The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-05-20
DKarH or GEN. PERslFBR p, SMITH


the nation. General Perifer Smith died at Leaven-
worth, on Sunday 10th May He left here month ago
in feeble health but with the hope that travel and change
Of air would produce areacton in system long worn
by disease This hope in degree realized, and
until few days before his decease there was visible
improvement in his condition The appointment of
General Smith TO the chief command of the army Of
Utah was earnestly solicited by him. When remon-
sated with by his friends the danger of such service
to In his condition his invaiable reply was that he
could not die in better place at his postwith har-
on His ardent patriotism and military spirit
grew stronger and brighter as his physical system and
vigor declined He indeed importunae in his solicit
taons for the difficult and laborous service to which he
had been ordered by the govsrnment in the hope cher
ihod by his friends that such service would improve his
health. and with on unhounded confidence in his wis
dom, Judgment, and admirable military qualities.
General Smith, at the time Of his DEATH was about
sixty five years of age he was born in Pennsylvania,
the OF an eminent citizen of that State, the late
Judge Smith. On arriving at manhood he removed to
New Orleans where he passed the greater part of his e
filing many civil and Judicial Offices in that city with
great credit and distinction Throughout his whole life
during his judicial scryiceshis leading passion
for arms his taste decidedly military For
long time he commanded . very brilliant volunteer
company and battalion and was never happier than
garb His first Service however, in the field render
ed during the Seminole war, when obedient to the call
Of General Gaines he raised few regiments Of volun-
toes and with incredible rapdity marched to the
of the war, and participated in very brilliant and eff
Gent mann in the most trying events of that long and
vexatous contest II this occasion he attracted
the special attention Of Generals Gaines, Scott and
Taylor, and received their confidence, which he
afterwards retained On the conclusion of this SER
vice he resumed his judicial functions in New Orleans
In the midst of these duties in the spring of 1896 the
news of the alarming situation Of Gen Taylor the
Rio Grande when pursued BY Arista and Ampudia with
oyerwheming forces reached New OFleans and fired the
military asor Of Gen. Smith to such degree that he
abandoned most lucrativs and valuable Office and pro
ceeded to organize large force of volunteers to reinforce
Gen. Taylor was by the express wish OF Gen Taylor
that this command was given to Gen. Smith The result
his abors in the organisation Of this force exhibits the
most wonderful instance in history of the military
resources and spirit of people, well of the high
qualities of this gallant officer In six weeks time five
regiments all equipped and in excellent state Of or
ganizaton, their way to join Gen. Taylor. Gen
Smith took the field at the head of this force which was
double the whole army of Gen. Taylor This timely re-
enforcement enabled the latter General to proceed more
rapidly and vigorously in the capture and occupation of the
Mexican territory along the Rio Grande, and the for
ward march into the interior OF the country When the
volunteers were disbanded General Smith retained in
the army one Of the head brigadier generals and
then for the first time in l847 entered upon the life
which he had long desired regular professional
soldier His career in the stormy of the cam
pgns up the valley of Mexico his brilliant strategy and
during in the effective and splendid achievements at Con
treras and many other brilliant eats Of arms and mill
try skill doubtless familiar to all Of our readers
who love TO dwell upon the achievements of country
men, IN s3teDE g.w
On the organization of the mounted rifles, General
Smith was appointed to the colonecy and when the
new brigadier generashp created during the late
administration he received the commission to fill it.
! General Smith leaves widow and son by his first
wife, now distinguished physician of New Orleans. .
The prominent features OF General Smith character
great tact excellent Judgment the most agreeable
and impressive manner full Of simplicity and sincerity
and intense military enthusiasm and ardor