Evansville weekly journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 184?-18??, 1848-01-14
JALAPA. Mexico. Nov. "a. 1917

1bNAA -AN ANOF" - 4, 1919
1t is now dark, and since | concluded my
last communication and handed it in to be for
warded, such singular and outrageous scenes
have passed before me that | must again write,
though in the midst of preparations for a long
march. This morning the Alcade of Jalapa
called on Governor Hughes and asked him if
the bodies of the condemned Mexicans could
be given up to their friends after the execution.
''Yes."-s.Will you allow the condemned to
walk to the place of execution?' eyes, if
they and their friends desire it." Twill you
direct that they may not march in the midst of
soldiers, but a space be allowed for them and
their friends?' :.They viii be strictly guard
ed to the place of execution, and every pre-
caution taken to prevent confusion by an at
tempt to escape. Although they have forfeit
ed every right to such consideration, still they
are condemned to die, and every reasonable in
diligence shall be allowed, and all proper de-
llcacyshall be observed towards them" "May
the usual funeral ceremonies be performed. .
1t had been intimated to Governor Hughes
that subscriptions had been made to get up a
grand pageantry. Certainly yes, but no os-
tentatious display will be allowed. Should
anything of the kind be attempted | shall put
it down and hold you responsible for it. The
Immediate relatives and friends can bury the
unfortunate men according to usage, but moth
ing further. Do you think one hundred per-
sons would beas many as would congregate
on the OCCASION s.Oh! yes, not so large a
number will desire to attend"
A short time after this interview the Alcade
went to Gen. Patterson quarters, and, through
an officer of the staff, asked if the general had
any objection to the deceased being buried with
the usual religious ceremonies. The officer,
after consulting with the general, replied that
no objection would be made. Judge then, OF
the surprise of the general and the governor.
when they heard the sounds of martial music
passing their quarters, and on looking out, saw
a procession of some $500 people, a military
band of twenty-five musicians, the military
caps of the degraded ~scoundrels carried along
side of the gaudy collins, a formidable array OF
priests, silver candlesticks, &c, &c, and two
hundred of the first citizens of the place, scru-
p%ulously dressed in the finest broadcloth, in
tasty and complete mourning suits, following
the remains of the very men whom our officers
had condemned for the basest of all crimes
men, who, in Europe, in any civilized or de-
cent community, would have been denied ev-
cry thing but .'the benefit Of the cfergy!" Gen.
Landero was in the procession. Never were
the most sacred and tender feelings of humanity
more grossly outraged, never was impudence
or insult more strongly marked; never did the
inhabitants of a conquered town deserve sever
er chastisement. The alcade, 1t seems, after
visiting headquarters, went and told Governor
Hughes that he had seen General Patterson
and communicated to him all that the Govern
or had said to him, and that the general had
given his free consent for the remains of the
criminals to be buried with any ceremonies
their friends might, see proper to observe!
1t would seem that our enemies are bent up
on their own destruction. No kindness is .ex-
tended TO them that they do not abuse; no
courtesy shown them that they do not mock
at; no faith placed in them after they are fair
ly conquered that they do not take disgraceful
advantage Of. A major general of our army
= No petition was gotten up by these people
in favor of the two Americans who were ex-
ecuted yesterday, and very little was said ip
favor of Garcia; Lieut.. Alcalde was the man
object of their sympathie. Great pity that a
young man of good family, (nephew of Herrera
&C., &C.,, and with so many powerful friends
should valsie bis honor SO LIGHTLY.