Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-06-28
COL. HASKELL.


nessee, who, at an early age, has won for himself
most enviable reputation for courage, patriotism
and genius; and gives the following interesting in
ciden,s as related by the Colonel himself at the
great ratification meeting in Independence Square.
Whilst the emphatic declaration OF Gen. Tay Tor in
regard to his politics, can leave no shadow of dis
trust in the mind of the most obstinate doubter,
the benevolence, humanity and self-denial which
are displayed, prove him to be one of the best as
well as the bravest of men, Gen. Taylor, like
some chef d. eucre of great master, is only to be
appreciated by studying his character in detail
Every new development but brings him nearer TO
the heart, while it adds to the completeness of n
character cast in the mould of perfection Long,
IT not vain, would be the search TO find in another
SO noble blending Of the highest and manifest at
tributes of an exalted nature. But we Will not de-
tain the reader from the extracts :-Lynchbtrg Pa
triot.
Co. Haskell, 1t appears, enlisted as a private
soldier In his regiment, and as such marched with
IL 10 FONT Isabel or the BRACES. When boy he
had iought as private in the Florida war and
when he enlisted to 90 10 Mexico, he shouldered
me same musket which he had borne in Florida
Alter the regiment had landed, and while he was
yet private, he was seized with desire TO see
the famous old General, who had p,ined so mucb
distinction IN the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca
de la Palma. He accordingly sci out for Matamo-
Ias. L he rainy season had commenced and the
Rlo Urande had overlooked much of the country
through which he passed. The battle-feds were
submerged by water, and in many places he was
Obliged to swim. AT length he reached Matamo-
ras, covered with mud. and as dirty as it was pos
slole Tor man TO be in Mexico, and he said nobo
ny nad any idea how dirty could be ill he
had been In Mexico. He found General Taylor's
lent with difficulty, as there was nothing in lis an
pearance 10 distinguish it from those of the hum
oest soldier The arrival of uniformed officer with
despatch, fortunately pointed out TO him the mil
itary lodging of the old hero. The officer havirp
been dismissed, Col. H. went boldly TO the tent,
ana accosling the plain, farmer-like occupant. in
iOrmed him that he was private in the Tennessee
i'eSi'nent, that lie had come TO see how Gen. Tay-
lor looked, and to know what he talked about
where he lived when he was at home. and
achat aceTchis politics. The General, said Col. H.
answered all his questions very politely. until he
came 10 The politics, and then he remarked that be-
ing an olhcer OF the army he had been in the habit
OF refusing to say anything about his politics but;
ne said, acHtell you what am: AM A WING.
AND A QUARTER OYERn
When Col. Haskell uttered these words, indie
pendence Square rnng with cheers upon cheers that
seemed If they would never cease. Yes" pro-
ceeded the Colonel, at length, thereafter, if any
body questions the whggery of Zachary Taylor,
tell him that you heard Haskell, of Tennessee de.
clare, on his honor as gentleman here in the city
Of Philadelphia, in independence Square, that Gen
Taylor told him, when he visited his tent as pri-
vate soldier, that he was a WING, AND A
QUARTER OVERi' And from that moment. -
added Col. Haskell, 81 became Id,Ror man, and
quarter ouer."
/ Another anecdote told by Col. Haskell to Illus
traie the vrtuous simplicity and kind -heartedness
OF Gen. Taylor, deserves to be recorded
! On one occasion, Gen Taylor was descending
! tne RIO Grande, on small steamboat. with LARGE
number of discharged sick soldiers on board. The
boat being very crowded, these poor fellows had
been very uncomtor'ably slowed away OH the deck
as the lowest part OF western steamboat is term
ed. As soon as Gen. Taylor ascertained their con-
dton, he ordered the officers. Sc, out Of the cabin
and had the sick men all transferred TO their places
lie himself took blanket and gave UP his berth
/ ne night passed, and III the morning there was
good deal OF inquiry for Gen. Taylor; but nobody
could tell where he was. At length, one of tho
servants in the boat mentioned that man was ".
ing wrapped up in blanket, on the forecasile =
he officers repaired thther, and found the old man
truly there, and still locked in his honest sleep
with his blanket weted and soled by the slop-wa
Ter which the servant surprising him TO be some
common soldier, had carlessly swep auainst him
Was not this study for the admirers of benevo
Ience and seIi-dehia The conquerinp General o
the American Army, sleeping in his blanket in the
open air, on the iOrecast!e Of Il steamboat. willis
his berth was occupied by p5or soldier. wiihou
rank, but receiving his generous consideration he
cause disabled by disease contracted in the servic
OF his country!