The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-06-30

auaCneu 10 me army, ne leIt the enuedr-
ments Of home at the call of the govern
ment, to participate in the battles Of his
country He left, also, lucrative profess
sion, which none other than patriotic
motive could have induced him to relin
qush The sacrifice, however. was most
cheerlully met. Gen. Pierce has won
high reputation in the United States for
his courage and bravery, as every paper
that reaches US bears evidence. He left
Vera Cruz in the middle Of July, with one
Of the largest reinforcements for General
Scott and most extensive trains that have
left that city since its bombardment.
sin the several battles before the city
Gen. Pierce's brigade behaved most nobly,
as all our readers are well aware, and the
General conducted himself most gallantly
at Contreras, Churubusco, and Molino del
Rey. though in the frst-named action he
sustained a severe injury by a plunge and
fall Of his horse among the rocks OF Pa
dierna. During the storming of Chepul-
tepec he was confined to his room by in
disposition, or he would have been charg-
ing with his men over the precipiious
heights where his gallant friend. the la
mented Ransom. tell. But, though Cen
eral Pierce has thus honoraby distinguish
ed himself, he is not ambitious OF retain.
ing his high position in the service, and
thus acquiring distinction in the army.
: lie prefers the quieter and gentler pursuits
of professional life, and we know that he
will be welcomed to his pleasant home in
New England with hearts as warm as ever
beat in the human bosom. He will return
to his native hills with new laurels, and
with the prayers of all that he may long
live to enjoy the company and society of
those who are dear to him. Many fears
since his departure from New England
have been expressed, in The public papers
and private letters. that General Pierce had
either fallen victim to the climate OF the
tiera calipnte, or under the guns OF the
enemy. His friends and relatives, how
ever, are now assured Of his safety and
health, and they will greet him with as
warm a welcome as an honored son of
New England ever received. Happiness go
with him!'
The Washington correspondent Of the
Baltimore Sun (neutraD under date Of
January n, says:
General Franklin Pierce arrived here
on Saturday, from Mexico This gallant
officer is on his way to New Hampshire.
on visit to his family. The General is
young man, and lorcbly reminds me Of
the generals Of the revolution. Full OF
talent, without pretensions-and full Of
military capacity without military bombast.
Once q Senator in the Congress of the
United States; once rendered the attorney
generalship- first he resigned before
the expiration of his term, and the last
he declined when offered. To his credit
be it said. that when the country called to
: arms, he was among the first who accept
ed the service offered him. The high opn-
ion held of him by men and officers.
, evinces the propriety of the selection and
the capacity OF the man."
The following letter from Cassius M.
Clay speaks the sentiments of every man
in the army who was acquainted with Gen.
Pierce. Mr. Clay could surely have no
, other motive but to do him justice:
Correspondence OF the Louisville Democrat.
WHITE HULL P. o.. July l8, l848.
"EDs. DEMOCRAT: In your paper Of the
: 5th instant your correspondent &C. rep
resented the Hon. Garret Davis as naming
General Pierce as one of the bad" ap-
pontments of President Polk | know
that in the heat of debate, party express
sions are frequently used, not intended to
have the effect which they necessarily have
when put in print; and from the Hon. G..
Davis usual character Of fairness, J am
: willing to award to him no desire to injure
the character Of any gallant officer for
political ends. But whatever may be the
5 designs of others. | take pleasure, in addi-
ton to the official reports in regard 10
General Pierce, to say that there was but
y one opinion of General Pierce. so far as
9 learned among the officers of all parties
>, in Mexico. There was complaint Of bad
u appointments by the President-bad, no,
u only by putting civilians over old soldiers
. > of the regular army, but bad 'per Se;' bu,
u of these General Pierce was not one Nc
J. considerations ought ever 10 cause inlus-
tice to be done any one. As a poitica
=. opponent. though personal friend of Gen
: eral Pierce, my humble testimony to his
:, u high worth. intelligence and gallantry
- :. can only be of the leust consideration
u because here in Kentucky he is not wei
:, known, therefore less honored.
g Your obedient servant,
J. &c. NJ. CLAY"
). The following lines. with the note ap
, pended, are from the pen OF J. Fl. War.
:. land, former editor of the Eagle. and an
n officer in the army at Mexico. The piece
n is entitled 'The spirit of Neao England
and contains notice Of most of her off
% GERS in the army. OF General Pierce he
4 speaks as follows:
~ "Break New Eugand's lion spirit!
i ND-not while Pierce plunge his steed'