Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1846-08-26
The Louisiana Volunteers.

The Louisiana Volunteers,
II will be remembered by our readers,
that Gen. Taylor called on the Governor
of Louisiana for four regiments Of voIun.
teers,--under authority given by the Pre-
sident, and of which Gov. johnson was in
formed by the Secretary Of War, in Au-
gust, 1916. The Governor promptly re-
sponded, and sent six instead of lour--as
Gen. Gaines, without authority, called for
more troops than Gen. Taylor required.
They volunteered for six months, and
went Immediately 10 the aid Of Gen. Tay-
lor. Ia the meantime, Gen. Taylor had
driven back the Mexicans, and when these
six regiments reached the seat Of war there
was no enemy to be found.
Congress then took the matter in hand
recognized state of war, and by law
authorized the President TO receive 10000
volunteers for twelve months or during the
war, for prosecuting the war successfully.
10 organizing the army, under this new
law for the purpose Of prosecuting It 10 a
successful issue, Gen. Taylor is placed in
command, and an army is concentrated on
the Rio Grande for the iapaSion Of MerIco.
In looking TO the character of the troops
(as common sense reqnired) the Depart.
mant finds four regiments from Louisiana,
who volunteered for six months and three
Of the six months had expired, and two
regiments there without and against law,
What was TO be dono2 According to lar
these troops could be detained no longer
in the service. Each private and every
company had the right 70 leave when they
pleased. Gen. Taylor might have com
menced the march, relying upon these re-
giments, and just before reaching Monte
rey, or some other important point, they,
or part Of them, would claim their right
and return. True, it is said they were
tno gallant and patriotic 10 return. Per-
haps 50. and We fondly believe it is So
but, Of this we feel assured, that any Off
Ger who would move forward with the pos.
sibilily Of such an occurrence, would de.
serve such a fate. Bot, at fahhesl, they
we're only volunteers Tor Elk months, and
this lime would expire When they would
be 10 Ihe middle Of 40 enemies land; and
a, the fret opportunity Gen Taylor would
be required 10 send them back And Of
this fact Gen Taylor informs us, that "a
large number o. them have expressed a
wish Cor their discharge" What was 70
be donel Those who expressed a wish 10
be discharged, Gen. Taylor was bound 10
discharge. and The only alternatives were
that they should volunteer iof twelve
months, Csnd this they declined, or 10 dis
charge them. They were discharged -
As patriots, they flew 10 the defence Of
their country and counirymen in time Of
need As patriots, they should with equal
cheerfulness, have returned to their homes
where discharged.
Why should Gen. Taylor have upon
such service as the invasion Of Mexico,
forces who could be detained but 3 months
at mostl And why should Louisiana vol
unteers claim any shorter term OF service
in such an invasion than the other volun.
teers1 In truth we are inclined to believe
that they generally saw and acknowledge
the sense and propriety of their discharge
But the wing papers, and some other "ius.
sy politicians" in New Orleans, are kick.
ing up fuss generally about the matter
and the Jc6erSoaida plays second fiddle
in singing the chorus.
We read with delight the views of the
MississiPpian on this subject, and the re-.
buko given TO the Je6ersoniaa for its un.
generous attack on Secretary Marcy, and
its attempt to cast censuro ON him and ex.
onerate the President. We believe the
President was consulted and advised their
discharge, and that this was the right and
proper and the only sensible course that
could have been taken.
We hope the Secretary viii see to il