Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-02-18
The Wolf and the Lamb.

below is the letter of General TAYLOR in re-
pv to the structures of the War Department oil
the publication Of his private letter to General
Gaines. The 9" well known fable of Esop" is
supposed to be that of the "Wot and the
Lamb wherein old Rough and Ready person.
atcs the latter meek and patient animal! The
air of christian humility with which it is intro
d iced, is in the richest possible contrast with the
fierce 81 ASK 40 FAVOR" of the warlike wool
grower, who is about as much like a lamJ, as a
poodle is like a rhinoceros We venture the
opinion that Esquire Marcy and Col. Polk have
concluded to postpone eating that lamb.
Head Quarters of the Army of Occupation,l
Aqua NuEvA, March 3D., 1917.
have had the honor to receive your commuuica-
ton OF Jan. ~, iuclosng newspaper slip, and ex-
pressing the regret OF the Department. that the letter
copied in that slip, and which was addressed by my
self TO Maj Gen Gaines, should have been published
Although your letter does not convey the direct cen
sure of the Department and the President yet when
taken i'll connection with the revival OF the paragraph
in the regulations OF 1922 touching the publication OF
private letters concerning operations in the field, am
not permitted to doubt that | have become subject
OF Executive dlsapprobation. To any expression OF
1t, coming with the authority OF the President, am
bound by my duty and respect for his high Office pa
llentlN 10 submit Dut snuuu Ne con-
srued INTO tacit admission OF the grounds and con-
cuslons set forth III your communication, deem 1t a
duty which owe 10 myself to submit few remarks
| III reply.
| shall be pardoned for speaking plainly. In the
first place the published letter bears upon its face the
most conclusive evidence that it ssaS intended only
wa a mot y 4 al ter and
/ TO my wishes Surely, need not shy, that | am not
i'll the habit OF writing for newspapers The letter
was familiar one, written to an old military friend
with whom have been for many years interchang-
ing opinions on professional subjects. That he should
think proper, under any circumstances publish it
could not have been iorcsecn by me. In the alb .ence
OF proof that the publication made with my au-
thonty or knowledge may be permitted to say, the
quotation in your letter OF the 650th paragraph OF the
superseded regulations of 1925 in which the term.
mischevous and disgaceiul" are employed to char
acierse certain letters or reports conveys, though
openly, measure of rebuke, which, to say the least
Is rather harsh, and which many think not warranted
by the premises.
Again, have carefully examined the letter in ques
ton, and do not admit that it is obnoxious to the OBJ
Jecons urged III your communication. | see nothing
III 1t, which, under the same circumstances | would
not write again To suppose that it will give the en-
envy valuable information touching our posts pros
pecuve line OF operations Is TO know very little OF the
Mexican sources of information of their extraordl-
nary Sagaclty and facilities in keeping constantly APP
prsed OF our movements. As to my particular view:
IN regard to the general policy to be pursued toward;
Mexico, perceive from the public journals that they
are shared by many distinguished statesmen also il
part by conspicuous officers OF the navy the puhlica
ton OF whose opinions Is not, perhaps DISTRACTED 10y
any regulations OF the department.. 1t is difficult then
10 imagine how the diffusion OF mine can render any
peculiar aid TO the enemy, specially disincne him
to enter into negotiations for peace
/ In conclusion, | would say, it has given me grca
pam to be brought into the position in which now
ind myself III regard 10 the department OF war, ant
the government Ii has not been OF my seeking. Tc
the extent OF my ability and the means placed at my
disposal have sought faithfully to the country
by carrying out the rules and instructions OF the Elk
ecuilVe but It cannot be concealed, that since tho
capituluton OF Monterey, the confidence OF the de
pailment, and too much tear, OF the President ha:
beed gradually Withdrawn, and my consideration an,
usefulness coFrespondingly diminished The appa
rent determination OF the department place me il
an attitude aniaIoustical to the government. has al
: apt illustration in the well known fable OF flsop
ASK no favor, and ] shrink from no responsibility
while entrusted with the command in this quarter
shull continue to devote all my energies to the pub
lie good, looking for my reward the consciousness
otpure motives, and 10 the final verdict OF inparta
history.
| mn, sir