Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1873-08-28

GEN. TAYLOR As A HIsToRIAN.-tienerai
Taylor although an excellent soldier, aud a uan
Of strong good sense In the everyday s1aifs Of
life, had been educated in the camp, and knew
no more OF craftsmanship or the operations OF
government than q Comanche Indian; nor was
he distinguished for colloqual accomplishments
or narrative or descriptive talent. Then he had
habit of hesitation in conversation that amour
| ted almost 10 stalnmer. he spoke In q terse,a |
4, sautentious style upon subjects with which lie
! was familiar, aud his suggestions, especially on
| military matters, were marked by qLick percep-
| ton and sound judgment. But he was never
diffuse or demonstrative. aud wasted no words
| upon any body.
Calhoun, calling to pay his respects to the Presi-
dent begged him TO describe the manner In
which the battle of Buena Vista was fought.
His brother, Pierce Butler, commanding the
Palmetto regiment, and a very gallant officer,
fell in the battle, and the Judge was naturally
anxious to learn the particulars OF that despe-
rate contest 'Well, well, judge, you want TO
know how the thing was done. Come and
dine with me to-day, and III tell you oil
know about It,"
Judge Butler was hasty, impetuous man,
and the words flowed from his mouth IN 0 tor
} rent whenever he had occasion to speak.
, Re was all impotence during the dinner. and
, the moment they were alone he brought up the
7 subject of the battle.
yes, yes, Judge, your brother was a brave
E man and behaved like true soldier. But
Y about the battle-you want to know how !. was
Fought"
: ayes. general if YOU will be so kind. wish
n to learn how your troops were disposed on the
II field, and how you posted them to resist force
e so overwhenl ~ Santa Anna mus. have Out
: numbered you four or five 10 one"
b .'rhe difference was greater than that, l ihinl
l but we didu'e stop tn count the Mexicans.
d knew there was d heavy force, and longed 70
- 49,. re a NIL lara
, Systematically" sa'd the judge; but what v 4
d your order of bat ie?'
ID why, why you see. judge. We went TO bghl
10 ing early In the morning the first day, and w'
g fit ali day long, losing good many msn, aud o
i night i. looked pretty bad
lie ''Well, what next9"
- "Wheu it got dark l rods over to Saitilo /
ar look after our stores and to provide again.
re surprise"
le "why did you go gouFsslfs Why not send OF
I'd of your aids?"
I'd you see, Judge, every thing depended Q
n not having our supplies cut Oh, and wanted
n, SEE after thugs myself
he "Ilow was 1t the next morning WHEN yo
It's came Oh the ieid?" inquired Judge Du;le
l "Not much change since the night /
y, for
81 "Who was the iii, man you met"
In 'Gencral Wool"
re "And what did he say"
ny "All il lost
is. What was your reply"
Use .Maybe so, general-wall see.' And up
es; that we went TO fighting again, and fought
as that day, and toward night 1t looked be
ne ter"
ily The Judge, looking rather blank, aske
ler "What nextp"
me swell, the next morning 1t was reportee
u.s. Inc that Santa Anna md all his men had diI'
'eI peaIed in the night, and 1 was devilish ii
to be rid of them sc."-From ''Recollectic
lep of an Old SLager," in Hupers Magazine J
etc September.