Republican Herald

Gen. Pierce in Mexico.—Colonel O'Hara, one of the editors of the Louisville Times, speaks thus of the services of Gen. Pierce in Mexico, himself being a personal witness:

Having retired from the Senate, and resuming the practice of his profession, the difficulties with Mexico struck that electric spark of patriotism ever alive in his bosom, and he was chosen the Colonel of the New England regiment, prepared to do battle for his country's honor, and to assert and maintain her rights. When appointments were made by President Polk of officers to fill up the commands of the army, Colonel Pierce was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. During that unprecedented campaign he bore a most conspicuous part for the exhibition of all the elements that combine to make a great captain—patience and endurance under toil and privation in a new field, a coolness that met every responsibility, and a courage ready to face the very "cannon's mouth." Beloved by those who served under him—for he was ever ready to participate in the labor of their marches and their daring in the hour of battle—he brought with him from the field of Mexico laurels that never wither—the enshrinement of himself in the hearts of his countrymen, who beheld his valor and participation in the glory which his valor won.

At Contreras, when dashing over the pedregal, (a continued series of sharp rocks thrown up by volcanic action,) for the purpose of heading his brigade, his horse fell under him and crushed the leg of his rider in his fall. The battle of Churubusco followed next day, and, scorning to hang back within his tent, with crutch in hand, he mounted his goodly steed, and urged his men "on to victory!" In the foremost rank of battle he was found: and through most of that bloody day he was the spirit of the wing in which he was placed.

But, with fatigue and the anguish of a fractured limb, he became faint, and was borne insensible from the field: but not before (could he have heard) the shouts of victory would have filled his ear, and brought back the pulsations to his noble heart.

We speak with enthusiasm of the gallantry of General Pierce, because, attached to that branch of service, we were an eye witness of all that we represent. It was with pride and exultation that we saw him rejecting the privilege accorded the wounded, and bearing "his bosom to the strife."

Our admiration knew no bounds, for we felt that there was a heart truly American—American in its most comprehensive sense—reckless of self, and all for his country.