No Title.New York, New York, New York Tribune [Republican](26 October 1859)
The address of Governor Wise on his return to
Richmond from his expedition to Harper's Ferry
was intended, we suppose, to be complimentary to
the military companies which he took with him.
If so, either the Governor has rather odd ideas
about compliments, or the general reputation of
Virginia militia for courage and discipline cannot
be very high. The Governor declares that during
the journey he kept his eye on the men -- expecting,
as it may be surmised from the context, to see
some of them turn pale, or faint through fear, or
perhaps to slink away at the first opportunity -- but
though they were me by rumor after rumor, and
telegram after telegram, that there was still
fighting going on at Harper's Ferry, still they went
through with buoyant hearts. No man blanched,
and no man ran away, but all kept up good
courage till they reached Harper's Ferry, and found
that the fighting was over. Their discipline was
as extraordinary as their courage. Notwithstanding
the great excitement which prevailed at Harper's
Ferry, they actually preserved order, composure,
drill, and discipline, and did not -- as the
Governor seems to imply might have been expected
-- break up their ranks, mingle with the mob, and
aid in lynching the wounded and the prisoners.
Rather than be complimented in this back-handed
style, we imagine that the military would have
preferred not to have been mentioned at all.
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