LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HENRY CLAY.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HENRY CLAY, second son of the Honourable Henry Clay, was a regular graduate of West Point, in which institution he was ever among the first of his class. He afterwards left the army, and travelled through Europe. On his return he was elected to the Kentucky Legislature, where he remained for some years. In the meanwhile, he married and settled upon a farm, not far from his father's. After leaving the Legislature, he practised law with great success; but was doomed to experience a heavy calamity, in the loss of his accomplished wife, the favourite of her father-in-law. He continued, however, in the legal profession, until a commission was offered him as lieutenant-colonel of the newlyraised Kentucky rifles. He eagerly accepted it, and went forth for Mexico never to return.

Lieutenant-Colonel Clay was killed in a ravine, while pursuing the enemy's cavalry after their last charge. Led by himself and McKee, the Kentucky regiment maintained the pursuit, until they had got completely beyond the assistance of their comrades. At this moment, the lancers turned with the suddenness of lightning, and charged them, while broken and scattered by a rocky ravine. The ensuing battle was terrible; and nothing but a section of Washington's battery saved that handful of devoted men from entire destruction. Young Clay was shot through the thigh, and being unable to walk, was taken up and carried some distance by his men; but owing to the steepness of the hill, and the advance of the enemy, the gallant lieutenant-colonel begged them to leave him and save themselves. Still, with fraternal care they bore him on, until the whole Mexican army were almost upon them. When last seen, he

was lying on his back, fighting the enemy with his sword, while they were stabbing him with their bayonets.

The letter of General Taylor to Henry Clay, announcing the untimely event, has already been given. The general, thus speaks of him in the official despatch. "No loss falls more heavily upon the army in the field, than that of Colonels Hardin and McKee, and Lieutenant-Colonel Clay. Possessing in a remarkable degree the confidence of their commands, and the last two having enjoyed the advantage of a military education, I had looked particularly to them for support in case we met the enemy. I need not say that their zeal in engaging the enemy, and the cool and steadfast courage with which they maintained their positions during the day, fully realized my hopes, and caused me to feel yet more sensibly their untimely loss." A similar commendation was bestowed by General Wool.

COLONEL YELL.

COLONEL YELL was born in Kentucky in 1797, and with his father's family early emigrated to Tennessee. In 1813, being then but sixteen years of age, he enlisted at his country's call, and rushed to the side of the immortal Jackson. After assisting in the taking of Pensacola, he accompanied his brigade to New Orleans, and there, on the ever-memorable Eighth, he distinguished himself for bravery and patriotism. In 1818, when volunteers were required for the Seminole war, Colonel Yell was among the first to offer his services; he raised a company and was chosen captain, and during the campaign, it is said of him, "wherever the danger was greatest, there he was." Between that time and 1827, when he was elected to the legislature of Tennessee, he finished his education, and was admitted to the practice of law. He was loved by General Jackson for his many noble qualities, and received from him many evidences of his confidence.

In 1832 he was appointed receiver of public moneys, and removed to Arkansas, but soon after resigned. He was then appointed judge of one of the district courts of Arkansas, and was distinguished for his firmness and impartiality, his quickness to perceive the right and to detect the wrong. When the state constitution was formed, he was elected to congress, and the people being well pleased with his services, continued him there until 1842, when he was chosen governor of the state by a large majority; but in 1844 he resigned, and again became a candidate for congress. He was signally distinguished in the great canvass of 1844, and was triumphantly elected. The present war commenced, however, before his term of office expired, and with the true spirit of the soldier he returned to Arkansas, and placed himself at the head of her patriotic volunteers,

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