The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-03-08
AN INCIDENT IN THE PENINSULAR
WAR.
BY MRS. E. t. ELLETT.


advance to the succor of Badajos. In the begin
ming Of April, while the French were disheaTten-
ed by the sudden fall of that city, Penne
Vemur and Morillo, issuing out of Portugal, or s.
sed the Lowrr Guadiana and seized San Lucar de
Mayor This place was ten miles from Seville,
which was only garrisoned by Spanish Swiss
battalion in Joseph's service, aided by "ErGope-
tfros," and by sick and convalescent meL. The
SpanIards soon occupied the heights in front Of the
Trianna bridge, and attacked the French entrench-
ments, hoping to raise popular commotion Bal
asteros, on the other side had advanced with elev-
en- thousand men, intending to fall on Seville from
the left of the Guadalquivir.
But the hopes entertained by the Spanards, of
being speedyin possession of Seville. were cut
off by piece of deceit False Information adroit-
ly given by Spaniard in the French interest, led
Balaseros to believe Soult was at hand, where
upon he Immediately returned to the Ronda; while
Penne Villemur, also warned that the French
would soon return, retired to Gibraleon.
This disappointment and failure in the execution
of a favorite project, cherished Tor many months,
irretaed beyond control, the naturally severe tenn
per of Morillo. 1t was evening; and the division
of the amy under him were encamped some hours
march on their retreat. Preparations might have
been seen for military execution, and couple Of
prisoners, captured in their last skirmlsh, were ac-
cording to the cruel practice of many chiefs in
those times, to be put to death. ThecaPtives were
guarded by file ofsodiers, and the executioners,
waiting the word of command to draw up, were
leaning on their weapons, and talking over the
events Of the last two days
| Just then one Of the inferior officers, returning
to his tent after giving some order the men,
Interrupted by boy apparently ten years of age,
who, seizing his hand, and speaking in accent
slightly foreign, besought him, with piteous en-
treaties, to procure him admtance to the general.
The officer found, on inquiry, that he was the son
of one of the prisoners, soldier distinguished for
his eminent personal bravery, who had not been
taken, even when overwhelmed by numbers with
cut giving and receiving many severe wounds.
| This soldier, weary and wounded, but myincblc
| in courage and spirit, for he scorned to ask the
clemency of his conqneror was now to suffer death
with his companion in misfortune. The terrible
| order had been given for Morio would not be i'm
peded in his march by prisoners; and he 50 hated
his country's enemies, that the bravest and most
generous among them could have found no mercy
at his hands The prisoners little boy, refusing to
be separated from his father, had been sutlercdby
the Spaniards to follow him.
''You shall see the general, boy, since you wish
-. ~ I,,,3
entreaties; .'but he will not grant your fathers
life. San Lucas but these French dogs have Civ
EN- US too much trouble already"
They entered The generals tent; Morillo, by the
light of the lamp Burning on the table, was reading
dispatch he had just received, Two of his off
GERS stood near him; there was no one else in the
tent. The brow of the chiefwas contracted, and
his eyes flashed as if what he read dispeased him,
and he looked up with an impHent exclamation
as the officer entered with the 10y. The child, as
soon Morillo was pointed os&ta him, rushed for
ward and kuet athis feet, -, -
"What does this mean'" demanded the gene
/ : ifaa! ifaaa'
.sSpare him. spare my father" sobbed the YOUTH,
full supplicant
The officers explained his relationship to one of
| the prisoners about to be executed
"Ah! that reminds me, said the Chief, looking
at his watch Pedro, nine is the hour. Let them
be punctua, and have the business soon over"
Again, with moving entreaties the child besought
his fathers life
''Did thy father send thee hither" asked the
general sternly,
No senor, he did not"
" ASd how darest thou, thcn-
"My hlher has done nothing to deserve death.
answereathe lad He is cprisoner of war;
"Eia! WIN taught thec to question my justice' :
answer me!"~
"No Ole, senior, but brave generals do not al
waySrm their prisoners"
"knlwhom choose Numbered Morillo; and
haze the French. Boy, thy father shall die have
sad it; BECOME"
I The officer made silent sign to the petitioner,
to intimate that there was no hope, and that he
must begone. But the boys countenance sudden
ly changed. He walked up to the general, who
had turned away, and placed hmelf directly be-
fore him, with alook of calm resolution worthy of
martyr.
"Hear me, senior. said he, my father is ray-head-
ed; he is wounded; his strength is failing even
now, though he stands up to receive the fire ofyour
men, am young, and strong, and well. Let
them shoot me in his place, and lei my father go
free"
I 1t was impossible to doubt the sincerity of this
offer, for the face ofthe devoted child was kindled
with holy enthusiasm. A dark flash rushed 10
the brow &c Morillo, aud for momeat he looked
on the boyiD silence
\ ..Thou ait willing to die, stength he said, ''for
thy father Then, to suffer pain for him win be
nething, Wilt thou lose one of thy ears to save
him,s Az