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17 General Taylor Convinces Himself That He Is for War None understand the ruinous challenge, not even the Whigs who in the main support his resolution. The President’s boots have not sunk into this mud. He does not wipe blood from a shirt or console a girl who begs you to spare her brother. The volunteers are reluctant, surly, pressed as I am into their positions. Few will stand against him, “for who can arrest the torrent that will pour onward to the West.” To even doubt would bring down the charge of the patriots quick as coyotes on jack-hares. As for myself— I have wrapped the flag around my flanks. It is the girdle that supports my back, so let the protestors question me. Mark my mark— I will continue on as if the President were my own father and I the son, his to command. ...

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