Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-05-15
Geu. yVuIkcr-Nicararua.

date, but it fills up gap in our reliable in
telligence, which gives an additional insight
into the true state of affairs The letter is
dated subsequently to Schlessinger's igno-
minious defeat and treachery, but prior to
Walkers victory at Rivas 1t represents
the army somewhat respondent and dis
pirited under the unexpected reverse, but
shows in strong light the indomitable man
hood of their chef-his capacity to COM
mand and enforce obedence-and his un-
bounded influence over his men.
His many friends in this section will read
with qualification his speech to his soldiers
in the Plaza Of Rivas, delivered as it was
under physical suffering, and when the spirit
of an ordinary man would have been crush
ed by the combination against him, and
overwhelmed by the disastrous perfdy of
Schlessinger. He seems to have risen
above the cloud of circumstances which
hung around him, into the clear, upper light
from whence his quick intelligence could
discern, and his courageous heart dared to
attempt success. From the effect produced
upon his Soldiery, he has, too, the rare fac
ulty of infusing his spirit into them. Such
man must succeed, despite the neglect
and indifference of this pusillanimouS adj
ministration, and the formidable obstacles
which beset him in the theatre of his OPP
erations.
Men in high places, who are utterly ig-
norant of Gen. Walkers character, have
condeScended to repeat the atrocious SLAM
ders which venal press and their lying
letter-writerS have invented and circulated /;
he has been denounced as freebooter and
lawless desperate, and other charges too
gross for mention, and too improbable for
belief by any but those who were anxious
to do so, have gained currency-but in this
community, and wherever he is known,
such attempts to weaken the cause of the
Nicaraguan republic, are viewed with con-
tempt and treated with silence. General
Walker is above the reach of such attacks.
No man can read this speech without forming
an exalted opinion of his ability to prose
cute to successful issue the undertaking in
which he has embarked, and kindling with
enthusiasm for the young republic whose
independence among the family of nations
he is so gloriously carving out with his
sword, and rendering permanent and dura-
bic by his judicious craftsmanship We
commend the extract to general reading
Says the Herald
We publish in another column an interesting let
ter from Nicaragua, which reached US som ewhat
behind the usual course, but which we insert in
order to complete the record Of events. 1t con-
tains amongst other details which we had not pre-
vously received the address of Gen. Walker to hi:
troops after the defeat of Schlessinger Our read
ers will agree with us that it is most remarkable
eusion, and gives clearer insight into the charac
ter and motives OF the man than nythng, perhaps
that he has before either said or done. We recon
mend those who purpose attending the meeting al
the National Hall tosnght to carefully peruse this
speech. 1t will prepare them for the course which
they may think it expedient to adopt in the present
critical condition of our couutrymen in Contra
America.
The extract follows:
This afternoon was devoted to grand review
and at Ave o'clock | walked out in the Plaza and
counted about four hundred men under arms. They
handsomely put through the usual Geld tactic;
by Adjutant johnson, under the inspection OF Coils
FRY, Skerrett and Saunders, and presented a very
fine appearance. The General who had been con
fined to bis room for three or four days, by pain
full and unsightly swelling of the face, observed
them from his window, Filled with anxious
thoughts, he bad been pacing up and down, pom
derng on the threatening combination Of the States
against him. Resgive at inaclion chatting at the
msfortunes which obliged him to change all hi:
plans of the campaign, brooding over the shame o
Santa Rosa, and; fearful he Unaffected the moral,
OF his troops, be took the sudden idea to address:
them. Ordering them, therefore, 10 be drawn up
in square before his door, he put his hat, and
accompanied by General Gocouria his new lnten'
dente General and followed by his staff, he advsnc
ed briskly into the centre Of the square. The
troops at once presented arms, and then having re
covered their position paused in breathless anxiety
to hear what he had to say: Surveying them for Z
moment silently himself, he, in a clear, loud voice
commenced
Soldiersl-We are engaged in no ordinary war
powerful combination surrounds us on every side
hatred TO our race has united adverse States and
reconci'ed 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 bu
through your fortitude and courage the effort L
destined to defeat Invited to this country wher
IL was torn by civil strife, and so exhausted by
long dissension that it had vigor left to recons
tute ITSELF undertook the task of its redemption
and protection from the encroaching grasp OF ser
vsm. In defiance OF all obstacles, in despite o
armed opposition and regardless Of every dscoura.
cement in the way of odds, we steadily pursued
our purpose; and il lie known TO you at what sacri
fees We have succeeded. The forces OF the arts
tocratic party, which threatened TO overwhelm the
ibertiesloi the State we're checked and overthrow
the constitutional guarantees Of free government
were established, and a system Of order so vigor
Gus and comprehensive pnt in operation, that no
even the most daring treachery or extended con
spiracies have been able 10 disturb Ii. For sii
months profound peace has been maintaoed;
prosperity has blessed the country; private rights
whether OF friend Toe, have been respected, ant
the laws so Justly and equally administered that ~
can liz bis voice and charge against a sing
act Of injustice.
Notwithstanding this-no.withstanding all III,
sacrifices we have made, all the dangers We have
encouatefcu, al sue suucttues NC nave enodteu-
sacrifices not only Of blood in battle, but Of our
lives to the Psstilenee--bear witness the graveyard
at Granada l-are We 10 be driven from ihis coun
Try, merely because we were nos born upon ID,
soiif ''Neved" rueveFi"
No soldersl The destiny Of this region and tbs
interests Of humanity are couhded TO our care
We have come here as the advance guard o
American civilization. and knew yoaE hearts res
pond 70 mine, when declare that sooees than re.
ire before accomplishing oar duts, se viii spill
The iAss drop OF blood, and perish 70 the last
mani loud cheers
Soldiers, the task that Il con6dsd 20 us is Al
srduous ens. u Is fHli OF sell denial. II sk sad
Suffering out Il is Che same tine full Of promise.
hspFeaas bsyond the hmiEs of ordipary vision. and
eompreaends he fate not only q Nicaragua. bal