Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1848-08-11
June, 1913

JuhCi hOtO'
SIR:-You are no doubt aware that ! held
the office of Chaplain in the United States
Army about six years, being stationed at Fort
Jesup, La, and that while at that extreme
southern post, | was in daily acquaintance
with Brigadier General u. Taylor.
| presume il is on this account that you
propose to me some questions touching The
views of that distinguished individual. | am
willing to reply, not because | am a politi-
clan or have any personal interest in his NOM
ination for the Presidency-but because | am
laid under lasting obligations TO that honest,
noble hearted msn-and would gladly cor
rect some of the gross mistakes that are now
afloat concerning his character.
In politics General Taylor is a JVhig-in
religion strictly orthod ox-but in neither is
he extreme, maintaining his well formed Opin-
ions with the calm decision which he mani
tested on the field of battle.
With regard to slavery, and the extension
of territory, l assure you that neither for a
slave market nor any other object was Gen.
Taylor 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 slavery that / ever saw or heard OF,
was the fact, that he did what every man of
the South must do, if he would have servants,
viz, either own or hire slaves. do well re-
member that a part at least Of the colored peo-
pie living in his family could read well and
were very pious. / never heard a word from
the General in favor Of the slave SYSTEM, but
on the contrary his decided preference for the
institutions and customs of the North.
1, is a pity that Gen. Taylor should be
! made out a prO-slavery man because his 60
ye.nment keeps him at the South, or for The
wrong of allowing his plantation to be on the
Mississippi, instead of on the banks of the
Connecticut. We are allowed to hang no
man upon an inference.
| assure you, that if elected, he will do
more for peace and emancipation than any Nor
thern man would be allow ed 10 do.
Gen. Taylor maintains on ali occasions, the
habit Of total abstinence from all intoxicating
drinks-and TO this he has ascribed his robust
health amidst the swamps and campaigns of
Florida and Mexico. wonld also assure
you, that nothing could be more unjust and
untrue than the assertion that he is a profane
man-it is false altogether. He is a bright
exception TO the common practice of p~rofane-
ness in the army.
General Taylor is the decided friend of
Christianity, and Christian institutions. He
was a regular attendant on public worship in
the garrison, accompanied by his accomplish
ed lady and daughter.
Mrs. Taylor is a lady of fine appearance
and agreeable manners, and a consistent pro-
fessor of religion. AS a family, they appear
ed to observe the Sabbath strictly as a reli-
gious duty.
The General took a deep interest in the well
fare Of all under his command. No man ever
had the confidence of troops more than he
and IL was not his courage, kindn ness and dis
cipline, alone-but his interest in the tempo
raj and spiritual welfare of The men, tina, on.
deared him to the army. or the more Than
six hundred men-reformed drunkards-once
at Fort Jesup-allowed the benefit of the IL
brary, reading room, and every privilege con-
sistent with military life-many obtained
their discharge before entering Texas, and re-
turned to their friends and homes, and these,
with all that shared with their commander in
conflict and victory, will ever remember and
love him, YoCg5 tiyly.