Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-02-24
Gen. zebulon montgomery pike.

QOm, Inc OfaVC Gen. w arren, on the eve
of the far-famed battle of Bunker, or
Breeds Hill. And, doubtless, there is
much of truth in this sentiment. He who
is willing to devote his life as precious
sacrifice in defence Of his country, gives
evidence to the world Of the possession
of great spirit, brave and generous
heartedness, and the purest and most ex-
allied patriotism. And here let us call to
mind those remarkable and impressive
words Of our Divine Redeemer -" For
whosoeyer will save his life shall lose it
and whosoever will lose his life for nv
sake shall find it,"
ZEBULoN MONTGOMERY PIKE was born
at Lamberton, g beautiful little village
in Burlington County, New Jersey,
situated on the East Bank of the ma
jestic Delaware about one mile below
Tres ton. Being at the head of sloop
navigation, the citizens have ever been
distinguished for their enterprising com.
mercial spirit, their indomitable perse.
verance, unwavering integrity, and warm.
hearted hospitality. This thriving VIII
lage was in every respect worthy of
being the birthplace of our illustrious
and lamented hero. !Amid her active
and energetic population, it was natu-
raj that he should have acquired those
sterling habits Of persevering FORTH
tude which SO eminently fitted and quail
fed him for the arduoHs station which he
was subsequently called to ELL. The pre-
else date of his birth was Jan. 9Th, 1879
From his early youth, he evinced an
ardent desire to excel in the military
profession, And this was not the result
of false ambition, or love Of worldly dis
tinction. Far from it. His youthful
mind was deeply imbued with the pre-
cepts aud principles OF our holy Christian
religion. And with him they were not
mere matter Of outward form and empty
profession, but of deep, genuine, vital and
practical bearing. Ard this the writer
ventures to assert, Or the authority ofhis
venerable uncle, the Rev. John Ward
now of Lexingto Kentucky, but former
ly Pastor of the Episcopal Church in
Trenton. How often has the writer heard
that good man portray the christian
character of Gen. Pike, in the most glow
ing colors! To him he administered
spiritual counsel and the holy sacrament,
on the eve of his departure for Canada,
and with many tears and parting bless
ing, commended him, and the cause of our
beloved country to the God of Hosts
" Such was the excelleney of his charac
tel" said he, +" that his soldiers were &C
cuStomed to regard him with feelings
scarcely less than those Of alteration"
In 1895, being then only sixteen years
of age, he attached himself to the Ameri-
can army then stationed on the Western
Frontier, to protect the country from the
hostile incursions Of sayages. He at first
served in the capacity of a cadet but
not great while afterwards, was promo
ted to lieutenancy. For several years,
ne continued in this station, cheerfully
every duty that was assigned
lin, and constantly winning the ardent
esteem of his fellow soldiers, and the I'M
qualified appreciation of his superior Of
icers.
In 1906, in Mr.. Jefferson's Administra-
ion, soon after the purchase of Louisiana
rom France, Congress passed resolu-
ion for exploring the Mississippi and Mis-
souri, Rivers. Accordingly Lieut. Pike
vas appointed for the former expedition,
md Capts. Lewis and Clarke for the lat.
er. Both succeeded beyond all expecta-
ion. Both parties published thrilling
Ind interesting narratives of their weary
AID incredible hardships in
he wilderness. 1t is difficult to say
which Of these works should have the
preference but one thing is certain, that
he account Of the Expedition by Lieut..
Pike, is in no respect inferior to that of
MeSsrs. Lewis & Clarke. Not long after
his, he was sent out by Congress to ex
olore the vast interior of Louisiana and
more particularly TO trace the rise and
courses of the rivers which watered that
hen extensive territory. This task he
performed to the entire satisfaction of
he constituted authorities, and Of his
fellow eountrymen. He published cor
'ect and graphic narration of his tour i
which, even at the present day, is worthy
0f conspicuous place among the bestl
archives of the nation.
In 1910, he was promoted in the army,
10 the Office of Colonel. In 1912, brokel
out the second War with Great Britain.
ard Col. Pike was ordered to the station
on the Northern Frontier, preparatory to
Bhe contemplated invasion of Canada II
In the early part OF the year 1913, Col.
Pike was appointed Brigadier Genera.
lie now took command of 1900 men. who
had recently been enlisted, and were com
posed chiefly of high-souled and spirited
Toung soldiers from Connecticut. They
5lorled in their beloved commander
md were resolutely determined to do
herr daty, and their whole duty to their
country. A large portion of this little
lrmy, In 1872 had been stationed al the
barracks in LitchfeId, about one mile
vest Of the village. and were commanded
" Col. Joseph L. Smith, who subse
Iuently was constituted Judge of the q. |
J. Court in Florida. The writer we'll
eeellects, (although then young lad of
years old,) what splendid and impos
ng appearance that detachment made,
when they set out on their march for Can.
ida. With the exception of few Of the
enior officers, they were all young men
VI blooming countenances and noble bear
ng. On bright Sabbath morning in
June, the muffled drum began to beat,
md the regiment was seen slowly moving
Up the heightened hill from the west -
they numbered 600 strong. Their sum
ner uniforms were white as the driven
now. Their swan-White plumes gently
nodded in the summer breeze. Their
Jew muskets, bright as polished mirrors,