The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-05-21
MAJOR GENERAL P. F. SMITH.

MAJOR GENERAL L, +. SMITH.
The death of Persifer F. Smith, Major General In
the United States army, which took place at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas, on Monday last, the lith, Is
an irremediable national loss. The news has occa-
stoned us little SURPRISE while sharing IN tne gene
raj grief over such dispensation. Generai omiti
had been in failing health for some years past
When we last met him were startled at tne great
change in his appearance. The erect anu haIuy
soldier whom we knew well, and remembered so
kindly ten wears before could hardly be recognised
in the attenuated frame and trembling movements
of that human wreck lis lndispositioh curing Tue
Mexican war, aggravated py ms laue resl"ehce III
Texas Mt the head of the military division in that
quarter of the Union, doubt fastened his death.
There was much in the history and the character
of General Smith interesting and exemplary
Apart from his military genius he was rare schol-
mr.. a good lawyer, an accomplished gentleman, and
m upright man. The EUeniRg Buuetin OF w ednes-
day. contains short and faithful sketch of his
reer, from which we copy as follows:
General Smith was worthy son of Pennsylva-
MIA having been born in this city in November
l79S so that he was in the Goth year of his age
He son of Jonathan Smith, formerly cashier
of the Bank of Pennsylvania, and afterwards cash
Ter of the Bank of the United States. Jonathan
Smith, whose father held an important public of
lice in Chester county under the Colonial Govern
ment, came to Philadelphia during the last century
The maternal grandfather of Gen. Smith was Per
sifer Frazer, who was lieutenant colonel in the
revolutionary army.
"Atter going through collegiate course and
graduating at Princeton, the subject of this notice
SIuuleu law under the late Charles Cnauncey, Esq.
Upon his admission to practice he removed to New
Orleans, where he resided, engaged in the duties of
his profession, until the period of the Florida war;
when he volunteered for service there, and served
calamity during two campaigns under General
Gaines. 1t was here that his military talent was
brought to the knowledge of General TAYLOR and it
was upon his recommendation that the Governor of
Louisiana gave to him the command of the Louisi-
ana volunteers for service in the war with Mexico.
lie served under General Taylor in the campaign of
the Rio Grande.
''In May, 1916, while in Mexico he was appoint
ed Colonel of the Rifle Regiment, that was raised
for the war, and for his services at the siege and
capture of Monterey he was brevetted Brigadier
General. He was subsequently, ordered to Join
General Scott, and commanded a brigade on the
memorable march from Vera Cruz to the city of
Mexico, taking prominent part in the most i'm
portant battles.
"At Contreras he rendered efficient service Cen
eral Scott, in his official report, stating that he
closely directed the whole attack in front with his
habitual GOODNESS and ability At Chaputepec al
sohe was prominently engaged as also in the final
struggle at the city gates. Gen. Scott in his refer
ence to the Belen Gate affair, again describes Gen
eral Smith 'cool, unembarrassed, and ready and
these were distinguishing traits of his military
character.
"After the was over, General Smith, who
had been promoted to the rank of Major General by
brevet, for his services at Contreras was ordered
to California, to the command of that military de-
partment. Subsequently, he held a similar COM
mand in Texas. In 1856 he was ordered to Kansas,
where he has remained in command until quite re-
Gently, when he was appointed to the command of
the expedition to Utah.''-PhHa. Press.