Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1846-05-23

the above particulars from gentlemen from
Glasgow, who read it.
GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR,
The Commander Of the Army Of Occupation.
Recent events have thrown this gentle
man so prominently before the public, that
we feel disposed TO crafty the strong de-
sire, expressed by many, by giving some
of the incidents of his life.
Gen. Taylor entered the army in 1908, mme.
dately after the attack on the Chesapeak, and
has been in the service Of his country, from that
time to the present. Having entered the army
as lieutenant of infantry, he had risen to the
command of company at the beginning OF the
| last war.
For his gallant defence Of Fort Harrison on
the 5th September 1872, President Madison
conferred upon him the brevet rank Of Ma or,
and he is now the oldest brevet in the army.
| In 1882, he became the Colonel Of the 9th
Infantry with this regiment he went 10 Florida
ia 1886, where he was always foremost in dan
! ger.
On the 25lh December 1886, Col. Taylor
at the head Of a detachment Of about 500 men,
composed Of parts Of the LIST, 4th and 9th Reg
iments of U. S. Infantry and some Missouri
volunteers, met about 700 Indians, under Alliga
tor, Sam Jones and Goa. COO che on the banks
Of o ke.cho bee. This battle was sought by the
Indians; for The day before the engagement, Col.
Taylor received challenge from Alligator, tell
| ing him where to find him, and 5antering him
TO come on Col. Taylor desired nothing better,
and Immediately pushed on, at rapid pace to
the expected battle-ground, fearful that the willy
Indian might change his purpose. The Indians
had strong position in thick swamp, covered
in front by a small stream, whose quicksands
rendered it almost impossible, but Col. Taylor
pushed through the quicksands and swamps in
The face Of deadly fire from 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
bayone.. After three hours Of bloody contest.
the Indians were routed and pursued with great
slaughter, until night. This was the last stand
the Indians ever made, in large body, and the
only instance in which they voluntarily gave bat.
tie. Though Col T. won the day, it was at an
expense OF 139 killed and wounded-more than
one fourth OF his whole force. Two Colonies
Col. Thompson Of the 9Th Infantry, and Col.
Gentry OF the Missouri Volunteers,) fell at the
head Of the troops Capt. Van Swearngton
and Leutenants Brooke and Carter, also fell in
the engagement.
During the whole Of the engagement, Col. 4.
remained on horseback, passing from point to
point, cheering his men TO the conflict, and ex.
posed 10 the Indian rifle at every moment. Tho
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 battle in your hammock black.
There's lightning in your cloud,
Hark! bark! to the music, comrades dear,
For the Indian yell is loud;
For the Indian yell is loud my boys,
And the rifles flash is free;
But the field Of battle is our home,
And happy men ale we;
And happy men are we," DC.
For this battle, Mr. Poinsett, Secretary Of
War; rendered merited praise to all engaged, in
his communication TO Congress. The brevet of
Brigadier General was conferred on Col. T. and
he was given the chief command in Florida;
which he resigned in 1910, after four or FIVE
yeors arduous and inde(atigable service in the
swamps and hammocks Of Florida.
After his retirement from Florida, he was as.
signed the command OF the LIST Department OF
the Army, including the States Of Louisiana,
{ Mississippi, Alabama, &c, with his head quar-.
ters at Fort Jessup, Louisiana.
His position gave him the command OF the
hihy VI OCCuPdIoH, put lHe usage VI Uo
service would have justified the Government in
assigning 10 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, gallan, services and great experience
of Gen. I, aside from his geographical position,
pointed him out, as the appropriate commander
of an army, which was 10 plant our flag upon
the banks Of the Rio del Nore.
Gen. T. is about Sc years Of age: is man
of much general information, an excellent and
tiled soldier prudent commander; whose traits
of character are: wise precaution in providing
for the hour of trial, and fearless, reckless cour
age in battle.
He is a ken'uckan by birth. and all that that
word implies. lie is an American in heart, and
stamped with all the elements OF hero, by
nature.
Under his command the flag OF the Union will
receive no dishonor on the banks Of the Rio
Grsnde.
YucATAN.-Papers to the 18th ult. have
been received at Vera Cruz from Yucatan.
The members of the new Congress were
cnon IN ocaembla IN form a copc,;,,,;os e.