Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-01-14
MISCEL1A NEOUS.
A TALE OF TIE CAMP.

The advanced enard OF the army, on its way
to Monterey, had run out OF the town of Marin
a considerable force of Mexcalls who had lett
their dinners to be eaten by The Americans.
when it camped for the rear to come un. That
Afternoon a portion Of the Texas cavalry occu-
| pied a vacant lot near the Plaza While draw
ing water at one of the wells, which at frs, was
supposed to be poisoned, a dispute arose be-
tween two young men named Barclay and Ro-
gers. AT sundown, to Rogers surprise, he re-
ceiged a challenge, written OH piece of dirty
paper in lead pencil Rogers had no paper 10
wrtea reply on, but told the beaier of the elial
lenge that he had no intention Of wounding the
! feelings of his old messmate, and begged he
would accept bis verbal explanation as an apol-
ogy, which he did, and expressed his full suits
faction and his pleasure at terminating the diff
Guilty SO happily
| The next day, however, Rogers was aston ish
ed at receiving another communication firm all
officer Ill the artillery, stating that Royls reply
was not satisfactory to Mr. Barclar. and de-
manding urittea apology. Roge.: was on duty
that day, but as soon as relieve, he mounted his
horse ard rode to the tent OF an infantry friend
to consult him and to ask lis assistance in the
affair Rogers related his story and told his
friend that after wha'. had happened he never
could consent to give written apology. n fear
then" SAID his friend, IA fight cannot be avoid
ed but wait .lere moment, and will ride o.
yer ana see your adversary's second, Lieut.. r.,
the artD' .ry officer
Atr.t the lapse of half an hour Rogers I'd
returned, and said "Well, fear the meeting
must take place : can do nothing, and besides,
| regret to inform You that from the aeicacv OF
my situation cannot act for you r this matter;
but Lieut.. R. requests me to ask YOU the t; vor
to call Oh him tomorrow. as he thinks he will
be able to arrange the difficulty"
The brave and generous Lieut.. R, was the
pink of clivalry of the American army He
was always appealed to by his brother officers in
affairs Of honor, and his decision was received
as final The next day Rogers galopea to Lieut.,
RS tent and was kindly received. Aftera glass
Of wine they talked the matter over, but could
not agree on settling the difficulty,
at is strange" said Lieut.. r., s:you admit Won
intended no offence, and have said 80 why not
put it in writing %
e.For tie very .eause,' replied Rogers, ''that
the vel bal explanation was deemed satisfactory,
and accepted; and now should feel it a dis.
honor TO be forced into measure wh.eh con
ceive not warranted nor necessary"
s:Wel, Their" replied Lieut. r., 'nane the
hoar and we will meet you-weapons l sup
pose. pistols
"Non replied Rogers, "louble-barreled shot
/
| I have no friend to act for me- Now am sure
you will not compromise the honor Of either of
lis, 50 act foru both"
~ will" said Lieut.. R., after having reflected
moment con one co,ldiion--tllat you will O.
bey ME implicitly in every particular, and all |
ask OF you isj to pledge me your word that YOU
will obey me to the letter.,
agreed" said Rogers, '3you are the friend of
us both, and there can be no dishonor in any ac-
ton YOU may take"
:ANell," said Lieut.. R "lneet us on the bank
above carnp, tonight at nine O'Clock, for the
moon will then be some hours high, and we will
there settle the affair"
Thus tkey parted. Twilight soon spread her
gray mantle over the EARTH, the sky was bespan-
gled by few bright stars, while the watch fires
peered through the gloom and shed urid light
around thousands of tents which We're stretched
for some taree miles from Marin to the bank of
the river.
The hum of thousands of voices and the stir
! of busy preparation for the coming morrow had
gradually grown faipter and fainter, while the
mcon poured down flood Of silver light on the
scene rs disappointed hour drew near. Rogers
mounted his horse, passing outside the lines, and
rode TO the appointed spot His adversary,
| Barclay, and Lieut.. R. were already on the
ground Disnopnting, Rogers, with his gun on
his shoulder, approached the latter, who whis-
pered IN his ear "Mind what say, and obey
me implicitly; you may be sure all will be
right"
The distance was stepped off, and the parties
We're stationed at their places. 1t was lovely
night the moonbeams danced OH the ripping
waters, and as they trickled on their way, their
sweet murmur was heard, deeply impressive
with the stiffness of the hour. There was SOL
emn beauty about the surrounding scene which
seemed to call forth the noblest, the most phi
anthropc feelings of man. A sentiment OF sor-
row aud regret seemed prevail that the meet
ing had taken pace-but it was then TOD late.
The barrels Of their weapons gistened in the sill
yer hight, and in few moments they were to
risk the chance OF being hurried into eternity,
while one gave the other or received from him
satisfaction for his wounded honor. They had
been placed at the present, when Lieut., r.,
walking off at distance midway between them,
said HGentlemen are you readyW eyes" was
the response both. At the next word, which
each thought was big with the fate of one or
both OF them, their surprise the voice of Lieut.
R. was heard ringing in the air: "Advance fif-