Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1846-07-21
COURTESY ON THE Battlefield.

COURTESY ON THE BATTLEFIELD. |
GEN. La VEGA.-A correspondent of the
Baltimore Patriot, writing from Matamons,
SAYS:
have seen it stated. in some Of the late
papers, that Gen. La Negu was delivered TO
Gen. Taylor on The battle field, b. Col. rwiggs.
This Is an errOr-ceriainly OF no consequence
after his capture by the gallant May; bat as
every thing connected with the treatment of
this distinguished prisoner on the field, must
be more or less interesting, beg leave to cor
rect the error, and to state what bglcll tn GAL
liant General, after he was conducted TO Col.
Twiggs, by Capt May.
The artillery battalion "a regiment OF fooO
was stationed on the 9th at HE outset of the
chapparol, and was there formed ''in square. a"
Ihls battalion, which had suffered the day
before more than any other. except the 9Th Ia
ianiry, was placed IN this position for these
reasons; 10 protect the train against charge
ot the enemy's cavalry. TO repair any disaster
which might occur in the ordnance, and to al
ford fresh troops for the pursuit, whcu the bat
tie was gained
Col. Twiggs sent for Col Chids, who com
manded IT, and TUNED the prisoner over to
hlm, but Childs, having dismounted, (Geu.
vega was on ioOt.) sent an order TO his bat
talon, that the prisoner should be received
with the honor due his rank As soon as the
prisoner issued from the chappanl, the word.
"present arms were given. The square pre-.
scented arms" in perfect silence, and as he ap.
preached nota smile of Qualification or worl
oil exultation war seen or heard; $50 much TO
the delicacy OF the common soldier, who had
perhaps, the day before, lost his nearest lricn,
by the enemys cannon shot.) Gen. Veg
seemed surprised at the salute, courtcousl,
aud slowly raised his hat aud the square wa
brought to shoulder.
Col. Childs then called from his position
Capt. Magruder, who commanded one of thu
companies OF the square. Capt. Magrudc
had known Gen. La Vega before, and imue
dlateiy insisted upon his mounting his Capt
MS horse. No sooner was this done thai
II became necessary for the battalion to NOV,
on, and Capt. Magrudcr was ordered by Col
Childs 10 escort the prisoner, in security. viii
small command, 10 Gen. Taylor Furtu
nately no rescue was attempted, as his com
mand was very small, and the orlerwas yer,
promptly executed. and Gen la Vega was i'm
troduced on the field by Capt. Masruder {,
Gen Taylor. Gen Taylor shook him warml,
! 10y the hand, and addressed TO him the follow
ing very handsome remarks:
| "General: do assure YOU deeply regrc
That this misfortune has fallen upon you.
regret IT sincerely; and | take great pleasur,
> IN returning you the sword which YOU hay,
tins day won with 50 much galantry," hand
ing him, at the same time. the sword which
Gen Vega had yielded mp TO Capt May. Gei
! V. made suitable reply in Spanish, and wa,
/ then taken charge OF by Col Twiggs, at tn,
Coloners own request, aud entertained by hin
IN the most hospilabe manner, in his owl
tent, until his departure for New Orleans.
One must record and admire 50 much cour
tcsy and gcDtlcness, united ia most sanguin
airy field, with 50 much devotion and cour
age.