The Placer herald., 1857-02-14

wounded men were thickly strewn. In some
places hundred corpses might be counted
within the space of few yards, while the
sandy soil was wet with human gore. Large
pits were dug, and friend and foe found sol
dier's grave together. Death had abolished
all distinction. American and Mexican, who
few hours before were striking for each
others lives, now lay peacefully side by side,
their animosity subdued. Ambulances and
wagons rolled away to the temporary hos
pitfalls filed with wounded men, whose groans
OF anguish were awful to hear.
1t was while the work of burial progressed
that Lieutenant, in charge of small party,
came to ravine not far removed from the
main line Of attack, through which ran a
bubbling brook. Many wounded men had
crowded to the banks of this stream to slake
that terrible thirst which severe wound
always induces. AS the party were collect
ing such injured soldiers as would bear re-
moving, the wall of an infant suddenly at
tracted the Lieutenant's attention. He lis
tened, and again the sound came family on
his ear, so plain, however, that there was no
mistaking its source. Search was instantly
made along the margin of the brook, and in
few moments sight was disclosed at
which even the most hardened heart grew
faint. Two dead bodies lay upon the sand,
few feet from the waters edge. One, a
young Mexican artilleryman, whose head was
badly crushed apparently by large shot,
the other young and very beautiful Mex
lean girl, from whose neck rivulet of dark
blood was yet oozing, for musket ball had
NOR Dofr tod fho 10,
lay upon his back, apparently just as he
fell, while the position of the woman indica-
ted that she received the fatal wound while
kneeling by his side. But this was not ALL
Naked, and all dabbled over with the core
of its parents an infant, evidently about
three months old, was lying upon the breast
of its dead mother, waling, and grasping
with its little hands, her long black hair,
which was damp with the cold night dew.
Oh! it was picture which made the heart
swell with emotions Of pity too deep for ut
terance-that helpless, innocent babe stained
with its mothers blood. Often have we
thought Of the dreadful scene for it was
picture never to be be forgotten. The gloomy
battle field strewn with the dead and dying;
the brook murmering gleefuly along, un-
mindful of its bloody ripples; the groups of
soldiers standing with their spades and picks
around those dead parents and the babe, and
over all the moon beaming with ghosty
glare, formed striking scene for the dread
panorama of war!
The man had probably met his death while
searching for water, as a leather bucket
such as is attached to an artillery carriage
was lying near by. The woman must
have received chance shot, while bending
over her husbands body-for the Mexican
women, with heroic devotion, often followed
their husbands or lovers into the battle
The Lieutenant, giving orders that the two
bodies should be inferred in one grave, wrap
ped the babe in blanket, :. in company
with two of his men, started in search Of an
ambulance, intending to send the little Or
phan to Mexican camp. He had not pro-
ceeded far when two Mexican friars were dis
covered prowling, as was their custom, among
the dead bodies, in search of plunder. Or
dering them to desist the officer related the
scene he had just witnessed, and in conclu-
sion offered one of the priests liberal re-
ward if he would take the babe in safety to
the camp Of his countrymen. The priest as
sented with alacrity, and receiving his reward
took the infant and turned away. With a
consciousness Of having fulfilled the dictates
of humanity, the Lieutenant prepared to Join
his party again. He had taken but few
steps, however, before an exclamation of hor-
ror from one Of his companions caused him
to turn quickly, and as they did so, they
bounded from his side in pursuit of the two
priests, who were running toward the Mexi-
can lines. A sudden suspicion of horrible
import glanced through the officers mind in
an instant, and calling on his men to fire on
the fugitives if they did not stop, he looked
earnestly along their track, and soon dis
covered the reason Of their companions con-
duct; for, thrown down amid heap Of corpses
was the dead infant, with bayonet driven
completely through it's body! The inhuman
wretch, to whom the officer had confided
his little charge, had not proceeded dozen
yards before committing the attrocious deed.
The pursuit was successful, and in few mo-
ments both friars were brought back trem-
bling, and in broken English, begging for
mercy. But justice was quick and sure. A
file Of men were soon upon the ground.-
"Five minutes for prayers" said the Lieu
tenant, looking at his watch-"fve minutes,
you bloody scoundrels! Sergeant; tie their
hands. Men, form fifteen PAGES in front. u
Those orders were quickly obeyed, the VIC
Tins meantime begging for their lives
''Your time is up" said the officer. "It is
no use-a man who would murder an infant
deserves worse than death Are you ready,
Sergeant" "Yes, sir" was the reply. "Then
God have mercy on the souls of those villains
Platoon! ready, aim, fire." A sharp report
reng out upon the still night air, and the
two friars were dead men.
REMovED.-It is stated that Patrick Canney
Measurer and Weigher, has been removed
from Office by Mr.. Latham, Collector Of
this port. California Chronicle