The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-02-04

uer,- oehI'ne' NO. I, VIII let the express
pass" The mystery there is solved. On
that night an express from Gen. Worth
reached Quitman informing him of Santa
Annas designs, and warning him to use all
despatch in the morning, in forming juno.
ton with his Division at the village of
Amazoque. The tents were struck early
and before clear light, and Lieut. Abney
who commanded the advance guard of the
South Carolina regiment, and Lieut.. Mayne
Reid, who commanded the advance of the
New York regiment, received orders to
proceed rapidly ahead Of the Brigade, no
doubt, to give warning Of the approach of
the enemy, and to keep him in check until
the regiments if pressed, might form their
line Of battle. The 18th of May was try
ing to the hearts of at least portion of the
Palmetto regiment. The guard command
ed by the Licutenants named, continued at
least one-half or three-quarters Of a mile in
advance of the Brigade, and the looks of the
Mexicans on the road side and in the little vii
lagos, and every thing around, gave such
positive indications Of fight, that one or
two non'commissioned officers and privates
Of the yorlorm hope,' snuffed battle so
strongly Sin the tainted gale," that their
courage iustantaneously evaporated into the
thin air, their strength failed them, their
steps faltered, and they tainted by the way
side. The booming Of cannon, and the
Kissing Of shot and shell, soon realized their
most dreadful apprehensions. Still the lit
tie van guard pushed forward, even in sight
of the enemy, and the two officers in COM
mand, like true soldiers and comrades in
common glorious cause, made no disposi-
tions for falling back upon their regiments,
but formed their heroic bands in good order,
pledged themselves to each other, to fight
together or fall together, and to share alike
the honors and the hazards of the day.
At this juncture, an aid or other messen-
ger Of Quitman's galloped forward, and or
dered the guard to join their respective regi-
ments and prepare for battle. The line of
battle was formed, with the greatest promt-
ness and rapidity, the sick wagons were liter
ally emptied of their hurthens, and the Sec
ond plattoons Of some companies, were COM
posed of men, as emanciated as the immor-
tai men who fought and perished in the
ranks of Brien Buorombe. Col. Butler was
exhorting his troops to the performance of
deeds, worthy of their sires, worthy Of their
proud little state, and worthy of their great
and glorious country
Sand there was mounting in hot haste tho
steed,
The mastering squadron, and the Gathering car,
Went pouring forward with impetuous speed,
And swiftly forming in the ranks Of war,
And the deep thunder, peal on peal a far:
And near the beat of the alarming drum"
When 10, in beautiful plain on our right
in front, we beheld the Star-spangled ban
ner borne in triumph by the knightly and
heroic Worth, and sustained by the bardi-
hood and bravery of his noble Division,
who had already anticipated the enemy,
had encountered, baf1ed and vanquished
him.
But I am transcending the bounds of
this communication, and will trespass no
longer, than to mention and deprecate the
fact, that any committee of New York
could have recommended some other man
than the truly chivalrous Mayne Reid, for
the patriotic bequest of Gen. Jackson. The
writer Of this has accompanied that officer
in all sorts Of imminent danger, and not
withstanding his too apparent immodesty,
will bear willing testimony, that in the bat
ties Of the valley, he was among the fore
most Of his corps to charge the enemy every
where, and in the terrible field Of Churubus-
co, set them an example Of courage and
daring, that might have put the holdest of
them to shame.
Reid was true soldier, and what could
not be said Of all Northern volunteer officers,
was gentleman, and regarded his honor.
JOAN.
If you see wife carefully footing her bus.