Arkansas intelligencer., 1848-03-11
HEADQUAGrEns ARMY OF OccUpAr1ox.

Aqua Nueva, March 3, 1917.
SIR: have had the honor to receive your
communication OF January 9th, enclosing a
newspaper slip, and expressing the regret Of the
department that the clter copied in that slip. and
which was addressed by myself to Major General
Gaines, should have been published.
Although your letter does not convey the Gi-
rect ceusure Of the department or of the Prcsi-
dent, yet, when 1t is taken in cOnnexion with the
revival of paragraph in the regulations of 1928,
touching the publication of private letters con-
corning operations in the field am not permitted
to doubt that have become the subject of Execu-
live dIsaPprobation. To any expression Of it
coming with the authority of the President. am
bound by my duty. and by my respect for his
high Office, patiently TO submit; but les; my ST.
ence should be construed into tOcit admission
of the grounds nd conclusions set forth in your
communication, deem il duty which owe to
myself 10 subm, few remarks in reply.
shall be .SGTdoned for speaking plainly
In the first place, the published letter bears
upon It's face the most conclusive evidence that
II was intended only for private pcrusnl, and not
at all for publication. 1t was published without
my knowledge, and contrary TO my wishes.
Surely, need not say that | am not in the habit
Of writing for the newspapers. The letter was
familiar one. written 10 an old military friend with
whom have for many years inierchanged opin-
ons on professional subjects. That he should
think proper 10 publish il, under any circum.
stances, could not nave been foresoeh by me.
In tho absence Of proof tho, the publication
was made with my authority or knowledge, |
may be permitted 10 say that the quotation in
your letter Of the six hundred and fftieth para
graph of the suporadded regulations of 1925, in
which the terms '.mschcvous" and 'disgraceful''
employed 10 characterze certain letters or re-
ports, conveys, though not openly, measure Of
rebuke, which, to say the least, is rather harsh;
and which many may think not warranted bv the
premises. Again: | have carefully examined the
letter in question, and do not admit that it is
obnoxious to the objections urged IN your commu.
nicalion. see nothing in ii which, under the
same circumstances, | would not write again.
To suppose that it will give the enemy valuable
information touching our past or prospective line
of operations, is 10 know very little of the Mexican
sources of information, of their extra ordinary
sagacty and facilities in keeping constantly ap.
priced Of our movements. As to my particular
views in regard to the general policy to be pur-
sued towards Mexico, perceive by the public
journals that they shared by many distin-
guished statesmen, and also, in part, by a con-
spicuous officer of the navy, the publication of
whose opinions is not perhaps obstrucied by any
regulations of his department. 1t is difficulr
then, 20 imagine that the diffusion of mine can
render any peculiar aid TO the enemy, or spec
ialIy disincne him "to enter into negotiations
for peace"
In conclusion, would say that it has given
me great pain to be brought into the position in
which | now find myself with regard to the De-
partment of War and the government. 1t has
not been of my own seeking. 10 the extent of
my ability, and the means placed at my disposal.
have sought faithfully TO serve the country, by
carrying out the wishes and instructions Of the
Executive. Bot il cannot be concealed that,
since the captuIalion of Monterey, the confidence
of the department (and, ! too much fear of the
Presldent.) has been gradually Withdrawn, and
my consideration and usefulness, correspondingIy
diminished. The apparent determination of the
department to place me in an attitude an,agon-
istica to the government has apt illustration
in tho weII-known fable Of Esop. But | ask no
favor, and shrink from responsibility. While
ntrusted with the command in this quarter. |
shall continue to devote all my energies to the
public good, looking for my reward to the con.
scousness of pure motives. and the final verdict
of impartial history. .
am, sir, very respectfully. your obedient
servant, L. TAYLOR,
Mai. Gen. U. S. A. Commnnding.
Hon. w. l.. MARCY, Secretary of War.
The message and accompanying documents
were laid on the table, and ordered to be printed.
Mr.. BARROW moved that 10000 extra copies
be printed for the Of tho House, which mo-
ton agreed 10.
The thicker the sole Of n boo, or n shoe the