The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-02-21

OuT DOWlS-klllNbS
fell, with shout, upon the masses of the
terrified foe. 1t was more like the boarding
ola ship than any land fight had ever seen
or imagined.
My station was on the right of the line
where the breastwork, ending in redoubt,
was steep and high. l made two attempts
TO climb up, but both times slipped back
On the third trial nearly gained the summit;
but was again slipping down, when hand
seized me by the collar, and pulled me up on
the bank. In the darkness and confusion |
did not distinguish the face of the man who
rendered me this assistance. / only saw the
glitter of n bayonet which Mexican thrust
into his shoulder, at the very moment he was
helping me up. He neither flinched nor
let go his hold ofme till l was fairly on
my feet; then, turning slowly round,h levell-
cd pistol at the soldier, who, at that very
moment, was struck down by the Alcalde.
NO thanks to ye, squirrel exclaimed the
man, in a voice which made me start, even at
that moment of excitement and hustle. |
looked at the speaker, but could only see his
back, for he had already plunged into the
thick of the fight, and was engaged with a
party of Mexicans, who defended themselves
desperately. He fought like man more
anxious to be killed than to kill, striking flu
riously right and left but never guarding n
blow, though the Alcalde, who was by his
side, warded offsevcral which were aimed ut
him.
BY this time my men had scrambled up at-
ter me. | looked round TO see where our
help was most wanted, and was about to lead
them forward, when heard the voice of the
Alcalde.
Are you badly hurt, Bob" said he in an
anxious tone.
glanced at the spot whence the voice
came. There lay Bob Rock, covered with
blood, and apparently insensble. The Al
calde was supporting his head on his arm.--
Before had time TO give a second look l was
hurried forward with the rest towards the
centre of the camp, where the fight was the
hottest.
About five hundred men, the pick of the
Mexican army, had collected round a knot of
statf-officers, and were making most gallant
defence. General Houston had attacked
them with three hundred ofour people, but
had not been able to break their ranks. His
charge, however, had shaken them n little,
and, before they had time to recover from II,
came up. Giving wild hurrah, my men
fired their pistols, hurled them at their enc
mics heads, and then springing over the car
casses OF the fallen, dashed like n thunder
bolt into the broken ranks ofthe MeXicans.
A trighttul butchery ensucd. Our men,
who were for the most part, and at most
times, pcacable and humane in disposition,
seemed converted into perfect fiends. Whole
ranks ofthe enemy fell under their Knives
Some idea may be formed of the horrible
slaughter from the fact, that the fight, from
beginning to end. did net last above ten min
utes, and in that time nearly eight hundred
MeNicana were shot or cut down. No quar-
teri was the cry ofthe infatuated assailants:
Remember Alamo Remember Goliad.
Think of Tanning, Ward" The McXicnns
threw themselves on their knees, implorng
mercy. .Msericordiat Quartet, por Ell amor de
DioS!n shrieked they in heart-rending tones;
but their supplications were not listened To,
and every man of them would inevitably have
been buichcred had not General Houston
and the officers dashed in between the VIC
tors and the vanqushcd and with the great
es: difficulty, and by threats of cutting down
our men if they did not desist, put an end
to this scene of bloodshed, and saved the
Texan character from the stain of unnanly
cruelty.
When all was over, hurried back 10 the
place where had left the Alcalde with Bob;
the latter lay, bleeding from six wounds, on
ly n few PAGES from the spot where he had
helped me up the hreastwork. The bodies
of two dead MeXicans served him for pillow.
The Alcalde was kneeiing by his side, gazing
sadly and earnestly into the face ofthe dying
man.
For Bob was dying; but it was no longer
the death ofthe despalring murderer. The
expression oi'his features were calm and
composed, and his eyes were raised to heav-
en- with look ofhope and supplication.
/ stopped down and asked him how he felt
himself, but he made no answer,and evident
ly did not recollect me. After a minute or
two.
How goes it with the fight? he asked in a
broken voice.
we have conquered, Bob. The enemy
killed or taken. Not a man escaped
He paused little and then spoke again
Have done my duty? May hope to be
forgivcn?,
The Acaldc answered him in an agitated
voice.
lie who torgave the sinner on the cross,
will doubtless be merciful to you, Bob. His
holy book says: There is more joy over one
sinner that repenteth than over ninety and
nine just men. Be ofgood hope, Bob the
Almighty will surely be mercifill to you!'
THANK ye, SQUIRE gasped Bob, you're n
true friend, friend in life and in DEATH
WE'LL it's come at last said he, while hap
py and resigned smile stole over his features.
Pve prayed for it long enough. Thank
God, it's come at lnst!'
He gazed up at the Alcalde with a kindly
expression of countenance. There was slight
shuddering movement ofhis whole frame
Bob was dead.
The Alcalde remained kneeling for short
time by the side of the corpse, his lips NOV
ing in prayer. At last he rose to his feet.
God desireth not the death ola sinner,but
rather he may turn from his wickedness and
live,' said he in a low and solemn tone. 4
had those words in my thoughts four years