Newspaper Page Text
From the N. O. Bulletin.
DESPATCH OF GKM]RAL ARISTA.
From the Boletin dr la Division del Norte,
published at Matomoro* on the 14th of May, we
translate thtf following official document rela
tive lo.lho battle of Palo Alto, on the 8th uit:
Northern Division.
. Gtntrat-in-Chief.-— Constantin my purpose
B of preventing General Taylor from effecting a
junction between the forces he was taking from
{Santa Isabel and those which he leftnt thofor-
tificatiorts opposite Mala more*, I set off to-day
from the Tanqucs del Ramireno, from which
place I addressed to your Excellency my last
despatch, as I marched towards Palo Alto as
soon as my spies informed me that the enemy
had left Santa Isnble determined to introduce
in«o their fortifications a number of wngons
loaded with provisions and artillery.
I arrived opposite Palo /lfro a bout 1 o’clock,
r. m , nnd saw that the enemy was entering
thu place. With all the forces I had I procee
ded to form my lino of battle on a large plain;
a woody elevation supporting my right flank,
with n quagmire on the left, diflicult of pene
tration. Sc ireely had we fired our first gun,
v cornu l rnninvni/inrin f . 1
when the second commandcr.in-chief, Geneiaj
Don Pedro Amputhn arrived; as I had warn
ed him to join mo as soon as he had well rein
forced the several points which were necessary
to bes’oge the enemy’s troops that were left in
the fortification opposite Matnmoros.
The forces under my command were 3000
men and 12 pieces of nrtillory; those of the in
vaders were 3000 men, or a trifle less, and n
superior forco of artilie/y, as they numbered
20 pieces of 16 uud 18 pounders.
The battle commenced with such ardor that
the firing of cannon did not cease fur a mom
ent, during which tho enemy endeavored to
follow their course towards Matamoros, in or
der to suspond the siege of their troops ut the
fortification, and with such object they set fire
to shrubbery and grass, so os to form opposite
their lino u thick smoke by which they succeed
ed in hiding themselves from our view; but 1
through necessary operations, defeated their
object on two different occasions.
General Taylor maintained his attack more
us a defensive than an offensive one, using
chiefly tho best pait of his forces—the artille
ry, protected by one half of his infantry and
all of Ins cavalry; preserving the rest to for
tify the turf, at a distance of about two thou
sand yards from the battle field.
1 was anxious to make a charge on the ene
my, because the cannon balls caused great loss
on our files, and I ordered Gen. Don Anasta-
nio Torrejon to execute it wi h the greater part
of thu cavalry, ou our left ’flank, in order to
give tho charge at the same time with thu in
fantry and the rest of the cavalry on the right
flank.
I was waiting tho moment in which General
Torrejon 6hould commence the charg?, and
that thu enemy should begin to fee I its effect,
in order togivo tho impulse on the right; but
tho effort was checked by a countermoveincnt
of a portion of tiio enemy’s force that defended
a marsh, which prevented the attack.
Some of our companies were impatient on
account o( the loss wo had suffered, and they
commenced to get out of order, asking that I
should givo the command to advance ul once,
or retreat. At such n moment, I ordered a
column of cavalry, under command of Col.
Don Ca3'clano Montero, to charge with the
view that the parties thrown out of order should
resume their position, and in all possible man.
. ner march ou the enemy, who, owing to the
great distance at which they stood, had time
v ‘ l“-U hack ou thcrescrvc:,ar.d niuhr nonroach.
iug last, flic uattfc coded, and we remained
masters of tbe fluid.
After this result, every measure necessary
to the circumstances was taken, and our divi
sion encamped on a more coucontrated ground
in the same battle field.
The combat was a Fong and bloody one,
which may be belter explained by the calcula
tion of the commander-in-chief of nrtiilery, Gen.
Don 1 homns licqucna, who assures me that
the enemy fired over 3000 cannon shot, from
2 to 7 o’clock, p. m., (at which hour tho bat-
tie terminated) and our artillery fired about
C50 shot.
Our arms wore supported with honor to tho
nation, as we did not yield an inch of ground.
NotUrith^tanding the superiority of the cocm3’’s
artillciy the3' suffered great loss.
Our troops had tho misfortune of losing 252
men in this battle, among dead, wounded and
dispersed. Those that lost ihcir lives in de
fence oj the most just and holy of causes, aro
worthy of a national remembrance of gratitude
for their bravery and valor.
A our Excellency will oblige me by giving
notice with tho foregoing account, to His Ex
cellency, the President, stating that I will
take care to give u full nnd detailed despatch
ol this bailie, and at the same time recommend
the ralliunt conduct of all the Generals, Chiefs,
Officers, nnd men that aro under my charge,
for they sustained tho blood}* combat in a man
ner u Inch honors our nation, and shows the
.discipline and fine order ofour troops
I’ieosc admit the assurances of my
ration, etc.
Nod and Liberty! General Quarters at
Palo Alto, opposite thb enemy’s camp, May
bill, 181(1, ut 11 o’clock, p. m.
[Signed) MARIANO ARISTA.
To In’s
Marine.
Besides, the mo£t of you are Europeans, and
we nre the declared "jriends of a majority^ of
the nations of Europe. The North Americans
are ambitious, overhearing, and insolent, as a
nation, ami they will only make use of you as
vile tools to carry out their abominable plans of
pillage and rapine.
1 warn you in '.lie name of justice, honor, and
your own interests and self-respect to abandon
their desperate and unholy cause, and become
peaceful Mexican citizens. I guarantee you,
in such case, a half section of land, or 320 acres,
to settle upon, gratis. 'Be wise, then, and just,
and honorable, and take no part in murdering
us who have no unkind feelings for you.—
Lands shall be given to officers, sargeants and
corporals according to rank, privates receiving
320 acres, as slated.
If in time of action you wish to espouse our
cau?e, throw away your arms and run to us,
and we will embrace you as true friends and
Christians. It is not decent nor prudent to say
more. But should any of you render any im
portant 3crvice to Mexico, you shall according
ly be considered and preferred.
M. ARISTA,
Commander-in-chief of the Mexican army.
Zt)t (£eorfii3 EdcflrniJfj.
MACON. TUESDAY MORNING. JULY 7, 1S4C.
my conride-
Excellency Ihu Minister of War and
Gtn. Arista's advice to the soldiers of the Uni
ted States army.
llUAUQCARTERS AT MaTAMORAS,
April 20, 184G.
Soi.mr.Rs! You have enlisted in time of
|icacu to servo in that army for a specific term;
but your obligations never implied that }’ou
were bound to viol itc the laws of God, un<l tho
most sacred rights of friends! Tho United
States Government, contrary to tho wishes of
a majority of all honest and honorablo Ameri
cans, has ordered you to, lake forcible possess
ion of tho teiritory of a friendly neighbor, who
has never givon her consent to such occupation.
Ill other words, while die treaty of ncaco and
commerce between Mexico and the U. S. is in
full force, tlio United States, presuming on her
.Mrcrgih and prosperity, and on our supposed
imbecility and cownrdic”, attempts to make you
the blind instruments of her unholy and mad
ambition, nnd forces 3011 to appear ns ihc hate
ful robbers of our dear home?, and the unpro
voked violators of our < unrest feelings as men
mid patriots. Such villainy nnd outrage, 1
know, is perfectly repugnant to tho noble sen
timents ol any gentleman, and ;t is base and
foul to rush jo 1 on to certain death, in order
to aggrandize a lew lawless individuals, in defi-
■uce of the laws of God and man ! It is to no
purpose if they tell you that tfac law for the an
nexation of T<.\ .s j istifiei your occupation of
tho Rio Bravo del Norte; i r by this act they
rob US ofjn great pa; 1 • •!' l\r:iituitpt/s, Ctuihui-
"We extract the following interesting table
from the Washington Union, it will bo valu
able as a table of reference.
National Military route from Matamoros tj
Monterey and Saltillo, Mexican Republic.
Wo publish with great pleasure, the follow,
ing description of the national route towards the
city of Mex co. It is drawn up by a gentleman
who is perfectly familiar with the localities ho
mentions:
From Montanraros to Gaudnlupe village.—
This village contains about 200 souls; herds
men and farmers, grazing and water abundant
—3 leagues.
From Guadalupe to the Rancho Ensenada
—wood, water, and pasture, good—7 leagues.
From Ensenada to the Village of Reynoa,
situated on a high rocky hill; has 2,000 souls,
mostly herdsmen of black cattle.—S leagues.
To Las Morrillos Rancho—of cattle, wood,
water, ondgrazing fine—3 leagues.
To Reyuosa Viego—500 souls; com and
stock farms—3 leagues.
To Tipiaquaje farm. To the right hand
road, two miles off, is a village called Las Cu-
ovas, of 200 souls; has abundance of corn,
meat ond water—5 leagues.
To Camirgo, village of 3,000 souls, on the
St. John’s river, one mile from the mouth that
empties into the Rio Grande—5 leagues.
Hero the road continues on the other side of
St. John’s liver, which is 150 yards wide, has
10 feet of water at its mouth, bank steep, they
ferry across'Tu flat boats. Steamboats can as
cend up to this, and some three leagues above,
from Matamoros, not to draw over 6 feet of
water, on accout of bars, tb«re is considera
ble trade here in cattle from the neighboring
ranchos; there is a ford some forty miles up
stream, but very boggy nnd bad.
To El Guardado, village of500 souls; good
road, good pasture, well-stocked; wood and
water—3 leagues.
ToMicr, village of 800 souls; everything
scarce. From Matamoros to this you are ne
ver 1A miles from the Rio Grande; but now
leave the river nearly a west course—6 leagues.
To Passa La Pluquacho river, which is un
inhabited—the river about 40 feet wide, but
deep and muddy; good pasture—7 leagues.
To Aqua Lejos. village of 1,500 inhabit
ants ; abundance of all things necessary—five
leagues.
To Scralvo, village of 1,200 souls; wood,
water naatun*. nnd nfovisions abundant—hero
are several silver mines, badly worked—six
leagues.
To C./iiso, a ranchito of 100 souls; wood,
water ond pasture—3 leagues.
To Papa Gallos Rancho, 100 souls ; meat
and corn, wood and water—7 leagues.
To Ramos Rancho, 100 souls; meat and
corn, wood and water—4 leagues.
To Aqua Frio, village of 400 souls; good
pasture—8 leagues.
To Marine, village of 1,000 souls; abund
ance—5 leagues.
To Montery city, 12,000 souls—8 leagues.
This last eight leagues has many ranchos and
sugar-cano farms on and off the road. A fine
stream of pure mountain water runs through
the city; well paved streets, and mostly one
story stone buildings; lies at the foot of the
table-land. From Matamoros to this, by go
vernment measure, is 100 leagues Custillanos.
Here the mountains become lofty and abrupt;
the road, now all up-hill, dry and broad, wind
ing through thecanones up to the next village,
called—3 leagues.
Santa Clara, which contains 400 sou Is, far
mers. The road to Tampico forks off here,
or in the city of Monterey; water by tho road
side, but no wood; country steril, to the vi
cinity of the La Renconada Hacienda, which
is—6 leagues.
Here is abundance of provisions nnd a fine
stream of water.” The mountains here precip
itate themselves like curtains. A determined
enemy could make a strong resistance here;
long 18 pounders would soon clear the track.—
The road is wide and good for artillery; tho
fuceof the lands heie aro very broken and co
vered with tho prickly pear and dwarf bayonet
E lant; soldiers on foot should have on good
outs. From this place tho road is bad, sleep,
and very fatiguing, country dry and barren to
Los Muesios, n poor rancho, distant, ascend
ing more rapidly over a bad road—3 leagues.
To Oja Calicntc, which is hot water spring
—2 leagues.
To Santa Maria Hacienda—5 leagues.
You are now ascending on plains vory broad.
This estate is very large, produces abundance
of wheat, corn and barley, well watered, a-
bout 3,000 feet ubovo tho level of the sea,
latitude 26—lias sonic 609 souls.
To the Capilleanca village, 2,000 souls, is
5 leagues.
Scattered along the road, the water now gen
erally is brackish.
To Saltillo city, of 12,000 souls, all dishon
est rascals, notorious rubbers and petty thieves;
water from springs in abundance; the country
yields abundance of wheat, corn and barley,
extensive grazing estates in ilm vicinity. Hors
es, mules, sheep, goats, in abundance and cheap.
From this leads off the great roads to Mexico,
and to tho west and souih. From this to the
city of Mexico is 300 leagues.
Yours, truly, ALMY.
The Southern mail came through yesterday,
as late as due. From the Army there is no
news.
Among the appointments recently made by
the President are: Robert R. Howard, of this
State, to be Assistant Quarter-Master, with the
rank of Captain; aud Thomas P. Randle, of
this Slate, to be Assistant Commissary, with
the rank of Captain. Both of these gentlemen
reside at Columbus.
WASHINGTON IIAL-L.
- We call attention to the card of Messrs.
Mott & Sparks, in to-day’s paper. This old
and popular establishment, it will bo seen, is
now in their hands. It is one of tho very best
Hotels in the State. All who have occasion to
visit Macon, will find in tho Washington Hall
every comfort and every attention.
FOURTH OF JULY.
We confess a feeling of mortification at hav
ing witnessed, for the first time in our lives, tho
return of this great day, without a public cele
bration. A stranget would not have recognised
Macon ns an American town on to-day.—
There has been no celebration of the fourth here,
and scarcely anything to mark it as the natal
day of a country, the freest—and a people, the
j happiest, of uii3' other upon earth.
Instead of there being any cause for this ap
parent lukewarmness, the present anniversary
of our deliverance from Foreign thraldom finds
us not only a free and happy people, but comes
round with peculiarly interesting associations.
Sinco the last celebration, we have settled
peaceably, and without resort to bloodshed or
violence, a question which has, for more than
a quarter of a century threatened to disturb tbe
peace of the world. The commercial restric
tions which have made enemies of nations!
and oppressed even to the very last pulse
of life, the laboring classes of the people, are
rapidly’ relaxing their hold on the public mind.
England has stretched out her hand to us, and
invited a cordial commercial intercourse. The
eye of tho whole civilized world is withdrawn,
in disgust, from the gaunt and shriveled form
of restrictive tariffs—to linger, with approving
gaze, upon the dawn of FREE TRADE
All this, and more, has been effected by the
auspicious influences of our free, social, and
poitical institutions. What a bright contrast
to the throes and convulsions that mark the pro
grass of events in other lands, where the
people play the part of mute puppets in the
great drama of life, and see their lives ond dear
est privileges placed at the disposal.of men in
whose selection they have had no voice!
The themes for the orator, or the pen to-day’,
arc perhaps, more fruitful than they have been
for die last half century,—but we did not take up
ours to sketch the glowing picture. Millions of
free hearts will to-day offer up tlieir thanks to
Heaven, for the happiness and prosperity
which everywhere blesses our country. May
each returning anniversary of this great day
find us, our children, aud our children’s
children, to the latest time, ready to send up oar
homage to that true spirit of freedom whom our
fathers worshipped, until time shall be no longer !
Oar latest accounts of the Georgia Regiment
are up to Friday’ last. Tho Montgomery Ad
vertiserof that morning says: “Just as wo were
going to press yesterday, a part cf the Georgia
Regiment reached the railroad depot near this
city eu routo for Mobile. The remainder of
tho regiment will come down the railroad to
morrow.
CT* As the season is approaching when those
who leave home for the summer are considering
where they shdll go, we would call the attention
of that portion of our community, who are about
to seek relaxation from business or exemption
from the warm suns of this part of the State, ei
ther by a trip to the mountains, or a visit to tho
springs of the interior, to the advertisements of
Messrs. Bonner, Duncan and Collier, and the
card of the Western Rail Road in our columns
this morning. These houses are all well kept.
The medicinal and restorative qualities of the
springs are Well known, and we doubt not all
things considered, that tlioso intending to leave
home for the summer will find at these watering
places as pleasant quarters as can be had in any
part of the country.
The carson the Western Rail Road arc now
runn’ng daily from this city to Griffin and
intersect with stages at that place and Forsyth,
running daily to the springs, so that passengers
now have every facility as well as comfort in
teaching them.
MACON AND WESTERN RAIL ROAD
The cars commenced their regular daily
trips, as far as Griffin on this Road, on the
4th inst.; and in about one month from this
time, we understand the entire Road to Atlan
ta, will be in complete operation. This road>
as for as finished, is now equal, it not superior,
to any in the State. All the fixtures and equip
ments are new and elegant. The Passenger’s
Cars, both in appearance and comfort, are su
perior to any in use, south of the Potomac.
We regret that our engagements forced us
to decline tbe pleasure of making one of tbe
party invited to make an excursion to Griffin,
by this Road, at its opening on Saturday last.
We understand the ladies and gentlemen com
posing it, were very well satisfied with their
day of relaxation, and the free and hearty
character of the enjoyment it afforded. But
as our neighbor of the Messenger made one of
the number, we will not trench upon Ins rights
by attempting any sketch, either of the journey,
or of the fair ministers whose presence and
bright smiles spread a hue of fascination on
everything around them on that occasion. It is
his province to do that, and we will wait for
him to speak.
APPOINTMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT,
By and nitk Ike advice and consent of the Senate.
Brerrt Major General Z icHAKr Tatlor, to be a major
general in tbe army of the United States.
William O. Butler, of Kentucky, to ben major gene
ral in tbe military service of the United Slates, in pursu
ance of tbe provision! of tbe act approved June 26, 1816,
entitled " An act to provide for tbe organization of tbe vol
unteer forces brought into tbe service of the United Slates
into brigades and divisions, and for tbe appointment of the
neceasaiy number of general officers to command tbesame.’
la, (Jhihuahutt, nnd St1
barbarous to ficntl a liandl
errand sj -1 ins 1 a powerful
Mexico; and it
<d in- 11 on surh
md watlike nation.
Birth-place of General Taylor.-—Virginia, Ken
tucky and Maryland, wo think, have disputed
tho honor of the birth-placo of General Tay
lor, and in Virginia, three counties have claim
ed I dm—Caroline, Amherst, and Orange.—
Tho Union seems to settle the question. It
says, wo understand, from the best iiulhoril3’,
that lha county of Orange, in Virginia, is en
titled to tbe distinction. The brother of Gen.
Taylor, attached to the army, nnd Gen. Tn}*-
lor’s daughter, who i* married to Jefferson Da
is I vis, Esq. a member of tho House of Kv pro-
mi 1 sonta tivea from the Stale of Mississippi, ate in
: Washington*
(£r We find tho followiug analysis of Mr.
Calhoun’s report on tho Memphis Memorial in
tho Baltimore American >
“Mr. Calhoun baa drawn very nice diatinctiona on tbe
question of internal improvement, arguing for instance that
when a river passe* through a single State, it is not consti
tutional to improve it, but that when it pastes through two or
more, it it. He submits tbe following as the coarse of rea
soning that bat led him to the adoption of this principle.—
First, that it is said that no more than two States can form
a compact under the Constitution. With the assent of Con*
gress any two State* can make a compact and pats laws for
internal improvement. Three Sates cannot do tbit be
cause a compact between three States is prohibited. Tbe
Government then ha* tbe power to improve these rivers—
rivers like the Mississippi for example, which pass through
or by more than three States. Mr. Calhoun illustrates hit
argument by the Mississippi river, hut any river passing
through three Slates would come in for the benefits contem
plated in his opinion.
“Mr. Calhoun gives a summary of the heavy losses accru
ing from interruptions in the river from wrecks, amounting
to half a million of dollar* annually.
“He denies that tbe constitutional power to improve the
Mississippi river is derived from the ‘General Welfare'
clause, but that it cornea under tbe constitutional provision
giving Cong.ess tho power to regulate commerce."
THE FLOYD HOUSE.
This well known establishment, as will be
perceived, by refering to our advertising de
partment, has recently changed bands. It will
hereafter be conducted by Mr. Thos. A. Brown,
and Mr. St. Lanier. The latter gentleman,
famous alrcad3’ as an excellent iiost among the
travelling public, in this part cf tho country.
What maj’ not the pubic expect of him, when
associated with another gentleman, who, we
arc sure, will be found equally energetic, cour
teous and attentive in the same lino of business ?
Seven of the most celebrated cities of an-
tlquity, are said to have disputed tho glory of
having been the birth-place of Homer. Two
[ States, and twice as many Counties, have dis
puted that honor in the case of Gen. Taylor.—
That being settled, a now dispute, it seems, has
sprung up about the hero of the Rio Grande.
The Whig press have claimed the gallant old
soldier as a Henry Cla3‘ Whig, of the slrctest
sect. A Democratic paper in Virginia, claims
him with equal ardor, as a “ Jeffersonian Dem
ocrat of the old school.”
It makes but little difference to us what his
politics are. We know him only as an Amer
ican—as an intrepid and gallant commander,
whose promptness, energy, skill and heroism
eminently displayed throughout a somewhat
protracted service, has won him the-confidence
and esteem of his country.
We published, the other day, the claims set
up by* some of the Whig papers. To give both
sides a fair hearing, and to satisfy the curiosity
of such as feel interested in the dispute, we pub
lish to-day, the one made on the Democratic
side.
We find the following in the Winchester
Virgiuiniau':
" Gen, Taylor, it is said, is a Jeffersonian
Democrat of the Old School, and not a red
mouthed Clay Whig, as was recently so confi
dently reported in all the Whig papers of the
Union. We thought he bucked tip too well to the
side of his country, and fought too gallantly a-
gainst its enemies to feel himseif at home in po
litical association with a parly, the leaders of
which aro always striving to put their own
country in the wrong whenever it happens to
come in conflict with another.”
The Washington Union published the other
day a list of the general officers of tho Army
of the United States, in 1813, extracted from
tho register of that year. We annex the same
below—from which it will be seen that out of
twenty-two general officers then in service, but
ouo [Gen. Cass,] is now living.
Major Generals.
Henry Dearborn, Wade Hampton,
Thomas Pinckney, Morgan Lewis,
James Wilkinson, Win. H. Harrison.
Brigadier Generals.
Joseph Bloomheld,
James Wine ester,
William Hull,
Thomas Flournoy.
Thomas H. Cushing,
John Chandler,
John F. Boyd,
"Thomas Parker.
George Izard,
William H. Winder.
Duncan McArthur,
Lewis Cass,
Bcnjsmin Howard,
David II. Williams,
Jacob Browy,
Leonard Covington,
The ship Harriett Rockwell, says the Sa
vannah Republican of Friday last, arrived at
this port yesterday, from Cardiff, Wales, with a
cargo of roils for the Macon and Western Rail
Road. We believe this completes the amount,
required for laying the track the entire distance
to Atlanta, one hundred and one miles.
We published the other day tho despatch of
Gen. Taylor, to tho War Department, giving
an account of the battles of tho 8th and 9th of
May. To-day wc give the despatch of Gen.
Arista, to tho Mexican Minister of War, giving
his account of the same engagement. As a
specimen of Mexican fanfaronade and bombast,
it is reall3’ worth reading.
We also publish the address of the Mexican
General, to the soldiers of the United States,
calling upon them to desert, and exchange the
Amei ican, for tho Mexican service. It is in the
true Glcndowcr vein, and the pupil will be just
about as successful as the master.
“DAWSON TEA AND COFFEE."
Does any of the Democracy re -ollect thia once familiar
phrase?,—and how very oppressive it was to the poor in
ISU to even think of any tax on these articles 1 One of
tlieir papers is before us. which says: “ring it .from the
mountains to tho sea-baard that Wm. C. Dawson voted for
a Ttriffof twenty per cent, on Tea and Coffee." Let us
bear from them now on their twenty per cent. Tariff on
hese articles. Will they not show their consistency by
crj ing out against it now, or have they lost their love for
the poor who will be oppressed by it?
t The above We clip from (he Messenger of
liist week. It is hardly in keeping with cither
fairness, or the dignity of the press, fora paper
that has quietly ncquiesced, for the last ten years,
in the high dutie3 upon salt, iron, sugar, cotton
goods, and most other articles entering into the
general consumption of the firmer,—averaging
on many of them from sixty, to two, and even
three hundred per cent.—to express alarm at
the proposition to lay the trifling duty of ten, or
even twenty per cent, on tea and coffee now.
Has not the Messenger and its party acquiesced
in—nay, have they not been.the defenders, in
this State, of all the devices—the swindling min
imum principle and all—which the eastern man
ufacturers have sought to fasten upon the coun
try 1 — and do they now oppose a tax, when it :s
necessary, which can be levied with less incon
venience and less expense to the people, than
any that can be impose 17 If they do, it would
be well for them, before they give any homilies
upon consistency, to look round and see how
little progress the idea has made among them
selves. He who can consent to a duty of one
or two hundred per cent, on coarse cotton goods,
iron, salt, bagging, and a thousand other articles
of prime necessity to every man in the State—
the poor as well as the rich—will hardly obtain
much credit for either fairness or sincerity, if he
insists upon exempting articles from a trifling
tax, which merely supply a luxurious beverage.
Wo are not, ourselves, the advocates of any
duties beyond such as, while they would be
sufficient for all tho expenses of the govern
ment, would be scarcely felt by the consumer.-
Can the Messenger say as much ? The use of
tea and coffee is not so common as that of coarse
cotton and woolen goods, iron, salt, shoes, cloth
ing, and hats,—on which the Messenger and
its party are not only willing to submit to high
duties, but ready to urge them. A duty of
twenty per cent, on coffee would make a differ
ence, at the present time, of about one cent a
pound in the price of the article. Against such
a dut3’, we cannot see why there should be any
objection by a press that is willing to submit to
duties on coarse, woolens, bleached and’brown
shirtings, prints, and other articles which adds
from six to twenty-four cents a yard, on their
cost, to the consumer. Perhaps the Messenger
can tell.
But we did not take up this question to write
a long article to-day. If the Messenger desires
it, however, we are ready to go on.
EDITORIAL CHANGE.
Oar respected fellow-townsman, Maj. James
W. Armstrong, has purchased tbe interest of
Mr. TnoMAs M. Griffin, and become joint
editor and proprietor of the 14 Federal Union.
We owe an apology for not tendering him our
salutations at an earliei day.
We need hardly add that Major Armstrong
has our cordial good wishes for success in the
new and difficult field he has entered. We
are sure that, if talents of a high order—if cha
racter without a stain—if a disposition to culti
vate -the most courteous personal feelings to
wards all, political opponentsas well as friends—
together with the manliness to uphold the digni
ty of tbe press are of any value in such a sit
uution, he will deserve it.
We litre frequeatly been asked what where the politics
of Gen. Taylor. It makes bat little difference. He is an
American; but the inquiiy has answered as to his party pre
ferences, time and again, by ourselves, as well as olhers.
"Gen. Taylor is an out and out Kentucky whig. So was
Major. Ringgold, Col. Mclniesb, Major Brown, Captain
Pace, and in fact every officer who has distinguished him
self in tbe Mexican war.— Wheeling Times.
This modest and patriotic editor lias forgotten to add to
his list die ir Magnus Apollo— we allude lo Gen. Scott of
‘ hasty soup” memory.
OBITUARY.
TI10 editor of theNatchcs Courier, announces the death
of hi* best and favorite cow, called “Mrs. Myers.” The
editor rlactically apologizes for writing the obituary notice
because Cimon reared a monumeut to his mares, Caligula
made a Senator of bis horse- Heliogabalushad his dog em
balmed, and in later times Sir Isaac Newton bad bis ca l
stuffed after her disease.
Lieut. M. C. M. Hammond, formerly of this
city, now of Edgefield district, South Carolina,
has been appointed by the President, Paymas
ter of the South-Western Division of the Army.
From Ike Columbus Times, of the 1 si tnsl.
PRESENTATION OF A BANNER TO THE GEORGIA
VOLUNTEERS.
It being generally understood throughout
tiie city, that a Flag, wrought by the Misses
Howard, would be presented to the Regiment,
ere their departure, on Saturdoy morning last,
music was heard from the Camps of the seve
ral companies, and in a few moments they
were assembled at the Baptist Church, where
the line being fotmed, the “forward mitrch” ol
Col. Jackson soon put them en route for tbe
beautiful mansion of Maj. J. H..Howard, sit
uated about half a mile from the city.
We hurried on and arrived at Major How
ard’s in advance of the Regiment, and found
the grounds in front of the house crow ded with
people, in carriages, on horse back nnd on
foot. The portico which extends around three
sides of tbe house, was filled with ladies, all
looking with delighted eyes at the Regiment,
as it wound its way across the commons, and
up the hill to its point of destination. Arrived,
and brought to u halt, the Commissioned offi
cers were ordered from riglit and left to the
front and centre, and immediately before a
platform which had been erected for the cere
mony. Col. Jackson advanced a few paces in
front of his officers upon tho appearance of
Mr. R. R. Howard, (himself u member of the
Light Infantry) supporting a sister on each arm,
the eldest of whom, Miss Mary Ann, with tho
banner in lurid, delivered tho following ad-
d reaa: *•
Volunteers of the Georgia Regiment!
Tiie bugle has sounded from the ch apparel
of the Rio Grande!—its blasts finds an echo
in the ready response of this gallant band—the
best, the bravest sons of Georein.
Though distant the field of conflict, and pri
vations and sufferings are strewed in tho way,
3"ot with patriotic impulse you have rushed to
the standard of your country, nnd with praise
worthy enthusiasm, determined rather 10 per
ish on the plains of Mexico than suffer to he
sullied the bright escutchen of your country’s
honor. Appreciating highly the patriotic dc-
o'.ion which calls to war this gallant band of
brothers, allow us, Col. Jackson, the gratifi
cation of presenting to you, as their command
er, ond through you to them, this S TAND OF
COLORS—the badge of the Union—the em
blem of civil and religious independence—fully
confident that it will never be dishonored while
under the protection of the “Georgia Regi
ment of Volunteers.”
Col. Jackson received the standard with this
reply :
Mt^s Howard;
As the commanding Officer of this Regiment
of Georgia Volunteers, the pleasant task de
volves upon me of making a sincere, though
feeble expression of its thunks, for the beauti
ful BANNER which you have now presented
to it. It is a fit offering from virtue and beau
ty In the depurng s-Dl-lfer. Amid the dm an <l
clash of L ittle, in the hour of conflict and of
danger, what can be more stimulating to his
spirit than to gaze upon the glittering folds
wrought by your own fair hands, and to re
call to his memory the words of encouragement
and sympathy which have just fallen from your
gentle lips. Between the donors and the re
cipients of this beautiful Standard, nature has
drawn a line of distinction’ which may not in
our day be pissed. It is not for you to seek
with us the distant battle-field;' it is not yours
to mingle id the tumultuous struggles of bloody
war ; it is not incumbent upon you to vindicate
the insulted name and honor of your countr}’—.
the toils, the hardships, the privations of tho-
soldier’s lot, to which you have so touchingly
alluded, are not for 3’our tender flames fo en-
due; and yet anjid them all. your sweet ha--
age will be present with us:—on the plains of
Texas and among^the mountains of Mexico,
n the peaceful camp and in the storm of battle,
in the hour of triumph or in the moment of
death, it will still be present with us. It wifli
be present with us in touching companionship 1
with the images of the wives, the mothers,
the sisters, the daughters whom we have left
behind.
A few hours more will find us on our march
to Mexico. With us we carry the elegant
Standard presented by you. 1 think I may
venture to promise, in behalf of the Georgia
Regiment, that it will not in our hands be dis
graced. We will strive to realize your own
flattering prediction.
Ladies, in behalf of the Regiment, permit
me once again to return v’on our heartfelt thanks
and to bid you a respectful farewell.
The highly interesting ceremony wa3 one
well worthy a painter’s pencil, and as we stood
there, rapt with the language that fell from the
lips of the fair speaker as if with uplifted hand
she pointed to the banner which they were to
bear to the battle field, and which she conju
red them to maintain and defend as became
men, we felt a consciousness that in their hands
nfter such a presentation, it would never be
disgraced, ana we thought that as they return
ed, the consciousness of their increased obli
gation, and this renewed evidence of the re
spect of the fair, caused them to step with a
firmer and more elastic tread. Long live ihe
Regiment of Georgia Volunteers !
THE CATHOLICS.
We copy the following paragraph from tlia*
Catholic Telegraph—a journal published ii»
Cincinnati. It is interesting, as showing the
opinion- of an educated and en'ightened Cath
olic on the war with Mexico :
“Our duties, however, are now to bs
strictly fulfilled. The die is cast, the sword
is drawn, and every man most enter with all
his heart into the conflict, with an unflinching
determination to carry thu flag of the Union
with triumph and honor through the storm of
war. Henceforth, until peace be restored,,
our great object must be, to defend by every
means in our power the national cause. Every
privation must be sustained, every call must bo
res pond rd to with alacrity, every hand ready
to carry out the designs of those who direct the
destinies of the Republic, during the days of
peril. Any other feeling than this would bo
contrary* to the allegiance which wo owe to the
constitution, and which the government has now
more so, if possible, than any other time, a
riglit to demand.
To the Catholic citizen, we are confident, tho-
country will not appeal in vain. It is natural
that we should regret the emergency, which
compels us to take up arms against brethren of
the same faith, but if the Oregon question liadi
provoked a war with England, our Protestant!
fellow-citizens would have been placed in tlia
same position which we occupy at present; and:
as they would not allowlhcir similarity ol creeds
to extinguish their patriotism, neither sliouid the
Catholic citizen permit any objection . of tha
kind to interfere w th liis devotion to his native
or adopted country. It is not a question of Re
ligion, but of war which we are now called up-
o 1 to determine, and though we should believe
that man\’ and great evils would befal our
Ciiurch by the prosecution of this war, yet this-
would not justify our withholding from the* pow
ers that be,’ that subjection and ready obedi
ence which is due from every citizen to the gov
ernment entitled to his allegiance. Catholics-
understand well their.duty on this point, for it
is certajn that if war should be proclaimed by
the United States against the Sovereign Pon
tiff, as a temporal Prince, it would be tho duty
of every Cathol c—and it happened of old,—-
to carry the war into the Roman States, and
even into that 44 Eternal City” for which wcen-
tertain such high and I10I3’ vencratian. We c*
lieve most truly that if any field of battle he
lost in the present war, it will not bo through
the faithlessness cf Catholic citizens.
This is a time, when in accordance with the
President’s proclamation, we should endeavor
to propagate feelings of true concord among
all classes, and learn to submit with greater
patience than ever, to the taunts and opprobiou3
observations which arc made on us ou account
of the religion which we profess.
But whilst wo endeavor to do our duty to the
Republic as citizens, wc should not forget that
victory is in the hands of Him who ruleth over
all. Wc should invoke His blessing on the
country, the rulers and the people—ami pill'
above all things else, that pence may soon re
turn to bless the laud, and bind in Christian un
ion the citizeus of both Republics.
Mention lias been made of an order given
for the construction of an India Rubber bridge
for the use of the army in Mexico. It appear*
that a similar bridge was invented sortie tune 1
ago, and used during the Creek war in Al**» ,
bamc some ten years ago. The following de
scription of it is given by one of our exchan
ges:—
“It consisted of large bags, or pontons
something like cotton bags in shape, made 0
india rubber cloth, which being filled with air
and attached laterally together, formed a brn a ( '
of fourteen feet width, and of an}’ length, at -
cording to the number of bags used: W’ 01 ’
these we laid light timber to support boart
lateral!}", which forming ji smooth l<* Cl s ‘’^
face, admitted the passage of wagons, “ or ®. C ?’
etc. A detachment of six hundred tuen, " '
all tlieir arms and accoutrements, including ^
field officers mounted upon hor«es, marc
on it at once, and often remaining a quarter
an hour going through the evolutions to ^
strength, they counter-marched, with «•> 1,11 ^
fucilii}’ os if on terra firrau. Field pieces
tlieir compliment of mntrosses, and the'J ^ ,
sons filled with ammunition, and loadc
oni", were also driven over it with h' c