In Defense of General Pierce

In 1852, Franklin Pierce was nominated for the presidency by the Democratic Party.  As the Whigs had nominated General Winfield Scott, attacks on Pierce's military service became a popular topic.  Democrat newspapers soon responded to the attacks by publishing the accounts of fellow soldiers who held Pierce in the highest regard for his military service during the Mexican War.  Fellow veterans Major Isaac Stevens, Colonel Noah Smith, Colonel J F H Claiborne, Major General James Shields, Major Oscar Winship, General Gideon Pillow, Colonel Francis Wynkoop, Lt. Richard Drum, Lt. George Bowers, and Lt. Col. Benjamin Roberts each provided an account of Pierce's gallantry and meritorious service in Mexico. 

Though Pierce had not been a soldier beyond serving in the New Hampshire state militia, he volunteered for the Mexican War even though it was unpopular in New England.  He was briefly the commanding Colonel of the 9th Infantry Regiment, but President Polk elevated him to Brigadier General.  He arrived in Vera Cruz in June 1847 and, in July, he led 2500 soldiers to meet General Scott at Puebla.  He handily overcame the guerrillas that sought to impede his column's progress, even having his hat shot off his head during an engagement at the National Bridge.  Upon reaching Puebla, he proved popular among his fellow officers and worked well with General Scott.  In August, the army moved into the Valley of Mexico.

During the Battle of Contreras, Pierce led his men through a rocky and uneven area - a lava field - when his horse startled from Mexican artillery.  The horse fell on him, injuring his leg and knocking him unconscious.  General Scott suggested that he refrain from leading his men the following day and instead recover.  Pierce refused.  Believing that it might be the last battle of the war, he needed to be present to offset his embarrassing horse fall.

During the Battle of Churubusco, he had himself tied to his horse and set out to cut off the Mexican retreat.  His horse was soon stuck in a ditch.  Getting free of the horse, Pierce hobbled toward the objective but, overcome by pain, he feinted again.  That he was not laid low from gunfire, shrapnel, lance, or sword but rather his own inadequate horsemanship led to the nickname of 'Fainting Frank.'  He did not partake in later battles of the war.

There is no questioning Pierce's bravery.  He had demonstrated his willingness to expose himself to enemy fire and ride into combat.  His great misfortune was how he was injured.  Would the Whigs be able to convince the nation that Pierce was a coward?  Not by a longshot.  In the 1852 election, Pierce crushed General Scott, winning 27 states to Scott's 4.  Sadly, Franklin Pierce proved to be a better general than president.