Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1878-08-28

Il will tell you gentleman. This
Senior Gorgas was a sutton Of my daught-
er. [ had no objection if she fanced
him, for he was of good blood and rich,
though of temper none the gentlest.
But Coralie would none of him. Twice
he asked her hand, and twice she re-
fused. Then he had the assurance to
swear to her that if she would not mar
nv him she should marry no one else
This was just previous to the breaking
out of the present war. Then he left
Los Angeles and joined our Mexican
army, ana was in the fight at Contreras
private soldier, no more. AS you
know, many Of them, scattered on that
day, are still hiding about the country,
unwilling to return to the army. 1t is
my belief that Senior Pedro has been all
this time concealed in Los Angeles. He
has houses here, and friends. More
than once [ have seen him lurking
about, in disguise evidently. This |
would not mention to you senors, but
for that which has lately troubled me.
We receive, you see, mysterious notes,
thrown over the garden-wall and thrust
under our doorway, solemnly warning
us that should my daughter marry Ell Of
tcio americana we shall both be muir
dered The sencrs know the feeling
that is abroad in regard to themselves,
and to those Oftne country who are sus-
pected of being their friends?"
1t was true; I'VE were quite aware of the
popular sentiment on this subject. and
we listened to the old mans account
with concern. He was one of that class,
few in number, and consisting chiefly
Of pure Spaniards like himself, who
were in favor of the annexation of the
to secure government gilmore stability
and order.
This class was termed "Aydnkeeados"
by the populace, who cordially hated
them. They were also "spotted" IN
higher quarters 1t was known that the
government had secret spies and agents
throughout the country, whose business
it was to note down all those who might
be suspected of being friends of the
Americans, or who even showed them
kindness upon occasion. The lightest
penalty that should befall these "trait-
ors" would probably be confscatlon of
property.
That night, after returning to our
quarters, Royal and myself seriously
talked over these matters. The con-
clusion that we finally arrived at was
that one plan only could be at present
advisable. 1t was now very apparent
that the war could not last much longer.
The moment that the country should
be vacated by the Am erican troops, our
friend would be at the mercy of the
revengeful and vindictive inhabitants.
The point was, therefore, to get them
into safety while we still had the power
to do so. Royal had already urged
and himself to the states, and the old
man had expressed his willingness to
reside in New Orleans, Royals home,
if he could first dispose Of his property,
which was considerable.
This must no w be effected, and then
we would remove himself and his
daughter with us when ordered to va
cate Los Angles. No other plan than
this seemed at all feasible, consistent
with their safety.
Next day, we urged our views upon
Don Manuel, who, to our satisfaction,
proceeded to at once act upon them.
In less than q weeks time he had
made arrangements with wealthy
neighbor, secretly transferring to him
his poperty in Los Angeles and other
places. and on such terms as would en-
able him to command the money upon
his arrival in New Orleans.
This business was not concluded a
day too soon. Earlier than had been
expected, we received orders to evacu-
ate Los Angeles, and Join the rear guard
of the army, then at Mexico.
The order reached us. at five o'clock
in the evening, and we were to march
three hours later. We proceeded at
once to inform Don Manuel, who as
sured us that he would be ready to Join
us at the hour named for our depart
ure. ma. 4 # IT 4 IT
! Owing to circumstances here not nee
essary to mention, a small party of us
were delayed at least an hour after the
rest of the troops had left the village.
Among them were Royal and myself.
We promised to overtake the others
in short time, and from our window
saw the procession file out of the main
street of the village, with much excite
ment Of drums and cheering, together
with execrations and rejoicing by the
inhabitants in general. .-r -.
Having made our final preparations,
Royal ordered the twenty or thirty
men remaining to keep IN readiness for
his return, while he, accompanied by
three or four, went around to the house
of Don Manuel, in order to escort them
to our quarters, whence we were to
start. The old don and his daughter
were to accompany us in a private car
riage Of their own, attended by a single
female servant. ~ ''4y. "'r.
My friend had hardly stepped be-
You'd the threshold when I heard him
addressed by woman's voice, evident
ly in great excitement and tribulation.
'fAh, senior, for the love of the Ma
donna, hasten They are there, the
wretches-Senor Pedro and the rest
and they are cutting off the ears of the
two servant girls. and are going To cl1t