Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1840-07-02


heavily upon me, ~ | thought Of the
fearful consequences OF a mistake on nv
part. or the want Of Judgment on the
part Of others. knew there were wives
who had given their husbands 10 ;he field
mothers who bad clothed their sonS for
battle; and knew these expe citing wives
and woihers were looking for the safe re.
turn OF their husbands and sons. When
10 this was added the recollection that
the peace Of the entire WeSl would be
broken up. and The glory Of my country
furnished IL failed. you may possibly
conceive the anguish which nv si,ua-
ton was calculated to produce. Feeling
my responsibility, / personally SUPER.
vised aud directed the arrangement
OF the army under my command
] trusted TO no Colonel or other Off
Ger. No person bad any hand in any
disposition Of the army. Every stem of
warfare, whether for good or in, was
taken under my own direction, and Of
noneother, as many who now hear me
know. Whether every movement would
or would not pass the criticism OF Bona
parte or Wellington, | know no.; but.
whether they would Induce applause or
censure upon myself, it must fall.
| But, fellow-ci,izens. still another mo-
tive induced me 10 accept the invitation
which had been so kindly extended TO
me. knew that here | should meet
with manv who had fought and bled un
der my COMMUNICATIVE I should have
the pleasure Of taking them by the hand
and recurring with them to the scenes Of
The past. l expected, too, TO meet with a
lew OF the great and good men yet surviv-
ing. by whose efforts our freedom was A.
chelved. This pleasure alone would have
been sufficient TO have Induced my visi,
to this interesting spot upon this equally
interesting occasion. / see nv old com
Panions here, and ! see not few Of the
old revolutionary veterans around me-
Would 10 God that il had ever been in nv
power 10 have made them comfortable
and happy-ihat their sun might 90 down
inPeace! But, fellow citizens, they re ain
unprovided for-monuments Of the in.
gratitude Of my country.
1t was with the greatest difficulty tina,
The existing pension act was passed thro'
congress. But why was il restricted
Why were The brave soldiers who fought
under Wayne excluded;-soldiers who
suffered far more than they who Tough,
IN the Revolution. The Revolution. in
fact did not terminate until l7o4-uniil
The battle was fought upon the battle
ground upon which my eye now rests
(Miami.) There never was a treaty Of
peace with the Indians War continue
wish them from the commencement OF
the Revolution 90 the victory Of Wayne.
10 which have Just alluded. The great
highway to the West, was the scene OF
-unceasing slaughter. Then why this
unjust discrimination Why are the sol.
! dieIs who terminated the war Of :he rev.
oiuhon. IN TACT, excluded, while those by
whom II was begun, or portion OF them
are rewarded? | will tell you why. The
poor remnant Of Waynes army had but
few advocates, while those who served in
the Revolution proper, had plenty OF
friends. Scattered as they were over all
parts OF the Union, and in large numbers.
they could exert an influence at the bal
lat-boX. They could whisper thus in
the ears OF those who sough. their influ-
enee at the polls: Take care. for have
waited long enough for what has been
promised. The former plea of poverty
can no longer be made. The treasury is
now iall. Take care, your seat is in danger.
i oh yes, every thing that has been pro-
missed shall be attended to it you give me
your votes" la this way, fellow. citizens
'aIdy, bu, partial justice was done TO the
soldiers o! the revolution. They made
lfIends by their influence at the ballot box
But II was different with Gen. WAYNE
soldiers. They were but few in number
and they bad but one or two humble al.
yoealss 10 speak for them in Congress
The result has been, justice has been
withheld.
n have said that the soldiers under
HAYNE experienced greater hardship,
even than the soldiers OF the revolution.
Tbs 70 so. Every one can appreciate the
difference between al Indian and regular
war. When wounded 10 battle, the sol.
der must have warmth and shelter before
he car recover. This could always be
secured by the solder Of the revolution
Ia those days the latch string Of no door
vas pulled ~. When he was wounded
he was sure 10 fnd shelter add very
many Of those comforts which are so 90.
|sential 10 the sick, but which the soldier
IN an Indian war cannot procure. lnste ad
OF shelter and warmth, be Is exposed 10
the Thousand ills incident 10 Indian war.
fare. fotRO relief was extended 10 those
who had thus suffered!
After the war closed under WAYNE, !
re;fed and when ! saw q man poorer
Than al others, wandering about the and
deerePid aud deeayed by intemperanee
% was unnecessaiy 20 enquire Whethei
be bad ever belonged 10 WGxKE's army.
Ills condition vas guarsn,es OF that
vas q suthcient ssssFancs that he he'd
wasted hls energies among the unwhnl.
some swamps Of the West. 90 the defence
Of the rights Of his fellow citizens. end
lor The maintenance Of the konor and
glory 81 be o0ualTy.
Well, iellow citizens, can only say
that n % should ever be IN mr. power /,
pay the debt which is due 10 these brave
bot neglected men. that debt shall first oil
all be pad. And am very well sals
he'd that ihe government can adord n
PROVIDED THE LATCH srafvc ar Tur