Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/19



distinguished General was a native of "The Old Dominion." He was born in Orange County, Va., November 24th, 1784. His father, Richard Taylor, was somewhat noted as a military man in that State. Zachary is now (1847) 63 years old.

In 1785 his father moved to Kentucky, near Louisville, where Zachary spent most of his childhood.

As good schools were scarce at that time in Kentucky, his education was neglected. He was brought up on a farm; but had a taste for military glory, and in May, 1808, President Jefferson appointed him a Lieutenant in the army at the age of 14 years. His first wreath of glory was won at "Tippecanoe," in a desperate battle with the Indians. May 7th, 1811. In consequence of his bravery in this conflict, President Madison gave him a Captain's commission.

In the spring of 1812 he was placed in command of Fort Harrison on the Wabash. War with England had been declared, and Tecumsch, with his Indian warriors, was resolved to exterminate the whites. Taylor had only 50 men in the fort, and half of them disabled by fever. September 4th, 1812, the Indians attacked the fort about midnight. The sentinels were driven in, the block-house of the fort was on fire, and destruction seemed to be their inevitable lot. Taylor ordered a part of his men to extinguish the flames, and the remainder to return the fire. For seven hours the conflict was severe, and the savage yells terrific; but the Indians were obliged to retire.

After this brave defence Taylor was promoted to the rank of brevet-Major. At the close of the war, by the influence of enemies, he was reduced to the rank of Captain, and, resenting the insult, he retired to his farm.

In 1815 he was reinstated by President Madison, and proceeded, in 1816, to Green Bay. He was soon appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and, until 1832, was on the Western and North-western frontiers, performing important services.