Weekly national intelligencer., 1848-04-15
NATIONAL INTELLIGENcER
FIFTH DISPATCHES OF MAJOR DOWNING.
Cry OF MrxIco, MARCH %, ls4s.


and things of that that belongs to diEomatics,
of course send my dispatches TO the President or
Mr.. Richie but when things branch off into the
newspaper line, then send 'em TO you. We've had
Gnera Scott on trial here five days, for high treason
aqanst Gneral Pillow and Gineral Worth. If il
goes agin him don't know whether they will con-
cIude TO hang him or shet him up in some of the
mines of Mexico for life. But he fights like Turk,
and ant skeered atnothin. The President better send
on some 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. Itwould
be great pity if man that has been guilty of such
horrible crimes as he has out here in Mexico should
slip through their fingers al last and escape punish
ment begin TO feel little afraid how it will
come out. For my part, 60 for justice, hit who
twill. If man will commit crimes let him be
punished for it, I'm afraid the President has missed
fgger in leaving il out 10 such men as he has. 1t
would been safer and more sure TO leave il out to
Jury Of Mexcans. I've no doubt the least verdict
they would give, would a been two years in the
deepest and darkest niue in Mexico for his taking
Vera Cruz and the Castle two years more for the
cutting and slashin he give 'em at Cerro Gordo !;
two years more for Chaputepec and Churubusco |;
and all the rest of his life for his taking the city OF
Mexico. In that case, you see, his punishment
would been measured out something according to
his crimes.
| was thinking last night that ought 10 make up
little budget about this trial and send ii you,
as promised TO let you know once in while how
things was getting along out here. And while |
was bothering my head TO know which end TO begin
at, a man came in and brought me a little letter. |
took it and opened it, and couldn't hardly believe
my eyes at first, TO see the name of Gineral Pillow
signed 10 H. He requested me 10 call at his quar-
ters in the evening on very urgent and important
business. Thinks | TO myself, what in thunder can
this mean! Then | thought, may be they had got
hint that the prisoner intended TO run away, and
they wanted me to help keep guard round Gineral
SCOTS quarters TO see that he didn't escape.
So jest at dark went round to Ginera Pillows
quarters. He seemed to be amazin glad 10 me,
and took me by The arm and led me into tother
room.
q Major Downing" says he, " I'm very happy 10
see you. wish you wouldn't make yourself such
a stranger 10 my quarters it would give me great
deal of pleasure to see you oftener."
thanked him, and told him that his rank was a
good deal superior to mine, and always felt kind
OF delicate about putting myself along side of them
that was so much above me.
. Not at all, says he, Major, not at all we
have to observe rank, 10 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, :" understand you write let
ters to the National Inelligencer sometimes, about
matters out here in Mexico
Well, yes,' says |, Gineral, do sometimes,
when it don't interfere with my public 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
capital paper, great paper: deserves to be en-
couraped / take N 7rnr1, interest IN fbe ynrosne-
rify Of that paper, and mean 70 DO something for
IL. III be tke making Of IL get, when get 10 the
rank and situation that | expect 10 get. | spose
you'll send some account of this Court Martial
down by the courier tomorrow TO go 70 the Intelli-
gencer, won't you 2"
Well, yes,'' says !, !" | was thinking of send.
ing some litte outline of il, so the folks al home
in the United States might understand the substance
of it as far as il has got along"
Then he took written paper out of his pocket
and, says he, Major, here is clear account o
the proceedings as far THEY have gone, all care
fully drawn up, and putting every thing in a true
light. should like TO have you take this and send
it on 10 the Inelligencer, and have it inserted al
coming from an authentic source; or, if you choose
you can work il in and make il part of your let
ter, and then nobody will doubt but what il comes
from an authentic source. / should rather, on the
whole that you would work it into your letter
be next thing to official report"
After took il and looked a while over some
parts of it, says /, Ginera it seems 10 me it is
most too soon to send on such particular account
as this, for fear Of making some mistakes. II must
take>some time 10 pick the matters all up and pu
them together in the right shape, so to give every
one his fair share. | thought | would send on nov
the main points OF il, and send on the particular,
when we've had chance TO pick EN- all up and pu
EN- together right"
" But, Major says he, I'm Uery anxious hi
account should go OF NTH he .frst impressions
You know a great deal depends on FIRST impres
sions therefore, no time should be lost in get,in
this before the public, and the best way to do it j
TO work it into your report. To be sure, the pape
does considerable justice 10 me, but not more that
think you viii be satisfied belongs to me- IneUe
ask dny one 10 PIT me; bm hare confidence i
you 10 beiieue That you tciH do me justice.
neUer forget my friends. There's no kno win
but the upshot OF this trial may tip Ginera Scot
out of the tail-end Of the cart yet: and, if so,
stand good chance Of being placed at the head 0
military affairs here and, between you and me
that would give me strong chance Of succeedin
Mr.. Polk in the Presidency. And wish you L
understand, Major, that never forget my friends.
Well" says ], I" Gineral, seen you are so ar
nest about it. III take the paper home with me an