A Narrative of Major General Wool's Campaign in Mexico; In the Years 1846, 1847, and 1848 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1851. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... in his success and safety, was increased by family connection, and an uninterrupted friendship and confidential intercourse for more than twenty years. The battle of Buena Vista electrified the whole American people, and a despondency which was nearly universal was followed by universal rejoicing. Their apprehensions for the safety of Gen. Taylor's army, with which it was known Gen. Wool's column had united, were most alarming, and the belief was becoming prevalent that both generals would be sacrificed. The cloud was dispelled--the name of Wool was glorified throughout the land, and the presidency itself was deemed an inadequate reward' for the services of Gen. Taylor; but the brightest colors will lade with time, and when the public taste becomes vitiated, the most gloiious works of art will be put out of sight. In many of the later accounts of the battle of Buena Vista, the name of Wool is scarcely mentioned, and in some it might seem somewhat doubtful whether he was in it From the official reports of the day, the writer endeavored to frame a true narrative of the transactions in which Gen. Wool was concerned, and consequently to describe at length the events, incidents, and circumstances of the battle of Buena Vista. While endeavoring to extract the truth from a multitude of official reports, documents, letters, histories, biographies of Gen. Taylor, &c, he lost his way in the labyrinth, and was in a state of utter perplexity. Instead of one, he found a succession of battles, and it was impossible to ascertain at what time each occurred: it was necessary to ascertain the time, in order to free some of the transactions of the day from the obscurity which enveloped them. Under these circumstances, the writer took the liberty of applying to Gen. Wool ...