Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-11-12
For the Journal,
WILMINGTON, 10th Nov, 1S47.


Mr.. EDITOR In cursory glance at the
Raleigh Register, observe an editorial, con-
demning the course of the President of the T. |
States, in the affair of Singeltary and Pender.
The article, however, is characterised by mild
ness in the extreme, when we consider the
source from which it emanated, or place it in
contrast with the warm language and liberal
vituperation usually exhibited in productions
from the same pen, on the actions of our Pre-
sident Whatever may be the motives that
have induced the Editoi of the Register to
make this obation at the shrine of forbearance
whether they spring from friendly feelings
entertained for Lieutenant Singeltary-fort the
similarity of their political views-or from
doubts OF the President having acted injudi-
ciously in the matter, the instance is still de-
serving the highest commentator. But while
we are ready and willing to make this &C
acknowledgement, We are compelled to dissent
entirely from that opinion, which seems to
prevent the Editor from rejoicing at the resto-
ration of these gentlemen to that station from
which they were dishonorably dismissed
We do so because, on the fairest and fullest
examination of the whole affair, we believe
that every mind, free from political preudices
| the influence of personal attachment-or
extravagant ideas of military discipline must
admit that the President of the United States
was bound, in all Justice, to reinstate Lieuts.
Sngetary and Fender and that to have done
otherwise, would have been a violation of
those principles which should ever govern the
head of free republican nation How does
the case stand? Nine hundred freemen. sew
erng those ties which bind them to their fami-
les-their homes and all that humanity holds
dearest on earth-go forth to maintain the
glory and honor of their country-a comman-
der is placed over them, to guide and encour-
age them in the noble undertaking; but in
stead of receiving that treatment from him to
which the freedom of their birth, and the laws
of their country entitle them, they consider
themselves the victims of severity which far
exceeds that of the most despotic military
code-more consistent with the conduct of ali
unlmpeachable Autocrat than of a lealer of free
born Americans. The officers finding that
not only the harmony and peace OF the Regi-
ment are destroyed, but that the reputation of
their State Is IN jeopardy, with an unanimity
unparalleled in military records, sign a petit
ton, requesting the Colonel to resign. This
is considered mutlny-two of the list are Sc
lected for punishment, and are dismissed with
dishonor. Nor is this all; they are dismissed
without a tral-without hearing the
evidence of one is received, and the testi-
mony of thirty is rejected. Beautiful Justice
indeed !! Where can a just freedom be found
for such proceeding Il know not Iques-
ton if Napoleon, ill his most self-wilIed days,
when the cause of Liberty might have deman-
ded prompt action, ever condemned upon such
testimony. If the gentlemen in question were
guilty, or deemed guilty by the superior Off
GERS, why was not Court Martial granted
them whatever consequences might ensue.-
Col. Fremont was granted one and was not
the country loud in their condemnation of the
summary treatment of Midshipman Spencer,
even when necessity might have been pleaded
in justification
"Justittd fiat, rudt cG1um."
But why two selected to answer for the guilt
of thirty? We would like to believe that vim
dlctlveness had nothing to do in the matter;-
we would like to think that hatred or some
such thing had not been waiting for, and had
found an opportunity of qualification. 1t could
not be the comparative magnitude Of their guilt
on this occasion, that brought the phial of
wrath upon these two gentlemen, since so
multiplied is the testimony, that they did not
, exert an influence upon their fellow officers
Again we pause for a justification of such a
, dismissal; it cannot be found-though easily
> can be forseen the fatal consequences, if such
actions were overlooked-if the whims and
Caprlces OF an officer were to determine the
: fate, the reputation or life of those who served
under him; it might be found practicable amidst
the raging OF civil war-when two parties
were contendmg for supremacy in their own
= country, but never when a common foe is tc
be vanqulshed; and Gol forbid that such bs
sanctioned at the present time. In all candor
then, has the President of the United State.
again shewn his justice in restoring Leuten
ants Sngetary and Pender. JUSTITIA.