Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/108

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EXCITEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.

unteers whenever he deemed it necessary, quieted tho fears and apprehensions of the community but for a moment, and all were soon prepossessed with the idea that he had waited until it was too late. Even those who were best acquainted with his qualities as a soldier, and knew that he would not rashly thrust himself into danger, trembled for his safety; and, although they were satisfied that he would fight like the stag at bay, whatever might be the strength of his assailants, they feared lest courage and determination would avail him nothing, against the powerful army which threatened to overwhelm him.

In the city of New Orleans, and the adjoining country, the excitement was so great that it could scarcely be controlled. Partaking of the enthusiasm of those who surrounded him, the veteran General Gaines,^[1] then in command of that division, without waiting for orders from Washington, made large requisitions for volunteers, on the Governors of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri, in addition to those called for by General Taylor.^[2] There was no lack of applicants to meet all the requisitions, and the only strife was, who should be first and foremost in the rescue. Within a

↑ Major General Edmund P. Gaines has been in the service almost half a century. He was appointed an ensign in 1799, and received his commission as a brigadier general in 1814. He received the brevet of major general for his brave defence of Fort Erie, against the assault of the British army under General Drummond.
↑ The calls made by General Gaines were countermanded as soon as they came to the knowledge of the President, though recognized to the extent of the number of troops already furnished. These unexpected additions to his force, not only exhausted General Taylor's supplies, but they also seriously embarrassed his movements. — (Letters to the Adjutant General, May 20th, June 3rd, and July 1st, 1846.) But no one doubted that the motives of General Gaines were eminently praiseworthy. Too much credit, perhaps, was given to the rumors against which he and

[1] Major General Edmund P. Gaines has been in the service almost half a century. He was appointed an ensign in 1799, and received his commission as a brigadier general in 1814. He received the brevet of major general for his brave defence of Fort Erie, against the assault of the British army under General Drummond.

[D108-2] The calls made by General Gaines were countermanded as soon as they came to the knowledge of the President, though recognized to the extent of the number of troops already furnished. These unexpected additions to his force, not only exhausted General Taylor's supplies, but they also seriously embarrassed his movements. — (Letters to the Adjutant General, May 20th, June 3rd, and July 1st, 1846.) But no one doubted that the motives of General Gaines were eminently praiseworthy. Too much credit, perhaps, was given to the rumors against which he and

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