Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-04-08
From The N. o. Delta q NE In inst.
Mexican Rlarnansmisv

From the letter translated in our io-day's psper
from La Pairla 1t appears that some American pris-
oners who have been taken 10 San Luis were i'll
treated and threatened by the rabble Of that city.
We have always thought, and have frequently given
uerance to the thought that the generosity and mag
nanimty OF our government and military authorities
towards the Mexlcans were entirely misplaced
They are not TO be affected by these things They
are only to be governed and restrained through their
fears and their senses. Magnanimily, with them; is
fear and weakness. But hard knocks, chains and
handouts, and close confinement, are matters they
fully comprehend and readily yield To-. We trust IN
future operations the prisoners that taken By our
forces viii be held prisoncrs-ai least, these who
are worth no ding-untip the war is concluded, and
TO meet the very contingencies which have since
occurred-to wit: the exchange for our own from
the hands of the Mexicans If the prisoners taken
at the battles on the Rio Grande and at Monterey
had been retained, should now be able to exchange
for Major Gaines and Borland and Captain Heady's
command
A Notifying evidence Of the inability of even the
higher class of Mexicans to appreciate our magma
nlmIiy, Is given in the conduct of Gen. La Vega,
who was treated here with the most extraordinary
kindness and hospitality Indeed, we had never seen
any OF our own great men feted and distinguished
by public manifestations Of courtesy and respect as
was this Mexican officer. Gen. La Vega had been
frequently associated with Ampudia, in the Texan
campaigns, and his entirely dlsconnect-
ed from the decd of treachery and cruelty which
marked the whole conduct of his superior officer
towards his gallant and noble foes Yet these things
were all forgotten and brave enemy, taken calamity
lighting at his post, appealed to our warmest sympa-
thles. Every care and courtesy were lavished on
ann by cur military, cur government, and our people.
Now, what return does he make fog kindness and
hospitality! One of our gallant naval officers,
whilst engaged in a legitimate act of war, in an
enterprise of the greatest peril, taken prisoner
after brave and manly resistance. He is kept
close prisoner tried spy. and actually condemned
to be shot. But that deed of cowardly infamy they
would not dare TO perform. He is however, kept
close prisoner for months. In the mean time, Gen:
La Vega, our nations guest, assumes the military
command OF Vera Cruz and young Rogers might
well hope that in common gratitude, La Vegas first
act would be lis release from prison. But instead of
That, he is marched off In haste TO that gloomy and
desolate prison, the Basile of Mexico, (PefoteO
where he is closely confined in Its dungeons
Ii is vain TO say lisa. this act is not done with the
consent of La Vega. He, the military command
ant if his personal influence could not obtain
small boon, had the power 10 release the prisoner.
And If spark of generosity gratitude could be
kindled in his BOSOM he would rejoice in the oppor-
tuny of showing to the citizens of the United States
that their Kindness and liberality him were not
thrown away upon an unworthy object. We trust
that our army in Its future operations will not stop
short of Vera Cruz, but will consider it sacred duty
to the many valiant sons of our country who have
angulshed IN suffering and misery in the dungeons of
Perotei to halt not its onward course nor stay its
avenging arm until this gloomy prison shall be lev
eled with the plain, the pouglslIare be driven over
its foundation, and salt be in the ground il once
occupied.