Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-05-28
VOLUNTEERS FOR MExICO--RE-
GIMENTAL PARADE-CHAS. j.
FAULKNER'S SPEECH-VISlT
nF POTOMAC DRAGONS.

The exciting intelligence from s'the Seat Of
War; which we spread in detail before our
readers this week iIlprevent us from taking as
extended notice of the proceedings Of Satur-
day lastin this place, we had originally design
ed to have done But we cannot pass them by
without such notice as their importance and
interest deserve. ssOld Berkeley" ever true to
1.-THE calls ofpairiotism, has been aroused by the
trump ofwar, and the exciting intelligence al
most every day pouring IN upon us from ''the
Seat OF War;" and being eager to bear her
share in the honor Of defending the soil Of our
country from the invasion Of an insulting, faith
less and ungrateful foe, has set about organi-
zing a "poIlmteer Company composed of gal
liant young men whointend offering themselves
to the Government for service in the war now
existing between this Country and the Repub-
lie Of Mexico. We are delighted to see this
demonstration Of the patriotism of our young
Conntymen, and should their services be requi-
red in the field of battle we venture to say that
they will render efficient aid to their country,
and cover themselves and their Native County
with honor The Berkeley Volunteers" now
number about fifty men, "good and true" and
there is not the least doubt of full and efficient
Company being made up in few days
4 On Saturday last. the 23d inst, the "Regi-
mental Parade" took place at this town, and
of course the whole Military force ofthe Coun-
Ity was assembled, and we have never seen
the 9th Regiment look better, or display more
efficiency and knowledge in the drill After
marching to the field, and going through with
the usual exercises they were drawn up INTO col
umn by Maj. SIscIHpivER IN font of the stand
erected for the purpose, where they and the
citizens of the County were addressed by our
able and patriotic Fellow Citizen, CHARLES
JAMES faulkner, Esq, (who had been invi-
ted to do so BY the Volunteers for Mexico) for
upwards of an hour in an eloquent exposition
OF the causes, Sc, of the war now existing be-
tween this Country and the Republic of Mex
leo. The crowd present amounted to fully
one thousand persons and we have never seen
more profound attention or more intense in
terest excited in people--an interest manifes-
ting itself in grave and thoughtful consider
alton becoming the solemn emergency of the
Country-and showing itself in a determine
ton TO unite sin heart and soul, in mind and
strength" in defence of our common Country,
and in an earnest support Of every measure
necessary to be adopted by the Government to
garry out successfully and efficiently the war
in which we are now engaged.
| We can do no more from memory than give
mere skeleton of the able speech of Mr.. c. J.
! FAuLKNER-and shall con6ne ourselves to a
short sketch Of his argument which we think
will fully represent his views. We must here
take occasion TO express our admiration at the
liberal offer made by Mr. FAULKNER, TO each
and every volunteer from the County of Berke
ley, who would continue in service for pc
Rod of twelve months, and receive an honora-
bic discharge, or TO their heirs if killed, Gin adj
dition to their pay from Government one
| hundred and fifty acres of land in the State OF
Texas, and expressed his determination SO
soon as the Company was formed, to deposit
his obligation TO that effect with theircommand
ing officer. This is very liberal offer, and
speaks well for the patriotic spirit Of the donor.
SPEECH OF c. J. FAULKNER, esq.
The Military and Citizens of Berkeley be-
ing drawn up into line, Mr.. FAuLxSER arose
and opened his speech with brief and ami
mated exordium-glancing at the gratifying
and inspiring scene around him, and thank
i g God that he had the privilege as the Organ
of the Volunteers now forming for the Mex
can War, to meet with the Military and peo-
pie of Berkeley County, and to address them
upon the grave and solemn crisis now existing
in our National Affairs.
He then entered into review Of the causes
which produced the existing relations between
this country and Mexico, and vindicated the
policy and action of the Government in trans.
ferring the Army of Occupation, after the re-
lection Of Mr.. SLIDELL, from the Neuces TO
the East Bank Of the Rio Grande. He main
,ained the present to be a just and necessary
war. demanded by the honor and interests of
the Nation, and forced upon us by the faith
less and insulting conductof the Mexican Gov
eminent Upon our part it had been so far
wholly defensive, Notwithstanding our terrific
ry had been invaded and the blood of our citi-
zens shed upon our own soil. But he hoped
we should not continue TO occupy defensive
attitude any longer. Heheld it to be the impe-
rious duty Of the Government now to prose
cute the war with energy and vigor and to
bring ii TO a triumphant close at the earliest
day possible. He wished to see formidable
and well appointed army placed under imme-
date orders TO march TO the city OF Mexico
and there to dictate, without delay, the terms
ofan honorable peace, and to require full in
demnity FOR the expenses of thewar. II could
never be tolerated that neighboring nation
like Mexico should occupy towards us the
hostile and menacing attitude which she has
exhibited for the last twelve months husban-
ding her resources and concentrating her ener-
gies to strike blow upon our Southern from
| tier, whenever our difficulties with European
powers should be such as to justify ner in the