This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847 edition. Excerpt: ... MAJOR-GENERAL EDMUND P. GAINES, Commander Of The Eastern Division Of The American Army. At New Orleans I became acquainted with General Gaines, who was then one of the notabililes of the celebrated St. Charles' Hotel. Since I left the United States (in the ill-fated Great Britain, on the 1st of August, ) the General's name has frequently appeared in the public prints, in consequence of his being summoned to take his trial before a Court Martial, for raising Volunteers to serve in the Mexican War on his own responsibility. The veteran General received a slight reprimand, intended rather to act as a check on the impetuosity and unconstitutional assumption of military authority on the part of others, than as a serious reproof to one who had given nearly three parts of a century to the service of the Republic, and whose residue of life would cheerfully be yielded for her safety or her welfare. He has since been appointed to active service, and ordered to proceed to the seat of war. It is a usual, perhaps it is a natural presupposition, to connect the idea of youthful military men with this youthful Republic; we forget that though threescore years and ten are as one day in the age of a nation, yet that they comprise the life of man. On first seeing General Gaines, had I not known his name, I should have supposed him a Marechal of France, of the Regime of Napoleon, and should have sought on his breast the "Star of the Brave," and the riband of the Legion of Honour. He has aided in protecting the cradle of American Independence; and though years of service have told their tale upon his earthly frame, the soldier's heart is still unchilled, his spirit unsubdued. This gallant Officer is eighty-three; he is pale and white haired, tall and...