Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-07-05

Ma. LEAKE.-This gentleman, in his address
before the Democracy of Augusta on the Goth ult,
attempted to show that Gen. TAYLOR was the
cause Of the war with Mexico, and, by way of
proof, read couple of extracts from the correspon
dence between Gen. TAYLOR and the War De-
partment This same charge has been frequently
made before In the Democratic papers, and as often
been triumphantly answered.
Every one who has given the subject the least
attention knows that the war was brought on by
the Annexation of Texas, and the consequent Or
der Of the War Department to take possession of
the Rio Grande; but Mr.. Leake, in his effort to
shield the Administration from all responsibility
stated that this order was given in consequence of
the ddUtce of Gen. TAYLOR, and, therefore, he
was the author or adviser of that movement. I'm
der what circumstances, however, was that advice
given? Not until after Mr.. Marcy wrote to him,
under date of June Is, 1915, as follows:
'l'he point Of your ultimate destination is the
western frontier OF Texas, where you will select
and occupy, on or near the Rio Grande del Norte.
such site as will consist with the health of the
troops, and to protect what, in the event Of annex
alton, will be our Western border"
Again, July 30, lS45, the Department wrote to
him:
1t is expected that, in selecting the establish
ment for your troops you will approach as near the
boundary line, the Rio Grande, as prudence will
dictate"
Notwithstanding these Instructions, Gen. Tay-
lor, on the 10Th OF August, encamped at Corpus
Christi, on the Nueces; and not until the 4th of
October, nearly four months after the first order
a nIV iii III bo Dltrff - L., 1, 20.
Department of that date, after recitug the nstruc-
ton OF June 10 and July 30, he says:
"lt is with great Difference that 1 make any sug-
gestons on topics which may become matter of del
cate negotiation but if our Government in settling
the question Of boundary, makes the line of the
Rio Grande an ultmatum, | cannot doubt the set
Element will be greatly facilitated by our taking pos
session at once, OF one or two suitable points on or
quite near the river"
"Mexico having as yet made no actual declara-
ton Of war, or committed any overt act of HOSTILE
ty, do not feel at liberty. under nv instructions.
particularly those July the Sth to make forward
movement to the Rio Grande without authority
from the War Department"
1t plainly appears from the above correspondence
that Gen. Taylor did not advise the march Of our
troops to the Rio GraDde; he had been informed
twice that his ultimate destination was the Rio
Grande before writing single line on the subject
and then he only concws in the policy of such a
movement, under the pTOviso that the Rio Grande
was 10 be insisted on as our ultimaum
POSITIVE PRooF.-ln the course of a discussion
AS TO the Presidency, which arose in the Senate on
Thursday, "Mr. Miller detailed two conversations
he bad formerly had with Gen. Cass, on which oc.
casons the latter gentleman, now a candidate of
party for the Presidency, and the avowed opponent
of the Wiimot ProyisO, unequlvocally declared
himself to be warmly in favor Of the said Wilmut
Proviso!"
Between the two stools Gen. Cass will fall 10
the ground lie has had to ride both sides Of the
saplng, and will incur the fate Of all such rash O.
questriaus;.. In attempting to carry North and