Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-06-10
Letter from Thomas Corwin.

The following letter from Senator Corwin of
Ohio, will be read with interest. M Corwin has
given utlerance to the sentiments Of two-thlrds OF
the people in this section Of the country in his eio
quent, frank and noble rebuke Of the war and the
arguments used 10 sustain il. The Wings Of the
country will rally around such man as Corwin,
with enthusiasm. The nation is heartily sick of
this war. and utterly despise its authors and apolo
gs;s. The letter which follows addressed 10
gentleman in Lafayette, Indiana
LEBANON, Ohio, April 4, ls47.
Dear SRI had the pleasure of receiving your
letter Of the 2Sth March. yesterday: and | cannot
deny myself the qualification Of expressing 10 you
the satisfaction with which received that among
many other such evidences Of approval Of my course
on the Mexican War. felt strongly as any one
could the responsibility | assumed. differed with
all the leading Wings of the Senate, and saw plain
" that they all were extent, bound to turn.
il they could the current Of public opinion against
me. They all agreed with me that the war was
unjust on our part that IL properly begun, which
none of them admitted. we had already sufficiently
chastised Mexico, and that further prosecution Of
il was wanton waste Of both blood aud treasure;
vet they would not undertake TO stop it, They said
The President alone was responsible. Thought we
who aided or furnished him means must be in the
Judgment Of reason and conscience equally guilty
with hin. L see the DemocraUc presses ptete
about refusing 10 feed and clothe the brave men
now in the field Do not those praters know that
it was not for that purpose were asked for sup
pliesl Did the President want twenty-eight mil
lions ofmoney and ten Regiments more OF men TO
bring Gen. Taylor back 10 Camargol No-he told
us he wanted them for the further prosecuting Of
the War lie wanted 10 storm the Halls Of the
Meniezumas and for what : That question he
! will not answer Il is for conquest alone The
! n annbIie IF the tVnrd makes War
on one modelled after her 10 take away her territory
and utterly destroy her ill her leading men are driv-
en- 20 beg the aid OF Kings 20 prevent US, the great
! Republic from robbing aud numbering those, who
as well as they know how to do il, are trying to es-
lablish free government after our example. am
amazed that people calling itself Democratic
hating Kings and loving free government should act
thus. What does il poitend confess II fills me
/ with melancholy lorebodings. | can honor the
brave soldier who does his duty in battle but de-
spise the mistaken, wicked policy that sends him
i TO fight in such war. Had the President asked
for money to bring home our army after the taking
Of Monterey and 10 send commission of one or
more Of the first men in America to treat for peace,
| would have given my vote with more hearty good
will for such bill than any ever give IN my whole
| public life. | often urged this course IN private
interviews with leading men OF both parties Bat
: all in vain. Further battle-Elore blood-more
laurels--ihere were he insane and barbarous as
piralions Of men who now hold the power OF a ma
lion boosting itself the exemplar Of Christendom
yaunnp that il tasks for nothing which is not right
and will submit to nothing which is wrong"
/ send you few copies Of my speech on The
subject only regret that il is not more WORTHY
the great cause il proposes TO uphold. shall b.
satisfied if shall induce few to ponder, not The
e speech, but the subject Of which !, treats
e Very truly your friend,
! THOMAS CORWIN