The daily union., 1852-08-11

1
scended in direct line from one OF the pilgrim fathers
In this all civilized nations open immigration
Inc immigration to country is generally in proportion
70 lis prosperity, and often OF the chief causes OF
Ihat prosperity The value OF strong, honest immigrant
labor, IN struggle between and savage nature,
new continent like this, where there are such tempt
ing Inducements to trade and adventure, beyond the
calculations OF political economy The principle that
would exclude this laborlous class OF men, during the
useful and active portion of their lives from any partici
patton in the exercise OF political rights and the enjoy.
ment OF political privileges, has always encountered the
steady and united opposition OF ths democratic party
II is my good fortune 10 be personally acquainted with
both the distinguished citizens whose have been
presented by their respective parties candidates for the
highest office in the gift OF the American people Gen
era Winfield Scott is the candidate OF the whg party
For him entertain the highest personal regard and es
teen. | admire him much as do any living for
his great military talents. and consider him entitled TO
the gratitude OF his country for his glorious military
vices. But General Scott is no democrat. His political
convictions different from mine He is true to his
convictions; and for this he has my respect. mean to
be true TO mine; aud such is my knowledge OF his char
acer that know this will not lessen in his estima-
ton If the principles OF the democratic party those
that ought to prevail the conduct OF this government
then General Scott himself would admit, with the frank
OF true soldier that he is not the to represent
these principles Chief Magistrate of this republic Be
this il may, however, stand where have always
slood-in the ranks of the democracy
General Franklin Pierce is the candidate OF the demo
cratic party. The sterling qualities Of his character make
him worthy OF this distinction He is upright and hon
orable in all the relations OF life and peculiarly calcula
ted to command the respect and confidence of his fellow
citizens. Like Andrew Jackson, he has been lawyer,
statesman and soldier and it should be the good for
tune of this nation to have him for its Chief Mags-
rate he will, like Jackson conduct the affairs OF the
government upon the principles Of rigid economy and
Mar Hhartu lilo nuhl ~
councils of his native State, was always democratic
fearless, and independent He showed himself all
questions and on all occasions able and enlightened
statesman One of the nobles efforts OF his life in
opposition to that odous feature in the constitution of
New Hampshehat reproach upon the character of the
Granite State, which sgmatzes and disqualies Ameri
can citizens account of their religious opinions In
the face OF unworthy preudces Franklin Pierce baed
in true catholic spirit, for universal freedom of con-
science and denounced the prescription of that ancient
faith, which is still the faith OF three fourhs OF the Chris
tian world For this of justice and moral courage
he entitled TO the sincere gratitude of every American
citizen who condemns religious prescription and
religious liberty.
His in the councils OF the nation in perfect
harmony with his public course in his native State. Both
in the House OF Representatives and Senate OF the United
States, he was the model of enlightened democratic
statesman. The dignifed simplicity of his character
made him averse to ostentaton and display but his
for the advancement Of the public service
and the welfare Of the country He entered Congress
1888, and resigned his in the Senate in lS42 He
declined an appointment senator OF the United States
in ls45 He declined place in President Polk's cab
net in 1885, and the nomination for governor OF his State
in ls4s And yet this modest, unambtious citizen who
declined all these distinguished bonoTs, and who retired
TO private life in the very flower of manhood shoudeed
the revolutionary mket of his father and entered the mil
itary ranks private soldier the breaking out of
war between his country and Mexico There is moral
grandeur in this portion of the life OF Franklin Pierce
which reminds one Of the early and heroic age of this
republic!
President Polk. who was well acquainted with his in
trinsic worth, having served with him in Congress-
raised him from the ranks by appointing him first colonel
and then brigader general in the army OF the United
States He landed with his brigade Vera Cruz in June
ls47 marched from there to Pueba, where he joined
the headquarters OF the army the 9th of August On
this march. which was very severe on fresh eves his
brigade constantly barassed and attacked by large
parties Of guerllas II the universal opinion amongst
military in Puebla at that time that General Pierce
conducted the march with uncommon ability, and exhib
tied remarkable skill and courage 10 his conflicts with
the enemy.
Soon after his arrival he entered the valley of Mexico
The battle OF Conreras opened the campaign in that val
ley, the 10Th Of August Prerces brigade took very
active part in that engagement He himself commanded
in person on that occasion, and behaved with acknow
edged gaantry and though very severely injured by
fall from his horseor rather by the fall of his hose-he
continued in command n the midst OF the fire until late
in the night, when that action terminated.
The battle of Churubusco, Of the boodiest battles
OF the war, fought the next day. On this OCCASION
was ordered by General Scott TO take command OF
Perce's brigade and the meunain bow,zer battery in
addition 10 my own two regiments, and with this force
TO fall the enemys and off his retreat Pierce
and myself, with united commands, proceeded as
rapidly the nature OF the ground would permit carry
this order into faithful execution Pierce was suffering
deadiuy al this time from the injury OF the preceding
day. and, General Scott himself says his report
only "us able TO keep the saddle" As we approached
the enemys position, directly under his fire.
tered deep DITCH rather Deep narrow, smy canal,
which had been previously used for the purpose OF r
CATION. II was no time to hesitate both plunged
in. The horse happened 10 ride that day light.
| active Mexican horse This circumstance operated in
my favor, and enabled TO extrcae myself and horse
after considerable difficulty. Pierce, the contrary
was mounted on large, heavy American horse, and
and horse both sank down and rolled in the ditch
There compelled to leave him for, being in charge
OF the whole command, had not single moment TO
spare, and the manner in which few moments are en-
ployed such occasian may determine the fortune OF
field and the fate OF army. After struggling there
cannot say how long, he extricated himself from
his horse, and hurried on foot TO join his command
then closely engaged in desperate contest with
the enemy; and there he remained till, overcome by