Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-03-28


the Tennessee army. Soon after reaching
the Indian country be was elected Third
Lieutenant in Capt. Edwards company of
mounted rifemen. He fought by tfs side
of Gen. Coffee in the battle of Tallshatchie,
and shortly afterwards in the battle of Tai
ladega with Gen Jackson. When Trous-
dale's term of service expired he returned
home and resumed his studies. In 1914
when the Capitol at Washington was burned,
he responded to the call for volunteers for
the Southern army. He enlisted as private,
and remained one during the whole
campaign, refusing several staff
appointments which were rendered him.
At the taking of Pensacola, after the troops
had entered the town, he was among the
heroic band that faced and captured
battery that was raking the streets. When
jackson called for forlorn hope to take
the Fort, young Trousdale was the first to
offer himself, and his brave example fred
his companions to emulate it. Happily
there was no necessity for the attack,
the Fort surrendering soon afterwards.
Trousdale was in Gen. Cofee's
brigade, and in that little army
of patriots, he was conspicuous for his gal
lantry, in the battle of New Orleans.
In the spring of 1915, peace having been
restored, Trousdale returned to Gallatin
and resumed his studies once more. He
was admitted to the bar in 1920 and prac-
ticed law till 1885, when he was elected a
Senator TO the State Legislature. When
the Seminole war broke out he was elected
a Msjor-General of militia, and in 1885, at
the head of regiment of mounted men, he
proceeded to Florida. Int the three battles of
the 18th, 18th and 2lst of November, in that
year, his bravery amounted almost to rash
ness. Having served out bis term Of en-
listment he returned home via New Or
leans. In 1887 he was nominated candi-
date for Congress by the Democratic party
in his district, but was defeated by the
Wings. In 1910 he was Democratic
elector in the Presidential contest.
In March, 1847, Gen. Trousdale was ap-
pointed Colonel of infantry in the army
of the United States, by President
Polk. The appointment was made
without his solicitation and with
out his knowledge. The Mexican
war broke out in the same year and he
proceeded to Vera Cruz with his regiment.
He led his command and fought in all the
celebrated battles in the Valley Of Mexico.
He shared in the victory at Contreras. AT
Cherubusco his regiment led by himself
captured the Irish flag and about sixty de-
serters. At the battle of Moline Del Rey
he was wounded and had his horse shot
from under him. He was given a
most important command in the
attack on Chepultapec On that mem
orable day he was twice severely wounded,
but he refused to resign his command till
the battery he was ordered to take was
captured. His gallant conduct at the
storming of Chepultapec won for him hon.
orable mention by Generals Scott and Phi.
low. At the close of the war he was as
signed the command of the third division
Of the army in its homeward march.
Gov. Trousdale was nominated by the
Democratic party as their candidate fol
Governor, to lead a forlorn hope in the cleo
tioH of 1849, but to the surprise of almost
every body, he was elected by a majority o.
about 1900 over Gov. Neill S. Brown
Gov. Trousdale's administration was high,
ly satisfactory to his party and advantage
GUS 10 the interests of the State. He wa'
nominated for reelection in 1851, but wa:
defeated by the late Gov. Campbell.
Gov. Trousdale was appointed Minister
to Brazil by President Pierce, and the mar
cause of his accepting this mission was tht
hope that fine climate of that country would
prove beneficial to his health, as it did
The duties of that position he discharged
= with credit to himself and honor to hi
country. He returned after several year
residence in Brazil in improved health, bu
? his old malady, rheumatism, attacked hin
! again, and for ten or twelve years he ha
: been an Invalid confined to his house
There are few such men as Gov. Tronsdal
left, and soon the cid stock, Of which he wa
a bright and honored ornament, will hav,
7 passed away.