Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1852-07-03
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
OF THE
LIFE AND SERVICES
OF
GENERAL FRANKLIN PIERCE
Democratic Nominee for President.
Democratic Nominee for President

USInOcTdtC NOAtfHet JOF TFeStucHs
GEN FRANKLIN PIERCE, the present demo
cratic candidate Eor President, whose nomination
was so unanimous and enthusiastic, is the son o
an old revolutionary soldier His fathers name
was Benjamin Pierce. He is repre- sented 10 have
been a true type of that race of heroes whn lived
in the "times that tried mems souls" He was
an honest, plain, blunt man. of sterling common
sense, and unfiinchiag patriotism. He is repre-.
sened not TO have been a highly educated man
las few, indeed, were 10 those early days of our
country when the means of education were so
limited, and when the duties that devolved even
upon the young were exacting. Benjamin Pierce,
however, made up in native strength of charac.
Ter and goodness of heart, what he lacked Of the
discipline Of the school and the polish of The
academy. te volunteered as private soldier
In the revolutionary struggle, through the entire
course Of which he fought with that ardor and
devotion which was the peculiar characteristic Of
our revolutionary sires. 1t is enough 10 say Of
him, however, in this connection that he was one
oflhat Spartan band which fought on Bunker H III,
the first great battle foI our freedom. After the
war Of the revolution was over. be enj,yed in
his native State, the esteem of hs frllow-citizens
---was elected to offices of trust and honor. and
aud again in 1929. Many are the anecdotes told
illustrative Of the gallant old man. They all
prove him he remarkable for his native strength
Of mind, his public and private virtues. and his
wbole'souled devotion to the cause of American
liberty.
From such man, the present democratic can
ddate is descended, and all who know him are
free TO admit that he is worthy son of such a
fathar Ep.Nu pfpprp uaa horn in ha tnun nf
HistOrough, N. H., in 1904 and is consequent
iy about 4s years OF age. ln the same vicinity,
Lewis Cass, Daniel Webster, and other great
men of the country, first saw the light He re-
eeived classical education, aud was brought up
90 the legal profession, in which he soon became
eminent, and Of which he has been. for many
years, the chief ornament in his native State. -.
At very early period OF life, Gen. Pierce at
iracted the attention, and secured the esteem and
confidence of his fellow cizens, who were not
slow in bestowing upon him marks of favor
When very young, be was elected TO the Legis-
ature Of New Hampshire, and when only twen-
ly seven years old, he was elected Speaker of
the House of Representatives a position which |
be filled with dignity, innness and courtesy, un-
usual in one OF his age.
After serving several sessions in the Legisla-
ture Of his State, he was elected TO the lower
house of Congress in 1888, and again in 1885 |
In 1887, while member of the House, he was
elected to the Senate OF the United States, being
then about thirty.ihree years OF age, and held a
seat Ia that exalted body until 1872 when be
resigned, and returned to the practice Of his
profession. The Congre ssional course OF
General Pierce was one of usefulness 10 hi
country, and honor 10 himself, and we shall be
pardoned for dwelling upon it at some length.-
WI hen he first entered Congress, his political
opinions were firm and decided, end he consist
emily adhered TO them under the most trying cir
cumsances His record is to which we
proudly refer, ms that of man national in all his
sentiments, 'and patriotic in all his views. Gen.
Pierce's Uniform and consistent course while in
Cong ess. upon all questions ia which the con
stiulional rights of the South were involved is
worthy of the highest admiration, and certain
wherever known, 10 endear him 10 the hearts Of
The Southern people.
Those familiar with the political history Of that
period. will remember that The first sesson of the
z4'h Congress (ls35-6.) was a most trying time ,
with the friends of the South From all sections
o. The North, petitions were sent for The aboli-
-lon OF slavery ia the District Of Columbia ,
nese petitions, is true, we're mostly signed by
women aad chIldsen. but the esi;on of their re
'epuon aud reference became of great impor- .
ancs and produced the most excited feelings 4
Ohm Quincy Adams and his compeers were the I
hannels through which these .ncendiary papers :
'ere poured into Congress. and these men. on /,
very occasion, b3uled for their reception and /,
sierence 10 commuters. Against them stood =
rrayed the South and the friends of the South. T.
nd alihosgh then. as now. a large majority was I.
pPosed to the eisorgsnizing Efforts Of the sbo
uonisis, the contest was long and exciting. s.
At this eFeusa period, Gen. Pierce vas in {
congress, and from the first took high and pairi e
''c ground on the sulj-ei. Every vote given u
y him upon this exciiing subject idrn,ihrd him u
'iih the friends of the Souih. and called down ir
pon him the curses. Ioad and deep. nf Northern p
,naiies We have before Us sa abolition pub =
Gallon in which he Is grossly ss-siled for de- II
,arlng that his Constituents were e,sosed TO the p
!, soiion Of slavery ia the District Of Columbia ts
,sss assaults, however, moved him not. Ths o