Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1846-08-20

The following interesting and amusing
and no doubt truthful letter, from gen
tleman now resident at the seat of war to
friend in this place, we have obtained
permission to copy. 1t is dated Fort
Polk, Point Isabel, July 30, 1916. The
writer after alluding to some local mat
ters and the celebration of the birth day
OF the nation, goes on as follows
A Nation, too, that is extending the
"area Of treedom" a ieetie faster than il does
the comforts of civilization. A little ,oorse
.freedom and little better grub, would suit
the views of those who for their Countru's ,eei-
fare are denizens on the Rio Grande; looking
forward anxiously for a revel in the "Halls of
the Montezumas" but more anxiously for n
revel in the halls Of their Fathers or the kitch.
ems OF their Mothers. You have probably in
your reading of books, or in your conversation
with men, understood that Texas was land
Overlooking with "milk and honey" BE at
once undeccivcd NOT drop of mlk-not an
ounce of honey, has it been my lot to see or
hear of, and most dligent enquiries have
made of that notorious individual, the oldest
inhabitdnt, who recognizes not even the name
Of such things his lexicon is bereft of such
sounds. But if it overflows not with "mlk
and honey" let me tell you what il does over
flow with 1t overfiows once i'm n while with
very bad water,-it ovcrhows with ToiunteerS,
and they (permit me to add, in my opinion,)
are the worst tears that ever were shed in any
Country it ovcrflows with large mosquitoes
and long boards, with very bad whiskcy, and
very dirty shirts-with men who do a great
deal of talking, and "dont do nothing else"
Churches, Ministers and women are very
scarce ; there is no Sunday bere-there was
none am told in the Revolution, and in hat
respect we are just as good as they were, and
am not sure but we are in a great many 9TH
er. The Volunteers who displayed such
promptness in coming out here "to the rescue"
have shown by the promptness with which
they embrace the first opportunity to get back,
that promptnesS is grand feature in their con-
stitution. In the emphatic and expressive
words of the South, ,-"they hare seen The Eie-
pham," and are perfectly willing to give others
an opportunity "to lool, at the animal" The
LousianIans who volunteered for sir months,
and had the privilege of extending the time to
tacc're, or "go home" have with decision that
tell much for their common sense, decided
without hesitation to 90 home; and for home
they have started, niser, if not better mcn than
when they left. Experience has taught them
a lesson IN reference to Campaigning that the
Poetcal histories of great many "Charlcs o.
Nallcys" will not eradicate they have learn
ed that something besides gold gli,tcrs-that
there is something beside glory in Soldering
Speaking of Volunteers, where are the Buys
from Rhode Island Could you not nfusc pa
trotism enough into them with your 4th of
July Celebration to raise a company or two
for Texas? Come out here and perhaps you
will see some fire works that could beat the
in all weathcrs. We have heard that the Gov
crnor had ordered draft in your State | don't
believe even hm would bring any out, and no
one, who has been here once would blame
them for not coming-t is almos, too much to
ask of ones patriotism to leave place like
Newport, for the fields of fMcxico,-to exchange
the Ocean for the Rio Grandc-good water for
bad-a soft bed for couch in the sand with
mosquitoes and other rarmin for bcd-fcllows.
Soldering is romantic and bcautiful-'tis ro-
mantle in books, and beautiful on Election
days; but here It's the toughest kind Of every
day lile-hurJ work, hard fare, and hard times.
ought not to wish any one harm or i'll but
should really like to see Gel. Browns Provi-
dcnce Infantry out here for short time,
'twould be so pleasant to see Rhode Island IA
ces about you. | am inclined to think that this
war will be a benefit to the hat business, for |
notcc that all that are here are completely per-
foratcd with holes, and conclude that their
owners, when they reach civilization, will pur-
chase new ones and preserve the old 'uns as
hoi(e)y relics.
There is nothing new to communicate, no
fighting, and can't say when there will be any.
Some say there will be hard battle at Monte
reg and some say there won't. A great many
of the troops are now en- route for Camargo,
and the remainder are only waiting for proper
means Of transportation. Capt. Swartwout' $
Company left here yesterday for the above
place, and one Regiment of Texas Rhemen
have received orders to take up the line of
march for Mcr. &. G. B.
LET US HAVE THE FACTs AND THE REASONS.
I-coDgIess has inst le ermiualed lis spSsion A