Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-12-31


Washington, Of recent date, we find the following
paragraphs, which will be read with interest:
"The influence of Senator Benton in The councils
of the country has been and far greater than what
it is commonly supposed to be. 1t is now matter
of history that it his moral poDer which induced
the Executive to agree settlement Of the Oregon
boundary the basis of the recent treaty But it is
not well known that Mr.. Benon's opinion and adj
vice were asked by the Government after the battles
of the 9Th and 9th of May last and that he the real
author of the operations in New Mexico and the Cali
fornias. Nor is il so we'll known, that his opinion
and advice again asked by the Government after
the sorming of Monterey, and that he is the author
of the basis of operations against Vera Cruz and
the Mexican Capital. But that such the facts in
the premises is no longer doubted even by the most
sceptcal.
But his power in controlling the operations of the
war with Mexico is not and has not been of his own
seeking He has been sought, and his counsel follow
ed. And such high confidence has the Executive in
his wisdom and judgment, that the Administration
has determined to send him to the seat of war with
power to direct the movements of the Army of Inya-
sion and to treat OF peace whenever the enemy may
sue for tiff Congress will take the necessary steps
to authorize such mission. 1t is confidently stated
in high quarters that Mr. Benton is ready to undertake
such mission whenever il shall be rendered to him,
and that Congress will be called upon at an early day
to sanction the project"
Confirmatory of the latter statements above, we
have the following in the Washington correspondence
of the Philadelphia Ledger under date of Dec. 10Th
Col. Benton, | wrote last night is very plainly
talked of as Lieutenant General; but if mistake not
he will rather be the Commissioner and Minister
Pepotentary sent there to negotiate peace, should
the Mexican Congress be disposed to accept the over
lures made by the Secretary of State.
The same correspondence says
A rumor that garrison at Monterey, on the Pa
cc, has been surprised and put 10 the sword by the
Mexicans, which has circulated this morning, Is no
thing but hoax. No information of the kind ha;
been received by the Government, and no mention Il
made of it in the Cabinet Council of this day.
NJ FIELDS, the individual recently tried and sen
fenced to DEATH in the Crawford county Circuit Court
for the murder of his mother. expiated the sentenc
of the law on Friday, the 18th Instant between tn
hours of II and 2 o'clock, 2. nj. We understand
from private letter received Saturday evening, b,
gentleman Of this city, written from Leayenworth
that the rope broke the first attempt at his execu
ton, which caused some delay while more eficien
one was being procured.
We also learn that petition, signed by 100 mel
and women of that county, was presented to the Gov
ernor praying a change of his punishment to Pen
itentary for life'-but that prayer not heard
New Albany Bulletin
We think the Governor did right in not commutin
the punishment prescribed by the jury in this case
We understand that Fields murdered his mother 70
no other reason than to rid himself Of the duty
assisting provide for her supports and that he ha
before attempted to kill her without success. Such
wretch should be considered beyond the pale of hl
manity: and worthV only of dea tn