Litchfield enquirer., 1848-06-29
MlSGGL i A M Y.
Gov. TOmpkinS' Major,

The official relations Of Gov: Tomp>
kns-during the war of 1912, especially
brought him into contact with a great
number of persons. His memory up 10
a certain period, was extremely tena-
cious and he possessed, in an eminent
degree that remarkable faculty SO useful
lopublic men, of recollecting, not only
the persons but the names of those whom
he had ever met. At the FIRST drafts of
the militia for active service, the governs
or was over>run with applications from
various commanders, for employ IN ent on
the lines and the most urgent of these
was an individual who resided near the
northern frontier. who painted for an OPP
portunity Of shedding the last drop OF
his blood, and dying in the last ditch, in
defence OF his 'untry I! The belligereni
spirit manifested in the frequent commu.
nicalions OF this gentleman. induced the
governor 10 grant his supplicaii"n aud
he was advanced 20 the rank of major,
and ordered 10 Sacketls Harbor.
The newly appointed officer with much
gratitude acknowledged the receipt Of
his coma,ission-rrnewin his former
protesta,. ons, and closed with declaring
the fre>sides and the affairs OF the free
sons Of Columbia The gallant officer
took the field the affair of Sackcu's HarS
hor occurred. and, in the detail of that
battle. ne was reported as having been
the last TO retreat, and having brought off
his command 10 good ORDER The ajor
had not been without competitors for pre-
ferment-pcrhaps many who had better
preleniions than himself ; and The gov>
ernor was congraiula;ing himself tina, the
appointment had been so well bestowed,
when. fortnight after the battle, he res
ceived visit flem the triumphant miii>
foire, who had Obtained leave OF absence
from the general commanding on the
lines. The major received The cGngratu-
lalions OF The governor upon his achieves
menls rather awkardly and, after some
preliminary conversation, he finished by
asking leave to resign his commission.
Surprised at this unexpected request,
the governor asked il he met with any i'll
usage from his superiors, which had driy-
en- him TO that measure. 'NOne at all'-
was the answer. He was asked il any
domestic affection h ad befallen him-if
his health had suffered IN the campaign ;
and urged 10 disclose the cause which
lmpelted him 10 abandon Cal Ger SO aus
piciously begun. AL these questions
were answered 10 the negative and yet
the major rendered his resignation with
great urgency. He detailed catalogue OF
reasons for the measures, all of which the
governor controver,ed, and concluded by
telling him that the good Of the service re-
auired tina, he should hold his commission.
Well governor said the major. if you
will be good enough to dismiss your private
secretary for short time, will give you
some other reasons which. perhaps, you
will deem c1ore substantial
The secretary was accordingly despatch
ed upon a short mission and the major
drawing his chair as near as possible to
that Of The governor, 10 very low tone
commenced The disclosure &c he real truth.
then, governor, is-is-it must come out
that ! am u most internal coward am
an Internal coward! ! am not half so ri
10 command in the army rs my wife Isl
who has been rating me night and day ever
since ! determined to resign but, the truth
mast be told, ] ora q coward and that is ali
that is 10 be said about itp The governor
was incredulous. Nonsense said he
you probably felt some unpleasant emo
tions, at firss these are all very natural
aud win subsade in time. Few are with
out such feelings, AT the first encounter Will
the euemy. Make up your mind, major
to IeliDquish your purpose. ami return it
the army. There gill be warm work. by
and>by. aud you viii soon get used TO it,
1t is just that warm work. Responded