Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-02-23
TIE FATAL RIFLE.
LAOonia IN. H. Democrat


1t was at the battle of San Jacin-
to that the rifle came to my notice.
We Texans, having gained an ad-
vantage over the Mexicans-whose
first discharge had been aimed too
high-rushed on while our enemies
paused to reload their guns. Each
man reserved his fire for some in
dividual, SO that the struggle was
less a battle than succession of
duels. Without bayonets, we broke
our rifles over their heads, and with
pistol or bowie-knile in hand tram
Piled down the dying men, plung-
ing our blades into the breasts Of
the few who opposed us, into the
backs of those who fled.
We were still full of memories
Of the Alamo. Never could we for
get how the Mexicans had slaugh-
tered every human being within its
walls save three-a woman, child
and q negro-and afterward burned
the bleeding bodies in one horrible
pile.
The war-cry of our band had
beent eight for your lives, and
remember the Alamo" and the
poor Mexicans-who were. after all.
but the slaves Of a bloodthirsty
tyrant-thought of it also, and
moaned as they fell: "Me no
Alamo!" hoping to establish a
claim for mercy on the plea that
they had no hand in the horrible
affair.
In the midst of this conflict l
saw my college chum, Howard
Rathbone, in Instant peril. l rush
ed to his aid. Having broken his
gun over the head Of one Mexican,
he found himself beset by another,
who cried that he would avenge his
brothers blood. AS they grappled
the Mexican tried to use his rifle as
my chum had his. 1t was in vain;
Howard was the stronger. In few
moments he gained possession of
the others weapon, and struck him
a binding blow. Then, his hands
being freed, he drew his bowie-knife
and plunged it into the Mexican's
heart. Meanwhile the savage tide
Of fighting men poured past. This
was a little conflict by itself. Hard
ly had any one noticed it, there
were so many Others. But as he
fell, the diving Mexican clutched
the cloth of the soldiers coat in
the grip of death, and dragged him
down upon his breast, where for q
moment he lay as one who had cast
himself upon the breast of friend.
Only moment; but ere he had
freed himself these words had been
hlssed into his ears:
81 curse the gum May it prove
the curse of your life!"
AS the Texan struggled to his
feet, wrenching the dead clutch
from his jacket, he felt inclined to
cast the rife upon the ground. AT
that moment it was too necessary
to him. The next, he was ii -er
again, beset by other tigers.
Me no Alamo!" moaned a
bleeding Mexican.
He struck him down.
"Mother p cried a boy, into
whose breast he had plunged his
blade.
For Eanswer he drove his iron.
heel into the face that was hardly
more than child's.
=
Seventeen years had passed since
the battle of San Jacinto, when l
went to the house of my former
chum to see his daughter marry.
Soon came the rustic supper, the
music of two fddles; dancing and
plenty of drinking-too much, by
far, but it was the custom of the
country. AT last the bridegroom's
father, standing beside the father of
the bride, glanced up at the rifle
hanging over the chimney piece.
"Somo Of the relics of your
lighting times, reckon" said he.
eyes" said R,thbone, eyes, l
took that from a Mexican rascal at
San Jacinto,"
swell, WELL" said the other, re-
garding the weapon with curiosity.