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Browsing named entities in Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing). You can also browse the collection for Thomas Riley or search for Thomas Riley in all documents.

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Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing), Churubusco, battle of (search)
at the bridge was carried at the point of the bayonet. At the same time Twiggs was assailing the fortified church and hamlet, where a fierce battle raged for some time. There the able Mexican General Rincon commanded, and there three masses of Santa Ana's men opposed General Shields. The veterans of Gen. Persifer F. Smith, who had captured Contreras, were conspicuous in this fearful contest. The most desperate defence at the church was made by deserters from the American army, led by Thomas Riley. The alarmed Mexicans several times hoisted a white flag, in token of surrender, when these Americans with halters about their necks as often tore it down. The battle raged three hours, when the church and the other defences of Churubusco were captured. Meanwhile Generals Shields and Pierce (afterwards President of the United States) were battling furiously with Santa Ana's men, partly in the rear of the defences of Churubusco. The Mexicans were there 7,000 strong—4,000 infantry and
Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing), Military Academy, United States (search)
usually about 425. An annual board of visitors is appointed, seven by the President of the United States, two by the president of the Senate, and three by the speaker of the House of Representatives. They visit the academy in June, and are present at the concluding exercises of the graduating class of the year. The superintendent in 1901 was Col. Albert L. Mills, U. S. A. (q. v.), and the military and academic staff consisted of seventy-two persons. Upon graduation, the class is divided by the academic board into three sections of varying and unequal numbers, according to class rank; the highest, usually very small, is recommended for appointment in any corps of the army; the second in any corps, excepting the engineers and the third in any corps, excepting engineers and artillery. Commissions for the rank of second lieutenant are then conferred by the President, in accordance with these recommendations. See Leavenworth, Fort; Monroe, Fort; Riley, Fort; and Willett's Point.