Pierce's term began in March 1833, but he would not be sworn in until Congress met in December, and his attention was elsewhere. Harrison died after a month in office, and Vice President John Tyler succeeded him. Pierce and the Democrats were quick to challenge the new administration, questioning the removal of federal officeholders, and opposing Whig plans for a national bank. In December 1841 Pierce decided to resign from Congress, something he had been planning for some time. The incident made it look like he had fainted, causing one soldier to call for someone else to take command, 'General Pierce is a damned coward.' Pierce returned for the following day's action, but re-injured his knee, forcing him to hobble after his men; by the time he caught up, the battle was mostly won.As the Battle of Churubusco approached, Scott ordered Pierce to the rear to convalesce. He responded, 'For God's sake, General, this is the last great battle, and I must lead my brigade.'
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