sirable, on every ground connected with your administration, the office tendered would be to me; and yet, after mature consideration, I am constrained to decline. Although the early years of my manhood were devoted to public life, it was never really suited to my taste. I longed, as I am sure you must often have done, for the quiet and independence that belongs only to the private citizen, and now, at forty, I feel that desire stronger than ever.

"Coming unexpectedly, as this offer does, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to arrange the business of an extensive practice, between this and the first of November, in a manner at all satisfactory to myself, or to those who have committed their interests to my care, and who rely on my services. Besides, you know that Mrs. Pierce's health, while at Washington, was very delicate-it is, I fear, even more so now, and the responsibilities which the proposed change would necessarily impose upon her, ought, probably, in themselves, to constitute an insurmountable objection to leaving our quiet home for a public station at Washington.

"When I resigned my seat in the Senate in 1842, I did it with the fixed purpose never again to be voluntarily separated from my family, for any considerable length of time, except at the call of my country, in time of war, and yet this consequence, for the reason before stated, and on account of climate, would be very likely to result from my ac ceptance.

"These are some of the considerations which have influenced my decision. You will, I am sure, appreciate my motives. You will not believe that I have weighed my personal convenience and ease against the public interest, especially as the office is one which, if not sought, would be readily accepted by gentlemen who could bring to your aid attainments and qualifications vastly superior to mine.

"Accept my grateful acknowledgments, and believe me, truly and faithfully, your friend.

"FRANK PIERCE."

The good taste, the modesty, and the beauty of this letter must be apparent to every reader. It also must be evident to every unprejudiced mind, that General Pierce has, during his whole political life, been a modest, retiring man. We see him resigning his seat in the most august legislative body in the Union at the call of affection. We see him refusing the highest office within the gift of his native State; refusing to accept an appointment to the United States Senate and finally refusing a seat in the Cabinet of the President, when invited in the most flattering, in the most pressing manner. Truly, this is not an ordinary political character, and in looking at his life and acts, one is carried back to the earlier days of our republic, when offices sought men-not men offices.

While the great mass of politicians have been

straining every nerve, pulling every wire, court every popular breeze, that they might obtain pl and power, Frank Pierce has shunned the aven to great distinction, has refused the most invit and flattering offices of preferment, that he mig live in the bosom of his family, at Concord. It just such men who deserve the highest places wit the gift of the people. Not your designing, am tious politician, but the capable, modest statesm who prefers the quiet and retirement of his hor but who, for the sake of his country, consents take office-is the character fit for office! And the great contest, now soon to occur, which sh decide who shall fill the Presidential chair, it v not be forgotten that Frank Pierce never sought nomination that it was rather forced upon him and that, therefore, he the more deserves a most umphant election!

ENLISTS AS A SOLDIER.

135

CHAPTER VII.

Mr. Pierce as a Soldier and General-The Breaking out of the Mexican War-Mr. Pierce Enlists as a Private

adier-General

Appointed Brig

Sails for Vera Cruz - Attacked at National Bridge

- Joins Gen, Scott at Puebla - His Course through the War-His Return Reception at Concord-His Speech.

AT the time that Mr. Pierce declined the brilliant appointment, tendered him by the President of the United States, he remarked that he could never again consent to leave his family, except at the call of his country, in time of war. When, therefore, the Mexican war broke out, it found him pledged to the service of his country. A requisition was made upon the State of New-Hampshire, for a battalion of volunteers, and Mr. Pierce was among the first to put down his name, as a private soldier. The company was raised in Concord, and Frank Pierce went through all the drill exercises, as a private. The Ten Regiment Bill was passed by Congress, and the President tendered to him the appointment of Colonel of the Ninth, which appointment he accepted. When the law for the organization of the new ten regiments was passed, President Polk appointed Mr. Pierce Brigadier-General. The appointment was everywhere received with enthusiasm. Mr. Pierce was the son of an old and heroic

soldier, who had fought in the battles of the Revolution. In his youth he had listened to tales of the camp, and early learned to admire the patriotism and courage of the heroes of the Revolution. Col. Ransom was of this regiment. He was a brave officer, and Mr. Pierce wrote to the President, asking that he, Colonel Ransom, be appointed g dier-General; but the President needed the abilities of Mr. Pierce, and insisted upon his accepting the appointment. His commission, as Brigadier-General, is dated March 3, 1847. At this time, General Low, of Concord, asked Mr. Pierce if it was true that he had decided to leave his home, and all its endearments, for the plains of Mexico. General Pierce's reply was:

"I have accepted of the commission. I could not do otherwise. I was pledged to do it. When I left the Senate, it was with a fixed purpose of devoting myself exclusively to my profession, with the single reservation, that if my country should become engaged in war, I would ever hold myself in readiness to serve her in the field, if called upon to defend her honor and maintain her rights. War has come, and my plighted word must and shall be redeemed.”

General Pierce and Col. Ransom at once proceeded to Boston, making the Tremont House their head quarters until the work of preparation was completed. It is told of General Pierce, that, in bidding farewell to his many friends, one of them