Southern standard., 1852-12-04
The Amende.

Every thing comes rightin seven years, is what
or something like it, an old proverb says But
in the case of Gen. Pierce the time has been short
ened. A few days have suficed in his case, to
confound his detractors, and bring them to repent
in sackcloth and ashes. The FoSS and Fogg con-
spiracy against him proved scarcely seren days
mares nest, and died of its own rottenness-leav-
ing its stencil and filth on those only who used it,
The charge of "fainting" was repelled by every
brave officer who participated in the battles Of
Mexico. The 'last card' was brought forth by
Capt. McLane, of the United States army. who
was under the impression" that Gen. Pierce's
face had been slapped by an officer in the City Of
Mexico, which the General did not resent. This
silly and disreputable piece of gossip (or it was
nothing more, though the whig papers seized up
on it the largest instalment of their meagre
campaign capital) led to fight between its author
and Col. Roberts, ofthe army-and this fight to a
court martial to try Capt McLane for striking his
superior officer, and for other ''unofcer-ke" con-
duct. This trial has just been concluded, and we
have before us the defence of the Captain, from
which we shall make an extract. Who shall gain
say that Truth is mighty, and will prevail . or
that there is retrbutive justice this earth
But the extract itself points moral that needs
no illustration
''And he owed it to himself now to declare to
the court that be would have been at all times
happy to confer with any gentleman who was pres
ent at the occurrence alluded to, who would have
received in frank and amcable spirit, any expla-
nations he might have made, and he would have
cheerfully retracted any incorrect expression which
be might have used Until recently, however 10
such explanation and no attempt whatever to COM
pare his impressions with others, had been made
by any officer or other individual who was present
at the scene. Aft the disagreeable occurrences
that ensued, and now form the bject of the pres
ent charges, he informed, shortly after be re-
turned from Washington, that an officer now in
Texas. had written letter to the editor of pa
per in Texas, stating his impressions to be differ
ent from Capt. McLane but it was not until he
Capt. McLane arrived in New York to attend
this court that he learnt from distinguished officers
of the army that his impressions were erroneous.
With one of these officers he had full conference
and explanation, and finding not only that he had
been present at the scene, but in position afford
ing him better opportunity of Judging of It's in.
cidents, and feeling that his knowledge and truth
were entitled TO every respect, Capt McLane was
bound to conclude that he had been in error
i Therefore, from = sense of self respect and re.
gard for truth and honor, no less than that Of
what is due to the eminent gentleman of whom be
i spoke, and to repair any wrong done him, Capt
McLane cheerfully takes this earliest and public
occasion 70 acknowledge thatin the Impressions B,
had formed and published in regard to the occur
renee, IN the city Of Mexico. he did Gen Pieres
great injustice, and begs to express his deep re
gTet that he should hare so acted
lsif
II AN EXPERIMENT. Dennis, darlint, ech Der.