The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-07-01
Character of Gen. Taylor.

OlhI dCCCI Vi Ocns d yIOIs
Now that Gen. Taylor is the Wing candi-
date for President, it is proper that the peo-
pie should learn his character us man, and
unless we much mistake, the more he is
known, the better he will be liked. The fol-
lowing article was published some weeks
since, in the Boston Traveller paper of
high moral character, which takes no sides
in politics. The writer evidently speaks from
positive knowledge -
Gen. Taylor is n man ofmedium stature,
large frame, with a massive chest and shout
ders, aud though not imposing when on the
ground he appears finely on horseback
From long exposure to the climate Of Florida
and the far South, his complexion is almost
the color of mahogany. The same cause
has affected his eye sighT, and he has formed
the habit of half closing his eyes, lie looks,
when not in conversation, rs if he was quiz
zing some one but when engaged in CONVEX
salon, his eyes sparkle, aud his face lights
up with intelligence. He is exceedingly fas-
cnating in social life. Plain and unassun-
ing in his appearance aud manners, he re-
minds one of n New Hampshire farmer, who
had seen much hard toll. He is distinguish
eu lOT SIStlb COUUlpU stIst, l'l iDouts'N III
the uttcronce of his opinions, and great firm
ness in adhering to that which he conceives
TO lie right. Some years ago he was called
to Washington TO unrovel some perpeXing
matters in connection with the Indian De-
partmeut, He displayed such profound
knowledge OF that whole department, he M
did the knoty questions with such deXleriiy,
aud displayed such strong common sense
and practical wisdom, that bureau was of
iered to him in chat department, but declin-
ed,
His family relations are honorable-Mrs.
Taylor is one ofthe most elegant women in
the army. And that is great praise for some
of the most elegant and accomplished ladies
in the country are united in marriage 10 the
officers of the army. She is elegant in her
person and manners n lady Of humble, but
decided piety, being member of the Epis-
copal Church. His son has recently grndu-
ated from Yale Colege.-llis daughter is
distinguished for accomplishments and beau-
~. She has declined offers from many Off
GERS of the army, in obedience to the desire
of her father. who does not wish to see her
married 10 n soldier.
Gen. Taylor is not profnne man. lie
has been accused of protnneuess. Words
said to have been uttered by him on the field
of battle, have gone through the Union, but
no one who knows Gen. Taylor believes
such report. Men who have been with him
in scenes the most trying, under circumstances
the most provoking, never heard him utter
an OATH he refrains, from principle.
Gen. Taylor was two years in fort, as the
commander of 1600,men many of whom were
among the worst Of The race /; in that fort
swearing was MS common us plnmes; the
very moral sense seemed TO demand an oath
4 IL II, ,l,.., L.,
was with Gen. Il. during his whole command
and saw him under circumstances of the
greatest provocatinn, says he never heard an
oath from his lips. His principles and prac-
tice in this respect are known TO the whole
army.
Gen. Taylor is n strict teetotaller He con-
forms to the customs of the army, and keeps
on his sideboard such liquors ms are drunk
in the army but he pledges his officers only
in cold water. At the close Oft parade, it is
etiquette on the part of the officers to call at
headquarters and pay respect TO the Com
mander-in-Chief. 1t is etiquette on the part
of the commander to ALLOW his officers Ia
drink his health. 1t has been Gen. Taylor's
custom for years to pour out his glass of cold
water, and drink the health of his staff in
that alone. When he assumed the command
of fort Jesup, lie found incompetence TO be
tuC
and fines had been exhausted. 1t was pro-
posed to attempt TO reform the men. Gen.
Taylor gave the chaplain his warm co-opera-
ton by authority and example. And al
know that in the army, nothing can be done
without the aid ofthe commander. A change
was seen at once and in less than two years
more than 600 returned men marched in
procession with badges and banners. Some
of them who joined the army because oftheir
intemperance, obtained their discharge
through Gen. Taylor, and returned home to
their families sober men. Some of them are
in good business liz Boston AT this time.
Gen. Taylor is a friend to the Sabbath and
to public worship. You cannot judge men
severely who are in the hands of committees
as Gen. Taylor was at New Orleans few
months ago. BY such rule J. Q. Adams
Mr.. Webster, and others, must ne set down
as enemies to the Sabbath. A single net
over which, as public men, they had no con.
troll, must not weigh more than long lfe.--
Il is a common thing for officers in the army
to take exercise on the Sabbath, by walking
or riding after public worship. During the
whole time he was at fort Jesup, the chap
lain says he never saw Gen. Taylor riding
! for exercise, nor so much MS walking before