The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-05-23
Il H E N E w Err A !.
GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.

GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.
AS there is general desire to learn something
OF the history. character and qualifications of Gen.
Taylor. who now stands conspicuously bof,re
the whole country n the commander of the army
changes the following sketch. Il will be found
interesting:
Z" General Taylor entered the army in 1903,
Immediately after the attack on the Chesa peake,
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 tcar. .-.sI 10
For his gallant defence of Fort Harrison on tho
9Th September, 1912, President Madison conferred
upon him the orevet rank OF Major, and he is now
the oldest brevet in the army.
In 1882. he became the Colonel Of the 9th in
'antry; with this regiment he went TO Florida in
1886, where he was always foremost in danger.
On the 25:h December, 1886. Col. Taylor, at
the head Of detachment of about 500 men, COIN
posed of parts Of the LIST. 4h and 9th regiments of
United States Infantry and some Missouri volun-
teers. met about 700 Indians, under Alligator Sam
jones, and Goa COO chez, on the banks of the O.
ke-cho bee. This battle was sought by the In
dians. for the day before the engagement, Col
Taylor received challenge from Alligator. tel
ling him where to find him, and bantering him TO
come on. Col. Taylor desired nothing better,
Immediately pushed at rapid march to the
expected battle ground. fearful that the willy In
dian might change his purpose. The Indians had
a strong position in thick swamp, covered in
front by small stream. whose qucksands render
ed it almost impossible, but he pushed through
the guicksands and swamps in the face of dead
ly fire from concealed Toe, 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 routed and pur-
susd with great slaughter, until night. This was
the last stand the Indians ever made. in a large
body. and the only instance in which they volun-
tary gave battle. Though Col. Taylor won the
day, it was at the expense Of l39 killed and
wounded-more than one fourth Of his whule force.
Two colonies, (Culonel Thompson of the 9Th in
faniry, and Colonel Gentry OF the Missouri vulun-
teers,) fell at the head Of the troops. Capt Van
Swearingmen and Lieu,s. Brooke and Carter, also
fell in the engagement.
During the whole of the engagement, Col. Tay-
lor remained on horseback. passing from point TO
point, cheering his men TO the conflict, and ex-
posed to the Indian rifle at every moment
For this battle, Mr.. Poinsett, Secretary of War,
rendered merited praised to all engaged, in his
communication to Congress. The brevet of Bril-
2adler General was conferred on Col. Taylor, and
he was given the chief command in Florida,
which he resigned in 1910, after four or five years
arduous and indefatigabe service in the swamps
and hamm0cks of Florida.
After his retirement from Florida. he was as
signed to the command of the LIST department of
the army. including the States of Louisiana Mis-.
sissiPpi, Alabama, &c., with his head quarters at
Fort Jessup. Louisiana.
His position gave him the command of The
e army of occupation" but the usage of the ser
vice would have justified the Government in as.
signing to that command either of the six general
officers of the regular army, whose rank is higher
than his.
But il may be fairly presumed that the high
character, gallant services and great experience
of Gen. Taylor, aside from his geographical posi-
lion, pointed him out as the appropriate comman-
der Of an army, which was TO plant our flag upon
the banks cfthe Rio del Nor,e
Gen. Taylor is about So yesrs of age is a man
of much general information, and an excellent and
tried soldier; prudent and sklful commander,
whose traits of character are wise precaution in
providing for the hour of trial, and fearless,
reckless courage in battle.
He is Kentuckian by birth, and all that that
word implies. He is an American in heart, and
stamped with all the elements of hero, by ma.
ture.
Under his command the flag of the Union will
receive no dishonor on the banks of the Rio
Grande."