The Shasta courier., 1858-04-03
Sketch of Gen. 0xitman.

Gen. John A. Quitman is one of the most re-
markable men in Congress. The son of a Lu-
theran Clergyman, born IN the State of New
York, he, at an early age wandered to the
South, which has ever since been his home.
Possessed of great bodily vigor, an active mind,
and daring spirit, be was early in the field as
soldier of fortune, and raised a regiment for
the Texas revolutionary struggle. He is now an
old man. His hair, head and moassaches are
almost entirely white, but his eye yet lustrous
and clear, his arm muscular, and his spirit as
high strung as in the days of his prime His has
been an eventful career. In Mexico he was
greatly distinguished for his skill as General;
his dauntless bravery, autfhis kindness of heart
No General was more beloved by his soldiers
To General Quitman more than any other man
belongs the credit of the capture of the city of
Mexico and the salvation of the American army.
At the battle of Chapultepec, General Scott
invested him with discretionary power to move
upon the city or not, he saw fit, after the hill
of Chapultepec was won. No sooner was the
American flag hoisted over the ramparts, than
the command, " "Quitman's division to the cityn
was passed along the line, and, after receiving
new supplies of ammunition, the tired, blood
stained and shattered troops moved cheerfully
upon the Garatico Belen. 1t was this prompt
movement which decided the Mexican war. Let
the honor rest where it is due. For one | am
happy to add my testimony TO the fact On the
causeway the column was foremost, and then
the decisive charge took place There was the
gallant Shields wounded there Major Loring of
the Rifles fell. 1t was a desperate hour. No
drums and bugles cheered on that band of he
roes as they swept to the stormng charge No
banners waved, but the Saxon cheer rose above
the roar of battle, the proud slogan of victory.
There, in front ranks, was the gallant gray
haired old chief, on foot in a greatly exposed
situation, coolly smoking his cigar, and waving
| a rifle to which handkerchief was attached.
Like the plume of Prince Henry, at the battle of
Navarro, it was seen in the thicket of the fight
Gen. Quitman was of the first men who
leaped the ditch, and, turning to General Smith;
asked him the time of day
| 1t was twenty minutes past l o'clock, /" Let
| whoever survives this day remember that" said
the General, and at the came instant he announ-
| ced that they were the first Americans that
passed the ramparts. have not space to dwell
| longer upon the incidents of that memorable oc-
| cason-how Gen. Qutman led his column into
the Grand Plaza, and formed it in front of the
| Palace; and there was the American flag salu-
| ted by the little band of bloody and powder
grimed soldiers who thus formed the advance
| corps of the army.
General Quitman has seen much civil and po-
| ltical service. As an able lawyer, he has fine
| reputation at the bar throughout Mississippi and
Louisiana. He has served in Legislatures, in
State Senates, in Constitutional Conventions,
and for four years was Governor of Mississippi.
| he is man of large fortune liberal, and res
| pected by all who have business relations with
| him. He is good speaker, but lacks the power
OF voice necessary to a popular orator. Wash
| ington Correspondence Of the Cincinnati Enquirer.