New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1858-05-20

An event not altogether unexpected has taken
place. The telegraphic news last evening announced
the decease Of our late fellow citizen Brevet Major
General Persifer Smith, Of the United States Army
This melancholy event happened at Fort Leayen-
worth, Kansas Territory, few days since. His i'm
mediate friends and acquaintance were aware Of the
critical state Of his health which had been impaired
since the Mexican war.
His death at this juncture comes with more pain
fol and mournful feelings from the circumstance that
he was charged by Government with the command Of
the army for the settlement of the Mormon difficult
ties. Within the past twelve years Gen. Smith has
been connected with many of the most important
events recorded in countrys history His eminent
services and his fame are written on its archives
Gen. Smith was native of Philadelphia, son Of
the late Jonathan Smith, the eminent financier and
first Cashier Of the Bank of the United States organ
lied in the year 1916. If the writer's memory
serves him correctly Gen. Smith arrived in this city
in the year 1915, and commenced the practice of law
in which he attained great success. He was held in
the highest esteem and respect by all his then youth
full friends, as well as DID, and it is not known that
any Of them ever had to change their opinions
He occupied many Offices of trust and honor In 1927
he was appointed Judge Of one of our city Courts,
which be held for several years. From associations
with many eminent officers Of the United States
Army who for years on this station, he imbbed
taste Of the arts Of war or military profession He
then commanded one of the volunteer military COM
panes of our city and afterwards attained the com
mand Of the Louisiana Legion.
On the breaking out Of the Florida war in 1885,
Gen. Smith raised regiment Of volunteers and pro.
ceeded to Florida, where he remained until the close,
receiving the highest praise and approval from Gen.
Taylor.
On bis return from Florida, he was selected by the
then Council OF the Second Municipality as Secre-
tary, which Office he retained for a long period or
until he appointed Parish Judge of the Parish of
Jefferson. at the time the office Of Secretary was
conferred on him, it deemed the highest appre-
citation of his abilities and WORTH being in the midst
Of great party excitement, and the Council all po
cally opposed to him.
On the breaking out of the Mexican war in 1876,
he was then holding the office Of Judge of the Par
ish. Gen. Taylor, in his requisition on Gov. John
son, Of this State for four regiments of volunteers
specially suggested that Gen. Smith should be ap-
pointed Brigadier General, which was concurred in
His distinguished services at the battle of Monterey
received the attention of the Government. On the
organization of the Mounted Riemen in lS47, Gen.
Smith received the appointment of Colonel Of the
Regiment. From that time he has been devoted to
the service of the nation, and his history and fame
are written on its annals. He was twice married
and must have been about 60 years Of age at the
time Of his decease. We have not space to extend
our rannarka at this r,on,anf