The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-09-23


soon appear full and complete efutaton Of the gross
and unfounded libel upon the character Of Brgade Gen
eral Pierce which originated in the Philadelphia Satur-
day Courier and has been copied from that paper into the
Richmond Whig and other federal journals, charging
General p, among other things, with having demanded
and received his pay and ratons six months IN advance
before he would accept his commission. We deem II
necessary only say, that the article IN the fhia
depha paper will be proved to be most wanlon ana az
gravated libel disgracefu alike to the paper IN winch II
appeared and to the writer who originated and penned IT,
We use strong and plain language, but it suits the case
The federal party have become desperate and their presses
reckless their assertions, and shameless In the ac
cusaons They take the part OF the foreign enemy against
their country until fanatic General in Massachu
sets has venured to insult the ashes OF brave officer,
who has poured out his life for his country in the war
There is no taunt rebuke which they hesitate to throw
upon the administration. They charge it with weak
ness with folly with the most disgraceul transgressons
Not democratic general escapes their poisonous angs-
not measure meets with tolerabe liberay, or even
common Justice A war, which was demanded by the
honor of our country, is abused-the manner OF Its
prosecution has been calumniatedts expense has first
been exaggerated, and then condemned; although the
glory which have acquired and which has extend
ed to the farhest corners of the EARTH commands the
respect of foreign nations, and inspires an nvinclbe
confidence in our own courage, SKILL and resources,
which is worth more millions OF dollars than is
likely to cost us.
The wing presses, indeed are determined at any
hazard, to put down-f they For this purpose,
they employ such means are worthy OF their ends.
Who surprised, therefore, at their attack upon the
character of General Pierce? Unfortunately, he is
democrat appointed by Mr. Polk. like General Pillow
and like him, is to be sacrificed The Richmond En-
qurer has thus noticed this NATTER in commenting upon
the following attack in the Richmond Wing:
can that the Union says of the talents and bravery Of
Gene raj Pierce may strictly We have at least
sacrificing spirit to which the Union REFERS has been
little abaed by hearing that before he would consent to go
ceive six months pay rations advance This state
has been publicly made and has not been densd
Here is another attack upon a gallant officer who has
Just distinguished honors the field OF battle He
happens be democrat firm the granite rocks of
his native State and must not expect to escape the fire
from the ear from the wing at home But the Wing
utterly mistaken. The ungenerous and malicious state
been denied, in the fullest by the Concord
(N H) Patriot The editor narrates an interview with
PIERCE when the latter promptly though at great
sacrifice accepted the appointment We read the Patriots
article on Sunday night but regret that the paper is mis-
laid Its positive denial of the truth OF the statement we
distinctly remember, however. Will our friends of the
New Hampshire Patriot send another copy of the paper
alluded to 9-Richmond Enquirer.
We have seen the official documents, which clear the
character of General Pierce from every mputaton and
can assure the Richmond Enquirer that in due and
place they will be forthcoming, to confirm all that it
says.
In this connexion we lay the following interesting let
ter from this officer before our readers We indebted
>. n l. r. Al Ia
ter upon the prospect OF peace will of course, attract the
readers attention.
From Post.
We have been favored with the perusal of private
letter written by this gallant officer to relative, and
have taken the liberty to publish extracts from it.
The responsibility of the publication must rest entirely
with u.s. as the author had idea of its being by
any one his relatives and immediate friends and
hence the that it contains minute history of
his personal movements:
HEADQUARTERS LIST BRIGADE Sd Div. U. s. A.,
Mexsoque, Mexico, August 81, 1s47.
Since left Vera Cruz to this hour, have had no
means OF communicating with the States Although but
few months in the SERVICE knob what is fatigue, anxi-
ety. and exposure Contrary to my expectations and
contrary my orders from the department at Washington
was compelled for the want of the requisite provisions
for transportation, to remain for than three weeks
at Vera Cruz and than four in Terra Caene, Qhe
vomto region is called) left the dreaded city
the 10th Of July with 1880 men of all arms and train
of wagons, which when closed up extended than
two miles On the 9th of August reached Puebla,
without the loss Of single wagon, with my com,
mand in fine condition My command was attacked
six times on the march, but the enemys force each
instance was easily dispersed, with trifng loss
our side The National Bridge afforded the enemygreat
natural advantages to which they had added breasworks
"; across the main bridge they had also thrown barri-
cade soon discovered that there way in which
his position could be turned, and that my artillery was
Ineffective from the most commanding point where it
could be placed determined, of course to under
the pungng fire of the enemy's escopeas. My order to
Colonel Bonham's battalion rushed forward with shout,
the enemy poured down heavy fire, by which several
Of my men were severely wounded Colonel Bonham's
horse shot near me- and ball passed through the
rim of my hat, in very dsagreeable proximity TO my
face Our men eaped the barrcade followed by Cap
tain Duperus company of cavalry and in less than ten
minutes the enemy were in flight every direction and
the American flag waved upon the high bluff which they
had occupied The Mexican force, as they said after
wards consisted OF 500 men. Had they possessed
age and skill in the use of loss must have
been very great You hardly conceive the strength
of the natural defences of the road which we have
passed. Rumors came TO almost every night that we
would be attacked by large forces the next day. but they
made nowhere anything like brave and stern resist
The official reports of the great battle of Mexico
will probably reach you as soon as this letter, and shall
therefore not attempt to give minute details 1t fierce
war The battle differed in many respects from that
Buena VISTA There, Gen. Taylor received the enemy
strong position, selected by himself Our force on the
goth consisted of less than nine thousand the Mex
can force, within supporting distance and engaged,
doubleday exceeded thirty thousand We attacked him
position upon ground of his selection, admirably
fortified. You will distinguish, far numbers are
of and RI