The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-06-02
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Gen. Taylor.

For the following sketch of the military
services of Gen. Taylor. we are indebted TO
the Nashville Orthopolitan. Gen. Taylor
is Kentuckian by birth and is said to
have been born in 1890, which would make
him fifiysix years Of age. According TO the
Orthopolitan, he entered The army in 1908.
Immediately after the attack on the Chesa-
peake, and has been in the service of his
country from that time 10 the present. Have
ing entered the army as a Lieutenant Of
Infantry, he had risen 10 the command ola
company, al The beginning of the Last Udr.
For his gallant defence of Fort Harrison
on the 4th September, 1912, President Mad
isoG conferred upon him the brevet rank Of
Major, and he is now the oldest breret in the
army. In 1882 he became the Colonel Of
the 9th Infantry; with his regiment and went
10 Florida in 1886, where was always fore
most in danger.
On the 18th December, 1886, Col. Taylor
at The head of deta chment of about so
men, composed o. parts Of the LIST 18th and
9Th regiments of U. S. Infantry and some
Missouri volunteers, met about 700 Indians,
under Alligator, Sam Jones, and Coa-coo
che, on the banks of The G-ke-cho-bee.
This battle was fought by the Indians, for
the day before the engagement Col Taylor
him where 10 find him, and bantering him 10
come on. Col. Taylor desiring nothing bet
ter. Immediately pushed on al rapid march
to the expected battle-ground, fearful that the
willy Indian might change his purpose. The
Indians hadastrong 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 a deadly fire from
Il concealed foe, driving the Indians before
him.
The action was long and severe. The
Indians yielding the ground inch by inch
and then only al the point of the bayonet.-
alter three hours of bloody contest, the lndi-
ans were routed and pursued with great
slaughter, until night. This was the las
stand the Indians ever made in II large body
& the only instance in which they voluntarily
gave battle. Though Col. Taylor won The
day, il was at The expense of l39 killed ana
wounded-more than one forth Of his whole
force. Two colonels (Culonel Thomson o
of the 9Th Inaniry,a and Colonel Gentry OF the
Missouri VolunteeIs,) fell al the head of the
troops. Capt Vansweaingen and Lieuts
Brooke and Carter also fell in the engage
meEt.
During the whole engagement, Col. Tay
Ior remaining on horseback, passing from
point to point, cheering his men 10 conflict
: and exposed TO the Indian rifle al every mo
ment.
For this battle Mr.. Poinsett, Secretary o
War, rendered meried praise TO all engaged
in his communication toCongress. The brer
Ell of Brigdiier General was conferred oil
Col. Taylor, land he was given the chief com
mand in Florida; which he resigned in 1920
after four or five years arduous and indelat
igable service in The swamps and hamnock
of Florida,
After his retirement from Florida he wal
!. assigned 10 the command OF the first Depart
ment OF the Army, including the States
Louisiana, Mississippi, &C., with bis hca'
.. quarters at Fort Jessup, Louisiana.
His position gave him the command Ell th'
Army OF Occupation but the usage of ih'
service would have justified the Government
in assigning TO that command either OF tn
: six general officers of the Regular Army
i whose rank is higher than his
y But it may be fairly presumed that In
L high character, services and great experience,
: ofGen L. aside from his geographical posi-
' ton, pointed him out TO the appropriate com
Il mander ofan army, which was TO plant on
Il flag upon the bank oil the Rio del Norie.
Gen. Taylor is about fifty-sx years of age
= is man of much general information and al
e excellent and tried soldier; prudent ant
y skiHlu commander whose traits of characte
y are a wise precauion in providing for tn
y hour OF trial, and fearless, reckless courage
+ in battle,