Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-07-07
MAI. GEN. TAFLoR's ADDRESS.
HEADQUARTERS, DIsr. WEsr La,
In the Field. May "a. 1854.

General Order, No. =.
Soldiers Of the Arnycf Western LouisianG;
On the 18th of March, the enemy, with an army Of
thirty thousand men, rc npsuied by feet Of iron-
clads mounting one hundred and fifty guns, moved for
ward for the cOrquest Of Texas ard louisiana alter
seventy days continued fighting, you stand aband OF
cOnQueriDg heroes on tie banks oil the Alssfslppl
Fifty pieces Of cannon, seven thousand email arms,
three gunboats and ght transports CAPTURED ana aes
troyed sixty stand colors ten thousand OF the
enemy killed wounded or captured These the tro.
phics which sdorn your victorious banners Along
three hundred niles OF the river you have fought hs
feet, and over two hundred miles OF road you nave
driven his army You have marched your bare breast
against his iron csds and proved victorious In che con-
test You have driven his routed columns beyond the
sssslpp, although fed by reinfo:cements OF fresh
troops while many Of your galantcomradss were with
drawn to other fields. The bcasled fleet, which lately
sailed triumpbenty over cur waters, has he'd 10 dmay
after destroying guns and stripping on armor IN us
eagerness to escape you Like recreant knights, the
ironclsds have fed the 6tl1 leaving shield aud sword
The devotion and corsaacy you haze dip aged in this
pursuit have been surpassed in tbs annas oil war,
al you have removed from the Confederate solder the
reprcach that be could win battles, but could not i'm
prove victories.
Along hundred miles Of his path, the flying foe,
with more than savage barbsrty, burned every house
and village wilhio bis reacn. You extnguSneo the
burning ruins in bis base hood and were nerved airesn
10 vengsencs by the cries OF women and children lett
WITHOUT BQ6ltef OF 1000. Lung law
remember tie great river Of Texas and Louisiana -
The charac hue Of his tubd waters has darker
tlnge from the liberal adm.xture of Yankee blood.
The cruel alligator and rAvenous gar6sh wax fat on
rich food, and our native vuure holds high reveiry
over many fostering corpse
II the stern yaor Of our Well-traned infantry wAs Il
on the bloody fields Of Mansfield aud Pieaut
Hill this long purs nit has covered the cavalry OF IN
| army with unGying renown.
Like generous hounds with the game in full view,
you have known neither hunger nor fatigue, and the
hoarse cannon and the ringing rifle have repac Ia
IN stern chasa the souOrOus horn and joyous hsoo
Whether charging foot, shoulder 10 shoulder with
our noble infantry, hurting your fq1adrons on the
masses OF the foe, or hanging on bis flying columns
with are than the tenscty OF the Cossack, you have
been admirable in ell. Conquer your own Vces and
you can conQler the world.
Our ar ilery las been the admiration OF the army
Boldly aGva1cng without cover, against the heavy
m tai OF tho hostile feet Numbering often without
support within range OF musketry remaining last on
the field pour grape and canister into advancing co'
umns our batteries have been distinguished in exact
proportion opportunity was afforded.
Soldiers these great and noble deeds, and t1ey
will live in chronicle aud in cong as long as the Southern
race exists 10 honor the earth But much remains yet TO
de- The fsres city OF the Sjutn lsngu she's in the in
Vades grasp Her eIiled her fate 10 every
land. The cheeks Of her fsires daughters yet mantle
with che blush raised by the brutal tyTaDs insult No!
Confederate soldier who returns to his colors from
this sad Venice OF the South but recouns with throo-
bpR heart and fearful eye how amidst danger and in
suit, these noble women-aDgels upon earth-cheered
his confinement end relieved his wants. To view the
approving smlo Ct thee fair danes will bs soldiers
prouds BOAST the brightest leaf in his chaple OF au-
rels.
Soldiers this army moves towards New Orleans, and
though 1t do reach the goal the hearts OF her pa
uio;c women shall sound high WITH JOY, responsive to
the echoes Of your guns.
R. TAYLOR, Major General.