The daily union., 1852-08-03
Letter from Lieut.. Drum, United states Army


preferred against General Pierce BY vile parlisanS OF The
wLis party is receiving day BY day that exposure and
buke which lis meanness and mendaey deserve Gal,
LIANT officers and soldiers both OF regulars and volunteers
who served with General Pierce in Mexico, unite in
pellng mpaaiions injurious 10 the wellearned rep
utalion OF bolhsrn-s'ms. The following letter from
Lieut. Drum of the 4lh artillery, addressed 10 Hon
Charles Shaleg, of Piusbug, will be read with great IN
terest
Fosr BRApy, sau 81. Marie, tMich,)
DEAR SIN In reply 10 your nteog atory respecting the
absurd allegation that General Pierce managed faint
al the comm nc Of every battle" during the
pagn ia valley OF MexIeo will give you the follow
ing detailed sVentns of most If not all,
G,rsyal Pes's aacoeaeais du,iag those engagements
On the Isth OF August isl7 General Pierce directed
10 act with his brigade supporting force 10 that portion
oil TwiXgss division ordered auack in front the
emys position at ConireIas.
In ing with these nstructions, he was exposed 10
a continued discharse of round shot and shells. The
(ienera this mounted and riding along ledge
of pedriga (vocanic rock After having advanced with
his force about half mile, directly towards the enemy
work. the fire from their battery became very severe The
air being flied win missiles, his horse TOOK right and iei
with i'm the ledge, throwing the General some distance
and innring him vesy severely The general Impression
al the time these who witnessed the accident was thar
he was either killed or severely wounded
He was, think, when this accident happened, IA ad
.nce o his brigade and certainly displayed during that
snyaeeme NJ as much giianty any whose actions
came under my observation.
Though seriously dsabied as was indesd eViaeh. fo"
bix appearance, he remained in the hed thn
t.. and insisted upon joining in the contest the morn
iny Of the 10th and although It was with difficulty he
could his horseback, he led his command
dn,o s OF Churubusco while there. he was
y.lisved in com aad by Gen Sheld IN consequences OF
the injury received the preceding day,
F,om his injury Gen Pierce did not during his
.av in Mexico and was, believe, the cause OF hts re
,u,n home soon ater the occupancy OF the capital
Gen Perce's conduct during his march from Vera Cinz
10 Pueba certainly sufficient 10 shield hun from SO iou
an accusation the one above quoted.
within nv own Knowledge he was frequently exposed to
tho ~nemys fire. and upon every occasion conducted bm
s with that propfey that should characterize the conduc
OF every brave and true soldier
Ia has never presumed be military man but those
ho ssed hi conduct know that every order given hn
.xax not only fully executed but with prompness and
rect that secured him the esteem and confidence
~ IN. mos, prominent military Of the army. There
was however one great military virtue that Gen Pierce
failed exercise aude, sir 10 his unceasng eff
forts to alleviate the snengs and necessary pvations
abe men under his command Al with him duty tc
contbu,e with kind words and attentions to the comfo
or the sick and wounded soldiers, and from his persona
means secured them many necessaes of which they
destitute.
In conclusion, say that amongst those who were
more closely connected with General Nerce and who were
.nssse. oi his acts heaM the slightest init
mation OF want courage his part the contrary
he was esteemed brave, good man. aud officers anc
soldiers were warmly attached 10 him.
I am, sir, respectfully, yonrs
RICHARD G. DRUM,
Lieutenant 4th Artillery, u. s A.
Hon. CHARLES SuALER.