American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-07-04
General Walkers Letter TO the Pres
iGpnt,

In this letter the humane interior
ence of Captain Davis, Of the United
States war-ship st. Mary's, to rescue
Walker and the remnant of his fillibus-
tiers from inevitable destruction, is de-
nounCed as an unwarrantable act, and
Walker pretends that he was fully COM
petent to defend himself in Rivas, not
withdrawing the fact was notorious
that he had not more than one or two
days provisions on hand at the time
We have always looked upon the act of
Captain Davis az favor to Walker
an act Of humanity for which lie de.
served thanks instead of reproachcs.
Walker affects to be much mortified at
seeing the Nlcaraguan flag lowered on
board Of the schooner Granada, and
that Of the United States hoisted in its
place; but it was no longer in the power
Of Walker to successfully defend him
self, or to protect the flag under which
the schooner sailed. lie was hcmmed
in on all sides by his encmics--was al
most destitute of provisons-and but
for the timely interference Of Captain
Davis, would have been compelled
within few days either to surrender
or to be cut to picces--and now he pre-
bumes to present to the President Of the
United States, charges against his ben
elactor. The truth is, he is mortified
at the miserable failure of his fllibust-
erng expedition, and the sudden close
Of the authority which he had so much
abused as President Of Nicaragua; and
lie seeks to sooth his feelings by lay
ing the blame Of his mishaps, or rather
misconduct, upon Captain Davis.
Now there is one short answer to all
this whining Of Walker. He went on
board Of the st. Mary's by virtue Of u
stipulation which he voluntarily signed.
If he thought that Captain Davis came
as an enemy, why did he not reject all
his propositions, and resolve to fight it
out with his enemies? There was no.
thing to prevent him pursuing this
course. 1t was not the object Of Cap
tain Davis to compel him to submit, or
10 relinquish his rights, if he thought
proper to assert them. He came as a
friend to save him and the few troops
under his command from entire de-
struction, and Walker no doubt gladly
seized the opportunity to make his cs-
cape. We think that his appeal to the
President will excite little sympathy in
the United States. He voluntarily re-
linquished his rights as a citizen Of this
country, was naturalzed as Il citizen
Of Nicaragua, assumed the government
Of that Republic, and whilst in control
Of power, acted as u despot; got into
war with neighboring nations, sacriG-
ccd the lives Of thousands of American
citizens, who were tempted to follow
his fortunes by deceptive appeals; was
beaten on all hands, and finally had to
be rescued from destruction by the in
torposition Of United States naval
officer, and then he basely cndcavors
to injure the reputation of the man
who was probably the means Of saving
him from being shot or hung. The
President ought to, and We trust will,
throw his letter Of complaint aside, as
unworthy of consideration,
Walker is now, to all intents and
purposes foreigner-and yet his in
tcntion no doubt is, to endeavor to re-
cruit new army for fresh invasion
Of Nicaragua. Our government took
firm measures with the British officers
who undertook to enlist men in the
United States, for the English army,
and the business was very properly
stopped. Walker should be dealt with
in the same way, and be arrested should
lo attempt to decoy Americans into his
foreign service. Our governments should
act upon honorable principles on all
occasions, and deal out equal justice to
all men. Let it then take care that
Walker enlists no more mon in this
country for his flibustoring expeditions
against other powers. Having thrown
OF his allegiance to the United States,
he has no more claim to consideration
than any other foreigncr--and we think
that he was treated by the President
and his cabinet as he deserved, in be-
ing permitted to enter and leave Wash.
ington without notice.
Our government has acted upon
the principle, that every man has the
perfect right to cXpatrlatc himself
and that the government of his birth
has no claim upon him from the mo-
mcnt he becomes tho citizen or sub
iect Of another nation. This is the
principle which has been maintained
by our government as applicable to in
dlyduaIs Of other nations who have be-
come citizens Of the United States; but
It has not always been recognized in
the case Of American citizens who have
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