Indiana State sentinel., 1848-05-04
Hon. GEO. G. DUNN, Washington, d. C.
REMARKS.


Q) This virtually encourages the General that his
official report be chite-pdShed instead Of being
corrected. The humbug might take, prOrided no one
bad read the reports. In relation TO the reports of
Generals Taylor Wool and Lane, it is proper to re-
mark that they correspond in one particular, viz:
that the ID Indiana regiment retreated. In other
points there slight and material differences. Gen.
Taylor says, that the regiment could not be rallied
and took further part IN The action, except hand
ful of men," under its gallant Col. Bowles," and
those )giiiUeS who at later period in the day,
sisted in defending the train and depot at BuenaVisa.
Gen. Wool represents that " fragment Of the Cd
regiment was rallied by Col. Bowles. Gen. Lane
says. These troops, the most of them, iurnedi-
dtely rallied. and fought during the whole day like
veterans" To sum up the difference Of the three
reports Gen. Lane represents that "the most of
them" rallied; Gen. Wool that a fragment rallied;
while Gen Taylor still more diminutive term,
by saying that "hdndfur' rallied. And yet Mr..
Dunn has just made the wonderful discovery that Gen.
Taylor's report is less severe and Objectionable"
than those of Generals Wool and Lane
(2) This paragraph, when analysed presents two
issues First. "that nothing has been developed since
the date of that [hs report" which affects its ac-
curacy." Second. that statement in IN official
shape" has been made to him which " affects its ac-
curacy" saving only the oficial reports (suppomen-
tad of Gen. Lane Of the Sd, 9th and Oath Of March,
lS47." In regard to the first issue, it is proper to
remark that the facts and opinion Of the Court Of In
qury convened to investigate the conduct Of General
Lane as well as the facts and opinions of the Court
of Inquiry in the case of COL Bowles, have been de-
L.. h. IN tha NJ
Satlo and Monterey, where they must have met Gen.
Taylor's eye. The second issue may be correct
than the first but should it prove to be another of
the same Sort" it will be lucky for General Taylor
that the public have no Of ferreting out it's
inaccuracy. If he should become witness against
himself it would be something under The sun.
(3) A word in relation to personal observation.
We are informed by those engaged in the battle Of
Buena Vista, that Gen. Taylor did not arrive the
battle field until after Col. Bowles had given The order
to retreat and the regiment had obeyed that order;
that while the I'd regiment in the act Of ralying
he took position further 10 the right and nearer the
centre Of the field. where he could not have favor
able an opportunity TO observe the movements Of the
Indianians us those having immediate command Of
them. A reference to Gen. Taylor's report confirms
StdtSheuts 81 iai 10 ~ W PoSAtioh'
In that report. Gen. Taylor says, The lst and I'd
Illinois, and the I'd Kentucky regiments, served i'm
mediately under my eye, and bear willing test-
mony to their excellent conduct throughout the day."
All accounts Of the battle agree that the LIST and I'd
Illinois, and I'd Kentucky regiments occupied posi-
tions considerably to the right of the I'd Indiana reg
ment. The distance between the point where the
Indanians formed junction with the Missssppians,
and the position then occupied by the LIST Illinois reg
ment, has been represented to be more than mile.
In view Of these facts, forced to conclude that
Gen. Taylors personal observation" brought to
bear only short time on that part of the field occu-
pied by the Indianians.
(4) Gen. Taylor cannot write let'e. upon the
subject without speaking of 'panics." The Court Of
Inquiry in case of Col. Bowes establishes the fact
that the I'd regimen, retreaed in obedience an
der from Col Bowles. If the facts and opinion OF
the Court of Inquiry worth anything, panic had
nothing to do with the retreat and every time that
Gen. Taylor speaks Of 'panics" in connection with
that regiment, he SANDERS the Indianians.
(5) II is very reasonable to suppose that he would
have placed the ID regiment in action had the enemy
resumed his attack on the following day. The Ameri
can army was so much reduced that II would have re-
quired all the forces the field to meet the enemy
with any hope Of success.