Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-02-21
Letter from Gen. Joseph Lane.

Letter from Gen. Joseph Lnne.
The following private letter, written in answer I"
one enclosing him the proceedings Of two public
meetings of his friends in this city, the l4h and
Dist of October ls49 is given TO the public because
it dsclOses something of the great aud noble heart Of
its generous aud heroic author. The meetings here
referred to were called denounce the disgracefu
conduct of the leading wings in importing several
Kentucky speakers to vify Gen. Lane and his brave
Indianians, pending the last presidential election. In
order to understand several Of the illusions in the
letter it will be necessary refer to the proceedings
of the meetings in questions, published in the Semi
Weekly Sentinel Of the 18th and 25th October, 1913
Well it said by tie committee In their report on
the occasion, that 'the honor and fame OF Indiana
dear 10 his heart" Every sentence Of the
following shows it. Written II was with an ex-
press injunction against its publication. and with no
idea that it would the eye of any but the
friend 10 whom it was addressed, 1t exhibits IN the
strongest light the exalted patriotism and the true
nobility Of soul which govern his every thought and
action. There is insinceriy about General Lane.
Everything that emanGtes from him is frank, out
spoken, patriotic He means just what he says
nothing more less.
And this is The man whom the Taylor administra-
ton has maliciously elected from office which no
man in the country is well qualified TO fill, and
who is the subject of the envy and bitter hatred
of the wing leaders, only because he is Democrat.
When Gen. Lane left the States to enter upon his
duous public duties in the wilds of Oregon, he
red ,hther with him the prayers of every patriot
the land; and we have strong faith and hope to be-
eve that when he returns lac will be greeted with all
the enthusiasm Of friendship aad admiration which
IL. IL Al
of Indiana.
OREGON CRY, October 25,h, 1919.
DEAR SPANN-I have the pleasure 10 acknowledge
the receipt your very friendly letter, by Judge Bry
ant, and also the proceedings Of two public meetings
of my good friends of Indianapolis. for which ten
der you aud them my thanks. You will, hope,
readily pardon me for not writing sooner. | have
been so constantly engaged in the discharge Of OIL
cia duties that | have not had time TO write as Of
ten to my friends as would like to.
arrived here in advance of all the Territorial Off,
GERS, proceeded to organize the Government, caused
the TO be taken, made the apporonment,
ed elections to be held, convened the Legislative As
semby. and did all other things required by law and
the interests of the Territory.
Most of the time have had no assistance and con-
sequenty every thing to do. In the management oil
our Indian affairs / have had but little help. Two
sub-agents received appointments in June. One
soon after resigned, and the other went to California
maintaining friendly relations with the Indians,
found it necessary to visit many of the tribes in the
country. / proceeded to the Dalles of the Co
lumba, Cheuts River, Yackuman country, Cowlity
Pucet's Sound, the valley of the Willamette across
the coast mountains, from the Willamette to the cOas
at Yacona bay; two hundred miles south of tht
Columbia.
have seen more less Of the people Of near fort,
of the sixty-seven tribes living in Oregon, made
and forwarded report Of all the tribes their ocn
ton, numbers, and disposition, near as could pos
sibly be asceralned; copied the Executive proceed
ings and official correspondence and forwarded tn
same the President and did all other things nee
essary be done. to the best of my ability. honestly
and faithfully. The Executive books and papers. a
also of the Indian affairs, IN good condition, paiI
and easy be understood
My health has been fine, and have lubored con
stantly. / have said this much about my doings
(Which hope you will excuse) to let you know tina
part of my duty has been neglected. | suppos
that l shall be removed, but am determined that
shall be without cause, at least any REASONABLE
cause of complaint. These the reasons, N!
dear friend, why have not written ere this.
confess to you that am surprised to find that an
considerable portion Of the wtig party of Indian'
should at any time be willing to fasien upon thei
State lasting disgrace. 1t is deserved. No bet
ter troops ever pulled trigger in their country de
fence than the troops from Indiana. Why shOul
they unjustly suffer- They shall not snail fee
ii my duty at all times and under all circumstances
TO tell the TRUTH and the honest truth the only de
fence Of their reputation that they the State wi
ever require If it should be my misfortune to max
enemies by defending the reputation of my command
my State, and myself, let il be
While III the Mexican war, ii was my fortune
see troops from different States engaged in baitle
good troops,-but not better than the Indie mans.
troops did their duty BETTER and but for the
ardice Of > and the fasehood of others, n
troops would have stood higher. And after that M
fortunate affair, every lndanlan who under M
observation, endeavored by his gallaniry and goo
conduct 10 convince the world of their capacity d.
under oil circumstances, in battle otherwise, the
duty,-yea, honor TO themselves and their countf,
And they did so.
have seen much Of this country and like it, Y,
I would much rather be I'm Indiana 1 like the Stat
God bless her; but am here, l am poor, and have
large family TO support. can make money. and ha'
concluded to send, by my son, who goes home. for
family. 1t is like taking my life 10 bid farewell TO
State, but what better can dol | am not now ab
TO labor could, and here is perhaps the be
place for me. He goes fully authorized TO sell ii
homestead, and ell my effects, settle my business, pr
all debts, and leave the home dear.
Please tender my thanks my friends for the
kind defence OF my reputation. am proud to kno
that Keniuckan. other person assail
without mourning the disPleasure of generous, XII
and goof people.
God bless you my friend. and the State.
JOSEPH LANE.
n~rWe give I'D the most of our space in this 2