Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-05-26
Death of Gen l.. Smith.

Gen. Persifer F. Smith, of the o. S. Army,
died at Fort Leavenworth, on Sunday nign'' Tue
16 inst. He had been appointed to the command
of the Utah forces and though in feeble heaitn'
entered at once upon the duties Of his position
When he left St. Louis for Fort Leavenworth
be was so ill that he had to be carried on board
the boat. Gen. Smith was neof the most aoie
officers of the army He eminently distinguish
ed himself in the Mexican war. Ten. harney
sue Deeds to the command of the Utah expedi'
ton.
The following sketch of Gen. Smiths life is
from the Washington Union;
General Smith, at the time OF his death, was
about 65 wears of age. He was born in Penn
svlvania The son 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 life, filling many
civil and judicial Offices in that city with great
distinction. Throughout his whole life-even
during his professional services-his leading pas
sion was for arms, and his taste was ever deci-
dedly military. For long time he commanded
very brilliant volunteer company and 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, obedient to the
call of General Gaines, he raised a few regiments
of volunteers and with incrediblerapidity march
ed to the scene of the war, and participated IN
very brilliant and efficient manner in the most
trying events of that long and vexatious con-
test. 1t was on this occasion he attracted the
special attention of Generals Gaines, Scott and
TAYLOR, and received their confidence, which he
ever afterwards retained. On the conclusion OF
this service he resumed his judicial functions in
New Orleans. In the midst of these duties, in
the spring of 1916, the news of the alarming sit
uation of Gen. Taylor on the Rio Grande, when
pursued by Arista and Ampudis with over
wbelming forces, reached New Orleans, and fir
ed the military ardor of Gen. Smith to such q
degree that he abandoned most lucrative and
valuable office and proceeded to organize large
force of volunteers to reinforce Gen. Taylor.
1t was by the express wish of Gen. Taylor
that this command was given to Gen. Smith,
The result of his labors in the organization o.
this force exhibits the most wonderful instance
in our history of the military resources aud spir
it of our people, as well as of the high qualities
of this gallant officer. In six weeks time live
regiments, all equipped and in an excellent state
of organization, were on tnelr way 10 JOIN zen
TAYLOR. Gen. Smith took the field at the head
of this force, which was double the whole army
of Gen. Taylor. This timely reinforcement en-
abled the latter General to proceed more rapid
" and vigorously in the capture and occupation
of the Mexican territory along the Rio Grande
and on the forward march into the interior o
the country. When the volunteers were dis
banded, Gen. Smith was retained in the army a
| one of the head brigadier generals; and thel
, for the first time in 1S47 entered upon the lif
which he had so long desired, as regular pro
fessional soldier. His career in the storm,
} scenes of the campaigns up the valley of Mexico
his brilliant strategy and daring in the Eeffectv
and splendid achievements at Contreras, ant
many other brilliant feats of arms and militar.
skill are doubtless familiar to all of our reader
who love to dwell upon the achievements of GU
lcOuntrymen.