The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-03-06
From the Army-.-Later.

| EEOtu tisC xkIliy y"-LdtOis
ltisswiih deep regret, that we have
received some confirmation Of the In
human murder Of Lieut.. Richey, Of
Ohio, by the Mexicans. He was on
his way from Monterey to Victoria,
bearing dispatches from General Scott
10 General Taylor, accompanied by
about ten dragons. He stopped at
one uf the small tows on the route, and
leaving his detachment in the suburbs,
entered the town. There he was way
laid, lassoed, dragged out, and inhu-
manly cut to pieces. A letter address
sed to Washington by gentleman in
the army, states that the ten dragons
escaped. With this exception, the
following account in the New Orleans
Picayune, from the "Mouth OF the Rio
Grande, Feb. g." is so far confirmed
BY a letter received in Washington.
"On the llth January, ] met Lieut..
Richie Of the 4ih infantry, but then
acting with the second dragons, on
his way from Saltilo with ten Dragons
to Victoria, bearing important des-
patches to General Taylor from Gener-
al Scott and Others. 1t is said these
dispatches contained the whole plan
of the operations in which we are
about to engage. While on the road
between Monterey and Victoria, but
at what place cannot learn, the party
was attacked, young Ritchie was las.
seed and dragged across a cornfeld,
and the dispatches carried off! The
ten Dragons were either killed or ia
ken prisoners. Lieut.. Ritchie was one
of the most distinguished and excellent
young officers in the army. His con-
duct at Palo Alto and Resaca won the
the admiration Of the army, and he was
much esteemed for lis talents and the
excellence of his heart. There is little
or no doubt Of his death--stiIl, whilst
there is shadow of doubt. there is
hope."
Another painful incident also reach
es Washington in the same letter to
which we refer,and substantially agrees
with the following extract from the
same letter in the Picayune.
$. But here is news that will create
a deep sensation in the States. The
following letterreachsd General Worth
last evening. Of course there is no
doubt about its correctness. 1t is from
Captain Chapman Of the army:
'SALTILLo, January 25, l947.
"'I have only time to write word.
Major Borland, of the Arkansas cav
airy, with fifty men, and Major Gaines
and Cassius M. Clay, with thirty men,
were surprised and captured at En-.
carnacion, (about as mile beyond Sal
tillo,) on the morning OF the 23d, by
General Minon. He heard Borland was
there, and marched from Matehuala
with five hundred cavalry, and took
them without firing gun. This is no
stampede. Yours truly,
w. w. CHAPMAN"
We still trust that there may be
some mistake or exaggeration in this
report; but it is said in the Washington
letter, that they were surprised by the
Mexicans, witho ut having 4 sentinel,or
any adequate precautIon adopted for
the safety of the detachment. This
would, indeed, be melancholy as we'll
as a reprehensible lndiscretion. We
wait with anxiety for more authentic
as we'll as detailed statements.
Certain it is, howevr, that as the
Mexicans are more aroused and more
eagerly adopting the guerilla mode OF
warlare.it becomes the duty Of our off,
GERS and soldiers to be more on their
guard, and never move without more
strength, and to encamp without more
vigilant precautions.
Great uncertainty and anxiety hover
over the Louisiana volunteers who
were shipwrecked about forty miles to
the southward Of Tampico. There
are various rumors about them. One
reports, that they have been taken by
a large body OF Mexicans,( 900 strong)
another, that they are making their
way to TampIco. Gen. Patterson has
sent strong reinforcement 10 their
relief. With these volunteers is Col.
De Russey, of the army, distinguished
for his coolness, courage, and SKILL
His presence inspires confidence in the
safety of our soldiers. he could on
y get his powder dry, and his arms
ready for use, they will be able to make
their stand against the enemy until
thew are reinforced.
MARRlED-On Thursday, the 25th Of Feb,
at the residence of Dr. Thomas ]. Todd, by the