Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1852-09-22
From the Baltimore Patriot
Gen. Picrcc'p ntry

u
An article recently appeared in the odd Defcn-
der,' of this city, which was copied into the Amer
lean and Patriot OF this CITY, and other papers, rela
tive, ito an occurrence i'll the city of Mexico, in
which Gen. Pierce had part. The publication
naturally excited much attention, and caused I'M
easness among his supporters, and provoked remark
FROM them. In the Sun and Argus of 1astweek,
there was published what was intended as formal
denial of what had been said in the Old Defender.
This denial was made to bear the character of
Election on the gentleman, upon whose authority
the original statement was understood 10 have been
made; and his friends decided that it was due to
himself that he should, though he had not expected
or desired such n thing, state under his own name
what he had said. AT the suggestion of friends, we
addressed letter to Capt. McLane, who was the
gentleman who had spoken of the affair." and we
have received from him the following reply, which
places the matter clearly before the public; .-
.4 j. AZ s.lt September 10th, 1852.
To j. F. McJnToS,' ESQ.,: ~ ir fz.r ~
Sir: duly received your letter of the 10th inst
and, although in the publications that have recent
ly appeared relative to scene in the city of Mexico
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 ex-
pressed, in regard to that occurrence. ~ i'd
~ In several conversations with my friends and as
socateS, relative TO the incidents of the Mexican
campaign, both before and Since Gen. Pierce's NOM
ination,.l have more than once spoken of the oc-
currence AT the ctty OF eSico, to whIch alluSon is
now made,-with no desire or intention, however.
that any animadversions although not confidential,
would be dragged into the newspapers for political
effect butin the ordinary exercise OF my rights and
privileges as citizen and. gentleman: and for the
truth ofmy remarks would always consider myself
responsible TO those interested.
e The publication in the 'Old Defender of the 4th
inst, was made without my knowledge or consent
1t was material Misrepresentation Of what / have
said or intended, and have declared it to be- to
all with whom have conversed in regard to it, and
among others, to the editor of the Argus.
The substance ofmy observation, in regard to this
difficulty of Gen. Pierce's, Isl that according to my
impression, on the night prior to his leaving the
city of Mexico, his face was slapped at game OF
cards, by officer of the army, and that the indig7
nifty was not on the instant, or, far learned
subsequently,, resentedin such manner as in my
opinion it ought to have been, by aman of proper
spirit and courage. aala n' .i.'.AH ,=eErfp
For these impressions would, of course, be res
ponsiblet to Gen Pierceand his friends; and must
say that an imputation to me of statement incon-
sistentwith the foregoing, would be misrepIesen-
taiion which, could not excuse. ~ saf3et 49,
Very respectfully, your obd't servant, r. az &
'si..,,, 90. - $500 GEORGE McLANE,
Brevet Captain, U. S. A.