Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-06-30
WHOLE NO. "a

Attorney GeneraiShlps but declined H.
He said he had no desire for public office.
and he would never consent to leave his
home for any purpose unless to serve his
country in war. and that in some case Of
necessity. Upon the outbreak Of the
Mexican war, when the whole country
was expected " 10 do It's duty, it was not
surprising that Mr.. Pierce should have
oeen Invited TO n prominent position
among the volunteers for death or CON.
quest. He was invited, as the seaael will
show, and honorcd the commission with
a coolness and courage worthy ofhis rev.
olutionary sire. AT that Time, Col, Ran.
som, who was President Of the Military
College in Vermont, wanted commission
in the army, In order TO fight in that cam,
paign, Mr.. Pierce, who was warm friend
of his, wrote a strong letter Of recon-.
mendation Of him TO the cabinet at Wash
ington, urging them to appoint him to the
command of such troops as might be rai-
sed in New England The reply OF the
Government was, that the request could
not be complied with, rs Il was Intended TO
confer the command upon somo New
Hampshire man. That man was Mr..
Pierce himself 'But he win not take
it." said Col. Ransom. "But he must
take it," replied tho cabinet.
Mr.. Pierce was Immediately offered tho
Colonclcy of the New England Regiment,
and was induced TO accept it, and Col.
Ransom was appointed Major Of tho same
Regiment. Before the regiment was raj.
sed, vacancy occurred in the Office Of
Brigadier General of the Third Brigade,
consisting of tho Ninth, New England
regiment,) the Twelfth, raised in Texas,
Arkansas, and other Southern States,
and the Fifteenth raised In Ohio and Wis.
consin. He was appointed TO this office
and the other brigadier generals appoint
ed at tho snmo time were Thomas Marsh
all, Joseph Lane, james. Shields, George
Cadwallader, Enos ID. Hopping. Caleb
Gushing, and Sterling Price. Ho was
superintendent of the recruiting service,
and took An active part In raising the
troops. Prcvioust TO his leaving Concord,
an incident occurred that Is worthy OF
mention, as showing the character OF tho
man. Captain Kimball marched with
eighty men, into tho town, on Sunday
evening, with fife and drum, and colors
| flying. This gave mortal offence 10 some
of tho Puritans, and General Pierce, heR-
ring il, ordered the music 10 stop, and the
company 10 dismiss TO their quarters fc.
marking that II was his desire to respect
the feelings Of all.
The Commission Of General Pierce was
dated March 5, l847 he took command
of $500 men, and reached Vera Cruz,
June 23, l847, which shows that he was
not asleep. He joined General Scott'S
army, at Pucbla, ia July i847. He WAS
engaged in the battle Of ContreraS aud
Churubusco in August, l84T. He was
twice injured in these actions by falling
from his horse. ilH
But let US go somewhat into detail,
from the time he set sail from Newport,
in the bark Kopler. Many of the troops
on board having become sick, suffered
great deal from want Of water, and were
placed on short allowance. After recei-
wing his allowance, he used TO take a
pitcher of water and 90 about aud distri.
buto it to tho soldiers. This was but d
sample Of his attention and kindness 70
his brave companions in arms. On aFTi.
wing at Vera Cruz, he lent every dollar he
had TO them, and he was frequently seen
carrying of wearied or sick soldier on
his own shoulder He did not enjoy good
health himself in that climate. He was
very sick shortly after he arrived, and
continued more or less III all the time, but
was still at his post with unHagging zeal.
The climate did not agree with him.
Near the National Bridge, about fifteen
miles from Vera Cruz. his force was at.
tackled by Guerrilla party, and the man.
ncr in which he acted showed his irmnoss
and decision Of character. He gave an
order 10 charge upon the chapparcl, In
the neighborhood where the enemy were
supposed 70 be. Col. Ransom, who was
an Intimate friend and major under his
command. objected, and having more OF q
military education than General Pierce,
he concluded his objection would be list
ened 10. 81 have given the ORDER" said
tho General firmly. II was then obey
ed, and the enemy put 70 figh4. Col.
Ransom Afterwards spoke Of The matter
Shortly after, the train was again attack.
ed by the Guerfillas ~ the National
B, idge, which was barricaded with chap.
parel. The troops were ffed upon and
two bullets passed through Gen. Pierce's
hat, not his head, BE ordered his
troops 70 dash over The baFTjeade and 70
charge the enemy. Captain Dnpcau, Of
the dragons, charged up The hill, and
put the Gurrillas 20 Eight Under al
these circumstances, be displayed cool.
ness and courage which showed he was
&c for command.
When he reached oontrcfas, he met
General Scott, and under him engagedih
the battle there. There was a deep "a.
vine between the United States troops
and the MexieaHs. The enemy was
drawn up at the other side IN battIe az.
ray, and. his batteries al placed
The order was given % charge and out.