Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1846-05-20

GEN. ZACH. TAYLoR.--An unjust AM
uniounded prejudice has been create,
a In the minds ofsome, against the command
n er of the Army of Occupation, nobod'
, knows how, or can tell for what reason. -
I Persons who know nothing Of his military
5 character, form most profound opinions o.
his conduct from flying reports, and uttei
I wise criticisms on the policy OF his move
ments, formed from confused ideas Of the
situation OF points and prairies, "chappar
rails" and rivers and in times Of excite
ment these sage opinions pass for more
than their worth, are repeated and enlara-
ed, and do mischief. Those who know
General Taylor, and who are competent
to judge, pronounce him one of the abIest,
most gallant, brave and accomplished Off.
GERS who ever led an army. He has well
sustained his reputation in Texas--con-
fronting with undaunted bravery an army
represented as numbering five times his
own. Gen'l Taylor is Kentuckian by
birth, and is now 56 years Of age. He en-
tered the army as a lieutenant in 1909
thirty-six years ago--and has been in the
service ever since. The following Incl.
dents in his career, we extract from brief
memoir in the Nashville Orthopolan:
| He had risen 10 the command OF com
pany at the beginning Of the last war
For his gallant defence of Fort Harrison,
on the 9Th September, 1912, President
MADISON conferred on him the breyet rank
of Major. In 1882, he became Colonel
Of HE 9Th Infantry.
On the 25lh December 1886, Col. Tay.
Tor, at the head Of detachment OF 500
mer, composed OF regulars and some Mis-
sour volunteers, met about 700 Indians,
under Alligator. Sam Jones and Coa.cao.
Chico, on The banks OF the o ke.cho.bee.
| This battle was sought by The Indians, for
the day before the engagement, Col, 7.
received a challenge from Alligator, tell
iog him where to find him, and ban,ering
him to come on. Taylor desired nothing
better, aud Immediately pushed an at ra.
pld march, to the expected battle. grnunJ
fearful that the wiley Indian might chunge
his purpose. The Indians had strong
position in thick swamp, covered in from
by small stream, whose quicksauds ren.
dered 1t almost impossible, but Col. r.
pushed through the qutcksands and wamp,
IN tho face of deadly fire from con
cealeddoe, driving the Indians before him.
| The nCfinu lyp9 hmm anJ ,,yn.n Al T..
dams yielding The ground inch by inch,
and then only at the point of The bayonet.
Aller three hours OF bloody contest, The
Indians were routed and pursued with
great slaughter until night This was the
last stand the Indians evcrmads IN a large
body, and the only instance in which they |
voluntarily gave battle. Though Col. T. |
won the day, it was at an expense of 1870 |
kllledand wounded-more than one.fourIh
of his whole force. Two Colonels, CThop. |
son, of 9th infantry, and Ge7tr{, o. the
Missouri Fountae.s,) fell al Tho head of
the iroops. Capt. Van Swearingan, and
Lis, Brooke and Garter, also fell in. the
engagement, During the whole of the
engagement, Col. Taylor remained ON
horseback, passing from point TO point,
cheering his men TO the conflict, and ex.
posed 10 the Indian rifle at every moment
/ For this battle, Mr.. Poinsett, Secretary
OF War rendered meriied praise to all en-,
gnged IN his communication to Congress.
The breyet of Brlgadier General was
conferred on Col. Taylor, and he was given
the chief command in Florida, which he
resigned in 1910, alter four or five wears
arduous and interchangeable service in. the
swamps aud hammocks.
Ibis position gave him the command of
the Army of Occupation" but The usage
lot the service would have justified the |
Government in assigning to that command
either OF the six general officers OF the ar,
my, whose rank is higher than his. But
It may be fairly presumed that the high |
character, gallant services and great en-
Iperience of Gen. t., inside from his geo.
graphical position, pointed him out as the
appropriate commander Of an army, which |
was to planbonr flag upon the banks OF the
Rio del Nor,e.
Gen. Taylor is man of much general |
information, an excellent and tried soldier, |
a prudent and skiIul commander, whose
traits OF character area wise precaution
IN preparing for the hour of trial, and |
iearesscourage in bltle. He an Anne
ncan in heart, aad stamped with all the
elements OF hero by nature. Under his
command, the flag Of the Union will re.
cews no dishonor.
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