Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1858-05-28
MAJOR GESERAL Pr. SMITH

The death of pERsIFER r. SnTH, Major
General 10 the United States army, whicl.
took place at Fort Lcagenworih, Kansas, on
Monday last. the l7th, is an irreinediable ma
tionai loss. The news has oceasIohed a. listlc
surprise, while sharing in The general grief
been in failing health for some years past
When we last met him ne were startled at the
great change IN his appearance. The erect
and hardy soldier, whom %e knew so we'll, and
remembered so kindly, ten years before, could
hardly be recognised in tie at'enuated frame
and trembling movements of that human wreck.
Lis indisposition during the Mexican war, aggra-
ya,ed by his late residence in Texas, at The
head of the military division in that quarter of
the UDion, no doubt fastened bis death There
was much in the history and the character of
General Smith interesting and exemplary
Apart from his military genius, he was rare
scholar, good lawyer, an accomplished gentle
man, and an upright man. The EUening Bm
tdin Of yesterday contains short and faithful
sketch Of bis carec-, from which we copy as
follows:
seen. Smith was worthy son Of Pennsy:-
vania, having been born in this city in Noyem-
ber, l79S, so that he was in the Goth year of
his age. He was son of Jonathan Smith,
formerly cashier of tue Bank Of Pennsylvania,
and afterwards cashier of the Bank OF The Uni-
ted States. Jonathan Smith, whose father
held az important public Office in Chester eoun-
ty under the Colonial Government, came 10
Philadelphia during the last century. The
maternal grandfather OF Gen Smith was Per-
sfer Frazer, who was lieutenant colonel in
the revolutionary army.
"Afrer going through collegiate course
and graduating at Princeton, the subject Of
this notice studied laB under the late Charles
Ghauhcey, Esq. Upon his admission TO prae-
tice be removed to New Orleans, where he re-
sided, engaged in the duties Of his profession,
until the period of the Florida war, when he
volunteered for service there, and served gal
lantiy during tive campaigns under General
GaiEes. 1t was here that his military talent
was brought to tile knowledge of General Tay-
! Tor, and it was upon his recommen dGtion that
the Governor of Louisiana gave 10 him The
command of the Louisiana, volunteers for SER
I General Taylor in the campaign of The Rio
! Grande
':In May, 1916, while IN Mexico. he was ap-
pointed Colonel of the Rife Regiment, that
was raised for the war, and for his services at
the siege ana capture of Montery he was .bre-
/ voted Brigadier General. lie was subsequent
| " ordered to join General Scott, aud conlIaau-
| eed brigade on the memorials march from
Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, taking prom
iuant part in the most important battles
saItsesas aa,.sa sa-riaas-
uenerai scott: IN his official report, stating that
he closely directed the whole attack in front
with his habitual GOODNESS aud ability At
Caepultepec also he was prominently engaged.
rs also 10 the final struggle at the city gates.
Gen. Scott, in his reference to the ISeien Gate
affair, again describes General Smith as scool,
unelnbarrassed, and ready and these were dis
tingulshiDg traits of his military character.
"After the war was over, Gen. Smith, WHO
had been promoted TO the rank os Maior-Gene-
raj by brevet, for his services at Contreras was
ordered 10 California, to the command of that
military department. Subsequently, he held
similar command in Texas In 1856 he was
ordered to Kansas, where he has remained in
command until quite recently, when he was at-
pointed to the command Of the expedition to
Utah."