The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1848-09-19
capt. BRAGG" AND GEN. TAY,
LOR.

AN imp7omptu dinner" as the Express styles il
was given to Col. Bragg, on Thursday last, il
New York, over which Philip Hone presided
The Express gives the following brief report o.
his speech, in reply to a toast complimentary o
himself 1t is known 10 our readers that Col
BRAGG is Democrat" in politics. though the!
will see that he is not the man to withhold th'
inst praise due to his gallant old Chief Tn,
Express says:
As the dinner was in some degree pri'
vate shall go no farther than to report in
substance, and from memory, the remarks
Of Capt. Bragg, better known by that than
any other name IA little more grape
Capt Bragg,"-and alluded at length to
his brilliant service Of the flying artillery
at Buena Vista.
Col. Bragg modestly rising, and IN some
embarrassment, said, it was well known,
that he was soldier, and that therefore
no fitting speech could be expected from
him in repiy.-For whatever merit gentle
men chose 10 award him or whatever REP
utation,if any he had undeservedly, the
whole of it was due TO the gallant Gene
raj under whom he served and to the SOL
diers in the service he commanded. nay
more for the brilllancy of that service he
was indebted to the training of the la
mented Ringgold and Ridgely from whose
hands be had received the corps, in that
full efficiency that enabled it to immortal
ize itself on the perilous and bloody field
Of Bdena Vista.
To the General>in-C his acknowl-
Judgments were especially due. He inspir-
ed tie whole army with valor and conf
dsnce oy his presence, not only at Buena
Vista, but from the opening of the war on
the Rio Grande. 1t is almost impossible
for you. gentlemen, he said, 10 understand
the character of that man as commands
er of an army. There is resolution,
firmness,a determination in his manner
and in his purposes, that go great way in
leading men to victory. Ii was ne er bet
ter illustrated than on the field of Palo Al
to. He told Maj. Brown, when he left
him with his small force opposite Mata-
moras, Maintain your position. l will
not say. | hope to be back or | shall try to
back but WILL be back on the 10th.
Expect me then, and maintain yrur posi-
ton" Everybody that knew him, knew
he would be back, if alive to come. The
army returned to Point Isabel, as you know.
On the, 9Th, they fought at PaIo Alto, and
when night came OIL they bivouacked in
the open feld,and amid the grass, with
not tent over him, the General himself
wrapped in his blanket, and many 1 can as
sure you, in not little doubt and gloom.
Our little army did not feel sure then, that
they could whip thres times their number,
and them,th best troops in Mexico. We
had not tried our mettle, or measured wea-
Pons with them. Many an eye did not
close that night. Ringgold had been slain.
A bloody day was before them, and many,
If the army went on were sure to bite the
dust. But nobody knew or could find out
what Gen. Taylor intended to do. There
he ay,wrapped in his blanket and sleep
ing, except when disturbed by officers as
king for orders. Some were anxious to
ascertain his intentions. His only answer
was, Tell the men TO sleep. Keep quiet.
Sleep is the main thing sssry'-Two
or three officers were particularly anxious
to know whether he intended TO 90 on. or
hold his position. But the only satisfies
ton that could be got was, sleep He
disclosed TO no one his intentions. There
was prevailing opinion that it was too
perllous a march to 90 on But General
Taylor toward morning ,disturbed by some
person demanding orders replied, allow the
men to rest. 1t is time enough at suns
rise. Thenlurning over in his blanket,
he said TO an officer near, My mind is
made up, my mind is made up,'-but no.
body knew hO'c his mind was made up
and yet they who knew him, knew if his
mind was made up, it was no use to Try to
change it.
In the morning a council of war was
summoned, and there were eleven officers
present, three only of whom advised to ad,
vance. Mind, cast no censure upon any
one. A difference of opinion under such
circumstances. might have been expected.
But they who knew the power of the Light
Artillery, and had seen it play that dav had
confidence that it could clear a way for
the army back to Fort Brown. old lack
for that is the name we call him, replied
after the consultation had broken up.
Gentlemen, ,oe wiH Advance in fifteen
minutes, and forward they marched to
Resaca de la Palma. the result of which
you all know. Old lack kept his word
to Maj. Brown, - but alas, the brave and
lamented Major had received his death
wound.
So at Buena Vista the personal charac-
ter of Gen. Taylor had a like influence on
the army. When the War Department
deemed it necessary,in order to form
column to invade Mexico, via Vera Cruz,
to take his Regulars from him, he was sure
mat Santa Anna would attack him. Il am
the weak point, he often said, and know
he Will attack me- But he determined to
defend his position, and in order the hest
way to defend tito advance. Gen Santa
Anna has taken hundred, L shall save
thousand Gen. Taylor kept well inform