Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-02-24

Doh'ai ahu ouIiCs anu uohy o'"S' AhuSuAous
South Americans, we ought to feel proud in the
gallanlry which has been displayed BY Rodil IN
the defence of Callao. am willing to think
that the latter is one Of the FIRST soldiers Of the
age. If that brave man is compelled to yield
his fortress to the Patriotic Army, trust in
God, and in the name Of virtue and valor, tha:
his life will be spared. You must recollect,
Gentlemen, that after the battle of Ayacucho,
in the terms ola capitulation on the part Of the
Royal conquered army, this fortress Callao was
embraced within the general terms of capitu-
lation. Rodil at that time was the commander,
and when he was called on to surrender, he re-
jected the proposition. He has been fighting
for great length of time, and it appears that
his army has been much reduced, and in all
probability he must submit to the stern DEGREES
of necessity. 1t was said that, if he did not
surrender, and if the fort was taken after a long
resistance, that according to the strict rules OF
war, he would be put to death. am sure that
the magnanimous commanders OF the Patriotic
forces are full of mercy, and that they will new
err sanction an acr of cruelty and savage bar
bari,y On the person Of soldier who has so
maniully sustained the cause, and held the
sword which have been con6ded to him.
Bravery is virtue which gains our admiration,
and, whether exerted by a savage or civilized
being, or in defence Of or against throne, it is
the same in essence. The commission OF an
honorable soldier is dearer to him than life, and
as long as he can hold out in defence OF that
country which has entrusted it to him, he is
bound to preserve it with the most sacred
and conscientious feelings. suggest these re-
marks under conviction that they are correct,
and although am decided friend to South A
merican liberty, and to that of the world gene
rally, yet am an aGmirer of bravery, which,
under the law of nations, has always received
its protection. Considering every circum-
stance BY which Rodil has been surrounded, he
stands e-eminently conspicuous, in having 50
long sustained himselfin country, every part OF
which seems to be conquered, with the exception
of that Immediately under his own command
l could not suppose tor moment, that the
threat against him will be executed, because
have sufficient confidence to believe that a brave
and honorable soldier respects an antagonist
like himself. think too, that the South Anne
rican SpaniarG will not be governed by the
same feelings of old Spain, which sent to an un-
timely grave the illustrious Riego. / hope
that the annals of modern South America will
never be stained by so cruel and horrible decd
The chastity of liberty ought never to be pol
luted Her genius anrher proves will des-'
troy her enemies, without causing in her friends
single blush. That success may attend the
arms of the southern republicans, is my most
hearty wish: that they may be All Free is my
most earnest prayer-But sincerely am OF o.
pnion, that in wadng through "seas OF blood &
clouds Of DUST" they will never tarnish the es-
cutchcon of their nobly acquired reputation.
V.