Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-03-19
The New CensraI-THe Bucerssor OF Gens
ernI Tw7rgs.

Edward Y. Simmer was born Ia Boston,
Mass. but was a resident of New York in
1919, when he was appointed Second Lieu
tenant in the Second Infaatry. In 1888 he
was made Captain in the Wly.r raised First
Regiments of Dragy0ns. FROM 1872 to 1916
he was almout Constantly engaged in service
on the Western frontier, and IN the course Of
his many s1peditiousAequirednn unequaled
knowledge Of the habits, charrSter and mode
of warfare Of the predaRory tribes'east Of ths
Rocky Mountains.
compapied the expedition to New Mexico ~
Commander Of his regiment, but being pro-
NOTED to ths post of Major of the Second
Dragons, thsn in Mexico, he started to join
them. He was met az New Orleans by an
order from General Scott assigning him to
the command of the regiment Of the Mounted
Rifles. This seleetion, though highly com
plimentary to Major Sumner, involved an
immense amount Of labor. IN larger part
of both officers and men were entirely ignO'
rant of their profession, but, thanks to the
untiring energy Of Major Sumner, they at
tanned a degree Of excellence which made the
corps one of the most efficient in thsarmy.
At the battle Of CeTrO Gordo, while lead
ing the Rifles, he was wounded in the head
by q musket-b ball, but in > few days was able
10 resume his duties. In Pnebh he was
appointed to the command of his own regi-
ment, (the Second DFagoons.l During the
campaign in the valley of Mexico he was
constantly in the saddle, and b1re'a most
conspicuous part. When the battle ofCher-
ubusco seemed to be going against our arms,
be led the Rifles in a most gallant nasnper,
in en- attack OF. the enemy. which.decided
the fete of the day. At Moline del ReY he
was ordered to drive off q large body Of cav
airy which was ~endeavoring to outfAnk
Worth's division. To do this he was obliged
to brave the fire of. some thousands of the
enemy's infantry, by which nearly .one.bslf
of his men and horses were disabled. With
only about 200 men left be dashed at the
~lapcers, and sent them flying in utter
confusion, to return no more that day. A
more desperate snd dashiDg charge was
never made. For his conduct in this battle
be was breveted Colonel. having previously
received the breVet of Lientenant-O Colonel
Tor his gallantry at CerrO Gordo.
In 1854 be was sent to Europe on official
business, and at q presentation of foreigners
by their respective ministers, attracted tho
attention of Louis Napoleon BY his soldierly
look. The Emperor, after q long converse
ton and learning his errand, promised him
every facility, and gave him a letter requir-
ing all officers of the French army to give
him any information he might desire. In
1855 he was Hade Colonel of the First Cav
airy. While in command in Kansas, be
gained the good will of the settlers by his
kindness, and if the Government had fol-
lowed his advice, most of the subsequent
troubles would have been avoided.
Colonel Sumner is about sixty years of
sge, but vigorous in both mind aud body.
The country may rest assured that he pos
sesses the requisite qualifications for his high
position, and that the honor of our flag will
never be furnished by any act of cowardice
or Ttoi99sisna Of his part.