The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-07-28
WOODsFIELD, OHIO, WEDNESDAY, JULY ss, 1852

by the vomito at Vera Cruz. and mono by
that disease on the march; and though the
bridge at San Juan had been partially dss.
troyed. the main arch at Plan del Rio had
been blown up, and he had been FIVE times
attacked, yet he says he had really en-.
countered nothing that could be construed
into serious resistance. III shall bring to
your command" the general informs his
chief, "abou, twenty.four hundred of all
arms. Tomorrow morning. at 4 o'clock
shall leave here for Puebla, and shall
make the march IN five days"
Gen. Pierce joined Gen. Scott at Puebla,
August 6, with his command in fine con-
dition. having made his way through a
country swarming with enemies, and with
but little loss. The bearing of the gener.
al in this march. his skill in avsiling him.
self of the service Of his staff. his sleep.
less vigilance, his ardor and energy. his
good judgment, won golden opinions
among military men, and elected the
warmest encomiums from Gen. Scott. II
was the judgment his compeers passed on
him. tina, had he done nothing else, he
would have established the reputation OF
possessing the qualities Of an able, brave,
and successful commander.
Tho American army (August y moved
forward 10 fight the great battles of the
valley of Mexico. which resulted in the
waving Of the American flag over the halls
oi the Montezu,nas. II is not necessary
TO detail events so honorable 10 the officers
who directed them and TO the country that
sent them forth. The first oil the strug.
giles were those Of Contreras and Churu.
busco. In describing tho former engage.
ment, the first notice, in Gen. Scotts off.
cial account, Of Gen. Pierce is that Of be.
ing .'more than three hours under heavy
fire Of artillery and muskets along the al.
most impossible ravine in front and to
the loft Of the entrenched camp. Besides
twenty-five pieces Of artillery. the camp
and ravine we're defended closely by mas.
ses Of infantry, and these again supported
by clouds Of cavalry at hand and hover.
ing in view" This was the front OF the
enemy's works at Contreras. The gallant
ninth and twelfth regiments Of Infantry
Gen. Pierce's command-moved with
great alacriy and coolness. and 10 the
admiration Of the army. for three.four,hs
Of mile under heavy fire of round shot
and shells, TO position which they nobly
maintained from o'clock until 8 o'clock.
p. m; when, not being able 10 make an
impression on a vastly superior force, they
were ordered 10 a new position.
The nigh, was dark; the rain poured in
torrents; the troops we've wet, hungry, and
without the possibility Of sleep. and the
ground was exceedingly uneven and diff.
cu,t-indeed i, was field Of rock and
lava. Late this memorable evening l9th)
"Gen. Pierce received" says Gen. Scott.
"a severe hurt from the fall of his horse.
Scot, next says. 81 sent Pierce, just able
10 keep the saddle. with his brigade, TO
attack the enemy's right aud rear" But
the accident rendered the General physi-
cally unable 10 struggle successfully with
the difficulties of the ground over which
he was obliged to pass, and in making the
effort he fell, faint from exhaustion and
pain, few yards from the severest fro of
the enemy's line. During this action Gen.
Pierce evinced the greatest GOODNESS and
bravery. As the. shot were flying ABOUT
him he exclaimed 10 his troops. "There.
boys. is a game of balls for you" II was
the frs, time that he fought under SCOTS
eye. who. in this despatch, terms him 1.-THE
gallant General Pierce" That noble SOL
dier. General Worth, too. in his official
report, acknowledges his obligations and
expresses his admiration Of his gallant
bearing. Gen. Pillow. also. says, in his
official report, august "a, 1919 "Briga-
dier General Pierce. though badly injured
by the iasl of his horse. while gallanily
leading his brigade into the thickest Of the
battle on the 10Th. did not quit the field,
but continued in command OF his brigade.
two regiments oi which-the 9Th and 18th
infantry. under the immediate command
Of the gallant Colonel Ransom, and Lieu.
tenant Colonel Bonham on the 10Th. aud
Captain Woods on the 20th-assaled the
enemy's work in front, at daylight, with
great intrepidiiy. and contributed much
to tho glorious consummation OF the work
so handsomely commenced on the preced.
ing day." While the official reports Of
General Piercs's superior officers are thus
ample ss to his bearing. those OF inferior
grade are not less so. An officer Of the
ninth regiment. writing from Mexico. in
I847. OF Gen. Pierce. says: . imagine |
can see him now upon that black horse at
Contreras. lie gave us a word or two as
we fled past. in a shower Of shot and
shells. in return for which we gave him
cheer. saw him, too. al Churubusco.
Notwithstanding he was hardly able to sit
on his horse, with the bullets flying round
him."
These great battles, which placed the
capital Of Mexico at the feet Of the Amer.
ican general, were followed by the well.
known srmistice. II marks the confidence
already felt in General Pierce that the
commander appointed him one of the
commissioners to treat with Santa An.I