Newspaper Page Text
JOURNAL AND MESSENGER.
S. T. CHAPM AN & S. HOSE, Editors.
.VIACOM, CEO.
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1847.
HEnOVAL.
Tin Javrnal U Mesakßgcr Priitinu and Jos Orric*:,
has been removed to Scott & Carlmrt’a range, opposite the
State Hank Building, and a few daws Sonlti of the. Floyd
House. llav'ing tnow the Aatgesl asaortmeiti of Jos and Fan
cy ttce in th State, the proprietors feel aaaured, that they
can give entire satisfaction to these patrons, both as to price,
and the promptness, and style of elocution, of their work.—
Circulars, Card*, Bills of Lading, Dray Receipts, Hill heads,
Ware-house Receipts, Pamphlets, Hind hills. Election I ick
ols, 4ic., &c., eieeutnj with neatness and despatch.
To Advlrtisski.— Merchants, and others, desirous of ad
vertising, will confer a furor by handing in their favors on
I'ueaday, if possible, and by the furthest at 10 o’clock of Wed
nesdav.
IT>* Sno first page fora variety of interesting matter.
The Whio Convention —Our Milledgeville correspondent
makes time very proper and well timed suggestions irt regard
to this important gathering of the Whigs of Georgia. The
time mentioned will probably suit all interests nnd we hope,
therefore, loses the eeveral countiea take measures nithout de
lay for the appointment of delegates. Our opponents ore or
ganising and preparing for a desperate contest. We have a.
ery confidence in tha result, provided eoctional and pereonnl
considerations are disregarded, and provided, especially, the
people, and not the politicians, take the initiatory steps nnd
choose members of the Convention who ere wholly unlratnincl
led and who will meet lor purposes of consultation and ennfer
•aoe, and not with a view of euetaihing the pretensions of an.
particular person. To this end we ha. e refrained discussing
in the Journal It Messenger the merits of the respective gen
tlemen spoken of. We care not, whether the nominee hr
Clinch, Dawson, Floyd, H ull, Holt.Crawlord, Hardnmau, Hi ri
ding, Wright.Grantland, or Jenkins. Any one of them will fill tin
place with credit to to themselves and honor to til* Jftale anti
the Whig party. Personal preferences should have nothing In
do with the selection. The only questions asked should hr,
is he honeet, is he capable, will he he faithful In the Constitu
tion and to the interests of the whole Stale—haa he a firm hold
upon the affections of the people, nnd enn hr he clerted? In
regard to the last enquiry, our opponents hive generally shown
a superior knowledge of humin nature or superior skill in
part* tactics, and hence, their more uniform success. The
Whigs, oil the contrary have been prom* to rely upon their
principles, rather lhan upon men—they hive looked more to
mere abstractions than to popular instincts and popular iiupuls
eg and hence have often failed, with “ good men anil true’* at
their candid a ten, who unfortunatoly were cither politically vul
nerable or who had no hold upon the affections of the masses.
These are mistakes often made by old politicians nnd their
friends, hut seldom if ever by the'people. To this end therefore
we repeat tile hope, that the delegates to the next Whig Con
vention may he “ freah from the people ’’ and perfectly untrnin
melled. (f such is the case the result in Georgia will he be
yond a mere contingency—it will he .almost as certain as the
election of *• Old Rough and Ready” to the Presidency.
Gen. Taylor and the Presidency.— lt is matter of deep
regret that any portion of the Whig pre- of the nation, end
particularly of the douth,should fall into tho very snare which
has been laid for them by the administration prints, with ref
erence to the n**t presidency. Up to the moment that Gen.
Taylor made a deep and powerful impression upon the public
mind, the whole Influence of the Administration and in satel
lites was directed towards the political destruction of.ScoTT
and Clay The one having been overwhelmed in the great
contest of 1814,and being of annge which rendered it improba
ble that he would Again he brought into the political arena, it
was deliberately resolved to destroy the other. Having fallen
into the error of writing to tnftnv letters. Scott was for the time,
made the butt of ridicule, and there were not wanting certain
Whig presses tojoin in the bus and cry, and to hunt the veter
an to his political death. To prevent him from recovering liis
position before the people, the duty of conducting the Mexican
war. was imposed upon General Taylor. A plain, unassum
ing, modest man, it was never presumed that he could make
an impression on the public mind, or would ever come in com
petition with the trading politicians of the nation, for the first
office within the gift of the people. How sadly the men in
power have been disappointed, we need not mention. The e
vents of the last year are fresh in the minds of all, and the ap
preciation of Gon. Taylor and his services has been only too
apparent to be agreahle to the Democratic wire puller. It has
spread consternation in their ranks ; first, because they know
that he has the sympathies of the whole people, and tlierefote
will be elected; and secondly, that being honest, he would hurl
from power the political tricksters of all parties, nnd restore the
government to its ancient simplicity. The first trick of the
Administration presses was to give forth the impression that
Gen. Taylor could not he induced to accept the office under
any circunistaucoa.
The next effort was to persuad* the people that he was n
Democrat and not a Whig, and that ha was responsible for the
war, having advised the advance of the army to the Kio Gran
de.
The third and most successful attempt lias been to excite
the latent feelings of attachment for Mr. Clay and Gen. Scott,
and now, no words are too honied for those distinguished gen
tlemen whoa few months since, were honored with the abuse and
ridicule of father Ritchie and liis whole brigade of inferior or
gan-grinders.
Strange to say, certain Whig papers are indirectly aiding
in this work of mischief. We arc second lo none in our admi
ration of either of these gentlemen, nor is it detracting from
their patriotism or their distinguished fame in any particular,
to.eav that the mention of either of their names at present in
connection with the Presidency, is peculiarly unfortunate and
ill-judged.
Gen. Scott is out of the question, and cannot he elected even
If he were to secure a party nomination. Mr. Clay is now 72,
years of age, and if elected would he 71 when inducted into of
fice. With all his high endowments of mind nnd character, it
weuid neither be safe for the country nor just to him to place
hint in that position. Even if he desired such u result, it is ex
eeedingly problematical whether he could he elected. .Men may
blink this matter as they please, but Mr. Clay can never he
run under more favorable circumstances than existed in 1841.
On mere party grounds, therefore, the recent movements of
certain Whig presses are exceedingly ill-advised; but in a nn
'ttonal view,they are absolutely to he deprecated. It is plain
tbit Gen. Taylor can easily he elected, nnd that he is the onlv
Southern ir.ta who can ho chosen by a decided majority of the
•people. Asa true Southerner, as a genuine Whig, ns the per- ‘
oonnl and political friend of Henry Clay, as a man of pure and
•alovated morals, of remarkable mental endowments, of valor
and judgment scarcely inferior to Washington hiiitseir.ee a men
who has added new luatre to the American arms and Ameri- i
can character, is it nwc passing strange that he should he op
posed by any Whig—and more especially by any Southerner ?
At the very moment when the North is breaking from her moor
ings in regard to voting iW a Southern candidate, and when
the great mass of the iacstligerica and patriotism of that sec
tion is about to break .through every harrier of feeling and prej
udice and fanaticism—when the Bouth too should he united,
and steady, and firm. It Is perfectly Incomprehensible that any
Whig should falter or dally for t moment. The indications of
tho popular will ard not to b# mistaken—G*a. Taylor lias nut
boon brought forward as has been intimidated by certain presses,
•itbtr in or out of the State of Georgia—the aneminrf ment of ,
Ills name is but ao echo of else sentimeats of sevsn-toaths vs the ‘
people of the Mat on—it has been done in obedience to the pop
ular mandats; and the press, or the party which may venture lo
•ppose the action af the masses in this nuttier, cannot fail to be
overwhelmed by the very power which they art* vainly #f km*
to control. It has been tbs misfortune not only sf the Whig par
ty, but of the nation at large, that 100 many sacrifices have been
made to political favorites—to veteran partisan leaders, and too
sow to the wishes of the people and the true interests of th*
country. Wo had supposed that the developments of the last
twelve month had made too deep an impression upon the na
tion to leave the shadow of a doubt on the minds of anyone as
to the proper course to he pursued, and while it haa been mat
ter of rogret that circumstances have conspired to force Gen.
Teylor prematurely before the public, we have felt that it was
.ops of those popular movements, which a respect for the greet
euu.ee of all political power would nnt allow us to disregard
This course was the most readily adopted, because it accorded
with our .own feelings of propriety. In the hands of Gen. Tay
lor, the {real interest* of the nation, and evory section thereof
will be safe. R# will bring back the Government lo its ancient
simplicity, sud cause its affairs to be administered by honest
men, and patriots, like himself—and he is Ike on/f man Using
who can accomplish ouch a result. His administration will |
bo eminently conservative, and therefore, eminently Whig-ish.
Hr lea Whig from principle, end not a politician by trade, and
will avoid all the triVamno of the age. To intimato
hat because he is a military chieftain, he might follow in the ■
footsteps of Jackson, i* to contend flint a man with the clinrnc
ter, the wisdom, ami moderation of Washington, could desceud j
to play the demagogue anil tyrant. Gen. Taylor is no \ nung
Hickory, and the people know it, and w ill prove it when the ,
proper moment hue arrived.
Colieges in Georgia.— ln nothing has the progress of
improvement in Georgia been more distinctly marked, than
in the change which has taken place on the aubj ct of educa
lion. Fifteen years ago we Imd hut a single. College, with i
scarcely a* ininy students ns tlio Penitentiary hid inmates;
now we have four respectable institutions, with as able Pro- |
fessors as ure to be found iu any other State in the Union
We perceive by the a noun I catalogue of Franklin College, s t
Athens,that that Instituli hi is in a most flourishing condition j
numbering in the four College classes,one hundred nnd fill ‘
students. A similar Catalogue from Mercer University, n ‘
Penfield, gives the following statement, viz: Students in
Theological Department,4—College daises proper, Li Pie
paratory classes, 67—Total, 132. We ure not precisely in
formed in regard to the present condition of Oglethorpe Uni
tersity,ut Oxjor /, but suppose that we may s ifely estimate
the number ill both Institutions, at 123—giving an aggregate
of 403studcuH in tbo several Colleges in the Blnte—which
w. balirveto bean increase of nearly three hundred percent
in ten years, This is really something to he proud of, provi
ded this host of young men do not crowd piecipitatrly and
thoughtlessly into the weveral ulre idy over crowded prof s
sinus. Well ive already too many doctors and lawyeis, and
ui Mi ofrd ic iti.ni art’ greatly needed in all the other depart
ments of li e. I’he Southern States are especially in want of
home educated teachers as well ns a general system of pub
lie educutioit. It is comparatively useless to educate the lew
unless the masses can he reached. It i< indeed earnestly to
he hoped, that ill the locomotive progress of the age, and of
our uwii .Slats, the public mind may ho aroused to the import
ance of adopting some plan hy whit li the benefits of a com
mon school education may he extended to the sons of me rich
and poor alike.
The Central Railroad Stock. —We are pleased h*
learn, that under liis resolution of the Stockholders paused at
tli*-ir lost mealing, the sum of $260,(100 of the Ronds of the
Company have been converted into 3 percent stock, thus ie
duci g the debt that amount. It is supposed that hi this way
the entire indebtedness of thu Company will he absorbed in
due time, tints eu.ihl.ng the Company to declare dividends
corresponding w ith their nett earnings. This is an important
inovjm *nf, mi lwe tru<t may proic highly ndvanngcous to nil
concerned.
Qjp Tin* Railroad from Paris to Untie, u distance of 142 J
miles lias been completed. The first train passed over the
line on the 19th of March, making the run in sir. hours.
(L7* I’lie Washington Union, in a long article lauding the
military achievements of President Pol.K ! says:
‘ We have heard if suggested, hnl wo will not roue h for the
accuracy of (lie estimate, that Gen. Scott’s armv will he in ull
about 20,'K10,and Uen. Taylor's not less than id,ODD.”
Pile modesty of the President nnd his organ grinder is truly
remarkable. After the battles of Palo Alto and Kcaacu de la
P ilma, Mr Ritchie declared that the country was indebted to
the then Secretary of the Navy,for the time y appearance of
a portion of the American fleet off lirazos Santiago! Now.
wi’li equal sagacity, he lias discovered tliut to the military
protege* of President Polk, are we indebted for lli brilliant
achievements ut Moulerey, Buena Vista, and Vt-ra Cruz,
Should Scott and Taylor finally reduce the city of .Mexico,
and dictate a favorable peace, with the true folly of the mani
ac, iht PredJent and his aitelites will imagine themselves
the deities of the war, and crown each other nscordingiv; and
like the fly upon the wheel of the chariot, Mr. Ritchie will
aver that he is the o\rjr which put the whole machinery iu
motion.
ITT The members of the Charleston Rur have, with their
characteristic liberality, held a meeting, and tendered to Mr.
Webster a public dinner, during his visit to that city. Mr.
DeSn assure presided, nnd (he committee of invitation consists
of the first legul gentlemen of (lie place.
BoNF.rHi.t3 New —A ring ofzinc and one of copper, plac
ed incoiitact around either fruit nr oruainental trees, will pre
vent ali insects from ascending and injuring them. The mo
ment the insect touches the battery, it receives u galvanic
shock and is killed or falls to the ground. The action of the
battery is unceasing, being sufficiently powerful in either dry
or wet weather.
Th - Lazy Chur, —A New Orleans Yankee lias invented
a labor saving inichitie,in the shape of u rocking chair, which
eu dries the ladies lo %el up a breeze at any time, by simply
indulging in ill* luxury of rocking thsinselves. If the ingen
ious inventor would only attach Morton’s apparatus and fur
uidi a supply of flats eJierial vapor, the happy possessor of
huc.li a chair might enjoy the Frenchman’s idea of ‘ tome /it
tie cool sleeps ” despite either heat or circumstance .
U* G ov. Cra w-ford has issued his Proclamation, calling
for li more companies of volunteers, five of infantry and one of
liori-e, for the Mexican war. They are expected to rendez
vous ut Columbus, and serve during the war unless sooner
discharged. The order is quite a long one, and we would
present it to our readers, but for the fact that both the State
of Georgia and the National Government are decidedly more
able to pay for it than we a>e to publish it for nothin g.
U* The Cambria breught from Liverpool to Boston, j£ 36ft,-
000 ($2,000 00(1) in specie, audit is estimated that the Surah
Sail Is and Caledonia will bring some $3,000,000 more.
ITT If is highly probable that the recent decline in bread
* tiff* in Europe,will be followed by one Mill more decided !
and disastrous. Every port in the United States where pro- !
virions can be obtained, is filled with vessels in search of that
species of freight. On the 2411i inst., there were no less than
thirty-nine of this class of vessels loading at the pelt ut Ralli
m ore.
Famine in liieland Capt. Bourse of the Barque Susan
which recently arrived at Charleston, from Galway, Ireland,
haa given the editors of the Evening News, the following inter
esting statement iu regard to the famine in tliut unhappy coun
try :
“In relation to the sufferings of the poor, Capt. B. Mates
that he hid no ideu of their extent, until lie had liinisell wit
nessed the distress. I’he Mtreets of Galway are crowded from
morning until night with laiiiiMiied multitudes begging charity,
ami cryjng lor lood, mostly iu r4g, having all the appearance
of abject poverty and sickness Numbers of them are picked
up dead every day in the streets, and buried by the authorities.
It i scarcely possible for n atranger to make bis wav through
the town, lie is so beset hy these poor creatures, imploring
something to eat, or something to buy it- He got a view of
ihn Pom Hoos**, from which food or soup is distributed to the
st.irvine people; but he protests that lie could not get within
half n mile us it, the crowd wan so great aiound the building
w .nine lor their turn.
‘•Capt. Hearse states that ha carried out a catgo of corn. It
was delivered to Government agents, hut such is the delay oc
casioned by the cumbersome machinery of having to pass
through hands before it can resch the people, that they are
literally starving and dying in the streets, while food is rotting
iu the Government Mores, To a question in regard In whom
he would recommend relief lo be sent, be suit! certainly send
it to private individuals of known respectability and benevo
lence; but more particularly send it to tho clergy, they are
with the penple—Anoir them, are best able to avoid imposition,
and it would go direr 4 from them to those most in want. When
lie arrived in Galwmv,there was no bread for sale ia the shops.
It wa* nnt so w lien in* left it He beard that the ('oimniltee of
Friends were very active. The Clergy and the town authori
ties were also an< essuntly employed in distributing food. He
saps that lit |wo spec! ia most gloomy even os to the next
year’s crop. It d.t appear to hen that the Government did
not know what lo do. Thev seemed overwhelmed by the
magnitude of the distress, and the frightful evils of a i iriiutiou
that seem'd beyond these |*owrr to control.
Southern Baptist Organic atioh.—' The Georgia Ilapiist
Convention is In asaesafijl* m Savannah on Friday, the 14th day
of May. A convention delegates from the orveral associa
tions in the Hoiiibcrn States, is to meet at the same place on
the 13tli, the day previously, for tin* purpose of conferring in ’
regard to the propriety of establishing a goutJerrti Organiza
tion for publication purposes.
D:t. Byntui’s Lectur*;*.—Thisgentlfutan whs has been
delighting lilt citizens of Charleston nntl .Savannah, with his
learned and able Lrclurca on Fdectricil) and GalvHiiistu, w ill
we trust icncli Macon in a few days. The |) r . has with him
a miniature representation of (be Magnetic Trb gispb, which
very sa'i’fACtoriiy illustrates both ilia principles nnd prncti
cal workings of that wonderful discovery, lie is one of the
ablest scientific gentlemen of tho age, aid we hope may be
induced lo give a IV w lectures in ibis city.
Patent LiqciD Oil Polish.— We have boon handed a few
cases of the above named article, which is highly recommend
ed as a convenient and useful polish for geiitlenien'e Roots,
Lady’s Hlippers, India Rubber Shoes, Slc , fyc. It is stid to
be a superior preservative of leather, making it soft and pliable,
and at the same time giving a smooth, bright black aurfucz,
lhat will not soil the finest linen. It is so sale at the Bho
Hlrnpof Mr. Munch, and also by Mr. Weber of New York,
who can Ire found at Mr. Russell’#, on Mulberry street, op
posite the Floyd House.
\\ big Convention.
It seems to he ge iervlly agreed tint the Convention to t
ii iiiiin t : u Whig candidate for Governor of tho .State, will ;
assemble at Milledgeville on the third Wednesday of July
and that the several counties w ill he m illed to the sotne Hum
her of Delegates that the v hid Senatots and Repreaeiitativev
under the old apportionment act.
TUB AMERICUB CONVENTION.
The mseti'ig which assemble in Americiis, Sumter’
con ty, on the IBtk of May, is one of no ordinary importance
to the people of Macon, of South western Georgia, and ol the
Stale nt laige. The South-western Railroad, if constructed,
would give to the extrusive and fertile region of the South
w*M mi easy approach lo one ol ilit- best Atlantic mark
ets on llie const, and at ilia sann time would afford the
inliabilnntA access to tho gre it provision and mineral regime j
of Georgia and Panu *sa ii. It won Id enable them to t*ko ad
vantage of the fluctuations of tiade and prices, lo Sell their
Cotton ill Macon or Sivannah, an I purchase there their dry
go ods. and ut least a portion of their groceries, oil advents
geous terms. The region which they cultivate, baaed oh it is
upon s marl foundation, nnd being inexhaustibly fertile, must
long remain exclusively a cotton producing country, and be
subject to the diseases incident to tint culture iu rich lands.
I he proponed roud from Macon, through the heart of that sec
tion of country, would open to the inhabitant-* a com
munication with the healthy,provision,mi ier.il an.l uiauufnr
tnring sections of Middle and Upper Geoigia nnd I’enne/see.
Fliis would tumble them to purchase their fl mr, bacon, iron
cotton goods,bagging, and bile rop*,at greatly reduce I pri
ces. It would gvo to ihrtiii a healthy retreat, where they
’ could consult comfort and economy, nnd live both well, and
j cheaply, always within a day or two’s travel ol their planting
interests Advantages tike lltess most double tlo* income and
1 comfort of the Sontli-waiteru planter ,an I w t!d c UHcqient
ly moro than double the vain iof lin property. Hts. there! ore.
who resides in that region,and .vJiconsults retson and pru
deuce m hn trait sac lions .must feel a lively interest in the de
liberations of the Convention in q icstion.
Vo tinciti*s’is of Mv;Jinn.i Savannah and the great Rail
r iad i forests TOADACteJ .herewith, the enterprise his a still
greater importance. Tiie Boutli western Railroad, ilia first
year of is completion, would a*JJ fro in 40,000 to 60,000 bales
of cotton to the receipts at M icon and Savanmli, the ilonge,
transportation,profits, Ate., upon w hich would be realized by
our ciiizeiH. l'liis cotton would he sold fr something like a
million of J rllars, one Inlf of which would b* immediately
laid out for goods. On tin one hind, th < Central Railroad
would pocket something like $ 10,000 or $.)3,00d, per annum
or this cotton and return freights,and the merchants and deal
ers, if prudent, would realize corresponding profits. On the
other hand, the Macon and Western Road would profit large
ly by tho flights upon provisions, and the profits upon n
vastly increased travel to the mountains, in a word, all in
terests would be he, tie fit ted— the State Road would realize
h tndseinely, while the wealth and productions of the South
west and of the principal cities would be doubled, and the
Treasury replenished accordingly.
‘These results would follow it the road wore completed only
i limited distance, say 100 miles; hot and it were extended to
ilie hub >r of Peusuc ola. there is no calculating die resulting
profits of the enterprise. It would then necessarily become
the great t'norougbfart of travel between the north, the east,
mil the Gulf ports of Alabama, Lou isiana. Texas and Mexico
i’he distance between New () rieans and Vensatolu, MO miles,
can with proper steamers, be run in from 7 to 10 hours; from
Teusacoiulo Macon, 223 tni!es,hy Railroad, would require
say 12to 14 hours, and from Macau to Savannah, 190 miles,
10 to 12 hours, thence to New York by Ocean steamers, say
70 hours—making the entire trip from New York to New Or
leans, iu 4to days—a saving of about one-third of the
time now consumed iu miking the trip. This road, thereto: e,
■ would secure not only the large trade of au important r* gion.
but it wouid at oner draw into this channel the whole current
of Southern travel. These resul is are as apparent ns the sui.
in the heavens—they must follow the construction of the con
templated work, nnd, therefore, it must necessarily become
one of the best stocks iu the Union. It cannot be that a work
promising such results and such a return can fuii to elicit the
alt inti nos capitalists whose interests are to be directly ef
fected by its construction. Let us then have a large and en
thusiastic inrvting, not only o! delegates but of (1m Bouth wes
tern people at Americas on the 18th. i lie enterprise though a
great one, is nothing compared with whut has been accom
plished in Georgia within the lust ten years. It i- practicable
—it is leasible—it v* iil be acccmpliriied.
U* Mr. D. B. Nafew of Augusta, on the 22d inst. in a tit of
apoplexy, fell into the Savammh river and was drowned. Mr.
N. was formerly a respectable merchant in N*w York, hut hav
ing married the daughter of the Hon. John .Schley, lie remov- !
ed South, where he lias beer, icsidiug for the last ten or fifteen |
years.
Thomas Sully, Jr., an artist of celebrity, nnd son of the dis
tinguished artist of the same name, recently died at the Penn
nylvaaia Hospital.—Another evidence that gcuius and poverty j
are closely allied.
Democratic Candidate dr the Presidency.— The
Fleming (Ky.) Flag, (democratic.) Ims the following nt the
j head of itscolumns: —For President, in 1848, Silas Wright, of
! New Y'ark; for Vice President, General WilliamO. Butler, of j
Kentucky—subject to the decision of a Democratic National
j Convention.
Yot’so Rogers.—A friend haa requested us to enquire if
| it le possible that Gen.Sco't allowed the entire Mexican nr
j my to evacuate Vera Cruz, without making any provisi n for
j the delivery of tiiis gallant young * fficer, w ho was taken pris
oner while recounoitering the Castle ? If he did do so, lie
| certainly deserves lo be s> verely censured for the oversight.
Gen. Taylor’s Official Dispatches.— We lay before
our readers to day the interesting and important dispatch of
; General Taylor, giving *i detailed account of the battle of Rue
tin Vista. Even Mr. Ritchie, of the Washington Union, is con
strained to applaud it in the following language :
“The letter of Gen. Taylor is crowded with interesting de
tails of the battle of Buena Vista—accompanied hy a statement
of the force which won the victory ami h list of the killed and
‘wounded. This is the longest letter which has emnnatnd du
ring the campaign from its author. Ilia foil of the most stir
ring and brilliant detail*. No man can rend it without feeling
1 proud oft lie elory which ban been refle.-ted upon our arms, and
without anti< ipatine the deep moral impression which it will
nuke upon the eastern world. 1 1 commemorates an achieve
ment which is destined to live on the page us history
correspondence or the journal and messenger.
MILLEDGEVILLE, APRIL 28, 1847.
When shall the Whigs hold a convention to nominate n can
didate for Governor 7 This is a question often asked, hut to
which no general and satisfactory ra,ly In* been given. It is
time that the day for th convention should he designated ami
agreed upon. Many different days have been suggested by tin*
i Dem H-rnts for their convention, in different counties of the
State, hut ns yet there seems to he no *• harmonious” opinion
on the subject. The laical and y, however, suggested hy our I
opponents for their merting at Milledgeville, j* the second
Monday in July next. The Whig*, then,cannot mine an earli
er Jay Ilian the last mentioned, without incurring tho risk of
clashing with Democratic arrangements. It is accordingly
suggested, that the third Wednesday, the 21st sf July, be the
day ou which the Whig convention shall he held at Milledge
rillc, to nomiqnte a candidate for Governor. The farmers gen
erally—this being a backward season—will not, until about
that time, have “laid hy” their plows. The nomination of no
particular individual is hero recommended. I may have mv
preferences—you mav have yours. These preferences may
j differ; but, differing ever so widely, they will always yield to
I more important considerations.
I Tliase nominations hy both parlies, ure usually made too far j
la advance of the oWtipne. A canvass of from three to four J
month*, may socially and politically he well exchanged for ones
half the period. ‘The increased facilities of communication in
the State, would afford the fullest inquiry into the qualification* j
of those presented for office, nnd allow otnple time for the ex j
•wise of the leader mercies of the Press.
If th ! period above auggealed be agreeable to (lie oi'jirifv
•I the Whig*, ihe proper alt-pa ahonld at ana ha taken. In the
nomination af delegate* in the aereral cuunfie*. Ami witltn
view of haring the fuller! aapreaainn of public opinion, it nine
be proper that the Csnreiition all mi Id lie organiteij on the baeia
of representation preeioti* to the reduction of the member* of
both brnnchc* of the l.egialaturn.
Your good brethren of the Augunla Chronicle dceeren tvcll,
u* caterer* to the public taste, for their sditiiruhlv written eolo-
Ri'ints on the life and character of Hitting Cl Atr, Their in a
rein of froahnaaa and aiuceiitv running through their editorial
of the Slat instant, on “the neat Presidency,” which enn hard
ly fail to elicit general attention. If any aubjact can lairlv he
con*i derail inethauatihle among Whig*, it ia that which con
necla itaelf with the mime of Henry Clity. A* the man ol their
lor*—*• their gallant leader through an hundred ctinleata
the* are erer eager to hear aoiueiliing in relation to the object
of their political renoration. In connection with ihia idea, I I
uni ■ Initial tempted to turn prophet, and predict that Hr.ant
I'LIT -now in the BivraTT-rinar man or hi* cot—will be
found in the vnn to nominate ‘/ttHiiiT Tmon na the Whig
caudidele for rre.idenl in 181*—end that Ihe Whig* of the
Union, with ul ieu.-i a million of the “better pail ol Democia
cy, will seal their approbation of th# hero with their love for j
the patriarch and statesman. But it is thought—nnd Ido not
doubt if—that Gen. Taylor has already been Nominated by a
spontaneous and sympathetic convention of the hearts of the
People; and I do not doubt tint the heart of Henry Clay was
one of the first, a-* well *s one of the noblest, that swelled the
thronging multitude with its pure nnd lutiy impulses!
It is difficult to imagine how anything short of the deuth of
General Tuy lor cun prevent his being tlie next I'ieeident of the I
United States. But it would be no matter of surprise to the
people, if, in addition to all the blundering, Mumbling and
scheming of this unfortunate administration, an attempt to eon- |
tinue the trrtr should become the ruling motive of those des
perate politicians! They have no desire to henr the shouts .
that will rend the upper air on the return of the most extrnor- 1
din ny man of the age. They, whose motives for petting up
the it'ir were mingled with the most detestable party purposes,
hive no relish for its undreumpt of consequences. They feel
that
“ There is a divinity that shapes onr ends,
Hough hew them as we may”—
nnd the thought seems maddening instead of chastening in its
influence
You will have perceived by the Milledgevillc pnpers, that nix
companies of volunteers—one mounted und five infantry—have
been required of Georgia by the War Department, to serve
“for and during the war.” Is this an indication of peace ?
Yours,&c. A.
COMMUNICATED,
Messrs. Editors.—l take it for granted that tin* Americu s
(Convention is tube a business body—ilinl we shall meet iu
a< t ms well ns talk, arid that gentlemen will be present who
can give pome reasonable idea <•( the probable cost and in
come of the road when made. Would it not be well for the
fi icods of the enterprise to g<* * > the meeting prcpuied to ait
swer the following queries, viz :
I \V list amount of cotton is produced in each county ?
2. M hit propoi lion of it i* n *w sent to th*’ Gulf pints T
3 Wliat would l*e the probable increased production in
each county, provided the populuti mi and produce eould find
eusv access to uii Vtluulic mark- l ?
4. Wliat the usual diflVreuce of price in the Atlantic and
Gulf ports, and what the compa rutive expenses of rending the
Cotfo*i thence to a .Northern oi Foreign mari et ?
5. What amount of stock would probably be taken in each
county, ptovided it be made appaicut that the road will not
only grcatlv benefit the planters, blit realize u pr. fit of 7 per
Cent oti fhr money n quite*! to construct it ?
M> own opinion is that if the planters and capitalists of
the S'Jtllh-wcd will agree to grade the road and fnriiit-li the
superstructure, the ci te* of Macon, Savannah, and the Rail
road Companiea interested w ill provide I lie iron mid equip
meats —at least “hat they fail to do, Northern capiiaiLt* will
find it to their interest to act omplieh. HOUSTON.
HECEPriO.N OF MR. WEBSTER.
On Thursday, the. 22d day of April, 18*17, a number of the
citi/ens ol Macon, convened in the. Theatre, agreeable to pre- j
viuiis notice in the papers of the city, when the Hon. John J.
Gut sham, Mayor, wus called to the Chair, and A. P. Powers
appointed .Secretary 1 11** Chairman explain* #m a lew ap
pi* prime remarks, that the object ol the meeting was to invite
the Hon. Daniel vV luster to visit Macon, in his tour through
the South,and to make arrangements for Uis reception, when
J. 11. K. Washington, Esq., with suitable prefatory remarks,
submitted the following resolutions, which were seconded by
Dr. J HI. Green.
lit-solved. That the citizens of .Macon arc gratified to learn
tlnii the Hon. Daniel Webster, of Massachusetts, is now on a
visit to the £>outh—that in him we recognize a gentleman and a
statesman, whose refined courtesy and pre-eminent abilities,
have won for him the respect of the most civilized nations ol ,
the world, and as a fellow citizen, entitle Inin to our highest
regard.
That in respect to his great name, his high character, his
comprehensive patriotism, which “knows no local boundaries,
is hemmed in by no stale lines,” we extend to Mr. Webster]
an invitation to honor our city with a visit in the course of his ;
Sout'hern tour, and most cordially offer him our hospitalities.
That the Chairman appoint u Committee of Five, (of which
(ho Clmirtnun shall be one) to correspond with Air. Webster!
nnd others, ami a Committee ot Sixteen te make the necessary i
urraugemeMs lor the reception.
The Resolutions were then submitted by the Chairman to
the meeting and unanimously passed.
On the Committee of correspondence the Chairman appoint- 1
ed—James 11. R Washington, A. P. Powers, T. G. Holt, 11.
G. La tun r, J. J. Gresham.
Oti the Committee of Arrangements—Dr. Robt. Collins, W.
B. Johnston, James Dean, Jerry Cowles, John B. Ross, Isaac
G. Seymour, R. L. Atkinson, S. T. Chapman, Samuel J. Ray,
James A Nishel,George M. Logan, I*. E. Howdre, J. B. Ayres,
T. A. Brown, Dr. James M. Green, and Samuel R. Bluke.
On motion, the meeting then adjourned.
JOHN J. GRESHAM, Chm’n. j
A. P. Powers Sec’v.
Macon, April 22d, 1847.
RELIEF MEETING IN HOUSTON.
Pursuant to previous notice, a large meeting of the citizens
of Perry nod vicinity, was held in the Court House on Wednes
day evening the 21st inst., to adopt resolutions and devise some
concerted plan of action in reference to the relief of the Irish.
Dr. Win. 11. Townsend was called to the Chair, nnd Clifton E.
Blake appointed Secretary. The Chairman having slated the ob
ject oftiie meeting with a few remarks, concerning the propri- \
etv of vigorous measures in this matter, S. Dennurd, Esq., in- !
troduceu the following resolutions, which were enthusiastical
ly sustained bv eloquent remarks from Messrs. Win. 11. Cut
ter. J. E. Thompson, and S. D. Kitten, and afterwards unani
mously adapted by the meeting.
Resolved , Pint the impoverished and famishing condition of
the great mass of the Irish people calls loudly upon us tor im
mediate relief, and that while reposing in the lap of luxury,
and enjoying the bounties which we are constantly receiving
from a kind and beneficent Providence, we would not forget his
injunction lo u feed the hungry and clothe the naked,” and even
at this late period, would cheerfully extend to our Trans-at
luutic brethren our warmest sympathies und pledge ourselves
to contribute liberally of our substance to swell the exporta
tion oi money and provisions to this unfortunate people.
Resolved, That we rejoice to see the liberality of sentiment
which pervades the public mind in regard to the relief of Ire
land, an I the energy ami zeal displayed by our counirvmen
in alleviating the distresses of Ihedestitute in other lands. That
while our own resources are so abundant, we cannot remain
indifferent and ullow these golden opportunities to pass by un
improved, when starvation and despair are urging a devoted
people to madness. And in order to afford a certain and efii
cient means for carrying out the object of this meeting,and at
the same time, to hurmonize und concentrate our efforts, there
fore,
Resolved . That a committee of six be appointed to receive
nnd forward all contributions, which nmv be made for suffering
Ireland.
‘The following gentlemen were appointed on the Committee:
Messrs Wm. H. Townsend, Mann, Howell Cobh,
Wm. Tnlton, S. Dennard, nnd Alden Hall.
On motion, the Secretary was requested to furnish the minutes
of the proceedings to the Journal <y Messenger for publication.
The meeting theu udjourued.
WM. 11. TOWNSEND, Chr.i’n.
Clifton Blake, Sec'y.
WHIG .MEETING IN UPSON.
At n general meeting of the Whig party of Upson, held in the
ronrt house at Thomaston, on tire ‘2lst inst., Cap! Edward
Hallhway was culled to the chair, and P. VV. Alkurdeh
requested to net aa Secretary. Having disposed of some busi
nma relative to the approaching county elections, the follow
ing resolution whs offered hv Gen. Turner, and adopted;
Retoloed. That this meeting now appoint three delegates to
represent thi* county in a State Convention, to he holden at Mil
le.lgevijle at a future dsv, for the purpose of nominating a can
didate for Governor at the ensuing election.
Whereupon the following named gentlemen were appointed
bv the meeting, viz; Allen Me Walker, David 11. Grant, and
|\ W. Alexander, Evqrs.
The subjoined preamble nnd resolutions were then moved by
Mr. Alexander,accompanied with some remarks in commenda
tion ol the high chmacter and services of the parties refetred
to:
We are now engaged in a foreign war. Wherever the ene
my could he found, our noble army bus met him gallantly and
heroically. New lustre ha* been added to our country’s es
cutcheon on exci y battle held, whether in the valley of the Rio
Grande, on the In iglif* of Monterey,at the Pass of Buenn Vis
ta. or among tic sand cliff* of Vera’ Cruz. Be it, therefore,
Jtctolecd, That the Nation's gratitude is due our gallant
Army, both regular and volunteer, for its vast services during
the present war with Mexico; and especially to the immortal
Hero./. ACHary PaYLok. w hose calm and determined energy
at Palo Alla and Resara, whose skill and lofty hearing at Mon
terey, nnd whose trans< end int heroinn and unparalleled con
duct oil the glorious field of Buena Vista, Ims secured to him n
place in the heart* of his countrymen, and u lame wliii li can
know no death.
fle*oteed Thai we offer nur thanks and gratitude to the Hero
of l.'iudv’s Lane, the veteran Scott, whose skilful approaches
whose bravery and patience in the almost bloodless capture ot
the city ami castle of Vera Our., discovered a military genius
which ranks him with the ablest cuptnins of aocieul or modern
times.
Reso’ved, Timt our admiration and thanks are !ikewie due
to the gallant Worth, Wool, Twice,•, and others, for the
brilliant and essential services which they have rendered in
the achievement of the important victories which have crowned
our arms.
Reo/rrd, That, while there is every thing to make us ro
j i r m these achievements, there is also much to make our
hearts bleed over the fall of so many gallant spirits, especially
at Bn* nr Vi -la Our standard was home onward nnd upward’;
h it found that standard is entwined the iciUotc us well us the
tan rl.
R so’rrd, That we sympathise deeply with the friends of
111 isc who tell on that well fought field ; and especiullv that we
ten ‘er to the (great Shiftman of the llrtf the consolation of
our pr fouudesr sympathy for the overwhelming affliction he
has sustained in the loss of his son, the young and chivalrous
Hk.vry Cut, Jr. His loss is his country’s loss, and his sor
rows Ins country's sorrows. Severe have been the afilictieus
of his great heart, arid nohlyhnshe home them. He will die,
n lie h is lived, With the proud consolation of having devoted
not only himself, hut Ilia son nnd his all, to his own beloved
ciHiuln . Mntf hiereicard he rommennurate teilh hi* devotion !
The resolutions were passed with the greatest enthusiasm
o id iiunuiuiity.
On motion of Maj Cobb, it was further
Rfiohid. That the proceedings of (he meeting, as above
given, |,o published in the Journal Sf iMetteneer. the American
M7/r>. Mudthe Ckronte/c \ Sentinel, and that a copy of the
resolution* he c<nnuinnira*ed to Mr Clay.
Whereupon the meeting was adjourned tine die.
„ EDWARD HOLLOWAY, Chairman.
I • W. Ai vxa.ni>> a, Secretary.
(i J” Mot.a Auncut* will this day, at 11 o’clock, serve up
(gr,e>t Tn*tie Soup, in hfc most esqui-ilc tyle.
OHTLIAL DLSI’ATC J 1126.
GENERAL TAYLOR’S DETAILED REPORT OF THE
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA.
lIRADttUAKTLUS, AIIMY OF Oct IT VTIO.N, )
Agun Nuevu, March 6, IJJ-4 r. )
Sir—l have the honor to submit a detailed r port of the op
erations ol tlies lories under iny command which resulted ill
the engagement of Buena Vi.*iu. lh repuUc of the McaLul)
itruiv ami the re-occiipalion ol line position.
The information which reached me ol the advnnce nnd con
centration ol a lie..vy Mexican lorte in my from, hud assaun and
such a probable form, as to induce a special examination tar
beyond the reach ol ur pickets to ascertain its coTecuies#.
A email party ol Texan spun, under Mj McGullorh, des
patched to the Hacienda ol Eucu*riacion, JU mile* born tin 4,
on the route to Sail Luis Bi.losi, lu*J reported a cat airy loice
ol unknown strength at that place. On the 2Uth ot Ii binary u
: >trong leconnoisuuce under Lieut. ( 01. M *y won de.-j utclied
| to the Huciemla of llediondu, while Major Mi Cull, th made
another examination of Eiicarnucioii. the n soils ol these
• expeditious lellno doubt that the enemy was m large fine*- at
| Encaiiiaciou under the orders ol Gen. Suntu An .a, an l lint
he meditated a Ibrwuril inoveiiient und ullaek upon om pm. t.i n.
As the camp of Agon Nuevu could be hum and on eitm r Hank,
’ and as the enemy’s mice was greatly supenoi to om o n. par*
; ticulurlv n the arm of cavalry, 1 determined, utlei much cou
i .-id. ration, to take up u position about eleven miles in rear,
and there await the mtuck. The army broke up its camp ami
inarched at noon on the 21st, encamping *t ihe in vv position u
little in front ol the Hacienda ol Buenu \ ista. U itli a small
force 1 proceeded to Sullillo to make some necessary arrange*
j meuts lor the defence ol the town, leaving Brig. Gan. VV ooi in
: (he uinnediaie command ol the troops.
Before those hir.iugeiiients were completed on the morning
of the 22d, I was advised that the enemy was in .ght, udvi’ic
-1 mg. Upon reaching me ground it whs found that In.-* cavalry
advance whs in our front, having mure lied from Eucarnui ion,
j as we have since learned, at 11 o’clock, on the day previous,
! and driving in a mounted loice left ut Agua Nuevu to cover
tin* removal of public stores. Our troops wore in portion oc
cupying a line ol rein likable strength. The road at this point
• becomes a nurrow defile, lb - valley on its light being lemmrrd
1 qmta impracticable fur Hitiilery by u system ol deep und in
! passable gullies, while ell the lelf u sueceHi-iuu of rugged lidg*
es and precipitous ravines extends tar back towards tne moun
tain which bounds the valley. The features of the ground
I were such as nearly to paralyze the artillery and cavalry ol
1 the enemy, while hi* infantry eould not derive all the ad
vantage of its uuinericai supen >rily. In this position we pre
pared to receive him Capt. Washington's battery ( -4 1 h artil-
I lery) was posted to command the road, wliiUt the Ist and 2d
Illinois regiments under Cols. Huidin and Bissell, encli eight
; companies, (to the latter ot which was attached Capt. Conm r s
I company of Texas volunteers,) and the 2d Kentucky under
Col. McKee, occupied Ihe crest.-* of the ridges on llie left and
! in rear. The Arkansas and Kentucky regiments of cavalry
commanded by Cols. Yell and 11. Marshall, occupied the ex
i ire me left near the base of trie mountain; while tin* Indiana
i Brigade, under Brig. Gen Lane, (composed of the 2d and 2d
regiments under Cols Bowles and Lane,) the Mississippi rifle
men under Col. Davis, the tijuadrous of the Ist ami 2d din
goons under Capt. Steen and Lieut. Col. May, anil the light
batteries of Cnpts.Sliermun uud Bragg,3d artillery, were held
in reserve. At 11 o’clock I received from Gen. JS.iiita Anna a
summons to surrender ut discretion, which, with a copy of :ny
: reply, 1 have already transmitted. ‘l*he enemy still forbore his
I attack, evidently waiting lor llm arrival ol his rear columns
I which could be distinctly seen by our look-outs as they ap
proached the field. \ demonstration made on his left caused
1 me to detdcli the 2d Kentucky regiment und u section of artil
lery to our right, in which position they bivouacked for the
night. 1 n the mean time the Mexican light troops had engaged
j ours on the extreme left, (composed of ports of the Kentucky
! and Arkansas cavulry dismounted, und n rifle h iMnlliori fiom
: ihe Indianu brigade under .Vlaj. Gorman, the whole coinumnd
| ed by Col. Marshall.) and kept up a sharp fire, climbing the
I mountain side, and apparently endeavoring to gain our flank,
i Three pieces of L’upt. Washington's battery hud been detuch
j ed Vo the left, and were supported by the 2d Indiana regiment.
! An occasional shell was thrown by the enemy into this part
of out line but without effect. ‘The skirmishing of the light
j troops was kppt up with trifling loss oil our part until dark,
when 1 became convinced that no serious attack would be
j made before the morning and returned with the Mississippi
regiment and squadron of 2d Dragoons to Saltillo. The troops
bivouacked without tires, and laid upon their arms. A body
of cavulry, some I,SUU strong, had been visible all day in rear
of the town, having entered the valley through a narrow pass
cast of the city. This cavalry, commanded by Gen. Minon,
: had evidently been thrown in our rear to breuk up and liarruas
our retreat, and perhaps make some attempt against the town
lif practicable. The city was occupied by lour excellent com
iment A field work, which commanded most of the approach-
I es, was garrisoned by Capt. Webster’s company, Ist artillery,
and armed wiih two 24 pound howitzers, while the train and
headquarter cuinp wus guarded by two companies Mississippi
riflemen under Capt. Rogers, and a field-niece commanded by
Capt. Shaver, 3d artillery. Having made these dispositions
for the protection of the rear, 1 proceeded on the morning of
the 23d to Buena Vista, ordering forward all the available
troops. The action had commenced before my arrival on the
i field.
During the evening and night of the 22d the enemy had
! thrown a body of light troops on the mountain side, with the
purpose of outflanking our left; and it was here that the action
:of the 23d commenced at an early hour. Our riflemen, under
I Col. Marshall, who had been reinforced by three companies
under Major Trail, 2d Illinois volunteers, maintained th* ir
! ground handsomely against u greatly superior force, holding
themselves undercover, and using their weapons with deadly
effect. About 8 o'clock a strong demonstration was made
against the centre of our position, a heavy column moving along
the road. ‘This force was soon dispersed bv a few rapid and
well directed shots from Capt. Washington s battery. In the
I ineuntime the enemy was concentrating a large force of Infan
I try and cavalry under cover of the ridges, with the obvious in
i tention of forcing our left, which was posted on an extensive
plateau. The 2d Indiana and 2d Illinois regiments formed
this part of our line, the former covering three pieces of light
l artillery, under the orders of Capt. ( f’Brien—Brig. Gen. Lane
being in the immediate command. Inoiderto bring his men
within effective range, Gen. Lane ordered the artillery and 2d
Indiana regiment forward. The artillery advanced within
musket range of a heavy body of Mexican infantry, end was
| served against it with great effect, but without being able to
check its advance. The infantry ordered to its support hud
fallen back in disorder, being exposed, as well as the battery,
not only to a severe fire of small arms from tlie front, hut al.-o
to a murderous cross fire of grape and ca lister from a Mexican
battery on the. left. Capt. O’Brien found it impossible to re
-1 tain his position without support, but was only able to w ithdruw
two of Ids pieces, all the horses and cannoners of the third piece
j being killed or disabled. The 2d Indiana regiment, which had
fallen back as stated, could not be rallied, and took no further
part in ihe action, except a handful of men, who, under it** gal
lant Colonel. Bowles,joined the Mississippi regiment, nnd did
good service, and those fugitives who, at a later period in the
day,assisted in defending the train and depot at Buena Vista.
This portion ol our line having given way, and the enemy ap
pearing in overwhelming force against our left flank the light
troops which had rendered such good service on thi moun
tains. were compelled to witluliow, which they )i I for the most
part, in good order. Many, however, were not rallied until
they reached the depot at Buena Vista, to the defence ofwliii h
\ tbv afterwuids contributed.
Col. Biased's regiment,(2il Illinois,) which had been joined
hv u section of Capt. Sherman’s batierv, had become complete
ly outflanked,ami was compelled to tall back being entirely
unsupported. ‘The enemy was now pouring tua . ses of infantry
and cavalry along the base of the mountain on our left, and
was gaining our rear in greut torce. At this moment I arrived
upon the field. ‘The Mississippi regiment hud been directed
to tbe leit before reaching the position, and immediately came
into action against the Mexican infantry winch had turned our
flank. ‘The 2d Kentucky regimnet Hiid a section of aitillery
under Capt. Brag", hud previously been ordered from the light
to reinforce our left, and arrived at a most opportune moment.
That regiment, and a portion ol the Ist Illinois under Col. Har
din, gallantly drove the enemy, and recovered a portion of ihe
ground we had lost. The bait* lies of Captains Sherman and
Bragg were in position on tbe plateau, and did much execution
uot only in front, hot particularly upon the masses, w hi* h had
gained our rear Discovering that the enemy was lieuvilv
pressing upon the Mississippi regiment, the third Indiana regi
ment, under (’ol I.ane, wih despatched 10 strengthen that pun
ol our line, which formed a crotchet perpendicular to ih* first
line of battle. At the same time, Lieut Kilburn, with a piece of
Capt. Biagg’s battery, wasdirected to support the infantry there
engaged. The action was fora long time wanuly sustained nt
that point, the enemv making several effnitsboth with infantry
and cavalry against our line, and being always repulsed will)
heavy loss. I had placed all the regular cavalry und (’apt.
Bike s squadron of Arkansas horse umler the orders of Brevet
Lieut. Col. Mav, with directions to hold iu check the eunruy'a
col 11 inn, still advancing to ilia rear along 1 lie I use ol the mouu
t iin, which was done in conjunction vviiu the Kentm kv and Ar
kansas cavalry under Col* Marshall and Yell In the mean
time our left, winch was still strongly threatened by a superior
lone, was further sticngtheued by a detachment of (.’apt. Bi ugg’s
und a portion of Cap 4 . Sherman's batteries, to tint quarter.—
The concentration oi artillery fire upon the masses of the ene
my along ihe base of the mountain, and the determined resist
ance offered bv the two regiments opposed to them,had created
, confusion in their ranks, and some of the conis attempted to ef
fect u retrrnt upon the main linn of battle. The squndiou of the
Ist dragoons, under Lieut. Rucker, was now ordered up the
deep ravine whicu these retreating corps were endeavoring to
cross, in order to charge and disperse them. Tbs squadron pro
ceeded jo the point indicated, hut could not accompli*!) the •
I jeel, being exposed i > s heavy fire from n battery established to
caver ih- re 1 rear of these corps. While the squadron ivqs i!e
>oc!i and on this service, a large body of the enem v was ohs *rvi J
I to concentrate on our extreme led apparently with the view of
making a descent upon the hacienda of Biu na Vista, where our
train and baggage were deposited. Lieut. Col May wun order
ed to the support of that point, with two piece 4 of Cap!. Sher
man's battery under Lieut. Reynolds. In the meantime the
scattered forces near the liaciendi, composed 111 part of Mnjnrs
Tiuil and Gorman's commands, bad be 11 to some extent organ
iz**d under the advice ol Major Monroe, elite! of urlillerv, with
ilie assistance ol .M*vjor Moriison, volunteer stuff, and were po-l
ed to defend llm position. Refine our cavalry had reached the
liacienda, tli t of the enemy bud made us attack, having been
handsomely uni by ilia Kentucky an I Ark ilisas c inlrv uinbr
Lois. Mandrill and \ ell. The M* xi* , uii column imin ((lately
div i(f* and, om* portion sweeping by tin-d* pot, where it received 1
drslriictivc fire fruin the fi r* u wlikli had cullecicd iliere. nnd
ilien gaming the timunt iin uppo-itc, under a lire from Lt. Reyn,
old s s ctioii, the rein.lining puriioii regaining th bass* id the
mountain on our left. 1 11 the * barge at Bn un Vista, Cos! \ !|
fell gallantly at the bead of his regiment; we also lost \dj’l,
V uugliriu ol the Kentm-H v ravali y. a \ oiiiig officer ofmucii put n
in Lieut. (. |, May, ivho had bc.-n rejoined by the eqnadnui
ol ill*’ Ist drag**, ni am! by portions of the Arkansas and I ndLuin
troops under Lie til. Col. Rmino nud Maj. Gorinaii. nmv up.
nroitcho'l the base of the mountain, holding in check the tight
llnuk *1 tiie ennuy, upon whose manse*, crowd**! iu the narrow
gorges and ravines, our artillery was doing feaiful execution
I he position of that poition ot the Mexican army wh.ch hud
gained oqrrear was now very critical, nn,l it seemed doubtful
w hether it could regain the main body. At this moment | ,r
----*:ried frfitn Gen Sanli Annan message bv a staff officer, desi.
rini! to know what I wanted ? I immediately despatched |tjg
Den. Wool to theMexicuii geurr il*iu chief, nnd sent order* to
cease firing. Upon touching Ilia Mexican liner, Gen \\ u and
could not eausa tho enemy to cease their fine, and ncconli n:lv
returned without having su interview. The extreme riwlit of
the in toy continued its ulri it along fhch e oftltc mo inf.iin.
and h i illy, ill spile ol <iil our’ cflbl Is, t fl.-i ted nJunction wnluk
remainder ul ihe urniv. ‘ 1(5
1) iring the da\, the cavalry of Gen Minon had ascended ?’
•legated plain above .'Saltillo, and occupied llm road Irun, o
city to t!ic field of mule, where they intercepted several ~f ~
men. Approaching the town,they were fiteti upon hv Ca.,, r
Webster from ill-* redoubt occupied by his company, H n,|* ( j^J ll
in ived ofl’ towards Ihe easieru Mile of tile valley, iiiidobimi V
t w ird Buena Vi*ta. At this time, Capt Sho-cr movi’d i,,,” -V
Iv linward with bis piece, suppoiied by a mi <-* Ilaii-ou h , ‘ *
maud ol mounted \ olunleer*, and fired e> era I shots m j| lt , u,n *
aliv with great elle t. They were driven into th mines
led to the lower v.illev, oloselv pursued by Capt. Shoier u l
was further supported by a piece of Capi M ohaier’s *
under Lieut. Doinifiison, w hicli bad advanced from the re ,| ,- v *
supported by Capt. Wheeler’s compniiv Illinois v-nlnn,,.*.,**
I'lio eue.ny made one or two eft'ut-* to ch irgn ilia nniller\ I
was finally driven back iu u confused mass, und did tmt‘a\. “ l
appear upon the plain. 1,1
1 i the meantime, the firing find piitinlly censrd upon tl
piiticip-il field. Tin* enemy seemed to confine hi- eftbu*
ihe protection of hi- urlillerv, und I had left the plateau fi> °
moment, when I was recalled thither hv a verv licav v mu k U
ry lire On regaining that position, I diseoveied that OU| •
i intiy (Illinois and 2d Kentucky) had engaged n girailv ,ll *
peri r force til the enemy— evid* nil v his resenes Mn ,j J ll1 *
ihey hul been ovei w heluuul ly iiumhers. The luoiuet t J
mmi critical. Ci.pt. O’Brien,’with two pieces, hid
ilns heavy charge to the last,and whs finallv obliged j () | fl u
Ids gnus on the field—his infantry euppmt being entirely r *!' VH
ed. Capt. Bragg, who had just arrived film, the Ufi, W||ji ‘*
dered >•! om e into batierv. VN ilhotit an\ iii'anii v t,. Pu ,, n(l ’
Imi), and at th** imminent ri-k of losing his guns, this „fs ( .
came rnpidiv into iu li*.n, the Mexican line being but ~ ,/ r
yards from Ihe n zzle ul his pieces. The first dischaigi* ‘r
e.uniM i cii'i.nl the enemy to hesitate, the second n.t ||i°|
drove him hack in dismder,nnd saved the day. The 2d K,/’
lucky regiment, whi h It ol u Ivance.l bevou 1 aun.iorting ( |h*
tiuicein this it flair, was driven back and closely pressed |,v t| it .
enemy’s cavalry. Tiding u invine whu ll led in the ifirectiol
of'Capt. Washington’s bulimy, their pursuers became ex]m*fd
to his fire, which soon checked and Prjve th> iu b u k with |
In the meun time the rest of our artillery hud taken position o
the plateau,coveted by the Mississippi and 3d Indiona reg!l
uieniH, the former of which Imd reach ’d the ground in j me
pour a fire into die right flank of the enemv, nnd thus enntrih
•ite to his repulse. In this Instconfli t ive !uol tbe mi>r.
to sustain a verv heavy loss. (Tol. Hardin, Dt lU| ,
i **d. Mi K- •, and Lieut. Col. Clay, 2d K -ntm-k v regj.,,
fell at this time while gallnntlv heading their cootmauds. ‘
No further attempt was made by the enemy to for
sition, and the approach of night gave nil opportunity t,, ~n v ’
prop* r attention to the wounded, and also to refresh’t|| o hn j
dieis, who had been exhausted, by incessant w u ! fulne,- ~,,.1
cornbnt. Though the night was severely cold, the troops lV s r
compelled lor the most to hivouark, without fn• s , r
that morning would renew th* conflict. During th** u • \,C
wounded were removed to Saltillo, andev. rv pr**parat (
receive the en ‘iny should he 11:1111) attack our position. S,
fresh roinpanies were drawn from Ihe town, and ltii<r ‘
Marshall, who had made a forced march from the fiin'o i i.j !
with a leinfon enuiit of Kentucky cavalrv and I hr,, vv
under (’apt. Prentiss, Ist artillery, whs o**ar at hand, *.vfi,.,, ,J
was discovered that the enemy had abaudotied bis positio.i d u .
ring the night. Our scjuts soon ascertained that he hud #Hllen
hack upon Agua Nueva. Tbe great dispsritv of numbers, nnd
the exhaustion of our troops, rendered it i (expedient und hag.
urdouct to attempt pursuit. A staff other was despatched |q
Gen. Santa Anna to negotiate an exchange of prisoners, wliitli
was satisfactorily completed on the following day. Our own
dead were collected ami buried, nud the Mexican wounded 0 f
which a large number had been left upon the field, were re
moved to Saltillo, and rendered as comfortable as circumstan
ce* would permit.
On the evening of the 26th. a do*e reennnoissatnee wag made
f*b enemy’s position, which was found to he oc upied only
f*y a -on ill body of cavalry, the infantry and artillery b„ M „ t
retreated in ihe direction ot San Lui- Potosi. On the 27tli
our troops resumed their former camp ui Agua Nueva the
enemy’s rear-guard evacuating the place as we approached
leaving a considerable number of wounded. It was mv pur
pose to beat up his quarters at Enearnncion tnrlv the uexi
morning, hut upon examination, the weak condition of the csv
alrv horses rendered it unadvisable to attempt so longu march
without water. A command was finally despatched to Kncar
nacion on the Ist of March, under Col.’ Belknap. Some two
hundred wounded, and about sixty Mexican soldiers were found
there, the armv having passed 01 in the direction of Matelma
la, with greatly reduced numbers, and suffering much from
hunger. The dead and dying wen- strewed upon the road
und crowded the buildings of the hacienda.
The American force engaged in ihe action of Buena Vista ij
shown, by the accompanying field report, to have been 334 of
ficers, and 4,423 men, exclusive of thou mi II command left in
anil near Saltillo. Os this number, two squadrons of cavalrv
and three batteries ofligiil a.tiilerv, making oof more than 453
men, composed the only force of regular troops. ‘The strength
of the Mexican army is stated by Geu. Santa Anna, in oil
summons, to he 20,000; und that estimate is confirmed bv nil
tbe information since obtained. Our loss is 267 killed, 431
wounded, and 23 missing. Os the numerous wounded, many
did not require removal to the hospital, and it is hoped that a
comparatively small number will be permanently disabled.
The Mexicali loss in killed ami wounded may be fairly estima
ted at 1,500, and will probably reach 2,000. At least 500 of
their killed were left upon tbe field of battle. We have no
means of ascertaining the number of deserters and dispersed
men from their ranks,but it is known to be. very gn at.
Onr loss has been especially seve e in . fficers, twenty eight
having been killed upon the field. We have to lament the
deuth of C. pt. George Lincoln, assisfaul adjutant general, serv
ing oil the staff ol Gen. Wool—a youu? officer of high hearing
and approved gallantry, who fell early in the action. No ios*
fulls more heavily upon Ihe armv in the field than ihatofCoi*.
Il irdm and McKee, and Lieut Col. Clay. Possessing in *i re
markable decree the confidence ol their commands, uud tbe
last two having enjoyed the advantage of u military educatiuo,
I had looked particularly to them for-support in case we met
the enemy- I nee.l not say that iheirzeui in engaging the en
emy, and the cool and steadfast courage with which thev
maintained their positions during the day fully realized my
hopes; und caused me to feel yet more sensibly their uuitinejv
loss.
I perform a grateful duty in bringing to the notice of the gov
ernment the general good conduct of (he troops. Exposed
for successive nights without fires to the severity of the weath
er, they were ever prompt uud cheerful in the disc haige of ev
ery dutv, and finully displayed Conspicuous steudiness aud
gallantry iu repulsing at gre.it odds a disciplined loe. While
the brilliant success achieved by their arm> releases me frrnn
the, p (infill necessity of epe* itying utanv rases of had conduct
before ihe enemy, I feel an increased obligation to luenliit
particular corps and officers, w hose skill, coolness, and gal
lantry in trying situations aud under u continued und hiavy
fire, seem to merit parlicnlar notice.
To Brigadier U* 11. Wool mv obligations are especiullv duL
The high sla e ol discipline uud instruction of several ol ill
volunteer regiments whs attained under his command and 10
li s vigilance and arduous set vices before tiie action, and ini
gallantly and activity on the field, a la*ge share o- niirsmcMi
may be justly attributed. During most of tin* engagement he
whs id immediate command ol the troops thrown hack on our
left flank. I beg leave io recommend him to the favorable no
tice of ihe Government. Brig. G n. Lane (siigiulv woundedJ
was active and zealous throughout tbe day, and displayed 1
great coolness ami gallantry before the enemy.
The services of the light artillery,always conspicuous, were
more than usually distinguished*. Moving lapully over the
roughest ground, it was alw.tyn in action at the right pla*
and tbe igbt lime, mid its well difeclcd fire dealt destiU'-l*
in the tnassce of the enemy While I recommend to panica
la lavo) the gallant conduct ami valuable services ol Major
, Munroe, chief of artillery, and Captain* Washington. 4(1) •
til lery, and Sherman and Bragg 3d artillery, enmiusid ng bat
, teries—l deem it no more than just to mention nil the suhalim
officers. They were nearly all detached at different lime-*, aud
in every situation exhibited conspicuous skill and gallantry
Ua,*t. O’Brien, Lieu la. Brent, Waiting and Couch, 4 1 li aitille
rv, and Bryan, topngraphical engineers, (slightly vvonndfdj
;wt re attnehed to (’a|)t. Wu-hing 1 n’s battery. Lieuls. Tho
as, Re v riolds and French, 3d artillery, (severely wound* ri.l N
that of ('apt. Sherman ; and Gapt. Sbover and Lieut Kilbura.
3d artillery, to th.it ol Capt. Bragg. Cupt. Sliover, 111 conjunc
tion with Lieut. Donaldson, Ist artillery, rendered gaUntil and
important service in repuls ng the cavalry ofGen.Minn-
The regular cavalry, under Lieut. Col. .May, with which**
ass *eiated Capt. Bike’s gqitauron of Arkansas horse, readrrrd
useful service in holding the enemy in check and in cowiaf
the luitteiies nt several points, ('apt. Steen, Ist dragoons,**•
severely Wounded early in the day, while gallantry endeavor
ing, wi:h my uutliority, to rally the troopi which were ftilliaf
to th** rear.
The Mississippi riflemen, under Col. Davis, were highly
] conspicuous for their gallantry nnd steadiness, nnd sustain*!
j throughout the engagement the reputation ot veteran 11 oop.
Brought into action against nn immensely superior loice, they
maintained themselves lor a long time unsupported and “ifi l
heavy loss, end held an important part of the field until n *
forced. Col. Davis, though severely wounded, remained iuib*
j saddle until t ha close ol the action. His distinguished cool*
ness nud gallantry at the head of his regiment on this dny *+
(ille him to the pmticular notice of Ihe Government. The 3d
Indiana regiment, under Col. I.ane,and a fragment of th# ‘A
umler ml. Bowles, were associated with the Mississippi rtf**
1 tiient during the greater portion of the day, and acquitted iheni
sehes creditably in repulsing the attempts of ihecnrnu W
; bisak that portion of our line. ‘The Kentucky cavalry, un<l®
Col Marshall, rendered good service dismounted, acting**
‘il** (coups on our Jell, and afterwards, with a portion of lh*
Arkansas regiment, in meeting and dispersin'’ the colnm#**
mivnlry at Bue-i 1 Vista. The Ist and 2d Illinois, and ill®
Kentucky regiment*, served immediately under my eye, and I
J bear a willing testimony to their excellent conduct throa|h*“(
the day. The spirit and gallantry with w Inch the Ist 111 .noi*
and 2<! Kentucky eng eged the enemv in the morning, reslotw
cpnfnb'nce to lliul pail of the field, while tiie list of caaiudw*
will show how much ihes.i three regiments suffered in
mg (lie heavy ch trge of the enemy ia the afternoon. ('•| , (*®
’ pane of Trial volu ite . , attnchid to III* - 1
I linois regiment, (ought bravely, 1 1av captain being wounded * n< !
two subaltern* killed. Col. tti*e||, the unlv surviving ('"lv
nel ol these regiments, merits notice for his coolness and la***’
ry on lliism cNsion. After the full of the field officers of ih*
j Is’. lilih-im sud 2d Kntucky regiments, ti e command of (h*
former devolved upon Lieut. Col. We u t her ford; (but c f tl)*
latier upon M *j. Frv.
Regmi'idol coinmtimler* and others wlu have retnlered J*
P *rts, spe ik in general terms ol the good conduct of llieu “and:
com and men, and have speci *cd many inline#, but ill* 4
of Him report forbid a recapitulation of them heie. I i""?*
lowtver, 1 1 *n 1 ion Lieut a. liuekefaud Cauipbelltof the dra*
and (!ipt. Bike, Arkun* cavalrv. annouandinK e*|ufd-
I ro-i-; Lieut (*,| Field. Kentucky cavalry ; Lieut. Col. K*‘
\rkan i i-avalrv, upon wit* *n ilie emu mind devolved •K #r
I 'lie hill of Cob Yell, \|fij. Bradford. (!*pr. Sharp-*, (s -vereh
w i'in.led ) an l \ Ijoi nil Griffith, regimen', L*eub
Ii <!. ILi dd in, 2d Indian 1 regiiueot, Lieut Robinson, A !*• (
to Gen Line; Limit. Col. Weath?rfor*l. It Illinois regins'MG
l.ii'iit, (,'nl Mumimoii, Mnj Trail,and AdjulHUt Wiiite 4 id''-
j v. rdy wontided ) 2*l Illinois regiment; an I M .j Fry 2d K*’" 4
1 f'jckv r**g uneut, a- Icing fuvnruWl v m*lic and *nr gaHantr’
■ goo I conduct. Msj >|. Culli eh, qu utermaeter in the vnlun*
j taer servi**e, retiden and nuporiMiii service* before the e"g"*'“
1 men*, in th* Command ot h *qiv compar. v, und during die sfla r (
I wa--soeiafed with the regular c-ivilrv. I*. M J Wsr)®!'.
’ l*f Illinois volunteers. I feel much indebted for hie fiini rt"”
i*idi<-ious coiiroe. while exercising coiiiinaml in the city *d *
Idln.
I lie me.licitl els ft, under the able direction of’As-islwnl
. bi'i llucbctieli, w < f •;■iidneii •>• itt ef{* n ft* fhr v** ti**• e