The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1848-08-23
June. 1913.

SIR:-You are no doubt aware that ] held
the Office of Chaplain of the U. S. Army, about
six years, being stationed al Fort Jesup, La,
and that while at that extreme Southern post,
was in daily acquaintance with Brig. Gen. L.
Taylor.
| presume it is on this account that you
propose to me some questions touching the
views of that distinguished individual. am
willing to reply, not because i am politician
or have any personal interest in his nOmina-
ton for the Presidency-but because ] am un-
der lasting obligations to that honest, noble
hearted man-and | would gladly correct some
of the grossest mistakes that are now afloat
concerning his character.
In politics, Gen. Taylor is a WHIG-in re-
ligion, strictly orlhodox-but in neither is he
extreme maintaining his we'll founded opinions
with the calm decision which he manifested
on the field of battle!
With regard to slavery and extension of ter
ritory, assure you that neither by slave
market nor any other object, was Gen. Tay lor
in favor of conquest and annexation. He was
not in favor of receiving Texas into our Union
nor in favor of the recent war with Mexico
The only evidence of his being in favor of sla-
very, that ever saw or heard Of, was the fact,
that he did what every man at the South must
do, if he would have servants, viz: either own
or hire slaves. l do well remember, that a
part at least, Of the colored people living inhis
family; could read we'll and were very pious.
never heard word from the General in favor
of the slave system, but on the contrary, his
decided preference for the institutions and Gus
! toms of the North.
1t is pity that General Taylor should be
made out pro-slavery man, because his gov
eminent keeps him at the south. or for the
wrong of allowing his plantation to be on the
Mississippi, instead of the banks Of the Con-
necticut. We are allowed to hang no man up,
on an inference.
Iassure you, that if elected, he will do more
for peace and emancipation, than any Northern
man would be allowed to do.
Gen. Taylor maintains on all occasions, the
habit of total abstinence from all intoxicating
drinks-and to this he has ascribed robust
health amidst the swamps and campaigns of
Florida and Mexico. would also assure you,
that nothing could be more unjust and untrue,
( than that he is profane man-it is false alto
gether. He is bright exception to the COM
mon practice of proianeness in the army.
Gen. Taylor is the decided friend Of Chris.
! tianity and Christian institutions. He was q
regular attendant on public worship in the
garrison, accompanied by his accomplished la
j dy and daughter.
Mrs. Taylor is lady of fine appearance and
agreeable manners, and a consistent professor
Of religion. As family, they appeared to OBJ
serve the Sabbath asa religious duty.
! The General took deep interest in the wei.
fare Of all under his command. No man ever
had the confidence of troops more than he
and it was not his courage, kindness, and dis
cipline alone-but his interest in the temper
al and spiritual welfare of the men, that en-
deared him to the army. Of the more than
six hundred men--reformed drunkards-once
at Fort Jesup-allowed the benefit of the Ii.
brary reading room and every privilege consis-
tent with military life-many obtained their
discharge before entering Texas, and returned
to their friends and homes. and these, with all
that shared with their commander in conflict
and victory will ever remember him and love
him." Yours truly.