Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-08-06

Letter from Lieut.. Drum, United States Army
The shameless charge of cowardice which has been
preferred against General Pierce by vile partisans of
the wing party is receiving day by day that expo
sure and rebukc which its meanness and mendacity
deserve Gallant officers and soldiers. both of regu-
lars and volunteers, who served with General Pierce
IN Mexico. unite in repeng imputatiors injurious
to the weli-earned reputation Of brother-in-arms.
The following letter from Lieut.. Drum, Of the 4th
artillery addressed to Hon. Charles Shaler of Pitts
burg, will be read with great interest
Fort BRADY, Saul St. Marie, (Mch.,)
July 20, 1852
DEAR SIR in reply to your interrogatory respec-
ting the absurd allegation that General Pierce
managed to faint at the commencement of every bat
tie during the campaign in the valley of Mexico,
will give you the following detailed statement as an
eye-ac'tness Of most, If not al Gen. Pierces movements
during those engd gements.
On the 18th of August, 1847. General Pierce was
directed to act with his brigade as a supporting
force to that portion of Gen. Twggs division order
ed to attack in front the enemys position at Con-
treras.
In complying with these instructions, he was ex-
posed to~a continued discharge of round shot and
shells. The General was at this time mounted and
riding along ledge OF pedriga lvocanic rock. y
After having advanced with bis force about half IL
mile directly towards the enemy work, the fire from
their battery became very severe; the air being fill
ed with missiles his horse took fright and fell with
HIM on the ledge. throwing the General dis
lance and I'M urng him very severely The general
impression at the time with those who witnessed the
accident was, that he either killed or severely
wounded.
He was, think, when this accident happened, in
advance of his brigade, and certainly displayed du-
ring that engagement as much gallantry any one
whose actions came under my observation
Though seriously disabled, as was indeed evident
from his physical appearance, he remained in the
field that night and insisted upon joining in the
test the morning of the Goth and although it
with difficulty he could retain his seat on horse
back, yet he led his command into the engagement
of Churubusco; while there, he relieved in
mand by Gen. Shields, in consequence of the injury
received the preceding day
From this injury Cen Pierce did not recover du-
ring his STAY in Mexico; and it was, | believe the
cause of his return home soon after the occupancy
of the capital.
Gen. Pierces conduct during his march from We
"a Cruz to Puebla certainly sufficient to shield
him from so foul accusation as the one above
quoted.
Within my own knowledge he frequently x
posed to the enemv's fire, and upon every occasion
conducted himself with that proprety that should
characterize the conduct of every brave and true sol
der.
He has never presumed to be a military man but
those who witnessed his conduct know that every
der given him was not on y fully executed, but with
promptnesss and correct Judgment that secured
him the esteem and confidence of the most proml-
nent military men of the army. There was, howev-
y er. great military virtue that Gen Pierce never
failed to exercise. aude, sir to his unceasing eff
forts TO alleviate the suferlngs and necessary priva
TONS of the men under his command. 1t with
him duty to contribute with kind words and atten-
tions to the comfort of the sick and wounded soldiers
and from mis- personal means secured them many
neessares of which they destitute.
/ In conclusion, must say that amongst thrse wht
were closely connected with Gen. p cree, anC
who were witnesses of his acts, have never hearC
the slightest intmation of want of courage on hi
part; on the contrary, he was esteemed brave gooc
man, and officers and soldiers were warmly attached
to him.
am, sir, respectfully, yours,
! RICHARD C. DRUM,
Lieutenant 4th Artillery, U. S. A.
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