Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-04-12
From the Democratic Review for February.
INCIDENT IN THE PENINSULAR
WAR.
BY MRS. T.. r. Elicit.

BY MRS. f. T. Elicit.
1t was bloody and critical period of the
war in the Peninsula, that Morillo, then COM
manding the fifth Spanish army, about four
thousand strong, IN conjunction with Pcnne
ViIlemur, passed down the Portuguese from
tier to the lower Gnadiana, intending to fall
on Seville as soon as Soult should advance
TO the succor of Badaos. In the beginning
of April, while the French were disheartened
BY the sudden news Of the fall of that city,
Penne Nillcmur and Morrillo issuing out of
Portugal, crossed the Lower Guadiana and
seized San Lucar de Mayor. The place
was ten miles from Seville, which was only
garrlsoned by Spanish Swiss battalion in
Josrpi's service, aided by Escopeteros,'
and by sick and convalcscent men. The
Spaniards soon occupied the heights in front
of the Triana bridge, and attacked the French
entertainments, hoping to raise popular
commoion. Balasieros, on the other side
had advanced with eleven thousand men,
intending To fall on Seville from the left Of
tho Gnadaquivir.
Hut the hopes entertained by the Span
iArds, of beng speedily in possession of Sc
vile, were cut off by IA piece of deceit
False Information adroily given by Span
lard in the French interest, led Balasleros to
believe Soult was at hand, whereupon he inn
mediatelv returned to the Ronda while
Penne Nillemur, also warned that the French
would soon return, retired to Gihraleon.
This disappointment and failure in the
execution of "A lavorle project, cherished for
many months, irrilated beyond control the
all oi l
evening; and the division of the army under
him were encamped some hours marcl, on
their retreat. Preparations might have been
seen for military execution, and couple of
prisoners captured in their last skrmisI,,
were according to the cruel practice ofmany
chiefs IN those times, to be put to death. -
The cap,ivcs were guarded by file of SOL
dlers and the eXecuiOner, 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 re-
turning to his tent after giving some order to
the men, was interrupted by boy appar-
emily ten years ofagc, who, seizing his hand
and speaking in an accent slightly foreign,
besought hin, with pitcous enireales, to pro-
cure him admi,tance to the general. The
Offices found, on inquiry, that he was the son
of one of the prisoners, IA soldier Distinguish
ed for his eminent personal bravery who had
not been taken, even when overwhelmed by
numbers, without giving and receiving man!
severe wounds.
The soldier, weary and wounded, but in.
vncibe in courage and spirit, for he scornet
to ask the cemrncy of his conqueror, wa,
Ia, Ith !,
misfortune. The terrible order had beer
given, for Moro would not be impedcd il
his march by prisoners and he so hated hi
country enemies, that the bravcst and mos
gaucrou, among them could have no mere
al bis bands. The prisoners little boy, re
iusia1 q, be separated from his father, hat
been filtered by the Spaniards to follow
aim.
'Yon shall see the general, boy, since yo
wish it, said the officer in reply to the child
passionate enlreaties; Int he will not gran
your fathers life. San Lucas but thes
French dogs have given us loo much troubl
already
They entered the generals tent: Morlc
by the light of the lamp burning on the table
was reading despatch he had just received
Two of his officers stood near him Their
was no one else in the tent. The brow G
the chief was contracted, and his eyes fash
ed as if what he read displeased him an
he looked up with an impatient exclamatio
as the officer entered with the boy. Til
child as soon as Morillo was pointed out
him, rushed forward and knpl at his feet.
what does this meant demanded ii
general.
Spare him spare my falher!' sobbe
the youthful supplicanl.
The officer explained his relationship
one of the prisoners about to be executed
'Ah that reminds me, said the CHI
looking at his watch Pedro, nine is II
hour.-Let me be punclual, and have ii
business soon over
Again, with moving entreates the chi
besongl,l his fathers life.
Did thy father send thee hlher?' ask,
the general sterny.
No senior, he did not.
And how darest thou, then -
MY father has done nothing to deser
dew H. answered the lad. lie is prison
of war;
'Ha! who taught thee to question II
Justice answer me z
mo one, senior, but brave generals do n
always kill their prisoners
Il kill whom | chose, Numbered Mori
and hate the French. Boy thy father sh
die. have said it; BECOME
The officer made silent sign to the PEI
TONER, to intimate that there was no hop
and that he must BECOME. But the boy