The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-06-29

Riley's company formed part Of an expe.
dition up the Missouri river as far as the
Yellow Stone. The expedition was COM
manded by Colonel Leavenworth. The
gallant Riley again distinguished himself
in actions with the Indians. particularly
with the Arickarees. In 1928 he received
the brevet of major for ten years. service
in the grade of captain. Shortly after
this time, Major Riley was sent with bat.
talon of troops on the Santa Fe trail, al
that time terra incognita. He afforded,
during the expedition, protection to the
traders, and, in several conflicts with large
parties of Indians, won new laurels, and
taught, for the first time on the praries oil
the West, lesson 10 the savage tribes
which they have never forgotten. In 1882
his regiment participated in the Black
Hawk war, the fearful cholera campaigns;
and Major Riley was, as usual, active in
the performance of his duties. In 1887
he was promoted to major Of the 4th inlan-
try, and was stationed at Fort Gibson on
the Arkansas river. His services for many
years had been on the remote frontiers of
the West and Northwest. About this time
ne was ordered to Florida in the war a.
gainst the Seminole Indians. In 1889 he
was promoted to the rank of lieutenant col
onel of the ed regiment Of infantry. and
took command of his regiment. at that time
operating in Florida. He and his regiment
were very active in the prosecution of the
war, and were several times engaged with
parties ofthe enemy. In 1914 he received
the brevet of colonel, to rank from "June,
1910, the day on which was fought the
battle of Chokochatta, Florida, in which
he particularly distinguished himself by
bravery and good conduct, and for long,
meritorious, and gallant services" In
! l842, at the close of the Florida war, he.
with his regiment, was ordered to this from
tier. and for more than three years his
headquarters were in the city. Here his
urbanity and kindness in private life, and
his soldiery bearing in the discharge Of his
duties, made him general favorite. He
was ordered to Detroit in l845 or early in
1916, and in the summer of-l846 his reg
iment was ordered to Mexico, to join the
victorious army of General Taylor. Be-
ing delayed some time to fill up his regi
ment with recruits, he did not join the ar
my in Mexico until after the battle Of Mon.
terey. In January, 1847, he accompanied
the armv in its march from Monterey to
Tampico, at which point he joined Gener-
al Scott, and was at the landing of Vera
Cruz. where he commanded the Cd brigade
Of Twiggs's division, General P. F. Smith
commanding the 1st brigade. Alter the
fall of Vera Cruz, the division to which
Riley belonged was pushed on towards
Mexico. and found the enemy in force al
Cerro Gordo, on the 18th April, 1847. In
this battle he received the brevet Of briaa
dier general for ''gallant and meritorious
conduct" AS the army approached the
oty Of Mexico, Twiggs's division had the
enemy's strongly entrenched camp to car
ry at Contreras. To Rley's brigade, sus
tanned by reserves, was confided, under
the direction of General Smith, the assault
ting of the work. The way they perform
ed it is matter of history. Riley received
the brevet of major general for "gallan
conduct" in this battle, August 90, 1847
When the American troops retired from
Mexico, Gen. Riley's regiment was order
ed to Pascagoula, Louisiana, and from
thence to Jefferson barracks, Missouri. Ii
the fall of l848 he was ordered to Califor
MIA with his regiment, and had most ar
duous duties there to perform, command
ing that military department, and er ogici
provisional governor. In his new voca
tions, whose duties and responsibilities h
encountered with that cheerfulness an,
zeal which had ever characterized him, h
gave entire satisfaction, and won the es
TEEN and confidence Of all with whom h.
was associated. While in California h.
was prostrated by disease, the seeds O
which were, perhaps, brought from tn
campaigns of Mexico, which were neve
entirely eraticated. and which, perhaps
may have brought on the malady that ha
terminated his life. In 1850 he was pro
moted to be colonel Of the 1st infantry
and ordered from California to take com
; mand of his regiment, at that time servin
on the Rio Grande. He reached Ne,
wreck of what he had been when he en-
tered Mexico. Incapable by debility an
the remains of disease of active duties an
command, he selected Buffalo as the plac
where he and his family had enjoyed heali
, and happiness, and where he hoped agai
} to enjoy those comforts in the society {
his many friends. He purchased prett
place, which he designated the 'Soldier'
Retreat" and daily his erect igure-noi
! withstanding ,debility-and his firm ste
; could be seen as he walked into the city
his health and strength apparently improv
: ed. In the winter of 1912 he was a
Washington, urging the settlement of hi
California accounts. While there sor
broke out on his right cheek, which con
tinued to spread, Notwithstanding the bes
medical treatment, until the whole side {
his face was destroyed by the cancer whic
t now has had fatal termination. Tha
tall. straight, soldierly form. which so ofte
t braved with impunity the balls OF the fot
sank under the attack of that enemy be
$ fore whom all must sooner or later bow
!. We shall no more see him in our mids
$ His warfare is ended. Rest, soldier, res
. He bowed with submission and resigns
!, tion to the decree of his heavenly Father
: trusting to the atonement Of Christ for hi
salvation.
e GREAT SPEED.-The Cincinnati expires
y train, on the New York and Erie railroae
: ran from Hornellsville to Susquehanna. o