He was a native of England, and came to
this country in his intancy. During the
Mexican war be was colonel of one of the
Illinois regiments, and distinguished him
self by leading his men in unv of the bril
liant and desperate charges that won tho
day at Cerro Gordo. After the close of
the war he emigrated to California. His
energy of character, his chivalrous depart
ment, and splendid taient made him a man
of mark. He was one ot the true friends
us the laniented Broderick, and his oration
on the death of that true man and Sena
tor was a mastji-piece, and gave him a na
tional reputation, its thrilling eloquence
touched toe hearts of the people. Disap
pointed in his hopes for political prefer
ment in California, he re ..oved to Oregon,
and was elected U. 8. Senator by a coali
tion of Douglas democrats and republicans
against Joe Lane democrats. He entered
the Senate of the United States last win
ter with a high reputation lor eloquence,
which be f''Hy maintained. One of bis
most remarkable speeches was during the
late extra session of Congress, iu reply to
John C. Breckinridge.
He accepted the command of the Cali
fornia regiment, so called, which was raised
in the cities of New York and Pbiiadel
phi i, and which was the largest regiment
m the service, numbering about fifteen
hundred men.
