The Winchester appeal. [volume] (Winchester, Tenn.) 1856-1856, 1856-05-17

ny MS stan, ne advanced DTlskly lnJO
the centre of the square. The troops
at once presented arms, and then hav-
ing recovered their position, paused in
breathless anxiety to hear what he
had to say. Surveying them for a
moment silently himself, he, in clear,
loud voice, commenced
Soldiers!-We are engaged in no or.
binary war. A powerful combination
surrounds US on every side. A hatred to
our race has united adverse States and re-.
conciled the most hostile and repugnant
, factions. The object Of this league is to
expel US from the land with which we
have identified our lives; but through your
: fortitude and courage the effort is destin.
ed to defeat. Invited to this country
when it was torn by civil strife, and so
exhausted by long dissension that it had
no vigor to reconsltute itself, we under.
took the task Of its redemption and pro-.
/, lection from the encroachng grasp ofser.
vilsm. In defiance Of all obstacles, in
despite Of armed opposition and regard.
less of every encouragement in the way
of odds, we steadily pursued our purpose;
and it is known to you at what sacrifices
we have succeeded. The forces Of the
aristocratic party, which threatened to
overwhelm the liberties of the State, were
checked and overthrown, the constltu.
tional guarantees Of free government
were established, and system of order so
vigorous and comprehensive put in oper'
alton, that not even the most daring
treachery or extended conspiracies have
been able to disturb it. For six months
a profound peace has been maintained;
prosperity has blessed the country; pri.
vate rights, whether Of friend or foe, have
been respected, and the laws so justly
and equally administered that no man can
lift his voice and charge against us sin.
gle act of injustice.
Notwithstanding this--notwithstand.
ing all the sacrifices we have made, all
the dangers we have encountered, all the
suferings we have endured-sacrifces
not only of our blood in battle, but Of our
lives to the pestience--bear witness the
graveyard at Granada!-are we to be
driven from this country, mere y because
we were not born upon the soil! "Nev.
er!" "never!'
No soldiers The destiny ofthis region
and the interests of humanity are conf.
ded to our care. We have come here as
the advanced guard of civilization, and |
know your hearts respond to mine, when
declare that sooner than retire before
accomplishing our duty, we will spill the
last drop of our blood, and perish to the
last man! loud cheers.
Soldiers, the task that is confded to US
is an arduous one. 1t is full OF self de.
nial, risk and suffering, but it is at the
same time full of promise. 1t spreads
beyond the limits of ordinary vision, and
com prchends the fate not only OF Mica
raugua, but perhaps the redemption and
proper civilization Of all Spanish Amer
lea. Enthusiastic cheering.
Soldiers, this task, as | have said, is
an arduous one. Obstacles are yet to be
encountered, and difficulties overcome
that may try our fortitude and courage by
Steiner tests than any we have yet ex'
perienccd. We must content ourselves,
| too, in performing it alone. Though we
should have been encouraged by those
who claim to be enlisted in the cause OF
progress, we have not yet had one voice
to cheer us from the surrounding nations,
while that to which we turned at the out
set with an almost 6lial yearning stands
coldly by. But the nobler for US if we
win unaided. The consciousness OF cur
mission is all the encouragement we re.
quire and there is no man here SO base as
to wish to retire from the task and leave
his share undone. Cheers.
Soldiers, in view Of the great trusts con.
fided to you, Ineed not impress upon you
the importance of vigilance and ORDER
To the officers and men alike, | look
for that obedience and discipline which
are the chief requisites Of soldiers, and
with these qualities, and the help otthat
Power who never deserts the brave and
Just, "victory and honor will be our sure
reward"
The most vociferous cheers were
given at the conclusion Of this speech,
and under cover of the acclamations
the General turned upon his heel and
retired. The effect was electrical,
and the gloom, or seriousness at least,
which had been worn upon the faces
of the troops ever since the disaster at
Santa Rosa, gave place to a bright
glow of enthusiasm and of cheerful
confidence. The men tossed up their
rifles and repeated their shouts as
they dispersed in squads across the
Plaza; and even the officers, whose
business it was to act more gravely,
spontaneously shook hands and clap
ped each other on the back by way Of
relieving themselves of their share of
the excitement. Nor was | free from
the influence myself; and | could not
withhold my tribute of admiration for
aman who, though surrounded by dam
gers and complications that would
. | bo,,o J;c,ourap ob On or1inary mind