The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-03-28

Hho many Vi us, were OinceIs VINO mad
not seen a great deal Of hard fighting
On this report the order Of attack first intend
ed was founded, bu;. before the troops were
ordered on to the attack, Colonel Wood was
sent 10 examine and report the extent of front
occupied by the British troops. Colonel
Woods military eye detected at once what
mad escaped the unpractised observation of
the others-that is, that the British regulars
were drawn up in open order-and II was on
his report that at the moment, the change
was made by General Harrison in the order
OF me attack-a movement, which, in the es-
uma'lon OF such men as Wood, and Perry,
and Shelby, was enough Of itself TO entitle
General Harrison To the highest rank among
the military men Of the age
Mr.. Speaker, when review the historical
testimony touching this portion Of Gen. Har-
risons history, confess my amazement at
the Quixotc, q pray my friend from Michi-
gan to pardon mel but | must call it. the
Quixotic exhibition which he has made OF him.
self. Sir, the gentleman had no need to tell
US he was a General Of militia. His conduct
in this discussion is proof OF that-strong even
as is his own word for the fact. He has
shown all that reckless bravery which has al
ways characterized our noble militia, but he
has also, in this attack, shown that other
quality Of militia troops which so frequently
impels them TO rush blindIy forward, and often
to their own destruction. | should like to
hear many of the brave men around me speak
of General Harrison. Some there are now
under my eye who carry British bullets in
their bodies, received while fighting under the
command of General Harrison. should be
glad to hear my whoe-soued and generous
hearted friend from Kentucky, Major Butler)
who agrees with the gentleman from Mchi-
gan in general politics, who has not merely
heard of battle, but who has mingled in war.
in all its forms, and fought his way from the
ranks up TO the head of battalion say
should be glad to hear his opinions Of the mat
tiers asserted, limited at, and insInuated by the
gentleman from Michigan.
Why, ask, is this attempt TO falsify the
common history of our country made nor,
and why is it made here? Is is vainly imagin-
ed that congressional speeches are to contra
dict accredited long known historical facts p
Does the fierce madness Of party indulge a
conception so wild
Sir, | repeat, that | feel only amazement at
such an attempt could not sit still and
witness ii in silence Much as | desired to
speak to the House and country on the ques-
ton touching the Cumberland road, should
have left il to others had not been impelled
to get the floor to bear my testimony against
the gross injustice which thought was about
to be done to a ctiZen-an honored, cherish
ed citizen of my own State. This House,
Mr.. Speaker, knows that l am rot given to
much babbling here. Yes sir, you all know
that like Balaam's ass, never speak here
till am kicked into it. may claim credit,
therefore, for sincerity, when declare that a
strong sense of justice alone could have call
ed me into this debate. Let me now remind
gentlemen who may be tempted into a similar
course with my friend from Michigan, that all
such efforts must recol with destructive effect
upon those who make them. Sir, it has been
the fortune of Gen. Harrison to be identified
with the civil and military history Of this coun-
try for nearly half century. What is to be
gained, even to party, by pervcrting that hsto-
ry! Nothing. You may blot out page of
his biography here, and tear out chapter of
history there; nay, you may, in the blindness
of party rage, rival the Vandal and the Turk,
and burn up all your books, and what then
have you effected! Nothing but an insane
exhibition of impotent party violence. Gen.
Harrison's history would still remain in the
memory of his and your contemporaries and
coming events, not long to be delayed, will
show to the world that his history, in both
legislation and war, dwells not merely in the
memories Of his countrymen, but is enshrined
in their gratitude and ensraven upon their
hearts.
Mr.. Speaker, come now to the discussion
of what is really the question before the
House, and, with the hope that may be en-
titled to the floor on Monday, will, if it be
the pleasure Of the House, give way for
motion to adjourn. II | can obtain the floor
on Monday, promise the House that nothing
shall tempt me to wander from the question
touching the appropriation for the Cumber-
land road, work which, if il be not crushed
by the wreiched policy of this administration,
will reflect much glory upon your civil
history as the deeds of the great and patriotic
citizen, whose conduct have been compelled
to notice, ever did upon your military annals.
On motion, the House then adjourned