Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-03-09
An Incident Of the Mexican War.

The advanced guard of the army, on
its way to Monterey, had driven out of
the town of Marin 8 considerable force
Of Mexicans, who had left their dinners
to be eaten by the Americans, when it
camped for the rear to come up. That
afternoon portion OF the Texas cavalry
occupied vacant lot, near the Piaza.s
While drawing water at Que of the wells,
which at first was supposed to be poison
ed, a dispute arose between two young
men named Barclay and Rogers At
shutdown, to Rogers surprise, be received
a challenge, written in lead pencil on
a piece Of dirty paper. Rogers had no
paper to write reply on, but he told the
bearer of the challenge that he had no
intention Of wounding the feelings of his
old messmate, and begged he would &C,
cept hisverbal explanation as an apology,
which he did, and expressed his full sat
isfaction and pleasure at terminating the
difficulty so happily.
The next day, however, Rogers was as
tonished at receiving another communica-
cation from an officer in the artillery,
stating that Rogers reply was not salts
factory to Mr.. Barclay, and demanding
written apology. Rogers was on duty
that day, but, as soon as relieved, he
mounted his horse and rode to the tent
of an infantry friend, to consult him and
ask his assistance in the: affair Rogers
related his story, and tola his friend
after what had passed he could never
consent to give written apology.
Il fear, then," said his friend, "a fight
cannot be avoided; but wait here a
moment, and I will ride over and see
your adversary's second, Lieutenant R.,
the artillery officer"
After the lapse of half an hour Rogers
friend returned, and said:
swell, 1 fear the meeting must take
place; can do nothing, and, beside,
regret to inform you that, from the deli
cacy Of my situation, I cannot act for you
IN this matter; but Lieutenant R. requests
me to ask you the favor to call on him
tomorrow, as he thinks he Will be able
to manage the difficulty"
The brave and generous Lieutenant r.
was the pink Of chivslry of the American
army. He was always appealed to by
his brother officers in affairs of honor and
his decisioa was received as final. The
next day Rogers galloped to Lieutenant
R s tent, and was kindly received. After
a glass Of wine, they talked the matter
over, but could not agree on settling the
difficulty.
ut is strange" said Lieutenant R :;
''you admit you intended no offence, and
have said SO; but why not put it in writ
ing2'
..For rba 1,orv ooreo cold Po,.o,, tttl,,4
the verbal explanation was deemed salts
factory, and accepted; and now 1 should
feel it dishonor to be forced into a
measure which conceive not warranted
and unnecessary"
swell, then,' replied R., "name the
hour, and we will meet you; weapons. l
suppose, pistols?"
No, replied Rogers, double barreled
shot-guns- are both good atit--thirty
steps; but I have no friend to act for me.
Now. am sure you will not com promise
the honor of either of us; 81 act for US
BOTH"
II WILL" said Lieutenant r., after hav-
ing reflected for a moment, ION one con-
dition-that you will obey me- in every
pArticulr. l pledge you my honor, as
soldier, not to compromise you in the
least particular, and all ask of you is to
pledge me your word that you obey me to
the letter.
Agreed" said Rogers; ''you are the
friend of US both, and there can be no
dlshnnor in any course you may take"
"Well," said Lieutenant R., ''lneet US
on the bank of the river (tne Rio Alam),
a quarter of mile above the camp, to.
night, at nine o'clock, for the moon will
be some hours high, and we will there
Settle the affair.""
Thus they parted. Twilight soon
spread her gray mantle over the earth !;
the sky was bespangled by few brigh
srars, while the watch fires for miles APP
peared through the gloom, and shed a
urid light around thousands Of tents
which were stretched for some three
mics from Marin to the banks of the
river.
The hum of thousands of voices, and
the stir OF busy preparations for the COM
ing morrow, had gradually grown fainter
and fainter, while the moon poured down
flood of silver light upon the scene, as
the app ,iuted hour drew near
r ,gers mounted his horse, passing out
side tue lines, and rode to the appointed
spot His adversary, Barclay, aud Lieu