the shelter of the ridge, sustained considerable loss, mainly from the enemy's artillery. Its commander, Brig.-Gen. W. F. Tucker, was severely wounded, while observing the enemy's movements from my position during the first day's engagement, and was succeeded in command by Col. Jacob H. Sharp of Blythe's regiment. To both these efficient officers I am indebted for valuable suggestions and repeated offers of help, for which their command was kept in a constant state of readiness." General Tucker was not in active service again. On September 15, 1881, he was killed by an assassin at Okolona, Miss.
Major-General Earl Van Dorn was born near Port Gibson, Miss., September 17, 1820. He was graduated from West Point, 1842, as brevet second lieutenant and was assigned to the Seventh infantry. Of the same regiment he was commissioned second lieutenant November 30, 1844. In the war with Mexico he was engaged in the defense of Fort Brown, the storming of Monterey, the siege of Vera Cruz, the battles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec, and capture of the city of Mexico. He was promoted first lieutenant March 3, 1847, brevetted captain April 18, 1847, for gallant and meritorious conduct at Cerro Gordo, and brevetted major for like service at Contreras and Churubusco. He was wounded on entering the Belen Gate of the city of Mexico. His services in the United States army were varied and efficient. He served in Florida against the Seminole Indians, and commanded an expedition against the Comanche Indians, being four times wounded in a combat near Washita Village, Indian Territory, October 1, 1858. Two of the wounds were inflicted by arrows and proved quite dangerous. He was commissioned captain of the Second cavalry March 3, 1855, and major in the same regiment June 28, 1860. Upon the secession of Mississippi he resigned his commission in the United States army, and was appointed brigadier-general of the State forces by the
