Dakota City herald. [volume] (Dakota City, Neb.) 1857-1860, 1859-08-13
IRON ,hs Democratic Mirr''' Lsssburs' Va
General Joseph Lane,
.,o- frors the New state Of Oregon
ssh1 R-pressntative Man,

70
''' ,bs rros, remarkable men Of the age,
w, ~. oarse, is fne illustration Of the
s. an, Institutions and demonstrates
~, ,bs high places Of honor and distinction
'O'' .,,s,sble TO al who possess ability, ener'
-, and perseverance,.
& ...l Lane descended from Revolution.
.u,cs,ors. was born in the State ot North
,., ves reared and educated in Ken
= s,oivrated to Indians and settled
% .%, hanks Of the Ohio, in the county OF
v..4,rburg. where, without the addition OF
,-,. family or fortune, he worked his way
son an humble plough.boy and tat, ooa'man
-, ,se Mississippi, to the high position OF a
5;,,ocuished soldier and statesman. Al the
.s.,sontv one when barely eligible, he was
i.,,o5 representative in the Legislature OF
I.l;oo. and continued TO represent his peo
i. O, intervals Of one or two years, either
i, ,ho House or the Senate for about quar-
ofs oopturv. Possessing clear, strong
and D,ae,ical mind, he took liberal and cor
.oo, view Of all questions affecting State III
National interest which he enforced with an
s,ocuepce and power, which placed him IN
IL. front rank Of the ablest men in the Leg
;,o,n-e His name is iudissolubly connected
with some OF the most important measures
which developed the resources, advanced the
rY.sperity and improved the finances OF me
statc especially his successful efforts to pre-
scrve untarnished the public faith, and to
oreyen. the repudintion Of the public debt,
which was boldly advocated BY some OF the
strongest mpn in Indiana.
When the Mexican wnr broke out GenerAl
Lane was member Of the State Senate, and
when call was made upon Indiana, TO furnish
volunteers for she war, with that devoted pa.
t,iotsn, which hns ever characterized him,
he immediately resigned his seat, and yolun'
tsersd as o private in Captain Walkers com
o.ny. When the companies rendezyoused at
New Albany, he was elected from the ranks
as their Colonel bue he was not permitted
to hold the commission but very few days
The sagaciom statesman, James K. Po!s,
then President of the United States, discern
ing in General Lane the qualities to make
successful warrior, sent him a commission of
Brigader General, a compliment as uncx-
|yy,ed as it veg unsolicited by him. The
opponents Of the Administration and OF the
var, throughout tie State, deauuuced and ridi.
culed the appointment; declared that he
might make good General of the tlst.bost-
men on the &Ssiseippi, but thAt the idea OF
Joseph Lane who had never commanded a
company in HIS life. taxing comaEnl Of =
Brigade in war, was simply ridiculous that
he would disgraee himself his State aud the
nation. Never did mans achievements in
war, more completely falsify the predictions
Of his enemies and realize the most snnguine
expectations of his friends, o. more triumph
Hnty yindicate the wisdom Of the appoint.
ment
In less than three weeks after the receipt of
his commission, he was at the seat Of war
with all bis troops In communicating his
arrival to General Taylor, he wrote thus
The brigade have the honor to command is
generally in good health aud spirits, anxious
to engage in active service"
The indomitable energy, the selfsacrifcing
spirit, the sound Judgment, and firm purpose
which he displayed in the active service OF
ci2i life, were emincnty conspicuous in the
stirring scenes Of battle blood and carnage
through which he passed, illustrated by a
daring bravery and herosm, which placed
him among the most distinguished heroes of
that memorable war To recount the battles
IN which General Lane was engaged, the
dangers 10 which he was exposed, the brave
deeds he performed the skill and Judgment
with which he planned his battles, and TIE
unWaverinR success with which he fought
them, would consume moro space .han Ts
have to spare Such was the ceierity of his
movements, the skill and strstegem of his
plans the boldness and rapidity of tho execu.
"oh' aud the enthusiasm and valor With which
he inspired his msa, by his iuipa5sioned an.
pealS to their Vaior as they visited ,he most
'ea''Hl slaughter upon the enemy, the uame
OF Lane struck terror to the Mexican heart,
ana by common consent he was styled the
Marion Of the Mexican War" OF ali the
Battles fought in Mexico, the battle of Buena
VISTA was the severest and most hotly con.
Vested and one Of the mast remarkable IN the
annals Of the world Theirs the American
Army consisting of about five thousand
mostly raw militia, met twenty thousand of
'hs chosen troops Of Santa Anna, in deadly
conflict and after protrnctsd struggle Of
'Wo days achieved glorious triumph.
10 the battle General Laue performed A
most important part No officer Contributed
more by his gsllantry and gensralsbp to win
the fortunes Of 'hs day. Upon the lsf, wing