Mountain Democrat., 1857-05-09
CO., CALIFORNIA SATURDAY MAY 1s5

the margin of the brook, and in a few
moments a sight was disclosed Ht which
the most hardened heart grew faint. Two
dead bodies lay on the sand few feet
from the waters edge. One, a young
Mexican artillcryman, whose head was
badly crushed, apparently by large
shot; the other a young and very bcauti-
iul Mexican girl, from whose neck rivu-
let Of dark blood was still .oOZing, for a
musAct ball had penetrated the jugular
vein. The young man lay on his back,
apparently just as he fell, while the posi-
tiOn Of the woman indicated that she re-
ccivcd the fatal blow while knccling at
his side.
But this is not all. Naked and all
dabblcd over with the gore of its parents,
an infant, evidently about three months
old, was lying upon the breast Of its moth
cr, waiting and grasping with its little
hands her long black hair, which was
damp with cold night dew. Oh, it was a
picture which made the heart swell with
emotions Of pity too deep for uttcrancc-
that helpless, innoccn: infant, stained
with its mothers blood! Often have we
thought Of the dreadful scene, for it was
a scene never TO be forgotten. That gloo-
my battlefield, strcwn with dead and dy-
ing; the brook murmuring glccfully
along, unmindful Of its bloody ripplcs
the groups of soldiers standing with their
spades and picks around those dead pa
rents and the living babe, and over oil the
moon cleaning with ghostly glare, formed
striking scene for the dread panorama
Of war.
The man had probably met his death
while in search of water, as n leather
bucket, such as is attached TO an artlle-
~ carriage, was lying near by: the wo-
man must have received chance shot
while bending over her husbands body,
for the Mexican women, with heroic de-
vOtiOn, often follow their husbands or low
crs into battle. The lieutenant giving Or
dcrs that the two bodies should be inter-
rcd in one grave, wrapped the babe in
blanket and in company with two Of his
men, started in search of ON ambulance,
intending to send the little orphan into
the Mexican camp. lie had not proceed
cd far when couple Of Mexican friars
were discovered prowling, as was their
custom, among the dead bodies in search
Ofplundcr. Ordering them to dcsist, the
officer related the scene he had just wit
messed, and in conclusion, offered one Of
the priests liberal reward If he would
take the babe in safety to the camp Of
his countrymcn. Tho priest assentcd
with alacrity, and receiving the reward
took the infant and turned away. With
consciousness of having fulfilled the
dictates of humanity, the lieutenant pre-
pared to join his party again. lie had
taken but few steps, however, when an
exclamation of horror from one of his
companions caused him to turn quickly,
and as he did so, they bounded from his
side in pursuit of the two priests who
were running rapidly towards the Mcxi-
can lines. ---.---.--.----
A sudden suspicion ofhorriblc import
glanced through the officers mind in an
instant and calling on his men to fire on
the fugitivcs If they did not stop, he
looked earnestly along their tracks, and
soon discovered the reason ofhiS cOmpan-
ions conduct; for, thrown down amidst
heap of corpscs, was the dead infant,
with abayonet driven completely through
its body! The inhuman wretch to whom
the officer had coniided his little charge,
had not proceeded dozen yards before
committing the atrocious deed. The pur-
suit was successful, and in few moments
both fi'iars were brought back trembling
and in broken English begging for mercy.
But justice was quick and sure. A file
Of men were soon on the ground. "Five
minutes for prayers, said the lieutenant
looking at his watch-"Five minutes, you
bloody scoundrels! Sergeant, tic their
hands. Men, form fifteen PAGES front"
These orders were quickly obcyed, the
victims meanwhile begging for their lives.
"YOur time is up" said the officer. ut
is no use; . man who would murder an
infant deserves worse than death. Are
you ready, scrgcanta" Yes, sir" was
the reply. "Thcn God have mercy on
the souls Of those villains. Platoon !!
ready, aim, FIRE! A sharp report rang
out upon tho still night air, and the two
friars were dead men.