The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-24
BY THE MAILS.

WASHINGTON, August e, 1916.
Brigadier Major General Gaines-ths Recent Court
Martiai-the Presidents Action tn the Premises-
The Ncscs from Merico- Treasury Notes, etc. etc.
The object and design of the court-martial arc
well known to the public to inquire into the
allegations against Gen. Gaines, of calling volun-
teers or militia into the service Of the United States
without legal authority, exceeding twelve thou
sand men, besides a regiment of foot from Missis-
sippi, which was accepted by the War Depart
ment
The Court, although they, in several instances,
found against Gen. Gaines, were Of the opinion
that In no case did it appear to have been his in
tention to act independently of the State authori-
ties, or in defiance Of instructions; and, in view
of all the circumstances, when they made up their
decision, recommended to the favorable conside-
ration of the President the good and patriotic mo-
tves and commendable zeal by which they be-
lieved the old soldier actuated in all his trans
actions, and suggested that further proceedings
be had in the premises.
On the 18th instant, the day before the President
went to Old Point, he approved the proceedings
of the Court, not, however, without condemning,
in strong terms, the exercise of powers in the
absence oflaw-viewing strict discipline and obe-
dence to orders as absolutely necessary in the
public service.
1t was not anticipated that Gen. Gaines would
be fully justified in all his movements, although,
at his own request, he was brought before Court
of Enquiry. He acted on the principle that the
path OF duty is always the path of true honor and
glory, if it is not always the path OF personal safe
ty; and, in letter to the Secretary OF War, he
averred that he had never in the slightest degree
departed from the rules of conduct which the in
structions of the Department embraced, regarding
calls for militia or volunteers. This was in Sep
TENDER, 1916 but the Court and the President
especially object to Gen. Gaines call for volln-
instructions, and no warrant Of law after the 10th
of May,) when he knew of the brl INT victories
of Gen. Taylor on the Rio Grande. however the
conduct of Gen. Gaines may be generally regard
ed, all will accord to him pure and patriotic mo-
tives, the acknowledgment of which Is as highly
priced by the veteran soldier as any honor the
Government could bestow
It would be highly gratifying to the friends OF
General Gaines if the President would restore
him to the command from which he has been
relieved.
the recent intelligence that Santa Anna has Como
to Mexico. Nothing official, have been inform
ed, has been received at the department. A spe-
cial messenger, it is said, will be sent to our army
on the Rio Grande, and to the commander in the
Gulf Messrs. Buchanan, Bancroft, and w alker,
have had confidentiapm eetng, and will have
some suggestions for the President on his return
next Monday or Tuesday. We had all been con-
graduating ourselves that the fighting was over,
but Judging from the latest news, II is just about
to commence, the battles on the 9Th and 9th Of
May being merely the initiatory.
/ No Treasury notes have as yet been issued, a.
/ l learned to-day, on inquiry at the Department.
Two hundred thousand dollars worth are in the
course of preparation. In looking at a few Of
them, discovered that they bear one thousandth
of one per cent interest. This is merely nom nal,
and will not probably be com puted: The demo-
limitations are fifty and hundred dollars Notes
of higher denomination, and bearing higher
rate of interest, will hereafter be ISSUED, ~Rs the
President may direct from time to time The
notes now in preparation are to be issued ON war
rants to dsbursing officers only.
The Orphans Court for the district has ordered
and directed an issue to be made up and sent to
the Circuit Court, which meets in October, vizs
=" Whether Mary Ann Van Ness be the widow
OF the late John p. Van Ness, or not" Mrs.
Mary A. Van Ness, Mrs. Conner that was. or
is, insists that she is the widow of Gen. Van
| Ness, and entitled to preference in the admins
traton of his estate; and prays that the letters Of
administration on the estate, granted by the Or
phan's Court to Gov. G. p. Van Ness, be revoked,
and the administration of the estate be granted
to her. The Governor denies that Mrs. Mary
Ann is the widow Of his brother, the General.
However, the Governor isgoingon, settling the
estate. Yesterday, large number of lots and
houses were Sold FELIX.