The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-05-20

.
Extract of letter to the Washington Union, dated
Monterey. March "a, 1913.
have read with surprise and modification; tnat u
resolution has introduced in the lower house OF
Congress- offering the thanks of Congress ana goiu
medal to Generals Taylor, Scott, Qutman, worth,
smith and others leaving out however ahis Can we
point to a general in the army. second IN eommanu,
who has performed more gallant part or rendered
more distinguished services during tue ""f WI" "e~'
co Not one. ,
Trace the history of this untring and indefatgabe
general from his speedy organization OF the yoiul
teers of the Western States until he had accomplished
his wonderful march to Parras. Mexico and we hnd
parallel to his energy and indomitable
in the history of the View him. while intrusted
with the command of five thousand troops, nearly all
raw volunteers whom he in almost incredibly short
period prepared by his wholesome discipline FOR the
great contest ut Buena Vista, which ut hand
This great work assigned to him by the command
erin-chef and though 1t cost him sleepless nights
and days Of toand though before the battle 1t call
upon his head the anathemas Of the wild and
undscplined troops under his yet proved
himself equal to the great trust conhded to him. as the
result triumphantly shows His high moral cha
racter frank and unsguised manner and strict adhc-
renee to duty exerted their natural influence upon
those around him. The good and virtuous emulated,
while others feared, his example. Thus his pa
triotc efforts crowned with success; and hence the
euogum of General Taylor when he says the success
at Buena Vista in great measure, owing 10 the
discipline instilled in the troops by Gen Wool
Having glanced at his services previous to the battle
at Buena Vista, let ask whether any general,
second in command in the field has in any battle per-
formed such distinguished services as Gen. Wool did
that action H0 was permitted Dy zen laylOr 10
select the field of battle and to make disposition of the
troops to meet the enemy This Of ITSELF will on the
page of history, immoralize his name Such conduct
has thrown imperishabe renOwn upon name yet no.
bier The achievement of the independence of our
country chiefly attributable to the sagacity OF
Washington in the selection of his positions and the
arrangement of his troops as to conceal ms own
weakness and present his strongest front to the
enemy
1t is not the dare -devil courage of a Putnam nor
the phrenzed zeal of Murat. that makes the gene
raj but the cool, selfpossessed, brave man, whose
judgment never forsakes him, and who, ut glance,
comprehends the state of affairs quick to proht
by his advantages. and prepared for every exigency
How was it with General Wool during this eventful
battle. when the active operations of the field were
entrusted to him by the heroic chief General Taylor
Calm and collected yet full Of fire and energy, he was
to be in all parts of that bloody field riding hither
and thther, now encouraging those who were dispi
rted in the unequal contest and now urging up fresh
troops to supply the places Of those that had fallen
The fate of the army-of all that had been gained by
the victories of Pao Alto of Resaco de Ia Palma and
of Monterey hung by thread The left wing of the
gallant little army was turned Santa Anna hurried
up his gitterng thousands to attack the CENTRE then
in command of old lack, who equal to any emer-
gency The critical moment had arrived The
cloud of defeat seemed for n time to lower that
gallant leader and his noble band. 1t then that
the voice that had, before, urged two hun
dred devoted patriots up the declvitous heights OF
Queenston, and planted the American banner on the
very battery of the enemy was heard in burning Ian
guage, rayng and urging up our weary and dsheart-
ened troops to the support Of General Taylor. The
united efforts of these two great generals saved the
fate of the day, and shed imperishabe glory on the
American army
Such were the services of General Wool at Buena
Vista During the whole day of the 23d he was ex-
posed to the enemy's fire Hundreds fell around him
yet the same providence that protected Washington
during his struggle for independence shielded the gal
liant Wool, and he escaped unhurt.
How has he been rewarded for such gallantry and
devotion to his country's honour! By resolution
which is in itself a censure and an nsult-by making
an invidious distinction Why, this, has he not
been brevetted In his report of that battle General
Taylor speaks of the conduct of General Wool in the
highest terms And yet his heart is stung by the know
ledge that juniors have been promoted his head
and others, not more deserving than himself COM
plimented and honoured while he is forgotten Those
less patriotic might murmur at such treatment but
General Wool devoted to the interests of his country
will toll Although :" the powers that be y may
withhold from him the reward which Is his due, just
and generous people will accord to him honor and
glory and his heroic conduct will form bright page
in his country's history
P.S We have just received copy Of the armistice,
which puts a stop to all hopes and operations.
General Wool was about to move on Zacatecas.
Resolutions Of thanks adopted by the late le
gslature of New York in honor of General Wool
the only ones which passed during the session. A
sword with suitable emblems and devices, is to DO pre-
scented to him .-Union