The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-03-27
ATALE OF THE CAMP.

camped for the rear to come up. That
afternoon a portion of the Texas cava-
ry occupied a vacant lot near the Plaza.
While drawing water at one OF the wells
which al first was supposed TO be poison
ed, dispute arose between two young
men uamed Barclay and Rogers. At sun
down, TO Rogers surprise, he received
a challenge, written on piece of dirty
paper in lead pencil Rogers had no
paper to write a reply on, but told the
bearer of the challenge that he had no
intention of wounding the feelings of his
old messmate, and begged he would ac-
cept his verbal explanation as an apollo
gy, which he did, and expressed his full
satisfaction and his pleasure at termina-
ting the difficulty so happily.
The next day, however, Rogers was
astonlshed at receiving another commu-
nicatIon from an officer in the artillery,
stating that Rogers reply was not salts
factory to Mr.. Barclay, and demanding
a ,critien apology. Rogers was on duty
that day, but as soon as relieved he
mounted his horse and rode to the tent
of an infantry friend to consult him and
to ask his assistance in the affair Rog-
ers related his story and told his friend
that after what had passed he never could
consent to give written apology. Il
fear them" said his friend, "a fight cam
not be avoided; but wait here moment,
and | will ride over and see your adver-
sary's second, Lieut. r.. the artillery
officer"
After the lapse Of half an hour Rog-
ers' friend returned, and said: "Well,
fear the meeting must take place; can
do nothing, and besides, | regret to in
form you that from the delicacy of my
situation, cannot act for you in this
matter; but Lieut.. r. requests me TO ask
you the favor to call on him tomorrow,
as he thinks he will be able to arrange
the difficulty"
The brave and generous Lieut.. r.
was the pink of chivalry of the Ameri-
can 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 galloped to Lieut..
RS tent, and was kindly received AZ
ter glass of wine they talked the mat
ter over, but could not agree on settling
the difficulty.
1t is strange, said Lieut. R., "you
admit you intended no offence, and have
said so; why not put it in writing?"
"For the very cause, )" replied Rogers,
"that the verbal explanation was deem
ed satisfactory, and accepted; and now
should feel II a dishonor to be forced
into a measure which conceive not war
ranted nor necessary"
"Well, them replied Lieut. r.,
"name the hour and we will meet you-
weapons, | suppose, pistols?"
"No," replied Rogers, "double-bar-
relied shot guns-we are both good at it
thirty steps; but have no friend to act
for me. Now am sure YOU will not
compromise the honor of either of US,
so act for us both"
Il will, " said Lieut.. R., after having
reflected moment, con one condition
that YOU will obey me implicitly in ev-
cry particular. ! IPledge you my honor
as soldier, not to compromise you in
the least particular, and all | ask of you
is, to pledge me your word that you will
obey me to the letter"
''Agreed," said Rogers. "you are
the friend of us both, and there can be
no dishonor in any action you may take "
"Well," said Lieut.. r., ''meet us on
the hank of the river, (thc Rio Alamo,
quarter of mile above camp, to-
night at nine o'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 over the earth,
the sky was bespangled by few bright
stars, while the watch-6res for miles
peered through the gloom and shed
lurid light around thousands of tents
which were stretched for some three
miles from Marin to the bank of the
river.
The hum of thousands of voices and
the stir of busy preparation of the COM
ing morrow had gradually grown faint
er, while the moon poured down flood
of silver light on the scene as the ap-
pointed uOttF ureW near 0OScFS mount
ed his horse, passing outside the lines,
and rode to the appointed spot. His
adversary, Barclay, and Lieut.. r., were
already on the ground. Dismounting,
Rogers, with his gun, on his shoulder,
approached the latter, who whispered
in his ear, "Mind what what | say, and
obey me implicitly; you may be sure all
will be right
The distance was stepped off, and the
parties were stationed at their places. 1t
was lovely night; the moonbeams
danced on the rippling waters, and as
they trickled on their way, their sweet
murmur was heard. deeply impressive
with the stiffness of the hour. There
was solemn beauty about the surround
ing scene which seemed to call forth the
noblest, the most philanthropic feelings
Of man. A sentiment of sorrow and re-
gret seemed to prevail that the meeting
had taken place--but it was then too
late. The barrels of their wea pons