Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1847-01-30

or their own soil here, in defence OF
their country and in the prosecution oil
every measure declared by the Execu-
tive on the part Of the people-at all
times and everywhere. l am sure,
from what know of the people, that
such insinuations will pass unheeded as
the idle wind We all love cur coun-
try, and it is useless, and worse than
useless, to attempt upon this floor to
charge one party or the other with any
want Of patriotism. | am proud to say
that in the field, wings have deported
themselves as well as any men, and so
it will be until the end. Whether the
war end in April or not, until again
and again regiments have been thrice
whether in action or in
sullerng--whether IN battle or in
camp-whether in the interior of Mex
leo, or lingering on the banks of the
presidential river, they will do their
duty and their whole duty to their
country, while they live. Mr.. Chair
man, came to the city of Washing
ton charged rather with military than
civil duty; and now if have said any
thing which, frosa my position-fresh
from foreign country--to which the
House has listened with attention, it
has been with the desire that they
would do one thing for the army in
Mexico, and that is, to give their sup
port to a resolution which propose
TO offer, or have offered by friend, at
the first opportunity. 1t was drawn
up by the Secretary of War at my
earnest solicitation, and with your
kind permission Loud cries of read,
read The resolution was then read.
II authorizes the Secretary TO deliver
to the commanding officers of any
regiment of volunteers, such clothing
as may be needed for said volunteers,
the same to be furnished to the nom
commissioned officers, musicians, and
priyates at the cost sum to the govern
mcnt, the amount to be deducted from
the pay of said volunteers-the COM
handing officers to whom the clothing
is delivered, to be responsible for its
delivery to the volunteers, on return
to the United States. OF the twenty
six regiments ordered to Mexico, there
are bat two or three now provided
with clothing for the campaign. |
have not now to discuss whether that
is their fault, or that of any body else.
state a simple fact; the government
furnished its forty-two dollars commu-
tation for clolhng-in other words adj
vanced that sum; but in the first place,
many of the volunteer troops had TO
buy their own clothing upon the credit
of the government, at time when it
was very doubtful how far the govern
mont would comply with the terms of
the contract. Many of them had to
get two suits Of uniform with their reg
iments. Then the necessary expenses
of travelling, government did not pay
in other words, besides expenses for
equipments, such as the government
did not furnish.
These expenditures absorbed all
but little which, fear, they may
have wasted. They have worn them
for six montbs--they have slept in
that clothing; consequently it is worn;
and now, in the inclement season Of
the year, when they are subjected to
those bitter blasts which pierce the
very marrow, they are mlserably pro-
vided, If they had the money-if
they had seven dollars to buy their
clothing. it would be purchased at ex
travagant prices. The government
has been in the habit Of supplying the
regular troops according TO the army
estimates in advance of their necessi-
ties prudently and wisely. There is
now Of Camargo aud other places
large quantity Of army clothing-ia-
tigue suits which could BIO distributed
TO the volunteer regiments, and be re-
ceived as portions of their pay. Gen.
Taylor desires that the clothing shall
be furnished. The volunteers do not
wish to go like Falstatl'S soldiers 10
the field; when they hurl defiance in
the face of the foe they wish to look
like decent men while they do it, 1t
Is mere advance in clothing instead of
money. If the House will, according
TO parliamentary usage, by some special
act, pass that unanimously to-day, SO
that II may be sent 20 the Senate to-
morrow, Il will be great favor. Per-
NIT me, under The direction of the
Secretary OF War, to take MS much
clothing as NAV be at Tampico, and ]
am sure the army will be under great
obligations TO the country for this