Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1849-10-04
From the Ohio Statesman.
Gen. Lanes Answer.


short time otter the arrival of Gen. Lane at Pue-
ba, in October lS47, and after the battles oUgd
before the Cty of Mexico, there came train down
on way To Vera Cruz, and with it young
man named Wnggoner. who. from his appea rance,
was suffering much from disease; his age was about
ighieen years having heard that the Ohio volun-
teers wanted recruits, he found his way to Capt.
Lillys quarters. and told substance the following
story. lie had come to Mexico in the employ of a
sutler of of the Pennsylvania regiments that in
the late battles before the City the Suier had been
killed and all his goods lost; and without money.
with claim the government for subsistence. he
had been left To his resources, and to add 10 his
nisfortunes, he was about tlat time taken sick He
had lived upon The bounty of soldiers until the
train left the city, and had started with it in hopes 10
be able 10 reach home; but disease was fast making
inroads upon his constitution, and he could get ne
Their food nor medical advice. and finding he could
proceed no farther on his way home, he came to see
| if he could not volunteer. Capt. Lilly heard the
boys story, and from his manners and appearance
felt it true-nnd Of course could not but pity him,
for more benevolent, kind-hearled man than Capt.
Lilly was not to be found in the army After proyId-
ing the boy with good supper bed and breakfast he
sent for the surgeon, who, after he had examined
him, said that his state of health was such that he
could not according to the regulations of the army,
pass him; the case then did indeed to be hard
one but the Captain bound not to let the matter
rest there, and accordingly sent Sergeant Jack Adams
with the boy to Col. Childs, Civil and Military Go
vernon of the city, to ask for his admission TO the
General Hospital. Col. Chds heard the circum-
stances, and then coldy replied, that he did not
belong to the army, he could do nothing for him but
Jack Adams the last to despair in a good
cause, and at once determined to take the boy TO Gen.
Lane, who was in the city Upon his arrival at the
Generals quarters he found him, and briefly stated
the circumstances of the case, together with Col.
Child's After he had heard them, he replied
follows: IL is enough for TO know that he is
American citizen; he shall be provided for, and turn
ing to clerk, told him to make out order for the
boys admission TO the General Hospital. The order
was promptly made out, aud Sergeant Adams accom-
panied him to the Hospital and him in CON-
Portable circumstances was afforded to any one
there.
Mark the difference between the answer of the
Regular and the Volunteer officer" Ii is enough for
me TO know that he is American ciizen!" Was
not that n noble response /! worthy of its author
worthy of an American officer.
As | have said before, Jack Adams left the boy a
the General Hospital, where medical aid fur
nished him, and such attendance could be, was be-
slowed upon him, but such ravuges had disease made
upon him that he soon paid the debt of nature, nnt
his smoudering remains now lie in the graveyard
near the outskirts of the City of Pueba.
In conclusion, would say that this little sketch
penned by one wholly unused to writing for the pub
lie Is fiction, but is true To the letter, and tina
it is not written to applaud Gen. Lane, (for any po
tical end, any farther than to show he possesses
noble heart and can feel for and sympathize will
another in the hour of adversely. and by such noble
acts he endeared himself well to his men, that NJ
man better loved more respected, more
promptly obeyed than he was. The writer will also
| in justice to Capt Lilly, state that this communion
ton is written without his knowledge.
| 4Tu O "