The Plymouth pilot. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1851-1852, 1851-11-26

and though a detail of the events connec-
ting themselves with the measures to
which reference had been made, would be
out of place there. he must be permitted
TO say that these measures put into prac
tical operation had much to DO in eleva-
ting the character and credit of Indiana,
both at home and abroad, TO the high and
proud position she now occupied, and he
Joined with the Governor and those "a
round him in rejoicing at the bright flu
tu,e which awaits her in her rapid and
onward growth. He felt more than com
peusated for what little he might have
done, as Legislator, TO produce this re-
suit. in the evidences Of prosperity which
he everywhere witnessed since his return
10 the State.
He said the Governor attributed much
to him, which he felt he did not merit.
He had, however, been the artificer of his
own fortunes. Thrown. at all early age,
on his resources, without friends and
without means, except of his own crea-
ton. he had been compelled to struggle
on. unaided by advantages enjoyed by
the wealthy and opulent. But he thank
ed heaven that his lot had been cast in d
land OF liberty-in the Mississippi val
ley; field where energy, industry and
enterprise are almost certain TO meet with
a rich reward.
Happy and contented with his lot, he
wee quite willing to have remained pri-
vste citizen, al his humble residence, on
the banks of the Ohio. He had no pO-
litical aspirations. Wnen. in 1916. the
tocsin Of war sounded OH the banas Of the
Eio Grande, obeying the natural impulses
OF his heart, he enrolled himself as pri-
vs,e soldier, to contribute his mite To the
defence of his country.
BY the kindness and partiality of the
gallant sons Of fundamentally of whom
are here tOay-he was elected as Colo
mel of regiment; but before he assumed
the command. he was by the Executive
Of the nation. appointed Brigadier GEN
eral. unsolicited on his part.
Of his services in that command, the
Governor, he said. had spoken In man
ner which he did not feel that he merited.
TO the brave volunteers under his com
ne felt that the honor was justly
due. These, his companions in arms,
were The gallant spirits 20 whom the cred
it was due Without their aid. he could
have achieved nothing. He said. that il
tine and the state of his health permit
ted. be would be pleased to speak of the
battle OF Buena Vista. in order to tell the
truth in regard 10 some OF its details. al
though he was no; in the habit OF tight
ing his battles over again. In this in
stance, the truth of history should be win
Gicated. In the course OF events, 1t was
his fortune 10 take sn early part iii th'
dreadful conflict of that day. In the from
Of the powerful forces of the enemy. he
brough, the Second Regiment Of Indiana
Voluntesrs to resist their progress, and IL
that critical and trying position he wa:
proud TO say, that they displayed every
characteristic of valorous, brave and en-
ergetic soldiers; and had i. moi been TO
an unfortunate circumstance, no: attrib
utable TO them, their efforts alone woul(
have covered the regiment with the high
es; honors, and probably have decided
the issue Of the battle. without the con
tinued and serious incidents which sub
Saouen;ly ensued. Had that regimen
had no higher officer in the field than the
Lieutenant Colonel. success would have
crowned their efforts, and the enem,
would have been compelled TO retire from
before them, in twenty minutes more
Instead of the confusion which was tn,
result OF the unfortunate and ill-adyiSeC
order TO retreat.
He said that in the course OF his mill
tary operations he had commanded regi
,Eents and squadrons from many Of Ou
sister States, among which were the vol
untters from Ohio. Pennsylvania. Tennes
gee, Texas, and Louisiana. and while they
ind those from other States, were equa
10 any soldiers on earth. he could trul,
say that none were superior 10 those o
Irliana-none more freely shed thei
sblood, and none more CALAMITY done thei
duty.
Allusion, he said had been made tt
Capt Kinder, whose friends were all a
round him, and whose rela atoms were be
fore him. He was near the Captain whei
lie received a severe wound, and ordered
him carried from the field OF batile. bu
he was overtaken and crually murdered
by the Mexicans. who spared neither the
prisoners nor the wounded. he was tru
ly brav. man. This appella,ion might
equally apply to the lsmented Captain:
Walker ind Taggart, and to their nobl'
soldiers who fell Ground them willis
fighting under that flag. (poimting TO tn,
flag of the Regiment. which was before
him. literally riddied with shot-holes.)
lie said he was reminded by the tenor
Of the Governors remarks, that a. the
time of his departure for TIE Territory oil