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receive a prompt and generous response. He came to Louisville and Lexington, and the result was what it ever has been when a call has been made upon the liberality or chivalry of Kentucky. Repeated meetings were held, where the warmest enthusiasm prevailed, and the deepest sympathy was expressed for our sufferings. Donations· were made with a munificence that will long be remembered with gratitude by every Texian, notwithstanding they lost much of their efficiency by the untimely return of Mr. Wilson, into whose charge the direction of the emigrants from Lexington was committed. Hundreds of the gallant sons of the "dark and bloody land," impelled by their chivalry and attracted by the light of the newly risen star, rushed to our standard and determined to devote their lives to aid us in maintaining in Texas those principles of civil Liberty and national independence, consecrated by the blood of their fathers; and a band of daring spirits was quickly formed, that the most distinguished chieftain might have been proud to lead. The battalion from Lexington, taking the name of "Ladies' Legion" on account of the munificent liberality of the generous, enlightened and accomplished ladies of that noble city, and receiving the banner of the single star from their fair hands, bright and glorious as their own beauty, was committed to the command of Edward J. Wilson, who then appeared to be animated by the same noble and chivalric feelings as his companions, but who, it would seem by his subsequent conduct, was actuated by motives purely selfish, and is capable of cherishing feelings of the deepest revenge for the slightest disappointment of his avarice or vanity. I take no pleasure in the disgrace of any man; but the honor of my country demands, that the real facts, connected with this matter should be developed, and the friends of Mr. Wilson will not censure me for the consequences. The Battalion from Lexington having been raised (as we have seen) in consequence of the exertions of my paymaster General Col. Lewis, was to have been attached to the army of reserve under my command; and Mr. Wilson and the balance of the officers belonging to the battalion, were to have been commissioned by me according to their respective rank. Having been informed by Col. Lewis of their readiness to march, and being detained in Tennessee myself by business connected with the interest of the army, I despatched Major M'Leod, one of my aids, to meet them in this city. He saw Mr. Wilson at the mouth of Salt river, and tendered to him the commissions in blank, to be filled up with the names of the several officers of the battalion. These commissions were signed by the highest executive officers of our government,
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