Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1845-1851, 1847-04-03
Prom The ". 0. Delta Of the I'm inst.
Mexican Maguanimify.

From the letter translated in our to-day's paper
from La Patrla 1t appears that American prls-
oners who have been taken to San Luis were i'll
treated and threatened by the rabbe of that city.
We have always thought, and have frequently given
utterance the thought that the generosity and mag
nanlmlty Of government and military authorities
towards the Mexcans entirely misplaced
They not to be affected by these things They
are only to be governed and restrained through their
Tears and their senses. Magnanmiiy, with them, Is
rear 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 are taken by our
forces viii be held as prisoncrsat least these who
are worth no dng-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 ii the prisoners taken
at the battles the Rio Grande and at Monterey
had been retained we should now be able to exchange
tor Major Gaines and Borland and Captain Heady's
command
/ notifying evidence Of the inability of even the
higher class OF Mexlcans to appreciate our magma
nlmlty, 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 so teed and distinguished
by public manifestations OF courtesy and respect as
was this Mexican officer. Gen. La Vega had been
frequently associated with Ampudla IN the Texan
campaigns, and his entirely disconneci-
ed from the deed of ireachery and cruelty which
marked the whole conduct OF his superior officer
towards has gallant and noble foes. Yet these things
were all forgotten, and brave enemy, taken CALAMITY
lighting at his post, appealed 10 our warmest sympa-
THE. Every and courtesy were layi>hed on
hlm by our military, our government, and people.
Now, what return does he make for our kindness and
hospitality One of 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. lie Is kept d
close prisoner tried spy, and actually condemned
to be shot. But that deed Of cowardly nfamy they
would not dare to perform He Is, however kept a
close prisoner for months. In the 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 bis release from prison. But instead of
that he Is marched Oft IN haste TO that gloomy and
desolate prison, the Bastlle of Mexico, (Pefofe.)
where he Is now closely confined its dungeons
Ii Is vain to say tia: this act is not done with the
consent of La Vega. He, the military command
ant even if his personal influence could not obtain
So small boon. had the power TO release the prisoner
And If spark OF generosity gratitude could be
klndled IN his bosom, he would rejoice the oppor-
tuniiy of showing 10 the citizens of the United States
that their kindness and berallty TO him not
thrown away upon unworthy object. We trust
that our army IN Its future operations, will not stop
short of Vera Cruz but Will consider II sacred duty
TO the many valiant of country who have
langulshed in suffering and misery ia the dungeons of
Perote, halt not onward course, stay its
avenglng arm until thIs gloomy prison shall be lev
eed with the plain. the plouglishare be driven over
lis foundation, and salt be IN the ground once
: occupied