Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-09-30

From THE KSIcKERBocKER OF JULY,
THE CAPxTuxATYoN.

THE CAPxTuLATIoN.
81 saw an army form their last array
Upon the field, in silence and deep gloom,
And at their conquerors' feet
Lay their war-weapons down.
"Sullen and stern, disarmcd but not dishonered ;
Brave men, but brave in vain, they yielded there
The soldiers trial-task
Is not alone to die i''-Halieek.
1t was clear, bright, sunny day. on which
the surrender took place. BY special good
fortune, the author of this sketch obtained an
opportunity of being present at the capitula-
ton, and most splendid and glorious page
ant il was. The boat in which we embarked
put off from the ship about eight O'Clock, A.
NJ, and after long pull through the feet Of
transports, we landed on white level sand
beach, about three miles to the southwark OK
Vera Cruz. Here we found the encampment
of the volunteers; and after slraying around
among the tents, filled with ragged and mot
ley assembly, and seeking in vain for horses
at the marques oil the different quarter mas
ters, we started of to the "Field OF the Ground
ed Arms"
After crossing the sand-h which rise from
the beach, we came suddenly upon the stage
OF the "Theatre of War" CannoIballs were
lying all over the plain, like corn upon the
thresher's floor. while here and there we de-
scribed vast caverns ploughed in the earth by
the shells from the Castle. Columns Of troops
were moving about in every direction gene
raj and staff-officers galoping around the field
on their spirited charges; drums were beat
ing, trumpets braying, bands Of music playing,
and the star-spangled banner floating gaily
on the breeze. II was moment to make one
proud Of his country. After a fatiguing walk,
we came TO long level plain. green with YER
dure, extending for more than a mile, where
the Mexicans were 10 lay down their arms
Having secured spot where we had fine
view Of the whole field and while we were
congratulating ourselves upon our good for
tune, one Of Gen. SCOTS aids came galloping
over the field on his painting steed shouting:
"Gentlemen. the General directs that thi,
place shall be kept clear. The Mexicans
are to march out here; so you will perceive
the necessity Of seeking other quarters"
And then he galloped rapidly away, his
sabre juggling in its sheath, and his long black
hair streaming on the breeze.
There was no help for 1t, so our party So.
parated, each taking up the position that pleas
ed him. An Officer OF the army, who hap
pened to be off duty at the time, and who had
in his possession an excellent telescope, wen
with me to the top OF a high hill. which com
manded view of the whole field. and where
thick chapparal, through whose branches
the cool luxuriant winds came singing, spreae
| its grateful shade above our heads, as we re
clined upon the soft carpet like earth and gaz
ed upon the magnificent view before US
Y l.. al .l,, ,1l,,re tod txftth "a
white tents of the soldiers; the green field OIL
which the enemy was to pile his arms; TIT
shattered walls, ramparts and white domes o
the city the lime worn bai,lements of the ole
grim Castle. over which the hall-masted flag
Of Mexico was trailing in sadness; and be
yond, the great, solemn, sleeping sea, OF
whose unrulfled bosom the countless fleet o
transports, men -of-war and steamers, as tht
/ long CLASSY surge came sweeping in, rolled Il
and fro, with their wilderness OF spar and rig
! ging basking in the yellow sunshine. 1t wa:
most beautiful sight, and one that can nevel
be effaced from my memory.
| About ten O'Clock, A. Nj the American ar
my moved up in two columns; perlec, for
est Of gittering bayonets, the regular troops
on the right and the volunteers on the hollow
square, with an opening nearest the city
through which the Mexicans were TO enter, a
waited their approach. In a short time the
sound OF mourniul music announced that the
enemy was approaching, and looking toward
the city, we beheld his columns moving ou
in good order, and in the direction Of our army
On they came, the poor, cres-fallen, half
starved, emanciated creatures, 10 the mos
mournful strains ever heard the long, defect
ed looking files Of troops accompanied by the
inhabitants of the city women and children
the old, the young, the crppled-all bearing
off their little treasures. Some could be seer
staggering under the weight Of old trunks
others loaded down with bags of meal; nj
doubt their little ALL need not say that sin
cerey sympathized with them in their deep
distress and as looked around upon the ma
ny poor pale sorrowing faces OF the females
my heart ached for them, and involunarlly
breathed forth curse uron the inventor oil
WAR;
After the soldiers had stacked their arms
and while they were waiting TO be paroled,
came down from the hill where had been
seated, and slrolled round among the columns
OF the Mexcans, and was surprised at finding
so many fine looking officers and men among
them. They had the appearance OF being well
disciplined, and then arms sand ACCOMPLISHMENTS
were in most excellent condition. Although
was entirely alone, and wore the uniform oil
the Navy, not an insult was offered 10 the
and whenever thought proper to salute one OF
their officers. the civilily was always prompt
" and courteously acknowledged.
-