The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-08-24
charger, blooded marc belonging to Ser

accompanied Maj. Gaines as an interpre-
ter, had rendered himself extremely use-
full Oh the occasion of their capture, by
his GOODNESS, sagacity, and knowledge of
the Mexican language and character
Captain Henrle was very anxious for a
fight, and strongly dissuaded Maj. Gaines
from surrendering. He told the men TO
count their bullets, and if they had one
for every two Mexieans, it was fair
game and he would go it. He also cau-
toned them TO hit the Mexicans below
their boards, that they might frighten of
the others by their groans, and 10 give
them as much misery as possible. One
of the Mexican officers, recognizing him,
cried out in Spanish, Il shall have the
pleasure of your company to the City of
Mexico, Capt. Henrie M Excuse me,
senor | generally choose my own compa-
n.y." replied the cool and court.y Captain.
1t was the second day after their cap
ture, and near the town of Salado; famous
in Texan history as the place Of the de-
cimarion of the Mier prisoners, that Maj.
Gaines high-spirited mare showing con-
siderable restlessness, the Major reques-
ted Capt. Henrie, who is famous rider
of the Jack Hays school, '.to mount her
and take off the wire-edge of her spirit.
The captain did so, and riding up TO Capt.
Clay. careless remarked, .sClay, | am GO
ing to make burst.' The Mexican
commander, half suspecting his design,
placed additional forces at the head and
rear of the column of lancers within
which the prisoners were placed, and rode
himself by the side of Henrie, who would
pace up and down the line, cracking Jokes
with the boys, and firing up the spirit of
the mare by various ingenious manpu-
vrcs. At last, Henrie, seeing favorable
opportunity, plunged his spurs deep into
the sides of the noble blood, and rushing
against and knocking down three or four
of the mustangs with their lancers, star
led off in full view of the whole party
at rate Of speed equal TO the best lime
that Boston or Fashion ever made. Af-
ter him rushed dozen well mounted Ian
GERS, who. firing their escopctas at him,
started off in close pursuit. But it was
no race at all-the Kentucky blood was
TOO much for the mustang. The lancers
were soon distanced, and the last view
they got of Henrie, he was flying up
steep mountain, waving his white hand
kerchief, and crying out in a voice which
echoed afar off through the valley, "a
dos, senores-adios, senores!'
Our readers may fancy the intense ex-
element which this scene produced among
the prisoners, and will, no doubt, excuse
them for SO far forgetting their situation
as TO give three loud cheers as they saw
the gallant Henrie leaving his pursuers far
behind, and safely placed beyond their
reach. The subsequent adventures and
Of Henrie are well known TO
our readers. After many narrow escapes
from the enemy, and starvation, and after
losing his noble mare, Henrie arrived
safely at our camp, and gave the first au-
lhentic intelligence Of the capture of Majs
Gaines and Borland's party.
Alter the escape of Capt. Henrie the
prisoners were closely guarded and pro-
ceeded on their journey to San Luis
They had not gone far before they met
Gen. Santa Anna on his way to Aqua
Nuena 10 attack Gen. Taylor. The Ge-
neral was in large and snowy carriage
drawn by six beautiful mules, and escor-
ted by battalion Of hussars most splen-
didly uniformed and mounted. As the
prisoners passed his carriage was stopped,
the hussars drew up, and at the request OF
Santa Anna, Maj. Gaines was introduced
to him. The willy Mexican was all
smiles and courtly grace. He expressed
his regret to find the Major and his party
in their unfortunate situation, but promis-
ed them the most kindly treatment, and
hoped that they would soon be exchanged
and would be able to reloin their friends.
The manners of the Mexican General
were certainly very fine and proposes
sing, but the prisoners would have been
better satisfied with some more substan-
tial proof Of his kindly disposition. The
contrast between the prisoners and the
retinue of Santa Anna formed
a picture which would have taxed the
highest powers of Martin or David. !
The iIl-clad, ragged, unarmed prisoners,
with their stalwert frames and bold and
manly countenances, without shoes or
hats, and many without coats. but wrap /
ped in their blankets Indian fashion, stood
with erect and unawed front before the
array of the elegantly accoutred and we'll
armed hussars, mounted on choice steeds,
with their long spears and heavy sabres.
Indeed ill., ere was not one of those proud
but unfortunate representatives of the An
ylo- American race who would not have
given all his prospects in life to have had
one chance with his merring rife and
deadly bowie-knife against the serried
ranks Of these bedizened and .bewhisker-
ed hussars. But this interview was soon
terminated, and Santa Anna and his reti-
4 Al. <~<xI /