Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/186

144 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS fell back to Pleasant Hill, and on the next day again attacked him, when Taylor was defeated, losing the fruits of the first day s victory. These two days fighting have been frequently compared to that of Shiloh a surprise and defeat on the first day, followed by a substantial victory of the National forces on the second. In the summer of 1864 Taylor was promoted to be a lieutenant- general, and ordered to the command of the De partment of Alabama, Mississippi, etc. Here he was able merely to protract the contest, while the great armies decided it. After Lee and Johnston capitulated there was nothing for him, and he sur rendered to Gen. Edward R. S. Canby, at Cit- ronelle, May 8, 1865. The war left Taylor ruined in fortune, and he soon went abroad. Returning home, he took part in politics as an adviser, and his counsel was held in esteem by Samuel J. Tilden in his presidential canvass. During this period he wrote his memoir of the war, entitled "Destruction and Reconstruction" (New York, 1879).