davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
To Adjutant General JONES.

HE PRESIDENTS APPRECIATION OF MERtT6<
RIoUs SEEyicEs-ln the month of MAY last. Her
man Thorn, OF this city, found himself a First
Lieutenant OF Dragons in the Austrian service,
wheJe he had served with great credit Learning
that his country involved in war with Mexi-
co, he resigned his commission returned home
without delay, and Immediately repaired to Wash
Ing'on and asked for employment in the army
ne President and Senate applauded this act of pa
tTlotlSn and rewarded it in the only mode then in
their power, by giving him the appointment of Sc
cond Lieutenant Of Infantry, and he forthwith re-
paired to the seat of war. When the ten regiment
bill was before Congress, the case of Lieut. Thorn
very naturally became the subject OF discussion
and all parties felt and expressed desire TO see
him rewarded patriotism like his so richly merit
ed. In this feeling the President of the United
States was pleased to say that he deeply participa-
ted, personally cOmpmented the friends of Lieut.
Thorn upon his patriotism, spoke Of the good re-
ports made In relation to his abilities and of his
own volltion suggested that he should be happy to
give him a commisson-possibly .Ngjor1ty, GER
talnly Caplaincy, in the new Regiment OF ORA
goons. This was as il should be, and as the propo
stlon voluntary, no body doubted It's sincerity
.NoU marb the sequel. Lieutenant Thorn, who
has acquired nearly years rank in the REGULAR
permanent Army, is gdsetted as u Second LieUten-
ant IF Dragoons IN The Regiment TO be ,isbauded
at The close IF The ,car, TO rank from the bird oT
March, 1917
Surely no comment on such conduct can be ne
cessary. 1t is proper to add, that Lieut. Thorn il
spoken Of in the very highest terms by his brother
ofliccrs.--,N. j. Corr
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
The President to Mr.. Benton
WASHINGTON. March O

WASHINGTON, March ., lS47.
SIR u have given TO your letter of the 9Th in.
slant the consideration which its importance do.
mands In rendering to you the appointment Of
Major General in the army, earnestly desired that
the country should have the advantage of your con-
ceded ability and military knowledge, your intimste
acquaintance with the Mexican character, and YOUR
familiarity with their language and political condi
ton.
Immediately after your nomination as Major Ge-
neral had been unanimously confirmed by the SEN
ate, carefully examined the question whether I
possessed the power to designate you-a junior
Mayor General-to the chief command of the armv
In the field. The result of this examination is.
am constrained to say, settled conviction on nv
mind that such power has not been conferred upon
me by the existing laws
am fully sensible of the exalted patriotism
which could alone have induced you to make the
personal sacrifices to which you would be subjected
In assuming even the chief command of the army
In Mexico and duly appreciate the reasons YOU
have assigned, and which may, fear, prevent YOU
from accepting your appointment as Ma or General.
IL, on further reflection such should be your deci
sion, shall learn it with deep regret
am, SIT, with high consideration, very respect
fully, your obedient servant,
JAMES X. POLK.
In Major (,an RI ID.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
Letter from Mr.. Benton to he pr.,;J.,,

IT,
WASHINGTON, March 6. IS47.
SIR Without waiting for the formaltv Of be.
ing presented with the commission Of Major Gems.
raj In the army of tho United States, think il
right to INFORM you at once that my acceptance mr.
refusal of that high appointment will depend entire
~ upon public aud national considerations of which
you, yourself, will be the Judge. Personally can
have no wish for this office; but if you believe that
1 can DC or service to the country, am willing to
iorego all private acknowledgements myself
rom my family, under painful circumstances; re-
sign my place In the Senate, which is so dear to
"ie-"nd proceed immediately to the theatre Of
war MY only stipulation would be for the powers
MllI, 1 aeeih necessary to success and these
would be both military and diplomatic the COM
mand of the army and authority to sion prelim;n,.
rles OF peace, based upon terms previously APPROX
ed by you
beg you to believe, sir, that nothing selfish or
personal dictates this proposed stipulation There
is no such thing in it. 1t proceeds from thorough
conviction that, with subordinate command. I
could do no good in the army on the contrary,
that my presence there would be improper and mis-
chlevous for am known, from my public speeches.
TO disapprove the pans both of the late and of tho
present COMMUNICATIVE defensive policy of the ora
and the San Juan of UMa attack of the other and
this being known my presence would operate as an
implied censure on the two generals, and might
make me, in spite of myself the nucleus of discon.
army therefore, is the only military position which
L could hold in it,
Authority to conclude peace, or at least TO sign
.he Preiminaries of peace, deem highly essential
~ success, as 1t would enable the cOmmander-iu-
chief to take instant advantage of all nassinq
events, military or political, to close the war.
FURNISHED with these po":ers, am WILLING to
make the sacrifices, and to incur the responsibilities
OF this high command: but leave it to you, sir,
LOT your Tree and final decision considering il az
national question, and new one, on which there
is no commitment, on either side, in any thing that
has passed.
Whatever may be the decision, my thanks and
gratitude Will not be the less to You for your unso-
llcltcd nomination of me to this hiph apnointment
nor to the Senate for its instant and unanimous con.
lrmatlon OF It, nor to the House of Representatives
Tor Its three times virtual election of me to be the
commander In chief of the army in Mexico
Respectfully, sir, your friend and fellow-cizen.
THOMAS III. BENTON.
To the PRESIDENT.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
FOR CONGRESS,
COL. ALGERN0N S. GRAY,
OF ROCKINGHAM

o. To those friends who have not been unmihjh;I
of our late appeal tender sincere thanks and in
return, hope it may be TO them ''brcad cast upon
the waters There others to whom we recon.
mend the March Court favorable opportunity
either to call, remit by ncighbors. Where accounts
arc of long standing we would like to have them at
least, settled by note.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
w. B. PRESTON IN THE FIELD.

"A letter from Chrstiansburgh, received last
evening, informs us that VIM. Ballard Preston, one
OF the first orators and statesman in the Common
wealth. has consented to take the field, as the Whp
candidate for Congress, in that District. The let
ter, dated the 9Th inst, says-'Wc are to have an
exciting contest. Preston addressed the people Of
Pulaski last Thursday at Ncwbern and A. G.. Pen
dicton replied in support Of Gen. Chapman; but he
was badly used up. Preston has gone on to Fin
castle and will address the people there to- day. and
will probably meet Gen. Chapman. n any Wbio
can carry the District Preston cau."-RicL JIL;S
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
The following letter from Capt Darlington, who
sailed in the Victory, is two days later than the
From the Richmond Times.
POINT ISABEL. Feb. DIST

AS+A"t>iS,
have only about five minutes to write Ii hap-
pened that Col. Randolph's detachment and ours
reached land within two days of each other. Capt
Corse and myself came ashore from our vessel to
wait upon the commanding officer Of the post Gen
Worth as 1t happened to beg and receive ORDERS
w hen we reached the Hotel the first man we met
with was Col. Randolph, with one of his officers
on the same duty.
Our orders are, to take the first boat for NTatamo
ras, and thence, to march Immediately to Monte
reg, about three hundred miles, where we are to
JOIN old lack, who expects brush very soon, and
is anxious for reinforcements Cen Worth seemed
delighted to see us; and said that General Taylor
would be greatly relieved by our arrival The ar
Engagements seems TO be to concentrate the REGULAR
forces at Vera Cruz and the volunteers at Monte
rey. One would easily infer from this that warmer
work was expected at the former. To be frank
must confess that we are somewhat disappointed
for we had hoped TO share in the struggle at Vera
Cruz.
have met with good many Mexicans of the
lower class here. They appear from their action to
be very sluggish and incident yet they are fully
as large and muscular, it seems to me, as our men.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

ground. The following gentlemen are canddates
Uhg. LOcQfoco.
list. L. Samuel Watts, Archibald Atkinson,
leo. w. Boiling, Geo. c. Dromgoole,
.. hhos. >: Flournoy, VIM Nj. Treadway,
4. Henry p. Irving, Thos. S. Bocock.
5. VIM. l.. Goggin, Shelton f. Leake.
o. John Nj. Bolts, James A. Seldom,
Q. join J. Jones, Thos. ii. Bayly,
o. w. Newton, X. Il. l.. Beale,
O. John S. Pendleton, No nomination.
~. No nomination, Henry Bednger,
T. Algernon ). Cray, James Mcdowell,
~. VIM. b. Preston, Aug. A. Chapman
l3 No nomination, Fayette McNiullen.
IA. j. NJ Stephenson, Ro. A. Thompson,
10 No nomination, VIM. c. Brown.
he canvas has been already commenced in Sc
veral Of the districts
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
THE THREE MILLION BILL

AN ACI apprOpratDg three millions of dollars. TO
enable the President to conclude treaty of peace
and limits with Mexico
BE it enacted by The Senate and House of Repre
SCntatices Of Tie United States Of .amcrica in Con-
grGSs assembled, That whereas a state of war NOW
exists between the United States and the Republic
OF Mexico, which it is desirable should be speedily
terminated upon terms just and honorable TO both
nations and whereas assurances have heretofore
been given to the Government of Mexico that il
was the desire Of the President to settle all oues
tons between the two countries on the most liberal
and satisfactory terms, according to the rights OF
each and the mutual interests and securitv of the
two countries and whereas the President NAV he
able TO conclude treaty of peace with the ReDub
lie OF Mexico prior TO the next session Of Concrcss
IT means for that object are at his disposal: and
whereas, In the adjustment of 50 many Complicated
questions as now exist between the two countries
1t may possibly happen that an expenditure of mon
ey will be called Tor by the sipuations of any trea
ty which may be entered into therefore the sim
Of Three Millions Of Dollars be. and the same is
hereby appropriated, TO enable the President TO con
clude treaty Of peace, limits, and boundaries with
the Republic of Mexico, to be used by him in tho
event that said treaty. when signed by the author
lied agents Of the two Governments. and duly "a
tilted by MeSco, shall call for the expenditure of
the same, or any part thereof; full and accurate
accounts for which expenditure shall be by him
transmitted TO Congress at as early day as prac-
ticaJc.
Holm II 4NrIc,
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

r, Jared W. Williams (oco,) has been elected
governor OF New Hampshire. In two of the four
congressional Districts, there is no choice neither
candidate receiving majority Of all the votes given
IN The other two Loeos are elected. II is believed
the Locos have majority in the State Legislature.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

Do We understand that the charitable citizens Of
GreenyilIe and neighborhood have raised 400 bmsb-
els OF Corn for the relief of the sufferers in Ireland.
ana arc awaiting means Of transportation to Rich
mono. u every little town in Augusta will do as
WEI. a7 uFccn|ilIe, this county will furnish noble
iuguSta DcD,6crm.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

~ MIR JAMES EAGoS, formerly of this place
has been appointed Major of Infantry, by Presi
dent Polk, with the consent of the Senate
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

20 The bill authorizing the Bank of the Valley
TO establish Branch at this place, has passed the
House of Delegates.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
COL. A. S. GRAY

Will address the people of Augusta on Monday
next at the Court House, and the people of Rock.
bridge ON the first day of their Superior Court.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
To the President.
Note Of sH. Benton to the .4djutant General.
WASHINGTON, Tuesday Evening,

Il had the honor to receive your note Of
tne oth inst, with the commission Of Major Gener-
al In the army, and delayed the answer of accep-
lance or non acceptance until | should receive an
answer from the President 10 note which adj
dressed TO him in the morning of that day. That.
answer is now received, and enables me to answer
your note, and to say that the commission is not ac-
copied.
Please to accept, sir, my thanks for the kind
terms Of your note, and for the thousand courtesie
when you have extended to me in the course of
our long and friendly acquaintance
Most truly and respectfully yours,
THOMAS III. BENTON.
IO Adiutant (,cupral Ioxpa
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
UhNI I'D n. 1OIIk.
To Major Gen. THos. H. BENTON, Washinp,o
Nh. Benton to the President.
WASHINGTON, Tuesday Evening

March 9, lS47.
SIR Your letter of this day IS date is Just re-
celyed and seeing no for further reflection,
and wishing TO avoid all delay in differing the ar
my, have written a note TO the Adjutant General.
to be delivered at his office in the morning. declin-
ing to accept the appointment of Major General in
the army, SO kindly offered to me by YOU. and so
honorably confirmed by the Senate.
have the honor to be, sir, with great respect,
your friend and fellow citizen
THOMAS Ii. BENTON.
To the PRESIDENT
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
FROM rur NATIONAL iSrnllrerscrs.
IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE

NC 'o"owlhs important correspondence between
W.T. senator BENTON and the President of the Uni
'ed states having become public in the course of
Yesterday woarc enabled to present it to our rea
ders:
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

The bill TO establish a flour inspection in the
town Of Stanton has passed the House Of Dele,
gates.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

Alexander H. Everett, American Minister TO
China reached Canton on the 22nd Of October.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
COL. ALGERNoN S. GRAY.

Ii VIII be seen that our gallant champion will
address the people of Augusta at their March Court
We hope there will be general turn out to hear
him.-And as he is stranger to many of our citi-
zens, we VIII take the liberty to say word or two
by way of introducing him.
lie is young man, probably 90 or SO years of
age and lawyer and farmer by profession He
was born and reared in Rockingham and amidst
al me temptations professional and political,
"hch were presented TO him in that County to
JON the dominant party, he has been a faithful,
firm and Jealous Wing He is the son of an Irish
man, and he has the heart of an Irshman-flled
win benevolent and generous feeling and the
mana OF an observation-disclosures open to bestow char
Ivy and kindness on those who are in need
Ills father Is man of wealth, and with wise
loerallty instead of holding on to his property with
an iron grasp until death should relax it and scat
I 1t among his children, has munfcently ad-
Vanced his SON. This has placed ample means at
the disposal of the son, and has given him the pow
er TO do much good. The obligations resulting
from this power have been faithfully fulfilled. To
fine talents and an amiable disposition, he untes
afFable manners and business habits. He is. in
deed, eminently practical man. and few men
have managed their farms and their business more
judiciously.
Such is the man who is now presented to the
Wings of the District for their support. We ask
them to give his claims fair consideration. Let
none be deferred from coming to the election by the
idea that the contest is hopeless. Such is not the
fact The people in Rockingham and Shenandoah.
as well elsewhere, are dissatisfied with the war.
They go for peace, and Gray as the man to bring
it about. Let every man do his duty. and we
have strong reason to believe that Col Cray may
be elected. To the polls then, we say to the
polish
o., 1t will be seen from the proceedings Of the
Convention, which assembled at Greonyille ON Fri
day last, and the correspondence which immediate
ly follows, that WM. KINNEY, Esq. has received
and accepted the nomination of that BODY for iho
State Senate.
Or, The Post Master General has ordered nls.
card to be placed on all the Post Offices. annonnc
ing that letters written to those employed in tho ar
my and endorsed belonging TO tho army, will be
sent free Of postage.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
CONGRESSIONAL. ELECTIONS

In most of the districts of Virginia the Wings
seem determined to contest every inch of the
ground The following gentlemen are candidates
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

Or. The Post Master General has ordered a pla-
card to be placed on all the Post Offices. annonnc
ing That letters written to those employed in the ar
my and endorsed belonging 10 the army" will be
sent free Of postage.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

Mcssrs Bayly, Dromgoole, HUBBARD and Pendle-
ton absent, tho latter gentleman from indisposition
tho Others for reasons of which we arc not appr-
zed
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

1- The vote of the Virginia delegation upon the
new proposition TO degrade Generals Scott and
Taylor, by placing Benton or some other Court IA
vorlte at the head of the Army, was thus divided
For the Lieutenant General in disguisc-Messrs
A'k'nson, Bedinger, Brown, Hopkins, Johnson,
Leake, MCDOWELL and Treadway.
Against it-Messrs. Chapman, Hunter and Sed-
don
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18
JOHN w. DAVIS

JVII.N W. DAVIS,
Speaker cfhte House gf Representatives..
&. NJ. DALLAS,
t'icc President Of The United States
md President IF The Senate.
JAMES X. POLK.
Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-03-18

The canvas has been already commenced in Sc
veral Of the districts
Washington telegraph., 1847-06-09

TnE SANTA ANNA lNrmGUE.--From q
long article in the Philadelphia North
American upon Mr.. Folks Infamous in.
tfigue with Santa Anna, we take these
paragraphs:
One of the Government organs calls
this stale and worn out subject. We arc
not surprised il they are tired OF 1t; but Il
is not SO stale as Anold's treason. though
1t has proved more ealamitous; nor is II
worn out, for Santa Anna revived il at
Bnena Vista, aud is about To renew Il at
Jalapa. Let not the followers of this Ad.
minis'ralion lay the ilauering uhciion to
their souls that this crime can be forgiven
or forgotten. II has been registered in
American, blood published by American
groans, and will be kept fresh by the tears
OF American widows and orphans.
Goaded hy the accusing voice of an in.
dignant people, The retained advocates OF
the Administration have ialiered, tremu.
lonsl y and with reluctant and coward con.
seionsness Of wrong, into an attempt, not
10 defend bul 10 excuse, the Santa Anna
alliance. 1t one time they ialsilied boldly
IN ils defence; but now. while il is drip.
ping blood, they whisper their excuses
with white lips, and plead not guilty in
tones that must convict them.
1t sought 10 ellac, the purposes Of our
President by dint of acts dishonest corrupt
and unmanly, 10 win victories by bribery
ialsehood, and treason, 10 make u. guilty
ol tho haseness Of striking our foes, like
Italians or spanarls, in tho dark and of
the eowardiee Of buying gtfiumphs with gold
instead Of Steel. Is II Americans, who
use bayoneis and not bfibes. anl commune
with their loes in the ruices ul the cannon,
in the wafli's hearing. aud not by whis.
fefing plots in cock pit. could be brought
10 sanction such degradation. In every
light IN which Il may be regarded. the in.
lfigne was iniqiiious, anti republican, un.
manly snraking, anl base. Tax oslrea.
s9nl Better had he sold himself. than in
the name oilhe nation bought Santa Anna;
then 1t would have been merely bis crime,
aud now il i ours.
Such IS the character Of this crime, aud
what are is resul,l L has cost Us apart
from the iaealculable lnss OF character
millions Of treasure and thousands of lives;
II has proiraeied an Improbable war aud
menaces Us with consequences 10 which
the past are trivial.
Washington telegraph., 1847-06-09

DRuNkARD on fIRn.-Df Mott. in
bis lectures gives the following account
Of young man about twenty-five years
old.
'lle had been an habiiual dfinker lof
many years. saw him about 0 O'Clock
IN the evening on which il happened, but
he was as fall as usual moi drunk, but
nll OF liquor. About II o'clock the sans
evening, | was called 10 see him. found
him literally roasted. from the crown of his
head to the soles Of his ieetl lie was
loond in blacksmith shop jus, across from
where he had been seen. The owner. all
Of sudden, discovered an extensive light
in his shop, as though tho whole building
was in one general flame. lie ran with
great Preeipiiancy, aud on throwing open
the door, discovered a man standing erect
in the midst Of widely extended silver.
colored flame, bearing as he described IL.
exactly the appearance Of the wick Of a
burning candle in the mids, of il own
flame. lilo seized him, Qbe drunkard.l
by the shoulder, aud jcrked him TO the
door, upon which tho flame was instantly
eItinguished. There was no fro in III,
shop, neither was there possibility Of any
lire having been communicated 10 him from
any external source. II was purely case
Of spontaneous ignition. general slough.
Ing soon came on, and his flesh was con.
sumed or removed in the dressing, leaving
the bones and few Of the lasger blood
vessels; tho blood, nevertheless, rallied
around the heart, aud maintained the vital
spark until the thirteenth day, when he
died, no, only tho most loaihsome, III.
featured picture that was ever presented
TO human view, but bis shricks, his groans,
aud his lamentations. also, were enough
to rend heart Of adamani. lie com.
planned OF no pain Of body; bis flesh was
gone. lie said he was suffering the Tor.
ments Of holl-ihai he was Just upon tho
threshold, and would soon enter iis disma!
cayens and in this frame Of mind he gave
up the ghost. OH the death Of dnunkanl
Well may il be said to beegar all dcscrip.
tionl ! have seen other drunkards die.
but never in a manner so awful and af.
leoiing."