The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1859-01-04
From the New York Raptist Register.
A Tale Of the Camp.

Tho advanced guard OF the army, on ii
way to Monterey, had run out of the tow
Of Marin considerable force Of Mexicans
who hao left their dinners to be eaten VI
by the Americans when it camped for th'
rear to come up. That afternoon portion
Of the Texan cavalry cspied vacant lo
near the Plaza. While drinking water a
one Of the wells which at first was suppo
sed to be poisoned, dispute arose between
two young men named Barclay and Rogers
At sun-down, to Rogers surprise, ho re.
ceived challenge, written on piece d
dirty paper in lead pencil. Rogers had NJ
paper to write a reply on, but he told tbt
bearer Of The challenge that he had no in
tention Of wounding the feelings Of his old
mcssmatc, and begged he would accept O
a verbal explanation as an apology, which
he did, and expressed his full satisfaction
and his pleasure at terminating the difficult
ty so happily. .7e a9.lfa .ie'
The next day, however, Rogers was an
tonshed at receiving another communica
tion from an officer in the artillery. stating
that Mr.. Rogers reply was not satisfactory
10 Mr.. Barclay, and demanded a written
apology. Rogers was on duty that day,
but as soon as relieved, ho mounted his
horse end rode to the tent Of an infantry
friend, to consult him and ask his assistance
in the affair. Rogers related lis story and
told his friend after what had passed he
could never consent to give written apol-
ogy. Il fear, them" said his friend, "a
fight cannot be avoided; but wait here a
moment, and will ride over and sec your
adyersary's second, Lieut.. R., the artillery
officer" '"
After the lapse of an hour, Rogers friend
returned aud said, 'Well, / fear the meet
ing must take place; l can do nothing,
and besi'es, regret to inform you that,
from the delicacy Of my situation, cannot
act for you in this matter; but Lieut.. R.,
requests nlc TO ask the favor to call on him
tomorrow, as he thinks he will be able to
manage the difficulty"
The brave and generous Lieut.. R., was
the pink of chivalry Of THE American al
my. He was always appealed to by his
brother officers in affairs of honor, and bis
decision was received as final. The next
day Rogers gallopod to Lieut.. RS, tent,
and was kindly received. After glass Of
wine, they talked the matter over, but cod
not agree on settling the difficulty.
at is strange" said r., you admit you
intended no otfcnsc, and have said SO, but
why not put il iu writing -.
For the very cause replied Rogers, that
ahe verbal explanation was deemed salts
fsctory, and accepted, and now l should
feel it dishonor to be forced into meas.
ure which conceive not wanted nor neccs-
sary,'
well thcn,' replied r., name the hour; /;
and we will meet you-wcapons, l suppose,
pistolsF
NO. replied Rogers, 'double-barreled
shot guns--we are good at thirty steps
but have no friend TO act for me, Now,
| am sure you will not otcompromise the hon
or of either Of u.s. to act for us both
Il will, said Lieut.. R., after having re
fiected moment, ION one condltion-that
you will obey me in every particular. l
pledge my honor as soldier, not to com.
promise you in the least particular, and all
l ask of you is, to pledge your word that
you obey me to the letter.
Agreed said Rogers, you are the frienl
of us both, and there can he no dishonor in
any action you may take
well, sal R., 'meet us on the bank of
the river, (the Rio Alma,) a quarter Of
nile above the camp, tonight at nine o.
clock, for the moon will be then some hours
high, and We will settle tho affair
Thus they parted. Twilight soon spread
her sombre mantle over the earth, the sky
was bespangled with few bright stars,
while the watch fires for miles peered
through the gloom, and shed lurid light
around thousands of tents, which were
stretched for some three miles from Marin
to the banks of the river.
The hum Of thousands Of voices, and the
stir Of busy preparations for the coming
morrow, had gradually grown fainter and
fainter, while tho moon poured down a
flood Of silver light on the scene, as the ap.
pointed hour drew near. Rogers mounted
his horse, passing outside the lines, and rode
to the appointed spot. His adversary, Bar
clay, and Lieut.. R, were alrea'y on the
ground. Dismounting, Rogers with his
gun on his shoulder approached tho latter,
who whispered in his ear, Mind what l
say, and obey me implicitly, and you may
be sure all will be right ... ..
The distance was stepped of, and the
parties were stationed at their places. 1t
was lovely night; the moonbeams danced
on tho glitterng waters, and as they trick
led on their way, their sweet murmur was
heard, deeply impressive of the stiffness Of
tho hour. f.r
There was n solemn beauty on the sur
rounding scene, whsch seemed TO call forth
the noblest, the most philanthropic feeling
Of man. A sentiment Of sorrow and regret
seemed to prevail that the meeting had Ia.
ken place--but it was then too late. The
barrels Of their wcapors glstencd in tho
silver light, and in few moments they
were To risk the chance Of being harried
into eternity, while one gave the other, or
received from him, satisfaction for bis
wounded honor. Thoy had been placed
at the present, when Lieut.. R., walking
off at distance midway between them,
said-"Gentlemen, are YOU readyF Yes,
was the response Of both. At the next
word, which zach thought was big with the