The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1857-02-11

N's'"' ihN1 tne Sicrk OF tue house
be directed to communicate a copy OF
these proceedings to the family Of the de-
ceased.
Mr.. Quitman 81 Mississippi, said :: I can
not permit this sad occasion to pass with
out adding a few words to the eloquent,
just, and appropriate tribute which has
been paid to the memory of the lamented
deceased by bis friend and colleague.
He whose sudden aad ustimely death
We now mourn was also my friend. Years
ago, when the first down of manhood was
upon his cheeks, l 4 knew him. | had seen
him at Vera Crus, sharing with his men
the privations the dangers, and the ,ri
uInphs Of that famous siege. Whether
marching through the scorching sands of
r tropical shore or trarersing the frosty
mountain passes, he ever exhibited the Sc
rene cheerful, and determined bearing of
the soldier and gentleman. In sunshine
and IN rain, 10y day and by night, when
pinched by h&nger and thirst, as well as
when surrounded with plenty, he well
performed his duty.
He was an officer Of that gallant Pal.
metto regiment, which on a bright day in
March formed its line Of one thousand
men OF the beach at Vera Cruz, and
which. when, 6 months afterwards, its flag
soiIed by the smoke Of battle, was planted
on the gates Of Mexico, could muster but
three hundred men fit for duty. lis brave
and accomplished commander, Colonel
Pierce Butler, who fell on the CORY field of
Cherubusco, was the blood Einsman Of the
deceased. Its second field officer, Lieut..
Colonel Dickensoa, having fallen in the
same field. and its Major GLADDEN., severe
ty wounded at the Belen Gate, the COM
mand devolved on Capt. DunoYant, the
brother.in-law Of the deceased.
On every battlefield on which the
standard of that regiment hoated, slough
bathed in Cardinals best blood, it was
ever borne to victory. Such was my con-
hdence in the officers and men Of that
regiment that, had it ever been my lot TO
see that proud flag laid low upon the
bloody field, I would have looked to find
beneath its tattered folds the corpse of the
last survivor Of that gallant band.
Five Of the relatives Of the late Captain
Preston S Brooks fell in the last battles
OF the valley Of Mexico. lie himself had
been compelled by severe illness TO return
home, and did not rejoin his regiment un.
til after the capture Of the imperial city.
AT the commencement ofthis Congress
after years Of separation, [ again met my
former comrade on this floor. and rsceiv.
ed daily evidences Of his gentle and kind
manner towards his friends. His soul
was the abode Of integrity and hoaor-
His intercourse with his fellow-men was
distinguished for simplicity, candor and
truth and all will admit that he has left,
short ms his career has been, upon our re-
cords repeated evidences Of his talents and
abilities.
Mr.. Campbell ofOhio, said: Mr.. Speak.
cr, the dispensation which has deprived a
Slate Of N Gifts members makes this a
most solemn meeting of the House OF
lK saGSSiss elk Sac a hhs sS sirsa% sa.ssss ST. S2 a
fellow-member, when 10 the prime oflife
and vigor Of manhood, will justify the re-
mark that ale who doe,h all things welr'
has again repeated to us with emphasis his
warning, In the midst Of life We are in
death"
Preston S Brooks was elected .hree
times a member of this House by the peo.
pie IT South Carolina. He merited their
confidence because he was the faithful ad-
vocate Of their political sentim ents and
the jealous guardian OF their rights, their
interests, and their heaor. NV personal
relations with Mr.. Brooks here were al
such a nature as to enable me to know
and appreciate his virtues. He was a
man of kind heart and the most tender
susceptibilities. His colleague, (Nr. KEITH
has well said that his friendship was of
extraordinary ~,enacity. If these elements
which are among the highest characters
tics Of true manhood, ever led him to acts
which our judgment would decide TO be
wrong. let us remember that "to err is hui
man, TO forgive divine"
During his Congressional career Mr..
Brooks always commanded friends and
admirers in social life. He stood by the
bedside Of his sick fellow member from
your State, Mr.. Speaker, ministering to
bis wants through the weary hours Of
night. Again, he was ready to perl his
life in defence Of a member from OHIO
whom he regarded as in personal DANCE,
incidents snch as these within my own
knowledge, the records Of the war depart.
ment showing that he responded prompt
ly TO the call OF cur common country, and
the statements just made by the gallant