The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-08-07


duty We have created necessity, and driven these
officers Of the army authority which was
professional and from which they would all have
With these remarks. which are intended mainly to d.
rect the OF this resolution TO some modification of
its terms. or induce him TO accompany il with such in
sructons as viii point the committee clearly to what he
desires, and which will give il some power to remedy
existing difficulties, will proceed 10 the consideration OF
portion Of that Argument which has been connected
with this resolution. would be glad il the debate which
has arisen upon this resolution would permit stop
with the expression OF those views which belong 10 the
resolution itself But the remarks Of the senator from
texas involve other considerations, and require spe-
cihc answer AT the time when the boundary of his
State was the subject OF discussion at the time when
Congress threatened to deprive his State Of its territory
ne wanders from that question which before u.s. and
which might have called out all his energy and devo-
ton as Iexan and goes into the remote history OF the
army upon the Rio Grande, to display his affection for
the State he represents What had the orders and the
discipline OF the army the Rio Grande TO do with the
territorial rights OF Texas And what would ask,
the senator find 70 justify him upon this occasion at this
camp Of which be showed himself supremey ignorant and
IN the treatment Of which he showed himself supreely
unjust Whcn these remarks were Submitted 20 the
Senate, could lily brook the defamation of my old
ander, and not very patiently bear the studied detracton
from my comrades OF that hard earned reputation
which many of them gained at the expense OF
their lives. and many who live possess with the in
cumbrance OF wounds and disabilities which they
will carry to their graves But happily believing that the
o one and the other was not to be shaken BY such
an attack was prepared to allow the defence both of
that commander and my comrades to fall into the hands
q those who were restrained by those political con-
sldera.ons which bore upon .me-to those to whom il
would be task equally grateful, and, under the crcum-
stances perhaps more appropriate did not fear to leave
their fame without defence, well assured that
based ssyss o. the
curey De left TO history, and 10 that more mpershabe
witness, the tradition which springs from the in
the scenes TO which be referred But that senator has
thought proper, at recent PERIOD TO rearm all he
said upon former occaslonto reafirm It when the cir
changed when that restraint of political
70 which have referred as acting upon me had
my old commander bad been closed by the grave Now.
sir il political opposition did dsquafy me in the
and character Of General Taylor from the assaults Of er
Tor or prejudice, that disqualification Now, sir,
am free from these restraints, and come to perform
iuty which is equally meet and becoming to my posi-
Now, sir we have reached a point when the material
,f history is to be collected Now partzan zeal has
extend it and the scales Of justice may be truly
balanced. Under these circumstances, then, come to
ave from injury the reputation of gallant soldier;
,ect TO prove by the very witnesses which the senator
rom Texas himself brought forward the gross injustice
u every reflection which he has made, and expect from
his character, which have known long distinguish
him. that he will retract every asperson he has thrown
ipon the fame OF that distinguished soldier
The PRESIDENT. The senator must not apply re-
mark OF that kind to any senator ..Aspersion' is
word that should not be 40 used.
Mr.. DAVIS, OF Mississippi. | never design to be
70 any mem9e. q tins body eeIiany h no. 70 se
which remark, under the suggestion OF the Chair, will
applicable In referring TO the people Of the State Of
Texas, he says:
The people of that State have been unwarrantably as
allied, aduced and DETAINED by the Executive of
he naon when general in the field, IL were not sus-
aimed by incontesabe authority, would scorn TO impue
high iuuctonay of this aught that was
af he
,ecupiss but in this case am fully sustained in every
vord as will show BY recourse 20 testimony stronger
,arry conviction TO the mind Of every candid man.
Now, sir. say propose, BY the very Witnesses that
be has brought before the Senate TO prove that he was
wholly unsustaned in his asperson; and expect him
Is a Just man-not to say a generous and benevolent
nan, as said before-to withdraw that defamation
else to find himself in position, which he has himself
described, 'it would excite his ecorn TO occupy
The facts in this quite the from the view
which the from Texas has thought proper To- pre-
sent The letter which he refers, and from which he
makes quotation OF the opinion expressed BY the COM
handing general OF the army Of the Rio Grande, that the
militia OF Texas too far from the border, and their
aid could therefore be depended uponthat asser
lion defamation, he says, OF The character OF
he people OF Texas no reflection upon their gallantry
Nor the expression in relation TO the Texans made
by The General when the senator says, not one OF
hem had been placed under his command, and not
solitary corps or individual OF them had he then ever
seen ranged under his banner.
Sir before the war commenced, specific authority was
Tor forces, IL he required them The indication that
Texas was to have priority in any demand Tor troops
In letter from the War Department OF August O. is45 he
was instructed look Texas for such auxiliary force
he might require. In keeping with my promise not TO
read extensively than was necessary, will not
read that letter. unless the reading be called or but be-
fore the receipt OF that authority, correspondence had
with the President OF Texas in relation 10
the defence OF her settlements. The commanding gen.
eal, writing from his headquarters at Corpus Christi TO
the then President OF Texas Anson Jones, says fol-
lows;
HsaDouARrkRs, CosPus CHRIsrI,
August 49, 1875
You have undoubtedly received intelligence OF the hos
tile steps taken by Mexico and the probable declaration oil
against by that power Under these ccnmsta
do deem It prudent detaoh any portion OF my force
at present ad the principal object of this communi
service OF Texas be continued In employment, should
yon consider u necessary for the defence Of the frontier
II you in this visw, WILL your instance. des
pa6h officer muster ino the service OF tile United
any companies which you may designate neces
sary Security OF the frontier conform In numbers
aud organization the laws of the United States Should
such mustefs be made. will recommend that the officers
and men while in service, continue receive the
Of pay which they have drawn om the Texan gov
ernrncnt
NV presence and that o, my command, is now impera
lively required this frontier When relations with
Mexico aud the o the service in this quarter shalt
permit my absence, will take great pleasure in proceed
personally relation the proper dispositions 70 be made
ior the permanent Occupation OF the frontier
This was done on bis own responsibility, as appears
by the following extract from letter TO the Adluant
General at Washington. ID. C.;
HsADouARrkns CoRrus CHRIsrf,
August %, 1Si5.
10 regard 10 employing volunteers from Texas, you viii
me MT In my Of tho 10Th instant 10 President
Jones. copy OF which furnished yon the lsh la