The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1846-07-10


oth and 9th Of May SO we'll contested, as
they were tor a time, on both sides, had
resulted IN the loss Of Taylol's army, it
would have plunged the whole Union into
deep mournlng-aud into that most poig.
nant OF all human grefs-an abiding sense
OF seli-reproach for the settled and cold in
difference with which his wan, of compc.
tent force and supplies had been for months
witnessed.
The gallant and talented General Du
Buys, who for a long time commanded the
finest division Of volunteers | have ever
I seen since the war of 1914 and IS, and
who, | am sure, has no superior for the
command Of this description Of force with
l.. Texada, Esq, one Of the most promis-
ing young members Of the legislature, and
the talented Judge Bryce, were not. as you
seem to suppose, private citizens. They
were Louisiana volunteers, aud gentlemen
of high responsibility, and were appointed
by me to act as officers of the general staff
upon the same principle that the dis,ln.
gushed Edward Livingston A. l.. Duncan,
and John X. Grymes, all frslrale law.
yers, were appointed by jackson 10 act as
staff officers.
lckson's object was, as my object has
ever been upon such occasions, to maintain
the great principle upon which me offence
and iadepeadcnce Of our beloved Union
must forever depend that to be private
UOian'eer is to hold u station of high hon.
or, whence an acting general staff may
with STRICT propriety be taken and Iut OH
duty in the absence Of the regular staff Of
the army.
These appointments, and all the meas.
ures taken by me to which YOU object,
were deemed by me as essential duties,
and discharged by me upon principles nc.
toned by the greatest and best Of men ey-
er known 10 me, some Of whom took their
degrees IN military aud political science in
the school Of our beloved Washington,
Greene, and Knox; and in the more civic
school Of Jefferson aud Dearborn, and Gal.
latin and, though last, NOT least, in the
school of Madison, Eustis, Dallas, Arm
strong, Monroe and Calhoun, the master
spirits Of the war Of 1912 to l-l4 and -.
BE assured, sir, that | will obey with
much pleasure the orders Of the President
Of the United States, according to my oath
ot Office. As to tie reprlmands with which
you have honored me Ia the last year, mud
10 the last and present month, although
they strike me az novelties not being war
ranted by the sentence Of general court
martial, yet carclessly submit TO them as
they seem to be source of pleasure to the
War Department, aud certainly iufict no
injury on me. | can conceive but one M.
/ tive for their frequent occurrence, and that
I =, that my name shall be 50 banded be.
! fore the country, that the public may be
prepared to see with Indifference my name
passed by IN silence II more distinguished
officers are created IN the army. If this
/ is so, the labor is useless, as may very
soon be unable to discharge the active du.
lies Of my profession, (though long in the
enjoyment Of excellent health j for | am
already old, Of contented disposition and
I have received sufficient distinctions during
my humble life. No, the least Of these
distinctions do | regard the late prompt
war measures Of Congress aud the Presl-
deaf, AMI the noble hearted Louisianians,
and other whole. soued western and south.
ern men, is not only indirectly, but express,
", generously, and unanimously approving
my conduct in having for many months
urged the adoption Of the principal meas
ures which have recently been carried as
by acclamation.
DO not wish to have the place of any
general or other officer known to me. |,
SIR was born at time and reared among
men who had not learned the art of mar.
ching TO distinction by trampling under
foot the claims Of their dearest friends or
brother soldiers.
Very respectfully, yours,
EDMUND PENDLETON GAINES,
Major General United States Army,
Commanding the western division.
Hon. WM l.. MARCY, Secretary of War,
Washington City, d. c,
EXPENSES OF THE GOVERN MENT.
III r ~ l..