Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1828-05-29
FRoM "rHg YANKEE" EDITED ny JOHN MEAL.
MILITARY Sketch

FROM "THg YANKEE" EDITED BY JOHN MEAL.
MILITARY Sketch
Most Of our readers are probably &C
quainted with the fact, that, during the
late war in South America, it got TO be
common for both parties to give no
quarter in battle, and if they took any
prisoners. to butcher them in cold blood
The practice originated with the troops
of the mother country.
The following anecdote is from the
mouth of a French officer, who served
in the South american armies.
Genersl---. Commanded in the little Island
of Marguerite Ia Spanish place ofsome strength
10 the caribbean sea- "well, sir!" said the
General, as he lay on the sofa one hot after.
poon---it was on saturday-addressing himself
to his Abide Camp. "vhat have we TO do to
morrow--how shall We contrivs TO amuse our.
selves"
Blu, The Aid ds-Camp, with the best disposi-
tion IN the world to crafty the General, was
obliged to own that, for his part, he did not
know Nothing had been thought of-he had
quite forgotten thatthe morsow was ct domingo
the Sabbath day.
"Yaya!" said the General. "How many pri-
soners have we on bandT
'Eieyes, my General"
"Ah! then We shall get through the day pleas
sntly enough. Order out detachment for ex
ecution. Let our friends know it, and pray ios
ca5e.ierOs e6fciaies (ihe gentlemen ofhcers) to
take glass of vine with me tomorrow morning
| at eleven o'clock--precisely at etevea."
The following day, precisely at the hour ap'
pointed, the gentlemen officers were seated a.
round large table, in the open air, on the
| outside Of the Generals house; and The Span.
| ish prisoners were brought forth, and eleven
chairs were placed in row, not far from the
| table, and the prisoners were placed ia them,
and tied down. each to his particular chair; the
gentlemen officers laughing and talking the
while. smoking their cigars, and drinking to
gcther--somewhat. | suppose, like q few Of
our people, who, on the Fourth oil. July every
year, get together, and drink ''dsmnation'' to
their brothers of different political faith.
LET the detachment charge with bali!' said
the General.
They did so.
"Lat them take their position"
They drew up within few feet of tho pri-
soners--each of whom had Ave muske,s aimed
at him--thres at his breast, aud two at his fore
head.
snake ready! Pill your glasses gentlemen"
The officers about the table did SO; but just
as the general was about to give the word
fire! the doors Of church opposite slowly open
ed, and the people began &c pour out. Among
them was q native Spsniard-as soon IS the
General saw him, be ordered him up. The
poor fellow, seeing bis countfymen seated in
q row, and fastened in their chairs, began TO
apprehend, lac hardly knew what--for he bore
= protection, a. friend OF liberty, signed by
Bolivar himself and granted to him, because Of
the great sacrifices he had made in the cause,
not Of Spain, but of tho colonies.
"Bring another chair!" said the General.
Another chair was brought, and the protec
ton which had been offered to the General, by
the poor man, was returned to him with these
words--"Very wsll--keep il; you may find it
ofgreat use to you by and bye. Gentlemen, this
man will just make up the twelve"
The poor man ocked his hands together as
we'll as he could-tbe fingers would but just
touch--snd prayed the General to spare him
for the sake of his family: but the General,
whose beloved wife had besn captured short
time before by the royal troops, and pu, TO
death, because he would not exchange pri.
soner for her. made no other reply than
"Prepsre"
Again the muzzeles were presented.
"The twelve apostles, gentlemen.-,-a pleas
ant voyage to them-frep
general discharge followed, and not a man
Of the twelve was ever seen to breath or stir
afterwards
Erro, Of the prsss.-Oue of our ad-
| vertising friends was annoyed by the
vehem ent rsmonstrances Of bis neigh
bors at having 900 casks of Powder in
his cellar and threatend the interference
Of the Police. On referring to the man
uscript Of the advertisement, il turned
out to be Porter "By the Powers
said the composition, "a son of the EN-.
erald isle, "had it been whiskey we
should have spelt il right.n
| IN. Y. EgsHing Pest