Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1847-06-30

! canterlng about In the heldS on our
right, also startled US and just then the
foot soldiers, who had been marching
between US and the hedge, changed
lher places, and joined those of their
comrades who guarded US on the other
side. Before we could divine the mean.
ing of this maneu7er, the word was
given to halt. 1t came like sentence
1of death; for at the same moment thai
lit was uttered, the sound of volley O
musketry echoed across the prairie.
| We thought of our comrades and oul
own probable fate.
Kneel down! now burst in harsh ac-
cents from the lips Of the Mexican com
mander.
No one stirred. Few understood the
order, and those who did would moi
obey. The Mexican soldiers who stood
at about three PAGES from US, lcvelled
their muskets at our breasts. Even
then we could hardly believe that they
meant to shoot US; for if we had, we
should assuredly have rushed forw ard
in our desperation, and, weaponless
though we were, some OF our murderers
would have met their death at our
hands. Only one of our number was
we'll acquainted with Spanish, and
even he seemed as il he could not COM
prehend the order that had been given.
He stared at the commanding officer as
if awaiting its repetition, and we stared
at him, ready, at the first word he
should utter, to spring upon the soldiers.
But he seemed TO be, as most OF us
were, impressed with the belief that
the demonstration was merely a me-
mace, used to induce as TO enter the
Mexican service. With threatning
gesture and drawn sword, the chief of
the assa ssins again CALCULATED the COM
mand to kneel down. The sound of a
second voIley, from different direc-
ton with the first, just then reached
our ears, and was followed by con.
fused cry, as if those at whom it was
aimed, had no. all been Immediately
killed. Our comrade, who understood
Spanish, started from his momentary
lethargy, and boldly addressed US.
Comrades, cried he, you hear that
report, that cry! There is no hope for
us-our last hour has come! There
fore comrades!
A terrible explosion interrupted him
and then all was still. A thick cloud
of smoke was wreathing and curling
towards the Antonio. The blood of
our lieutenant was on my clothes, and
around me lay my friends, convulsed
by the last agony. lsaw nothing more.
Unhurt myself, | sprang up, and con-
cealed by the thick smoke, fled along
the side of the hedge in the direction OF
the river, the noise of the water for my
guide. Suddenly blow from heavy
sabre fell upon my head, and from out
of the smoke emerged the form of q
little Mexican lieutenant. He aimed
second blow at me, which | parted
with my left arm. 1 had nothing to
risk but every thing--to gain. Behind
me thousad bayonets, before me the
almost powerless sword Of coward
/ rushed upon him and with true Mex>
ican valor, he fled from an unarmed
man. On went, the river rolled at
my feet, the soldiers were shouting and
yelling behind me. "Texas forever"
cried and without a moments hesita.
ton. plunged into the water. The bul-.
lets whislled round me as swan slow.
ly and wearily to the other side, but
none wounded me. Our poor dog, who
had been with US all through the cam
paign, and jumped into the river with
me, fell last sacrafce to Mexican cru.
city. He had reached the middle OF
the stream, when ball struck him land
he disappeared.
Whilst these horrible scenes were
occurring on the prairie, Col Tanning
and his wounded companions were
shot and bayoneted at Goliad, only DR.
Thackleford and a few hospital aids
having their lives spared, in order that
they might attend on the wounded
Mexicans. Besides Mr.. Ehrenberg,
but three of the prisoners at Goliad ul>
tinately escaped the slaughter.
q %