Col. F. N. Wynkoop on Nativeism.
Col. F. N. Wynkoop on Nativeism.

    COL. F. N. WYNKOOP ON NATIVEISM.--In a letter from Col. Francis M. Wynkoop, dated San Angel, Mexico, December 21, 1847, and published in the last "Anthracite Gazette," the following passages occur. The numerous friends of Col. Wynkoop in this region, will rejoice to learn that he has forsaken the errors of Mexican Whiggery and political nativeism, and that he has resolved for the future to act with the true friends of the country, the great Democratic Republican party. The last Miners' Journal, in an editorial article, remarks, that since Col. Wynkoop and others, have left the whig party, those that are left "breathe much freer." We opine that by the time the process of purification is ended, the few Mexican Whigs that remain in the party will have abundance of elbow room, and be enabled to breathe still more freely! But here is the extract:
    "Notwithstanding our entire and complete possession of this country, the people continue to exercise, around us and upon us, their murderous and assassinating propensities. Men are killed daily while walking the streets quietly, and no man is safe without his arms. A most worthy man, of the Wyoming company, named Luke Lloyd, was severely mutilated, a few days since, by the Leperos of the city. The men, ascertaining the vicinity of the scoundrels, immediately turned out, and in the course of a few minutes fight killed seven of them. Lloyd is one of the best men in my regiment, and has done most excellent service as a soldier. At the siege of Puebla he was always foremost among the volunteers for dangerous service, and had two of his fingers shot off during that long and tedious engagement. Luke is an Irishman, and one of the most worthy men in the command, so far as good discipline and brave conduct is concerned. He is one among the many adopted citizens of our country who have bared their breasts in defence of our institutions--one among the many who have stood with musket in hand, shoulder to shoulder with the native born in the front line of battle, and never flinched from the shock. The Irishman and the German! I have seen many of them in one rank--I have been with them in battle--have seen them wounded and dying--have trodden over their dead bodies on the field--have witnessed by proof stronger than revelation their affection for the land of their adoption; and trust in God that the time may come when I shall be enabled, in some degree by future conduct, to repair the wrong honestly done towards these people, by myself, during the past. I say honestly, because as a politician I was honest in my opinions, and I believe, unhesitating in my expressions.--Time, however, has corrected the error, and in a school too, not easily to be forgotten."
    We have just received Mr. Polk's message, by Mexican express from Vera Cruz. It is the first democratic message I ever liked, and every line relative to the policy of maintaining this war, jumps in complete unison with my own notions. It is a popular paper with the army, and we think it wise, both in argument and conclusion.


Source:

Unknown, "Col. F. N. Wynkoop on Nativeism," Brooklyn Eagle and Kings County Democrat, Brooklyn, Monday, 6 March 1848, p. 2.

Created March 1, 2004; Revised March 1, 2004
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