Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-02-26


Presenting that it viii be Of interest 20 our read
ers to know something Of the military history Of
this distinguished Georgian-next to the veteran
Gen Twiggs, the highest officer in rank from Geor-
gia now in the Federal Army, and upon whom the
eye of his State is now turned ih more than usual
interest-we have collected some facts in relation
to his services, which we present below:
Col Hardee entered the Military Academy at
West Point as a cadet in 1884 and after four years
of application to his studies graduated with hsnor,
and was gazetted to the second regiment Of dra-
goons as a second lieutenant. Joining his regiment
in Florida, he remained on duty with It for two
years after which time he was sent BY the Secreta-
~ of War to the cavalry school at San Mur, about
eighty leagues from Paris, where, for eighteen
months he was regularly attached to the cavalry
department Of the French army. Applying himself
with great assduity, he completed his studies, and
returned to the United States a thorough cavalry
officer, and bringing with him letter Of hattering
recommendation from Marshall Oudinot to the Sec
rotary of War.
Reioining his regiment now stationed on the Wes-
tern frontier he was actively employed in defend
ing the advanced settlements from Indian depreda-
tions until he was called with many gallant COM
rade. in the more exciting scenes Of the Mexican
campaign. He crossed the Rio Grande with Gen.
Taylor, having previously attained the rank Of
captain and his company the first to engage the
enemy This engagement occurred at place called
Curricitos where after vainly endsav0ring with hi
gallant little band TO cut his way through the Next
can ranks he was overwhelmed BY superior num-
bers and taken prisoner. He remained a captive
for several months, when he was exchanged in time
to take part in the bloody action Of Monterey.
Col, Hardee continued with Cen Taylor for some
time. when he was detached, with large part Of
that officers forcs. to join the division Of General
Scott, at Vera Cruz.
His next interview with the enemy was in a hotly
contested skirmish near sVera Cruz, in which the
Americans were victorious, and he received the
breYet of Msjor for his gallantry. He accOmpa-
MED Scott in his triumphant march from Vers Cruz
to the City of Mexico and took an active part in
all those grand victories which marked the progress
of the American army between those two points
At the close Of the war, the brevet Of Lieutenant
Colonel was bestowed on him a special recOgni-
ton of his bravery and usefulness In me stirring
conflict of Cherubusco.
During the Administration Of President Pierce,
Congress created four new regiments. and he was
promoted to the rank of Major IN one OF them. At
this time he detailed by the then Secretary Of
War Col. Jefferson Davis, to prepare system Of
tactics better adapted to the Of the infantry Of
the army than the antique and slow motOned meth
cd of Scott. After bringing his abors 20 success
iul issue he was ordered to West Point as Com
mander of Cadets, for the purpose OF putting his
system into practical operation. The young sol
diers, it is said became very partial to this new
drill and it has been generally introduced into
the army and adopted by the volunteer companies
of the country to such an extent that in these excl
ting times Hardees Tactics have became "hke house
hold wor8sn He has but recently been promoted
to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of the LIST regiment OF
cavalry.
We presume that Col. Hardee is ready, at the call
of his native State to give her the benefit Of his
valuable experience and services. II Georgia
should call an army into the field, she cannot in
trust its destinies to a capable director than
her gallant sen, Vim. J. Hardee--SdvGnEah Morning
NsloS.