The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1848-04-22
From the National Intelligencer.
First Despatch of Major Downing.

CRY OF MEXICO, March %, 1S4S.
Mfr. Gales and Seaton, my dear old friends -
When have to write about the war and the
treaty, and things of that sort that belongs
to diplomatics, of course I send my despatch
es to the President or Mr.. Ritchie but when
things branch off into the newspaper line,
then send 'em to you. We've had Gineral
Scott on trial here five days for high treason
against Gineral Pillow and Gineral WORTH
If it goes agin him don't know whether they
will conclude to hang him Or shet him up in
! some of the mines of Mexico for life. But he
fights like Turk, and amt skeered at nothing.
The President better send more help, for
Amt sure that what there is here will be able
to handle him. The battle has been pretty
hot for five days, and don't see as they get the
upper hand of him at all yet. 1t would be a
great pity if man that has been guilty of
such horrible crimes as he has out here in
Mexico, should slip through their fingers at
last and escape punishment I begin to feel
little afraid how it will come out. For my
part, 60 for justice, hit who twill If a man
will commit crimes, let him be punished for it
I'm afraid the President has missed figger in
leaving it out to such men as he has. 1t
would been safer and more sure to leave it
out to jury of Mexicans. I've no doubt the
least verdict they would give, would been
two years in the deepest and darkest mine in
Mexico, for his taking Vera Cruz and the Cas-
tie; two years more for the cutting and slash
in he give 'em at Cerro Gordo; two years
more for Chapultepec and Churubusco; and
all the rest of his life for his taking the city of
Mexico. In that case, you see, his punish
ment would a been measured out something
according to his crimes.
was thinking last night that I ought to
make up little budget about this trial and
send it to you, as promised to let you know
once in while how things was getting along
out here. And while 1 was bothering my
head to know which end to begin at a man
came in and brought me letter. l took it
and opened it, and couldn't hardly believe
my eyes at frst to see the name of Gineral
Pillow signed to it. He requested me to call
at his quarters in the evening on very urgent
and important business. Thinks to myself,
what in thunder can this means Then l
thought may be they had got hint that the
prisoner intended to run away, and they want
ed me to help keep guard round Gineral
SCOTS quarters to see that he didn't escape.
So jest at dark / went round to Gineral Pill
lows quarters. He seemed to be amazin glad
to see me, and took me by the arm and led me
into 'tother room.
"Major Downing" says he, "1m very hap
py to see you. wish you wouldn't make
yourself such stranger to my quarters; it
would give me great deal of pleasure to see
you oftener."
I thanked him, and told him that his rank
was good deal superior to mine, and l al
ways felt kind of delicate about putting my
self along side of them that was so much
above me.
"Not at ALL" says he, "Major, not at all; we
have to observe rank, to be sure when we are
on the field; but every where else we are all
equals Major, all equals give us your hand
And here he Civ my hand another hearty
shake.
"Major." says he, 81 understand you write
letters to the National Intelligencer some
times. about matters out here in Mexico"
"Well, yes" says I, General, do some
times, when it don't interfere with my private
duties as the Presidents private ambassador"
Then he turned round and put the door to
and begun to speak in little lower tone.
"Major," says he, "that Intelligencer is a
aa.>;4.l ,,aror n nroat nanor Il deserves to be