The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1879-04-23
GEN. RICHARD TAYLOR.


took place yesterday in New York at
the residence of his lifelong friend and
college-mate, s. W. Barlow, Esq, was
one of the best known generals of the
war. AS the sou Of man who by his
military services had attained to the
great distinction of the Presidency, he
filed large place in public expecta-
ton, and inherited great responsible
ties. 1t was only when the Confede-
rate war placed him in high military
command that he was able to prove
that his powers and his capacity had
not been over estimated.
Born sixty-twO years ago in Baton
Rouge, where his father, Gen. Zachary
Taylor, who was then an officer in the
regular army, was stationed, his life
seemed to be woven into the history
of this State.
Owing to the fact that his father was
compelled to. move from place to
place, as soon as young Taylor was OF
sufficient age he was sent North To-
school. At Harvard he soon gave ev-
id nee of the abilities which marked
his after career. He was still -engaged
in his studies when his father was or
dered to Corpus Christi to take charge
of the army destined for the invasion
of Mexico, aud accompanied him in
his advance. He was by the side of
the General in the numerous and
bloody battles which elevated him to
the highest gift in the hands of the.
American people.
As soon as the war was over, young
Taylor returned to Louisiana, which
State he had always considered his
home, and shortly after marrying ii
lady of wealth became sugar planter,
and devoted himself to the material
welfare of the State. Determined on
life ofquiet on his plantation, it was
not long before his abilities became
manifest, and he was on several occa
sions elected to the State Senate and
occupied a position among the leading
politicians Of the State.
Always earnest ia his convictions
when the clouds of discord arose
among the States he cast bis fortune
with that one in which he was born,
and as member of the Secession Con-
vention his voice was loud in advo-
cacy of that State sovereignty which
he believed incorporated in the funda-
mental law of our country.
Seeing among the first that the dis
ruption of the Union would only be
accomplished after a long and bloody
struggle, he at once placed his military
experience at the service of the State,
and as one of the military council Or
ganized the army of Louisiana. As
soon as his duties here were over, de-
sirous of taking an active part in the
struggle, he raised and was elected
Colonel of the 9th Regiment of Volun-
teers, aud 10 the early campaigns OF
the war distinguished himself by his
bravery and skill.
He succeeded Gen. William Walker
in the command of his brigade, and
shared with Stonewail jackson the
glory of his Valley campaion and OF
the movements around Richmond
His abilities were quickly recognized
by the famous Virginian, and he was
by his express recommendation pro.
NOTED to the rank of Major General
and assigned to the Trans Mississippi
Department.
1t was here that his capacity as a
leader first became apparent to the
people at large, and his success in the
campaign against Bunks on the Red
River, crowned by the battle at Mans
field, gave him lasting reputation as
a military leader.
Agreeable in manners, a brilliant
conversationalist, and gifted with an
intelligence, at once bright and strong,
General Taylor won friends wherever
ne went, and in England, where he
spent some summers, he was well
come guest in the most distinguished
circles of fashion and intellect. The