Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-01-14
FROM TIE REPUBLICAN BANNER
THOMAS EWELL.

-.ar- THOMAS EWEL1s.
When those whom the Creator has endowed with
superior intellectual powers, the noble the gener
GUS prernaturey quit the stage OF action, although
we may not repine at the lnscrutable dispensatonS
of Providence we cannot suppress a feeling of re-
greet that such should not have been permitted to
run the glorious career and to reach amid shouts Of
triumph the bright goal that appeared to have been
set before them But many have fallen early in
lfe's conflict, whose character and whose actions
NAV adorn the proudest page OF a nations history
and excite the most enthusiastic admiration. Such
is the example of him whose name heads this ar
tice The incidents of his early life and consider
able portion of the narrative are Spstssn{s cerbs
from the polished pen of an accomplished female
relative of the hero whose name this brief memoir
is intended preserve from oblivion.
Thomas Ewell was born at Centreyille, Va, in
March, 1922 He was the son OF DR.. Thos. Ewe
and grandson of Benjamin Stoddert, a captain in
the Revolutionary army, who was wounded at the
battle of Brandywine, was afterwards appointed, by
Genl Washington, Secretary of the Board Of War
and some years LATER became the first Secretary of
the American Navy. Three of his grandsons have
already persisted IN their country service
When Thomas Ewell was three years ofage his
father died and his mother removed to a small farm
in Prince William county Va, where her sons en-
loved the usual advantages OF our country schools
and the future hero was early distinguished for his
quick apprehensons by his ready wit and his dar-
ing spirit of adventure.
In 1886 he emigrated to Tennessee, at the in
stance OF his uncle, William Stoddert, of Jackson,
in this State, who designed training him to his own
profession, the law; but he died before young Ewell
had finished his collegiate course. He was gradu-
ated in the Nashville University, in 1899 and many
of his classmates will remember his eloquent ora
ton on Poverty the nurse OF genius" This choice
of subject will readily suggest that his early years
had not been passed IN bowers of luxurious case,
where the unfortunate of wealthy fathers learn
too soon that there is neither work nor place for
them in our model Republic; but in stern conflict
with the realities OF life, his body had been
strengthened and his mind nerved to the conscious
ness that he must make for hmsefa name and a
place among his countrymen, or fall unnotced, by
the wayside.
Gu leaving College he returned to his unce's
home in Jackson and, at the early age Of seven
teen years, opened classical school which was well
attended and very popular. AT the same time
he pursued the study of the law until after two OF
three years finding his health giving way, under his
accumulated labors he resigned his school and de-
voted himself entirely to his profession. This how
ever, did not long continue; for James X. Polk be-
ing or a visit to Jackson, with his well known sa-
gacity, in discerning the merits OF young men soon
discovered the talents of Thos. Ewel, and advised
him TO enter at once into politics To ayoung man,
not vet twenty-one this advice too pleasant
and too fattering to be neglected and he became a
candidate for the State Legislature. Differing in
his political views from large majority OF the peo-
pie of his county he was defeated, as he was also
year or two later when candidate for Demo
cratic electur for President
Thus fooled in his immediate objects and half I'M
fitted, by his health, for returning his laborous
profession, he hailed, with heartfelt satisfaction the
prospect of'distincton in the war with Mexico, and
President Polk appointed him lst Lieutenant in the
new Rife Regiment The President who had a
high appreciation Of his military talent wished to
nominate him Captain, but yielded to the remon-
strances of his cabinet against appointing one so
young from civic life, to so important position.
After some time spent in the recruiting service,
burning with impatient ardouT, for an opportunity
to distinguish himself and to participate in defend
ing the honor of his country in war that he deem
ed Just and necessary he descended the Mississippi
with others Of his regiment and speedily embarked
for the scene of his glory. Many heart that now
lies cold in the valleys of Mexico, throbbed with de-
light, and many eye, destined never more to be-
hold its country's shores and native home, beamed
with ioy, Oh approaching the coral battlenent5 of
San Juan de Ulloa. During the seige of Vera Cruz,
the gallant Ewell displayed the promptness, energy
aud alacrty that characterize the officer OF high
promise The city and castle having fallen, the
American forces advanced to meet and encounter the
Mexican army, under Santa Anna, In its strongly
fortified positions. AtCerro Gorlo the enemy oc-
cupied heights strengthened by works of various
kinds, deemed, by them, impregnabe. Gen. Scott,
relying upon the skill and courage OF his men and
officers, determined to attack and dislodge them,
Notwithstanding their superior numbers and advan-
tageous position. On the 10th aud 18th of April
lS49 he made his dispositions accordingly, aud on
the 18th, he ordered the attack upon all assdilaEle
points.
Under the eye of the invincible Harvey the gal
liant Ewel led the assault upon the central and prn
cipa position of the enemy. The carnage was APP
palhng but amid the din and slaughter, he marched
with answering step to the charge Of the Mexi-
can works, followed by many of the most daring
spirits of the whole army. The onset was terri
bic and the enemy gave away IN all quarters. "1n
the imminent deadly breach Ewell fell mortaly
wounded and was borne TO place within the enc
mics, entertainments, while shouts OF victory and
exultation rent the air. No one, on that memora-
Die day, yielded his life, willing sacrifice on the
altar of his country, whose gallant bearing excited
such admiration, or whose death produced such
profound regret, among his brother officers as that
of Thomas Ewell They Immediately assembled
around him in united effort to soothe his dying
moments. The COMMANDMENT Chief Gen VIM
field Scott was with him, IN few minutes alter he
fell grasping his hand bending over him, calling
him the Hero of Cerro Gordo, the bravest Of the
brave and assuring him that such man should
not, could not die" But the sympathy OF friend
and brother in arms was unavaihng to stay the eb-
bing tide he felt that his hour had come, and few
hours after, he camly expired after giving some
brief messages for friends and beloved relatives at
home ..sr
But IN the language of Gen. Scott, such man
could not die He lives in the hearts of his country
men and his name will be emblazoned on the
brightest page OF the nations annals limo historic
marble or stored urn transmit his name to latest
posterity, if he have not niche which he well de-
serves, in that proud temple which now adorns the
beautiful emnence, once the residence Of those he
held so dear yet he will live in the memory of a
grateful country SO long self sacrificing patrio-
tic devotion shall be hello to be a virtue. He died
in the 10Th year of his age, leaving to his family
the remembrance Of his brilliant talents his gener-