The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-06-12
(From the N. o. Commercial Times, Nay ilth.)
Gen. Pill W..

| tE Ium tuO ' ~ SN-J -
Gen. Pill W.
The Vera Cruz Eagle Of the 9Th inst.
devotes a long article in relation to the
exploits Of the gallant officer, whe has
lust arrived here. They are among
the most brilliant that have been per-
formed during the war.
When the investment of Vera Cruz
was commenced, it became his duty 10
execute the first order Of Gen. Patter-
son. This order was TO take posses
SION Of massive pile, (known as the
Old Conyent) one of the strongholds Of
the enemy. This was done with a
promptness and intrepidity which was
deserving of, and received, the highest
enconiums from all present. in per-
forming this valorous achievement. it
was found necessary to resort to al
most every method known to the SOL
dier, in order to gain the desired object;
but most Of it was accomplished by a.
sault, led by Gen. Pillow in person,
sometimes on horseback, at otheis on
foot and often wading through lagoons
or creeping through Businesses OF chap
paral, SO that he might obtain more i'd
v%antageous positions, or get q nearer
view Of the enemy.
A sharp conflict ensued, Gen. Pillow
leading on the troops in person,) termi-
mating by the rout and entire defeat of
the enemy, and the planting Of the A.
merican colors upon the highest peak.
This was SO brilliant an affair that our
troops who occupied high points in tho
distance, could not repress three hear
ty shouts of triumphant joy and salts
faction at the achievement. In con-
quering this much, he closed his por-
ton of the line, and was thus far its pi-
oneer: These daring and successful ex-
PLOTS were performed with a command
Observation-Disclosures men. II is a fact
not generally known, but nevertheless
true, that Gen. Scott had selected Gen.
p. and Gen. Worth to lead the storm
ing parties, in case it should be found
necessary to resort 10 that mode OF sub
DUNG the ~beleagured city.
In the recent battle Chat Of Sierra
Gorda0 he was chosen 10 assault the
works of the enemy in front and alone
"a position attended with less hopes
of success, than perhaps any other
which could have been given him.
This he executed in the most effective
manner, leading the charge in person.
This charge was made against a part
of the continuous works, mounting sew
enteen pieces of artillery, supported by
two thousand musketry, and all over
ed by stone breastwork, with the most
embarrassing brush entanglements in
front. During the charge, sever pie
ces Of cannon opened upon the advan-
cling column, with grape and cannister,.
and four with round shot, together
with the full fire Of the whole line Of
the ~musketry. In the assault which
was certainly as daring and desperate
as any which has been made since the
commencement ofthe present war, 4.
third Of the assaulting force was almost.
instantly cut down, and we are inform
ed that out Of twenty men and officers
who were about the Generals person
during the assault, every man fell, eli.
Their killed or wounded, except his Aid
de.Camp. Lieut.. Rains, who caughtand
supported him when he was wounded.
This however, did not drive him from
the field, for he Immediately formed the
whole command for the assault Of bat.
terry No. /, and was in full readiness
for the charge, when the enemy ran up
the white flag, and all other movements
were arrested by the surrender OF his
forces. 1t may be well to say here,
that, during the whole action, and not
withstanding the severe wound no re-.
ceived, by which his sword arm was
nearly cut in two by a grape shot, he
never once quilted the field or yielded
the command.
His principal duties, up to his arr
val at Vera Cruz, were chiefly confn-.
ed to the disciplining Of troops for tho
field, for which he is particularly use
full to the country, being a thorough
tactician, and OF the most untiring in
dustry.