Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1843-07-26
[Ftom DE sauannak Repubgean.l

LetfeT from one of the Mier PrisoHers.-
We are indebted TO an esteemed friend in
Camden, for the following highly interest.
ing letter from Mr. McMuIien; one of the
Mier prisoners, which we lay before our
readers this morning. The writer for.
merly resided in This part Of the world quo
has many friends here who perhaps may
be able to do something for his liberation.
Avteady an application for his release has
been forwarded to General Thompson our
Minister in Mexico. who has hitherto bceu
quite successful in his efions 10 procure
the enlargement o. Tcxian pris'ners.-
Perhaps any interference GIN come too
late 10 proud spirit, insulet by cruel
ask-masters.
The hs,,er will escite no little admira-
ton, SO honest, straight forward, and sober
is it-as free from auy attempt at iue
writing, as il is from sasconading abuse
Of the Mexicans: There rs something
however which almost excfes smile in
the aonchalant manner 10 which he refers
TO the Mexican Government. We infer
that he regards so worthless an establish
ment Lawful plumber, and would deem any
conquest justifable, which placed the for
tunes Of the country in better hands.
The writer we understand, is scarcely
twenty years of age.
PRISON SANTIAGO, !
CtrY OF MEXICO. May IL, ls43.
To Capt. Richard Floyd:
Dear Sir-i will refer you TO my letter
written TO lhe General, for an account Of
the battle Of Mier. and endeavor TO give
you an account Of our trials, and harIships
since our capture. We remained in Ma
tamoras five days, when we commenced
our journey 10 this place; wo passed
through many Of their principal towns, but
nothing Of importance ,ranspired until four
days march from Saltillo, where we deter
mined to carry into effect ou, long inten-
ded attack upon the guard. whose rumber
was two hundred and fifty. ours being two
hundred aud fifteen. Eve sick and nearly
one-half openly opposed TO the measure,
but Notwithstanding all, the next morning
We made rush and bore down every
thing in our way. killing eight Of them,
and taking large number prisoners.
whom we turned loose as soon as the fuss
was over. Our loss was Eve killed and
fiyG wouE!ed. By ten O'Clock, We were
on the road home, with l60 guns besiles
small arms, 70 horses, and good s,ock OF
provisions. That day anfnight we march
ed sixty miles, and in two days and
nights, and part Of auolher. we marched
onc hundred and fifty, when we met
friend who gave US the direction through
the country, but rs some Of our party
doubted The sin fariiy Of our visitor, we left
tie road and took 10 the mountains, where
we folshd water very scarce, and our hor-
ses could not travel so we came TO the
determination to kill them and go on foot.
AT il we went. and never saw such
scene as followed: in deep ravine.
formed by high mountains on both sides,
lay The horses with their throals cut; while
the men were busy feecius The meal,
from their bones, others were making fires
and bringing wafer which had been found
league below in basin formed by the
rocks. II was q queer sight, yet good
one for the painter. Tho next day we
took up our porchacress the barren noun
tains, and for five days we travelled with
out tasting water on the ifth resigned
myself TO my fate, which seemed inevila-
BILE, aud lay under the shade Of my blanket
to die. Al noon, however, we saw
smoke arise, which gave all new hopes.as
twas the signal agreed upon ifany found
waier, we were divided in small parties in
search Of il. In the cool Of the evening
We made for the smoke, which still rolled
ia Il large column, but TO our surprise we
found ourselves in talking distance Of our
Us long TO get away from there. and cou-
suit upon the best plan to pursue. We
determined to keep the valley uu,il We
found water. That night VIC travelled
ten leagues, and TO break OF day came
upoa the picquet guard of another body
OF The enemy. AL our party, except my
self and Que other, rau; and when we
looked for them We could see nothing Of
them. We then agreed 10 60 TO the pass
in the mountain. where we expected 10
find wafer; but upon our arrival we found
The pass guarded by several Of the enemy.
Here we were nearly dead for want Of
water, and unable 10 proceed further. We
became regardless of consequences, and
determined to have water or die in the
attempt, so in We marched aud demanded
water, which was given 10 small quauti-
ties, which saved the lives Of many. who
would have killed themselves by drinking
We were assured we should be treated as
before; they continued 10 take small par
ties until our number was l76, when we
again started 70! Saltillo in irons. There
we remained nineteen days to gain strength
for the journey, and while there. an order
was issued for all to be shot, but this order
was recalled aud one issued for every tenth
man. This was made known 10 us at
the place where we had FIRST gained our
liberty: A covered jar wasproduced con-
taining l76 beans, II Of which were blnck
TO denote death; we drew as our names
were called from list, and never saw
such frnnesa diaplaysd Noi iear