The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-08-02
From the Flag of the Union.
A Yankee in Mexico.
BY THE OLD 'UN.

some Time before the war with MeXi-
co broke out, certain Yankee who re-
loiced In the name of Seth Strong, who
hailed from far down east, and who had
been successfully schoolmaster, singing
master, hogreeve, horse trader, log chop
per, tin pedler, and fireman on railroad,
found himself in New Orleans without re-
sources. He was something of military
genius, having once BEEN 'leaftenant' in
volunteer rifle company who wore green
hunting shirts, and had semi-annual drill,
and while in the Crescent City was always
spectator of the Sunday parades in the
Place d'Armes. Therefore it was not
surprising, that finding his funds at the
last extremity, he marched up to militia
ry rendezvous and presented himself to
the recruiting officer as candidate for the
honor of serving his country. The next
day he was parading the city in the 'gen-
eral clothing furnished by our universal
uncle-and in his glazed cap, blue rounda-
bout and pants, and ankle-j jacks, doubtless
thought himself the object of general at
tention. He wos put through the manual
and drill in the most approved fashion,
and was soon perfect in his facings and
wheelings. In the course of few months
he was marching with his regiment to
Corpus Christi, chuck full of spirits with
a prospect of fight before him. In the
first battles he bore himself as bravely as
those who wore the epaulet, and wanted
only that distinction to be honorably men
toned at Washington.
After crossing the Rio Grande he was
appointed seargent and of course rose
foot taller from a consciousness Of his
blushing honors. At the little town of Do
lores, where the army halted for while,
he was assigned the charge ofa depot of
powder, that was stored in one of the best
houses in the plaza, with command of
about dozen men, and ordered to main
tain his post until relieved. One day he
obtained leave of absence to go shooting
after snipe, which were abundant III the
environs, but loosing his way remained
out all night, and did notget back till a late
hour next day, when he returned In fear
and trembling, anticipating a reprimand or
an arrest. On gaining his quarters, his
astonishment was great at finding no ira
ces of the American troops. The stars
and stripes had disappeared, and in their
place the Mexican trl-color was waving
from a staff in the centre of the plaza
He barricaded his door, however, ate his
supper, smoked a cigar and then turned in.
The next morning he was awakened early
by tremendous hubbub.. in the square in
front of his post, drums were beating, flies
squeaking, and cries of .El Yankee! Ell
Yankee!' rising above all the other din.
Sergeant Strong, after accommodating
the force outside, which, with the excep-
tion of a wooden-legged soldier, was
composed entirely of civilians, headed by
the alcade, opened his door, and presenting
himself, sword in hand, demanded to know
what they wanted, IN very execrable Span
ish.
Thereupon, he was formally summon
to surrender, by the alcalde.
Look here, Stranger said the SER
geant, when you bring me an order from
General Taylor. or Major Bliss, to surren-
der perhaps | shall obey, and perhaps |
shan't. General Taylor never surrenders,
and | don't see why Seargent Strong
should
perhaps we will focre you to surren-
der. We are many, and you are few
said the Mexicans.
Y on are poor miserable set of beam
eating varmlnts,' retorted the Yankee, as
he retired, slaming the door in their faces.
All that day he remained in close quarters,
While the town was in ferment, and the
alealde issued pronuaeiame,ato against
the obstinate North American barbarian.
A copy of the proauecianento was flung
into an open window of the depot, but the
Yankee only laughed at it, and twisted it
up to light his cigar with.