Baton-Rouge gazette. [volume] (Baton-Rouge, La.) 1819-1856, 1844-02-24
AN INCIDENT IN THE PENINsULAR
WAR,
ny MRS. E. T. ELLETr.

ny MRS. z. T. ELLETT.
Il was at a bloody and critical period Of the
war in the Peninsula, that Morillo, then coni-
handing the fifth Spanish army, about four
thousand strong. in conjunction with Penne
Villemur, parsed down the Portuguese frontier
to the Lower Guadiana, intending to fall on
Seville as soon as Soult should advance TO the
succor of Badaios. In the beginning Of April,
while the French were disheartened by the
sudden news of the fall of that city, PenRe
Villemur and Morillo, issuing out Of Portugalt
crossed the Lower Gaudiana and seized San
Lucar de Mayor. This place was ten miles
from Seville, which was only garrisoned by
a Spanish Swiss battalion in Joseph's service
aided by "Escopsteros,'' and by sick and con-
yalescent men. The Spaniards soon occupied
the heights in front Of the Triana bridge, and
attacked the French entrenchmentsg hopiBgto
raise a popular commotion. Ballasteros, on
the other side, had advanced with eleven thou.
sand men, intending TO fall on Seville fromthe
left Of the Guadalquivir.
But the hopes entertained by the Spantardss
Of being speedily in possession OF Seville, were
cut Off a piece of deceit. False information
adroitly given by a Spaniard in the French in
teresi, led BalIasteros to believe Soult was
close at hand: whereupon he Immediately re-
turned to the Ronda while Penne Vliiemur
also warned that the French would soon re-
turn, retired to GibrsIeon.
This DISAPPOINTMENT and failure in the exc
cutloG of a~fayorite projects cherished for many
months, irritated beyond control the naturally
severe temper of Morillo. 1t vas evening;
and the division Of the army under him were
encamped some hours march on their retreat.
Preparations might have been seen for a MILL
tary execution and a couple ofprlsoners, cap
tured in their last skirmish, were, according
to the cruel practice of many chiefs IN those
times, 10 be quito death. The captives were
guarded bY a file of soldiers, and the execution
ers, 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, return.
ing 10 his tent after giving some order to the
men, was interrupted By d boy apparently ten
wears of age, Whos selling his hands and speak
ing In an accent slightly ioreigni besought nun
| With bitebuts entreaties, t9procnre him admit
lance to the general. The officer found on
Ih8uiry. that he was the son of one Of the pri-
soners. a soldier distinguished for his eminent
personal bravery, who had not been taken,
even when overwhelmed by numbers, without
| giving and receiving many severe wounds.
This soldier, weary and wounded bat invih-
chile in courage and spirit, fof he scorned 10
ask the clemency Of his conqueror was now to
suffer death with his companion in misfortune.
The terrible order had been given, for Moriilo
would not be impeded in his march by prison
ers! and he so hated his eountry's enemies,
that the bravest and most generous among
them could have found no mercy al his hands
The prisoners little boy, refusing to separated
from his father. had been suffered By the
Spaniards to follow him.
"You shall see the general, boy. since yot
wish it." said the officer in the reply to th'
ebild's passionate entreaties ''but he vii
not grant your fathers life San Lucas! bu