender his services as did the Editor of the
Enquirer V * We reply, first, that we never heard
of Judge Calhoun’s resigning any civil office;
and second, that we did offer our services, as did
the Editor of the Enquirer. The records of the
“Guards” will show, that we were the mover of
the resolution in company meeting, tendering the
services of the corpa to Governor Crawford.
So, it seems the Republican is at fault at all
points, and we stand guilty of but one charge,
and that is that wc have not resigned our civil
office. Fortunately for us, we can go to Mexico,
without resigning that office, and we are saved
the trial of deciding to go, at the expense of a pe
cuniary sacrifice which, would be light to our
self, personally, compared to its infliction upon
others for whose benefit wc hold that office.
The Republican thinks wc have a very “com
fortable berth,” We hope we may find it so,
but long marches on soldiers fare, in a tropical cli
mate, over trcc-less prairies, in autumnal months
with here & there a hole to drink out of; malaria
to breathe, and musquitoes, sand-flies and Mexi
cans to light, do not form a picture which wc
could underwrite as “comfortable.”
to find it much harder work than answering the
squibs of the Republican !
HIGHLY IMPOUMANT FROM WASH
INGTON.
Extract from a letter of a distinguished gen
tleman to his friend in this city.
Washi kotos, June 11, 1846.
The Senate has been in secret session for two
days on a mossage from the President, and the
“on dits ” are that he has consulted the Senate
on a proposition of England to settle the Oregon
question on the following terms to-wit: The 49°
to be the line on the continent. The English to
have Van Couver’s Island. The Hudson Bay
Company to have the free navigation of the
Columbia, during the continuance of their char
ter which will expire in 1859. The settlers below
49° to have their improvements under the juris
diction of the U, States, or the right to sell them.
They are not entitled to the land, as England has
given them no title. She has only given to the
Hudson Bay Company the right to Fish, Hunt,
cCc.
I firmly believe this or something like it has
been proposed, and that it will be acceptable to
the Senate. This will settle our difficulty with
England, and I have strong hopes of reducing
the Tariff.
FOREIGN PERIODICALS
We give a place in our advertising columns
to a circular from the Republication office 112 Ful
ton Street New York,
These republications embrace the whole field
of English literary, political, scientific, religious,
and miscellaneous intelligence, and are invalua
ble to those who desire to possess a knowledge
of the local and foreign affairs of the British gov
ernment, and the opinions, wants and feelings of
of the British people. -
ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
Our thanks are due to our kind friends in the
counties of Baker, Early, Lee and Randolph, in
Georgia, and Russell and Barbour in
for their exertions in extending the circulation of
the “ Times.” The present is an auspicious time
for the commencement and renewal of subscrip
tions,
THE FIRST MELON OF THE SEA
SON.
We received on the 15th inst., from the plan
tation Mrs. Abercrombie, of Alabama, a fine
large Water Melon. It wasdelicious !
Ax INTERESTED VoLUNTEB. Some five
years ago, a citizen of Cincinnati, was taken pris_
oner by the Mexicans, and for two years was
compelled to labor with a chain fastened to his an
cles, as a street cleaner in the city of Mexico.
He finally obtained his freedom and returned to
his native city. This same man, within a week
past, has volunteered his services to go to Mexico
as a soldier : and lie says that he is determined
to obtain his pay for the two years labor, We
hope he may have a good time revelling in the
halls of the Montczumas.”
A Shaft of size. —Messrs. Eversharti& Cos.,
of Pittsburg, have just completed a wrought iron
shaft, weighing nearly 4000 pounds. It is for
the iron frigate now on the slocks in that city.
The Pittsburg Gazette says that guns, weighing
nearly twelve thousand pounds, when bored,
turned, and finished, are cast every day at the
Foundry of Messrs. Knapp & Totten, in that city •
These gentlemen, it is stated, have three furna.
cos in which they can melt twenty tons of metal
at one time and if required they could cast a shaft
of that weight.
Nf.w Mode of Swiruling. —-TheEuropean
Times says that recently a lady visited one ol
the most extensive shopping establishments in
Glasgow, and made purchases to the extent oi
£BO. On examining the contents of her purse
she found she had only £SO, and suggested that
one ofthe shop-boys should step into the carriage
along wbh her, & receive payment at Iter mansion.
Instead, however, of arriving at a fine mansion,
judge of his surprise when the officials of a lu
natic asylum seized him and held him fast. Th e
lady had, of course, specially prepared a warrant
to,’ his committal. Before he could procure lib
eration the fair one and goods had disappeared,
and have liv>t since been heard of.
The Expense or Nobilitt. —The English
Parliament has granted £3,000 a year to Lord
Hardinge for his own life and the lives of his two
next mail heirs, and £2,000 a year to Lord
Gough, and for his next male heirs, for their gal
lant conduct in India. The East India Compa
ny intend to bestow £5.000 on Lord Hardinge
and £2,000 a year on Lord Gough, for their res
pective livtfs.
A report was prevalent in New York at the
latest dates, that Mexico bail asked the interven
tion of France arid England for the adjustmen
of the difficulties between Mexico and the Uni
t jJ States.
CHANGING SIDES.
About two yeers ago (says the New York
Journal of Commerce) the Mexican government
procured six beautiful flat and sharp schooners
to be built here, of a little more than a hundred
tons burthen. They were of very light draught
and so fitted for the navigation of shoal rivers and
bays. They are all as precisely alike as so ma
ny peas. Three of them were delivered to the
Mexican government, but the other three have
liecn lying for eighteen months at the ship yard,
upon the hand of merchants here who were em
ployed to contract for them. ‘ Our government
have just taken them from the merchants’ hands
and they are to be all ready for sea in six days.
Our government arc also negotiating for six
steamers w'hich were built for Mexico, but
which, not being paid for, have not been deliv
ered.
Under the arrangements for anew line of se
mi-monthly steamers between Liverpool and New
York announced in the English papers, there
will be a steamer from Liverpool to America
every Saturday, the only difference being that
Boston and New York will alternately be the
port of departure. The time when this new ar
rangements is to commence was not [announced.
Deaths in Florida.— ■A letter From St. Au
gustine mentions the death, on the 25th ult., in
that city, of Judge Smith, formerly Judge of the
U. S. Court for tho Territory of Florida. Also
the death from hemorrhage of the lungs, at the
samo time, of Dr. Brush, of New York, whose
father died a year or two ago, leaving a large
landed estate in Flo.
The Cherokees. —The New Orleans Delta
of the 24 ult. says “ If the advices brought to the
city on Friday evening by General Morse be true;
relating to the revolt of the Cherokees on th e
Texan frontier, the position of Governor Butler
and the Indian Comissioners is in a precarious—
perhaps we should say a dangerous one.”
[Communicated,)
MUSCOGEE RAIL-ROAD.
The last Legislature granted to several persons,
citizens of this city and its vicinity, a charter for
a Kail-Road, under the above title, and vesting
the stockholders with the authority to construct
a Road from Columbus to connect with the Ma
con Rail-Road at some point within their discre
tion, from the city of Macon to Atlanta.
The great object in obtaining this charter was
to give this city the power to control and present
the construction of a Rail-Road by way of West
Point to Montgomery.
It will be recollected that during the session of
the Legislature, the property owners of this city
deemed the matter of sufficient importance to
send a delegation to Macon to attend a meeting
of the stockholders of the Central Rail-Road, and
subsequently also sent a delegation to Milledgc
ville, who in connection with the members from
this county, might assist in promoting the special
object referred to.
It is believed that our members did all that
could be done, or that was expected from legisla
tion, and yet up to the present moment, no step
has been taken by our citizens to carry out the
objects and purposes contemplated.
It is believed that now is a proper time to make
an effort, if one is to be made at all, and if those
owning property here do not make it, then it
cannot be expected that others having but little
interest involved, will do it for them.
I*’or the purpose of having some concert of ac
tion upon the subject, a meeting of those gentle
men named in the charter, is requested at John
son and Williams’ office, on Wednesday morn
ing at 10 o’clock forenoon. The following are
the persons named in the charter.
John G. Winter, Win. A. Redd,
John Banks, H. S. Smith,
A. H. Fiewellen, Daniel McDougald,
James M. Chambers, Hines Holt,
w amucl A. Bailey, G. E. Thomas,
John H. Howard, James H. Shorter,
T. B. Howard, P. T. Schley,
James R. Jones,
June 16, 1846.
ADDITIONAL
Companies composing the Georgia Regiment
with their Officers:
GEORGIA LIGHT INFANTRY.
Capt. Calhoun, 4th. “ Smith,
Ist. Lieut. Williams, Ist. Corp’l. Howard,
2d. “ ■ Goulding, 2d. •* Scott,
Ist. Sarg’t. Anderson, 3rd. “ Reynolds,
2d. “ Phillips, 4th. “ Lindsey,
3d, “ Hoxey,
JASPER GREENS.
Captain Jackson, 4th “ Martin,
Ist. Lieut. McMahon, Corporals, Feety,
2d “ Curlette, “ Wylly,
Ist Serg’t. O’Conner, “ Tierney
2d “ Devany, “ Holland,
3rd “ Carey,
SUMPTER COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.
Captain, Turner, 4th Serg’t. Hughes,
Ist L’t., Cottle, Corporals, Edwards,
2d “ Crawford, “ Cottle,
Ist Sergt. Woodword “ Thompson,
2d “ Thonipson, “ Elkins,
3d “ Taylor, |
TO BILL HOLDERS OF THE COM
MERCIAL BANK OF MACON.
Those who are so unfortunate as to hold bills
of this establishment which has clo ed doors and
stopped payment, are notified not to pait with
them for a paltry consideration, as by a little
trouble they can get their rights by the laws of
the land. The stock holders arc men of sub
stance, and will find any ingenious attempt at
evading their rightful responsibility altogether
fruitless. _,They are liable for every bill of the
batik.
The following is a clause in the character of
the Commercial Bank—
“ The persons and property of the stock-hold
ers in the Commercial Bank at Macon, shall at
all times be pledged and bound, in proportion to
the amount of the value of the share or shares
that each individual or company hold, possesss,
are entitled to, or interested in, in the said Com
mercial Bank at Macon, for the ultimate redemp
tion of all notes or bills issued or that may be
hereafter issued, by and from the Commercial
Bank at Macon, in the same manner as in com
mon commercial cases, or simple actions of debt.”
—Prince’s Digest, Page 102.
Let the bill holders appoint a day to meet
each other in Macon, and agree to place their
bills in the hands of an attorney, to bring suit
against the stockholders, and they cannot fail to
get every dollar of their money as certainly as
they would on a plain note of hand.
The day of bank failures to pass off with im
punity is gone. The patience of the communi
ty is threadbare, and they will hereafter hold
every one connected with these fradulent, mush
room, swindling machines, to a fearful responsi
bility. If the bill holders are only true to them
selves, they will find it so. They hava only to
bring suit to get every dollar of the money out
of which they have been defrauded. The laws
is plain, and public opinion propitious.
I suggest that all holders of bills far and near,
meet either in person or by representative, at
the Court House in Macon, on Wednesday the
’22d of June, and agree to finite and employ an
attorney or attornfes to bring suit.— Banner.
TO THE MEMORY OF COL. TIIUMAN
CROSS.
BY JOHN 3. MOORE.
When victory smiles upon the hero dying,
And glory stands beside his sable bier,-
They who have known him can restrain a tear
W r h:ch glitters in the eye. arid gaze unsighing
On the last relics of the loved and lost.-
So nobly shrouded in the Soldier’s grave;
Thus Spartan Mothers looked upon the'brave,
And curst the victory gained at such a cost;
Thus might Columbiv, if her cherished son
Had fallen in battle, his steadfast eye
In death illumination by the mingled cry
Offoemar.’s rout and victory nobly wor.;
But now she only weepeth o’er her loss,
And stands chief mourner at the grave of Cross.
Georgetown, May 20, 1846.
From the Delta—June 9.
LATEST FROM the pacific-very
IMPORTANT.
Increase tfe English Navy in that Quarter —
Important Despatches from the Squadron —
Design of the English to take possession of
the Coast of Mexico Bordering on the Paci
fic —Apprehension of a Collision between our
Squadron in the Pacific and that of England
—Arrival at Pensacola of Mr. Parrot , our
Consul at Mazatlan, and of Mr. Diamond,
our Consul at Vera Cruz.
The following important intelligence has been
communicated to us by our esteemed Pensocola
correspondent:
Pensacola, June 5, 1846.
Messrs. Editors:—Yesterday afternoon we
were much surprised by the arrival of the steam
er Mississippi, five days from Vera Cruz; She
left last Saturday, 30th ult., having on board Dr.
W. M. Wood, U S. N., bearer of despatches
from the Pacific squadron; also Mr. Parrot,
American Consul at Mazatlan, and Mr. Diamond,
our Consul at Vera Cruz. The despatches are
said to be of great importance. It is said that
the situation of our squadron in relation to the
English, who have increased theirs very consid
erably, is somewhat precarious. It is rumored
that as soon as the English hear of the declara
tion of war against Mexico, it will be the signal
for them to take possession of the whole coast,
and that it is their intention to do so. If they
do attempt it, look out for hard knocks. Al
though Com. float's squadron is diminished by
the return of Old Ironsides home, he will, no
doubt, when joined by Capt. Stockton, give a
good account of himself.
Dr. Wood left Mazatlan on the 30th April,
made the journey to Ycra Cruz in thirty days,
after being detained five days on the road be
tween San Bias and Mexico. He states that in
travelling through the country, (not being
known,) he had frequent opportunities of con
versing with and hearing the Mexicans discuss
the war. There were various opinions upon the
subject—some in favor of carrying it on to any
extent; others lukewarm and rather disposed
against it. Those in power seemed to be most
ardent for its continuance, for the purpose of re
taining their offices. He learned the news of
Gen. Taylor’s victories, and defeat of the Mexi
can army, before he reached the city of Mexico.
The authorities, who had heard it, endeavored
to keep it quiet, and from the ears of the people.
It is supposed that when generally known, it will
not be received with much enthusiasm by gallant
“volunteers.” lam rather inclined to think with
Pat, that they will have to force them to turn
volunteers, and bring them into the field tied in
pairs.
On the day of the sailing of the Mississippi,
as she was getting up steam, the barque Eugenia,
Briscoe, of New York, run the blockade. The
sloop of war Falmouth pursued her, firing at her
without effect: she got id port in safety, and ex
ultingly displayed her flags. She is tlie same
barque that run the French blockade. She will
have to run the gauntlet coming out, as every
preparation is making to take her. There is an
other barque expected with powder ; the squad
ron is keeping a good look-out for her : she must
have light heels to get in if they send the Somers
after her.
Capt. Gregory had captured two Mexican
vessels of little value, W'hich he released and sent
into port. In return for this civility, Gen. Bravo
gave permission to two American vessels that he
had detained to depart, and wrote Capt. G. a
complimentary letter, offering to do any thing for
him that he could, except furnishing him with
supplies. Capt. G. replied, thanking him, and
stated that he was not in want of any ; when he
was, he would take them. The squadron had
also taken two Spanish vessels. After putting
prize crews on board, they were given up to the
Spanish Commodore, who appeared quite angry
at having done so. I suppose he will get over
his miff soon.
The John Adams left this afternoon with de
spatches and letters for the squadron below: she
will relieve the Falmouth, which comes up here
for supplies. The Cumberland (llag-ship) and
Potomac will leave Monday or Tuesday, having
nearly finished taking in their supplies of water
& provisions, The Mississippi will follow as soon
as she gets her coal in. So the harbor will be
left naked again until the arrival of the Falmouth.
More a non. Truly yours; W.
MEXICO—STATISTICS.
In the present state of our relations with this
country, the following statistical statement in re
lation to it, will not be out ol place v
The republic of Mexico contains -
an area, in square miles, of 1,650,000
The census of 1842, the latest taken,
shows a population of 7,015,509
(This lias since probably increased to between
eight and nine millions.)
Os this number there were of
Indians 4,000,000
Whites, 1,000,000
Negroes, 6,000
Os all other castes and colors, Zam
boes, Mestizoes, Mulattoes, <&c. 2,000,509
In the city ot Mexico there are four colleges,
one under the control of the archbishop, and the
others under that of the government.
The number of newspapers published in the
country, in 1842, amounted to 44, of which 6
were published in the partruent of Mexico.
The value of the Mexican manu
facturing establishments may
be estimated at $12,000,000
Specie annually exported from
that country 20,000,000
Exports of other products of in
dustry, about “ 2,000,000
Imports in 1840, 12,000,000
The public debt, foreign and inter
nal, is estimated at 150,000,000
Os which three-fifths arc due to English credi
tors.
The actual income of the govern
ment may be set down at $15,000,000
The Mexican church possesses
property to the amount of about 80,000,000
The number of religious, of all
descriptions, regular and secular
clergy, monks and nuns a
mounts to 7,000
In 1840 the army of Mexico consisted ofthe
following force :
Brigades of artillery, (on foot) 3
Do. do. (mounted) 1
Separate companies 5
Engineer corps 1
Battalion of sappers I
Regiments of permanent infantry 8
Regiments of active infantry 9
Regiments of permanent cavalry 8
Regiments of active eavalry 6
The whole amounting to about 40,000
This force has since been considerably in
creased, and is probably augmenting every day.
The navy was, in 1810, composed as follows :
Steam frigates 3
Brigs 2
Schooners 3
Gunboats 2
We may now probably estimate the army at
50,000, and the navy as being composed of 12
vessels, of all sizes.
The army numbers 14 generals of division, and
23 of brigade.
There arc over three thousand mines of the
precious metals in Mexico. Os these very few
are gold mines. . The ores of Guanaxuato afford
the largest proportion of gold, which is about 3
penny weights of gold to one mark of silver.—
Most ofthe mines are in Northern Mexico. The
whole amount coined at the mint in the city of
Mexico, since the ‘conquest, is $443,000,000;
since 1690, $295,968,750. The annual produce
of the mines is from 22 to 24,000,000 of dollars.
The awards made in 1842, in favor of Ameri
can citizens, by the commission for the adjudida
tion of American claims against the Mexican
government, amounted to about $2,000,000.
Presumption of Law. —Two lawyers in
Philadelphia were recently arguing a case in
which they exhibited a great diversity of opin
ion as to the relative rights and duties of the
marriage state. They, however, agreed on two
propositid.ik that the law presumes a husband to
have at all times a complete control of his wife’s
actions; and that, in nine cases in ten, this pre
sumption resolves itself into a Jictionl Gieat 1
fellows axe those Philadelphia lawyer-.
Ex. Paper.
From the N.0.- Delta, Juno 7, 1843.
BATTLE OP RESACA DK'IiA PALMA
OP MAY 9, 184rG.
Foiit Polk, Point Isabel, May 20, 184:
Dear Sir—l regret deeply the delay that has
occurred in Completing the narrative of the bat
tles of the Bth and 9th. This is the first mo
ment I have had of leisure, and even now I can
not expect to do more than break ground in the
scenes that occurred on the 9th, and trust to the
odd moments that I may steal from business to
complete the picture.
On the morning of the 9th the suit rose bright
and clear, and with the first drum our hardy sol
diery sprung from their bed upon the naked prai
rie, and even, before partaking of their soldier’s
meal of hard bread, a small piece of salt pork
and a cup of cold water, cast an anxious, hope
ful eye towards the chaparal in their front, along
which the enemy had encamped, and when the
straining eye could discern amid the gray ot the
morning the enemy’s line, a glow of exultation
filled the cheeks of every one from our brave and
heroic General to the lowest private in our ranks.
The first care of our General was to visit the
wounded and sec that every comfort was sup
plied—the constant and well directed energies of
the medical department left but little for him to
do, every one, whether officer or soldier, had
been attended with unwearying care and watch
fulness. Tho troops having partaken of their
meal the ord# 1 ’ was given to get the command
under arms.’ Gen. Taylor here summoned a
council of war, composed of the heads of the
several commands, in all thirteen excluding the
Commander-in-Chief. The General alter re
turning thanks for their support and bravery on
the Bth, and wishing to be advised as to what
they thought best to be done, called on each to
give bis opinion. It was then ascertained that
but four out of the thirteen were in favor of go
ing ahead, the other officers composing the coun
cil voted, some to entrench where they were and
await the assistace of the volunteers, and others
to retire at once to Point Isabel, but the General
said “ I will be at Fart Brown before night if 1
live.” Those who \jged for going ahead, as they
watched the of the General, might
have seen the of approbation that lighted
the old man’s honest face at the moment, though
he bowed with respect to the opinions of those
who differed from him, and in saying engrave on
the sacred banner of the stars and stripes the
names of Taylor, Mclntosh, Morris, Scott and
Duncan, I mean no reflection upon those who
voted against them—they were men tried in ma
ny a field before, and their deeds on that day
proved them equal to the best.
Lt. Ridgely, who was entitled to a vote in the
council, was at the time in attendance on the la
mented Ringgold, and therefore had no voice in
the matter, but as lie galloped up to his battery’
on returning from his visit to the Major, someone
said “ Ridgely were you at the council ?” and
he replied “ no, I did not know that one had been
called, but I hope old Zach will go ahead and
bring the matter to close quarters.”
The command at this time was under arms
and the advance sounded. The Mexicans at
this moment were arranged along the edge of the
chaparral in no very regular line, and so soon as
we commenced our movement they retired into
the chaparral and we lost sight of them.
Gen. Taylor advanced his line close up to the
pond on which the Mexican left rested the day
before; here he halted to organize his forces for
an advance, well knowing that the Mexicans had
merely retreated to the Rcsaca de la Palma, a
point evident to every one at which a desperate
stand could be made. Before despatching the
advance guard, a reconnoitering party was thrown
forward into the chaparral. Lt. Duncan with
his battery being thrown forward on oUr left, dis
covered a large quantity of ammunition on the
field and secured it. The reconnoitring party
under Capt. Ker left no bush unsearched, and
discovered numerous large graves in which the
Mexicans had buried their dead on the night be
fore, but no enemy was to be seen.
Gen. Taylor then gave orders to Capts. Mc-
Call, of the 3d Inf. and Smith Ist Art. to select,
at their option, 400 men, as an advanced guard,
and to select such officers as they thought proper,
from the whole command. The command could
not have fallen into abler hands: McCall had
distinguished himself by his indefatigable exer
tions on a scout some time before ; and Smith
led the charge at the Colorado. Among the offi
cers selected by them, were Lts. Dobbins and
McGowan, two of the best woodsmen in the ar
my, and who can hit a dollar at one hundred
yards without trying very hard. Their orders
were to go forward, and that the General would
follow. The main body was then organized,
and a body of artillery under Ducan, llie Bth In
fantry, under Belknap, and the Artillery Brigade,
Col. Childs, were thrown forward to the chapar
rel. Gen. Taylor then ordered the company
wagons forward, and ordered Lt. Churchill to
throw up entrenchments where the main pack of
wagons was then established, and place his IS
pounders, and some long twelves, that were in
the Wagons, in the works; and defend tho train,
should it be attacked.
At this moment it was that the gallant Blake
received the shot from the accidental discharge
of his pistol—of which wound he died on the
same day. In the death of Capt. Biakc, the ar
my sustained a great loss.” A more gallant and
accomplished officer couid not be found in our
ranks.
The wounded were carefully placed in wagons,
and sent to Point Isabel.
Nothing of consequence transpired for several
hours, when a message arrived from Capt. Mc-
Call, then four miles ahead of the main body,
that he had been fired on from a six pounder, on
debouching from the chaparral on to Jackass
Prairie; This had no effect on Gen. Taylor oth
er than to quicken his go-ahead character ; and
he pushed on. On arriving at the edge of the
prairie, no enemy was to be seen. Capt. McCall
had entered the second chaparral, and was about
one mile ahead;
But now the eventful moment was drawing
nigh, and scarcely had we entered the second
chaparral, when word came from the advance
that the enemy were in force at Kceaca de la
Palma, and within five hundred yards of the
advance guard. Orders were immediately giv
en to pack the wagons, and form the order of
battle. The wagons were placed as designated
in the map, and the Artillery Brigade, with
Duncan’s Battery, left to protect them, —Capt.
Kcr’s squadron covering the extreme rear. Tlie
3d, 4th, Bth and sth Infantry, with May’s squad
ron, were pefsted along the road, within the cha
parral. Gen. Taylor then ordered Ridgely.
with his battery, to forward and clear the way—
Gapls. McCall and Smith to deploy on the right
and left, as skirmishers, until reinforced by the
sth and Bth. Ridgely waited not a moment,
but started his battery at full speed, determined
to have no more long-taw shooting, but test the
Mexican metal at close quarters. As he char
ged, with one loud shout from his men, the
Mexicans opened their artillery and musketiy
upon him. On he went, until he halted
pieces within one hundred yards of the muz
zle of the enemy’s pieces, and commenced
the action. Smith and McCall soon deployed,
and engaged the infantry. The fire from the
Mexican guns was awful. The infantry were
engaged within twenty paces of Ridgely’s
Battery, and the whole fire of their nine
pieces concentrated on his batter}', ‘(’be first
shot from the Mexican Battery knocked over
one man and three horses at our first piece.—
’Pile enemy fired too high, as on the day before.
The s!h and oth Infantry soon came up, deploy
ed skirmishers, and took a hand in the game—
the space separating the two lines of infantry not
exceeding twenty paces. Our men and officers
seemed particularly determined ta have a close
hug of the enemy, and so cool and collected w r ere
all hands, that not a shot was thrown away.—
The command from one end of the line to the
other was, not to fire until you could see the
whites of their eves.
At this time no adequate idea can be had of
the slimvers of grape, canister, and round shot
that flew from the enemy’s batteries—it was a
perfect hail-storm. Their battery composed of
nine pieces, kept up an incessant roar, whilst
Ridgely gave it to them at the rate of four guns
per minute from each piece. The cannoneers
threw Oiftheir coats; tied their suspenders around
their waists; rolled their sleeves to the shoulder,
and plied the match unceasingly. For twenty
minutes this battery, supported by the slh and
Bth, bore the concentrated tire of the enemy.—
As yet the enemy budged not one inch, but soon
tire entering-wedge was placed; the sth and Bth,
under cover of our battery, tried tho effect of
cold steel, and whenever a soldier missed the
Mexican with his shot, he advanced—as did the
the brave Mexican—and whoever got the first
stab of the other was tho lucky man.
A moment before this the enemy pressed Ridge
ly’s very hard; the infantry covering his
battery, in deploying, got too far at times from
his pieces, and left them exposell. I was reques
ted by Ridgely to ride back and say to the Gener
al that as they were pressing his pieces very hard,
to send up some infantry. lat once did so, and
met the General riding along as though nothing
was going on. lie replied to the message—
“Oh, never mind! Ho is doing-very well. Let
him alone—there is no fear of him.” I returned
and found them driving the fcnemy.
By this time the 2d and 4th came gallantly on,
deploying on the right and left. Then came the
heavy blows that kept the wedge moving.—
First came a round from the battery, then a
blow on the right from the sth and 3d, and
then one from the left by the Bth and 4th; and
so it was—-the word was “Push along—keep
moving?” until Ridgely placed his battery where
their first stood, and our men stood on the same
ground that had been held by their infantry, and
which was then coveted by their dead and
wounded.
By this time Gen. Taylor was up in the front
rank of the fight, with Cols. Mclntosh, Payne,
and his staff. His attention was riveted on
Ridgely’s battery as though wondering if it were
possible a light artillery battery could do so
much service, for elitre nous, the General was
not particularly an advocate of this arm before
his campaign; V,ery soon it appeared though
the enemy in retiring with their battery across
the ravine, had arranged it Ao as to have
the General and Rjdgely’s/Dattery both in
their line of lire, for mo crape flew thick and
him. “Adj’t Bliss advised him
from where not leave it for some
At this time was trcmotidous, the
infantry had capttflu one piece this
side of the was charging across the
pond of times an interval would be
left between two of our companies and the Mex
icans would charge across the ravine ami take a
position there. In one instance, Lt. Deas, the
gallant Adjutant of the stJi, with ten men, ask
ing me to rally as many morb and follow, charged
into the bushes where a party of Mexicans on
our side of the ravine were obstinately disputing
inch by inch with our men, and ‘after placing
the men in position, we wheeled to ride out for
a reinforcement; Vhen seven Mexicans jufnped
from behind us and within ten paces of us and
fired as we charged past them without doing any
injury, however, of consequence. For some
time tho cannonading and musketry, though
doing tremendous execution, could not drive the
enemy, but at last as the infantry closed the dis
tance the enemy had to move. Every regiment
of infantry did its duty, the lighting assumed the
character of hand to hand combat, the bayonet
was crossed and the sword used, Ridgely still
plied the dash of grape and round shot with ter
rible effect, his Licuts. Shovcr, Fremont and
French, were often engaged in carrying ammu
nition to the guns and loading them. Just here
Lt. Duncan came up with his battery but was
unable to bring it into action for some time, from
the fact that there was no room to place it and
open on the enemy without endangering our own
infantry in front.
The enemy again wavered. Gen. Taylor or
dered Capt. May to charge their battery, and on
he started ; but on reaching the point of tho road
where he would have been discovered by the en
emy', he was stopped by Ridgely, who told him
that the enemy had just loaded all their pieces,
and if he charged then, he would be swept away.
“ Stop” says “ Ridgeley,” “ until I draw their
fire ;” when he deliberately fired each gun; so
terrible was the eflect of the grape, that the Mexi
cans poured their fire upon his piece, and then
May charged like a bullet, drove oil’ their can
noniers, took La Vega prisoner, and retreated.
Here Lt. Inge, a noble, gallant soldier, charged at
the head of the squadron, was killed and stripped.
Lt. Sackett, than whom there is no better officer,
had his horse shot under him, and was pitched
head foremost into the pond, rose again covered
with mud and water, and escaped.—The squad
ron suffered very much. I ani sure Charley May
feels grateful to Ridgely for his cool judgment
and timely advice. Had he charged on the bat
tery, loaded with grape as it was, [ do not be
lieve ho would have saved a man.
The Mexicans returned to their gUns, and im
mediately the sth infantry took the matter in hand,
and resolved to try the bayonet again. On they
went, and piece by piece fell before their deter
mined braver*, until their entire battery Was ta
ken. The infantry and esnnoniers fought hand
to hand between the wheels. Ridgely and Dun
can then pushed theft batteries across the ravine,
and both opened on tho retreating enemy. The
sth, Bth, 3d and 4th were aU across, having each
driven every thing before them. The rout com
menced, the whip was applied, and the battle
was won again. The sth charged on the ene
my’s camp, where the savory odor of the dinner
in the act of preparing for a grand jubilee by the
Mexicans had probably lured them, knowing that
the Mexican would fight the harder for his dinner.
Here the struggle was short; they captured e very
thing, even to Arista’s private baggage and port
folio, their entire camp equipage, and three hun
dred line mules.
On pushed Ridgely, Duncan, and Ker, like
lightning upon the retreating enemy. The Mex
icans threw down their arms and accoutrements,
even their caps ; for the cry w as, “ Sauve qui
pcul /” After pursuing thorn for a mile through
the chaparral, the artillery and dragoons encoun
tered a body of lancers, about 1500 strong, drawn
up in line across their path, with lances in rest
ready for a charge. Ridgely and Duncan imme
diately halted, & came into battery action in front:
but the sight of the dread artillery was too much
for 11/e Mexican nerve. They took to their heels,
aud. ran for itlike good fellow's, never drawing rein
until they brought up at the upper crossing. The
pursuing party dashed on, taking the main road
to Fort Brown ; but the enemy retreated by a road
to the right, and escaped. I pushed on with Lt.
Scarret, arid Bt. Capt. Arnold to carry the news
to Fort Brown. But on emerging from the chap
arral; we met with a most unwelcome reception;
for our friends at the fort, mistaking us lor ran
clicros, showered on us a volley of grape, which
was taken up by the enemy with a round at the
fort from their eightccn-poundcrs ; and so well
directed did their fire happen to be, that an 18-lb
shot struck a stump within eighteen inches of
Capt. Arnold’s horse. —Lt. Scarret and myself
pushed on, and were welcomed by a hearty cheer.
No sooner was the news heard, than three cheers
were given by the garrison. The Man in the
White Hat , who had proved himself a hero du
ring the bombardment, was mounted upon a
traverse, and first quieting the troubled sea by a
magic wave of that same old hut, gave the signal,
and loud and long were the penis shouted forth
by the gallant and devoted Seventh.
I returned shortly to the camp and found tha( !
our troops were resting immediately on the battle
ground. Alas what absad picture presented itsclf
•around were lying heaps of dead, dying and disa
bled men—the sigh, the g”oan, the shrek of ago
ny filled the air, whilst the eye could not rest up
on a spot but it met with ahead, a leg, an arm, a
body dut oft* by the waist; or the more fortunate
dead, who had received their death wound from
the sure rifle or musket.
Now, my dear sir, how can I describe to you
the personal acts ofbravery—not only in one in
stance but in twenty— and not simply by the
olliccrbutby the common soldier. The whole
battle was fought by individual squads, led some
times by an officer ami frequently by the non-co
missioned ollicers. I could not say too much for
every man engaged. So eager were our men for
the fight that I cannot better describe their en
thusiasm than to give you the idea that struck
me, it was this: Every man, officer and soldier
seemed impressed with the idea that there was
but a given quantity of fighting to be had—not
enough for every man to have his fill of it--and,
therefore, it became every one to get what he
could as soon as possible.
Instances there were where one man in charg
ing upon"their batteries leaped astride their pieces
and holding on with one hand beat off the gutt
ers with their swords, and were there cut down.
An instance occurred when in a charge upon
a piece Lt. Jordan- wa att.icted by two Mexicans
and bayouetted in tea places, when Lt. Lincoln
of the Bth, rushed up and with lik> owir sabre
mrfde perfect mince meat of tho two. Again
when Ridgely charged with his battery across
the ravine, and was standing at One of his pieces
he was charged on by three Lancers, hfe mounted
his horse and drove them otr with his sabre alone.
But it would take a volume to rcceit the whole
and lam sure that in Gen. Taylor’a detailed re
port all will appear—the fact is every itieiti was a
hero. Jf I may say, without doing injustice to
any party, to which arm the ‘most credit is due,
I would say the artillery under Ridgely, and the
Regiments of Infantry, particularly the Bth’ and
sth. The charge of May’s squadron was a gal
lant thing, its success however, was attributable
to the timely advice of Ridgely, and his willing
ness to receive the fire .of their batteries, when it
was believed sufficient to sweep whole squadrons
—not meaning to say Iriit that May would just
as live have charged on the loaded gun as uppn
the empty one—he is a brave, gallant and effi
cient officer.
But in speaking of individuals let me not for
get Mclntosh, Payne. Stamford, Garland, Gra
ham, McCall, Smith, Barbour, Chapman,Scot,(of
coon notoriety,) McGowan, Dobbins,’ and so I
might go over the entire register of oficcrs engaged
And let me not overlook the non-commission
ed officers and privates, to them the country owes
a deep debt of gratitude for their unflinching
bravery during both days. As to our good Gm
eral and his intelligent and efficient staff, too
much cannot be said—the peals of approbation
are heard from Maine to Georgia, and the page of
history will be graced through time and eternity
with the name Taylor.
But I must close. I refer you to tho official
report of Gen. Taylor for the statistics of killed
and wounded, and may amuse you hcrafter with
some of the rccnes of individual strife, some of
which were positively fuhnv. r
It was the misfortune of the artillery brigade
not to have participated in the fight, except those
companies in the advance guard ; and also that
Duncan did not get up scatter, but I dm inclined to
think that a vote of thanks would rather have
been voted Duncan for his staying away, for had
he been with the sanio chaute as Ridgely, the
enemy would have been so fiddly whipped as
to destroy all hope of another fight. Whereas,
though they were well whipped, we yet have a
hope of another turn at them.
By tho way, in my narrative of the Bth I for
got to mention, in the list of distinguished offi
cers, attached to Duncan’s battery his Ist Lieu
tenant, Roland ; his services on both days entitle
him to unqualified praise.
In haste, yours, &c., T
MAJ. RIYGGOLD.
The death of this accomplished officer is a
heavy loss to the country. He had been en
trusted with the revision of a system of tactics
for our army, anil devoted much lime and study
to improving upon the English and French
systems: His corps was as tine a one as any
service could boast. He leaves unfinished, we
think, a work which he was preparing on the
utility and practicability of the flying artillery
arm in our service. Major Ringgold’s constitu
tion was much impaired by his long campaigns
in Florida, but passionately attached to the pro
fession of arms, he still remained in the army
and died a martyr to his country.
His death has stricken thousands of hearts that
gush under the blow, with feelings which no or
dinary public caluinity could have excited. He
was generally known and appreciated in this
city as the Bay aid of the age—the star of the
war; and his career was watched with anxious
eyes and hearts. That it would be glorious no
one doubted; but who thought that an orb go
bright would sink so early? The soul of chiv
alry and honor, Accomplished as a soldier, lofty
as a patriot; beloved as a man, it demands an
agonizing struggle to reconcile m to such a
sacrifice, And yet it is a noble one. In tho
flash of his fame he has died, as he lived—for
his country. The offering was doubtless a glad
one. He desired no brighter fate than such a
death; he could leave no richer heritage than
such an example. While we feel as if destiny
had robbed the future ol the fame which such o
nature must have won, we dare not repine that
his career has been closed, in its morning, with
Ibis sunburst of glory. His memory will be
gratefully cherished so long as honor has a votary,
freedom a hero, or his country a name.
The deceased was the eldest son es the lato
General Samuel Ringgold, ol Washington coun
ty, Maryland. His mother was a daughter of
Gen. John Oadwalader, of Philadelphia, a dis
tinguished citizen in the days of the Revolution.
He entered the army* as Lieutenant of Artil
lery in July 1818; having graduated at West
Point with much honor—being one of the five
whose names were recorded as the most distin
guished of the class. He was once selected by
Gen. Scott as one of his aids; and served in that
capacity several years, and ever enjoyed, in a
very eminent degree, the confidence and friend
ship of that (listinguished soldier. Pending
the disturbances in South Carolina, in the year
1832, the deceased was there on duty, and he has
frequently expressed his heartfelt gratification
at the peaceful termination of the unhappy
difficulties between a portion of the gallant peo
ple of that State and the General Government.—
When the Indian war occurred in Florida, tho
deceased, then a Captain of Artillery; was there
on duty, actively employed in various services,
until the wasting elfccts of the climate had so
impaired his 1 ealtli that ho was prostrated by
disease. For‘meritorious services’in that cam
paign, he was rewarded by the rank of Breve t
Major. He was afterwards selected by the Ma
jor General Commandirtg-in-Clxief to organize
a corps of Flying Artillery, and he paid every
possible attention to the instruction and discipline
of this arm of the service. How faithfully be
performed bis duty am this respect, the wonder
ful performances of bis admirable corps at Fort
Mcllemy and o', her places,- and on the field of
Palo Alto—fully attest.
lie never recovered from the effects of his
exposure during the Florida campaign; and
when ordered from Fort McHenry to join tho
Army in Texas, the experienced Surgeon at
this post strongly insisted upon his physical ina
bili'y to go through with the campaign. But he
strengthened himself for duty, and as far as
known here, he was never, for an hour, unfit for
service since he left the Fort. He fell in the
fierce battle of the Bth instant, the same ball kil
ling his horse under him and wounding him mor
tally.
The deceased was an accomplished gentle
men, beloved by his friends, and truly respected
by all who knew him. lie was devoted to his
profession, and justly appreciated the high res
ponsibilities of an officer in command. Ho
rigidly enforced discipline, at ail times and id
all tilings; and yet, probably, no olficer had more
entirely the respect, the eoafidence and the affec
tionate regard of all his officers and fnen, than
the gallant soldier of vvlian this brief sketch w
given.
The deceased, in a letter to his immediate
friends Written just as the Army was nboi/t to 1
march for Camp Isabel, (but which letter was
received only since the sid intelligence of his
fall) spoke of the extreme probability of a serious
rencontre with the enem/, arid expressed sin's
confidence in the triumpli of our gallant little
army; But with characteristic coolness he’
aiso adverted to the great probability of his own’
fall in battle; and, in anti'ipaffon of that event,
he made a brief will, which was enclosed in that”
letter.
His patriotic words to’ tPc friendly officer who’
came to bis assistance ought not to be forgotten:
‘Don’t stay with me: you have work to do:
go ahead.”
Such was the late Major Ringgold: and
many such brave and galiint men make our
army, small as it is, an invincible host,
Balt. Americun.
There are 1644 Schorl Districts in Connecti
cut ; number of children from 4 to 16 years old,
85,275. The average number of scholars in at
tendance during the summer of 1845, wrns 33,748
—during the winter of 1845-6, 34 723. The
number of all ages in private schools is 6,402.
Prentice’ of the Louisville Journal, says rot
less than a dozen young lawyers of that citv. de
clare their determination to volunteer lor the Mex
ican war. Ro in the ever tof a collision between
the two armies, we shall be sure to have the .aw
on cur side.
Anew and splendid bed of iron ore lias beett
discovered in Luzerne, Warren Co.,Pa.