Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-11-12

DAeW WnlNO bOHH-8AyluEb ana
Dct1gs OF Brave Men Not Afraid
20 Die.
The events recorded below took
place, says the editor of the Hous-
ton Telegram, at Salado, Mexico,
March 2S, 1S43,, when seventeen
Texans of the Mier expedition were
shot by order Of the Mexican au-
thorities. The story is told by a
correspondent who signs himself R.
P. H., of Blanco, Texas, a brother
of one who drew a white bean:
One hundred and fifty y-nine white
beans were placed in the bottom of
the mug, and seventeen black ones
placed upon the top of them. The
beans were not stirred. Such was
their anxiety to execute Captain
Cameron, and perhaps the balance
Of the officers, that first Cameron
and afterward the other officers,
were made to draw bean from the
mug in this condition. Cameron,
in the act of drawing first, said
with his usual coolness: Well,
boys, we have to draw; let's be
at it." So saying, he thrust his
hand into the mug and drew out a
white bean. Next came Colonel
VIM. F. Wilson, who was chained
to him; their Captain VIM. Ryan,
and Judge +. N. Gibson, ali of
whom drew white beans. Next
came Captain Eastland, who drew
a black one, and then came the bal
ance of the men. Theyall drew their
beans with that manly dignity and
firmnesS which showed them supe-
rior to their condition, Some of
lighter temper jested over the bloody
tragedy. One said: "Boys, this
beats rafting all to pieces" The
knocking off the irons from the
unfortunates told who they we're.
Poor Robert Beard, who lay upon
the ground sick, said: "BrOther,
if you draw a black bean I'll take
your place." The brother said,
"No; / am stronger and better able
to die than you" Several of the
Mexican officers who officiated in
this cruel violation of their coun-
try's faith expressed great Satisfac-
tion thereat, and some wept bit
terly. Soon after the fated
were placed in a separate court
yard, when about dark they were
executed. Several of our men were
permitted to visit the unfortunate
previous to the execution to receive
their dying requests. Poor Major
Cook said; "Boys, 1 told you l
never failed to draw a prize;' and
then he said to Judge Gibson
"Say to my friends that l died in
grace" Judge Gibson was SO much
affected at this last parting that he
showed it from his tears. The ma
jor said; "They only rob me Of
forty years !" and then sat down
and wrote sensible and dignifed
letter to General Waddy Thomp-
son, the United States minister in
Mexico, and, knowing that his re-
mains would be robbed Of his
clothes after his death, drew of his
pants and handed them to his sur
yiving comrades, and died in his
underclothes. Poor Henry Whal-
ing, one of Cameron's best fighters,
said: swell, they don't make much
off me, anyhow, for | know l have
killed twenty-five of the yellow bel
lies" Then, demanding his dinner
in a firm tone, saying that "they
shall not cheat me out of it," ate
heartily, smoked a cigar, and in
twenty minutes was launched into
eternity.
Our interpreter, who was permit
ted to remain with them to the last,
says that Fifteen times they
wounded that iron-nerved soul,
Henry Whaling, Rpd it would seem
that Providence had a special care
in prolonging his existence, that 10
might demonstrate to his enemies
the national character they had to
contend with, for be gritted bis
teeth at and defed them in terms
of withering reproach until they
put a gun to his head and blew his