The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-09-30
Capt Bragg and Gen. Taylor.
"a LITTLE MORE GRAPE.m


"An impromlptu dinner as the Express
styles it, was given to Col. BRAGG, on Thurs
day, in New York, over wich Philip Hone
presided.
The Express gives the following brief re-
port ofhs speech, in reply TO a toas, compile
mentary OF himself 1t is known to our rea-
dnrs that Col, BRAGG is "democrat in pol
ilcs, though lhey will see that he is not the
man to withhold the just praise due to hs
gallant old Chief.
To the General-in- Chief his acknowledge
mcnts were especially due. He inspired tho
whole army with vulor and confidence hy his
presence not only at Buena Vista, but from the
opening ofthe war on the Rio Grnnhe. Ii is
almost impossible for you,geulemen, he said,
10 understand the character of that man as
commander of AN army. There is resolu-
lion, Il (irnness, u determination in his man
ncr, and III his purpoSesthat go great ways
in leading men TO victory. II was never hct-
ter illustrated than on the field of Palo Alto.
lie told Ma or Brown, when he left him with
his small force opposite MatamoraF, Alaiu-
tain your position. will not say hope to
be back, shall try to be back but will be
back on the 10th. Expect me then, and mnin-
tain your position Every body that knew
him knew he would be back if alive to come.
The army returned to Point Isabel, as you
know. On the 9Th, they fought at Palo Alto,
and when night came on they hivouacked in
the open field, and amid the grass, with not
IL tent over them. the General himself wrap
ped in his blanket, and many, can assure
you, in not n little doubt and gloom. Our
little army did Tot feel sure then that they
could whip three times their number, and
them tho best troops in Mexico. We had
not tried our mcitle, or measured weapons
with them. Many an eye did not close that
night. Ringgold had been slain. A bloody
dny was before them, and many, iftbe army
went on, were sure 10 bite the dust. But nc
body knew or could find out what Gen. Tay-
lor inrended to do. There he lay, wrapped
in his blanket, and sleeping, except when
disturbed by officers asking tor orders. Some
were anxious to ascertain his intentions. His
onlv answer was, Tell tho men to sleep.
Keep quiet Sleep is the main thing neces.
sary.' Two or three officers were particular.
" anxious to know whether he intended TO
go on, or hold his position, But the only
satisfaction that could he got was sleep He
disclosed 10 none ofthem his intentions,
There was n prevailing opinion that it was
too perious Il march TO go on. But Gener-
al Taylor, toward morning, disturbed by some
person demanding orders, replied, ALLOW tho
men to rest II is time enough at sunrlsc.'
Then urning over in his blanket, lie said 10
all officer near, 'Nly mind is made up. my
mind is made up,-~but nobody knew how
his mind was made Upland they who knew
him, knew if bis mind was made up it was
no use to try to change it.
In the morning council of war was sun.
monetl. and there were eleven officers pres
en,. threc only of whom advised advance,
Mind cast no oensure upon any one.
difference of opiniou,under such crcumstan.
ces, IN igh have been expected. but they