Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-06-25
HARVEY AT CERRO GORDO,


BY ca DE Las, OF THE Sd INFANTRY
The point upon which the success of the dou
hung, was the taking of the rugged heights Of
Cerro Gordo. There was to be the fearful
struggle. There our brave fellows were to
come in contact with the enemy in IMAGINARY
security, behind ramparts bristling with can
non. There were they to face the leaden hail
storm and the sheets of fire, as fearlesslv. with
bayonets fixed, they toiled up the rugged as
cent. The cry was " Onward. bows p Thew
scarcely had foothold, the precipitous cliff
seemed to DEFY the power of man the loose
stones rolled from under their feet, and to the
lmpedlments OF nature the enemy had added
artificial ones IN the shape of trees with their
limbs trimmed, forming an almost impenetra-
Die barrier. The ascent is commenced the
enemy open their fire. With each reverbera-
ted echo some gallant spirit falls badly woun-
ded, or yields up life, giving as his last cheer
ing farewell, Forward, boysr' Onward
they went, without one moments hesitation
without the least faltering Like a machine
they moved. The iron hail dealt death, but
not confusion. The frmness of purpose
which conceived the assault only increased a
mid the terrible slaughter Higher and high
er those gallant souls climbed the mountain
slde-the fierce peH of battle (and those who
have never heard or felt it can form no con-
cepton of it, almost browns the roar of artil-
lery! Not gun is fired, but with musket
ready Tor the charge, they press forward to
gain the height that insures victory. Son
ward, boys 1.-THE apex is almost gained al
ready can they look into the muzzle of the
cannon, those dreadful engines of death On
ward they press The enemy still stands
flrm, confident IN numbers and postion-cling-
ing to the hope that when their showers of
grape ralned among their foes, they will fall
ter and fall back. Baseless delusion! The
grape, like hail stones, thin our ranks-on-
ward they rush-reach close musket shot
deliver their fire and with an impetuosity as
irresistible as the Alpine avalanche, crown the
breast-Work, and put to death and flight its
brave defenders Their own guns are imme-
dlately turned upon the flying enemy, and the
shot they had collected to destroy the Sc North
ern Barbarlans" NOW down their own ranks
like the grass before the scythe
Happy they who were participators in the
storming of Cerro Gordo! Well may they be
proud of the deed of noble daring that day
displayed! With swelling hearts may they
hereafter look at their colors, which, with the
names of other hard fought battles, the Gov
eminent must permit to be inscribed upon
them. The Rifles, 1st Artillery, Sd and 7th
Infantry-the three latter veterans in the SER
vice-the former veterans on their first cam
paign. Glory and praise will be awarded
them, and it is to be hoped they may reap
some little reward
What would | not have given to have seen
the gallant Harvey leading his Brigade to the
charge! Those who have never seen him,
nor have had the pleasure of enjoying his So
ciety can hardly appreciate the man and Off
Ger. Let me see if can sketch him for you
OF lofty statue, sandy hair, very light COM
| plexlon, frank, generous expression of coun-
tenance, form perfect in symmetry, without
one particle of superfuous flesh, fit ssrun for a
mans life,'' in the prime of manhood, with a
mild but determined blue eye, and you have
him standing before you. Mount him on his
noble charger, excite that blue eye until it al
most sclntllates, and give animation to that
form until it appears to expand, and you have
one of the most gallant, dashing officers in any
service. He is a man Of an iron will, and, if
ne cessary, of desperate courage AS a part-
san officer he is conspicuous. deem him the
best in the service. Like all men of such
temperament, he is a warm and devoted friend
and bitter enemy. Think of his towering
form carrying his Brigade to the stormng OF
that terrible height! What picture for an
artist! Harvey with arm outstretched and
sword drawn, pointing to the heights with his
gallant Brigade, regardless Of all obstacles,
rushing into the enemys breast-works! All
accounts represent him as conspicuous, and
that the clear shrIl tones of his voice, calm
almost to frigidity, could be distinctly heard
all the way up the mountain side!
Those are the charges that try mems souls,
and the success of attending them is so bril-
liant, that we almost forget that &c every sweet
has its bitter'-that while the nation is full OF
pride and exultation at the result many fire.
side, many dear home, is clothed in mourn
ing and buried in grief Spirit cfthe Times