New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1848-08-10
A Eniihfnl sentinel.

To one of the numerous volumes for which the
late Mexican war has furnished the materials we
are indebted for the following amusing account Of
the exact discharge of duty by a faithful private
in volunteer regiment. A party OF officers nav
ing been oil to a Mexican fandango, are thus re-
ceived by volunteer sentinel;
On the picket guard, at the pass that night was
among others, enc OF company Il, whose name W." we.
Belts Now, Belts was small man, w'th an ihleih'
gent countensnce keen eye and pleasant appearance
fond OF Joke and prded himself at all times, In per
forming strictly the duties OF soldier in every parcu
lar lie had heard the colOnels commands 10 the guu
mentioned before snd, this party was approaching
he was walking the narrow pass to and fro with MS
loaded carbine at support His comrades were 81
little distance soundy asleep sroud the guard IRE, for
the night cold. The officer ofthe guard had against
the line of his duty LETT the picket and gone into the
tents of the camp guard said before about half a
mile The white rows of tents shone in the moonlight
beyond but there lights there, for all were
asleep Belts heard the sound Of the horses hoos OF
the coming party before he them lie stood erect
They came nearer, two heutenants in front. Who
comes there he challenged in quick, loud and dis
tnct voice. that brought them 10 halt In an instant
Friends, the reply. Haiti Advance friends, and
give the countersign We have not gott You know us
am Lieutenant Smith acting sdjutsnt and Halt
and remain where you are quickly replied the sentinel
with avery significant motion toward the lock OF his
bine The two were SStonshed while the colonel
behind. hearing this wss much amused. and drew his
horse up, 20 see II out The Adjutsnt commenced TO
speak again but the sentinel would hear nothing bat
Colonel Thomas knew Belts by his voice and, beside
could in the moonlight see him plainly and really
pleased 10 his faithful performance of orders After
A pause Of some moments, IN which he thought the
IeutenAnts had been sufficiently troubled for not hav
ing the countersign, he advanced up to their side
s.r Belts said he 4 am pleased to see you 50 promp
and decided in your discharge OF duiy ana trust ln
iesop will moi be losi these officers Tor officer
shonA act an example Of military discipline 10 IN
soldiers LIE, these gentlemen IN ana depend upon
we think much more OF You TOT your nIthncse n
Won The counsersgn said the sentinel to hinn repS
this The countersgn-nOf II Is nov necessary iVi M
- hsve h, You know me I'm your colonel You can
go in said the sentinel he drew himself up erect %
fore them Look me- said the colonel AS ne su
out on the shade OF some nusqel' oushe,, u -" IA s
the road in the bright moonlight that piayeu "Do
tened ON the large epsuet his broad g0id ace anu u
gilt heed and scsbbard OF his sword Don you srG 1T
me now Mr. Beiisf The sentinel cooy seI'e,eu ~ a.
and his horse. Il might know you 10 'nc "sy 'u,.,
now / do not know you You cannot go IN I'll. -
where you are But we must 90 IN, sao AL a. '"'
advanced their horses up there viii be no h~Ini -
Quickly the sentinel threw up his carolne, WIN -
thumb upon tie lock and his finger on the trigger an
called out Stop you are near enough ana stoP lne
did there danger In proceeding Here IS pie''
end 10 frolc,' said the adjltant while the coloh'
looked with vexation They turned their morse
heads together and held consultation. Where
the officer OF the guard said the colonel 10 the sent
mel who now had turned to walking back and fort
across the path before them, and who showed dsp
siton for conversation Gone into the camp, IN
,,rsply well. send after him. then should like
accommodate YOU gentlemen, but can't leave my post
Here. then, was a predicsment They dismounte
and sat the ground holding their horses, waiting Il
the officer of the guard. The night was cool; the win
was and had been the whole day from the North The
tried to laugh. but they were too cold They pleade
earnestly with the sentinel but Il was OF no avail Il
he, pacing his interval would talk no more In sbo
two hours (Which seemed ten to them the ofic
Of the guard who had been down At the camp qua
IRE enjoying himself finely thinking that i was nn
relieve Beta came up, and was ~tonishes 70 u