Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1846-06-17
Ges. Zachary Taylor.

ana edTvlceS OF Zen. ayI5, COMMANDER
Of the Army Of Occupation in Texas. is
from the Nashville Or,hopolitan Of the 4th
inst. 1t il evidently written by . person
quite familiar with the career Of General
TAYLOR:
Recent events have thrown this gen.
tlemal % prominently before the public,
that we feel disposed to crafty the strong
desirelexpressed BY many, by giving sumo
Of the ipridents Of. his l,te.s
Gen. Taylor entered The army in 1908,
Immediately after the attack OH the Ches-
apeake, and has been in the service Of his
country, from that time to the present.
Having entered the army as Lieu,enaD'
Of the infantry, he had risen to the com
mand Of co,npapy, at the beginning Of
the last war.
For his gallant defence at Fort Harri-
son. on the 9Th September, 1912, Presi-
dent Madison conferred upon him the
brere, rank Of Major, and that he is now,
the oldest brevet in the army.
In 1884, he became the Colonel Of the
9Th Infantry; with his regiment he went
to Florida in 1876, where he was always
foremost in danger.
On the 25,h December, 1886. Col.
Taylor. at the head Of detachment Of
about 500 men, composed Of parts Of the
LIST; 9TH, and 9Th regiments of Z. S. In
fantry and some Missouri volunt GERS; met
about 700 Indians. under Alligator. Sam
Coa-coo-che, on the banks of the O-ke-
cho-bee. This battle was sought by the
Indians, for the day bef,re the engage
mrnt, Gel. Taylor received challenge
from Alligator, telling him where to find
him, and ban'ering him TO come on. Col.
Taylcr desired nothing better, and imme-
diately pnshe d TN al rapid march to the
battle-ground, fearful that the willy Indian
might change his purpose. The Indians
had strong position in thick swamp,
covered in front by small stream where
euicksand rendered it almost impossible;
but Col. T. pushed through the quick
| sands and swamps in the face Of the dead
" fire from the concealed foe. driving
the Indians before him. The action was
long and severe. The Indians yielding
the ground inch by inch, and then only at
the point Of the bayonet. After three
hours Of bloody contest, the Indians were
ronied and pursued with great slaughter
until night. This was the last stand the
Indians ever made, in large body, and
the only instance IL which they vol,ntari-
ly gave battle. Though Col. Tsylor won
the day, it was at an expense of 1879 kill
ed and wounded - more than one fourth
of his whole force. Two colonies (Col.
Thompson Of the 9th Infantry. and Col.
Gentry of the Missouri VoIun,eers,) Tell
at the head Of the troops. Capt. Van
Swearingen and Lieuienants Brooke and
Carter. also fell in the engagement.
During the whole of the engagement,
Col. Taylor remained on horseback, pas
sing from point 20 point, cheering his men
to the conflict, and exposed TO the Indians
rifles at every moment. The spirit with
which the commander and all his force
entered into the conflict, was exhibited in
some verses written on the occasion by
soldier.
There's baiils in yon hammock black
There's lightning in yen ciood.
Harkl harh' to the music. comrades dear,
For The Indian yell il loud. my boys.
And the rifles Ha>h is free;
But the field Of hattie is our home,
And happy. hapy men are we;
And happy happy men arc we" &c.
For this battle, Mr. Painse,t, Secretary
Of War, rendered mrri,ed prais. TO all en-
gagged, in his communication to Congress
The brerei Of Brigadier General was con-
fered on Col. Taylor, and he was given
The chief command in Florida, which he
resigned in 1910, after four or five years
arduous and interchangeable service in the
swamps and hammncks Of Florida.
After bis retirement from Florida, he
was assigned to the command Of the lst
D. partment Of the Army, including the
States OF Louisiana, Mississippi, Alobama,
&c., with his head quarters at Fort Je-
sup. Louisiana.
His postum gave him the command of
the "Army OF Occupation but the usage
OF the service would have justified the
Government in assigning to that command
either Of the six general officers Of the
Regular Army, whose rank is higher
than his.
But it may be fairly presumed that the
high character, gallant services and great
experience Of Gen. Taylor. aside from
his geographical position. poin'ed him out,
as the appropriate commander Of any arr
my, which was to plant our fig Oh the
banks Of the Rio del Nurle.
Gen. Taylor is about 56 years Of age,
is man of much general information. and
an excellent and tried soldier; pru-
dent and skillful commander whose tiaits
Of character are, wise precaution in
providing for the hour of trial, and fear
les, reckless courage in battle.
He is Kentuckian, by birth, and all
tina, that word implies. He is an Ameri-
can in. heart, and stamped with all the ell
emen's of a hero, by nature.
Under his command the flag Of the I'm
ion will receive no dishpnor on the hanks
OF the Rio Grande.
"Well, Squire" said constituent TO
Representative, '.why didn't you re, your
petition thronghlhe Legislature this win
ter?
II did get it through, my dear sir,
without anv difficulty"
"Ah, indeed didn't see any account
"a H. ~, -