The American patriot., 1855-01-10
An Episode in the Peninsular War.
THE SOLDIERS SON.

1t was fierce and critical period Of the war in
the Peninsula, that Morillo, then commanding the
Fifth Division of the Spanish army, about 1000
strong in conjunction with Penne Pillemur, passed
diana, intending to fall Seville as soon as S0ult
should advance to the succor of BajadOs. In the
beginning of April, while the French were dis
heartened by the sudden news Of the fall Of that
city, Penne Pillemur and Morillo, issuing out Of
Portugal, crossed the Lower Guadiana and seized
San Lucar de Eayor. This place was ten miles
from Seville and was only g.rrisoned BY y Span M
esopetoros, and by sick and convalescent men,
The Spaniards soon occupied the heights in front
of the Triapa bridge, and attacked the French
entertainments, hoping to raise popular cOmmo-
tion. Ballasterous on the other side, bad ad-
vanced with II 900 men, intending to fall on Sc
yille from the left of the Guadalquiver.
But the hopes entertained by the Spaniar1s Of
being speedily in possession Of Seville, were cut
off by piece Of deceit. False information adroit
ly given by Spaniard in the French interest, led
Balasterous to believe Soult was close at hand,
whereupon he Immediately returned to the Ronda !;
while Pennc Pillemur, also warned that the French
would soon return retired to Gibraleon.
This disappointment and failure in the execu-
ton Of iavorite project, cherished for many
we're temper of Morillo. 1t was evening, and the
division Of the army under him were encamped
some hours march on their retreat. Preparations
might have been seen for military execution,
and q couple of prisoners, captured in the last
skirmsh, were, according to the cruel practice Of
many chiefs in those times, to be put to DEATH
The captives were guarded by file Of soldiers,
mand to draw up, were leaning on their weapons
and talking Of the events Of the last two days.
Just then, one of the inferior officers returning
to his tent, after giving some order to the men,
was interrupted by boy apparently ten years OF
age, who, seizing his hand, and speaking in an
accent slightly foreign, besought him, with pite-
GUS entreaties to procure him admittance to the
General. The officer found on inquiry, that he
was the son of one of the prisoners, soldier dis.
tnguished for his eminent personal bravery, who
had not been taken even when overwhelmed by
numbers, without giving and receiving many Sc
we're wounds
This soldier, wearied and wounded, but irwin
chile in courage and spirit for he scorned to ask
ciemency Of his conqueror, was now to suiiel
death with his companion in misfortune. Tht
terrible order had been given, for Morillo woult
not DC impsded in his march by prisoners; ant
he so hated his countrys enemies, that the braves
and most generous among them could have fOunt
no mercy at his hands. The prisoners little boy
refusing to be separated from his father. had bee,
suffered by the Spaniards to remain with him.
you shall see the General, boy, since yo,
wish it, said the other, in reply to the bows pas
sionate entreaties, "but he win not grant you
fathers life. San Lucas! but these French dog
have given us too much trouble already"
They entered the Generals tent Morillo, b.
the light of lamp burning on the table, wa
reading dispatch he had just received Two {
his officers stood near him; there was no one els
in the tent The brow Of the chief was contrac
ed, and his eyes flashed as if what he read di
pleased him and he looked up with nm impatie,
exclamation as the officer entered with the bo