Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-10-05
"Capt. Bragg" and Gen. TAYLOR.

"An impromptu dinner" as the Express
styles it, was given to Col. Bragg, on Thurs
day last, in New York, over which Philip
Hone presided. The Express gives the fol-
lowing brief report of his speech, in reply
to a toast complimentary of himself 1t is
known to our readers that Col Bragg is a
" Democrat in politics, though they will
see that he is not the man to withhold the
Just praise due to his gallant old Chief
The Express says:
As the dinner was in some degree private,
we shall go no farther than to report in sub
stance, and from memory, the remarks of
Capt. Bragg, better known by that than any
other name--"A little more grape, Capt.
Bragg, and allude at length to his bril-
liant service with the flying artillery at Bue-
ma Vista.
Col. Bragg modestly rising, and in some
embarrassment, said, it was well known that
he was soldier, and that therefore no fit
ting speech could be expected from him in
reply. For whatever merit gentlemen chose
to award him, or whatever reputation if any
be had undeservedly, the whole of it was
due to the gallant General ,spder whom he
served, and to the soldiers in the service he
that service he was indebted to the training
of the lamented Ripggold and Ridgely from
whose hands he had received the corps, in
that full efficiency that enabled il to mmor-
tallze itself on the perilous and bloody field
of Buena Vista
10 the General-in-Chief his acknowledge
ments were especially due. He inspired the
whole army with valor and confidence by
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, to understand the char
acter pf that man as commander of an ar
my. There is a resolution, firmness,
detetihinatlon in his manner and in his pur-
p&Aj tina, go a great way in leading men
to Victory. 1t was never better illustrated
THAN on the field of Pao Alto. He told
LMaj. Brown, when he left him with his
small force Opposite Matamoras, Maintain
your position. will not say, | hope to be
back, or | shall try to be back but WILL
be back on the 10th. Expect me then, and
maintain your position" Everybody that
knew him, knew he would be back, if alive
to come. The army returned to Point lsa-
bel, as you know. On the Sth they fought
at Pao Alto, and when night came on they
bivouacked in the open field, and amid the
] grass, with not a tent over him, the General
himself wrapped in his blanket, and many.
can assure you, in not a little doubt and
! gloom. Our little army did not feel sure
then, that they could whip three times their
number, and them the best troops in Mexi-
CO. We had not tried our mettle, or meas
I until hA, 4 :
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 lay wrapped in his blanket, and sleeping
except when disturbed by officers asking 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 necessary Two or three
officers were particularly anxious to know
whether he intended to go on or hold his
position. But the only satisfaction that
could be got was, sleep lie disclosed to
no one his intentions There was pre-
valing opinion that it was too perious a
march to go on. But General Taylor tow
ard morning, disturbed by some person de-
handing orders, replied, allow the men to
rest 1t is time enough at sunrise Then
turning over in his blanket, he said to an
officer near, My mind is made up, my
} mind is made up,'--but nobody knew how
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.
4 In the morning council of war was