Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-05-13


The NEw-YoRK FREEMAN's JOURNAL, (Caiholic)
has published letter from Rev. Bernard ORely, of
Rochester, who is now in Matamoras, which is of
some Importance, coming from Catholic clergy
man. In the course Of the letter. he says
'The war now being waged is far more disastrous
to us than is generally supposed in the United States.
We are always victorious, and lose much less men in
action than the MeXicans, but then climate comes to
their aid and cuts down more of our men, than their
loss on the battle field, Were the number of our
forever disabled by the service, with the deaths in
cry torm which have hlnned our ranks, since the
mencement of the campaign accurately presented, our
loss considering the smalncss of our army would ap-
pear great almost beyond parallel.
There is now, it appears to me, end to be gained
by the further prolongaton Of the war. victorious
and powerful nation will not escape mpuation of folly
and great in action, if to punish weak and har
rassed enemy it nfcts infinitely greater injury on it.
self, Ii we entered it tor the purpose of compelling
the payment of Indebtedness, long withheld, we are
if we still continue in it, in fair way of compelling
Mexico long since bankrupt, to take the benefit of
insovent act. If, for the recognition of the Rio
Grande our boundary, have but to recross that
noble river, my word for it, Mexico will never dispute
our title to that contemplate strip of territory If the
war is to be continued until Mexico ndemnifes for
actual expense which not, would hope the nation
al resolve, we would be acting somewhat the part, but
with greater inhumanty of the creditor who insists on
the incarceration Of insoyGnt debtor until he liqu
dates the debt and also the expense of the ncarcera
ton If the appropriation of Mexican territory be
intended as compensation doubt much whether the
result will justify the policy wisdom of the act
This climate and country is suited to the Mexicans,
but so little to u.s. that the part taken will be ultimate
ly burthen rather than benefit.
We are victorious over this poor, harrassed, and
badly governed people; hon)r and glory, and a sue
cession of triumphs are emblazoned on our national
escutcheon can well afford to be generous towards
them. Mexican gasconade has been kicked and
walked on from 'Palo Alto to Buena VISTA and will
continue to do so, to the occupation Of their capital il
we will it. Surprising that Mexico, in her inatuaton
and weakness, still persists in her refusal to make
peace on our terms would it be sound policy in US tC
continue the war? If still waged, it must be carried
on for the reasons given above, at an immense sacri
flee of human life and treasure, and without reaching
an end not already attained. All our citizens here
and none surpass them in patriotism, are to man fol
peace. Their opinion is worth something.
The soldiers and officers of the volunteer and regu
lar army, victorious against fearful odds, in so man,
hard fought battles, without exception advocate
of peace. They are still willing if their country 81
directs, to march again and again to the charge, til
Mexico be brought to terms, but they see no object
be reached that is not now attained, whilst they ca
scarcely slider honor or glory to accrue to them
future, from victory over he Mexican army. Peac
with Mexico is the ardent wish of the great and goo
men, who in this war have done honor to their cour
try-of the majority of our own free land.-of tn
good of the world Let there then be peace. If thos
in our national or state legislatures who advocate tn
further prosecution of the war; could, by some mystt
rous process, be transported to 'Brazos,' or Lobo
island there to fare as our brave men, this few
would soon evaporate, and they would become IL
most strenuous advocates of peace