Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-08-12
THE FOURTH In THE ARMY.
Celebration OF our National Independence
in Gen. Taylor's Camp--Address of Gen.
Cushing--Speech from Old Rough and
Ready--Toasts, &c.


The correspondent of the New Orleans Pic
ayune, writing from Monterey, says the natal
day OF American Independence was celebrated
at that place, without accident, and every
thing went Off pleasantly and agreeably to all
concerned. The morning ofthe 9th was clou-
dy and portended rain, but the bright sun soon
dspelled the heavy mist that chung TO the
mountains side, and ere noon the heavens
were as clear and bright as lovely women's
smile. Early in the forenoon the American
ensign was displayed from the Governors
quarters and the Spanish flag from the resi-
dence Of the Spanish consul nearly opposite
The five companies Of Massachusetts, yolun-
teers were assembled all but the guard, with
the colors Of the regiment presented them by
the Governor Of their State, and a lille after
O'Clock they formed and marched out towards
Camp Taylor. An American flag borne by a
citizen was carried near the regimen,al eolors
Col. Wright and the members OF the regimen
tai staff, and others preceded the regiment, and
on the road received the marching salute
AT Camp Taylor all was ready; under the
widespread awning in front Of Gen. Taylor's
tent Were the brave old hero and the members
of his staff and the officers attached TO the for
ces stationed at camp. On the right Of the
awning the soldiers Of Major Bragg's Light
Artillery were drawn up in line, on the left
the Cd Dragons, and in front the Massachu-
sets regiment. AS soon as the latter had for
med into line, Gen. Gushing made his appear
ance and Gen. Taylor and his officers all rose.
We omit the bulk oil the speech OF Gen.
Gushing which is not remarkable for anything
but its iulsome laudation ofthe present admin
iStraion, copying only his closing remarks
which called forth Gen. Taylor's reply:
Once more, General, IN the name and as
the humble instrument of your fellow soldiers
and Fellow citizens, whom you see before YOU,
tender to you their Fluctuations on the occa-
sion ofthis suspicious anniversary. with senti-
ments OF admiration for the high achievements
which have marked your life, of deep respect
for you personally, and Of the sincerest aspira-
tons for your future happiness and honor in
whatever else of danger or duty you may
hereafter be called TO by the providence Of an
all-wise God.
Gen. Taylor, who had listened with grea,
attention to the remarks Of Gen c., and evil
IDENTIFY powerfully affected by the mention of
his name, briefly, but ieelingly, responded as
follows:
General-In reply to your eloquent and
complimentary illusions 10 the services ofthe
army under my command, | can only briefly
express my thanks and those OF the brave men
ofmy command to whose exertions and gallant
try alone our successes are due. For nv self
can claim no merit beyond that Of sharing and
encountering danger with them You have
traced up and depicted in most faithful colors
the rapid progress of our country from the
commencement 10 its present condition of
greatness and sper;ty--occupying the front
rank in the nations of the world The exis
ting war may show the world that in great
national enterprises and interests we are firm
and unted-and that the flower of our coun-
try, without distinction of party. is ready 10
viudlcate the national honor on the battle field.
Should it be our lot TO resume offensive opera
tons on this line, ! shall move with every
confidence in the gallanirv and success OF the
forces. have but little doubt that these who
have but recently come into the field, and
have not been able TO participate in active ser
vice as yet, will distinguish themselves as
greatly as those who have gone before. That
thousands of volunteers who have, many Of
them, been brought up in affluence, have left
their pursuits and comfortable homes. 10 en-
counter the hardships of an active campaign,
IS sufficient guaranty that the rights and
honor OF our country will always be maintain
ed
A general shaking Of hands and congratula-
lions here took place for some moments. after
which Col. Wright, Of the Massachusetts Vol
unteers, by invitation. read the Declaration Of
Independence. The company then partook Of
substantial lunch provided by the hospitable
commander who had a smile and a pleasant
word for all, and seemed happy in being able
TO make others so. He was dressed in undress
uniform, and looked a little more like the brave
old hero that he is, and a little less like the
plain, unaffected county gentleman-a very
little--ihan have yet seen him. At y
o'clock, while the company We're yet at camp,
national salute was fred by Bragg's battery.
and before the sound Of the last gun had died
away, the booming of cannon from the black
fort seemed to echo back the salute.
About O'Clock Gen. Taylor and staff with
an escort Of Dragons came into town. and
with Gen. Gushing and the officers Of the
Massachusetts Regiment, poceeded TO Arsta's
garden, or Arista's house should say, where
a table was spread in the broad corridor open
ing into the garden with its bright green shrubs,
its crimson rose bushes covered with fragrant
flowers, its well kept walks, and the gurging
stream that meanders through ii. The smell
Of the bright gems Of natures handwork were
not more pleasing than the odor which arose
from the savory yiands prepared for imme-
diate consumption. Every one was surprised
at the proiuson Of good things and the varie-
ty that was placed upon the table, all owing
10 the exertions Of Capt. Glover, merchant
residing here for some years, one OF the com
mittee Of arrangements, whose peculiar prov
ince was TO see that nothing should be wan
ting. He performed his duty to perfection.
When the substaniials had been discussed
aud removed, Gen. Gushing, who presided at