The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-06-01

acts Of violence have heretofore sought to
palliate their guilt by pleading the assassi-
nation of their comrades as an excuse for
retaliation. There has been too much of
this already. But what will be the scenes
of havoc and blood when 'war without
pity" is the recognised gauge of battle on
both sides!
The order of Canales is peremptorv.
1t commands his followers to spare nei-
ther age nor condition. Every American
found within the territory of Mexico,
whether armed or unarmed, must be put
to the sword. This is more savage even
than the guerilla proclamation of Salas.
The defence of the Rio Grande should
be, under the circumstances, an object of
primary consideration. That more troops
are needed there is apparent, without Ia
king into consideration the necessities of
other divisions of the invasion.
FRONTIER BRIGADE OF CAVALRY,
Camp in San Augustin, April 4, Al.
this day send to the Adjutant Inspec-
tor of the National Guards the following
instructions:
/ learn, with the greatest Indignation,
that the Americans have committed a
most horrible massacre at the rancho Of the
Guadalupe. They made prisoners, in
their own houses, and by the side of
their families, of twenty-five peaceable
men, and Immediately shot them. To re-
pei this class of warfare, which is not
war, but atrocity in all Its fury, there is
no other course left us than retaliation;
and. in order to pursue this method, rem
dered imperative by the fatal circumstan-
ces above mentioned, you will immcdiate-
Iy declare martial law, with the under
standing that eight days after the publica-
ton of the same every individual who
has not taken up arms (being capable of
so doing) shall be considered traitor and
instantly shot.
| Martial law being in force, you are
bound 10 give no quarter TO any Ameri-
can whom you may meet, or who may
present himself 10 you, even though he
be without arms. You are also directed
to publish this to all the towns in this
State, forcibly impressing them with the
severe punishment that shall be inflicted
for the least omission of this order.
We have arrived at that state in which
our country requires the greatest sacrifi-
ces; her sons should glory in nothing but
to become soldiers, and as brave Mexicans
TO meet the crisis. Therefore, if the ar
my of invasion continues, and our people
remain in the towns which they have mo-
Tested, they deserve not one ray of SYM
pathy; nor should any one ever cease to
make war upon them. You will send a
copy of this to each of your subordi-
mates, and they are authorized to proceed
against the chiefs of their squadrons, or
against their colonies or any other, ever
against me, for any infraction of this or
der, the only mode of salvation left
The enemy wages war against US, and
even against those peaceable citizens who,
actuated by improper impulses, desire to
remain quiet in their houses. Even these
they Kill without quarter, and this is the
greatest favor they may expect from
them. The only alternative left to us un-
der these circumstances is retaliation,
which is the strong right of the offended
against the offending. To carry this into
effect attach yourselves to the authorities.
Your falling to do this will be considered
a crime of the greatest magnitude.
All the officers of the troops are dlrec-
ted to assist you in carrying out this or
der; and it is distinctly understood there
shall be no exceptions. Neither the cler-
gy, military, citizens, nor other persons
shall enjoy the privilege of remaining
peaceably at their homes. The whole OF
the corporation shall turn out with the ci-
tizens, leaving solely as authority of the
town one of the members who is over the
age Of sixty years; at the same time, if
all of the members are capable of bearing
arms, then none shall be excepted; leay-
ing TO act some one who is incapable OF
military service. You yourself must be
an example to others, by conforming to
this requisition. And | send this to you
for publication, and charge you to see il
executed in every particular, and commu-
nicate it also to the commanders of IT, e
squadrons in your city, who will aid you
in carrying into effect these instructions;
and in fact you are directed to do all and
every thing which your patriotism may
prompt. God and Liberty!
ANTONIO CANALES.
|