The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-09-28


exposed to so many hazards encountered SO many dan
gers and won their way to much distinction, as the
General whose name is at the head OF this article We
know Gen. Shields well We like the man, esteem his
virtues, and confess always speak OF him con
1t gives pleasure to do honor to one whose
principles talents and services deserve to be honored by
the people. Much to the surprise of many of his best
friends, Mr.. Shields surrendered honorable and
Portable Office in this city. He left social circle, in
which he highly esteemed and beloved TO his
country the battlefield, and to risk his life in
to which he was devoted. Consulting his own gallan,
spirit, he abandoned the civil for the military life and
noby has he graced the commission to which he was
promoted by the administration Thrown off by his position
on the Rio Grande from the batte-feds of Monterey
and Buena Vista, whilst his very soul sighed for part
cipaton in the service, and his letters breathed the
of gallant and disappointed spirit he sent
to join the column of General Scott From the moment
that his foot touched the soil OF Vera Cruz down the
battle of Cero Gordo, he displayed the martial qualities of
his character. In that memorable battle he was struck
down by large ball. which entered his breast and came
out in the back, penetrating it apprehended, his
lungs in vital part and rendering his cure impossible
With fine constitutions he struggled long with Death
and gradually and finally he survived the blow, and
reoned the army We hear of him again Perote, and
at Puebla and finally the battle fields of the 10Th and
goth September He mingled in the hottest parts of the
fight, and if death had spared him for higher dsnc-
ton, whilst his officers and falling around him.
Gen. Shields escapes second blow only to add second
laurel to adorn his brow. But this is not all He had
the opportuny-whch rarely falls to the lot of men,
which always improved but which, when properly
used always reflects the highest credit upon the manof
exhibiting the magnanimy of his character. His cour-
esy towards his brother officers was superior even to his
own chvalry. We copy the compliment which he de-
serves from the Columbus Statesman and which is con-
veyed in language that we could not presume TO initiate
ga writer in the New Orleans Delta in speaking of this
gallant officer during the late bae says Gen Smith,
having determined to attack the enemys right in the
midst OF preparation for that event. when Gen. Shields
ported his near approach with his brigade of South Caro-
lima and New York volunteers and an exhibition
of magnanimiy on the part of high minded soldier
brother officer. When Gen. Shields arrived he was the
ranking officer, and could have assumed the command
but he was not the man to pluck the bright laur
be gathered by brother soldier carrying one of the
strong works OF the enemy accordingly he moved subject
the command Of Gen. Smith, and his brigade placed
the village of Ensaldo, circumstances might require
either OIL the retreat of troops from Contreras
take the of the enemy flank if il should change
it, and attempt attack force towards Contreras
THE battle, from the description of it, have been
terribly severe. The account before says
hic equaled within the recollection of odes
soldiers the enemy than three times our mum
ber besides his advantage of artillery and positions added
this, he stimulated by the fact that 1t the las
effort of he could make before could
capital his troops knew that they were fighting for the las
remnant republic and they stood their ground with
much rmness and resolution any troops could stand
before the army present have here. The Of
musketry great that almost impossible for the
soldiers hear the orders of their officers There
point al which the action did rage with severity 10
more than hours which is proven by the fact that
loss this point was nearly 1000 men.
"Fortune, it is said favors the brave and in the in
stance of the gallant Shields it He would rot
General Smith of the honor of commanding although he
the senior brgadier present. but placed himself sub
ec the orders Of Gen. Smith, and stationed in tho
village. Tho tide of battle flowed in that quarter,
General Shields than any other officer in command