The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-09-17
eALrro.xIA ExrEprr1oN. troops compri.

CALIFORNIA EXPEDITION. troops compn-
sing the expedition for the conquest, settlement,
or annexation of California, will, in few days,
embark for their destination; and in spite of all
the difficulties and opposition attending their pro-
gress, from the commencement, they will sail, ad-
mirably adapted for the purposes intended by the
government 10 be effected If their path in a
foreign territory is to be cut by the sword, strong
minds guide and strong arms carry the weapons
with which to overcome all obstacles if they are
TO settle down quietly in possession of the soil,
there are hands used to toll, and implements OF
husbandry and mechanical art ready to be devo-
ted to the improvement OF the ground they &C.
cupy. In either case, whether their course is to
be one Of conquest and just retaliation, or OF
peaceful occupation, the expedition is composed
of material we'll provided with men and means,
and one that will do credit to the State, which is
honored in the selection of her sons for the first
body of troops sailing from the United States to
foreign land.
Much has been said, and much unjustly, rela-
tive to the organization of the regiment and
many have been the sneering remarks thrown
out, predicting that corporal's guard would be
all remaining, by the time that the day appointed
for embarkation came round. The present actual
position and force of the regiment, is the best an
swer to all such aspersions. Ten companies, the
full complement Of the force, show a muster roll
of over 700 men, being as many as are allowed
to enlist; band of excellent musicians is organ
lied the ships to convey the troops to their des
nation chartered, prepared and ready for sea !;
a powerful armament Of cannon, guns, NOR
tars, and in fact, of every thing neces-
sary for either a regiment of dragons, artillery,
or infantry has been furnished clothes, provi-
sons, and necessary equipments Of every sort
have been provided; the men themselves are
contented, and anxious to START the officers gene
rally are men Of military knowledge, and expe-
renee; some ofthem, and indeed all of the field
officers, with the exception of the Colonel, have
held situations as professors at West Point, which
is the best evidence of their fitness for the duties
assigned them and now that this whole body Of
American citizens, mechanics, and farmers, com
manded by able men, are abaut to 90 from among
us, it is wrong that any of the press of the State,
which calls them her own, should endeavor TO
mar the good results and good feeling to be de-
rived from their efforts, account Of political
personal prejudice against one or more of the
officers.
Col ,nel Stevenson, who commands the expe-
dtion, has had most admirable opportunity OF
displaying his perseverance and fitness Of charac-
ter to enter upon bold enterprise, from the COM
mencement ofthe organization of the regiment up
to the present time probably there are but few
men in the country who could design and carry
through project so complicated, in as successful
manner as he has done. Attacked on every
side by political enemies, or disappointed seekers
for approach to the rank which he holds; retard-
ed by the nonaction Of the governor of this State,
who seems, for some private reasons to have
granted unwillingly, and but by degrees, the aid
which his station enabled him to afford .encum.
bered with the supervision and necessary dsci.
pline of I or 800 men, unused to restraint of any
kind, he has displayed an energy and boldness
which qualify him in a supereminent degree for
commander ola BODY of troops, which departs
upon business requiring the utmost acumen and
perseverance. To Colonel Stevenson, and to his
Lieutenant Colonel, Major and Adjutant, the
whole credit is due for carrying to a prosperous
crisis, an expedition fraught with interest to every
American citizen.
We say nothing of the ultimate results to be
expected from this expedition. The United States
government is fuQy aware OF their importance,
Judging from the liberal manner in which all me-
cessary outfits have been granted; and we can
but wish them that success which seems almost
certain to arise from the elements composing
their power. We have rerfect confidence in the
judgment and skill of the superior officers; and as
for the men, they are, and all must have, too
much at heart the honor of their country ever to
disgrace her flag. The fifteen or twenty of them
who took advantage of the baby act, and left the
regiment, could well be spared-their places
were filed by better men; and, at future day,
we Lope that the expedition which is soon to sail
will, by their deeds OF honor, acquire name
which no one would be unwilling to have bestow-
ed on himself.