GENERAL CUSHING.

BRIGADIER-GENERAL CALEB CUSHING is a native of Newburyport, in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. He was educated at Harvard University, where he graduated in the year 1817 with very distinguished honours. He afterwards became a tutor in the University, and was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. During his connection with the University he was one of the ablest of the contributors to the North American Review. Abandoning these purely literary pursuits, he studied law, and practised in his native town till the year 1835, when he was elected a member of Congress from his native district, on the Whig ticket. He continued to be a member of the House of Representatives until the year 1843, when he was sent on the mission to China by President Tyler.

After his return he remained retired from public life until April 14th, 1847, when he was appointed brigadier-general in the army. He joined General Taylor during the summer, but was afterwards ordered to Vera Cruz. A number of important duties detained him at this place until after the capture of the Mexican capital, thus preventing him from participating in the toils and dangers of our army. His prompt discharge of every known duty, and his amiability as an officer and companion, have endeared him to all those with whom the fortune of war has placed him.

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COLONEL RILEY.

COLONEL BENNET RILEY is a native of Maryland, and served with distinction in the war of 1812. From the post of ensign of riflemen, to which he was appointed January 19th, 1813, he has risen by regular gradation to his present rank. At Contreros he led the assailing party on both days, and finally carried the work with the bayonet, in a style which has rarely been surpassed. During the whole of those eventful days, his brigade endured hardships, and performed actions, worthy of a place beside the wildest records of chivalry. General Smith thus speaks of it:

"The opportunity afforded to Colonel Riley by his position was seized by that gallant veteran with all the skill and energy for which he is distinguished. The charge of his noble brigade down the slope, in full view of friend and foe, unchecked even for a moment, until he had planted all his colours upon their farthest works, was a spectacle that animated the army to the boldest deeds."

Similar was the conduct of Colonel Riley in the battle along the aqueducts leading to the capital. He stormed some of the enemy's positions, and on the night of December 13th had arrived before the principal gate. He entered Mexico next morning, in company with the commander-in-chief, and still remains at the head of his troops in the capital.

COLONEL BUTLER.

PIERCE M. BUTLER was colonel of the South Carolina regiment of volunteers, and highly distinguished himself in the battles of the 19th and 20th of August. He had left a sick-bed to share the dangers of battle, and although twice wounded, he continued in the saddle, animating his men, until struck down before Churubusco. When his fall was announced in his native state, it caused sensations of the deepest sorrow; friends who knew his worth mourned for him as for a brother, and strangers, acquainted with him only by reputation, felt that a great and good man had been taken from among them. General Shields thus announces his death to the commander-in-chief:

"The noble and gallant colonel of the South Carolina regiment, P. M. Butler, had risen from his sick-bed to share the hardships of the field, and the dangers of the combat, with his devoted regiment. He survived the conflict of the morning to lead his command where victory again awaited it. Although wounded himself, and having lost his horse, shot under him, he still continued to press onward near the colours of his regiment, until the fatal ball terminated his life.

"A gallant soldier in his youth, he has won in his death upon the field of battle, fame for himself and his regiment, and added another name to the roll of Carolina's departed heroes."

The New Orleans Delta has the following remarks upon the colonel's death:

"The death of this gallant South Carolinian, the representative on the bloody field of Churubusco of as noble a race of heroes as any country has produced, will create a profound and extended sorrow in this country. He has been for a long time a conspicuous and prominent citizen of South Carolina, and was noted for his great 14* (161)

resolution and indomitable courage. He possessed military qualities of the highest order, and gave promise of great success and distinction in a career which, alas! terminated at its very commencement. Colonel Butler had been very ill for several days previous to the battle, but when he heard that the Palmetto flag was going into the fight, unaccompanied by him to whose special charge it had been committed, he broke loose from his physicians, abandoned his sick couch, and, weak, ghastly, and almost fainting, mounted his charger, and placed himself at the head of his regiment. With such an example, men far less ardent and gallant than the South Carolinians would have been prompted to deeds of superhuman daring. But there was no such incitement necessary to impel the sons of the 'Harry Hotspur of the Union,' as Prentiss once styled the gallant Palmetto State, to the most brilliant and conspicuous display of military qualities. Colonel Butler, though twice badly wounded, and weighed down by faintness and loss of blood, maintained his position until a third wound caused his death."

"We lay before our readers," says the Charleston Mercury, “the following interesting correspondence. Its perusal cannot fail to heighten our admiration of the character, and endear more strongly the memory, of that gallant spirit whose heroic aspirations are now quenched in the grave. Though doomed himself, with his brave command, as was supposed, to inglorious inaction, and gloomy and chafed from the disappointment, Colonel Butler could appreciate the yearnings of a brother soldier for a closer participation in the coming fray-to be nearer the flashing of the guns'- and lend his friendly aid to secure their gratification. The letter of General Worth is as honourable to himself as to the memory of the gallant Butler. Kindred spirits! they could appreciate each other; and gracefully has the survivor wreathed the laurel and cypress over the grave of his friend. A soldier needs no nobler eulogist.

Letter from Major-General Worth to Hon. A. Butler, [dated Tacubaya, Mexico, August 26th, 1847.]

"SIR: I trust a cordial intimacy and friendship of twenty-five years with your late brother, the gallant Colonel Butler, will excuse the trespass of a stranger. Your brother fell most gloriously in the great battle of the 20th, before the gates of Mexico. In that bloody conflict, no man gave higher evidence of valour and patriotism, or

exhibited a brighter example. He fell when it was God's will, precisely as he would have desired to die. His body rests here; his memory in the hearts of his countrymen; his spirit, bright and pure as his blade, with his God.

"The enclosed letter, written the day before the battle, I did not receive until the day after, through the hands of Dickinson; and it is not because of the kind things said by a friend's partiality, but because it is probably the last letter he penned, that I send it to you; begging that at some future day it may be returned to me, to be preserved and cherished.

"The gallant Palmettos, who showed themselves worthy of their state and country, lost nearly one half. This victory will carry joy and sorrow into half the families of South Carolina. Colonel Dickinson is getting on well, and will, it is hoped, save his leg. An armistice is concluded, and commissioners meet to-morrow to treat of peace. God speed them.

Letter from Colonel Butler to General Worth, [dated San Augustin, August 19th, 1817.]

"Dear General: We are here in tribulation; I can but hope, however, it is but temporary. It is ordered that this division remain as protection to the train. There is gloom on us all while I am one who believes there will be fighting enough for all. The moral effect is withering. The regiment, though weak in numbers, is up to the full point, and I trust South Carolina may have a place in the picture.

"We have been watching you and your division for the last two days with fraternal affection; but the entire voice of the army, where I have been, or heard, is unbounded confidence in Worth.' So mote it be.' But I have strayed from the principal point or purpose of my note, which is to say, our friend, Colonel Dickinson, more impatient, and not so long a soldier as myself, desires a place nearer the flashing of the guns; and with good taste, wishes to get near you. If you can make him useful, he will feel much gratified. I am aware you are surrounded by a talented staff, but a little more of a good thing will render it not the less complete or effectual."