Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-12-17


sonable and proper. recommend the passage of a
resolution TO effect its objects.
During the past year Texas became q member of
our Federal Union. Pending the negotiation which
led TO this suspicious result Mexico protested against
1t in the most formal manner, notifying our Govern
ment that she would regard it cause of war. Up
on the passage ofour resolutions for annexation the
Mexican Minister, General Almonte under the Or
ders of his Government, abruptly terminated his ii-
pomac relations, and left the country. lie did not
wait for Texas to adopt the measures called for by
our resolutions, and to give to the Union
The consular agents Of Mexico were also withdrawn
War to the Sabine was announced. And such were
her various manifestations Of active hostility, that
Texas called upon the United States for protection
This power having taken the steps which justified
our intervention our troops advanced into the coun-
try and quartercd at Corpus Christi, West of the
Nueces. This post was then held by "a body of Tex
an Rangers, and had been for months, and were or
dered there or the protection OF Texas against the in
roads of the Camanches. 1t was Texan settlement
Texas had always claimed the Rio Grande as her
Western boundary. Santa Anna had admitted it,
Our most distinguished statesmen had maintained it,
Congress had extended the laws of the United States
over the whole country up to this limit; and then
and not until then did our troops march upon the Rio
Grande. When they reached this boundary and ell
camped opposite Matamorrs, General Taylor gave TO
the Mexican General every assurance of a peaceful
purpose. For some time no begerent act was done
by the MeNicans. So thoroughly satisfied was our
little army that the peace of the two countries would
not be disturbed, that the gallant Worth gave up his
command upon point OF rank and rendered his com
mission to his Government. Up to this moment no
belligeren act had been committed by either party
But the hostile intentions of Mexico were not long
to remain concealed. Colonel Cross, under the con.
fidence of our peaceful relations having left our en-
campmcnt, was basely murdered. Porter and small
party met similar fate. Other acts Of aggression
occurred and finally Mexico abandoned her disguise,
marched her troops acroos the Rio Grande and com
menced the war. The Gallant defence of Fort Brown
made immortal by the death of a hero, and the bat
ties ofPalo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, were the
consequence. These deeds of arms are destined TO
make glitterng page in the history OF our country.
they filled the American heart with gladness and
with confidence, nut unminged with disposition TO
rampe upon our beaten and wanton foe. Peace was
again offered by us, and again rejected by Mexico
without an effort at negotiation nd nothing is now
lett us but ingloriousy 10 abandont those fields which
we have so glorously won; or, by change in osr
plan OF operations originally designed, I suppose,
merely TO secure satisfactory frontier, to conquer
peace by penetrating TO the heart of Mexico
IT must he highly gratifying to every American
that Gen Taylor was Instructed by his Government
carefully TO avoid if possible ali collision with the
troops of Mexico. Audit is no less GRATIFYING to
know that this order was strictly obeyed 9rhe
peace OF the world was not broken by us Mexico
mad committed outrage upon outrage upon us, through
aseries OF years; relying upon her numerical supe-
riority, and confident of an easy victory she made
bold nddarng assault upon our army
III was in view of these facts that the Congress of
the United States, on the 18th May 1916. by an act
passed with despatch and unanimity unk nown in
our legislation, declared that "whereas by an act of
the Republic of Mexico state of war exists betyeen
That Government and the United States and to pros
ecute" said war authorized the President "to call
and accept the services Of any number of unteers
not exceeding fifty thousand" Under this authority
was called upon by the War Department. undey
date OF 18th May last TO hold in readiness three reci
ments OF volunteers. To put myself in condition
promptly TO answer n call for immediate service
by my proclamation, announced TO nv fellow Gift
zens my readiness TO receive tender of the serviceo
OF thirly companies oil volunteers. This announce.
I'm hI.ri.t, -
ner More than the complement required PROMPTLY
enrolled, and rendered their services for twelve
months campaign. These troops were not caIled
into the field; but under date of the 10Th Novemhor
last, by virtue of the authority of the 18th of Nav
requisition was made upon me for one regiment of
volunteers, oil ten companies for immediate service
ana 10 serve ior inc war | promptly issued my
proclamation announcing this call upon our
State declared the enrolment undermy former proc
lamation null and void, and made cali for the reoi
ment required IN conformity with the new conditions
OF the war Department 1t is source to me of pride
and satisfaction to be able to inform you that this
new call has been responded to, far as have def
mite information from the State with spirit and aIac
rty and that the contest among us will not be who
Is TO be excused, but who is TO be permitted TO rav
under the banner OF their State and Country
In the performance of the duties which these calls
imposed upon Inc, have felt great difficulty from
the want OF clear and explicit Legislation providing
Tor such emergencies. But deeIning it wholly in
consistent with the pride, character and patriotism
OF The State TO omit TO respond to the calls which
have been made upon me, from any doubt of my
powers, took the measures have stated and also
authorized the volunteers to elect their company Off
GERS. have not made the appointment of field Off
GERS, although 1t Is important that it should be done
without delay, not deemng ii absolutely indspensa.
bic, and regarding it respectful to leave the
whole matter TO your consideration. Indeed have
strong doubts If this case is at all provided for by
law and have consequently not felt myself at lib
erty TO do more than what seemed urgently necessa
ry, or to so as far has been done by the Governors
oil Otner States. For the therefore Ofn
ting what has been done beyond all doubt recon- |
mend the passage OF law joint resolution, con- |
hrming the elections that have been held and the |
commissions that have been issued in pursuance |
thereof, and also providing for the appointment of
held officers, leaving the appointment Of the staff
as now provided in the case of militia officers.
"A considerable portion of the volunteer companies
OF this city consists of gallant young men from the
country, coming to this city with the patriotic pur-
pose OF Joining the expedition in which they have |
engaged, but some OF them without the means of
supporting themselves until mustered into the SER !
wee OF the United States / felt myself bound to
make soldiers provision for them. / accordingly
directed the Captain of the Public Guard to furnish
Such as might need it, the best accommodations in
ms power. am gratifed TO believe that this ar |
rangement afforded much relief and helped to spread
the line feeling that has been manifested. have
also elt myself bound TO take responsibility in
providing uniforms and other clothing for our regi
Inent. 1t is the only plainly which it could be made
TO present uniform appearance, or be furnished
with good and substantial clothing for anything like
the sum allowed by the Federal Government |
would also suggest that of money, not exceed
my 5000 dollars, be appropriated for the purpose of
supplying any deficiency in the full and complete
equipment and comfort of our regiment. I think
that this burden should be borne by the State alone
Other States have promptly assumed it. and you,
gentlemen, will, am sure, checrfully do likewise
Some of the finest spirits in our State are labourng
under the disabilities of our antiduelling law. AL
ready, believe some of them have been elected off
GERS of our volunteer force; and others are painting
to enter the service of thercountry. Although | am
fully convinced that this law has been prodncfye Of