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

me Louisiana volunteers.
1t will be remembered by our readers,
that Gen. Taylor called on the Governor
of Louisiana for four regiments of volun-
teers,-under authoritysgiven 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 four-as
Gen. Gaines, without authority, called for
more troops than Gen. Taylor required.
They volunteered for six months, and
went Immediately TO the aid of Gen. Tay-
lor. 10 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 a state of war, and by law
authorized the President 10 receive so, 900
volunteers for twelve months or during the
war, for prosecuting the war successfully.
In 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 Grand3 for the inrGsiOn Of MeracO.
In looking 10 the character OF the troops
(as common sense required) the Depart
ment 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 done? According to lar
these troops could be detained no longer
in the service. Each private and every
company had the right to 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
too gallant and patriotic to return. Per-
haps so. and we fondly believe it Is So
but, of this we feel assured, that any Off
Ger who would move forward with the pos
sibilly of such an occurrence, would de-
serve such fate But, at (arthest, they
were only volunteers for six months, and
this time would expire when they would
be in the middle of an enemies land; and
at the first opportunity Gen. Taylor would
be required to send them back. And of
this fact Gen Taylor informs us, that "a
large number of them have expressed a
wish for their discharge" What was to
be done? Those who expressed wish to
be discharged, Gen. Taylor was bound to
discharge, and the only alternatives were
that they should volunteer for twelve
months, (and this they declined, or to dis
charge them. They were discharged
As patriots, they flew to the defence of
their country and countrymen in time OF
need. AS patriots, they should with equal
| cheerfuIness, 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 months
at most? And why should Louisiana vol
unteers claim any shorter term OF service
in such an invasion than the other volun-
teers? 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 'sfus-
sy politicians" in New Orleans, are kick
ing up fuss generally about the matter,
and the Jef6rSonian plays second fiddle
in singing the chorus.
We read with delight the views of the
Mississippian on this subject, and the re-
buke given to the JefersOnian for its un.
generous attack on Secretary Marcy, and
its attempt to cast censure 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 will see to it