The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-28

called He thought If the report was only read
that case, above all others, would have no objection
The report was read, and this poor soldier met the
fate Of the others. He believed this the most de-
serving case that was ever brought before the
American Congress; and if this could net be heard,
none could; and no would not allow this sys-
TEN OF mockery in legislation to be carried on
any longer. So he gave notice that he should
object to every other bill that came up, and
advised the committee TO rise; and no had rather
the committee would rise than place him in the en-
banassing position of Directing TO bills that he
knew nothing about. But he was satisfied that the
old soldiers were To have injustice done them, and
If they could not be heard he was determined that
no one should. He was glad the remarks Of the
gentleman from South Carolina had given him an
opportunity of explaining his course yesterday.
He was afraid that some one, mot here, but who
might read the report al distance might construs
him as one of the gentlemen on this floor who ex
hiblt their retrenchment notions upon bills for the
benefit Of those who did something more than we
do, who show patriotism by mere talk, and do
our fighting here amid all the Injuries Of the age at
80 per day-of those who left their homes, their
families, their all, and perilled their lives for their
country's liberty and honor, and como here all COW
cred with scars proof positive Of their courage,
their sacrifices and suferings. He never did vote
against soldier who made out even prina faes
case, and he never would. His blood ran too
warm 10 his veins at the bare mention of the
price which these patriots of two wars paid for
our present liberties and blessings to have him
ever placed IN that category, nor would he ever
be very strenuous about the proof We saw
SCARED veterans limping about the Capitol He
knew they were in the war and in battle. The his
tory of his country had enrolled them there. He
knew they were poor, and needed the bounty gov.
eminent. This was enough for him TO know. God
forbid that he should apply all the technealities Of
the law, all the nice and distinctive rules OF
evidence to decrepid soldier who had forgotten. in
the feyer Of his PATRIOTISM every thing but the honor
Of his country and had rushed amid every priyation
10 its rescue. He remembered the case Of one Of the
bravest men living who was the only surviving
member Of a certain "forlorn hope" so called, that
was despatched upon one Of the most desperate err
rands ever planned by man. In discharge of his
duty he lost his right arm, and Of his knees
sudened for life. He applied for a pension. He
proved that he was in the war, and was there
wounded But this was not enough; and |
was present when he told that further
proof was necessary--he must prove that he
received his would In the service OF his coun-
try. Then, sir, | saw the most sublime and
affecting spectacle Of my life. saw him, who had
been the brayest Of the brave, who had stood I'M
moved amid the dead and dying, who had faced
the ball and the bayonet with cheek unblanehed,
burst into tears and cry like a child. Says he, 81
cry not over my own suferings but my country's
ingrautude. IL is the eruelest OF tortures for me
to think that my country, whose call obeyed, for
whose honor / fought, lost my knee and gave up
my right arm, now doubts my honor, my integrity,
my veracity. She wants proof that did not stiien
my own knee, and cut OF my own arm to get
pension. She wants proof! Great God Of heaven,
by whom am | to prove it, when | alone Of all the
company survived the contest, and was saved only
half man. save in this heart Of mine that is still
big with patriotism, and bleeds over national in-
gratitude" This man is still unpensioned for
want Of proof! This case, had it been called
Yesterday, would have been objected to by those
whose notions OF retrenchment and regard for
presidents, work such gross injustice in this hall.
There is a case now before the Committee on In
valid Pensions--that Of Captain Silas Chatheld-
where the rigid scrutiny into the proof Of every
soldiers claim exacted by this House is working
the grossest injustice. He served through the last
war. Everybody knows this. He fought like a
tiger, with perfect desperation at the sortie Fort
Erie; and when the Am erican general Up. B. Por-
ter) was the sane as captured by the British, he
braved an Overwhelmingly superior force and look
ing death in the face, he discounted despair ITSELF
and rescued his general. History assures US Of
this. Though seriously wounded, he was not dis
abled in this engagement; but, in removing the
wounded subsequently, he was disabled for life.
This too, is proven. But, sir it is decided that he
can have no pension until he proves that he
was wounded in the actual discharge Of his duty
Such severity to these gallant spirits-the like Of
which, | see indications every day, that we never
shall see again. call carrying cruelty to the last
extremity, besides exhibiting the blackcst ingrst
tude, for which fear an avcnging Providence may,
some day, in His infinite justice severely punish us.
Now, (said Mr.. W. come to the case in point
where il is beyond the power Of human diction to
add single iota to the thrilling eloquence of the
facts, and where justice to the most signal instance
of unparalleled nrepidity overrides all presidents
founded upon international law and all the echni-
callties Of congressional enactments triumphant.
ly as the pale horse Of death overrdes the future
atin &c In tk.ra H.
Loudon district, Upper Canada, scarce of age, a
young American medical student, studying with his
uncle who was practising in Canada. The lad was
poor, and his uncle in charity was educating him.
Though in Canada, he forgot not his country, and
wanted all who could not help her directly to keep
quiet. General Hull had invaded Canada, and told
the people to remain at their homes-to raise not
their hands against their American brethren. In the
name of his country, and by the authority Of his
government, he promised to protect their persons,
and rights. This proclamation the young
man diligently circulated. Finally, he arrested
for sedition, ironed, and imprisoned at Byerson's
creek. Thence he was put on board Com. Barclays
feet. In the engagement with Commodore Perry,
just before action commenced, in order to train him
for fight against his country, he was ordered to
cheer with the British soldiers, or be shot. But he
refused. After the fight commenced, a lieutenant
sent for him several times and ordered him to fight
But he as often refused. Finally, the lieutenant
shot at him, and hit him in his right breast. He
lay almost suffocated with blood, the lieutenant
told him that he should fire again unless he con-
scented to fight. The student sighed, "Fire away.
Death before dishonor." As the lieutenant was
raising the pistol for second FIRE, as just Provi-
dence would have it, ball from Perry's fleet
launched him into eternity. He was recaptured by
Commodore Perry, and set at liberty by General
Harrison. But disabled as he vas by this shot in
the breast, he served thraugh the war; and received
on honorable discharge surgeons mate. When
the committee made the report, they could not find
this discharge. II has since been found, and he
ought now to have 500 so per month, instead of
80 90. The name of this gallant man, who told
the dead coward to murder, but not to dishonor him.
is orris Crosby. He has had too much pride to ask
his government for pension, until reduced not on.
ly to entire bodily disability, but to extreme power
ty. Shall we withhold the pitiable sum our pen
sion laws grant to cases Of this kndi After this re-
hearsal Of his wrongs, the proof of which is posi-
tive and on your table, sir who will, who can say,
81 object" Who will say that more meritorious
case has ever been presented to Congress-
Aside from strict justice, sir, am for pensioning
all the old soldiers, to encourage the growth Of valor
and patriotism in this cold calculating, selfish,