The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-06-30
General Pierce.

We mad III the Richmond IVA Enquirer the following
warm tribute TO the merits Of General Pierce. from the
pen OF native virginan. and OF the most gallant
and accomplished officers OF the army
lfor Enquirerl
Messrs EDITORS Suffer express my unquaI fled
delight at the selection made by The late Democratic Con-
venIion and my pride that should have with
[tae sons OF the glorious old smother OF States" The
beautiful organization of the Virginia democracy was
Ineyer more conspicuous than on tina, occasion and
,neveT IN my opinion was displayed happier apprecia-
ton OF staieman's merits. and OF than pafty's-
lof nations wants Honor, then-high honor-to those
"ho had The sagacy first TO discern, and the hmness
20 MAINTAIN, ground which all shades OF patriotism
Imay blend, all honest sectional differences may harmo-
snize.
But moi politician in the srclest sense A dem
iocrat IRON conviction, yet rigorous partisan
My OBJECT In writing now is not to discuss political ques-
hons, but to discharge duty far more agreeable to me
10 vihdcae great and good mans reputation against
|aefaclon-lo pay an honest, meriled tribute 10 one
I" Whose life is gentle, and the elements
50 s,s mixed IN him tina. Mature ss nigh, stand up
My acquaintance with General Franklin Pierce has.
from the rst been intimate, and refers various periods
koi his public and private life. have known him under
circumstances which best try mems characters and dis
Icover their controlling principles have him when
loaded by applause, and when suDg by the shafts of
jenyy IN The quiet of domestic life and when holding
khigh rank m The proudest army that mustered be-
{aealh our iag In all relations, however situated, he
mas displayed only those qualities which command our
kadmlTalon. With sense of honor quick, clear,
3couid weaken courage fear Of consequences could
)'mpair he has pursued modesty, simplicity Of
character rare as It beautiful retaining the affection of
2old Trends, and adding to them others every step And
2now, 10 crown life so noble, nations confidence is
Sabout to accord to him that last honor which will,
indeed MI the measure OF his glory, but bring in
Rcrease TO his happiness
Let me return to the particular purpose Of this commu
9nca'ion is not so much 10 point TO the sociastil
less the polca-vir.ues OF General Pierce, but TO glance
LAY MN On held OF action too remote from popular OBJ
&servahon 10 be perfectly undersioodo sketch briefly
Fragment oil his military life, ard By il illustrate that
ehpatroes cast Of character which belongs 10 him pre-
<emlnenily--a character, may be added inseparable
q IRON true hcro,sn wherever found, IN whatever land
On arriving al Vera Cruz, General Pierce ound him
fined,-wh whom he had 10 cut his way 10 the army al,
Puebla Opposed BY Overwhelming numbers OF guerilla
Troops Obliged to traverse country void Of resources.
{and road capable OF every defence his task was
full OF difficulty and DANGER and might well have embar
{rassed The most experienced general But feeling with 4
I'm himself That consciousness OF strength ever attend
fant upon genius he did not hesitate instant. The
nr4t serious opposition was encountered at the MAJ
Slonai Bridge, which the enemy had barricaded and
by other Judlcous arrangements rendered almost i'm
tpassabe Like Napoleon at Lodi, Pierce saw at gancc
that his only course 10 nuke dash and, accord
smsy, directing the two pieces OF artillery fire gven
fskna' he pm himself despite toe remonsrance OF frends
earound, al the head oil four hundred men, gnd led
lpeiucusiy forward. Tie fire OF the artillery, as be-
anticipated, confused the enemy and rendered his aim
Eanceain, so thar hui little harm done to the assa
IaDtsthe General himself escaping with having his hal
ksirnck aud his check grazed by ball
rms niue affair, unimpor'ant In view OF any great
Esus, served well 10 exhibit in The commander those
TRAITS CHARACTERISTIC OF all grea, military leaders-a quick
lus' perception, resolution taken and matured on the
instant, and, above all execution rapid though-n
,repd 10 recklessness gallant officer Of the regular,
army, WAC was present. assured me on his arrival AT,
|rueba That the Generals bearing such inspire;
!the troops with the utmost enthusiasm, every one
Dressing joyful surprise that his daring advance uponj
,he bridge bad not cost him his life.
Mr. E1.iof, II IS with difficulty that can bring my
sen 10 notice calmly or even al all the spirit which has
iompied certain papers recently 10 deny to ths fine sol
uier, ms brave man, the OF good conduct
on the field of batile, where we next find him Alas
when political stsop low Hopeless, DIES
perale must be the cause. interruptions the partisi
when success is soug By xedient
ike and abSs q candid eI people
whether he who gives currency il, wiihou, having
made effort 10 inform himself Of the truth. does moi
assume some OF the guilt OF him who knowingly n,,es it
Now what sare the facts in the case In the opera
tons Immediately preceding the sormng OF the enlrench
ed camp at Conlreas, Q9h) and those OF the day
M the conduct OF General Pierce censurable at all
it was Tor mprudence-ior being positively Qlsroie
can do little than aude TO il here. beng unwilling
10 go into details OF the battles with which many OF your
readers are probably familiar On the 18th August. when
,the column TO which General Pierce belonged wasf
movlng over the rugged assured surface OF the pedrga
III is well known how narrowly he escaped death by The
falling OF his horse The poor animal, having his eg1
9broken by the fall unable 10 se and held the Gen
kera beneath him, from which painful situation be was
,extrcaed with some difficulty, bruised and crippled Upt
10 iba, occurrence. he had persisted wlhslandng the
Ide and was probably the only general officer connected
1wi'h those operations who had done His fret
5ey on regainng his feet, get rcmouned and con-
nue the execution OF his orders and needless OF earnest
<enteaes TO the contrary. he procured another horse
and caused himself 10 be lifted into the saddle Daring
the subsequent movements he pressed bravey on dis
charging with enthusiasm the duties appropriate to his
grade unll exhausted nature refused 10 be taxed longer
and the aFdor OF true soldier repressed BY physical
suffering past endurance
ee almost like asking pardon, sir, for occupying sol
{nneh oil your paper 10 defending my noble friend against
Ia charge so wicked, calunny sirocous. General
Pierce faint from fear r. Why, decidedly, II obliged!
TO discriminate between all the general officers engaged
IN the Mexican war, he OF The tro whom and
1many others would select for their high chvalc oncl
Par ereeenee IL bis character has defect it is unpef
fsiy Believe me, sir, this outrage upon truth and de-
3cency VIII ecoi upon those who have encouraged alan
yder Gross.
In conclusion, let me again copgr atulate you upon
'having nominee who will barmonze the party com
mand lis respect, and advance he great interests of the
county as believe has done since the
lof General Jackson. %.
From the Indiana Madisonian.
The Issue Fairly Made.
General Pierce Senate in dorfn,