Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-07-09

say this much that the honor of the garrison at Ri.
vas saved in spite Of the unjust interference of
United States officer. After It became apparent
that we must submit to the illegal exercise of au-
Ii. arity assumed by Capt Davis, 1 expressly in
,'ted Gen. Henningsen to lstento terms which
were ttshOnorable and that unless the officers were
permittt to march out with their swords on, would
never agree to the evacuation of Rivas Even to
the high and mighty power of the United States we
were unwilling TO surrender our honor; for mother
has no right ask aught dshonorable fromherchild
rem With honor unstained, and swords which had
not been drawn except in just quarrel, we marched
from our last foot hold in Nicaragua
So much for the honorwhieh is the soldiers dear
est possession. Had come to you with single
blot on my shield should scarcely venture to call
myself Tennessean. My enemies have endeaEor-
ed to depreciate my character a soldier. They
have stigmatized me as despOtc and cruel-as inca
pabe and rash, wanting in the skill requisite for
carrying the high and difficult art of 1t is
easy however, for fippant critics, familiar with war
only in the bookish theorie, to point out errors
which they doubtless, would have avoided. But
when a fair and impartial history of the war in Nj
caragua is written, shall willingly submit to the
judgment which those familiar with the higher
rules of the art, may pass on my military merits.
Feeling as do, that the soldiers is the highest and
nobest of PROFESSIONALISM for its proper exercise
are required the rarest virtues, temperance, pa
thence, fortitude, prudence resolution and frmness-
know that it is reserved for few men to approach
much less attain perfection in the art Posterity.
however, freed from the passions and prejudices
of the moment, is a far truer judge than the pre-
sent of the soldiers merits and await its award
with calmness if not with hope.
As tothe future, about which you have expressed
your interest, can say that the evacuation of Ri
was but truce. The war is not ended; and
conscious of the justice of the cause in which am
engaged, ask for the strength which your appro-
val gives. AS citizens of the United States, call
upon you to aid in the development and spread of
American civilization. As citizens of Tennessee.
ask you not to forget the principles and traditions
which founded your State and constitute your pros
perity. Above all, call upon the daughters of the
land to favor US with their sympathy and encour-
agement. Rain down the influence of your bright
smiles those who bear themselves nobly in the
struggle; Wither with your froWns those who fail in
duty to their race and to themselves. Your sex has
ever been foremost in its appreciation of ali that is
just and true. 1t judges our course with wisdom
higher than that of the iutellect-with a wisdom
which flows from pure hearts and noble sentiments
unsoed by the petty passions ELECTED in the active
struggles of lfe Give u.s. then, your smiles for our
success, your tears for our misfOrtunes, and we
await with hope and confidence the fortune which |
fate reserves in the future.