CHAPTER III. (Page 49-67.)

THE NAME OF JEFFERSON DAVIS INSEPARABLE FROM THE HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR--HIS ESSENTIALLY MILITARY CHARACTER AND TASTES--JOINS GENERAL TAYLOR'S ARMY ON THE RIO GRANDE, AS COLONEL OF THE FAMOUS "MISSISSIPPI RIFLES"--MONTEREY--BUENA VISTA--GENERAL TAYLOR'S ACCOUNT OF DAVIS' CONDUCT--DAVIS' REPORT OF THE ACTION--NOVELTY AND ORIGINALITY OF HIS STRATEGY AT BUENA VISTA--INTERESTING STATEMENT OF HON. CALEB CUSHING--RETURN OF DAVIS TO THE UNITED STATES--TRIUMPHANT RECEPTION AT HOME--PRESIDENT POLK TENDERS HIM A BRIGADIER'S COMMISSION, WHICH HE DECLINES ON PRINCIPLE.