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TH B CONSTITUTIONALIST.
~J A MES QA RDM ER, JR.
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GEORGIA LEGISLATURE.
Saturday, Nov. 27, 1817.
BILLS INTRODUCED.
By Mr. Walker of Richmond : a bill to com
mute the sentence of death passed upon VV il
liam L. Williams, in the Superior Co urt of
Richmond county on the 9th July last, to im
prisonment for life, at hard labor in the Peni
tentiary.
The following message was received from
his Excellency the Governor :
Executive Department, Nov, 2G, 1817.
I have the honor to lay be!ore the General
Assembly, a copy of a communication receiv
ed at this Department,from Brig. Gen. Twiggs,
suggesting the proprity of appropriating an
adequate sum of money to defray the expense
of removing the body of Col. Mclntosh from
Mexico to this State, that his remains may be
deposited in the land of his birth, with appro
priate honors. \
Os Col. Mclntosh’s merits, I need not speak.
He had served his country long and faithfully,
having distinguished himself on several occa
sions on the field of battle. At an age some
what advanced, at the head of his Regiment,
this gallant old soldier, a native son of Geor
gia, on the Bth of September last, received a
wound, of which he died on the Ist of Octo
ber thereafter.
Believing it due to the character of the
State, 'circumstances, that suitable
arrangements should be made for the removal
of the body of Col. Mclntosh, to Georgia, I
recommend that an appropriation of a sufficient
sum be made for that purpose.
GEORGE W. TOWNS.
, Which was referred to a committee consist
ing of Messrs. Clark, Freeman and Harris of
Baldwin.
Report of the Committee on the State of the Re
pulic, on the Wilmot Proviso.
The Committee on the State of the Repub
lic, to whom was referred a resolution of the
Senate, instructing a committee “to make such
a report on the subject of the Wilmot Proviso ,
as is a just exhibit of the feelings of the peo
ple of Georgia,” beg leave to submit the fol
lowing as the result of their deliberations, ful
ly confident, so far as we give any expression,
that it is in unison with the public will.
The acquisition of territory is legitimately
associated with the Wilmot Proviso. (We will
abstain from any utterance upon that subject,
at this time, for the reason that we may not
all agree.) But forasmuch as the ulterior ob
ject of the Wilmot Proviso, is to effect the Abo
lition of Slavery, and about which there is no
difference of opinion—and forasmuch too, as
we desire to present an unbroken front, we will
therefore regard and consider the question in
its ulterior purpose, leaving the acquisiton of
Territory for a future report.
Slavery and Slave labor is a part and parcel
of our Governmental system, and made so by
the very ancestry, in part, of those who now
are active in its abolition. We do not regard
as respectful to ourselves, or essential to our
right, to enter into a discussion with those who
are governed by no principle but their fanati
cism. Indeed the question has been argued,
but fanaticism is deaf to argument—it will not
hear.
The people of Georgia have for a series of
years been divided and disturbed by other
questions, so much so,perhaps,as to induce the
false hope, that upon this vital question there
may now prevail discord and dissension. This
is not true. Georgia has but one mind—is as
one man —all political parties are ready and
willing to plant themselves upon the’ same
platform, and join heart and hand in the asser
tion and maintenance of this their constitution
al rights.
To the end,therefore, that the feelings of th(
people of Georgia, u;on the subject of the
Wilmot Proviso,may be distinctly understood
and their position defined :
Be it, therefore, by the Senate and House oj
Representatives of the Hate of Georgia, Resolved,
That the Government of the United States has
no control over the institution of Slavery, and
that in taking or attempting to take any sue!
control, it transcends the limits of its legitimate
functions.
Be it further resolved by the authority aforesaid.
That any Territory acquired by the arms of the
U. S. or by treaty with a foreign pow'er, be
comes the common property of the several
States composing this confederacy, and whilst
it so continues, it is the right of each citizen,
of each and every State, toVeside with h;s pro
pcity of every description Avithin such territory
Resolved further by the authority aforesaid, Thai
it is the duty of every man, in every section of
this confederacy, if the Union be dear to him,
to oppose the passage of any law or resolution
of Congress by which territory acquired may
be subjected to any restriction against Slavery.
And it is further resolved. That his Excellency
the Governor of this State, cause a copy of the
foregoing preamble and resolutions to be for-
Avarded to each of our Senators and Represen
tatives in Congress; also to the Governor of
each State in the Union,
Minority Report of the Committee on the State
of the Republic, on the Wilmot Proviso.
The Repub’ic of America, from its present
position, has shed a halo around the proposi
tion that “ Man is capable of self-government.”
The idea, once ridiculed, denounced and al
most scouted from the Avorld by princes, em
perors, kings, and potentates, is hoav no lon
ger a hypothesis. The pilgrim fathers have
impressed the insignia of freedom on the wil
derness of yesterday. Columbia's honors is
borne by our chivalrous and enterprising citi
zens, Avhether their lots be cast in the unex
plored regions of the West, the bloody battle
fields of the South, or the populous marts of
the East. The American standard floats in
pride on eA'ery AvaA r e of the ocean, and there is
none so great or mighty as to be unwilling to do
her reverence. Such is the present position of
oar beloved confederated Union before the
world,and Ave cannot but earnestly desire that
ks progress in prosperity might be onward,
until the healthful influences of its institutions
arc felt in every' quarter of the globe. But
there are elements combined in this confede
ration, which, if not expunged, must tend to
the dismemberment of the several States of
the Union, and the extinction of the fondest
hope of all freemen. When our confederacy
was founded—when that compact, the Con
stitution, which has already" done so much,
and premisses to do so much more, not only
for our common country, but for all mankind,
was entered into by our fathers, many of the
Northern States, had the same peculiar insti
tution as we of the South. It was not found
ed by, nor Avas it the particular choice tor cither,
but forced unon us by that arrogant power, ;
which then determined to retain us as her vas- |
sds. Our fathers, both of the ISorth and;
) South, side La' side, untied as one man, fought,
. bled and cast' off the intolerable yoke. They
did knot for North or South, but it Avas for
J all; and made this continet our oavu ; the rest
-1 ing place for religious and ciA'il liberty'. Cii- ,
cumstanccs peculiar to climate, as Avell as ha- ;
i bits, have forced our Brcthcrn of the North to ;
- abandon that which from habits and climate j
has fixed itself upon us of the South. It has
become a part and parcel of us—avc may say, j
j our very life and nature. Its power, its toice,
is such that no circumstances can change it.
1 It is our right, guarantied to us by the Con- |
stitution of our common country, and pledged j ■
to us bv the scacred honor of tne fathcis of (
our brethern of the North. And y r et, theic .
b are those Avho, so unjust, so unholy, yea, so |
mad, disregard all honor, all that is sacred to 1
! man, and attempt to invade our just rights, | ,
scaled Avith the faith of their sleeping fathers, : ,
and declare to tlie world, “ I hat they e shall be j
neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in any j
■ territory on the continent of America, which shall j 1
hereafter he acquired by or annexed to the United \ .
f States, | i
Pe it ih rrfore resolved by the Senate and House
of Representatives of the State of Georgia, in 1
General Assembly met. That while we view
with pride and satisfaction the present posi- I .
tion of the United States of America before
the Avorld, avc cannot but deeply deplore the 1
intestine conflicts of opinion which hoav con-
A’ulse our nation. :
Resolved, That to the acquisition of territo
ry by the United States, Ave see nothing to ap
prehend either for the safety of the institutions
of the South, or the perpetuity of that pro- i
gressiA'e Republicanism, Avhich has extended |
from thirteen to thirty sovereign States. But
we feel assured that in all acquisitions of Terri
tory, either by' treaty, voluntary annexation,
or as indemnity, avc are but advancing tOAvard
that grand destiny Avhich aAvaits our glorious
Republic.
Resolved, That all Territory already'acquired
or to be acquired by the United States, not
organized into So\'creign State Governments,
is the property of the soA'cral States of the
Union jointly, and that Congress has no pow
er or authority to invade the rights or privileges
of any' one of these joint OAvners under any
pretence.
Resolved, That the citizens of the SlaA'ehold
ing States have a right to emigrate Avith their
slaves and hold them in servitude as their pro
perty, to any' territory' already acquired, or to
be acquired in the United States, and that the
F passage of any' laAV by' Congress forbidding the
same, is an unjust discrimination in favor of the
non-slaveholding States, and is in violation of
. the common compact, and subversive of the
Union.
Resolved, That in the OAvnership of our slaves
’ avc are not only exercising a humane, but a
' constitutional and moral right, and that Ave al
loav no power under heaven to dictate the ten
• ure by Avhich we shall be deprived of our pro
perty in them.
Resolved, That Ave entertain an abiding de-
A'otion to the Union, and Avill hold ourselves
’ in readiness to meet our brethren of the non
slaveholding States, on all questions in which
we may differ, in a generous and liberal spirit.
t Honor to a Georgian-
It affords us pleasure to state, that Surgeon
. J. T. Lamar, of this State, was among the Geor
-3 gians Avho distinguished themselves at the bat
-3 ties of Hunalo and Huamantla, in addition to
1 those already mentioned. The lamented Wal
i ker in his report of the former battle, pays a
f merited and Avell deserved tribute to the bra
very and good conduct of Surgeon Lamar,
1 throughout the engagement. lie was also with
• Capt. VValker engaged hand to hand with the
r Mexicans Avhen that brave officer was killed,
i and narroA\ ly escaped Avith his life. After the
r death of Capt. Walker his faithful servant
0 David, saA'ed Mr. Lamar’s life by' receiving in
. his own breast a lance aimed at the life of the
Lt friend who had so gallantly' fought by the side
t of his master.
Surgeon Lamar,, is the son of G. W. Lamar,
,f Esq. of Augusta, and first entered the service
r —with the Macon Guards, the company made
e up by the lamented Holmes, in this city'. He
e subsequently received from President Polk
s the appointment of Surgeon in the regular
s army, where he is universally esteemed and
d where he has always distinguished himself
e whenever an opportunity has offered. We
, notice that some of our cotemporaries haA'c
. fallen into an error in publishing these des
patches—giving the name of Surgeon Laneur
e —for that of Surgeon Lamar. In justice to
b this gallant young Georgian, Ave trust they' will
d correct the error. —Macon Telegraph, Nov. 30.
f Complimentary Visit. The Mayor and
the Members of the three Municipal Councils,
s paid a complimentary and formal visit to Gens.
1 Quitman and Shields, at the St. Charles Ho
h tel, yesterday. His Honor, the Mayor in a
■ e Avarra and agreeable style, tendered to those
distinguished gentlemen the hospitalities of
I our city and the courtesies of the Municipal
e authorities, and introduced to them the dif
ferent members of our Councils. Gen. Shields
made a most elegant and eloquent reply, in
L behalf of himself and Gen. Quitman. lie re
, marked, that the many eA'idences which the
- patriotic citizens of New Orleans had given of
their kindly appreciation of the services ren
it dered by the army in Mexico, filled the hearts
f of the officers and soldiers of that army then
, present, Avith a pleasure and pride Avhich it
\ would be A'ain for him to attempt to express,
y They might be assured that their courtesies
would be long cherished and remembered as
y vividly', as Averc their patriotic exertions to
c sustain and further the efforts of the army in
- Mexico. After friendly interchanges of senti
ment and feelings, and of mutual congratula
f tions and good wishes, the deputation took
leave of these gallant officers.— N, O, Delta ,
2 Qth ult.
e
Gen. Quitman.—This gallant soldier left
last evening for his home in Mississippi. He
avos accompanied by many of his friends and
’ several of the officers of his Staff. Mississip
pi, whose soul is full of chivalry', will make
the welkin ring again, when the heroic Quit
man reaches her shores. Health and success to
the brave and gallant Gen. Quitman ! — lb.
a v
s The City Council of New York have ap- ■
’ propriated ,S3OOO to procure medals for the I 1
survivors of the Ngav York regiment in Mexi- |
} co, and also to be given to the Avidows and !
eldest members of the families of those who i
belonged to the regiment, and Avho haA's died 1
i or fallen in battle. , :
» I |
f MACON, Nov. 30 .-—Cotton. —The few lots sold
in the early part of last week, were at prices rang
ing about the same as in our last quotations. The
accounts by the Acadia up to the 4th inst. from 1
Liverpool, were received on Wednesday—show
' mg a still further decline in Cotton, and a con
- tinued derangement in commercial affairs abroad, 1
have given an additional downward turn to prices.— 1
> There is but little Cotton however, selling, as -
f planters in almost every instance store their Cot
t seem determined to Avait and take the <
risk of prices. The low price of Cotton has great
ly checked business generally, in this city, and we
have certainly never before at this season of the *
• year seen so little doing. NVe quote cotton, ex- i
r tremes 5£ aG.
No change in the price of other articles usually
i noticed in the market. j
Augusta, 0 corgi a .
TH iJRSDAY MORN IN'a, DEC. 2.
Northern Exchange-
We were mistaken in our remarks about
Exchange in yesterday’s paper. V e stated
that our Banks were selling sight checks on
New York at half per cent prem. We have
since been informed that the exchange on that
point is not plcntful, as but little is maturing.
As fast as it matures our banks have colls for
it, and within the last three or four days have
advanced the rate to 1 per cent, prem.
From Mexico-
We exercise the privilege of friendship in
publishing the letter from the city of Mexi
co, which will be found below.
It is a private letter written by an officer of
the 2d Infantry to the editor. As it gives a
graphic description of the battle of Contreras,
we give it to the public, not doubting but that
it will be read with interest, although so many
thrilling accounts of that brilliant action have
already appeared in print. There are some
minor details that will give it a narrative
charm, and some gallant names are mentioned
which will enhance its interest in this com
munity.
We hope the statement is true that Captain
Walker of the 6th Infantry is getting well, but
a postscript states that he docs not recruit
in strength, which is not a favorable sign.—
He is one of the most gallant spirits in our
heroic army, and has won laurels that will be
ever cherished with pride by his country, and
most especially Georgia, his native State. Her
Legislature is about to testify her high appre
ciation of his gallantry in a handsome manner.
Extracts from a letter, dated
PALACIA DEL GOBIERNO NACIONAL. )
Mexico, Oct. 24th, 1847. )
* * * * ♦
Before finishing this page I will tell you
how the wounded are doing. Capt. W. H.
Walker,shot through the body, is getting well.
This is the 6th or 7th gun shot wound, all ex
cept this last received in Florida. His brother
John, shot through both legs, is well. Talcott
also. Lieut. Andrews was only grazed. Col.
Mclntosh is dead. David Adams an old school
mate of mine, was killed dead in his tracks. —
Selleck do. was shot in the leg. Lewis Rob
ertson was contused by a fragment of stone,
broken from an arch by a round shot. Smith
had his horse killed under him, and his ancle
sprained by his falling. All are well or will
be shortly. Our loss has been tremendous, as
you no doubt have seen already from the pa
pers, 2,704, of which about 200 officers; 100
from the old army, that is, the twelve old re
giments. This is pretty brisk considering we
had only 10,000 men, all told, when we left
Puebla. From the rumors we hear from the
States, you, that is the people, had a conside
rable scare upon you on our account, and if
you had known the truth you would have had
reason. The idea of 10,000 men marching
upon a capital containing upwards of 200,000
inhabitants, defended by more than 30,000
troops, having more than 100 pieces of can
non, fortified by nature and art, is enough to
astound the world. As for myself, I will be
proud to my dying day, to have participated
in the successes of the army of Mexico.—
Many a gallant spirit has been extinguished,
but I do not pity them, for I ask no better lot
myself. I understand that Gen. Pillow has
gained in the States all the credit of the bril
liant affair of Contreras. This is such palpable
injustice that I feci it my duty to correct, as
far as possible, such an erroneous impression
—but every thing in its time. As I sup
pose an account of the operations of Twiggs’
Division, or as we are known in the ar
my, the Cerro Gordo Division, in the valley
of Mexico, will be interesting to you, I will
give it, commencing at our arrival at Ayotla,
and drawing up at the time I was shot down at
Churubusco. We arrived at Ayotla I think on
the 11th, a small village, some ten miles from El
Penon and about 16 or 18 from the city. Here
we remained several days, reconnoitering the
enemy’s works, and collecting boats, as if we
intended to attack at that point. This I am
now pretty certain was all a fem*, because the
other divisions all went the Chaleo route, not
stopping at Ayotla at all. On the 16th we
abandoned Ayotla and followed in the foot
steps of the other columns—we had scarcely
proceeded two or three miles when we were
threatened by a large force under Gen. Alva
rez, probably 6,000 men. We immediately
offered battle, deploying into line; but the ene
my declined the challenge. We then fired a
few rounds of grape and shells and proceeded.
We halted that night just beyond Chaleo. —
The next day we proceeded over a very bad
road and halted that night in an Olive grove,
having met with no molestation that day.—
The night of the 18th we halted in, a small
town called Ochomilco. I slept that night in
a church, where I was more annoyed by fleas
than I have ever been before. Early next day
we set out little expecting before evening to
be engaged.
All the morning of the 19th we proceeded
along quietly enough until we came in sight
of San Augustin, where we were halted until
the wagons came up ; then we commenced to
hear of the enemy’s being in front in force;
then I had some slight expectation of smell
ing gunpowder in good earnest; but having so
often heard that the enemy would give bat
tle, I had some doubt even now. The wa
gons having arrived, two days rations were is
sued to each man; additional cartridges were
issued likewise, myself like the others, load
ed with a haversack of hard bread, a flask of
Brandy and a bunch of puros. After a halt of
an hour, the column moved on at a rapid pace,
and passing through San Augustin soon reach
ed the hills ; shortly we came in sight of some
troops posted upon a high hill, which proved
to be a portion of Gen. Pillow' r s command.
Here we made another halt of perhaps an hour,
exposed to the enemy’s shell and round shot.
I will now pause to give you some idea of the
enemy’s position. They occupied a hill com
manding one of the roads to the city. There
was an entrenched camp containing thirty
pieces of cannon, about G to 7,000 troops,
commanded by Gen. Valencia. Before us lay
a large field of broken ground, called in this
country a Pedragal; over this we W’cre obliged
to pass in order to get in position to attack
the enemy. The nature of the ground was
such that it was almost impossible to go over
on foot, much less get artillery over. How
ever, we set to it boldly, leaving Pillow's troops
!on the hill in our rear. This highly dangerous
and difficult movement was executed first by
Reilly’s brigade, then followed Smith’s bri
gade —Pillov/s command getting over under
cover of the night. We immediately entered
the village Gcronimo, where some few of the
enemj’s Lancers were killed. As my company
was detached from the rest of the command at
this time, I can give you only a hearsay ac
. count of the movements of the Division that
evening. The 2nd Infantry proceeded to the
hills beyond Geronimo, where they held in
check a large body of Lancers, of whom they
killed a few, among them Gcu. Frontcra,
an officer of whom we might be proud. The
7th Infantry and 4th Artillery were formed in |
a ravine just beyond the village Geronimo, |
but were not engaged. Smith’s brigade with
some one or two other Regiments whose
do not know', were drawn up in line
of battle to oppose about 10 or 12,000 men un
j der the immediate command of Santa Anna,
w'ho manoeuvred as if he intended to attack.
Neither w r erc they engaged on the 17th. I
will stop here to give an account of the duty
for which my Company was detailed. Imme
diately upon entering Geronimo my Company
was detached to cut off a party of Lancers who
were approaching the village from the side of
Valencia’s camp. We concealed ourselves in
a dense orchard of Peach, Apple and other
trees, and waited until they were in good gun
shot and then opened our fire. They made
tracks immediately. We wore almost imme
diately driven from our position by a perfect
whirlwind of grape, but the enemy’s Infantry
did not dare to advance upon us, not know'ing
our force, for we were completely hid by the
shrubbery, the reports and smoke of the mus
kets only serving them for a mark. When
we were about to retrace our steps to rejoin
the Regiment, we received orders to remain to
watch the enemy’s movements. From this
time until evening I never passed a few hours
more unpleasantly. Wo did not know the
position of the remainder of our troops, know
ing that, or rather supposing, that there was
but one brigade of 1,000 men on that side of
the Pedragal, for I was not aware that Gen.
Smith had crossed, and having in full view 18
or 20,000 Mexicans, I expected our single
Company every moment to be overwhelmed.
We had at one time, that is my Company, ap
proached under cover of the bushes almost in
| escopct shot of Valencia’s camp, and could see
all his movemtorits. After staying here some
. time, we fell back, and about 5 o’clock fell in
: j
with the 7th Infantry and 4th Artillery. It
\ was quite dark when I rejoined the 2nd,
and then for the first time knew that we had
I the other Brigade along. That night my Com
pany was on picket guard, thrown out towards
Valencia’s position. I will give you now
some idea of the relative positions and num
bers of the two contending parties. We were
j bivouacked in the village of San Gcronimo,
with about 3,000 men, though during the
night some of the volunteers and new levies
came over, with not a single piece of cannon.
On our right flank as we faced the enemy
was Santa An ia, with between 10 and 12,000
men and two light pieces. On our left Gen.
Valencia with 27 pieces of cannon, many very
heavy, and a force of 6 to 8,000 veterans.
This was odds enough to make an older sol
dier than I, feel rather salty. About 7 or 8
o'clock it commenced to pour down torrents,
I but I was more fortunate than my compahions.
! Having been ordered out on picket, we were
fortunate enough to discover a house, the resi
dence apparently of a Padre, but entirely de
serted. We selected this as the head quarters
of the guard, throwing out our pickets from
this point. We found the Padre’s larder well
lined. The Capt. and I supped that night on
stewed chickens, honey, chocolate, brandy and
water, and hard bread. The Capt. and I al
ternated about sitting up and as we found
mattrasses, pillows and blankets we had noth
ing to complain of in point of lodgings. I had
scarcely taken my first nap, when an Engineer
officer and Twiggs’ Adjutant General came to
the picket for a guard to protect their recon
noisance. I took command of a few men and j
started out in the most unpleasant night I al- i
most ever saw. I then for the first time heard
that we were to storm at or j ust before day a
work containing about 30 guns and defended
by 6to 8,000 men. The storming party to
be Riley’s brigade. Altho’ I was confident
that we would suffer terribly in this affair, j
still I felt quite relieved, for the idea of our
being cannonaded all the next day without
being able to return a shot was rather too
much for my equanimity. If I was to be kiHed
I wanted to be a while at close quarters, and
not have my head knocked off by an enemy
half a mile distant.
About three o’clock in the morning or per- |
haps a little later, the three Regiments com
posing Riley’s command had started for their
positions on the left flank of Valencia’s camp
and in rear of it. We reached our position as
day was dawning, where we remained probably
30 minutes. The enemy had not all this time
discovered us. When it was broad day light we
formed columns of attack : there were two
columns by division, one composed of the 4th
artillery with 8 companies of my Regt., the
other of the 7th infantry with 4 companies of
my Regt. Just imagine to yourself 900 men,
for the columns of attack did not contain quite
that number, attacking an entrenched camp
with 27 pieces of ordnance and at least 5,000
infantry, to say nothing about lancers. I
thought that at least two thirds of our num
bers would be swept down before we could
be able to use our baj-onets. The enemy did
not perceive us until we had passed the most
serious obstacle in our progress in a deep bar
ranca containing about two feet of water. As
we got over that we saw a devil of a hubbub
in their camp, the men running to arms, the
mounting of horses, kc. It was a complete
1
1 surprise—just before getting to tbe top of the
lull, down the other side oi:‘ which was the
enemy’s camp, we halted for a minute for the
men to olose up. When we reached the top,
halted a second time to allow the men to blow
a minute, when we received a volley from the
enemy’s infantry, thrown hastily out to op
oppose us. A\ e did not return a shot, but
j 7
stood up as if they were throwing apples in
stead of lead at us. We marched towards
j them”still under a heavy fire of musketry, for
i some twenty or thirty yards, then halted, and
, deployed column. During all this time we
had not fired a shot and men were dropping
in our ranks at every moment. I admired the
coolness of our men during this trving time,
even more than their head-long impetuosity
after the word charge was given. When we
had deployed into line of battle, we gave them
a volley, and then made a head longrush; the
enemy could not stand this more than twenty
i minutes—they then broke —we pursued with
relentless ferocity, I am sorry to say—but I
endeavored to spare tbe effusion of blood as
much as possible, not allowing any man near
me to kill a Mexican who had thrown down
his arms.
* * * 0 *
I have seen on this field many things which
would shock a humane man, such as killing
men in cold blood, &c., but I have not time :
nor inclination to relate them. But I must
say this much, that our men were kind to the
wounded after they had time to allow their
blood to cool. In this fight I was knocked
down by a spent ball, which contused the in
side of my thigh slightly, but this wound I
did not report, for it is too much the custom
among our officers to make mountains of mole
hills to get newspaper puffs in the United
States.
We halted near the field of battle until about
11 o’clock, when we set out for the works near
Churubusco, about six miles distant. These
we carried after about three hours of desperate
fighting, losing more than a thousand men ;
but as only courage and not skill was display
ed here I will not enter into particulars.
*****
In conclusion, I state upon my personal
responsibility, that no troops excepting the
7th and 2d Infantry and 4th Artillery had
any thing to do with the storming of Contre
ras —the other regiments participating in the
chase but not in the fighting. Gen. Pillow
slept five miles or thereabouts from the field
of battle, also Gen. Twiggs. Gen. Smith,
and Gen. Shields, I know, were with us. As to
the rest of our General officers I cannot say.
Georgia Regiment-
We received yesterday au extra from the of
fice of the Muscogee Democrat, in w hich we
find a letter from their Mcx lean correspondent
dated Vera Cruz, Nov. 17, which gives some
items in relation to the Georgia Troops.
Capt. Nelson was at Vera Cruz, and would
accompany the train that was to start the next
day with 200 wagons. Col. Calhoun had re
ceived orders to march his battalion to San
Juan, to relieve the 13th Infantry Battalion.
The remainder of Capt. Fulton’s men ar
rived on the 16th Nov., 20 days from Mobile.
They had a rough passage and lost 27 horses.
The whole of the 13th Regiment under Col.
Echols was stationed at the National Bridge.
The writer says—“ Col. E. is very pleasantly
situated. He has his quarters at Santa Anna’s
hacienda, which contains 12 rooms, marble
floors and Mahogany doors. I met a great
many Georgians there, and left them general
ly well.”
Mississippi-
The entire democratic ticket for State Offi
cers in Mississippi—say Governor, Secretary
of State, Treasurer, &c.—is elected.—The
Legislature stands—
Dem. Whigs.
Senate 25 7
Hourse of Representatives 73 25
101 31
Democratic majority on joint ballot, 70.
Another Freshet.
The Baltimore papers received last evening
bring us intelligence of another great freshet
in Virginia and Maryland, which has done con
siderable damage. At Frederick, in Mary
land, the creek rose 10 to 12 feet above its
usual level, overflowing all the fields and mea
dows in the vicinity, and carrying away bridg
es, while at Frederick city the houses were
I surrounded by water, and many of the ground
floors covered.
At Richmond, the freshet in the James Riv
er exceeded that of 1795.
The flood in the James River (says the
Richmond Times) was at its height at 12
o’clock on Friday night, and on Saturday it
was falling rapidly. We regret to hear mel
ancholy accounts of the damage done to the
canal. AVe understood on Saturday afternoon
that six breaches had been heard of on this
side of the 7th Lock, and many more above
are apprehended. Prompt measures have
I been taken to repair the mischief, so as to al
low' navigation to be resumed at the earliest
practicable period.
Treasury Notes-
The New York Tribune states that the War
Department has rescinded the order requiring
the presentation of the duplicates of drafts with
the originals, and this business is now done in
a mercantile manner.
The Tribune also states that there is no dis
position to embarrass the acceptation of Trea
sury Notes at the Custom House in payment of
j duties. A note of a larger amount even than
the duties to be paid will be received and ex
changed, provided the excess is small and the
only requisition in relation to endorsements is
that they shall not be by power of attorney.
Meeting* of Congress-
The AVashington Union presumes that a very
full quorum may be expected on the opening
of the session, on Monday. The editor has
had the pleasure of seeing some of the mem
bers of Congress wdio have arrived in Wash
ington, and they confirm his decided convic
tion, that this great people never will consent
to strike their flag until their rights and honor
are amply maintained, and until we have ob
; tained “indemnity for the past and security
i for the future.”
i |M i —m—
! ■ m v A Commercial.
■ . I)elt “» of the 2Gth ultimo say.
. As it was surmised yesterday, that the steamer
• Acad 1 ia ’ 9 ncws was it being due by the
r usual Express, the Cotton market was nearly
» at a stand, the sales not exceeding 300 bales
. j Prices are rather feeble, though most factor!
t are holding at Tuesday’s rates.
The Boston Failure
-1 The Boston Chronotype says that the credit
’ j ors of Horace C. Gray & Co., (the large deal
“ | tn iron, who failed in Boston some days
‘ I since,) have granted them an extension, and
they will go on as before. This arrangement
•ays the Chronotype— remove* no inconsidera
able panic in State-street.
Earthquake-
On Monday night last, says the Richmond
(Ky.) Chronicle of the IBth, about half-past
, 11 o’clock, many of our citizens distinctly
heard the roar and sensibly felt the shock of
i an earthquake.
The following resolutions w'ere introduced
to the South Carolina Legislature on Satur
day last by Mr. Middleton, on the subject of
the AVilmot Proviso.
1. Resoloed, That the General Assembly of
the State of South Carolina have seen, with
profound regret, the settled spirit of hostility
manifested by the free States towards the in
stitutions of the South ; a spirit which, if per
sisted in, must inevitably lead to the most
disastrous consequences to the Confederacy.
2. Resolved , That the recent developmentsin
the free States, and especially the attempt
known as the ** Wilmot Proviso,” to prohibit
the Southern States from enjoying the common
territory of the Union, raise an issue of start
ling importance, which requires, on the part
of the South, firm, energetic,and united action.
3. Resolved, That this State is willing and
anxious to bury all minor difference of opinion,
and make common cause with the other South
ern States in the most energetic manner possi
ble to maintain their common rights.
Resolved, That the State of South Carolina
wdll regard the passage of any act by the Gen
eral Government upon the subject of slavery,
in violation of the rights of the South, as an
nulling the obligations of the Federal Compact;
and upon the passage of such act, she will con
sider herself at liberty to form a new, separate,
and distinct Government.
5. Resolved, That the Governor be requested
to forward copies of these Resolutions to the
Governors and Legislatures of the slareholding
States; and enter into correspondence with,
and send special envoys, if necessary, to them,
to bring about concert of action among such
States in the present crisis of our affairs.
[Correspondence of the Constitutionalist .}
MILLEDGEYILLE, Nov. 29.
The discussion upon the amendment of Mr.
I>u mgan to the report of the Committe on
the state of the Republic, was continued to
day in the Senate. I did not have the plea
sure of hearing the speeches of the honorable
gentlemen who addressed the Senate, and for
bear to make any remarks. Upon taking the
vote on the amendments, the yeas and nays
were required to be taken, and were yeas 23,
nays 21, as follows :
Yeas—Messrs. Barclay, Camp, Chastain,
Cochran, Coffee, Dunnagan, Duncan, Farris,
Forman, Fort, Glenn, Henderson, Hilliard,
Hunt, Hunter, Irwin, AV. 1.. Johnson, Lawton,
Raiford, Simmons, Stewart, Waters, Wiggins.
Nays—Messrs. Boynton, Clayton, Collins,
Darden, Hallaway, B. D. Johnson, Little,
McArthcr, Marks, Maxwell, Moore,
Montgomery, Reese, Smith, Snider, Stapleton,
Terrell, AVales, AVilliamson, Willingham.
Mr. Farris laid upon the table a resolution
authorizing the Governor to appoint two per
sons learned and distinguished in the Law, to
compile a code of Laws for the government of
‘ the State, which was read.
: The iiou-e of Representatives have been
; engaged to-day in reading bills the second
time. No new matter of any importance in
troduced. A resolution was laid upon the ta
ble which excludes the Introduction of any
new' matter after the 10th inst. Should this
resolution pass, the early adjournment of the
Legislature may be anticipated. P.
Special Notices.
BANK OF AUGUSTA, ?
DECEMBER 1, 1847. $
An election for Ten Directors on the part of the
individual stockholders in this Bank, will be held,
on Monday next, the 6th inst. at their Banking
House, between the hours of 10 o’clock, A. M.,
and 4 o’clock, P. M.
Dec. 2 —5 JAS. W. DAVIES, Cashier.
TAX COLLECTOR.
Hr We are authorized to announce
Robert A. Watkins as a candidate for re-eJec
tion as Tax Collector for Richmond county, at the
election to be held in January next.
Dec. 2
UWc are authorized to announce
Leon P. Dugas as a candidate for Clerk of th«
Superior and Inferior Courts of Richmond county,
at the ensuing election in January next.
Not. 2t
U7 We are authorized to announce
James McLaws, Esq. as a candidate for re-elec
tion to the office of Clerk of the Superior and Infe
rior Courts of Richmond County, at the ensuing
election in January next. Nor. 24
MEDICAL CARD.
(UP’ Dr. MEALS tenders his professional serri
ces in the various branches of Medicine, to the cit
izens of Augusta and vicinity.
He may be found either at the office, formerly
occupied by Thos. & J. J. R. Flournoy, Esqrs., on
Mclntosh-street, or at the residence of Mrs.
terman, on Broad.street.
Dec. 1 Cmo ,
O* DR. J. A. 8. MILLIGAN, will at
tend to the practice of Medicine and Surgery, i®
Augusta and its vicinity.
Office in Metcalfs Range, up stairs. Entrance
one door below Mr, J., Marshall’s Drug Store.
June 13 Cm
BLACK & LAWSON,
attorneys at law.
Will practice in all the Counties of the Middle
Circuit. Any business entrusted to them will meet
with prompt attention. Address
Edward J. Black, Jacksooboro, G*.
John F. Lawson, Augusta, Ga. ly Nor. H
STEAMBOAT COMPANY OF GBOK
GIA.
IFF This Company having been re-organized
and placed in an efficient state for service, are pre
| pared to send forwarded without delay all freight
j l hat may offer.
Goods consigned to WM. P. WILLIAMS, Age®*
at Savannah, will be forwarded free of Commi*'
suons. , »
The connection of R. M. Goodwin with
Company has terminated.
JOHN B. GUIEU.
June 6 I—y Agent at Augusta