Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-08-21
LETTERS FROM LIEUTENANT wHrppLE.


The subjoinsd letters, received at Vera Cruz from LETT
WHIrPLE, we find published in the Sun of A,chuac Iet
not the length of the last prevent perusal Of it, It Will
be found possess much interest," and the especially
showing that the entire Mexican population no desert If
inhlmanity. He has found beautiful oasis -Ptcau.ne I
QUATErEc, July 10, Is47. NJ
DEAR SIR AT this place have arrived to-day and am ind
formed that rendezvous at Huatusco until such time as
exchanged which am told will be soon Can not be ex
changed for officers who capulated Vera Cruz 1t isl
unnecessary say that Gen. Soto has received me with
esy and assures shall be exchanged the first opportunity
He has assigned residence above the excel
ence of the place in particulars rendering peculiarly eg
BILE to prisoner of war.
very greatly in want Of few articles Of clothing
was captured in my camp dress and | would be most
thankful to you open in my behalf such credit will
BILE me to live comfortably
Gen. Soto kindly that this shall be forwarded
for.
As your Exceency is the father of ALL and my regi-
ment and General beyond my address, beg the liberty Of
submitting to your direction and wisdom in all these things
erventy praying In the time for the hour my deliver
ance.
Gen. Soto kindly supplies my immediate necessities and
imposes upon the American service the highest obligations of
reciprocity by his courtesy to
My health is excellent. May beg that in manner
my brother, Dr. Alonzo Whippe, Wentworth, Grafton coun-
ty, New Hampshire, may be informed Of my safety and
health.
know you will readily appreciate the circumstances that
compel address you and pardon the apparent freedom of
my address, as write you in extreme haste.
With profound respect, am sir, your Excelencys obdt
serv't THOMAS WHIPPLE
lst Lieut.. and Adj't 9th Infantry.
TO his Excelency Gov. WILSON.
Annexed is the letter which have particularly referred
DEAR Sir have been prisoner at this place two DAYS.
and have the honor to report myself as live man. am
ceby informed that my friend private Barnes escaped with
life. The particulars Of the capture follows:
Induced by the lively description of Mr. Barnes, visited
aCathoc burying oude the city walls of Vera Cruz
1t proved further than anticipated but as many people were
every side of never thought of danger though Barnes
wholly unarmed not having stick and myself
without pistols either in my holsters about my person. and
armed with my sword only which, under any toerabe ad
vantages, would be all soldier might ask. We dsmounted
and htched horses the gate and entered the yard
which is surrounded by very high brick wall. Here
leisurey observed the novelties of the first Catholic burial place
had ever seen and came through small gate
surprised by three horseback within twenty
feet riding towards with cabne presented and demand
ing to surrender. At first could believe these men
to be in earnest subject which they entertain
ed no doubt for seeing plant back against the wall
and draw my sword they dsmounted, made flourish with
their carbnes, repeating their demand OF surrender adj
vanced toward them two get striking Distance
when they all drew their swords and made towards
OF them, Mexican captain, as since learn, named Jose Ma
ria Prieto, made strong blow directly my head Just
they drew and advanced, my friend Barnes having
gle weapon, turned directly back through the gae and
more oil him. fortunately broke the force OF the blow
parry not however prevent the Captains blade
making such striking impression skull nearly
but not sufficient owing think to the dulness of his
blade and my cloth cap TO nfct any cash. OF
recprocated his attentions by strong his neck when
he and the other two soldiers who had been kept back by the
swing of my blade, sprung back about five PAGES from me-
threw their swords upon the groand and drew up their
bines which they had retained in their left hands, aimed de-
lberaey at my head, all cooked and again demanded
render then stood with my back to the wall and the three
the other three Sides all beyond reach and far
from each other as to give chance to strike at them
their weapons. then asked them what they wanted, in
der to gain tme affecting not know whether they wanted
my money myself They seemed aware of my INTENT
and although from the beginning it obvious they wished
TO avoid dischargng their pieces the city, still saw
unmstakeabe signs that the time of paey closed Una
BILE reach my horse attack them surrendered the
Captain and the three bringing my arms behind me- and TAX
ing the end of the rope with which they had tied my hands,
one of them mounted my horse and putting mustang,
rod. 81 at Gull speed. aaalo, r.;Aass as s-u-I
shall write hereafter.
arrived within miles Of this place late at night slept
short time in good lodging any body the premises,
few scattering anchcros and got here about in
the morning. From the time OF my capture was honorably
treated by the Captain prisoner of After crossing
deep river he oosed my and went strange TO
say, with that peversy Of character which fails
rode through the deep forests the equeered paths abound
ing in and beautiful flowers and vines, and all that my
heart had conceived of loneliness in nature lost in adj
mraon of the indispensable gores of the way to feel
almost forgetu that bound and wholly careless about
the result OF novel situation. Some ant description OF
this truly lovely you shall have hereafter. Now few
words of my treatment In me, all that has been said of
Mexican cruelty has been wholly fasfed was placed in
the house Of the Sonora Augustine Fernando She has treat
ed with than hospitality. have received of her
hands the kindness and tenderness of mother To night
devote time particulars but earnestly desire all
may know her kindness American prisoner But this
is only beginning You will be astonished hear that d,
the inhabitants of this village have extended towards moe
than the elegant cvies Of refined e-they have received
cordially their houses-they have given assistance
with delcacy and propey which American community
excel for instance the Sonora caused be furnished
with clean linen Shirt and had all my dirty clothes hanks
to life in camp washed.
The Catholic Padre, Manuel de Silvia furnished every
comfort and crowned all his attention by communicating
in Latin that my friend Barnes had been heard from and
alive He walked with and about the village
visiting the alcade, most benevolent and kndheaed man.
and the principal places in the place. and his church among
Others and gave money and clothes dress as cltzen
and the modification Of going Cordoa in American
uniform all at his suggestion He has done me the kind
propose carry this letter be sent to Vera
Cruz, and in every thing been truly friend and
Christian God grant his example may be initiated by all
clergymen BY of the Latin, could learn and COM
muncate most that could be made understand for
understood English.
Casio Ferando citizen here bestowed every atten
tion and gave money with delicacy exquisite as to
make impossible to decline with grace though Of course
did Others made similar presents aud one young
teman, Jose Maria Vegas, of talent and excellent heart
seemed to exhaust his ingenuity making me happy Asto
comfort, you never in my life was more consulted