Indiana State sentinel., 1848-05-04
GEN. TAYLoR's REPLY

BATON RoUGE, LA, March "a, lS45
My dear Sir: Your communication under date Of Feb l2
S4s accompanied by Introductory communication from
the Hon. Mr.. Cnttenden, havs3been duly received.
The subect-mater presented by you would have been
attended to much sooner but for visit some weeks up the
river which has presented earlier consideration and reply
Before replying, directly, TO several particular points
touched upon in your letter, permit 10 say. in general
terms, in reference to the current IMPRESSION that my off,
ca Report had done injustice TO the second Regiment
Of Indiana Volunteers, that nothing has been developed
the date Of that report and statement in off,
eal shape has been made 10 me- which. in my Judgment
affects its accuracy, saving only in the Of the Official
reports (suppementa of Gen. Lane OF the Sd, 9th, and
Oath Of March, lS47 and which, they forwarded to
The War Department al Washington, were deemed sufficient
correction without budening that Office with
additional reports.
You are right in the supposon that personal observation
the field and reports Of subordinate commanders the
proper and only basis upon which commanding General
frame his reports. My official statement Of the conduct Of
the different corps at the battle Of Buena Vista, made
strictly in accordance with this principle, and far the
Of Second Indiana Regiment reported
officially, my observation in most cases. sustans the
truth aud accuracy OF these reports. (3)
From the moment that personal elimination and reermin
alton began pass between Of the officers advised,
often opportunity presented the agitation Of nothing in
relation the conduct Of the Second Regiment no
aud who TO blame. felt assured that such
would only result in great injury TO the Regiment
and its State truly regret that such oTbeaauee did not
suggest itself to those interested.
The gallant character Of the citizens Of Indiana have
good and good opportunities TO KIN and appreciate
In this they surpassed by any State the Union
My confidence in the second Regiment officers and men,
still maintained after the Of the 23d, for
bered that in all armies. the best and most experienced
troops times been most unaccouDtaby subject and
yielded to temporary panics, by no means compromsng
reputation for bravery had resolved and expressed
the deermsstiOn place that Regiment in action the fol-
lowing day. 5 hadhe enemy resumed his attack in the
full conviction that the officers and men, unitedy aud sd-
vduslly would have acquitted themselves with seadness
aud gaantry. This belief have always maintained.
With these remarks, refer to the several points
dweh upon in your letter.
On reference the records Of official papers in the office Of
my Adjuant General find evidence that the proceed
ings 10y Of the Court Of Inquiry instituted at the request OF
Gen. Lane sent 10 To the best OF my recosc-
ion they certainly not 10 the Major Bliss
my Adjuant General cannot speak positively al
The order constituting the Court issued by Gen. Wool
and as originated his Head Quarters its proceedings he
probably conceived, not necessary TO be His
course however, ordering the Court opposed by
IL my impression that this Court Of Inquiry grew
of private animosities among OF the ofcersha il
entirely nsxpeden and not connected with the good
on interest Of the service hence the reason most probably
why the Of its examination not forwarded my
Head Quarters, or to the War Office, at Washington.
With the supplemental letter OF Gen. Lane, OF May 10
Is47 written, stated, correct the disposition d.
injustice Indiana have nothing 10 do IL was not, and
could be termed, Report either supplemental other
wise (s) hence why you did find il
War Office II FIRST my eye In the columns Of
newspaper.
After fading Of facts the Court Of Inquiry had Cen
conceived his official Report demanded correction
he would, II fslf 70 suppose have rendered supple
mental report, 10 the OF The 81, bb, and 2iih