Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-07-02
Fair Play is q Jewel.

Fair Play Is a Jewel.
In its issue of the 2lst ult.. the Washington Re-
public inserted communication signed lone who
Saw and Knows in which attacks made up
on General Pierce, with the view of creating i'm
preston that that gentleman had exhibited coward
ice or incompetence during his service in Mexico
This brought out reply from an officer of the old
line of the army, which reply was published in the
Republic-that of the 22d ult. It would seem but
fair that papers copying the charge should also have
paid some attention to its refutaton in the same pa
per. Such fairness, however has not been exhibit
ed by the Raleigh Register, which paper, in its is
sue of the 26th copies the reputed calumuy without
saying word about the refutation. Such course
does not contrast very favorably with that pursued
by the Republic, which paper did Gen. Pierce the
justice to publish both sides of the controversy As
this article signed g. One who Knows will no doubt
be reproduced by other papers as we'll as the Regis
ter we deem it but fair to give it and the answer to
it, signed Old Army" All we ask for is some
thing like candor and fair play:
General Pierce's Battles
We have before US the official list of officers who
marched with the army under the command of Ma
Tor General Winfield Scott from Pueb!a upon the
CITY of Mexico the seventh, ishth ninth. and tenth
of August, one thousand eight hundred and forty
seven, and who engaged in the battles of Mex
ico From this list we learn that General Franklin
Pierce was in the battles. of Contreras, Churubusco
Moline del Rey. near Chapultepec, near Belen and
at Garita de Belen. "-Republic, 9Th June.
TIC the Editor of tie Republic: -
SIR If you will examine the official reports, you
will see that General Pierce, though present with
the army in the valley of Mexico, was personally
gagged in not one battle. refer you to his owr
reports, in the message and accompanying docu
ments for 1918.
He fell from or with his horse on the 10Th August
(day before the battle of Contreras) Joined his brig
AIDE on the morning of ooh August after the battle
of Contreras. and fell from pain and exhaustion
(same day. before reaching the field OF Churubusco
and, by his official confession, beyond the range
of the enemy's guns. In the next battle in order
and time (Nlolino del Rey) his brigade was not en-
gagged. 1t was ordered up, but, according to Gen
Worths letter in answer to Gen SCOTS report, did
reacl that bloody field until two hours after the
battle was ended and the enemy entirely routed.
The next battle was Chapultepec and the garito
(gaes) of the city. the same day. September IL
= Pierce's brigade was engaged throughout the day
and with especial gallantry and success, al Chapul
tepec but Gen Pierce himself was not present, hav
ing reported sick. By his official report, ht
Joined his brigade Zone regiment OF it, at the Carr
ia de Belen at o'clock on the morning of the l4tf
September, which was after commissioners from thu
city hau nOtlneu zen llulLman commanding AT Intt
garita that Santa Anna had evacuated the city,
that resistance ended. Indeed: all firing hat
ceased The evening previous.
Thus it can be proved by the official records, tina
General Pierce, though present with the army. per
sonally took part in not single combat in the val
ley of Mexico
1t may have been his misfortune rather than hi
fault and the fact is stated not to prove Genera
Pierce skulker in epauletts, Ga case of cowardic
hardly to be conceived but that the claims put fort
for his military services not we'll founded, and
indeed, not equal to what you accord to him
will add, what seems not to be generally under
stood. that General Pierce Joined the army for tn
first time at Puebla-I think the day before the frs
division marched from that place for the city c
Mexico.
He resigned his commission and came home in tn
first train that left Mexico after the occupation b
troops of that city-some eight months be
fore the acar ,ras ended.
ONE WHO SAW AND KNOWS.