Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1847-05-07
(From n Indy Corrcspondcnt1


To tAs Editors ef tAs HA,g:
GENrLyNEN-We rejoice inform You there is still a
remnant left Of that noble superiority intellect which
has heretofore distinguished honorable county Orange
The electric spark Of genius, though shrouded in gloom
was not totally eNngushed when the last star of her little
constellation OF great ones faded from political irma.
ment And little deemed then vet Its light should
no longer gladden. that another would arise whose CO.
meke blaze would delight whilst it astonished not only
gaping knot OF country loungers, but seventeen millions
OF ireemen OF all ages and conditions The farmer from
his ploughshaetho artisan from his tools and work shop
the unprotected from the ceaking of his
Tagging machinery-the man OF science from his abora-
oy-pnesis, poets and statesmen all forth TO gaze
its sudden brliancy. And 10 from the halls of the
White House sauners one with brow pale and though,
fu from the absorbing contemplation Of plans of orttiea-
lions, routes o! armies, Nc submitted his inspection by
tayore Lieutenant General-and with teescopc eve he
views the whole Of political astronomy to see If he
can explain the phenomenon Of that Great Light about
which the world seems going mad. But behold. That
comet pauscs not here in ITS brilliant course stretching
lar aihwart the eastern sky, beyond and seas II
throws ITS radiance distant lands and the aged in
searching the pages OF and modern history TO find
parallel reminded OF the abed heroes story whose
mighty deeds IN charmed their infant years But
vain may Mr.. James X. Polk cndeavour TO explain 10
the satisfaction OF people, a'ousing from the ethargic
sumber OF blind party submission, how il is that man.
At the head Of plgmy army Of undis-pned volunteers
receiving no " ard and comfort" from the distant Com
manden Chief-crppled in operations by every adj
circumstance that inherent bravery that has ever
pointed the musket and welded the sword of the American
peope-coud, against such fearful odds, accomplish Sc
MISUNDERSTANDING Tor
those OF an Alexander, Frederick the Great Napoleon or
Wellington.
Alas Alas These dear bought victories By the
precious blood that enrches the soil the enemys coun-
y-by the groans OF the dying sodierby the Little mound
OF earth, which, in distant land the Wondering
form OF the brave and the goUd buoyant with love
with hope and noble enterprseby the orphan
the widow and the moher-by the mournings of the grey
headed sire for the brave son. whose companonshp no
more shall cheer the fire side OF his dcsolao home-by the
signs OF the lair g who feels that the her earth
y enjoyment has been chilled forever she gecps in her
wrelchedness alone for one, slain the hickest Of the
tightly this painful price, have these victories been won
1t may be pleaded m e1tenuaon, that these things are
inseparabc from True, indeed But when they are
the result o firm defence Of any of our rights
and national liberties, a mother IN tins land but with
Spartan oruiude would bind the shield and bucker on her
son, and MN forth terrible the majesty of youth
u proves 10 conquer or die m his cuunry's But
ask where the humane bosom that swes not with gene
Tous indignation against the original projectors OF war
winch has carried such heart-rendIng desoation into the
homes OF % many thousands in this and Mexicos unhap
py land Must there not be radical defect in Co
vefnment which permit with IMMUNITY few amb Gus
spirits with blind party zeal and for party purposes to plan
aud carry on war unrghteous IN H. and obi CT
and to which, pot the popular vote four fihs of the
people would be found opposed
THIS, really, - Bonapare carrying war INTO Egypt and
Frederick the Great cnlurgng his hereditary kingdom b,
the pi.iefng Of territories from the Empress Austria
Not for ten thousand earthly crowns, would this n light
ay my head upon my pillow, with the amount o guilt
gathering around II and pressing upon my conscience NJ
must haunt that at the authors OF this war; IN the calm and
lonely hour Of midnight; however much the 'snll small
voice" may be hushed hro the day by the hustle OF bl.
ness aud OF fashion H. IN the midst Of some gay eyee
magic glass could be presented before the eyes Of those
who voted so clamorou8ly for "War, War" and thew
could hcreinsee passing before them the bloody scene. Of
Monterey and Buena Vsta-he wounded soldier faint from
the Jss O blood and iatguche flying hosts OF the routed
MeEcans-Taylor and hs officers worn out and sick nj
sight Of the carnage their successful engines OF war had
wrought upon their fellow men, though fighting under
different H1R-and 20 hear their lamentations a. here md
there among the slain is recognized the bleeding form Of
some gallant soldier and oilcer-as Ringgod Clay Mckee
and 0hers-then 10 sec them borne along their lonely
resting place, where their ashes shall mngo with that f
the hostile stranger-and than one martial form IL
owecd the kindly tear drops down the rugged cheek Of
the soldier, and he away "a the drum and q with
yeer strain calls him back Ia the busting camp signing
to think that the sad Offices may be performed over
his own ieoss body, many suns shall rise and set
would not an Imaginary view Of these sad realities touch
some chd 81 pity or remore IN the granite hearts Of those
who could have prevented them1
However unholy may deem this war would no, cast
one whitening reflection the laurcs won on Mexican
plains. May they never droop and fade Bot could
wish them purchased 30 Jnstef We are bound
deny 10 admire the military courage and prompt
Of those, VINO 30 chcofuy responded the coll Of duty
War being declared, the battles must be fought TO preserve
unfinished the brightness Of the American oscuicheon
Permit me before close, % settle much disputed qles
ton Zen Taylor was undoubtedly born IN this county on
tho banks OF the Rapid Ann At two years OF age he re-
moved W''n his father 60 Kentucky highly approve the
prompiness Of tie Wings n already using his pub
hcy n connection with the Chief Magsracy. thereby a.
suung thatss good may come Of owls for II this
war, unjust though be 900 BE- OBJECT con be tho means Of
placing at the head o governmental surs o. worm pat
riot end a. ruc soldier the renowned and unvanquished
unsuucndcnng Taylor then, indeed, tho country will b.
amply rewarded with happiness and so.urt, gr al she
suhefs now from anarchy home and war abroad-and no
county in the Union will fcJoce thnn ts bic native
onc-nOf will any offer support n evidence Of
which, witness tho result o late Congressional cleo
ton. AZ testimonial, then, Of he high estimation In
which HE personal character and Oy deeds Of daring are
held among the descendants Of the friends Of h.a worthy
ancestors. should not citizens call meeting Of the
Brayc end the True with whom mountains still abound
and vote the presentation d Sword Gen TAYLOR Of
Orange county VrRinia-horeby exhibiting 10 him aud
the world thar aey Glow iG rsudetnP honor 10
whom honor duo 2" Permit 10 close these fenarks
prouacted beyond my Intention, with the assurance tina,
though lacking tho opportunity for display still there arc
many more IN our mids', Who IN times Of national peril
would prove themselves unworthy inhabitants Of the
birthplace Of old Rough g. Resdy--as DO testified BY
the courage and sefdonal Of the young voune
who have left their homes with oil domestic endearments
% rally around the triumphant flag Of the brave old Roman
Gee very recently IL - fuobut the other has
nopant the bloody battles Of Monterey and us1a Visits
May Tsyor be President, and may he long iyo
10 ENJOY That heace and prosperity purchased by him for
hrs county, first by and hnaiy by such M almns
tfauon Of government taught 20 expect om
who has shown himself entirely adequate 10 the ny
ing emergonciosl Yours, l..