The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-11-20

more than compensated for what little he might have
done legislator 10 produce this result In the evidences
OF prosperity which he everywhere witnessed since his
return to the State.
He said the governor attributed much 10 him which he
felt he did not merit lie had however, been the artih
Ger OF his own fortunes Thrown al early age his
resources without friends and without MEANS except of
bis creation, he had been compelled 10 struggle
unaded by advantages enjoyed by the wealthy and opu
lent But he thanked Heaven that his lot had been cast
in land Of liberty-in the Mississippi vaey-a field
where energy industry andl enterprise almost certain
Happy and conten.ed with his lot, he was quite willing
have renamed private citizen at his humble resi-
dence on the banks OF the Ohio He had political as
pra0ns. When, In 1916, the ocsn OF war sounded on
The banks OF the Rio Grande, obpying the natural mpu
Of his heart. be enrolled himself as private soldier
10 contribute his mite to the defence OF his country
BY the Kindness and Partially OF the gallant sons Oh
Indana-many OF whom are here to-day-he was elected
as colonel Of regiment; but before he assumed the
command be was, by the Executive OF the nation ap
Of his services in that command, the GOVERNOR ne SAID
had spoken in manner which he did not feel that he
mertsd To the brave volunteers under his command
be fol. that the honor justly due These his com
panions in arms were the gallant spirits to whom the
credit was due Without their aid he could have achiev
ed nothing He said that i time and the state OF his
health permitted. he would be pleased 10 speak of the
battle Of Buena VISTA in order 10 tell the truth in regard
to Of its Details although he was not in the habit of
fighting his battles again In this instance, the truth
OF history should be vndicated In the of events,
his fortune 10 take an early part in the dreadful
conflict OF lnat DAY In powerful forces
Of the enemy he brought the second regiment OF Indiana
volunteers 10 resist their progress and, in that critical
and trying position he was proud to say that they dis
PLAYED every characteristic of vaorous brave and ener
retc soldiers and had il not been for an unfortunate
circumstance not attributable TO lhem their efforts alone
would have covered the regiment with the highest hon.
Os and probably have decided the issue of the battle,
without the continued and serious incidents which subse-
quenty ensued. Had that regiment had higher officer
the field than the lieutenant colonel success would
have crowned their Efforts and the enemy would have
been compelled to retire from before them twenty min
ues more instead OF the confusion which the result
OF the unfortunate and ill advised order 10 retreat
He said that in the course OF his military operations he
had commanded regiments and squadrons from many Of
our sister States amongst which the volunteers
from Ohio. Pennsylvania. Tennessee. Texas. and Lous
ana; and while they and those from other States were
equal any soldiers EARTH he could truly say that
none were superior TO those OF Indiana, none more
freely shed their blood and none more gallantly did
their duty.
Alasion. he said, had been made to Captain Kinder,
whose friends were all around him, and whose relations
were before him. He was near the captain when he re-.
ceiyed severe wound and ordered him 10 be carried
from the field Of battle but be overlaken and cruelty
murdered by the Mexicans. who spared neither the ps
oners nor the wounded. He truly brave man. This
sppeation might equally apply 70 the lamented Captains
Walker and Taggart and 10 their noble soldiers who fell
around them whilst lighting Under that flag. ponting 10
the flag of the regiment which was before him, literally
ddled with shol-hoes.)
He said he was reminded. by the tenor of the gov
ernos remarks that at the time of his departure for Tie
Territory OF Oregon in lS4s the people OF this glorious
confederacy fearfuliy agitated by angry and
dangerous sectional question The stability of the Union
was threatened He said that although far away the
chores OF the Pacific, and amid the mountain wds of
Oregon surrounded by and perls well calculated
engross all his thoughts, he had been attentive OBJ
Of all that passed relating 10 this momenous ques
on and not day passed that be did not send forth
silent prayer that the same patriotic, self sacrificing
spirit OF concaon forbearance, and compromise which
guided and controlled the action OF the fathers of the
public would be exhibited in their He said that
throughout that angry controversy his confidence in the
integrity and political soundness of the people and their
representatives remained mistaken.
He would not and did not permit himself TO doubt that
high Of patriotism and love Of Union would
bring together the practical Of both Of the great po
lical parties, and that compromise would be made
on fair JUST and constitutional basis. His hopes. he
said had been truly realized On his return the olive
branch and the bow OF promise were visible in every por
ton of the Union, and truly gratifying TO him 10
know that the voice of Indiana, during this struggle had
been heard The side of The Union and her political
power mainly given in support OF The compromise meas
He proud to know that the senators and most
OF the representatives from Indiana gave these measures
cordial support, and more than grathed TO find that
since the passage OF these measures the great body OF
the people OF Indiana have gwen an unmisiak cable
evidence Of their approval OF them, and their deter
minaon 10 abide by the compromises OF the cons,u-
ton II time and the state OF his health permitted,
he said he should be willing TO ampy on this subjects
but the hour and the occasion admonished him TO be
brief He should therefore, content himself with the
general remark, that the compromise measnes-each and
every OF themmet his cordial approval, and had he
been member OF Congress, he should have voted Tor all
Of them, including the fugitive slave law, which was
measure absolutely necessary 10 carry out one OF me
compromise features OF the constitution. They were all
right but this the best measure oil all The slavery
question, he sad, always dangerous and exciting
one and he had always been opposed TO the agitation OF
H. The people OF the free States had nothing 10 do with
it. They should leave 1t where II 10, and where the con-
.iution has left IT, and II could be agi,aed without
endangerng the integrity OF the Union. He was, he said,
Union man, and TO preserve the Union the constitution
must be carried out in lis letter and its spirit Politically,
he recognised no law above the constitution He hoped
every citizen OF Indiana would be found supporting these
andfr n n
tate the slavery question.
The governor had spoken Of him in connexion with
the Presidency lie would deal plainly and frankly with
his fellow citizens He had aspired TO that high
Office. There several talented, worthy, and excel
lent democrats spoken OF IN connexion with that high
station OF these he would name Cas-, Buchanan,
Douglas Houston, Batter, and Marcy, either OF whom he
would cordially support. He hoped that every democa,
in Indiana and in the Union would be found zealousy
supporting the nominee OF the national convention That
nominee let him be who he WILL must be elected lie
had no agency placing his IN that connexon, yet
he stunned no responsibility, ard, II the choice should
fall on him. be should endeavor faithfully TO discharge
the dulles.
lie now turned, he said to another subject, which to
him was more delightful lhsme Oregon He regretted
that he had not time TO speak more fully OF that beaut
fol country, which now his home. With ils rich
mineral wealth, its productive SOIL and healthy climate
IL offered many inducements Tor emigration. " was fast
filling up with energetic, sober, and aw-abding popu-
laiion ana, what more the people there were all Tor
the Union On the whole Pacific slope he did not believe
there could be found single enemy OF the Union. Du-
ring his absence he had been selected candidate to
represent the Territory in the Congress OF the United
States. delegate lie had desire for the office; bat
hia friends insisted, Mr. Polk had mmssioned him
for four years. and as the administration had removed