Wisconsin Herald

Character of Gen. Taylor.

The following letter was written by Rev. Mr. Lamb, now pastor of an orthodox church in Worcester county. It was addressed to Dea. Joseph White, of Winchendon, who gave it to the public through the columns of the Worcester Spy. What better evidence can we have of the pure and lofty character of Gen. Taylor? It is not the testimony of a politician or a man eager for the 'spoils,' but of a faithful minister of the gospel, in behalf of an esteemed and loved friend:

June, 1848.

Sir: - You are, no doubt, aware that I held the office of Chaplain in the United States Army about six years, being stationed at Fort Jesup, La., and that which at the extreme southern post I was in daily acquaintance with Brigadier Gen. Z. Taylor. I presume it is on this account that you propose to me some questions touching the views of that distinguished individual. I am willing to reply, not because I am a politician or have any personal interest in his nomination or the Presidency - but because I am laid under the lasting obligations to that honest, noble hearted man - and I would gladly correct some of the gross mistakes that are afloat concerning his character.

In politics Gen. Taylor is a Whig - in religion strictly orthodox - but in neither is he extreme, maintaining his well formed opinions with the calm decision which he manifested on the field of battle.

With regard to slavery, and extension of territory, I assure you that neither for a slave market nor any other object was Gen. Taylor in favor of conquest and annexation. He was not in favor of receiving Texas into our union nor in favor of the recent war with Mexico. The only evidence of his being in favor of slavery that I ever saw or heard of, was the fact, that he did what every man at the South must do, if he would have servants, viz: either own or hire slaves. I do well remember that a part at least of the colored people living in his family could read well and were very pious, I never heard a word from the General in favor of the slave system, but on the contrary his decided preference for the institutions and customs of the North.

It is a pity that Gen. Taylor should be made a pro-slavery man because his government keeps him at the South, or for the wrong of allowing his plantation to be on the Mississippi, instead of the banks of the Connecticut. "We are allowed to hang no man upon an inference."

I assure you, that if elected, he will do more for PEACE and EMANCIPATION than any northern man would be allowed to.

Gen. Taylor maintains on all occasions the habit of TOTAL ABSTINENCE from all intoxicating drinks - and to this he has ascribed his robust health amidst the swamps and campaigns of Florida and Mexico. I would also assure you, that nothing could be more unjust and untrue than the assertion that he is a profane man - it is false altogether. He is a bright exception to the common practice of profaneness in the army.

Gen. Taylor is the decided friend of Christianity, and Christian institutions. He was a regular attendant of public worship in the garrison, accompanied by his accomplished lady and daughter.

Mrs. Taylor is a lady of fine appearance and agreeable manners, and a consistent professor of religion. As a family they appeared to observe the Sabbath as a religious duty.

The General took a deep interest in the welfare of all under his command. No man ever had the confidence of troops more than he - and it was not his courage, kindness, and discipline alone — but his interest in the temporal and spiritual welfare of the men, that endeared him to the army. Of the more than six hundred men — reformed drunkards — once at Fort Jesup allowed the benefit of the library, reading room, and every privilege consistent with military life — many obtained their discharge before entering Texas, and returned to their friends and homes, and these, with all that shared with their commander in conflict and victory, will ever remember him and love him.

Yours truly,