Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-12-06

he sortie, (orthe inspectors Department. were
not present to distinguish themselves previously.
Among the officers of the old army who served
in this campo gn, was one who failed Jude Har3
rsonln draining the promotion he wished
whose merits were little understood, and whose
services little remembered when known.
His grade was Captain in the corps of Enr;
neers, and he Won his promotion by gallant SER
vices Silent and reserved, his modcsiy was that
which gave evidence of the greatness of his soul.
Unostentatious in action as we'll as speecli-his
line of duty gave him little chance of eclat-yet
in the whole army, before which his arrlor and
skhi have been so often conspicuous, he obtained
the highest distinction. His courage was of the
most chivalric order. He knew no restriction in
recommending an enemy's works. tIe sav with a
clear conception the object to be pursucl-a,id at
every moment OF operation, whether preparatory
TO, or pending the conflict, the estimation of life
was not a thread that could check his firm pur
pose, in ms everactve exertion for tfie Interest or
Honor OF his country.
a page of his merits would be as splendid, as
any exhibited of those from bav, lake. or noun.
tain wave. Oh-that my country would do tina,
justice to the memory of Vood--whch would
cheer the gallant spirits who survive him on the
land, to seek the bed where he sleeps forever.
his grave
a detail OF his beroism, on the Miarni--on the
BANKS OF That Lake 80 celebrated for other deeds
ana On Tie Niagara-will bear comparison
with that of any ofhis CONTEMPORARIES 4 ~ or,'
nehtuckian OF the name OF jHood--ard ask ther
Generals OF hls ability-you need not ,ro f,, 10
learn ms share IL, in the exploits of the Left Diyi
sion.. ~, $500 = ~ :
The soul of the British commander, who had
oeen so often discounted by arrangements, which
tareook OF ms agency, was gratfed ut finding
nun among me slain, shot, and bayonetted as he
"asIf es--that Lieutenant General, whose breas,
couiu accede to an exchange of the deat, BODY Of
me gallant .Spenecr, for his unhurt aid. Captain
LormS, Could in cold blood exult at the death of
brave SPIRIT, whose simple capture would not
nave sacished has en1nty to the country, win, ,Il
woui,. number among her sons, Hood as well
as ''iorTs a Perry, and -iP Dononrh.
onNuid we ever have another war, it is hoped
na. our government Will not again pursue the
unfortunate policy of looking to immediate nat.
ronage for its efficient conduct or yorous co,n.
mencement
Inc present peace establishment, as selected
inc generals at Washington, comprehends
nearly ali, who have obtained !, character on the
irontier-with some few who had not that pre-
tension VI the hify-eieht field officers selected
~ aoaltion to the engineers, ..Sentyeigf are those
VINO have risen from the old army. One of This
selection It's true, is obiectionable-but there are
Swo' also liable to objection, of the field Officers
from the new army the influence of patronage,
IN a small degree, could not even be excluded
rom the honourable duties, of this board 1.-The
remaining Field Officers, the writer of this arti
Gle, on the knowledge which he may be suppos-
ed 10 possess, IS ready to determine, are wei Sc
The Company Officers are principally well Sc
iected, with similar degree of the excention
made to the Field Officers. m
this establishment, let our country look for
It's future commanders. It's an erroneous i'm
preston thas 1t is the school of vice-let il be
nourished at the school of discipline Let the
detachments ofcorps at separate posts, be reeu.
larry relieved. Let a term If service with the re-
Si'nent, be requisite for staff appointments of
at least one year for regimental ones. and of AZ
least two years for all others-and. in the event
OF increase, preserve the whole as free from the
innovation OF patronage AS our navy has been
name.
H1s
4 CO-Colonel Purdy, of seventeen wears sbonld
not lave given place to one, not more active or
distinguished, surely, who first entered the SER
wee as Captain when Purdy became his Lieut..
{ m J Those fen, who had not obtained cbarac.
ters from fronts r service, thould not have taken
precedence OF such officers as Melvin L.. Leonard
neichum and Allen of artAlery--of johnson and
hamilton OF the 1st and Eastman, uawkinsran and
doodng OF the 18th infatry--Snith, and Msgee
and Lieut. Shortaidge and Arnold, ofRihemen
~a 49,