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Don Estes, our recently retired cemetery director, submitted the following story from an upcoming book he has written about the Natchez City Cemetery.
Maj. General John A. Quitman
Sepember 1, 1799 – Jully 17, 1858
Mention the “Halls of Montezuma” to any U. S. Marine and they immediately tell of their code of the broad red stripe on their dress blue trousers representing the blood they shed in the bloody assault on Chapultepec. It cost the lives of 90% of their Officers and NCO’s in bloody hand-to-hand combat, but they led the American forces into the “Halls of Montezuma”, the gates of Mexico City. They captured Mexico City and delivered America to final victory in the Mexican War of 1847. No Marines ever retreat or surrender! This is their creed forever.
A U. S. Marine Color Guard Sergeant told of their “broad red stripe” and like a clap of thunder it was clear, “We have your Commander buried here!” As we shared our revelation this hardened Marine’s demeanor melted as he realized that General Quitman was their Commander who had led his Division, with an attached U. S. Marine Battalion, into that fierce, fateful battle – and eternal glory! General Quitman had lost a boot in that battle and always boasted that the combat was so fierce that he never knew where he lost it.
This victory bolted General Quitman into realization of his lifelong quest for military glory. He became Governor of Mexico, then Mississippi, and then Congressman, before falling victim to bad water that he drank, along with others, at the National Hotel, Washington D. C., in February, 1857. Racked by debilitating illness, he finally died at Monmouth, his Natchez home, on July 17, 1858. He is now buried in their family lot in the Natchez City Cemetery.
One can only wonder if this successful Mexican War Major General, a vehement pro-Southerner, had survived, would he not have been the first Confederate Commander in Chief? After all, he had been a commander of Captains G. T. Beauregard and Robert E. Lee in the Mexican War! |
