The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-09-13
Testimony OF q Democratic Soldier.

The Wheeling Inteligsncer has the following
spontaneous testimonial from Democrat who serv-
ed in the Mexican war under General ScorT. 1t is
the unsolicited declaration of an honest man, and
needs no comments:
"1he statements of some of the opponents of
General Scott respecting his arrogance, aristocra-
cy, AVID exclusiveness, are SO utterly unfounded
and unjust to his noble character, that i cannot,
though Democrat, refrain from detailing slight
incident to which was party in the campaign in
Mexico. was in the entire campaign, from the
bombardment of Vera Cruz to the taking Of the
capital, and have had every opportunity, which a
soldier could have to know h's character, and the
estimation in which he was held by the whole
body OF the soldiery, and hesitate not to say that
there was not high minded and honorable soldier
word derogatory TO the military and generous
character of Scott. He was admired. by all, be-
loved by all; and the soldier who, in that cam
paign, would have uttered word derogatory to our
general, would have been scouted at by his COM
pany. was member of Light Company g, Fly
ing Artillery, Captain Duncan, Twiggs's division,
and was engaged in every conflict, except Chu-
rubusco to the taking OF the city AT the battle OF
Conreras it was my fortune to be in the column
which retook the two s:x-pounders which had
been taken from Captain Washington's battery
at the battle of Bucna Vista. While engaged in
turning these guns upon their late masters, re-
ceived shot in my thigh, which entirely disabed
me for the time. and my company were forced to
leave me on their onward attacks. After the bat
tie had been concluded, and the victory had been
won by our conquering columns, endeavored as
best could to regain my column which had press
ed forward to the field of Churubusco-the haste Of
the consecutive battles of the Goth August not hav
ing allowed of their providing for the dead and
wounded. After the most painful efforts on my
part 10 reach some portion OF the advancing col
umn, prompted as was to almost supcrhuman
efforts from the danger of being exposed to the
guerillas, who Infested the rear OF our army,
made my way to a field of corn, bordering on the
HcII IF hiatt FINAL C limo tpY hal ed
near stone wall, which was raked by Riley's (the
deserter) battery.
sIn this trying situation was about giving up
all further effort and resgning myself to fate,
when my at ention was attracted by the approach
of lone horseman, on the opposite side of the
fence, who Immediately, upon seeing my helpless
situation, came to my relief. He dismounted from
his horse and assisted me over the fence, and res
cued me from the very jaws of death. In short
time was relieved and placed in safety; and thus
was indebted for my life to Winfield Scott,rthe
officer who came alone to the post OF danger and
rescued helpless soldier Of the line. This s but
one of the many incidents which the generous sol.
diers Of the army of Mexico can relate OF their
kind, humane, and great leader. Every moment
he spent in the vicinity where ! lay he was ex.
posed to the rakng shot of the base deserter, yet
he paused not, faltered not; but then, as ever,
he proved himself the humane and gallant leader
whom the soldiers will remember in his hour of
need am a Democrat; have never given
Wing vote; but il can get to the pole will give
my vote for him whom have tried in the hour OF
need and found my friend. He was ever ready to
do his duty in the hour of battle in Mexico, and
the soldiers of the army of occupation will in their
turn do their duty in November, and rally again
under the banner Of their leader, who has often
led them to glorious victory. In the army we
heard of Pierce, but never knew him. He was
never with us on the battlefield. He may have
great qualities, and he may not. For myself,
shall support the man whom l know to be great,
who wus with US and of us, and with whom and
for whom shall be at the polls in November.
"DANIEL KNEKpLER.