The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-30
The New Highland Regiment.

THE DEPUTATIoN AT THE CAPITAL-INTERvIEw WITH
HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE,
ETC., ETC.
On Tuesday evening" the 18th nst the depuation from
The Highland Regiment of the city Of New York ar
rived the capital The interest which has been excited
in military circles both in the city Of New York and
throughout the interior Of the State-enterng, even
largely into the discussions of the Military Convention
which, by singular conveyance Of circumstances, has
been held at the time-confers degree of import
ance on this movement it could not otherwise have
possessed The deputaton consisted Of Acting Command
ant Thos W. NcLeay Captain William Manson, Captain
John Mason and Lieutenant Stewart On reaching the
capital the above gentlemen placed their letters Of intro
ton and commentator pro ford in the hands Of the
Governor An interview with the Adjutant General
suggested preliminary to conference with his Excel
lency. Having the Adjutant General, Wednesday
morning. and presented him letters from Major General
Sanford and Brigader General Even, conversation
ensued on the object Of their VISIT after which, and
exchange Of courtcses the gentlemen of the depuaton
proceeded to the Executive chamber with the hope of
obtaining satisfactory result for their arduou5 efforts
organizing full regimenal corps Of their fellow citizens.
The Governor having invited the deputaon be seated
Acting Commandant McLeay stated that they (he men,
bes Of the depuaton had just left the Adutant General
with whom they had the honor of interview. Captain
Mason would state the conversation which had taken place
Captain MASON said that after General Town
send had perused the letters placed In his hands,
bearing the signatures Of two general officers he
stated that he opposed to the regiment, unless
uniformed under the new regulations II It was to be ad
mtted with the Scottish uniform, he would not oppose it;
on the contrary he would have no objection to It's adms
sion by special oct. Such, your Exceency would how
ever, involve cost, time and Inconvenience that, as
tradesmen and mechanics, would not feel justified in
mourning But, your Excellency, the admission OF
regiment into the First division by such means recognises
that the military efficiency of the First division would not
be affected IN any manner, otherwise than by the ad
vantageous strength Of our numbers The exercise of
Executive favor IN granting permission for the new Or
ganizaton is in high degree relieved from impeachment
by this circumstance The General also observed, that
your given to the organization Of corps,
would be subject TO most rigorous inspection. To
this your Exceency replied that we officers and men,
prepared for the most rigid inspection which might
be appointed or performance Of duty which the State
might impose.
observations positiOnmpOrtant assure you, to
our feelings and citizens
The GOVERNOR observed with much frankness-I shall
be glad to hear you.
Capt. MAsoN-I thank your Excellency. My brother
officers equally with myself have reflected seriously upon
the object present mission AS citizens Of Scottish
origin adoption we were aware of the obstacles
which stood in way. No class of citizens in this
commonwealth can regard with higher appreciation
Our education, habits and historical associations ncul
the most severe principles OF discipline in all our re
latons of life Whatever contributes to this result cannot
therefore, fail to meet and earnest concurrence
We have undertaken at great personal cost to organise an
the authority and opinion Of commanding officers of high
standing and experence-as well as by our own judg
men.-a regmenal uniform is evidently all that Ia
CURED for the most effective military discipline, or capa
city in action.
The GovERNoR-That appears very reasonable-Go on
Capt. MAsoN-We also believe that men have hearts,
and that all udcious and comprehensive military regua
tons shoud carefully respect the feelings of the people
whose voluntary services are necessary to the security OF
afree State Animated with the characteristic qualities
peculiar to the land of our BIRTH we are from every Ooi
CATION of citizenship, Americans heart in love Of liberty,
repression of tumut or the defence Of the countryno
matter from whence the assault-we prepared TO dis
charge duty Your Excelency WILL therefore, trust,
regard application to equip in uniform adapted TO
tastes and in consulting self respect
TO strengthen the military force Of the First
DIVISION and to enable us to participate in the improved
disciplinary regulations, rather than from any desire to
impede the execution Of their sautary provisions.
The GOvERNoR-Wel, gentlemen, will see the Adjutant
General in the course short time, and consult with
him on the subject feel much graed with your visit,
and am aware, gentlemen, it is matter Of much public
Call upon at three O'Clock this afternoon.
Al the hour appointed (three O'Clock p. NJ his Excel
ency the Governor the Adjutant General (Townsend)
and the deputaton, met in the Executive Chamber.
long and debate took place. Between the Adjutant
General and the population there 1--WE earn) alb
Of candid talking on either side. Neither party
seemed afraid to break lance with the other. His Ex-
ceency acted throughout with the greatest courtesy and
ankness and evidently wshfu to consult the feel
ngs emphaticay expressed by the members Of the
deputaon At the close of the conference arrange
ent was however, agreed to, sufficient to proceed with
the preliminary organization Of the Highland Regiment.
Acting Commandant McLeay and Capt Mason waited
upon the Adutant General Thursday morning, to
range definitely the manner in which they could proceed
TO organise the new corps and TO receive the authority
and instructions Of the Commander in Chief TO direct their
excrtlons These gentlemen We believe, have fully dis
charged their duty, and returned TO this CITY,
The circumstance Of the Military Conventen assembled
at the capital the 18th passing over the resolution
ported (by commtee) against this corps manifested
change of sentiment most creditable TO it military
body. How far the influence presence Of tho depua-
ton tended induce this Of action, do not
know. The conduct Of the deputation has, however,
far learn, been marked throughout with the
greatest energy and discretion It is stated that in few
days the regiment will be convened and full report pre-
scented by the Acting Commandment