The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-02-06

wards. What but brevets, 20 gloriously won, 20
bravey earned have they TO repay them for all the
sacrifices they make, for all the priyations they
endure-sacrifcing all that makes life dear, have
they TO reward them2 Those rewards which TO
the soldier are SO dear, which cheer HIM on in the
path of glorious def ds and military fame, or end in
death-all, all sacrificed TO the causeess jeaousies
or the idle supineness OF those who have brevet
rank, and are located at headquarters. To them
brevet rank is secure-to them the modification OF
unacknowledged rank, on far distant post, is OF
no consequence.
How much rather, then, would he who is thus
situated see the entire and perfect adjustment Of
all such rank, than 10 suffer the daily mortiica-
tons of dsregarded rights To them, the few idle
ceremonies on board ship of war are Of no earthly
importance. To them, the miserable ceremonies
of going in or out of boat, first or last, is not of
the Sigh consequence 1t is the ackno wledged
rghts-it is the denial OF that rank far distant
station, which has been assigned TO him by their
common superior, which is SO annoying TO the
sensitive officer.
The Secretary Of the Navy, predecessor of the
present incumbent, Mr.. Preston, informed the
as would enable him to reach the headquarters Of
his command by the most direct route, that they
could not be granted that he could not reconcile his
conscience to the expenditure of four or live hun
dred dollars in ordering him by the way OF the
isthmus, when ship, on board of which were
stationed part OF his command, was about to sail
direct for his station At the time, the officer
was given to understand, distinctly, that orders
ton in the cabin of the vlncennes, agreeably to
bis assigned relative rank likewise, he was en-
titled to all the pay and emouments attending his
assignment The following is copy ofthe orders
alluded to -
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CoRrs,1
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 1919 :
SIR:-Thers being no officer of higher grade
than first lieutenant in the squadron on the Pa
cihc station you will take passage in the soopof-
war ViLcrnDes, and proc -ed to that station. and
report yourself 10 the commanding naval officer,
as the commanding marine officer In the squadron.
The ships Of that station having IN them more
than the strength Of two companies you are, there
fore, army principles, detached on this service,
with your brevet rank and its privileges and allow
ances. You will be careful OF the health and mill
tary efficiency of the several guards of the squad
ron, and cause regular returns to be made to the
sta Il OF the corps.
The peculiar condition of things on the coast of
California, requires the services of an officer OF
your rank and experience to preserve military sub
ordination and faithful attention to duty, and !
trust that your own exertons and the usual fidelity
of the marines will produce the most beneficial
results am, respectfully, yours,
(Signed,) ARcH'D. HENDERSON,
Brig Genl Com qa oding.
Bvt Maj JNo. GEO. REYNOLDS, US. Marine Corps,
Brooklyn
Approved:
(Sgned,) VIM. BALLARD PRESTON.
The Vincennes sailed from the port of New
York, in the month Of November lSl9 for Cali
forna, with orders to touch at three intermediat
posts; unavoidable circumstances arising, relating
to the commercial interests of our country, caused
the commander of the Vincennes to dverse from
his course, thereby debarring the major, against
his WISHES from re aching his post until the month
of August, 1850, embracing period of ten months;
whereas, had he been permitted to travel by the
shortest route, IS he was socit0us OF doing, his
station could have been reached in the short space
of about thirIy-five days. One years pay, as ma
jor, had been paid this officer agreeabiy to the
orders assigning him to duty, as above quoted.
On joining the flag ship, and presenting his
orders and pointing to the law governing the pay
OF brevet officers similarly situated with HIMSELF TO
the purser, who, by the by, is strict law abiding
accounting officer, he made not the slightest obec-
ton the night the officers receiving majors pay;
however, in consequence of the non-acknowledge-
Rent, by the navy lieuienanis, of the brevet as
signment, the purser deemed it prudent to submit
q copy of the majors orders TO the department.