The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-06-17
AMERICAN PRISONERS IN MEXICO

AMERICAN PRISONERS IN MEXICO
[Erom the N. o. Picayune June 81
49, we nave mad the pleasure of an interview with Mr.
Irsnwitt, merchant who was taken prisoner on tho
29tn OF FEBRUARY In company with Lieut. Barbour and
some thirty men composing the Of the train that
was attacked that day between Monterey and
Mr. Trenwitt informs us that Urea with him at the
time of the attack about 1000 men. The train was
nearly two miles in length. When the enemy approach
ed, Lieut.. Barbour formed his in q chsparral i'm
practicable for cavalry The lancers dashed by made
an onslaught upon the train massacred the wagoners
and afterwards completely surrounded the small escort
Lieut. Barbour than surrendered upon terms and
was taken prisoner The party marched off to Next
co. and on the route encountered hard usage was
much better treated than the Encarnacion prisoners
They arrived at Mexico the 10th Of April and
found Major Gaines and his companions yet closely con-
nned in prison Nr Trenwtt was liberated through the
interference Of the British Minister He reports to us
that shortly after the arrival Of Lieut. Barbours com
mand the American officers, nine in nun Der were let
out OF JAIL upon parole the yet closely caged
on the 18th OF May. the day he left the city.
Whilst Mr. Trenwtt was at Jalapa La vegawas in that
city. lie LA Vega gave similar excuse for his
neglect Of the American prisoners his friends did here
Mr. Trenwtt informs u, that there no foundation
only lasted three weeks and that Gen La Vega was i'm
the city OF Mexico during five of the
Santiago During this time Capt Clay addressed him
In regsrdto the cuete andprivaions they were
cspulation and THAI La Vega treated tho letter with
silent contempt The prisoners did not even knew their
enargemsnt was arranged for They subjected to
Mexico and when there subject ed to cruel prvatons
Since writing the above the following letter from Capt
Heady was received by the New Orleans Capt H. is a
personal friend Of tho editors Of this paper and
his word worth than tho oaths OF all the Mexican
apologists Of La Vega this side OF Hades. When he
wrote he under the which was general
az tho time, that La Vega would again come 20 the
United States
M,rIso, May IL, ls47.
have learned, frsn late number Of the .ameriean
Eas the result Of the battle Of Cerro Gordo and that
hve generals and thirty colonies in that
nne achievement Of arms have been sent to New
Orleans to await their exchange Among the former is
l. will
kindest treatment our people and Government can
oestow upon stranger and prisoner. That you may
treatment extended to him now and heretofore by the
Americans, the following facts communicated
officers rode ponies hundred miles often travelling
forty miles day to this city. The men suffered in.
abed that he could walk no longer the ocer having
charge OF us would impress donkey for him to ride
10 san Luis Lieut. Churchill, seventeen men and my
Crus, who treated most respectfully and kindly
Maj. Gaines Capt. Clay, Lieut. Davidson and thirty
five men, were taken to San Luis by Lieut. Col Sam
sranino, aid to Gen. Miuon. When Capt. Henris
who had enjoyed foretaste Of what was coming
whilst q Mier prisoner broke the guard and run
toward our camp, this redoubtsble colonel gave the
and the 1ss the rSs
saved by the timely order Of Capt Clay drop the
ground which was instantly obeyed and satisfied the Of
hcer an escape not contemplated At Luis they
gave the officers thirty and half and tho men
eighteen and three quarters each per day sub
nfty miles in charge of Col Moreno, Of Cam
psachy who treated us very courteousy and well From
there here We were guarded by uy sranie csptan
fno place particularly who daily magnani
nous thirty seven and half cents to each officer and
he said his whc %nsn
before got here during which time course VIC sup.
ported ourselves and men. When the unable
10 walk ne would take the first mules donkeys the
road ana make US for them at night and by way OF
debenture or drawback Of the three bits he charged
four bits each day for the ponies rode which specu
say nothing OF the mule and donkey profits We learned
nand Of the Vera Cruz line and had his quarters in
Mexico where We to be confined until exchanged
OF good treatment from magnanimous soldier and gem
tieman whose sense Of gratitude would reflect upon us
all the couresy and heart and soul Of country
men VAIN hopes We were brought into the city at
two o'clock at night, In the midst Of revolution, and
put into Santiago a prison for chained culprts and
four all powerful bits day, and nothing put on the
rock floor to sleep on but our blankets beds
battle Of Buena Vista reached here two days after
wards and they put the officers up stairsleaving the
derers La Vega WA, in the citv tbrs. or four
without coming to sending any word Of
fort or sending us his aid to If wanted another
blanket or to sec we would give our parole and have
the liberty Of the city We received attention
from him any other officer in the city, except the
colonel who has command Of the prison. than many
condemned asssssns sent from the interior to the capt.
tai to receive the hangmans knot The Of Cerro
protested against an order to send us on parole
to Lerma, ten leagues of beyond the mountains, to-
wards the Pacific, and containing real cut.throat po
puntion OF two thousand island Of tho lakes We
have received the greatest attention and kindness from
foreigners Of all nations Americans English, French,
irish Scotch, Germans and South Americans, among
whom there is strong sympathy II Is tho sympathy
OF common color, common language common sentiment
several Mexican officers and families have received the
kindeet treatment. Wherever with an officer
Or ess IN the
ception, except in the Of Cen La Vega We will
be exchanged in few days. accordingto the
Of the Me1icans and word received from Gen. Scott,
who says he will give the earliest attention to our situa
ton. Most respectfully your friend,
P.s-The people here state his Vegas) only impor-
lance given to him by the treatment Of the Amcri
cans whilst he was in New Orleans. whilst Major
Gaines sick in prison he asked for horse ride for
exercise in the open air Instead Of sending him horse
and small guard which he asked for they sent him
doctor to examine whether he required exercise horse
back which examination he declined a. 1t i'm
piled doubling his word. w j. II.
FRroArE UsrrsD srArss,
Porto Praya, May IL, ls47.
sIa-The sum Of $3.50 was subscribed by the officers
and Of this ship in aid Of the unfortunate suffer
srs In Ireland.
The American brig Fawn, now In this hsrbor, carries
remittance for the abovesum.
The brig Boxer arrived yesterday from the coast OF
Africa to get supply Of p revi.ions &C. Her somman
sick ticket His successor to that command is IL. II.
Bell, Esq, LIST Lieut. Of this ship.
we are looking Tor the ship Marion daily Welsft
from st. Paul de Loanda.
The brig Dolphin is cruising to leewsrd The ohcers
and Of this ship all we'll The folio wing Ia list
Of her efncers;-Com Geo. C. Read commander
in chief; Capt. Joseph smoot commander; LIST Lieut. e.
A. Prentiss I'd do A. II. Kelly, Sd do w H. Brown 4th
do. = II Scott 9th do. w. ID Hurst Acting Master r.
d Riell; Fleet Surgeon T. Dillard Purscr H. Bridges
Sloan; Commodore's Secretary VIM VAIN; Passed Mid
shipmen, w w. Roberts, J. Myers; Midshpmen, y. y
Nc Csuy, j. d. Daniels 3. I'd. Spence G. M Mitehell
Captains Clerk D. ngrshain; Purser's Clerk s. Hem
riques; Broatswain Hall; Gunner d. Rankn Carpen-
ter G.. Jordan; saimaker j. Frazer; Masters Mate a.
D. Dods; Woman n. Reardon.
NAVY DEPARTMENT. juno IL, 1857
SR--I have received letter from Commander Colds
borough under date Of 10th instant reporting that Mid
shpman Philip c. johnson and seaman John Richard
had by AN act Of noble daring rescued from drown
ing James Shepard, ordinary seaman Of the O hio
You will please tender to Mdshipmsn Johnson and
Richardson. the thanks OF the department for
their gallant and praiseworby conduct which has been
already rewarded by the consciousness Of having saved