Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1848-04-06

decidedly think that if Bliss did not write
them, it was not from want of capacity.
On the other hand, if Taylor wrote them,
he adds to his other high qualifications, that
Of being one Of the very few men in the ar
my who could have wrote Them. Nor is
there wanting evidence to prove him equal
to their composition A writer in the Lite
rary World" who has gra,ifed the public
with his Renaissance of Taylor, says that,
years ago, when the General was only a
Colonel, he was remarkable for the culiiva
ton of his mind, his fondness for literature,
and the terse, yet eloquent style in which he
talked. That Taylor has written letters in
ferior to his published dispatches has been
quoted as proof ,ha, he could not be the
author of the letter. But who writes with
equal eloquence at all times? The best
writers have frequently written slovenl Y let
tiers to familiar friends. A composition
dashed off in hurry, and one carefully pre-
pared, must differ of course and this may
be the secret Of the contrast between Tay-
lor's official and some of his private letters.
But even of these latter, the ma orily are ad-
mlrably written. On the whole, the author
ship of these official dispatches may still
be considered undecided. What adds to the
perplexi.y Of tie question is, that Taylor
and Bliss resemble each other very closely
in mind, possessing a strong common sense,
which shows itself in the faces, as we'll as
in the character of these men. This quail
ty, we think. is strikingly perceptible in our
portrait of Bliss.
Major Bliss is the hero Of many anecdotes
in connexion with Gen. Taylor; and, in
deed. the names of the two men are Indis-
solubly associated, to a certain extent. III
the public mind. One of the most celebra-
ted of these anecdotes, is that told in rela-
ton to the crisis at Buena Vista. When
Capt Bragg saw the Mexicans advancing to
their last assault, he was at first inundated
by the disparity Of numbers, and sent to
Gen. Taylor, asking for reiniorcemenls.-
"Tell the General" was his message, "lhal
if not succored. shall lose my guns" SO
back" said Taylor to the aid-de- camp, ''and
say to Capt Bragg, tina, ! have not man to
send him. He must die where he stands, as
we all must" The aid ga!lopped off. and
was soon lost through the smoke. The
General looked at him for moment, and
then beck coming to Bliss, both hurried after
the aid, whom they overlook just as he
reached Bragg. Taylor pulled in his rein
and. said,"I have brought you all the reserves
| had, Captain Bragg-lhey are Major Bliss
and myself" Then looking at the darken-
ing columns of the Mexicans, which ere
fast approaching, he added the memorable
words, "Give them little more grape, Cap
tain % At the word, the guns we charged,
and the match applied. The fierce concus-
sion shook the hills, and as the smoke lift
ed, the columns Of the enemy were seen in
disorder. A second discharge checked their
advance and third drove them back. "a
lille more grape" had proved better than a
thousand bayonets.
Major Bliss was in every battle fought by
Gen. Taylor in Mexico. When most Of the
regular officers were detached from that ge-
neral's army, and sent to join Scott prior TO
the attack of Vera Cruz, Bliss continued
with his old commander. During the spring.
summer and fall of 1S47, he remained at
headquarters; and when Gen. Taylor re-
turned TO the United States on furlough,
Bliss accompanied him. He is now on a
visit 10 his native State, New Hampshire,
which has reason to be proud of so dlstin-
guished son.