The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1851-06-05


was ordered, and, with sabres drawn and pis-
tolls loosened in the holsters, We rode into it at
the top of our speed. We expected every mo-
ment to be challenged by the picket guard. and
fred upon, but there was ns signs of an alarm
the whole town appeared buried in sleep.
The road branched off in two directions at the
entrance of the village, and some going each
way, we met in the public square, and drew up
in front of large establishment which looked
like posada or inn. Patrols were immediate
ly sent into different parts of the town, with
instructions to watch the streets, and suffer no
one either to come in or go out, while the main
body remained in the Plaza. As yet, our ap-
proach had not been discovered-everything
was quiet-nobody stirring, and, what was
somewhat remarkable, but few dogs barked at
US as we rode in. The very stiffness which pre-
vailed gave us the impression that the enemy
were not there. Our guide was acquainted with
trader, who was quickly reused up, and in
formed of the nature of our visit, and also given
TO understand it would be much better for him
to tell US the whole truth in answer to such
questions as might be asked him. He seemed
good deal alarmed, vowed much friendship
to give US all the information he possessed.
He told us that Jarouta and Reah, with their
command, had left the afternoon before, and
gone over to the valley of Toluca, some forty
miles to the west, but probably had stopped for
the night at large hacienda ON the road side,
about ten miles beyond The information was
by means welcome, and frustrated all our
plans, and we feared should be obliged to
return to the army without having accomplish
ed anything. The Mexican was now closely
questioned, as to whether he knew of any other
party of the enemy in that region of country,
whom we might surprise. He seemed reluctant
to give any further information, but after ap-
plying few threats, and using other means
much more potent in his opinion, he told Col.
Wynkoop, that General Valencia was then living
at his country house twenty miles from Tlalne-
pantla, and had guard Of only one hundred
and fifty lancers with him.-The news more
than compensated for the disappointment in
not finding those we were after, and Col. w, at
once determined to make further search for
Jarouta and Reah, and, if unsuccessful, to sur
prise Gen. Valencia, and make him prisoner.
We remained short time at this village, getting
the route we should take, and partaking of re-
freshments which the friendly Mexican provided
for US, and then mounted again.
1t was about one o'clock on Sunday morning,
January ID, when we rode out of Tlalnepantla,
and proceeded on our expedition. We contin-
ued on the Queretero road, which here is very
level and hard, and planted ON each side with a
+I., IL.
hacienda, which we quickly surrounded, and
, woke up the inmates, but, much to our regret
{ found that those for whom we were seeking
, were not there. Thus far we had been unsuc-
cessful, but now determined TO proceed with
great caution, and capture Valencia, if it was
| possible to do so. As soon the Mexican who
was living in this establishment made his APP
pearance, ordered him to furnish guide,
which he refused to do, until we had shown him
a brace of pistols, and gently hinted at the con-
sequences; if he did not comply. This seemed
to bring him to his senses, and to make him
aware that he was in the hands Of those who
had the power 10 enforce a acompliance, if neces-
sary. Seeing no way to avoid it, he consented
to send one of his poems with us, whom he woke
up, and ordered to saddle his horse, and get
ready-From the manner of this man, were
sure we had treacherous one to deal with and
who would betray us, if he had opportunity;
and we, therefore, kept close watch on him.
The peon was so slow getting ready TO accom-
pany us, that Col W., became very impatient;
but the master made many excuses, such as,
that he could not find his saddle and equipments,
that the horse was difficult to manage, &c.-He
was evidently 1etaining US for some particular
purpose; we believed he had secretly sent some
one to warn Valencia of our approach, and, by
delaying Us there, give him time to escape; apo
afterwards all our suspicious proved true.
After waiting some time the peon made his
appearance, equipped and mounted, when We
again started. The guide was placed between
two officers with pistols in hand, We were order
ed to shoot him if he made any effort to escape
As it was now verging towards morning, we In
creased our speed to reach our destination be
, fore daylight. We continued on the main roat
| four or five miles when we turned off towards
the left, and followed our guide across the opei
country. Soon after we left the main road, tn
, bells of the neighboring churches and convent
began to ring, evidently to alarm the country
and notify Gen. Valencia of the danger. 1t wa
I now after three o'clock, and We had severa
S miles TO ride over an exceedingly rough coun
e try, and in many places dangerous. The Who'll
surfarc far we cpulI in he dark an