Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1858-05-29
FRAZER

/, The whole community Nill be shocked TO
near OF the death Of Gen. Persifor Smith, of
'pe United States Army, Commander of the
expedition to Utah. This unexpected event
occurred at Fort Leaveuworth, in Kansas.
shortly before one o'clock, Oh Monday morn,
ing last, the 17th inst, and we have no parti.
cuiars beyond those contained 10 brief tele.
graph dispatches from st. Louis. :.
zen: smith wns worthy son Of Pennsyl-
vania, having besa born 10 this city in Novem.
per, 1888. 80 that he wsa in the Goth year Of
MS age. He was on Jonsthau Smith, for.
mer Csshier OF tho Bank Of Pennsylvania, and
afterwards Cashier Of the United States
Jonathan Smith, whose father held an impor-
tant public Office in Chester county under the
Colonial Government, came to Philadelphia,
curing the last century. The maternal grand
lather OF Gen Smith was Persifor FIezer, who
was Lieutenant Colonel 10 tho Revolution.
ary Army.
After going through collegiate course and
graduating at Princeton the snb,ect of this
notice studied law under the late Charles
Chaunccy, Esq. Upon biz admission to proc.
tlce he removed to Eew Orleans, where he
resided, engaged ia the duties of his profess
sion, until TIE period of the Florida wnr.
wnen na Volunteered for seryice there, md
ser'ee CALAMITY during two campaigns under
General Gaines. 1t was here that bis militia.
| ry talent was brovght to the knowledge of
Gen. Taylor, and it was upon his recommen.
dation that the Governor of Louisiana gave
TO him the command Of the Louisiana volun-
teers for service in the war with Mexico. He
served uhder General Taylor in the campaign
Of the Rio Grande
In May lS46, while in Mexico, he was ap-
pointed Colonel Of the Rifle Regiment, that
was raised for the war, and for his services at
the siege and capture of Monterey he was
brevetted Brlgader General. He was subse-
quently ordered to join General Scott, and
commanded brigade on the memorable
march from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico
taking prominent part in the most impor-
taht battles.
AT Contreras, he rendered efficient service,
General Scott, in his official report, stating
that he CLOSELY directed the whole attack in
front with his habitual GOODNESS and ability"
AT Chapultepec also he was prominently en-.
gagged, us also in the final struggle at the city
gates Gen. Scott, in his reference to the
Belen Gate affair, again describes General
Smith as ''cool, unembarassed and ready" and
these were distinguished traits of his military
| character
After the war was over, General Smith,
who had been promoted TO the rank OF Major
ras, sa5 ordered 10 California, to the COM
mand Of the Military Department. Subse-
| quently he held o similar command in Texas
In 1885 he was ordered to Kansas, where he
has Remained in command until quite recent
ly, when he was appointed to tho command
OF the Expedition to Utah.
General Smith has suffered since his SER
vice IN Texas, with Chronic diarrhGu, and it
is probable that this was the cause of his
death. He leaves widow, but only one son
DR.. Howard Smith, q! New Orleans-the
child OF his first marriage. A brother and
other relatives reside in this city. The coun-
unexpected event, and large circle Of rela-
tives and ac4uaintances will morn the loss Of
valued and excellent friend, and most wor.
thy gentleman.-Y'hi Ere. Buitetin.