The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1850-04-05
A YANKEE IN MEXICO.
BY THE OLD 'UN.

l
broke out, certain Yankee who rejpiced
III the name Of Seth Strong, who hailed
from down East, and who had been sue.
cesslYeIy school master, singing master,
hog ,drover, horse trader, log chopper. lin.
pedlar, and fireman on a railroad, found
himselfin New Orleans without rcsourc.
es. He was something Of military
character, having once been "leftenant"
IN volunteer company who wore green
hunting shirts, and had semi annual
drill, and while in the Crescent City was
always spectator of the Sunday paradcs,
in The Place d'Armes. Therefore it was
not surprising, that finding his funds at
the last extremity, he marched up to a
military rendezvous, and presented him
self to the recruiting officer as a candi
date for the honor Of serving his country.
The next day he was parading the city
in the 'gentceP clothing furnished by our
universal Uncle, aud in his glazed cap.
blue roundabout and pants, and ankle
jacks, doubtless thought himself the OBJ
ject of general attention. He was put
through the manual and drill in the most
approved fashion, and was soon perfect
in his facings and wheeling. In the
course Of a few months he was marching
with his regiment from Corpus Christi,
chock full of spirits, with the prospect Of
fight before him. In the first battle
our hero bore himself bravely as those
who wore the epaulet, and wanted only
the distinction to be honoraby mentioned
at w Washington.
After crossing the Rio Grande he was
appointed sergeant, and, of course, rose
foot taller from consciousness Of his
blushing honors. At The little town of
Dolores, where the army halted for
while, he was assigned the charge of
depot Of powder that was stored in one
Of the best houses on the piazza, with a
command of about a dozen men, and or.
dered to maintain his post until relieved.
One day he obtained leave Of absence to
go siooting after suipes, which were a.
bundant in the envirOns, but losing his
way, remained out all night and did not
| Sel OdCh tlll d ldlS Hbul tUt htAt ud >
when he returned in fear and tremh-
ling, anticipating reprimand or an ar
rest. On gaining his quarters, his aston
ishment was great at finding no traces Of
the American troops. The stars and
stripes had disappeared, aud in their
place the Mexican tri color was waving
from the staff in the centre Of the plaza.
He barricaded his door, however, ate his
supper, smoked cigar and then turned
in. The next morning he was awakened
by tremendous hubbuD in The square in
front of his post-drums were beating
flies squeaking, and cries of e Yam
KEGS raised above all the other din
Sergeant Strong after reconpoitering
the force outside, which. with the eXcep-
ton of a wooden.legged soldier, was
composed of civilians headed by the Al,
cade, opened his door, aud presenting
himself, sword in hand, demanded 10
kuow what they wanted, in very eXecra'
Bile Spanish. .-,.t ... ..-
| Thereupoh he was formally summoned
To surrender by tie Alcade.
"Look l;rre, stranger said the Ser
geant, when you bring me an'order from
Gen Taylor or Major Bliss to surrerder,
perhaps shall obey aud perhaps | shan't
Gen. Taylor never surrenders, and
E don't see why Sergeant Strong should
, perhaps we will force you To surren
der. We are many and you are few,
said the Mexican. .. t..
You are poor miserable SET Of bean
eating varmints,' retorted the Yankee a
he retired slamming the door in thei
faces. All that day he remained in clos
quarters, while the town was in fermenr
and the Alcade issued proaaRciament
against the obstinate North American
barbarian A copy ofthe pro"anciame'
10 was flung into an open window Of III,
depot, but the Yankee only laughed al i
and twisted it up to light his cigar with
}. The next day, however, matters locke
more serious. A company of Mexican
: sOldades, headed by fierce mustacheC
. whiskerando on mustang, entered thu
town, and after brisk conference of thu
officer with the authorities, marched Il
attack the strong hold of the Sergeant.
: The latter was up and dressd, and tn,
a windows of his house were wide opeu
4 As the hostile force approached, he wa
y. seen sitting on the edge ofa barrel, will
the head out, smoking his veritabIe ci
- gar.
e Dog of Yankee, shouted the Mexi
t can Captain, after bringing his men int
v line, Instantly surrender at discretion o
be cut to pieces.
Not as you knows on said Seth stoutly
L guess wasn't born in the woods to b.
t scared at an owl Jest look here-here'
: twenty barrels of powder, fust-rate arti
$ Gle it's too, cost Uncle Sam heap o
/. money. Now, if you dare so much a
wink at me, and pint one of your shoot
> in irons at this individual, III drop m
0 cigar right inio this barrel and blow yo
$ ali to kingdom come in halfa second
I The Mexican officer turned pale a
his chocolate complexion would permit
stuck his spurs into his mustang, aud rod
t, off at full speed, followed by his gailau
!. soldades, all running for their lives.
}. Seth Strong gave three cheers for tn
. Flag of our Union, and remained maste
' ofthe field. The troops having uiarche
off to join the Mexican army, he had tn
q audacity to make a requistion on tn
. Alcado for provisions, as he was entirel
IL