THE MEXICAN WAR.
A. D. 1844 TO 1846.
Governor Dudley was opposed by ex-Governor John Branch, of
Halifax, as the candidate of the Democratic party in 1838.
Governor Branch had been in the Cabinet of General Jackson, and
upon his defeat in this contest, retired from public life in
North Carolina to receive the appointment of territorial
Governor of Florida. In the Gubernatorial contest, two years
later, John Motley Morehead, of Guilford, as the nominee of the
Whigs, likewise defeated the Democratic leader, Judge Romulus M.
Saunders.
2. They were both men of large natural endowments, and have
never been surpassed in the vigor of their debates before the
people. They were both educated at Chapel Hill, and were types
of public Southern men of their day. Judge Saunders made a high
reputation as a member of Congress; and Governor Morehead so
grew in favor that eloquent Louis D. Henry, who opposed his re-
election, was also defeated by a considerable majority.
3. The loss of the State in the deaths of Judge Gaston, of Judge
Daniel, and of Lewis Williams, long one of our Representatives
in Congress, was not easily repaired. Michael Hoke, of
Lincolnton, was rising to prominence as a politician when his
untimely death occurred. He had just concluded a brilliant
canvass against William A. Graham, of Orange, for the office of
Governor, and lost his election and his life in the summer of 1844.
4. This election of Governor Graham marked a new era in the
development of the State. He was the son of General Joseph
Graham, of the Revolution, and inherited many of his virtues.
No public man in the history of the State has brought closer
application or a higher elevation to his duties. Like Richard
Caswell and Nathaniel Macon, his hold upon the public affections
was never lost, and to the day of his death he was "first in the
hearts of his countrymen" of North Carolina.
5. In 1844, James Knox Polk, of Tennessee, who was a native of
North Carolina and a graduate of our University, was elected
President of the United States. During his administration the
United States and the neighboring Republic of Mexico went to
war. The boundary line between Texas and Mexico had long been
in dispute between those countries, a dispute that practically
amounted to a constant border warfare. Of course as soon as
Texas was annexed to the United States the Federal government
took the place of Texas as a party to the quarrel, and
undisguised, open war followed.
6. President Polk made a visit to the University during his term
of office, which was highly appreciated and greatly redounded to
the honor of that ancient institution. President Polk was born
in Mecklenburg county in 1795, and died in 1849. The
announcement of his nomination for the Presidency was the first
message ever sent by telegraph. It was sent from Baltimore,
where the National Democratic Convention was in session, to
Washington City, on 29th May, 1844, over an experimental line,
put up at the expense of the Federal government, to test
Professor Morse's recent invention.
1846.
7. A regiment of North Carolina volunteers was sent to Mexico
under Colonel Robert Treat Paine, of Chowan. It was stationed
on the line of communication, but was not actively engaged in
any of the battles. Two companies of North Carolina troops
under Captains W. J. Clarice and Charles R. Jones, were mustered
into the Twelfth Regiment United States Infantry, and did
valiant service in the battle at National Bridge.
8. Louis D. Wilson, of Edgecombe, had been Captain of Company A,
in Colonel Paine's regiment. He was promoted Major and assigned
to duty in the Twelfth United States Infantry. He died on duty
in Mexico, and left his estate to the benefit of the poor of his
native county.
9. Captain Braxton Bragg gained great credit for his conduct at
the battle of Buena Vista, where, with a single battery of light
artillery, he resisted the attack of a large force upon General
Taylor's left flank, and thus prevented a movement that would
otherwise have caused the immediate retreat and probable
destruction of the American army.
10. The smoke was so dense in this action that Captain Bragg was
able to place his battery within fifty yards of the advancing
column. He gave the foe a round of double canister shot, which
opened great gaps in their ranks. They staggered and recoiled
under this murderous fire. When the delighted American
commander saw that the battle was won, he arose in his stirrups
and joyfully shouted: "Give them a little more grape, Captain
Bragg!"
11. Major Samuel McRee, of Wilmington, rendered valuable
service as Quartermaster in the army under General Scott.
Captain J. H. K. Burgwin, of the first United States Dragoons,
died of his wounds at Taos. Lieutenant James G. Martin lost an
arm and gained a brevet at Churusbusco. Captains T. H. Holmes
and Gabriel Rains, and Lieutenant F. T. Bryan, all gave valuable
and recognized service in the two columns under Generals Scott
and Taylor.
QUESTIONS.
1. What period have we now reached?
Who were Governors at this time?
What is said of Governor John Branch?
2. What mention is made of the candidates for Governor?
3. What deaths of prominent men occurred about this period?
4. What Governor was elected in 1844? How was he beloved in the State?
5. What troubles arose in national matters on the election of James K. Polk?
6. What is said, of his visit to the University? Of what State was President
Polk a native? How was his nomination announced?
7. Can you mention the North Carolina troops sent to Mexico, and
their commanders?
8. Tell something about Major Louis D. Wilson.
9. What valiant officer was with General Taylor at Buena Vista?
Give an account of his timely aid to the American army.
10. Describe the action.
11. What other officers are spoken of?