The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1852-10-02

terms, the truth of the statement which
he has made"
Now, in reference to to this evasive
reply ofthe Argus, we would ask that
organ these questions:
Frst-Wa as not the compliment paid
General Pierce's "galiantry' in one of
General SCOTS reports prior to the oc-
currence alluded to in the Old Defender,
and is it not possible for an officer who
had once won the good opinion of his
superior to forfeit it by subsequent mis-
conduct?
Second-If man cannot by subse-
quant misconduct forfeit the good opin-
ION of his friends, how happens it that
the columns ofthe Argus. which were
filled with eulogies of the patriotism of a
certain Martin Van Buren, in 1910, we've
crowded with denunciations of him in
1S4S.
Wud-Does not the Argus know,
what is known to most readers of the
history OF the Mexican war, that GER
tain officer of the U. S. army, who was
most highly conplimented for CULINARY
in several official reports, was afterwards
tried, convicted and sentenced to death
for the crimes of robbery, burglary and
murder-and only escaped with his life
from the extraordinary clemency of
General Butler, then first in command
at the city of Mexico!"
Mr.. McJilton of the Patriot after
wards wrote to Capt. McLane in refer
ence to the subject, who answered him
as follows:
September 18th, 1852.
To J. F. McJlLroS, Esq
Sr:-l duly received your letter of
the 18th instant, and, although in the
publications that have recently appeared
relative TO a scene in the city Of Next
co between Gen. Pierce and an officer
of the army, my name has not been
mentioned, there can be no doubt that |
am the person alluded to, and have felt
indignant at the use attempted to be
made by the impressions and opinions |
have heretofore expressed in regard to
that occurrence.
In several conversations with my
friends and associates. relative to the in
cidents OF the Mexican campaign, both
before and since General Pierce's NOM
nation, have more than once spoken
of the occurrence--with no desire or
intention, however, that nv animadver-
sions, although not confidential would
be dragged into the newspapers for po-
litical effect but in the ordinary exer-
else Of my rights and privileges as cit
izen and gentleman; and for the truth Of
my remarks | would always consider
myself responsible to those Interested
The publication in the Old Defend
er,' of the Attn INST, was made without
my knowled &c or consent. 1t was a
material Misrepresentation of what
have said or intended, and have so de.
cared it to be, to all with whom | have
conversed in regard to it, and among
others to the editor of the Argus.
The substance of my observation, in
regard to this difficulty of Gen. Pierce's
is, that according to my impression, on
the night prior to his leaving the city Of
Mexico his face uas Slapped at game
Of cards. by an officer of the Army, anc
that the indignlty was not at the instant
or, as far as | learned subsequently re-
>ented in such manner as in my opinion
it ought to have been by man Of prop
er spirit and courage.
For these impressions | would, o
course be responsible, to Gen. Pierce
and his friends; and must say that any
imputation to me of a statement IN
consistent with the foregoing, would b,
a Misrepresentation which could no
excuse.
Very respectfully your obd't servant
GEORGE McLANE.
Brevet Captain U. S. A.
This Capt. McLane is a Democrat
the son of the Hon. Louis McLane o
this county and the brother of the Hon
/, r. McLane, one of the ocofoco electors
for the State Of Mary land. The charge
therefore, is upon democratic authort V
and We give it over to the democrats t.
digest at their leisure.
We ask the reader to bear in mind {
quotation made farther back in this ar
ticle. from the loo ofoco paper of thi
county. By that it would seem tina
Gen Pierce had been playing cards ant
having his face slapped at his own resi-
dence-at which time, it appears, 1t
made those about him very drunk; ant
Capt. McLane asserts that he playet
cards and had HIS face slapped in Mexi
co. Now all this, the reader will see, j
upon locofoco testimony. They show
that Gen. Pierce is a gambler at home