Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-05-21
Death OF Gen. Pers,fer F. Smith.

Death OF Gen. Persifer F. Smith.
The telegraph announces e great loss to
the army and the nation. General Perslier
F Smith died at Leavenworth, on Sunday,
l6:b May. lie left here month ago in Ice
BILE health, but with the hope that travel and
change Of air would produce reaction in a
system long wors by disease. This hope
was in some degree realized, and until few
days before bis decease there was visible
improvement in bis condition. The appoint
ment Of General Smith to the chief command
of the army of Utah WAS earnestly solicited
by him. When demonstrated with by his
friends on the danger of such service u one
in bis condition, his invarlable reply was,
that he could not die in better place-at bis
post-"with harness o." Ills ardent patrl.
otism and military spirit grew stronger and
brighter as his physical system aud vlgor
declined lie was indeed importunate in
his solicitations for the difficult and labor
ious service, to which he has been or
dered by the government, in the hope cher
ished by his friends, that such service would
improve his health, and with an unbounded
confidence in his wisdom, judgment, and ad-
mirabe military qualities.
General Smith, at the time Of his death,
was about sixty.6ve years OF age. lie was
born in Pennsylvania. the son OF an eminent
citizen of that State, the late Judge Smith.
On arriving at manhood he removed to New
Orleans, where be passed the greater part OF
his life, filling many civil and Judicial Offices
in that city with great credit and distinction.
Throughou, his whole life--aven during his
judicial services his leading passion WAS for
arm, bis taste was ever decidedly military.
For a long time be commanded a very bril-
liant volunteer company aud battalion; and
was never happier than when he could ex-
change the ermine for the military garb.-
His first service, however, in the field, was
rendered during the Seminole war, when ODE
dent to the call OF General Gaines, he raised
few regiments of volunteers, and with in
crsdibie rapliity marched to the scene of the
| war, and participated in very brilliant aud
efficient manner In the most trgiag events OF
that long and vexatioua contest. 1t was on
this OCCASION he attracted the special atten-
ton OF Generals Gaines, Scott, and Taylor,
and received their confidence, which he ever
afterwards retained. GA the conclusion Of
this service be resumed his judicial functions
in New Orleans. 10 the midst of these du-
ties, in the spring of 1916, the news of the
alarming situation of Gen. Taylor on the
Rio Grande, when pursued by Arista and
Ampudla with overwhelming forces, reached
New Oreans, and fired the military ardOr Of
Gen. Smith to such a degree that be aban-
doned most lucrative and valuable Office,
and proceeded to organize a large force Of
volu nteers to reinforce Gen. Taylor II was
by the express wish Of Gen. Taylor that this
command was given to Gen. Smith. Inc re-
suit of bis labors in the organization of this
force exhibits the most wonderful instance
10 our history OF the military resources and
spirit of our people, as well as OF the high
qualities OF this gallant cheer. la SIX weeks
time five regiments, all equipped and 10 an
excellent state Of organization, were on their
way to jain Gen. Taylor. Gen. Smith took
tho feld at the head Of this force, which was
double the whole army of Gen. Taylor
This timely reinforcement enabled tue latter
General to proceed more rapidly and yigo-
rously in the capture and occupation of the
Mexican territory along the RIO Grande,
aud on the forward march into the interior
Of the country. When the volunteers were
Qls0anQeQ, Ueueral SnUn was retainer III
the army as one Of the head brigadier gene
rails; aud then for the first time in 1877 en-
tered upon the life which be bad 80 long de-
sired, as regular professional soldier. HIS
career in the stormy scenes Of the campaigns
up the valley Of Mexico, his brilliant strate-
~ and daring in the effective and splendid
achievements at COntreras, and many other
brilliant feats of arms and military skill!
are doubtless familiar to all Of our readers
who love to dwell upon the achievements Of
our countrymen.
On the organic .tion Of the mounted rifles,
General Smith was appointed to the colouclcy,
aud when the new brigader generalship
was created, during the late administration,
be received the commission to fill 1t.
General Smith leaves a widow, and son
by his first wife, now q distinguished pbysi-
clan of New Orleans.
Tue prominent features of General Smiths
character were great tact, excellent JUDI
ment, the most agreeable aud impressive
manner, full Of simplicity, and sincerity,
and intense military enthusiasm and ardor.
- I'UJ,u