Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-07-27
GEN. TAYLOR's CHARACTER
AND VIEWS.

dAAND VILE Wv Os
The following testimony comes to us in
circumlocuiory fashion, but it is very salsfacto
ry in its tenor, especially with regard to tn,
Extension Of Slavery. Our readers will give
SO much weight as it seems justly entitled to.
W Y Tribune
The following statements as to Gen. Taylor
character are confirmed by Col. Gustavus Loom
is Of the army, as quoted by Mr. Lathrop a
Woodstock. Col, LOOMS is brother of the
late Hon. Jedu,han Looms of this village. and /.
well known to our citizens, land indeed to al
actively engaged in the christian enterprises o.
the day. as man of unbemished character
and Jealous and effective laborer for The moral
improvement of those around him, at every sta
ton in which he has been placed.
From tho Worcester tsuss True Wing, July 70.
INTERESTING LETTER.
The writer of the following note, Deacon Jo-
soph White, formerly of West Boylston, now of
Winchendon, has long been favorably known in
the county. lie showed 10 us the original let
ter from Rev. Mr.. l.. which we publish below.
We do hot here give the name of the clergyman,
though it has, as we perceive, already gone
forth TO the public IN connection with some re
marks which he made at a late meeting of the
association of clergymen of which he is a mem l..
Der.
Our readers will here find the testimony of
this highly respectable and devoted minister,
coincdng with the multiplied proofs from vari-
Gus quarters, where General Taylor had been
personally known, concerning his pure and LOFTY
character. In all that constitutes man of worth
he is not only above reproach but he deseryedy
holds a rank Tor character among the noblest
men the csun,ry has produced The more we
learn ct him, the better he stands. His friends
invite scrutiny, because with forty years of pub
lie lie now spread before his countrymen. he
can stand the test.
WiNcnENDoN, June 30, 1913.
10 THE EDITOR: The author of the follow
ing communication Is highly respected clergy
tnan, now pastor Of an orthodox church in a
nelghborlng town, ard for six years oficiated as
Chaplain IN the United States Army under Gen
a. Iaylor. lie kindly sent me the following
letter IN answer to some Inquiries proposed by
me. respecting the character, views and habits
OF Zen. Taylor, and knowing that you are ready
to publish facts, submit it to YOU for the nror
ms:lon OF the puOllc.
Yours, respectfully, JOSEPH WHITE
-. June, lS4S
Sr; You are now doubt aware that held the
office OF Chaplain in the United States Army a.
bout SIX years, being stationed at Fort Jesup.
La aud that while at that extreme southern post,
| was IN daily acquaintance with Brig. General
Taylor.
presume 1t is on this account that YOU pro
pose TO me some questions touching the views
OF that distinguished individual am willinu
to reply, MOI because | am politician or have
any pc souai interest in his nomination for the
FTesld'ncy, but because am laid under lasting
OBLIGATIONS to that honest noble hearted man.
and would gladly correct some of the gross
mistakes that are now ailoat concerning his char.
acer.
In politics, Gen. Taylor is Whir-in rcl,-
gion, strictly orhDdor but in neither is he ex-
IRENE, maintaining his well-inlUrmed opinions
with the calm decision which he manifested on
the field OF battle.
Wnh regard to Slavery and extension of Ter.
rtory, assure you that neither for slave mar
ket nor any other object was General Taylor in
favor OF conquest or annexation. He was not
IN favor of receiving Texas into our Union nor
III 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 at the South, must do, if he
would have elvants, viz: either own or hire
slaves. | do well remember that part at least
OF the coored people living in his family could
read well and were very plous. | never heard
a word from the General in favor Of the slave
system, but on the contrary his decided prefer
ence for the institutions and customs of the
North.
1t is pity that Gen. Taylor shoulG be made
oul pro-SlaVery man because his Government
keeps HIM at the South or tor the wrong of al
lowing his plantation TO be on the Mississippi
instead OF the banks o. 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 Northern
man would be allowed to do
Gen. Taylor maintains OF all occasions the
habit Of total abstinence from all Intoxicating
drnks-and TO this he has ascribed his robust
health amid the swamps and campaings of For.
and Mexico. ! would also assure YOU, that
nothing could be more unjust and untrue than
the assertion that he is profane man--lt is faise
altogether lie Is bright exception to the com
mon practice OF profaneness IN the army.
General Taylor is the decided friend of Chris
tlanlty, and Christian Institutions. He was a
regular attendant on public worship in the gar
rison, accompanied by his accomplished lady and
daughter
Mrs Taylor is lady of fine appearance and
agreeable manners, and consistent professor of
|rehgion. AS family they appeared TO observe
the sabbath strictly as a rell gious duty.
The General took deep interest in the wei
fare OF all unier his command. No man ever
had the confidence Of troops more than he, and
. IL was not his courage, kindness, and discipline
phone put his interest IN the temporal an spiritu-
il welfare Of the men, that endeared him to the
army Oi The more than six hundred men re.
Formed drunkards once at Fort Jesup, allow ed
ne dement, OF tie library, reddIng-ruom, aud
every privilege consls cnt with military lie,
many obtained thelr discharge before entering
Texas aud returned TO their friends ami homes.
aud 'hese, NJ II all thai shared wuh thlr com
Inander IN conflict and victory, viii ever remem
Der HIN. aud love him.
Yours truly, &c.
.s-,--.------s---.s.-,1s..sss 80.
tIoreiQn Nrma.