Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-06-22
General TaylSr.

i, Now that Gen Taylor is the whig candidate
for President, it is proper that the people should
learn his character as man, and unless We
much mistake, the more he is known, the bet
or he will be liked. The following article was
published, some weeks since in the Boston
IlTmycllcr-a paper of high moral character,
which takes no sides in politics. The writer
) evidently speaks from positive knowledge -
II lksSrs. HiioyS.-I do not know in what,
estimation you hold Gen. Taylor IN political
point of view, and do not know as you prefer
him to Mr.. Clay, or that You would support
! his claims 10 the Presidency or consider hn as
y in any degree qualified for that office. But
believe You would be willing TO do him justice
as man. Let him be as hc may, he ought not
Ito be CHARGED with crimes and conduet OF which
he is not guilty. Gen. Taylor has rendered
some service to his country. lie has been hon
cred for his service. His name, without his
/ knowledge at first, has been associated with the
| Presidency Of the Union. lie has already felt
| the penalty which is paid for such distinction
! His private life at once becomes publc-all the
evil he has done in his lifetime is spread out be-
! fore all men. Acts and deeds repugnant to his
/ nature are ascribed to him-his moral character
! is assailed with the voice of trumpet-the de-
! fence feeble and hardly heard. With perns-
| sion, wish to say few things in respect To
! Gen. TAYLOR. They may be lntcrcstmg-they
/ may do some ustlcc to the character of
/ worthy man.
4 Gen. TAYLOR is a man of medium stature,
| large frame with massive chest and shoulders,
/ and though not imposing when on the ground,
| he appears finely on horseback From long ey.
,posure To the climate Of Florida and the far
South, his complexion is almost the color OF
! mahogany. The same cause has effected his
\ eye-sght, and he has formed the habit of half
| closing his eyes. lie looks, when not in con-
! ycrsation, as if he was quiazing some one f; but
! when engaged in conversation, his eyes sparkle,
| aud his face CHS up with Intelligence. lie Is
! Exceedingly fascinating in social life. Plain
and unassuming in his appearance and manners,
he reminds one of "A New Hampshire farmer,
I who had seen much hard toll. lie is dlstln-
! guished for great common sense, for modesiy
/ IN the uttcrance of his opinions, and great firm
ness in adhering to that which he conccivcs to
! be right. Some years ago he was called to
4 Washington to unravcl somc porpleXing matter
4 in connection with the Indian Department lie
| displayed such profound knowledge Of that
| whole department, he undid the knotty question
with such dcxterty, and displayed such strong
/ bureau was offered to him in that department,
but declined.
4 His family relations are honorablc-Mrs.
I Taylor is one of the most elegant women in
! the army. And that is great praise; for some
of the most elegant and accomplished ladies IN
the country united in marriage 10 the officers
| of our army. She is elegant ~ her person and
! manners; a lady of humble, but decided pictv,
! being n ember of the Episcopal Church. Ills
son his recently graduated from Yale College.
! His daughter is distinguished for accomplish
mcns and beauty. She has declined offers
from many officers of the army, in obedience to
the desire of her father, who does not wish to
see her married to soldier
Gen. Taylor is not a proianc man. He has
been accused of protanencss. Words said to
have been uttered by him on The field oibat,le,
have gone through the Union. But no one
who knows Gen. Taylor believes such report.
Men who have been with him in scenes most
trying, under circumstances the most provoking,
never heard him utter an oath; he reiralns from
principle.
/ Gen. TAYLOR was two years in fort rs the
commander of 1000 men, many of whom were
among the worst of the race; in that fort, swear
ing was as common as plumes; the very moral
sense seemed to demand an oath as test of
L. during the whole command, and saw him
under circumstances of the greatest prOyoca-
ton, says he never heard an oath from his lips.
! His principles and practice i'll this respect are
.known to the whole army.
I Gen. Taylor is 4 strict tcetotallcr. lie
, contorms to the custom of the army, and kcCrs
on his sidcboaId such liquors as are drank in
/ the army but he pledges his officers ouly in
sold water. At the close Of a parade, IL is
! etiquette on the part Of the officers to call al
! the head quarter aud pay respect to the Com
/ mander-n-Chlcf. 1t is etiquette Oh the part
| of the commander to allow the officers to drink
! his health 1t has been Gen. Tavor's custom
! for years to pour out his glass of cold water
! and drink the health of his staff in that alone.
II When he assumed the command of fort Jcsup
! he found ntcmpcrance to be the prevailing sin.
i Whipping, impris onmcnt and fines had been
/ exhausted. 1t was proposed to attempt %
| reform the men. Gen Taylor gave the chap
lain his warm cooperation by authority and cX-
ample. And all know that i'll the army moth
. ing can be done without the aid of the com
mandcr. \ change was seen at once ; and in
! less than two years, more than 600 reformed
\ men marched in procession with badges and
! banners. Some of them who joined the army
! because of their ntcmpcrancc, obtained their
]
I home to their families sober men. Some Of
them are in good business in Boston at this
' time.
! Gen. Taylor is a friend to the Sabbath and
| to public wolship You can not Judge men
severely who are in the hands of committees,
] rs Gen. Taylor was at New Orleans few
/. months ago. By such rule J. q. Adams
| Mr.. Webster, and others must be set down
as enemies TO the Sabbath \ single act, over
/ which, as public men, they had no control
must weigh more than long life. 1t is a
/ common thing for officers in the army TO take
| exercise on the Sabbath by walking or riding
after public worship. During the whole time
.hc was at fort J.sup. the chaplain says he
I never saw Gen. Taylor riding for exercise.
nor 50 much as walking before his quarters
! lie regarded the Sabbath as essentials To
| 90 order and morals, and ne threw the force
] of his example fully in lis favor. lie was
/ regular and dcyout at public worship. When
/ ever the chaplain preached, whoever else was
! absent, Gen. Taylor was in his place.
II In politics Gen. Taylor is a Wing; so he
I has ever been regarded. The army is no