43£ . B36 185£a S-i- '^/7)x JOHNM,'^ OLIN 2, IJBRARY^'^ CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 296 173 In compliance with current copyright law, Cornell University Library produced this replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1984 to replace the irreparably deteriorated original. 1994 M Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924074296173 THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICIS .: OP- i ' i! " 'i ■IN GEN. FRANKLIN PIERCE, i I m '4m m HdN. WM, K. KINO. A CAMPAIGN BOOK Sold only at Skiimer's Publication Boom, ISo. 57 1-2 Court Sl. ScoUays Buildmq Bosfor. ^, Abbott's ■ PRESS. 19 .wASHrNGTo> st, bostok. ^ '- * > '■-■/ THE ¥'^ >' LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICES 'd^- OP i (-^ t. GEN. FRANELIN PIERCE, > ' T* H F ■* i DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR THE ^1 PRESIDENCY OF 1862. j» T o i-k m TT r» * LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICES »kHON. WILLIAM E. KING 'V|„ T H B ^DEMOCP-ATIC CAiroiDATE FOR THE VICE-PRESIDENCr, BY B E A L S , GREENE & C 0. , ^ OF THE BOSTON POST. 18 5 2. ■' ■ "'.' PREFACE The edition of the hfe of PIERCE and KING which we now present, is from the Boston Post, and can be relied on for its accuracy in every particular. In fact, the well known integrity of the gentlemanly publishers ol the Post, is a suffi- cient guarantee for the fidelity of this narrative. The life and public services, both civil and military, of the distinguished gentleman who is the subject of the work, is most truthfully portray eidy and in a manner which sho\ys the author to have been fully competent to the (ask in hand. The vi':ork as a -yvhole is fully entitled to the confidence of the friends of PIEROE and KING, atid if thoroughly circu- lated during the coming campmgn will do good serv.ce for the democratic cause. GEN. franklin' PIEECE. General Pierce is the son of Benjamin Pierce, wlio fought at Bunker Hill, served creditably through the revolutionary war," was a member of the gover- nor's cnuncil, high sherifi' of his county, governor of New Hampshire in, 1827 and 1829, and died April 1, 1839, aged'Sl years. ' He possessed great force of character and knowledge of men, V7ns a thorough republican, was highly respect- ed by all parties, and exercised a large influence on public afTairs. On the con- clusion of the revolutionary war he settled in Hillsborough, which then was almost a wilderness. He mp-rried twice., and had b}' his first wife one daugh- ter, the widow of General John McNeil, of this city, and by his second wife five sons and three daughteJ'S- One of the daughters died in infancy, and thp other two died in 1837, leaving families. Of the sdris the oldest, Benjamin K., was a gallant officer of the army, who distinguished himself in the Florida war ; and the second, also was connected with the arihy, and attained the rank of brevet colonel. These are both dead. Another died jn early, manhood. The remain, ing Sons are Col Henry D. Pierce, of Hillsborough, a farmer of great personal worth and of much wealth, who has represented his town in the legislature ; and the subject of this memoir. Franklin Pierce was born in Hillsborough November 23, 1804. He was sent lo the neighboring schools of Hancock and Francestown^iving in the,lat^er place with the mother of the late Levi Woodbury, to whom he pays a grateful tribute for the salutary influence she exercised, over his early boyhood. His academic studies were pursued at Exeter Academy. In 1820, in his sixteenth year, he entered Bowdoin College, from which he graduated, with credit, in 1824. Dr. Calvin E Stowe was one of his class. His agreeable manners, manly bearing, .social turn and fine talents made hiiu a general favorite ; and among his intimate friends were Hon. James Bell, of Manchester, and Dr. Lu- ther V. Beli, the head of the McLean Asylum, of Somerville, Nathaniel Haw- thorn, Jonathan Cilley and James Mason, son of Jeremiah Mason. Three years were subsequently passed in preparatory studies in the offices of Hon. iEdmund Parker, of Amherst, aud of Hon. Levi Woodbury, of Portsmouth, N. H., and in the law school of Judge Samuel Howe, of Northampton, Massa- bhusetts. The . producticins. of rjlr. Pierce .bear witness that .these . early, and liriceless adyantages for thorpugh culture were well iipproved ; while the admi- tatjon and friendship entertained for him by college coteriiporaries who subse- quently became ornaments of. their profeission, was but the commencement of .that favor which he has since jipiformly attracted towards him. ' ,•> Mr. Pierce in lf?27 opened a law office in Hillsborough, opposite the resi- dence of Governor Pierce., ..iAt this time the latter enjoyed awidej&nd just _pdpularity in New Hamp^lilre, and this year he was elected governor. i\>, The, suc- jieedipg year, in consequence of ;the division. in the republican party, onrthe.^res- idential question^T-a'part declaring, for General Jacksonj^nd a part !>fQr{Mr. Adams^-Govertior Pierce, -^vho was a "Jackson man," , was defeated.- ;The fruits of this anti'democratic victory were the electien by a small majority of John Bell, Governor, and. of Hon. Samuel Bell United States senator, fbe jnext.year, however, Governor Pierce was re-elected. It was in the midst of these stirring scenes that Mr. Pierce commenced, the, practice of -his profession. He had to favor hisadrancempnt in Ijusiness relations and in •political life, it is irue, the .wide influence, of; his father ; but the great success .which immediately ^.tteiided him would .have,.been but fansient. had he not have manifeBted.ability, industry, energy and fidelity. . fThese.won for him, a reputation as wide as it .was solid. - - .^ T ,,. < ., .. ..;.,.., Mr. Pierce took a zealons part in politics, and in 1820 he was elected rrepre* sentative from his native town,. and again the , three successive yearsi .This was an era in the political history of- New Hampshire. It was -the time when -the granite sta.te came boldly. to the, support of General Jackson's administration. Beiijamin Pierce, by over two thousand majority, was elected (1829) governor) an entire congressional, delegation in favor of Jackson's administration- was chosen, and a legislature was returned having, a handsome democratic. majority. The votes for spealter, ip the Jatter:indicate' the strength of parties— ^Mr. Thorn- ton, the adminisTation candidate, receiving l23,.andMr.Wils0n, opposition, 101, The next year (1830) the contest became still more animated and severe. - jMr. Harvey was the democratic candidateand General tJpham the^whig^eandidate; and such was the success, of the democracy, at all points,, that their candidate Received four thousand, ^dtes more than his opponent. One of. the fruits of this election was the return, .of: Hon. Isaac Hill to the United States senate. J; Mr, fierce took a prominent .part in these contests, both in the field and in the ;legisla!tnre, and here; laid the foundation of his political influence and suc- cess. The questions in which he engaged were mostly localj ;but there is one ,that,stands put of a general ..and important character. A conventton of, ^demo- cratic, republican members, was held in Concord June 15, 1830, and adopted an address and resolutions that will stand.put among the;- important, political,: idoou- inent^ of the time, for their ability, clearness and soundness. They.;ac!curately define the,character-.(lf the constitntioriji clearly show how the lavish^syst^in of appropriations by the general government lead ;'.' to wide-spread, general corrup- tioa, .tending directly to the consolidation or disunion, of the states, the destruc- tion of dempcratic principles, and the extinction of. liberty;" and they'thus early * endorsed the.r^noraination of General Jacksoui as the democratic candidate-r.for jthe next presidential term., ,,iThis was the convention that; resolved that rHon. '(BamuelBell.thenseiiator,. had ceased to represent the sentiments of a niajority .of his constituents,',',. - f. ,, ) i!«i_ Your childhood was with them, and so has been your riper years. Edu- cated in their midst, one of themselves, the ties that have so long bound you to them cannot be easily sundered ; and it would be doing violence to their feelings to suffer the present occasion to pass without an opportunity of cal- ling up those recollections that will ever be to them a source of the highest satisfaction. You have stood by them at all limes. You have been to them even as a son and a brother. Their interests have been your interests, their feelings yonr feelings. And it is with the sincerest pleasure that they offer you this testimonial, however small, of the estimate they place upon your character, -public and private. The committee cannot but express their regret at the necessity which is about to separate you from the republican citizens of Hillsborough. Long and intimately have you been known to them ; and wherever you may go, they beg leave to assure you that you will carry with you their kindest wishes for your welfare. With esteem and respect we have the honor to be yours, &c. Tlmothy Wyman. HiUshoroxtgh, Sept. 15, 1838. Gentlemei), — Your letter in behalf of the democratic republicans of Hills- borough inviting me to partake of a public dinner at such time as might suit my convenience, was duly received. Sincerely desirous of exchanging salutations with all my friends, before those relations which have so long subsisted between us should be severed, I have delayed giving an answer, with the hope that my other engagements would allow me this pleasure. In this expectation I am sorry to say I find myself disappointed. I have received too many substantial evidences of the kind regard and true friendship of the citizens of Hillsborough to need any new ^assurance of their partiality, and yet, I would not disguise the fa«t, that your testimony at parting, as to the manner in which my duties in public and private iife have been discharged, is flattering to my feelings, especially so, as comin" from those who have known me longest and most intimately. I shall leave Hillsborough with no ordinary regret. There are a thousand t^asons why it cannot be otherwise — I have hitherto known no other home. Here have been passed many of the happiest days and months of my life. With these streams and mountains are associated most of the delightt'ul recol- Jections of buoyant and happy boyhood — and in my early intercourse with the ■generous, independent and intelligent yeomanry of Hillsborough, I became at- tached, to and learned how highly to appreciate that class of the community which constitutes the true nobility of this country. I need hardly say that [ shall never cease to remember my birth-place with pride as well z.a affection and with still more pride shall I recollect the steady, unqualified and "enerous confidence which has been reposed in me by its inhabitants. With unfeioned regret, gentlemen, that I am unable to accept the invitation you have communi- cated in such kind and flattering terms — please to accept for yourselves and" to •Oimmunicate to my fellow citizens, whose organs you are on this occasion, the assurance of my warm thanks and sincerest intwest in whatever relates to, their prosperity and happiness, individually -a-Bd -CoHectively. I am, gentlemen, with the highest respect your friend and obedient servant, Fra^velin Pierce. Timothy Wyman, Esq. Mr. Pierce's course in congress had (1840) elicited much commendation. Of his speeches that were widely circulated, was one on revolutionary claims, which was pronounced "a masterly' analysis," sound in its principle and con- struction and thorough in its business details. His speech on the Florida war, also^ was commended as a dignified vindication of the administration' against the party assaults' that had been made on it. " New Hampshire,"' said the Boston Post, June 19,1840, "has just cause of pride in her youthful senator. To a grace and modesty of manner, which always attract when he addresses the senate, he has added severe application to business, and u thorough knowl- edge of his subject in all its relations, and hence it is, though one of the young- est, he is one of the most influential in' the distinguished body of which he 'is a member. Without seeking popularity as a debater, Mr. Pierce in the quiet and untiring pursuit of public duty, and the conscicntions discharge of. private re- sponsibility, has acquired a permanent reputation, which places him among the most useful and efficient ptiblic men in the countiy. Long may he enjoy it" In 1840 the presidential contest occurred that resulted in the election of Gen- eral Harrison as president. General Pierce engaged in this struggle with his characteristic zeal and energy ; and his services were much sought for and were freely given. Though others of the sons of the granite state, and its press, were equally zealous, yet it was owing much to his large persontil influence that the state remained firm when other democratic states yielded to the storm. Though a change of rulers was effected, yet the financial policy upon which the democratic party stood remains unchanged, and is now daily vindicating itself .by its quiet, beneficent and efficient action. It was after such a contest, in which might temporarily prevailed over right, in which so far as platforms were concerned on the whig side, all was loose, indefinite, uncommittal, excepting only the generous promise of better times, and on the democratic side were the frankest declaration of principles and bold- est discussion of policy, that Mr. Pierce re-entered the senate at the extra session called by Pres. Harrison. Then New Hampshire made herself heard and felt in a way that drew towards her the eyes of the whole country. Mr. Pierce's col- league was Levi Woodbiiry, fresh from the treasury department, with a large financial experience, ready statistics, and great- analytical ability. Mr. Pierce was chagrined at the unfair manner in which his party had been overthrown. Democrats in that body were in a minority, and, it is not unjust to add, in the presence of a dictatorial and overbearing majority, more willing te act than to defend their action. The debates of this extra session speak for themselves. Levi Woodbury not merely refuted the electioneering financial statements of v,-hig orators, but most successfully encountered all who attempted to controvert him ; and it is not too much to say that there was no match, on financial points, for him in the ;' senate, and he absolutely Waterlooed his antagonist.^. Franklin Pierce was not •hehind his colleague, and did not hesitate to encounter even Mr. "VVebstei* in the debates. On one occasion he occupied the morning hour of three days (June 30, July 1 and 2, 1841.) in a speech characterized by such a scathing exhibition of facts, such closeness of reasoning, such force' of eloquence, as t-e render it one fit 10 to .be made in such a body. This eflbrt, on removals from office, was warmly- commended and widely circulated by democratic journals. And if figures, in the hands of Woodbury, made havoc with the fancy financial statements of whig leailers, professions as to proscribing proscription, compared with the facts of the removals, from offica, in the hands of Pierce, made a most discreditable exhibit of , whig panizan tactics. "That removals," he exclaimed, "have occurred is not the thing of which I complain. I complain of your hypocrisy. 1 charge that your press and your leading orators made promises to the nation which they did not intend to redeem, and which they now vainly attempt to cover up by cobwebs " .In 1842. Mr. Pierce had served nine years in congress. He was one of the youngest men who have held a seat in either branch, having attained but little more (ban the con.stitutionai age when he took his seat both in' the house and senate ; and yet his bearing was sucii as to have made its mark on the public men of the time. Gentlemen of all parties bear willing testimony to. the high sense of honor, the general utility, the tmvarying courtesy, that marked his course. He won the reputation, and it is no small one, of being a valuable member of both branches — prompt in attending to the busitiess of his' commit- tees, with real work in him, and with great debating talent to present his case clearly and efficiently. This sort of labor makes but little -show, but it is most useful and valuable to a constituency and the country. His reputation at that time as a man is thus concisely given in a recent Washington letter, addressed to the editor of the Puritan, a religious paper. The writer says : — " Of Franklin Pierce I cannot do otherwise than speak well ; for it happened to me, during a short term of official service at Bowdoin College, during the presidency of Dr. Allen, to know him as a scholar there, and while resident in tliis region to know him as a senator. A very frank, gentlemanly. Unobtrusive man is he, strongly devoted to his political, principles, kind and constant in his friendships, venerating the institutions of religion, and while living here attended upon the most evangelical preaching in the city." It would be easy to present columns of Mr. Pierce's speeches. These together with his votes, present him as a politician of the Virginia school in favor of an economical administration of the general government, of a strict construction of the constitution, and as a republican of the Jeffersonian cast. They present him as one who has uniformly acted according to fixed princi- ples, swerving neither for sympathy nor friendship nor interest from the consti- tutional path, but, under the guidance of this, honestly and fearlessly perforraine his public duties. They show him to be thoroughly identified with the prin- ciples and measures of the great party which, for so many years since the adop- tion of the present frame of government, has successfully, in peace and war carried the country onward and upward. , Mr. Pierce's various speeches on the abolition question, commencing when first a member pf the house, and continuirig almost to the close of his senatorial^' term, will serve to give his views on the living question now before the coun- try. On this point he has pursued but one course, and it has alvrays been decided and frank. He has declared, from the first, that he regarded the schemes of the abolitionists mad and fanatical, and prejudiciar in their conse- quences to all sections of the Union. He avowed that no valuable end could 11 opening door.'isB6 dt^ckrifed i£ to b(i ^ni|)*WfSMfe to refta-Wfeiii^ii?hnmber w tending t£b(flftioi4':'pSi'icaieals'Tritho'ut;'pereeivirig3(ltet (heir'tfbjdti' |toi>ped at no pbint sboft'dfi^mfenbijfetiifftTin'the'Jstaies;' Idriw ki6ngtess liad'^K) to'nstitufional poweT W ittKtfCTe'Wlffi'Steveiy in'' tlie sfal6s?nebnsequently "ilflr.sPifei^e saia^ ia4938^- >■■'--■- ■'■'■ '■'■-■■ ■ r>^^-^"^- - ■-. ;X-c.i ■ ■ ■ ■■-■-■ ^_!!'.-.;, ■. :..; "The'cltizlitfiiP NfeW Hattfgshire is m-'iiibre repponsibleV'inorally or pftliti- caily/for-thieJfiik%rtce"&*'d continuarice of ibis dottiestrc inslitation in Vir^iiia or Maryland, than he would be for the existence of any-similar insfitution'sM France or P^rifal- -Wh^'P'-'BecEaise ihe.^e are matters over which the states, respetti'vely^'WB^'^efegating a portion of their powers, to be exercised by the general government, retained- thfe''wbMe''4it('d 'exclfisiTC c6ntfi)l,^kM for whicK they are aloire responsible. «'!Ni^';let*tei«''iJofctrifie^-te"miwrsally nnd^rstood and "'ad fitted, and yea tat€'6'»ie'gi'feft'^€p'tew6rds'satisfyShgi'Hie wnscienct* of hi&hest but'niisguided pe6ple;lJn biie se'ctidft. dfi the''fedufl£ry,and quietingithe iritationfor -whldi has'been tefo'itiidhackiftfe;'!!! thie BltoeR" ^ >- ' .: .. :,:-atiiarTjhus did aiyoang man : only thirty-seyen years of. age ytfldntarily. resign one of>'the higheeCandithe most.horiorable'Qfficesin the gift of the American nation-, indiwi-h rtheifi.-ifed parpose of not entering -/public life, so as to be separated from.hfc family, unless his country in a time of war should call for, his services'. And this was a period of life when ambition, the love of power, the desire of preferment, J3 apt to be the strongest. Hisifature promised all this. Such.had been the exhibition of talent that commands respect and the qualities that at- tfact -cegard, iiihat he might without presumption have aspired to any ^place 'in the gift of ''ilia' roountrymea. : But these considerations did not move him. ; He laid aside fiia 'senatorial robe" Lwithout regret and sought that retirement which an elevated -pafiriotism and cultivated taste so ardently covets. , Such a course as this is-atftest ,'uacoramon. .So, rarely is it; that office seeks the man. ;;'So Qommon has:tt;been for ambition to , prostitute much that marks public virtue to grasp at, place<:«;.;.. Slate of New liantpskire, \ Co7icor■ ■ ■ ■■ '-'Feanic -PiEKCE. ■'-"-" 'A corivebtibn-of the deinocraitic -party subsequently 'ribminated '-'him to tbfe' office of governor, butj in an "eloqu'ferit- and "patriotic speedi, he' declined this honor.', '"When H-nijShn P. Hale cam'e'out'in the opposition to ;the deraoc'ratic pstrtyi' '"and the dembcrati'pufca new' 'carididate io nomiination, • 'Mr! Pierce siift- tairied ^his rnovement ' with his accustoibedfrankness-and zeal, 'although Mr. Hale, frorii 'his collegedajs, had been 'his warm personal friend.' 'He acceptbd^ the office of ^district, attomev of New Habipshire, as the dutie's'bf "this 'n'ere' in the linb bf%is'))rofessio^'.''Th^office''b'^ held* nn'til 1847.' " ' - '" '-"• In 1846 Pre'SidentPblk, who had served in" congress with himf-and appre^' ated his brilli'd'nitigenius, sound principles; and a^iministrative ta)efit;'invited hi^ to a seat in his cabinet. The letter of Col. Polk is alike honorable to^both. ' ,'Jrafe president say 8-'^'' ** !■ -■ ' • ' ..•..- ,4. . , ,,5 ,,1 y: • •-■ ; •<■■:- -V!; ■■ .' ; •. : ni; ,;;:■■ . •>-; "It gives jrie'eincer'e'pleinsure to ih'vite you 'to 'accept -a place in my 'cabinet;' 1,4 by -tendering.,;^, been somewhat wB,r|)e(}yi^ole bi'en-the subject of my ovyn cbpice. -.When l,.gdd.,yopr,iinportant measurts in the foreign and.hpme.administration cjli^^he gove,roflie,rit ha.ve comjna'ided pot rnerely,theappro^.a,^ipn«f my judgment, bat my greiiful acknowledgments as an American citizen, you will see. how des- irablt! on every ground connected with y'lur a.(liuinistratipD, the office tendered would hi t!> iivei and yet after m:*!ii etciasidiration [ am, constrained to decline. Although, ^{if e^rly years of my manh'.nd were devoted to public life, it was never really suited to ray taste. 1 longed, as I am sure you must often have Aftae, for tiie im^i/et and,indepeiide[|ce that belongs , only; tot|iep;-iji8H^«i.tizen, and npS?, at forty,. I, feel that desire strpnger than, ever. ■, ;■[,„■ .(ioming.upejxpectedlj^.as, this offer does, jt would be di^cult, ^if not impossible ti^rrange the; busiaess,,of -an extensive, practice, between;- thi§r,and the first of November i?\;a nfian.ne?-,at,a,ll satisfactory to.myseifpri'to, those,, who, h9,y,e com- atvitted iheir^intereists to my care and vvivp ..rely on my services, Bi-sides, yoi^ know that,]VI_rs-^ie,rce"s. health whiler.at Wa^h^ng^o,n was very, d^ljpate— it. is I fear even more so now, :atita.^e;Objection tp.leaving pur quiet hom^ for. a .gftWiP station at' %^hington,i ,,.v!,.-. ... _ ■ _..;i .. " When I resigned my seat in the senate in 1842, I did it witli_th3 fixed pur- pose never again to bs voluntarily seperated from my family for an}' considerable length of time,,except at the call of my courjtry in timeipf w?iri:8iul yet this con- 15 sequence, for the reason before stated and on account of climate, would be very likely to result from my acceptance. " These are some of the contjiderations which have influenced my decision. ■Von will, I am sure, appreciate ray motives. Ynu will not believe that I have weighed- my personal convenience and ease against the public, interest, e?perially as the office is on which, if not sought, would l>e readily accepted by gentlemen who could bring to your aid attainments and qual fii-ations vastly superior to mine. " Accept my greatful acknowledgments, and believe me. Truly and faithfully. Tour friend, Frank. Pierce " The good taste, beauty, and modesty of this letter need no words of corn-^ mendation. ■ " When Mr.. Pierce thus declined the app'-intment .'o honorably tendered to him by Pi-e-ident Polk, he stated that he did it with the fixed purpose to await the call of his country in a time of war ere he a^ain seperated fotn his family.' The bieakingout of the Mexican war was a suTimons to him to engage agiiiri;in public service. When tbe requisition was made upon the state of New Hamp- shire for a batialiim of volunteers, he was one of the first to put his name upon the roll as a private in .the company raised in Concord, and in this capacity he drilled in its ranks. When the ten regiment bill was passed by coni^res-, the presiden', who had served with Mr. Pierce and appreciated his sterling qual'ties of head and heart, tendered to him the appoin'ment of colonel of the niiitli, which, was promptly accepted. When the law for the organization of the new ten re^ti- ments was passed, the president tendered Mr. Pierce the appointment of briua- dier general. This selection was hailed in all parts of the counti^y as a happy one. "From his eailiet^t manhood," says the Nashville Un inn, Sept. 1847, " General Pierce has been the boast of the Nrw Hampshire democracy. Fipm his father, a distinguished officer in the revolution, he inherited all those qualities courage, oiolness and energy which qualify a man f'lr command. And he also possesses qualities as a statesman of the highest order. That he will di.stinsuish himself wherever distinction is to be won. his multitude of acquaintances, in all Se states of the Union, of all parties, will vouch. " Tlie brave Ransum was of this regiment, and Col. Pierce wrote to Presid( nt Polk and urged ,him to appoint Ransom to the command. The president, how- tver, thouj;ht fit to do otherwise. His commission as brigadier general is da>ed March 3, 1847 , At this point Gen. Low, a patriotic citizen of Concord. N. H. . s he stated in 1847 on the occasion of Gen. Pierce's return asked him if it were true that be^hiid decided to sunder the tender ties of husband and fatherj and yield the enjoyments and comforts of home, to maintain the cause of his country. Gen. Pierce's reply was — " I have accepted of the commission. T could not do otherwise. Iwaspledg- «d to do it. Whem I left the senate, it was with a fi.xed purposepf devoting my- eelf exclusively to i.iy profe.ision, with the sinjjle re.servation that if my country should become engaged in war, I would ever hold myself in readine.-s to serve her in the field, if called upon to defend her honor and maintain her rights. War,has come, and oiy plighted woid must and shall be redeemed." 16 Gen. Pierce's head quarters, for a short time, were at the.Tremont House, Boston, where, with his noble and galent friend, the lemented .Ransom, he'ien- ga5:ed dilligently and. energetically in the work of preparation.! There, as ,he departed for the post of duty and danger, he took leave of many friends. One of them expressed a hope that he would return in safety and in honor — "I will come b ick with honor or I will not come back," was his reply- General Pierce sailed from Newport in the bark Kepler. Many of the troops onboard being sick suffered from the want of water, having been placed of short allowance. General Pierce, on receiving bis allowance, mingled with the suffer- ing soldier and made them share his part. It was but the commencement of that universal care for the brave men under bim and uniform kindness and attention to them that was characteristic of his nature and marked his whr-le course through the campa'gn. He arrived at Vera Cruz June 28. — Here he encountered a pestilential camp, and was himself taken sick. Still he was ever mindful of his companions in arms. . He lent funds freely to the needy, and was often seen among the wearied *oldiers cheering them on. In spite of disease his loss here was but trifling; ^and after delays to procure materials which the future comfort, Fafety and health of bis command ■ rendered absolutely necessary, he left Vera Cruz in the middle of the hot month of July, with one of the largest reinforcements and most extensive trains that had started for the interior since Gen. Scott's departure. His brigade consisted of the 9th regiment. New England men ; the twelfth, men from Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, northern Mississippi and Louisiana; and the fifteenth, raised in Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, the eastern part of Missouri, _and western part of Indiana — in all about twenty-five hundred men. His line of march was beset by Mexicans and guerilla bands determined to intercept all reinforcements on thuir way to the American commander, and do the work of plnnler and massa- cre ; and the object of Gen. Pierce was, not to seek encounters with the enemy, but to present to his superior the greatest number of troops in the best condition that it was possible for him to do. , . The command had not proceeded but fifteen miles from Vera Cruz when, near the National Bridge, his firmness, gallantry and decision of character were put to a test His force was there attacked by a guerilla party. He gave an order to charge upon the chapparel. Col Ransom queitioned the expediency of this order. " I have given the order," the general firmly replied. The charge was made and the enemy repulsed. At the National Bridge be was again at- tacked by the guerillas, who had baricaded the bridge with chapparel. He ., promptly ordered the troops to dash over the barricade and charge the ememy. Capt. Dupreau execuied this order. On this occassion two bullets passed through the general's hat. On the 1st of Augnst Gen. Pierce, at Perote, advised Gen. Scott of the state of his command. It consisted, to a great extent, of northern recruits, able and willin" men, and in fine condition, so far as health was concerned. He had lost but one man by the tomito at Vera Cruz, and none by that dir.ease on the march ; and tboush the hridge at San Jaan had been partly destroyed, the main arch at Plan del Rio had been blown up, and he had been five times attacked, \ yet he says be had really encountered nothing that could be con-trued into serious re.-istance. " I shall bring to your command,'' the general informs his chief, " about twenty-four hundred of all arms. To morrow morning, at four o'clnrk, I .«hall cave here for Puebla. and shall make the u-arch in five dajs." Gen'. Pierce joined Gen Scott at Puebla A.ug. C, with his command in fine 16 condition, having made his way through a country swarming with enemies, and with but little loss. The bearing of the general in this march, his skill in availing himself of the service of his staff, his sleepless vigilance, his ardor and energy, his good judgment, won golden opinions among military men, and elicited the warmest encomiums from Gen. Scott. It was the judgment his compeers passed on him that had he done nothing else, he would have established the reputation of possessing the qualities of an able, brave and successful commander. The American army (Aug. 7th) moved forward to fight the great battles of the valley of Me.vico, which resulted in the waving of the American flag over the halls of the Montezumas. It is not necessary to detail events so honorable to the officers who directed them and to the country that sent them forth. The first of the struggles were those of Contreras and Cherubusco. In describing the former engagement, the first notice in Gen. Scott's official account, of Gen. Pierce is that of being " more than three hours under a heavy fire of artillery and muskets along the almost impassible ravine in front and to the left of the entrenched camp. Besides twenty-two pieces of artillery,, the camp and ravine were defended closely by masses of ii5antry,4pd these again supported by clouds of cavalry at hand and hovering in viBXf." S^bis was the front of the enemy's works at Contreras. The\ga11ant nintli.and^^^elfth regiments of infantry — Gen. Pierce's command — moved with great -ttlacrityyapdAiCOQlness, and to the admira- of the army, for three-fourths of a mite,'*iiijd6r;fl,5J!^eayy lire of round shot and shells, to position wtiichj^^they noljly^/maintained from, S ^o'clock until 9 o'clock, P. M.; when, iiot being jab^^ tg- make, an impression; ;ib.i) a,yastly superior force, they were ordered to neW j^sition. Tte.inighti^asijdark,' and the rain poured in torrents, the troopS-Wer^^tj^hu^gE^^^ wiftout th0 possibility of sleep, and the ground was !^:ee'dighg1^iiDe|!Mi -afi^ it was field of rock and lava. Late'^.:Mi|ifeioeme^liie .ey^^^ " Gen.- Pierce received," says Gen. Scott, "a se^re huii:^om"'ihefall It marks' the confidence already felt in General Pierce that. the commander 'appointed him one of the commissioners to 'trfiat with Santa Anna. The result is; well known. American liberty 'and humanity were repaid by Mexican treachery cmdi false-' hood. On the seventh of September hostilitieia 'were renewed. "'■■' The American army, after another serieis of brilliant feats; of arms, hoisted on the morning of the 14th of September, the American, flag on the naiiottal palace. Among them were the battles of Molinos del Key on thteSth, and'of Chepultepec, on the 12th, ;13.thj and '14th. Gen. :Pierceiwas'eiigagied in battle with the enemy on the. 8ih at , the footjof Chepultepec. H^te he :flid efficient service, and was present when danger was to be met. As he was'goiiig-over the field, when bullets were flying. about -hiin, General Worth <5alled him frotti it with. the remark that he. was rash. In' this battle, J. H. "Warland, an officer' in' the;,army, writes (1847,) that the New" England regiment was ordered to take off the dead and wounded and cover the withdrawal of thei troops from the field. The duty assigned was an honorable one and was worthily performed. General Pierce led a portion of his brigade before tlie blazing fire of the enemy's cannon with a degree of courage and dating which has been spoken of with admiration. He narowly escaped with his, life >; several times the six poundefs ranging within' a few inches of him and ploughing the ground by the side ofiis. horse. He continued waving his sword- and lencouraging his troops till the duty assigned was performed. The cry was — "Come on, brave New England Boys 1" The same gentleman wrote the lines, idontaining notices of the'N'ew England officers in the army. Of General Pierce he writes — "' Break N^^Englknd'B lion if!pirit 1 No — inot white Pierce can platige his steed, Amid the canaon blazing near it. Wave his bright sword aod onward lead." Tfie last great battle -was ithe storming of Chepultepec; 'This^ttfok place on the 13th. General Pierce, on this day was confined by illness to his bed. "I regret," says. the brave General Pillow, "that I was deprived' of the services of my brave, talented, and accomplished Bri^adeer General Pierce, who was con- fined to a sick bed." "• ' ' Such is the uniform testimony of his brother -officers to' the bravery and effi- ciency of General Pierce.;, Nor is this all.-. The men under' his command idol- ised him.. After he had' ;ledj them' on in triumph, and the i hour of battle had passed, and the camp was Vvraped in the mantle of night, his kindheartednese prompted him to wind his wayi linatttended along the line of 'tents' where were to be seen the pallid cheeks and exhausted'ffames'wf thewOunded soldiers. He heard their last, dying words, he received their last requests, and expended his Iflstshilling to procure those comfofta .that otherwise they couldnot obtain. It was such offices as these, which were habitual with him, that wOn the love of the soldiers. "' '■'_' I, In. December after iit.. wad) ascertained 'that- there would be no ihore fighting. General Fierce left Mexico for home. He left the service with the respect, re 20 gret, and admiration of all. "T am sorry he is going, — writes an officer, "as 1 don't know of a man who do better for the men under hiscommand, or o,ne that the soldiers would 3ike so well." Another writes : " To uiy surprise, I find that General Pierce twill leave to-motroiv, with the train for Vera Cruz. He has bore himself with; great honor and usefulness as a general oiBcer. It is said'of him here, that 'after the terrible battles of the valley of Mexico, he visited the wounded and dying soldier, and with an untiring vigilance and open hand ad ministered without stint or measure -to the aleviation of their sufferings. ' We all regret, especially those of ns from New England, his purpose to retire froin the service." The American Star, published in the city of Mexico, contained the following notice of him on the occasion of his departure : — " Brig. Gen. Pierce. Among the distinguished officers of the American army who return. to the United States, with the train which leaves the city to- day, is Brig. Gen. Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire. The Americans in the city will greatly regret the departure of this accomplished gentleman and officer, and ceriain we are that their best wishes for his future happiness wUrgO with him. ' It is Gen. Pierce's gentlemanly bearing, his urbane manners, which have made him so great a favorite With both officers and men. It is his ptirjiose we believe, to resign* the place which he now occupies in the army immediately upon his return, to his residence. Like others of different grades attached to the army, he left the endearments of home at the call of the government, to par- ticipate in the battle.s of.his country. He left, also, a lucrative profession, which none other than;a patriotic motive could have induced him to relinquish. The sacrifice, however, was most cheerfully met. Gen. Pierce has won a high rep- utation in the United States for his courage and bravery, as every paper that reaches us bears evidence. He left Vera .Cruz in the middle of July, with one of the largest reinforcements for General Scott, and the most extensive trains that have left/that city since its bombardment In the several battles before the city, Gteneral Pierce's brigade behaved most nobly, as all our readers are well aware, and, the general conducted himself most gallantly at Contreras, Cberubusco, ^and Molino del Rey, though in the first named action he sustained a severe injury by a plunge and fall of his horse among the rocks of Padiema. During the storming of Chepultepeo he was confined, to his room by indisposition, or he would have been charging with his men over the precipitious heights where his gallant friend, the lamented Ran- som, fell. But; though General Pierce has thus honorably distinguished him- self,, he is not ambitious of retaining his high position in the service, and thus acquiring distinction in the array. He prefers the quieter and gentler pursuits of professional life, and we know that he will be welcomed to his pleasant home in New England with hearts as warm as ever beat in the 'human bosom: He will return to his native hills .with new laurels, and with the prayers of all that he may long live to enjoy the company and society of those who are dear to him Many fear, .since his departure from 5few England, have been expressed in the public papers.and private letters that General Pierce had either fallen a victim to the climate of the tiera caliente, or under the guns of the enemy. His friends and relatives, however, are now assured of his safety and health, and they will greft him with as warm a welconie as an honored son of New England ever received. Happiness go with him." General Pierce arrived in Washington about the middle of January, A 21 Washington correspondent of the. Baltimore Sun thus noticed his career and character: — ; w' '''• "General Franklin Pierce arrived here on Saturday, from Mexico. This gallant officer is on his way to New Hamp-hire, on a visit to his family. The general is a young man, and forcibly reminds me of the generals of tlie revolu- tion. Full of tallent without pretention — and full of military capacity, without military bombast. Once a senator in the tongre^s of the United States : once tendered the attorney generalship — the firsr lie resigned before the expiration'of his term, and the last he declined vyhtn offen d. To his credit be it said, that when the country called to arms he was anionii the first who accepted the ser- vice offered him. The high opinion held of him by men and officers evince the propriety of the selection and the capacity ot theman." <■: . •• General Pierce, on resigning his commission, returned tp Concord. Hisre^ ception was most honorable to the patriotic citizens of that town./r.They assetn^ bled in large numbers,. and General Low, acted as president of4heet, setting aside the consciousness of duty performed. He felt an embarrassment in aridrea- sinff the meeting thao he could hardly account for. He felt profoandly grateful to ttiit Being, who not only watches over the nations of the earth, but over the welfare of the humblest individual. He did not take to him.'elf the honor of at- tracting such a i.umeroas a-sembly as stood be'bre and around him. The gathering was on account of the great number of thi-ir gallant sons, brothers and friends, that had formed a part of his command. They had come to hear not 22 only of those who live, but of those who, having displayed their devotion to their country, now repose on a foreign sriil. A set speech to an audience actuated by the feeling which he perceived, would be altogether out of place. It would be a 80it of desecration to attempt any display on fuch occasion?. Upon the main topic which theyimust be anxious to hear about, lie could not fraffie a set speech They wanted to hear of the ninth regiment, the glorious New England Reuiment which was assembled in such hot haste, and in.fJch hot haste met the enemy. There was not a generous or just man in the state who had not pronounced in favor of ;their motives. Laying aside i>l' the ties of home, and the fair prorhises ofijyouth and its enjoyments, and suflennf 'he nirtings which press the life blood from our young' hearts, they responded to their country's call, with a high moral pdrpose that could not be exceeded. During the three weeks at Vera Cruz, caused by the want of mules and wag- ons for transportation — a delay affgravati d by wide spread sickness — he never heard amui-'mur from a fo'dier under his command. A thore cheerful set of lads they could T.oli have been if they bad been at home by their own happy firesides. Their subsequent exploits had been read in the official reports. He would not detail themi On the march, in the fight, every where, one predominant feeling animated thtm. The question was not, who should be ordered forward ; but which corps should be allowed to go forward fit'st kd against the enemy. At night they were cheerful in their tents, and longing for the morning which should bring with it the order to move forwaid to battle. New Hampshire had no occa- sion for any other feeling than that of pride in regard to her sons who belonged to the command. They had prored themselves biav'e, devoted, self-sacrificing spirits. And Concord, too, was well represented among them. There was Henry Caldwell, one of the brave>t and most determined soldiers in the army. There v.'as sergeant Stowell who was shotplump through the heart at Cherubusco. As his last breath 'flowed he wliispt-red to me — "L"o the boys say 1 behaved well? if I have, write home to my people." Then there was sergeant Pike, who had his leg^ shot off in advancing aloni; on a causeway swept by three batteries. Two amjjutations which did not answer the purpose, were performed, and a third was deemed hopeless. Die he must, it was thought, " 1 know better than they do," be said. " I'll try another; and when they cut it again I hope they vvill cut it so that it will stay cut.'' A third amputatiort was performed, and he lived through it. He and the others named were printers. In the new levi^ g, tks printers exceed by twenty per cent those of any other vocations; and on a cOtOB of their intelligence and high spirit, they have proved the most efficient soluiers in the field. "General Pierce also named Brown and Swett, of Concord, as particularly dis- tinguished ; and Capt. Cadv and Lieuts. Potter and Dana, of the old lice. Nor did he f)rget Sergeant We«t, of Manchester, who fell at the head of his eolumri ; and was always there when there was any fighting to be done But in mentioning the men of New Hampshire, or of New England, he would claim for them uo superiority over others. The present army was made up of artil- lery, cavalry, the old army, and the new levies, representing every sta'e of the Union, and it was not in the power of man to say which had done the best ser- vice. To many it had been matter of great surprise that the new levies had fought a.3 they had done. But it is in the race. He would take from the audience before him a regiment who would do the same. In exeouting mat ojuvres and ill foiming combinatinns in front of an enemy, by wheeling, countermarch- ing, &8., old Soldiers are undoubtedly better ; but when it came to close fighting, 23 as m storming or charging, it was tbe man that did the work, and not the man- ttuyrinjr; and in sdch'wnrk.tfie inesnjwbo had never before been under fire or bandied a bay bnef, stood well side by side with the long trained soldier. An- other cause of the. success of our, troops, new and old, was the conduct of the officers, who, from the highest to the lowest, led and cheered on their columns. Wence the dispropurtion in the loss of officers and men. Hence the loss of that most brave and accompl^s|i.^; of officers of t.be ten new regiments-^Cohinel Ran- som. He kept pressing up— pres.-irg up — till lie was shot, dtad at tjbe head of "is column. The same was true of Col. Martin Scott, (he first shot, in the army — a son of New Hampsliire. He raised himself atiove the proteciion of a wall. A broiheir 'officer begged him not to expose himself unneceffaiilj.. ^He replied : ' Mania Scott has never yet stooped.' The next moment a shot passed through bis heart. He fell upon his t^ack. deliberately placed his cap upot) his breast and died. Col. Graham, after receiving six severe vs'iiunds, continued at the head of his men, and upon receiving a seventh through the heart, slowly droppeid from his liorse, and as he fell upon the ground.said: — 'Forward, my rneh ! — ^iny word is always — forward !' And fo saying, he died. '^Haying refe.rred, to Lieuts. Foster and Danii-ls. and to several, officers- -of the old 'army, Getieral Pierce proceeded to say that he had to retr-.ct opin- ions that he had^ formerly entertained and expressed in relation to the mili- tary acadt-my at West' Poirit. He was now of the opinion that the city of Mexico could not have been entered in the way it was but for the inlellig^nce and science in military affairs of the officers of the old army, mostly,,fri.m West Point. Services weie rendered, by the lrations of the mob in Mexico, stimulated by oppptients to the then exi.-ting government. Even now the people willjgo to the last extremity against a peace. They say it is the first time ■withiti the last twenty years that they have been under any protection.., They, are in favor ol merging the nationality of Mexico in that of thp, United States. They say they, care nothing for a nationality which has afforded them no protoclidn in either civil or political rights. Their rights are protected by American arms. '•Again, the course a very large number of the public presses in the United States have pursued, has created ob.-ta4" dence that could be given of his qualifications for that responsible and dignified position. No man in the United States is better adapted to that 'siation. ' 'In fact, it is very questionable whether he has an eqtial/in all the attributes that are essential to an etiicient and impartial presiding officer. 'He is thbronghly versed in the principles of parliamentary law, and he is admirably fitted, by his pcoulidr temperament, and his proverbial courtesy, to administer them. ' ' TOUM MEN FROM THE GOUNTH ,\A.ctive men axe •wanted by the subscriber, to sell chdat books and various fancy articles in 'all partspf the couhi ^ try. We allow a very high conrmission, so that ageht^ can make $2 and $3 a day with ease. We emploj steady young men on good wages. Our business,|at| fords first rate chances to such as are not Tery healmj and need the- exercise of travelling ;^ralso;':tliosie: have no trades, and particularly farmers sons, who hay but little to do at home, except in the busy season. Letters post paid, wiU meet prompt attention and tht particulars explained. * •. » i:^Direct ■■ ^ ;' Skinner's Publishing Room^ 67 1-2 Court Street, Scollay's Building, head of Comhiili Boston. We make a superior ^article of Black Ink,, which wel warrant or no sale, and which we.agrep to sell 20 per! cent cheaper than any good ink is sold for in Boston.—' CaiU and examine. OflB.ce as above.