The Arkansas banner., 1850-04-23
4 TALE eP THE elHP.

1 The advanced guard of the army. on its way Co Monterey, had Tan eut of the town of Marin . cosiderable force of MexicaBs, who had left their dinners to bs eaten by the Americans, whsn it camped for the rear to come uF. That afternoon portion of tho Texas cavalry occupied vacant lot near the Ptaza. While drawing wnteT at aae og the wells. which st 6Fst was sapPOssd le ee pois- oned, dispute between two young men named Barclay and Rogers. Al suHdova, to Rogers surprise, he received challenge written on piece of dirty paper la lead pencil Rogers had paper to write reply ca, bat told the tsaFer of inc chat l lengs that he had no iHtention of woanding The feelings or his old messSnate, and begged he would | accept Ills verbai expsauatiou an apology, whicA he did and expressed his ful satisfaction al ternl- naiiRg the difficulty 90 happily, l The next day. however. Rogers was astonished at receiving another eommu nicaton from an oig,eF in the artillery. stating that RsgsFs repsy wss not satisfactory to Mir. Barclay, ana demanding wit ten apology Rogers duty thst day, hn. soon relieved he mounted his horse and rode to the tent of ah infantry friend ts consult hiy ard to ask his istanee tn the affair.". Rsgess FelptsA his story and told his friend ihai after what had passed 1 he never could consent to give written apology. "I fear then,' said his friend, "a fight cannot be avoided; bat wstt hero moment. and wliI ride over and see your adversarys second, Lieut. R., the artillery officer"
 After the lapse of a half an houF, Rogers friend rc:urned, and said: Well fear the n eetinr musl | to inform you that from the decaey of my sitaa- ton cannot act for you in this matter; but Lieut. R. requests me to ask you the favor to ca on him to morrow, he thinks he will be able 10 arrange the difficulty"
 The brave and generous Lieut. R. was the pink of chivalry of the American army. He was always appealed 10 by his brother officers in affairs of hon or. and his decision received as hnal. The next day Rogers gAiIOpea to Lieut.. R.'s tent, and was kindly received. After glass of wine they talked the matter over, but could not agree on set ting the difficulty.
 "It is strange" said Lieut.. R "you admit you intended no offence, and have said so why not put 1t in writingl'
 For the very cause," replied Rogers, ''tha, the verbal explanation WIS deemed satisfactory ana cepted, and now should feet it dishouor to be forced into measure which conceive not war ranted or necessary
 "WeIl, then'' replied Lieut.. R., "nams the hour and we wil meet you--wsaPons, l suppose, ps- tols !"
 "No," replied Rogers, 'doabls-barreIIed shot guus-we are bath good at it-thirty steps, but have no friead to act for Now am you will not compromise the honor of either of us, act for us both.'
 "I will, said Lieut.. R., after having reflected moment, Ion one condinon-that you will obey irapiicity in every particular. l pledge yon my honor a soldier, not 10 compromise you in the
 
 me your word thaiyou will obey me to the letter "Agreed," said Rogers, "you are the friend of us both. and there can be dishonor in any action you may take"
 "Weli," said Lievt. R, "meei us on the bank of the river, (the Rio AlamO,) a quarter of a mile above camp to- night at nine clock, for the moon will then be some hours high, and We will there settle the affair."
 Thus they parted. Twilight soon spread her gray mantle the earta the sky was b~spangled by d few bright stars while the watch -frvs for miles pesred through the gloom and shed larid light around thousands of tents which stre,cb ed for some three miles from Maria lo the hank of the river.
 The hum of thousands of voices and the stir oG busy preparations for the coming morrow had gradually grown fainter and fainteF while the moon poured down flood of silver light the scene as the appointed hour grew near. Rogers moun nted his horse passing outside the ues and rode to the appointed spot His adversary, Barclay, and Lieut. k were already the ground. DisuOuuting. Rogers, with his gun on his shoulder, apPEesched the latter, who whispered in his ear, "MindWhat say, and obey me implicitly, you may be sure all will be rght.''
 The distance was stepped off, aud the parties were stationed at their places. IL was lovely night tlte moonb-ams danced on the Fppling water, and they trickled their way, their sweet murmur was hssred deeply impressive with the stillDess of the hour. There was a solemn beauty about the surrounding scene which seemed 10 call forth the noblest, the most philanthropic feelings of 4 sentiment of sorrow and regret seemed to prevail that the meeting had taken piace-but it was then too late. Their barrels of their weapons glistened in the silver light, and in few moments they were to risk the chance of being hurried into eternity, whle one gave the other received from him sat isfaetion for his wounded hoaor. They had been placed at the present. when Lieut.. R., walking of at distance midway between them, said, ''Gentle- men, are you readyl'' "Yes." was the response of both. At the pext word, which each thought big with the fate of or both of them, their surprise the voice of Lieut. k. was heard ringing the air: Advance ffteea paces." They cordingly advanced until they met "Shake hands" said Lieut.. R., in the most Imperative tone. The combatanis stood bewidered. hall doabting, but mechanically extending their hands to the other. "Now," said Lieut.. R., Il declare this diff 6cuty hoaorably settled; whoever dares to ques- lion il must be responsible to me. Gentlemen, you frieuds; mount your horses" The parties agaia grasped each others hanf. and with a lock of gratitude 10 their mutual friend mounted and rode with him 10 his tent. The night ended in a scene of joy and reselry which twined their hearts together forever. The memory of Leat. R.. who shortly afterwards feli at Monterey, and his noble character, cherished in a thousand hearts. Of this gsIlan. American officer IL said that no his superior; his word was law among his friends, aud which dared to question.