The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-08-12

do all that can be legally and properly done TO CON-
ply With your wishes and carry out the expectations
Of those who think they have cause to complain Of
hacdhps and injustice
Considering the heavy sacrifices 10 which most Of
thos- patriotic men had submitted il certainly was
anticipated that the execution Of the instructions
70 General Taylor would have been So unwelcome
TO them, OF at least TO such Of them were unwi-
ing % yo uneer under the act Of the 18th Of May.
Indeed II might well haze been supposed that ''the
Judge Who'll deserted the bench, the lawyer his eli
ents, the physician his patients, the merchant his
eounIing-house, the mechanic his workshop, and
the minister Of the Gospel his pulpit to respond To
the proclamation for volunteers" would have de-
sired TO return to their respective ayoeat ons when
the exigencies II the public service no longer re-
CURED the continuance Of the pralse~orthy sacri-
ices Of individual interest and duty imp sed by a
devotion TO their country.
II Is hoped that the explanations which have
been given will satisfy your exeeeney that so far
from an entire disregard the feelings and rights of
the patriotic volunteers from your State, and of the
obligations Of the United States towards them, !
was governed in issuing the order referred to by
high considerations Of public duty, and by the
most sincere desire 10 do whatever could within
the range of that duty 10 crafty the wishes and pro-
mote the best interests Of the volunteers themselves
have the honor 10 be, very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
VIM. L MARCY,
Secretary Of War.
His excellency Isaac JoHssos,
Governor Of Louisiana,
New Orleans, La.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
June 26, 1886.
sin; The department has been very much en-
barrassed by the proceedings Of General Gaines in
calling out, mastering into SERVICE and sending TO
on Texas and Louisiana, Those embraced IN your
calls, and some from Alabama and Missouri, who
had lef these States before Gen. Gaines's calls
could be counermanded, (the President having given
validity to his proceedings TO that extent,) are e-
gay in service; but there is question as to the
period for which they can DO held to service as they
do not within the provisions OF the act Of Con-
gress Of the 18th Of May last, the conclusion to
which the department has arrived is, that they are
TO be regarded as In service by virtue Of the OF
1885, and consequently for the term OF three months
IL the exgencies Of the service should require their
employment for this entire period, you will, OF
course, retain them TO the end thereof otherwise
they are TO be discharged.
But considerable body Of troops beyond those
embraced by your acquisitions and the Presidents
sanction have been mustered into service for six
months by order Of Gen. Gaines, and have before
this time reported themselves to you. IL is in rela
ton 10 these six months volunteers that the great
CT nus Dten fcll. Inty nave ylciu
ed to invtationg which they thought were authori
tatyely made, or would be sanctioned; have, in
most instances, made personal sacrifices to obey th,
impulses Of PATRIOTISM and gone forth in the hop,
or having an opportunity of rendering valuable ser
vices to their country. To decline TO receive them
to send them back to their homes without givins
them employment, will undoubtedly cause regret
disappointment, and notification yet after matur,
consideration, the government does not discover tina
there is any other alternative. They not legally
in the public service under any existing law and thu
President cannot receive them volunteers, unes:
they should tender their services for twelve months
or during the with Mexico. This latter alter
native-that is, to become volunteers under the &C
Of the 18th Of May-you have been authorized L
tender them. Should they decline it, there is ne
other course but to cause them TO be returned Il
their respective homes. This is truly painful al
Tentative, and most gladly would the government
here avoid it, if it could be done consistently will
Official obligations and due regard to existing laws
IL is presumed that Congress will make provision u
pay them, and authorize the expense which hai
been incurred in fitting them out and in sending
them to you, together with that attending their re
turn. Should your arrangements be such as to re
qurc the Immediate service of the six months volun
teers, distinguished from those State troops lc
gally in service you will be justified in deferring the
execution Of the order for their discharge. Indeed
il is hoped that many of them will become volun
teers for twelve months or during the war, so tina
they can be placed in service under the sancton o
law. Those who responded to your call, or wert
recognised by the order of the President can be re
tanned for three months; but if their services no
needed, likely to be needed, you will cause them
also TO be sent home and discharged.
You viii perceive by copy Of letter from the
governor Of Louisiana, herewith sent that the orde
heretofore given to you has occasioned great dissa
sfac'ion, and is regarded violation of contract
| also send you my reply to it, which contains the
views Of the government upon the whole matter.
sincerely wish there was course open to be pur
sued which would avoid the difficulties but the die
ates of duty, and respect for the laws, must over
rule all other considerations, In executing these or
ders, you will do what you can to make the pro-
ceedings acceptable to the philosophical and patri
otto troops who to be affected by it.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
VIM. L. MARCY.
Bvt Brig. Gen. L. TAYLOR,
Commanding Army Of Occupation,
Camp, opposite Matamoras, Texas.