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Show NOTES. Note G-page S~!. .llddress to the t1·oops at New Orleans, after· the annunciation of peace. "flle major general is at length enabled to perform the pleasing task of restoring to Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, and the territory of the Mississippi, the brave troops who have acted such a distinguished part, in the war which has just terminated. In restoring these brave men to their homes, much exertion is expected of, and great responsibility imposed on, the commanding officers of the different corps. It is required of major generals Carroll and Thomas, and brigadier general Coffee, to march their commands, without unnecessary delay, to their respective states. The troops from the l\fississippi territory and state of Louisiana, both militia and volunteers, will be immediately mustered out of senice, paid, and discharged. The major general bas the satisfaction of announcing the approbation of the president of the United State~ to the conduct of the troOp$ under his command, expressed, in flattering terms, through the honourable the secretary at war. In parting with those brave men, whose destinies have been so long united with his own, anti in whose labours and glories it is his happiness and his boast to have participated, the commanding general can neither suppress his feelings, nor give utterance to them as he ought. In what terms can he bestow suitable praJse on medt so extraordinary, so unparalleled? Let him, in one burst of joy, gratitude, and exultation, exclaim-" These are the saviours of their country-these the patriot soldiers, who tri· u~1 phed over the invincibles of Wellington, and. conquered the conquerors of Europe!" 'Vith , ... ·hat pahence dtd you submtt to privations-with what fortitude did you endure fatigue-what valour did you display in the day,of battle! You have secured to America a proud name among the nations of the earth-a glory which will never perish. Possessing those di:spositions, which equally adorn the citizen and the soldier, the expectations of your country will be met in peace, as her wishes have been gratified in war. Go, then,. my brave companions, to your homes; to those tender connexiOns, and blissful scenes, which render life so dear-full of honou_r, and crowned with laurels which will never fade. "\oVhen parti~ cipating, in the bosoms of your fatuities, the enjoyment of pea~eful life, with what happiness will you not look back to the to1IS ' NOTES. 425 you have borne-to the dangers you have encountered? How will all your past exposures be converted into sources of inexpressible delight? \~lho, that never experienced your sutferings, will be able to appreciate your joys P The man who slumbered inglori· ously at home, during your painful marches, your nights of watch· fulnes~, and your days of toil, will envy you the happiness which these recollections will afford-still more will he envy the grati~ tude of that country, which you have so eln.inently contributed to save. Continue, fellow soldiers, on your passage to your sev.eral des~ tinations, to preserve that subordination, that dignified and lnanly deportment, which have so ennobled your character. 'Vhile the commanding general is thus giving indulgence to his feelings, towards those brave companions, who accompanied him through difficulties and danger, he cannot permit the names of Blount, and Shelby, and Holmes, to pass unnoticed. With what generous ardour and patriotism have these distinguished governors contributed all their exertions, to provide the means of vic· tory! The recollection o( their exertions, aml of the success \vhich has resulted, will be to them a reward more grateful, than any which the pomp of title, or the splendout· of wealth, can bestow. "\Vhat happiness it is to the commanding genera], that, while danger was before him, he was, on no occasion, compelled to use, towards l1is companions in anns, either severity or rebuke. If, after the enemy had reti red, improper passions began their empire in a few unworthy bosoms, and rendered a resort to energetic measures necessary for their suppression, he has not confound· ed the innocent with the gui lty-the seduced with the seducers. Towards you, fellow-soldiers, the most cheering recollections ex· ist, blended, alas! with regret, that disease and war should have ravished from us so many worthy companions. But the memory of the cause in which they perished, and of the virtues which animated them while living, must occupy the place where sorrow would cl!iim to dwell. Farewell, fellvw·soldiers. The expression of your general's thanks is feeble; but the gratitude of a country of freemen is yours-yours the applause of an admiring world. · ANDREW JACKSON, uu .;ltaju1· General commanding .. ~ II |
