Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1852-08-27

More Testimony.

Prom the Harrisbsr0 Keyaens.
More Testimony.
Below the reader will find letter from
Lieut.. r. C. Drum to Hon. Charles Shaler,
Of Pittsburg, Pa, again refuting the alb
surd charge Of cowardice made by the
more reckless Of the wings against Gen.
Pierce. We don't know that it is neces7,
sary to publish these refutations. We
presume no one believes the charge of
cowardice, which is abundantly disproved
by the official reports Of Gen. Scott him.
self; We publish them however for the sat-
isfaction of those who are desirous of hav-
ing . candidate who has really been not
only in battle; but in the post of danger
in range of the guns and shot of the enc
my. This Lieut. Drums testimony, as
we'll As the testimony of other witnesses,
establishes for Gen. Pierce, and while We
are on the subject We would like to know
whether there is any evidence to show that
Gen. Scott, in any of the Mexican battles,
was actually as near the fire of the enemy
as Gen. Pierce is shown to have been on
more than one occasion. Let it be under.
stood that We do not mean to insinuate
that if Gen. Scott was not within mile
Of the enemy's guns, it was because he
was AFRAID to 60 nearer; we have no doubt
that be was exactly where he ought to have
been, We know that Pierce was, but as the
Wings lay so much stress on his only be-
ing hurt by the fall of his horse, when, as
they doubtless think, he should at least
have been shot through the head to prove
his bravery, We would like to know wheth-
er the Commander-in- Chief gave in this
campaign any greater evidence of bravery
than was shewn by our General. We
pause for areply? Meantime read Lieut..
Drums letter
FoRr BRADr, Saut ST. Marie, (Mich.,)3
July 20, 1859.
Dean SIR: In reply to your interrosatory
respecting the absurd allegation that "Gen.
Pierce managed TO faint at the commencement
Of every battle during the campaign in the
valley of Mexico, will give you the following
detailed statement as an eye-Uitness of most, If
mot aA Gen. Pierces Hl0reDsents during those
engagements.
On the 18th Of August, ls47, Gen. Pierce
was directed 10 act with his brigade as a sup
porting force to that portion of Gen. Twigg's
division ordered TO attack in front Of the enc
my's position At Contreras.
In complying with these instructions, he
was exposed to a continued discharge of round
shot and shells. The General was at this
time mounted and riding along a ledge of
pedigral. (volcanc rocky After having ad.
vansed with his force about half a mile, d.
rectly towards the enemy's work, the fire from
their battery became very severe; the air
being filed with missiles, his horse took fright
and fell with him on the ledge, throwing the
General some distance and injuring him very
severely. The general impression al the time
with those who witnessed the accident was,
that he was either killed or severely wounded.
He was, think, when this accident hap
pened, in advance of his brigade, and certain
ly displayed during that engagement as much
gallantry as any whose actions came under
my observation.
Though seriously disabled, as was indeed
evident from his physical appearance, he re-
mained in the field that night, and insisted
upon joining the contest on the morning of
the Goth and although it was with difficulty
he could retain his seat on horseback, yet he
led his command into the engagement of Chu-
rubusco while there, he was relieved in COM
mand BY Gen. Shields, in consequence of the
injury received the preceding day.
From this injury Gen. Pierce did not re-
cover during his stay in Mexico; and it was,
I believe, the cause Of his return home after
the occupancy Of the capital.
Gen. Pierce's conduct during his march
from Vera Cruz to Puebla was certainly suf:
ficient to shield him from so foul an accusa-
ton rs the one above quoted.
Within my own knowledge he was frequent
~ exposed to the enemy's fire, and upon every
occasion conducted himself with that proprie-
ty 'ilnt should characterize the conduct of
every brave and true soldier.
He has Aver presumed b be q military
man bet nose who witnessed his condact
know that every order given him was not only
executed; hat with . prouptness and correct
iudgmeat that secured him the esteem and
csn6dence of the most prominent military
men Of The army. There was, however, one
military virtne that Gen. Pierce never failed
10 exercise. 8 allade, sir. to his uneeasing eE
fots to 3lIeviase The suferinss and necessary
privations Of the msa under his command.
h was with him u duty - cealfibute with
kind words and attentions to the comfort Of
the sick and wounded soldiers, and from his
personal means secured them many necessa-
rics of which they we're destitute.
In conclusion, must say THAI amongst those
nho were more closely connected with Gen.
Pierce, and who were Witnesses of his acts,
| have never heard the slightest intimatiOn OF
a want Of courage on his part; on the con-
trary, he was esteemed brave, good man,
and officers and soldiers were most warmly
attached to him.
am, sir, respectfully. yours,
RICHARD G. DRUM.
Lieutenant 4th Artillery, U. 5. A.
Hon. CHARLES SuALER.