Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-08-09
A FAITHFUL SENTINEL.

\
! To one Of the numerous volumes s,r which the
late Mexican war has furnished the materials. we
are indebted for the following amusing account Of
the exact discharge of duty by faithful Private in
| Volunteer Regiment:
"A party of Officers having been off to Mexican
fandango, are thus received by volunteer sentinel
"On the picket guard, at the pass that night
was, among others, one accompany G, whose name
was Belts. Now, Belts was a small man, with an
intelligent countenance, keen eye and pleasant an
pearance; fond Of joke, and prded himself. at all
times in performing strictly the duties of soldier
In every particular. He had heard the Colonel's
commands to the guard mentioned before; and as
this party was approaching, he was walking the
narrow pass to and fro with his loaded carbine at
support. His comrades were at little distance
soundiy asleep around the guard fire. for the night
was cold. The officer Of the guard had, against
the line Of his duty, left the picket and gone into
the tents OF the camp guard, as said before about
half n mile. The white rows of tents shone in the
moonlight beyond but there were no lights there.
for all were asleep. Belts heard the sound of the
horses' hoofs OF the coming party before he saw
them. He stood erect. They came nearer. Two
leutenants in 'front.' who comes there q he chal-
lenged, in quick, loud, and distinct voice, that
brought them TO halt in an instant Friends
was the reply. Halt! Advance, friends, and give
the countersignl' We have not got it, You know
US: am Lieutenant Smith, acting adjutant, and
- Halt, and remain where you are quickly
replied the sentinel, with very significant motion
towards the lock of the caroline The two were
astonished while the colonel, behind hearing this
was much amused, and drew his horse up, TO see il
out. The adJuant commenced to speak again. but
the sentinel would hear nothing but The counter
sign /; and what that was they knew not Colonel
Thomas knew Belts by his voice, and, besides,
could, In the moonlight, see him plainly and was
really pleased to his faithful performance ofror
ders After pause Of some moments. in which he
thought the lieuenans had been sufficiently trou-
Died for not having the countersign, he advanced
up to their side. Mr.. Belts, said he 4 am pleas
ed TO see you so prompt and decided in your dis
charge of duty and trust, the lesson will not be
lost on these officers for officers should set an ex
ample of military discipline to the soldiers. Let
these gentlemen In; and depend upon it we think
much more Of you for your firmness' Have Won
the countersgn g said the sentinel to him. in reply
to this. The countersign--no!-i is not necessa-
ry for me to have it. You know me /; Pm your
colonel You can't go in said the sentinel, rs
he drew himself up erect before them. Look at
me- said the colonel, as no advanced ont of the
shade OF some musquit bushes, on the side of the
road, INTO the bright moonlight that played and os-
tened on his large epauleiis, his broad gold lace.
and the gilt head and scabbard ofhis sword Don't
you know me now, Mr.. Betts?' The sentinel cool
ly surveyed him and his horse Il mnht know
you cannot go in: remain where you are' But
we must go M said all, rs they advanced their
horses up, there will be no harrn-' Quickly
tho sentinel threw up his carbine, with his thumb
"P"" the lock. and his finger on the trigger. and
called out, stop! You are near enougn!'2and stop
they did there was danger in proceeding. Here
Is pretty end to folic,' said the adjutant while
the colonel looked stern with vexation They turn
ed their horses heads together, and held consul
tation. 'Where is the officer Of the guard p said
the colonel 10 the sentinel, who now had turned to
walking back and forth the pass before them,
and who showed no disposition for conversations
Gone into the camp was the reply well, send
after him, them Should like to accommodate
you, gentlemen, but can't leave my post
Here, then, was predicament. They dismount-
ed and sat on the ground holding .her horses wait
ing for the officer of the guard. The night was
COOL the wind was and had been the whole day
from the north. They tried 10 laugh, but they
Were too cold. They pleaded earnestly with the
sentinel, but 1t was OF no avail for he pacing his
interval, would talk no more. In about two hours
(Which seemed ten to them) the officer of the
guard, who had been down at tho camp guard fire,
enjoying himself finely, thinking that it was time
TO relieve BETS, came up, and astonished to
find the colonel, adjutant, and lieutenant sitting
on the ground in the cold, without even blanket.
shiverng as though they had the ague He let
them In at once and they glad to get 10 their
tents and cover themselves with blankets In the
morning, when meeting Belts in camp they com
plmented him highly; and he brought to the colo
Del's recollection his previous order that mo one
not even himself, should pass at night without the
countersign.-Ftrber's Itcelue Months Tol,n.
teer.