The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-09-18
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squadron at Alvarado he found that two sailors belong
ing TO the squadron had been killed ON shore by soms
Mexicans. Without however waiting to enter into auy
Commodore Immediately went TO work had ths sicald
arrested, and informed him that he would he held re
spopsibe for all such acts in future but In tba nrt
instance he would merely require the payment Of 5000
for the of the widows Of the two who mu-
dsred 1t is needless to add that the money imme
diateiy paid over and will be forwarded TO its
destination. Com r. being informed that the jail had
been broken into and quantity OF cotton-some hfty
bales-which seized short time previous to,
time the bombardment of this port taken out
of the belonging to the u Government, imms
daely sent word TO the authorities, That II the cotton
was nc forthcoming, he would set fire TO two
Mexican ships lying there, and If that was psuhcient
for his object he would the town forthwith The
cotton produced, and shipped for Vera Cruz
The heart Of every Louisianan will throb with emo
tons OF pride and joy he reads OF the brilliant and
Persifor f. Smith, took in the late severe ana bloody
battles before the city OF Mexico He beyond all
competition or contradiction the hero of the battle Of
Contreras. His cool and mastery and In
trepd demeanor in action are the theme Of universal
praise.
The intrepid dragon officer Capt Seth D Thornton,
who the first to begin this alas the first to
sacrifice his life in the late march Of our army from Pue-
ba The circumstances of his death will be found fully
detailed In the letters of spondents Like Col
Butler he left bed OF sickness to meet the foe upon
whom he warmly desired TO avenge the treachery by
which he had been betrayed in the commencement of
this war He killed by cannon ball In reconneis-
sance, several days before the battle We knew Seth
Thornton well He WAS a companion and schoolmxte Of
our earlier days, and Drawer AID hearted
soul never animated human frame. He born In
caroline county, Virginia. and ut his death about
thirty three years OF Young he WAS his had
been checkered AID eventful one We doubt whether
there Is any man now living who has passed safely
through so many and such imminent pers and trials as
have marked the life OF Capt Thornton. some years
| ago he was passenger when quite youth tho i'll
fated Pulaski and when that IRE he was
nearly the last to leave her When others thought only
of saving their lives he thought only of saving
lives of the fair and children board. When
all the passengers had been sent of in boats and
spars Captain Thornton having first securely tied his
n pp-CO
in the water he picked up several men, whom he also
succeeded in fastening TO Che COOP and thus they located
for many long and weary hour, exposed to burning
sun, and without a particle OF food One by one his
companions dropped off, aud persisted in the Thorn
ton oDy remained; and at last, famished and pduced
10 state OF rayug insanity, he picked by some
boats aud taken ashore. For long tma his life was in
great danger from delirium and fever, consequent
his INTENSE suerings and exposure But he recover
ed, aud tbs next time hear OF him Is In the Florida
war, where he passed through extraordinary pc
rils, and distpg ushed himself II gallant and
tive oicer In the beginning of this war Capt Thorn
ton was selected by Gen Taylor for very delicate and
difficult duty the foil nature ana results OF which are
familiar TO readers. Last summer, being relieved
from duty he came home u short visit, nut
he reached Washington earnestly entreated the War
Department to allow HIM to take tho field OF active ope
ratons His wish was granted and he hurried back TO
the OF and eagerly sought opportunity or
distinguishing himself captain Thornton, though ever
in the front Of danger and reckless Of all pers and OBJ
saces, was by no means physically vigorous or mus
cuar On the contrary, he of small and deli
cate structure and Of weakly constitution. But his
bold and manly spirit made him always ready TO dare
every danger and most trying and perous
positions which could be pointed out TO HIM But aas
poor Seth--he Is gone-cut off not his brave heart
painted for in the glorious conflict Of arms at the head
OF his bold Dragoons-his bloody sabre flaming in tho
sunbeams frightened foe flying before his
ing arm-but In reconnaissance, by accidental
cannon shot and when no enemy was in sight his brave
spirit was loosened from tenement and thus
he fell with his face to the foe Peace to his manes-im
mortality to his memory
The death of Col Pierce M Butler, the gallant South
Carolinian the representative the bloody field Of
Churubusco of as noble race OF heroes as any coun
try has produced will create profound and extended
conspicuous aud prominent citizen of South Carolina.
and was noted for his great resolution and indomable
courage. He possessed military qualities Of the highest
order and promise OF success and distinction
in career which, alas. terminated at its very COM
mencement. Col Butler had been very Ill for several
days previous to the battle but when he heard that the
Palmetto flag going iinto the fight unaccompanied
by him to whose special charge had been committed
he brooke loose from his hyscans abandoned his sick
couch and weak chastity and almost fantng mounted
his charger and placed hnsef at the head OF his reg
ment With such An example men iar less ardent aud
gallant than the South Caroinans, would have been
prompted to deeds Of superhuman daring. But there
was no such Indictment necessary to imp. Ae Of
the Harry Hotspur Of the Unionn as prentiss once
styled the gallant Palmetto State to the most brilliant
and conspicuous display Of military qualities Their
services fully noted In another part OF our paper
Col Buter, though twice badly wounded and weighed
down by fintness and loss of blood maintained his po
stion until third wound caused his death. Lieutsn
ant Col Dickinson, who the 6rst officer wounded at
Vera Cruz also signssed his vaor this occasion, and
was again badly wounded.
We notice with much pain that Col. Morgan, the gal
liant officer who lately commanded, with go much dis
tnction the I'd regiment Of Ohio volunteers was badly
wounded in the late battles. Col. Morgan Is quite
young but Is Of the most fearless and daring
| men army. He the officer who, In command
Of small body Of volunteers last winter defeated Ur
rea the head Of large force OF Mexican horse He
has great military talents He was lately appointed py
the TO the command of one OF
gments; and it the head Of his regiment that he
| was severely wounded la tho late battle.
waader died Of the wounds received in the engage
ments Of the 10Th and 2oth August
| MILITARY INTELLIGENCE.
| Gen Patterson, Col Abercrombie and Maj. VIM. IL.
Polk u s. A. arrived here evening before last by the
railroad route for Mexico. MantgOmeTy Ola Jour-
nal, 81 10Th inst
1t is stated that the Rangers and the Guards y
two companies from Covngton in this State are to be
recognized for the purpose Of returning to Mexico
Both companies sgnalized themselves at Buona VISTA
| 50. Lous Union, lOh inst
| NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.
The u s. frigate United States was spoken no date
given in lat % N, lon ~ from Princes Island
| Africa, bound to windvard.
We learn from the Navy Department that the reports
in circulation concerning the United states bomb vessel
| Heca and her officers, not correct The Hscla
Lieut. Fairfax commanding In entering the river OF Al
the night the iath ut got ashore on tn,
bar although she had pilot board but she was got
afoat without any serious injury None OF her oihcer
were lost.-Washington Union, Sept. 10.
Police Intelligence.
| .9rrea of a Burgiar.-Ofhcers Shadbot and Jacques
Of the 10th ward, arrested Thursday night youpl
man calling himself Thomas Jones' on a charge OF bur
gsriousy entering the watchmskers store occupied b,
Mr.. Richard Murphy, situated at ga Grand street "
appears that about O'Clock on that evening MI Muir
ply left the for short time locking the door al
him. aud upon his return discovered two thieves In
| side who had evidently entered with a false Key An
alarm was at given, when the rascas boted from
the store and after long chase he officers succeeded
la arrstipg Jones' the other making GOOD his escape
Justice Kctcham locked him up for trial.
| DfsordsrIy Houses.--O6cers Doudican and Rafferty,,
of the 9th ward arrested yesterday two women by the
names OF Juls Berriau keeper Of mouse No 70 Rsade
street and Louisa r. Harrison keeper Of house No 20
Reade street, both OF whom indicted by the Grand
| Tury IN "A chtrQ q n q
common for prostitution. Held to bail In the
| sum of $500. TO answer the charge.
| Ro5bing Room Mate. Officer spicer, OF the 9th
ward, arrested n man by the name of Obadiah Evi
| on a charge Of stealing from room mat. by the name
| OF William Groves, small amount Of money, together
with several articles OF clothing. Detained by the
1 4.