Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-06-17
Who is General Pierce 2.

IhiCiuiy bioSiu y
General Pierce is son Of the late Benja-
min Pierce who fought in The revolutionary
war; was high-sherif Of the county Of Hills
borough, in New Hampshire, and was gov
ernor of the State in 1927 and 1829,-Ffank,
as his son was called, enjoyed the advantages
leges. ~
| General Pierce is therefore of a good stock,
aud he has proved himself a worthy scion
OF that stock. He was born in Hillsborough,
New Hampshire, and is now about forly-six
years ofage. r. rr f~.
Frank Pierce was brought up to the pro-
fession of the law. He now follows the le-
gal profession, and it is estimated that he
realizes by 1t about $4,000 year. He re-
sides at Concord. In his personal appear
ance he is of middle height and size, and of
good address.
He was elected member of Congress on
the democratic ticket in 1893, and was re-
elected in 1S35-thus serving four wears in
the House of Representatives while quite
young man-namey, from 1893 10 1881
He had previously been o member of the
Legislature of the State, and Speaker of the
lower House. While member of the
House o: Representatives in Congress, he
was elected member of the. United States
Senate for the term of six years, common
cling in 1887 but resigned in 1912, the fifth
year of his term, and returned 10 the prac-
lice of the law His colleague in the United
States Senate from 1887 to l841, was Henry
Hubbard, who was succeeded by the late
Levi Woodbury..
Upon the accession of Polk TO the Presi-
Dental chair, Mr.. Pierce was offered the At.
torney Generalship, but declined it. He
Il L., h,I for RI
lie would never consent to leave his home
for any purpose unless to serve his country
in war, and that in some case OF necessity.
At that time, Col. Ransom, who was PresI-
dent of The Military College in Vermont,
wanted a commission, in order 10 fight in the
Mexican campaign. Mr.. Pierce, who was
warm friend of his, wrote strong letter of
recommendation of him to the cabinet at
Washington. urging them TO appoint him to
the command of such troops as might be
raised in New England. The reply OF the
government was, that the request could not
he complied with, as it was intended to con-
fer the command upon New Hampshire
man.
That man was MIR. Pierce himself. 'But
he will not lake it, said Col. Ransom. but
he must take it, replied the cabinet.
Mr.. Pierce was Immediately offered the
Colonelcy of the New England regiment, and
was induced TO accept it, and Col. Ransom
was appointed Major of the same regiment.
Before the reg iment was raised, a vacancy
occurred in the office of Brigadier General
of the Third brigade, consisting of The
Ninth, New Eng land reg imenD the Twelfth,
raised in Texas, Arkansas, and other South
ern Southern States; and the Fifteenth,
raised in Ohio and Wisconsin. He was APP
pointed 10 this office and the other brigadier
generals appointed at the same time were
Thomas Marshall, Joseph Lane, James
Shields, George Cadwallader, Enos c. Hop.
ping, Caleb Gushing, and Sterling Price
He was superintendent of the recruiting SER
vice, and took an active part in raising the
| troops.
The commission of General Pierce was
dated March Sd, l847. He took command
of $500 men, and reached Vera Cruz
June 2Slh lo47, which shows that he was
not asleep. He joined General SCOTS
army at Pnebla. in July, 1S47. He was en-
gagged in the battles OF ConIreras and Churu-
busco in August, lS47. He was Twice in
jured in these actions by falling from his
horse.
When he reached Contretas, he met Gen
Scott, and under him engaged in the battle
there. There was a deep ravne between
the United States troops and the Mexicans
The enemy was drawn up at the other side
! in baItle array, and with his batteries placed
The order was given to charge and oulfank
them. In charging down, the round shot
OF the enemy was flying over their heads,
and ploughing up the ground. General
Pierce cutting at them with his sword, would
say, There, boys, is game of ball for you.
L. III, oba III fatl a
him. lie was severely I'M ured, and the
horse was disabled He mounted ano her
horse, and joined the fight. lie suffered
great pain all night, and could MOI Sleep
The surgeon ordered him no. TO go into the
field next day. That night they had lain in
arms, and the rain was terrible, and the sur
geon advised him to go back to San Au-
gustne, where there was a depot; but he
would not. He determined to 90 on to
Churubusco.
AT a charge in this battle, both his brigade
and that of Gen. Shields, were ordered to
get in The rear. He was again thrown from
his horse with such violence that he tainted
on the field. Afterwards, when the troops,
coming up, wanted to raise him, he told them
TO charge on and he would take care of HIM
self, though the Mexican Lancers were then
charging on the spot and towards corn
field He commanded his troops 10 charge
in advance. 4.l .'s.a
Aer this battle an armislice was pro-
posed, and Gen. Pierce was appointed one
of the commissioners.
At the battle of Moliny del Rev he rode
over the field, with the bullets flying about
him, and was called off by General Worth,
who told him he was rash. He was at the
battle of Chepultepec and when the victory
declared for the stripes and stars, the South
CaroIfnians and the Ninth regiment, which
had fough together al Churubusco and Con-
treras, met. Their blood had mingled in
one common stream. and the Palmetto regi-
men that lay dead on The field. General
Pierce addressed them and said, here The
extreme North and South had met together,
as common sons Of The glorious Unon--met
to maintain its rights and uphold its honor.
These battles had ceurented the union OF
North and South, and he hoped they would
be for ever united. Nine cheers were then
given for the Palmetto regiment, which were
loudly responded TO; and the same compli-
menl was returned by the Carolnians 10 the
Yankees.
After this battle he resigned his commits
sion and came home. The state Of his
health continued very bad all the lime he
was in Mexico, He was on the best terms
with Gen. Scott, and General Scott often in
vited him 10 dinner.
On returning 10 Concord, lie continued
his practice Of law, and has been in private
life ever since. He is married, aud has
three children. - ard 4-- ait ars