The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-06-20

fections." We heard the firing of can
non on both sides, and distinctly the
volley of musketry. We knew well
that it was the General poking it into
their short ribs. We had then stop.
ped to "licker," but at the first gun we
sprang to our parapets, opened out bat.
teries, and for one hour we had the pref.
tiest little cannon fight that ever man
beheld. They gave us gun for gun,
while we slung "the best the shop con-
tained."
But wait, forgot one thing: On the
first Wednesday, after the lombard
ment, had lasted three days, the enemy
i" sounded a parley." Major Seawell
and Lieut.. Britton were ordered to 90
out and see what they wanted. They
did so, and the Mexicans demanded
the surrender of the fort +" for human
ity's sake" They gave us one hour to
surrender, or they would put us all to
the sword. They brought US letter
from Gen. Arista to our commanding
officer, Captain Hawking-Brown had
been shot just beforehand council
of war called, and said he presumed
we were unanimous on such points,
but that he would put the matter to vote
as to their feelings. The vote of the
youngest member was taken first, and
so on throughout. This was the unan.
imouS vote: "Defend the place to the
death" General Arsta was in thirty
minutes replied to as follows: That we
had received his humane communica-
ton, but not understanding perfectly
the Spanish language, we were doubt
full if we had understood exactly his
meaning; but from all we could under
stand, he had proposed that we give him
possession of this place or we would
all be put to the sword in one hour; if
this was the proper understanding, we
would respectfully decline the propo-
sition, and "took this opportunity to
assure his Excellency of our distin-
guished consideration" After the re-
ception Of this by his "Excellency" it
just rained balls. The different NOR
tars kept two pairs of " saddle-bags"
in the air all the time, varied only by
their 6 and 4 Founders. But in the
midst Of all the storm the Star Spangled
Banner still foated on our breast
works,at the point where they directed
their strongest efforts; and we took out
our two regimental colors and planted
them on different parts of the WALL
This fire was kept up all night while
their musketry played on us from the
rear, at the distance Of fve hundred
yards. We ordered our men not to
fire shot until they came within eighty
yards-but they did not approach
Their object was to exhaust us in am
munition. They knew from deser-
ters that it was scarce and Gen. Tays
lor had gone for supply. They are
fond OF fighting at long distances, but
they cant stand the cold steel.
Now for where | left off on the night
of the 9Th; Gen. Taylor and the Mex
lean army were 12 miles from here be-
tween this and Brazos. The batteries
at Matamoras and around us, and in
our fort kept up constant firing until
dark, when all ceased. We had no
communication from the General, but
that he had to lick 'em or die! The
sound Of arms had not retrogaded but
advanced; besides there was no ringing
Of bells in the city or signs rejoicing,
therefore we judged they had not the
first cause for jolifcation. That night
was the first sound mapping that had
been done in the fort fort six nights
The next morning at daylight the ene-
my's batteries opened on us as usual,
we laying low, as our cannon and am
munltion was nearly exhausted, giving
them now and then "crowder" to
let them know that the degenerate
sons of Washington were not all dead
yet. At / o'clock we heard Gen. Tay-
lor open again, and from that till A
o'clock the battle ragged with fury, and
coming closer almost every shot. The
General was driving them before him
in the chapparal at the point of the bay
onet. About half mile in our rear
we saw their cavalry retreating for the
ferry, to recross the river to Matamo-
ras, and they were in utter confusion;
we turned one of our l8 Founders TO
bear on the mass and gave them
!" blizzard to help them along.
Then you should have heard the loud
huzzas that went up from this little spot.
/ sprang upon the walls near our regi-
mental flag and requested silence. Ev-
cry thing was still as death. Says !,
!" three cheers, all together, for the
Star Spangled Banner" II was given
in full blast; Matamorash heard the shout,
and then and not till then, every gun
from the enemy ceased its fire. ~
The enemy saw they had 5000 in the