REMARKS ON THE BATTLE.

79

"This battle of Buena Vista, remarkable in many points of view, is particularly so as exhibiting extraordinary steadiness, endurance, and courage, on the part of raw troops exposed to fire for the first time. Here was a pitched battle entered upon deliberately; an enemy immensely superior in numbers; regular troops, commanded by the ablest and most experienced general in Mexico; and this battle to be fought in open field, without fortifications or intrenchments, was awaited by our soldiers, who lay upon their arms on the night of the 22d, knowing that the morning's light would usher in a

y of conflict and carnage. It was a crisis to try veterans; it was met by men who less than a year before were engaged in every variety of industrial pursuit in peaceful life, who had never seen a battle or met a foe.

"While these facts demonstrate unyielding elements of hardihood and courage in the men who fought at Buena Vista, they indicate also the high and commanding character of the officers who brought those sterling materials into order and efficiency. Those lamented sons of Kentucky, McKee and Clay, the gallant Davis of Mississippi, and others, educated at West Point, added all the aids of military knowledge to their own heroic bearing in the discipline of their troops and in the inspiration of confidence, so essential to success in war. But where the blaze of glory concentrates with most particular lustre, its brilliant light falls upon the calm countenance of the general-in-chief, Taylor, the invincible, to whom all eyes were turned

in

every crisis of danger-who formed in himself the stay and bulwark of the hopes of his army-the only man, perhaps, who would have fought the battle of Buena Vista; the only man, probably, who could have won it. Imperturbable and self-possessed, he held the battle in his eye; and amid the storm and fury of the strife he inspired renewed courage by his presence at every point of danger. With such a commander and such troops, victory is fast bound to our standard, let it float where it may."

Such was the battle of Buena Vista. Long will it be remembered in the history of our country. Coming ages will muse upon its important issues, its terrible charges, its sickening slaughter with astonishment and awe; and the man who gained it will one day be accounted as one of the greatest among living generals.

The battle of Buena Vista has been the crowning act of Taylor's

career. He retired soon after to Monterey, where want of supplies still forces him to remain.

The following remarks upon General Taylor are made by Sergeant Harris of the army, who is of course personally acquainted with him :

"The character of General Taylor is pretty much what it is represented. He is mild and affable, yet firm and unflinching. If a soldier under his command thinks he is aggrieved, it is to the general he looks for redress, and never fails in getting it, in case General Taylor, on inquiry, ascertains it to be well founded. The old man,' as he is familiarly termed by officers and men, is approachable at all hours. He will sit and talk with the commonest soldier in the most affable manner, and my informant tells me that he has often wondered at seeing him enter minutely into the private affairs of the soldiers under his command, give them his advice when asked, as it frequently is, and when that is over, read to them from the newspapers the anecdotes of the army, which have made their way into print in the northern cities, at which he would laugh as heartily as any of them. He is beloved by all in his command, officers and men. All take pleasure in obeying his commands; and when an order is given by him, there is emulation among all who hear it, to obey it. His treatment of the Mexicans is marked with the same urbanity. They, according to my informant, at least such of them as have been in the habit of serving the camp with milk and other little nick nacks, love him as much as his own sol diers do.

"On a certain occasion one of these poor creatures complained to Le Capitana, that a volunteer had entered his rancho, and appropriated to his own use some of his edibles, without paying for them. Now this was a breach of orders which General Taylor could not overlook, so he had the marauder identified by the Mexican, and brought before him. The general examined and crossexamined him, in relation to the offence, for upwards of two hours, at the end of which time he arrived at the conclusion that the volunteer was not quite so much to blame as the accuser represented, but thought him deserving of some punishment, and what was the punishment do you suppose he inflicted upon him? Why he directed a barrel to be placed in front of his tent, directed the volunteer to mount it, and kept him standing there for two hours. At the

TRAITS OF TAYLOR'S CHARACTER.

81

end of which he gave him a few words about not doing the like again, &c., and sent him back to his quarters. Occasionally it occurs that a man will want to write a letter to his friends, and has no materials to do so. Without hesitation he applies to the 'old man,' and gets all he wants, pen, ink, and paper, and wafer, which comes from his private stock, which is always at the service of the soldiers.

"We have all heard the soubriquet of Rough and Ready had its origin in the Florida war, in which General Taylor treated the red skins in the roughest way and in the readiest manner; but I have not seen it stated when it was first used in this war. According to Sergeant Harris, it was in this way: After the memorable battles of Resaca de la Palma and Palo Alto, the old general directed the men to be brought up before him in review, which was of course done. While reviewing them to see, no doubt, how they looked after their scrimmage with the yellow bellies, an old soldier, who served under him in the Florida war, proposed at the top of his voice, Three cheers for old Rough and Ready;' which were given with all the honours. As soon as they had subsided, the old general, every feature in his open countenance speaking volumes, gracefully took off his chapeau, and returned thanks, and added, 'Gentlemen, I would be happy to treat you all, but I have got nothing except some Rio Grande water with which to do it.'

"On one occasion, a volunteer getting tired of discipline, thought he would relieve himself of it for a time at least, and with that view absented himself for a week without leave, and made a trip to the country. As soon as his absence was known to the camp he was proclaimed a deserter, and men sent in pursuit of him. He returned, however, before he was arrested, and immediately made his way to the old general, and told him in mitigation of punishment, that ne was always accustomed to open backwood life, and it went hard with him to be confined so much. do so again, my boy, without leave,' and directed him to go to his quarters. That man, says my informant, thinks General Taylor the best man living, and he would willingly lose life itself at his bidding.

Well, (said the general,) don't

"General Taylor's modesty is equalled by his magnanimity. It was not known in camp until three weeks after it was known to the general himself, that he had received a brevet, and all the army heard of the sword presentation to him, was through the papers."