davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

The result Of the recent election in Illinois for
members of Convention to revise the State Con-
sltution gives reason TO hope that that State is also
about to throw off the shackles of Locofocoisn,--
Tor although the Wings are in minority, they
have gained beyond the hopes Of the most sangoine.
Inc members Of the Convention are thus divided I:
wings "a Locofocos S6-a majority Of only ~.
Heretofore, in elections for the State Legislative,
the Locooco majority has usually been in the ratio
Of B 20 I--Whic
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

G5- An inquiry into the conduct of the 2nd Indi-
ana Regiment at the battle of Buena Vista, has re-
suited in establishing the fact that the regiment
stood It's ground and fought manfully until order
ed to retreat by its commanding officer, Colonel
Bowles
The Picket Guard, printed at Sal,llo, contains
the result of a court martial in the cases of Gen.
Lane and Col. Bowles.-In the case of Gen Lane
the opinion of the Court was as follows The
court are ofopinion that during The whole period of
the 22d and 23d of February, lS47, Brig Gen Lane
conducted himself as brave and gallant officer F.;
and that no censure can be attached to him for the
retreat of the I'd Regiment Indiana Volunteers.
The following is the opinion Of the court in the
case of Col. Bowles:
With reference to the first charge, the court is
OF the opinion that Col. Bowles is ignorant Of the
duties of Colonel but the court would remark tina
i'll health and absence on account of i'll health, have
in some degree prevented him from fitting himself
for the duties of that office.
The court is of opinion that at the time Col
Bowles gave the order "retrear' he was under the
impression that the artillery had retreated, when in
fact the battery had gone TO an advanced position
under the orders of Gen. Lane. which orders had
not been communicated TO Col. Bowles.
And in conclusion the court find that throughout
the engagement, and through the whole day, Col
Bowles evinced want of personal courage or bra
very. but that he did manifest want OF capacity
and judgement commander.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03
FEELING IN TIE ARMY

The Cincinnati Chronicle gives some extracts
from letter of an officer of the army, who states
thai an expression applied at Bueua Vista to the
mexlcaDs, when falling in battle, was, "Thero
goes another nail in Polk's coffin
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

why does not the Richmond Wing call upon lis
patriotic friends in Loudoun and Albemarle to fur
nlsh troops for the Mexican war ?-Rockinghap,
Register.
When, through the votes of our friends in Lou
doun and Aibemarle, the country becomes involved
10 war, we shall call upon them to furnish troops
to fight its battles. II is precisely because the pa
triotic people of Rockingham, Shenandoah and
Page first voted for Polk, and now justify, by pa
per resolutions, all that he has done, that We call
upon them to give some more substantial evidence
Of their appreciation of his measures than words
Richmond Whig.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

Owe learn from private letter that Mr..
WILLIAM MILLER, one of the Augusta Volunteers
discharged On account of inability to do service, has
arrived at Winchester, and will be in this place in
the course of few days.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

0y' In another column will be found an article
taken from the Philadelphia North American to
which we would call the particular attention of our
readers. The letter upon which the comments of
the North American are founded is from the pen Of
MIR. Edwin w. Hutter, Mr. Buchanan's private
Secretary, entitled to considerable respect.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

The Union "Iegrets" that the movement IN "a.
vor Of Gen. Taylor for President, should place "a
gallant sjdier, without his consent, in so question
able and false position" The Union may as well
spare its constant ''regrets." They are unayai~
ing. Cen Taylor never was in questionable"
or "falSe" position, and he does not mean to be
thrown into one, by friends or foos--.4er Gazette
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

Go MIR. TRIsT, our commissioner for negotiating
peace with Mexico, had arrived at Vera Cruz
at our last accounts, and is probably by this time
with Gen ScoTr at Jalapa A letter published in
the New York Courier states that there is perfect
understanding with Trist, Scott and the Admins
tration, and that the terms on which all coincide
are: Upper California and New Mexico, and no
other or greater portion of territory and the right
of way across the Esthmus, if it can be obtained
The writer adds 'f;hese terms are so much more
moderate than were anticipated by Mexico. that
whenever they are Promulgated it is believed that
the popular voice of Mexico will be cIamorous for
peace"
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

f1- A report reached us by Tuesdays mail that
Col. Doniphan's force had been attacked by the
Mexlcans and defeated with severe loss, at Pass
called Sierra Gordon, about half way between Sal
tlo and Chihuahua.-It may be true.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

The Louisville Courier learns, from rood author
ity, that Gen. WIN. o. Butler, Of Kentucky. who
was severely wounded at the battle of Monterey.
has avowed himself in favor OF Gen. Zachary T'av-
loT as the next President. "When such men ire
marks the Courier cast Off party shackles. and ex
ercise their own unbiased judgment, il aarurs well
Cor the dawning Of more pr0pitious era .
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

e5- The following paragraph from the Alexan-
drla Gazette is appropriate and pointed:
sit continues to be believed by many, that there
was an understanding Of some sort or other between
Mr.. Polk and his friend Santa Anna that the latter
was 10 grant us peace, at some time or on some
contingency, not understood, or explained. The
series OF defeats he has met with, and his conse-
quent loss OF power and influence, have deprived
MN MN OF the means Of fulfilling his agreement.
Where is Mr.. Polk to find another traitor with
whom to make like bargain, is a puzzling ques-
ton We hope the Administration will not CON
denim Gen. Taylor for having failed to give Santa
Anna the opportunity" sought for at Buena Vista.
and charge upon his obstinacy in refusing to be
chopped the responsibility of continuance OF the
war. In the mean time, it would be gratifying to
the public curiosity to know ,ciat has become of the
three millions"
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

A correspondent Of the Philadelphia North
American, after describing the battle field of Cerro
Gordo, says:-
81 never desire to visit another such field after
battle While the fight is raging men can look
upon death and shrink not from his bloody features
but to walk coldly over hundreds of human bodies.
backened and bloated by the sum- stretched around
among broken muskeIs and dsm0unted cannon
the s,eed aud the rider offering inviting banquets to
the foul birds that here patterned upon them ON
every hand, sckens the senses and the soul strips
even victory OF its plumage and stamps the whole
with an unspeakable horror Passing down the
ravine where the National Guard had three times
attempted to dislodge the mounted Riflelnen who
supported by the hOwiizer battery, literally raned
death among their ranks, was obliged to turn back
and reirace my steps.
The gorge was choked up with the bodies of the
Hover of the Mexican army. The wof-dog and
the bnzzard howled and screamed as rode by and
the stencil was too sickening to endure.
Passing on, we came to the hospital where the
badly wounded still lay-the Mexicans first and
next the Americans could not but notice the
difference between them. The wounded of the
Mexicans groaned pilifully while not moan was
heard from our people. The Mexicans cannot en-
durc hire and pain like the Americans. Quick and
npetuous, they will for moment face the danger
OF death like heroes but the long and tedious hours
OF sickness or pain, or lasting battle in which men
are required to overcome extraordinary artificial and
natural obstacles, too much for them They
have all the blaze of burning shavings, not the last
ing fire of the charred coal.
For many miles we PISSED along ditch, dug
from Encera TO the pass Of Cerro G1rdo, which fur
nlshed us excellent water. All along the road Were
the bodies OF Mexican lancers and their horses cut
down by Col. Harney's Dragons, when these fire
eaters chased Santa Anna and his retreating troops
beyond Jalapa. Almost every mans skull was lit
orally split open with the sabre of our horsemen.
and they lay stretched upon the ground in ghastly
groups"
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03
e. Col. Pierce M. Butler, commanding the re,

Go Col. Pierce M Butler, commanding the re-
gment of South Carolina Volunteers, in Mexico
writes TO the Governor of that State as follows:
"Ihe contest is unequal, and the service an in
glorious one. The universal voice of the Army.
Navy, and Volunteers is for TERMINATE this con
test, and peace would he to them most welcome
news"
The Medgeville Recorder says that these
views of the gallant South Caronan, as to the
feelings Of the army, correspond with those ex-
pressed by the heroic Col Hardin, in letter re-
celved at Washington just previous to his lament
ed fall.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

o. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr.. Polk, in
| his Annual Message, acknowledged he had author
izcd the admission Of Santa Anna into Mexico. The
Washington Union is endeavoring to create an i'm
preston that the PASS. by which he was enabled to
penetrate the American blockade, was furnished by
MIR. MARCY, the Secretary of War, and no, by the
President himself. The success. of our arms at
Buena Vista appears to have blasted the hope en-
tertaincd by the official organ but a short time
since, that his "admission into Mexico might be
productive of more good than the Wings imagined, -
and hence this bold attempt at shifting responsible
ty. One thousand American soldiers were killed
and wounded by Mexican armies under Santa Anna
III the valley of Buena VISTA and on the heights of
Cero Gordo, and their countrymen will hold him
responsible, by whose folly OF madness, this able
and influential General came to be in command Of
the enemy's forces
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

1.-The two armies of Scott and Taylor, it is said
Twill celebrate the declaration of American indie
pendence in Mexico on the fourth Of July next
Washington Union.
Upon this on dit the Louisville Journal makes
the following pungent remarks:
owe know not how others may feel, but for our
selves we confess that we should have no heart for
the celebration of the anniversary of the Indepen-
dence Of the United States in the conquered CAPT
tai of sister Repubc--the fallen capital Of the
only great Republic besides our own upon the face
OF the earth-cOnquered in OF the most iniqui-
tous wars recorded in the dark aud bloody annals of
mankind"
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

The New York Sun, which goes for sethe whole
or none" OF Mexico, publishes a ridiculous letter
PurPorting to have been written in London, which
pEeiends gravely TO set forth the contents of des-
patches from MIR. Bankhead the British Minister in
Mexico, touching American progress in that coun-
try-the startling effect thereby produced in 'she
Ministerial circle" (ncluding, of course, the ,cri
ter OF this Munchausen story. )--and the instruc-
lions thereupon sent 10 Mr.. Bankhead by Lord Pal
merston, and which it seems have been all reveal
ed, with the usual stupidtyo the British Cabinet,
to the correspondent of the .Nep York Sun ~
These Instructions. are told, 'sdrect the Eng
lish Minister 10 push his efforts at mediation, 10
urge treaty OF peace, not to be scrupuIous as
to boundary lines if the Americans ask territory.
provided they retire north far as the Rio Grande
and the moment the American army withdraws
behind that llne TO demand from Mexico the eighty
millions due to England, and if such demand is not
settled to seize all the territory that has been left
by United States" So that poor Mexico, if this
story be true, is really between wk and buzzard
But ii is got up with too little art to deceive any
but born idiot. The Sun goes for the occupation
OF tile whole of Mexico, and this English bug boo
Is invented for the OCCASION as lis counterpart was
IN 1914, to precipltate the "immediate or sooner'
annexation Of Texas. The Sun ought to recollect
that the cry of ''wolf" may be raised once too of
ten.-Rich. U7ig.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03
DISGRACEFUL OCCURRENCE.

correspondent informs us that the county O,
Goochland was, last Friday, the scene of one OF
the most shameful transactions that has ever occur
red in this State. The circumstances, as thew have
been related TO us, were nearly as follows:
Two negroes were, some time since. condemned
to death, for the cold blooded and atrocious murder
OF boy, fourteen years old, who kept store fdR a
MIR. Hagan, living the Three Notched road
near the Leuisa line. One of the Court, believing
that the spectacle of public execution was calcu,
lated to produce very demoralizng effect upon the
public in general, and could be of no benefit in de-
terrlng the slave population from initiating the ex
ample OF the culprs, proposed to erect the gallows
within the wall built around the jail His propo-
slion was readily agreed TO by his brethren, and
the gibbet was erected in the place proposed.
on last Friday, the day OF the execution. LARGE
crowd assembled for the purpose of witnessing the
eNhioitlon and when they found that measures
mad been taken to battle their curiosity their rare
knew no bounds. They assembled to the number
OF SIX or eight hundred persons and threatened to
tear down the Jail, unless their demand, of pub
lie execution, was complied with. The Sheriff.
being unable, alone, to breast the storm, was com
PEELED to comply with their wishes-the gallows
was removed, and the amiable desire of the multi
tude to witness the last agonies of their wretched
ana guilty fellow creatures was complied with
we regard this not only as n stain upon our cha
racter as Stale, but as a blot upon humanitv.-
Richmond Whig.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

The battle Of Buena Vista (says the u. S. Ga
ze;te) while 1T brought glory TO the nation carried
with il the unfaing consequence of sangunary con-
flicts, grief and desoation. Even in the full flush
ofexcement the sympathies of the nation were
turned to one who had experienced heavy and af
f!letng visitation, and added another to the many
trials he had endured for the sake OF his country.
Feelings were not moved to public expression
alone, for individual ard private coincidence came
to sooI the sting of grief from many parts of the
Union and as an evidence how gratifying the ont
pouring of feeling in his behalf was received. we
publish the subjoincd letter:
ASHLAND, 18th May, IS47.
Gro STONE, Esq -
Dear Sir thank you for your friendly letter
Of coincidence, on the occasion of the death of nv
beloved son, at the battle of Buena Vista. The
event has been great affection and severe trial
My friends have done all that their warm and gene
Tous hearts could prompt to alleviate our sorrow.
and the public generally has kindly manifested it's
sympathies. We hope FROM the goodness of God
to be able ultimately 10 bear, with becoming resic
nation, the infection which his providence has per
mitted. am truly your friend, and obedient ser
want, HENRY CLAY.
GEN. TAYLOR AND ''THE FEpERA1,Jsrs ON,
neighboT, Of the Republican, says that Gen. Tay-
Tor has been nominated for the Presidency "bv the
Federatists Of Floyd county, Georgia.
This, we suppose. is to be the game now. AS
they have not been able to turn the old man into a
Locofoco. they intend to make an effort to turn his
friends into "Fedcrahsts" If Gen. Taylor's
friends are "Federasts," the whole country near
" Is made up Of "Federalists PET Int
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

1t is said the Germans, for plausible reasons, call
SHIRT collars tvater morderu," Gather murderers. }
from legend that student. returning from the
university, wore such stiff one, that in hugging
his father, i cut the old oentleman,s throat Q
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03
JAMES SMyTHSON

AT the laying OF the Corner stone Of the Smith
sonian Institute at Washington, an address was de-
livered by Vice President DALLAS, in which &C.
founder:
flames Smithson, Londoner born, and claim
ing to be the son of distinguished nobleman gave
his life exclusively to intellectual pursuits. and es
pecally To researches in physical and experimental
science. Supplied with larger means than his
wants required, and steadily practising strict
scheme Of personal economy, he auassed consider
able fortune. lie died at Genoa i'm 1929, and by
his will bequeathed his accumulated property Ia
this Union-a country that Notwithstanding his
change of abode, he had visited, whose citi-
zcns he had never associated WITH but in whose in.
| eviable future he saw the most solid ground ON
which to cast the anchor Of his fame This lcgacv
for time the subject of litigation in the British
court Of chancery was finally secured, brought over
and received into the treasury OF the United States
on the LIST Of September, 1888. Its exact amount
when deposited, was five hundred and fifteen thou
sand one hundred and sixty mine dollars.
The legacy was accompanied by declaration of
Its design and the execution Of that design has been
assumed, as well by an acceptance of the money as
by several open and formal avowals by our Govern
ment. 1t was ',o found an Institution at Wash
lngton for the increase and diffusion of knowledge
among men - TO found, not an academy, not col
lege, not university, but something less technical
and precise, something whose import and circuit
should be builder and more comprehensive an in.
sntution, not merely for disseminating, spreading
teaching knowledge, but also, and Foremost fol-
creating, originating, increasing it. Where? In
the city whose name recalls the wises,, purest and
noblest spirit of the freesi newest and broadcast
land. And among whom? Not a chosen or de-
sIgnatcd cass-not the followers of particular
sage or sect-not the tavorites of fortune nor the
lifted of rank-but among MEN--men of every con-
d'tlon, of every school, of every faith of every ma
uvity men! 1t was with purpose thus cleva
ted and expansive, thus as well distinct as undis
eliminating, that James Smthson committed his
wealth to the guardianship of the American Re
public.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-06-03

Dc Our list Of victories, achieved in Mexico
since May 7, 1916, one year ago, now stands in
the following order
The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-04-27
REVENUE UNDER THE TARIFF
OF FORTY-SIX.

Previous to the adjournment of the late
Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury
furnished certain members with a state
ment showing that during the month of
December, January and February last,
the revenue at three principal ports was
SS63,0 900 more than for the correspond
ING months Of the previous year. This
statement was seized upon as a trium-
phant vindication Of the new tariff.
The Wings said at the time that the in
crease would be merely temporary, as 1t
was caused by the keeping back large
quantities of goods TO profit by the re-
ducllon of duties. The following state
ment. for the month Of March, Of the re-
ceipts at New York alone will show how
fully their calculations are about TO be
verified.
The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-04-27
rra,,, e.,e ARMY et Santa Fe.

EE0kfk EEHC ~ t. - 49,
FOUR ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE
INSURGENTS-fWO HUNDRED
AND EIGHTY-TWO MEXICANS
KILLED-11 AMERICANS KILL
ED AND AZ WOUNDED-CAPTA1N
BURGWIN KILLED.
We have by the St. Louis paper Of tie
9Th instant, j confirmation OF the sad
news previously given of the massacres
in Santa Fe.
After the first massacre Of Governor
Bent and his party, there was a second al
Ano Ondo, ~ miles from Taos, where
nine Americans were killed by 500 lndl-
ans and Mexicans.
On the 20lh Of January, the murder OF
Gov. Bent and his men was known at
Santa Fe when Col Price determined 10
march out Of Santa Fe and meet them in
the open field. ITetook with him $40 men.
On the evening of the 24th,C Col. Price
encountered the enemy at Canada, NUM-
boring about 1000 men. under the conf
mand Of General Jesus Tafoya. The en-
envy were posted On the hills command
inc each side of the road.
The artillery not having much effect,
the enemy were charged and routed. The
enemy were 1900 strong, and lost So xii
led, and IS prisoners.
Col. p. on the 9th. took up his line of
march towards Taos, and encountered
them at FL Emboda on the 29ih. They
were discovered in the thick brush oil
each side of the road, at the entrance OF a
defIe, by a party of spies, who hnmedi-
ately fired upon them. A charge was
made by the three companies, resulting
in the total route of the Mexicans and ln-
dams. The battle lasted half al hour,
but the pursuit was kept up for two
hours.
The march was resumed on the next
dav. end met with no opposition until the
evening of the Sd OF February, at which
time they arrived at the Pueblo de Taos,
where they found the Mexicans and lndi-
ans strongly fortified.
On the lex day a fight ensued. A
church which had been used as a part of
the Notifications was taken by this charge.
The fight was holly contested until night,
when two white flags were hoisted, but
were Immediately shot down. In the
morning the fort was surrendered. A! this
battle fell Capt. Burgwin.
The total loss of the Mexicans in the
three engagements is estimated at 282 Kill
led, the number Of their wounded is UNI
known. Our total loss was IL killed and
II wounded, three Of whom have since
died.
The attack upon Moro is also confirm
ed by this news, and both the upper and
lower towns were laid in ashes.
The news is also confirmed of the cap
ture Of Chihuahua. but il was after a hard
fought battle, the particulars Of which we
have no received.
The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-04-27
A FACT FOR THE PEOPLE.

The Harrisburg IntellIgencer says, the
Wing Legislature of 1917, was in session
only SEvENTY-ONE DAYS ant submitted
FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SINE BILLS AND
RESOLUTIONS to the Governor The Lo-
cofoco session last year lasted One Hun
DRED and SIX DAYS, and but four hundred
and sixty-one bills and resolutions were
passed. The Wing Legislature transac-
ted as much business as the last Locofoco
Legislature, and adjourned about THIRTY
SIX DAYS SOONER. thus saving to the State
not less than TWENTY THOUSAND
DOLLARS! Such are the good results
flowing from Wing legislation and wing
econony; and if the tax oppressed peo-
Die know their own interests, they will
not only return the noble band of Wings
who so nobly discharged their duty du-
ring the recent session, but elect a Wing
Governor, and allure Loeofocois1n now
and forever. Give US a " hlg admtnistra-
ton that viii faithfully carry ont Wing
principles. and the restoration of OUT be-
loved Commonwealth to her former pros
perity will speedily follow.