The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-08-21
WHAT HIS ENEMIES SAID.

WHAT his ENEMIES SAID
The following tributes to the high character and
achievements of Col. Fremont are from the lead
ers of the party which now, for the basest pur-
poses, is attempting to malign him. No sooner
did Col. Fremont become the candidate of the
Republican party for the Presidency, than the
very men who have for years been loudest in
his praise, begin to asssil him with false charges
against his character. His deeds of heroism in
the service of his country cannot be disputed
His laurels, achieved in the cause of science
and in the service of his country, cannot be
snatched from his brow; and the enemies of
Freedom, despairing of counteracting his rising
popularity by any ordinary means, have resort
ed to the foulest aspersions upon his private
character. Now, hear what their best friends
thought of him before any one dreamed that he
was to lead the hosts of Freedom to victory:
"On the Sd of March, l848, Mr.. Cass, from
the Committee on Military Claims, reported q
bill for ascertaining and paying the California
claims, which was passed to a second reading.
Mr.. Cass briefly touched on the part which
Col. Fremont had taken in the occupation of
California, and the consummate skill and cour-
age which he had evinced in an expedition
teemipg with extraordinary and romantic in
terest."
Mr.. Dix Cong. Globe, uOl. Is, p. 559) made
an able speech in support of the bill, and in
which he paid the highest compliment to Col.
Fremont. We have room only for the following
extract:
81 do not know that any explanation, further
than that which has already been given by the
honorable Senator from Michigan, is necessary
to vindicate the propriety of passing the bill
The pecuniary obligations for the discharge of
which it provides we're contracted in good faith
for the purpose of subduing the country, and
expelling from it the military forces of Mexico.
In the execution of these objects, the young
and accomplished officer Col. Fremont, exhib-
tied a combination of energy, promptitude, sa-
gacity, and prudence, which indicates the high
est capacity for civil and military command
and in addition to what he has done for the cause
of science, it has given him a reputation at
home and abroad, of which men much older
and more experienced than himself might be
proud. That the country will do justice to his
valuable and distinguished services, entertain
not the slightest doubt.
"There is no doubt that his IFremont'sl
rapid and decisive movements kept California
out of the hands of the British subjects, and
perhaps out of the British Government.
1T is in this point of view that these trans
actions possess the greatest interest and impor-
lance, and that the sagacity, promptitude, and
decision, of our youthful commander in Cali
fornia, at the time disturbances broke out, have
given him the strongest claim on his country
men. Amy faltering on his part, any hesitancy
in acting promptly, might have cost us millions
of dollars and thousands of lives, and it might
also have cost us contest of which the end is
not readily SEEM"
MIR. Atchison, on the same day, (see page SCI,
Congressional Globe,) remarked as follows:
He gave it as his opinion, not only that the
conquest of California was effected by Col. FIRE.
mont, but that the United States had derived
the advantage of his conquest at comparatively
little cost He justified Col. Fremont in all
he had done. If he had done less, he would
have deserved and would have received the ex-
ecration of the whole country. He made some
reference to the course which Col. Fremont pur-
sued-a course in some instances rendered in
dispensable for his own preservation, and
always characterized by skill and prompt
tude."
In the Senate, on the 25th of April, l949, Mr..
Crittenden said:
"The conduct of Col. Fremont entitled him
to our confidence, and on him we could more
naturally rely than on any other persons who
have not had the same connection with the
claims"
On the same day, Mr. Allen said
"Col. Fremont, in his opinion, was the most
meritorious American of his age now in exist.
ence, and had he Mr.. A. the power of appoint.
ment, he would ere this have given him mill.
tary appointment in Mexico, for which nature
had 80 clearly formed him."
Mr.. Rusk, of Texas, paid the highest compli-
ment to Col. Fremont; and Mr.. Bagby, who op
posed the passage of the bill, spoke of Col. Ere
mont as man of extraordinary merits and abil-
ities'
Mr.. Calhoun, who opposed the bill, said:
II do not oppose this measure on the ground
of opposition to Col. Fremont. II
have slight acquaintance with the Colonel,
and l am so favorably impressed as to him, that
would as readily trust him as any other indi.
vidual."
Wehave not given the opinions of Mr.. Benton.
They are well known. Let these facts speak
and let us hear no more ictions.