The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1877-05-05
DEATH OF PIERCE NJ. BUTLER
HOW A GALLANT SOLDIER MET
HIS END.

a "Reminiscences Of tho Mexican War;
Tho Palmetto on tho Bloody Field OF
CherubuscO. "
The following sketch appeared in
the Charleston Eoeaein5S Neaos ;many
years ago, headed 'REM1s1soENoEs OF
THE PALMETTO REGIMENT" It was
written by q survivor. Wo believe
Its reproduction in THE News AND
HERALDsa at this time will be accopta-
bio to all our readers:-
The speech made by our distin-
guished'represontative in Congress,
the Hon. Lawrence M. Kcitt, at tho
banquet recently given by the City
Council of Columbia, to the surviv-
ors of the Palmetto Regiment, in
which he related several Incidents
which occurred on the bloody field
of Churubusco, unknown before,
save to those who now survive, has
created IN interest, and caused q
feeling among our citizons to hear
and know moro of the history of
that Regiment.
The following sketch, is as we boz
lieve, full and true account of th-
death of Col, Pierce NJ. Butler, and
what occurred thereafter
Early in tho action, Col. Buffers
horse was shot through the nostrils,
tho ball cutting tho head stall Of the
bride, causing the bit to drop out
of his horses mouth. Tho Colonel
Immediately dismounted, when his
horse plunged most fuliously, be-
came wild from pain, and ran into
tho ranks of the onemy. Soon after
this, Col Butler received o severe
wound in the knee, tho ball passing
under the joint, and through tho
flesh, causing him intense pain, and
almost rendering it impossible for
him to walk, and in a short time
disabled him from keeping tho COM
mand.. He retired, turning the
command over to Lieut.. Col. Dick
inson. -. d. ...
Tho fire of the enemy was now
terrific-the worry air was thick with
the leaden messengers of death, and
the continual order of "closo ranks"
told how truly they did their duty.
General Shields then ordered the
regiment to- retire behind q large
hacienda, (where Col Butler and the
other woundedyof the regiment we're
lying) for the purpose of forming q
new line. A new line was formed.
and the regiment marched on under
most murderous fire towards tho
enemy, which were strongly posted
in the road, COL Dickinson in COM
mand and bearing the Palmetto
Flag, Sergt. Beggs, tho color bearer,
having previously been SHOT down.
When the regiment arrived in q
line parallel to tho road, and facing
the enemy, which was several huns
dred yards from the hacienda, Col.
Butler was seen advancing towards
the regiment, using his sword rs a
means OF support, to enable him to
walk AS he moved up into ranks,
Major GLADDEN. approached, and
spoke to him. The Colonel half
faced to the rear, and while he and
Maj. GLADDEN. were in conversation,
tho fatal bali struck him in rear of
tho left ear. He turned on his left
heel and fell straight backwards in
the arms of Maj. GLADDEN., who gcnt-
ly laid him on the field, and ordered
a detail Of men from the ranks to
carry his body to the rear.
During this time, the regiment
had advanced several paces, and, as
Major GLADDEN. approached it, Col.
Dickinson was seon to fall. Major
Gladden went Immediately to him,
when Col. Dickinson said to him,
"Here, Major, take these colors and
this sword, and defend and maintain
the honor of South Carolina" The
gallant Major took the Palmetto
flag, handed it to Patrick Leonard,
"a private in Company H., who bore
it safely through the charge,)' and,
after ordering file of men to take
Col Dickinson to tho rear, assumed
command Of the Regiment.
General Shields then rode up,
when Major GLADDEN. asked his per-
mission to charge. "That is what
I wish you to do" The charge was
then ordered, and soon the bayonets
of the Palmottoes forced back the
serried ranks of the foe, scattering
them in all directions. Thus ended