Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-06-11

80 DiodHAPhIcAL SKETcH OF GEN. TAYLoR,-Gen
rayor IS kentuckian by BIRTH and is said to have
been born IN l'yo, which would make him So years
OF age According to the Orthopotan, he enter
ed the army in 1908, Immediately AFTER the attack
On the Chesapeake, and has been in the service of
his country from that time to the present Having
entered the army as a Lieutenant of Infantry he
had risen to the command of company at the be-
ginning of the Last War
For his gallant defence of Fort Harrison on the
4th of September, 1912, President Madison con-
ferled upon him the brevet rank of Major, and he
is now the oldest breuet in the army In 1892 he
became the Colonel of the 9th Infantry: with this
regiment he went to Florida in 1896, where he was
always foremost in danger
On the 25th December, 1886, Col. Taylor. at the
mead OF detachment of about 500 men, composed
OF parts of the LIST, 4th, and 9th regiments of u.
>. Infantry and some Missouri volunteers, met
ABOUT 'OO Indians, under Alligator, Sam Jones' and
Goa coo-che, on the banks Of the G-ke-cho.b ee
inns Oattle was sought by the Indians, for the
day before the engagement Col. Taylor received
challenge from Alligator, telling him where to find
! him, and bantering him to come on Col. TAYLOR
desiring nothing better, Immediately pushed on at
rapid march to the expected ground, fear
FIJI that the willy Indian might change his purpose.
The Indians had strong position in thick swamp,
covered in front by small streem, whose quick
sands rendered II almost impossible but Col Tay-
lor pushed through the quicksands and swamps in
the face Of deadly fire from concealed foe drl-
wing the Indians before him.
The action was long and Severe The Indians
yielded the ground inch by inch, and then onlv at
The point OF the bayonet After three hours of
bloody contest, the Indians were routed and ptr-
sued with great slaughter, until night This was
the last stand the Indians ever made. in large
body, and the only instance in which they vounta-
riIy gave battle Though Col. Taylor won the day.
1t was at the expense Of 1879 killed and wounded
nnnrn han g .l.-1-
colonies, (Col Thompson of the 9th Infantry, and
Col Gentry of the Missouri Volunteers) fell at the
head OF the troops. Captain Vanswearigen and
Leutenants Brooke and Carter also fell in the en-
gagement
During the whole of the engagement, COL Tay-
! Tor remained on horseback, passing from point to
point cheering his men to the conflict and expos
!, ed TO the Indian rifle at every moment
For this battle Mr.. Poinsett, Secretary Of War,
rendered merted praise to all engaged, in his COM
f munication to Congress. The Breuet of Brigddier
General was conferred on COL Taylor, and he was
given the command in Florida; which he resigned
in 1910, after four five years. arduous and nde-
fatlgable service in the swamps and Elammocks OF
Florida.
After his retirement from Florida, he was assign
ed to the command of the LIST Department Of the
Army, including the States of Louisiana, Mssis-
sippi, &C., with his head quarters at Fort Jessup,
louisiana
His position gave him the command of the car
my of Occupation" but the usage of the service
would have justified the Government in assigning
10 that command either of the six general officers
OF the regular army, whose grade is higher than his
But it may be fairly presumed that the high char
acter gallant services and great experience of Gen.
T., aside from his geographical position, pointed
him out as the appropriate commander of an army
which was to plant our flag upon the bank of the
f Rio del Norte.
Gen, Taylor is about Sc years of age; is mar
OF much general information and and excellent ant
; tried soldier; a prudent and skilfu commander
whose traits Of character, wise precaution in pre-
caution in providing for the hour of trial. and q
fearless reckless courage in battle.-VashVile Or
, HopOttan.