Weekly Trinity journal., 1879-09-13
A NARROW ESCAPE.
An Officers Story of the Mexican
War.

WIS suo III cavalry regiment, That 1
found myself on duty at Vera Cruz
Tempted by the high mountains in the
vicinity, the beautiful scenery, and. above
all, the superb hunting, sailed forth
early one morning accompanied by no
one hut my newfoundland dog.
| was an ardent sportsman, my double
barreled gun worked to charm, and not
until the deepening shades of evening,
accompanied by an unmistakable grvwi
of thunder, did give thought to the
fight of time or the importance ofretrac-
ing my steps to the city.
II WAS about the time that the bleod-
thirsty and cowardly Canales had order
ell every Mexican to join the army, and
commanded that no quarter should be
granted to the hated Americans.
had not anticipated danger from the
enemy, unless it might be in the shape of
some small band of guerilas lurking
amid the mountain gorges, actuated more
bv the hope Of plunder than by patriotic
motives.
will not attempt to say how many
thousand feet | was above the level of the
sea, but found the elevation sufficient.
even for the tried and prncticeG nerves of
II seminar had he been placed in my po,
silion.
There is but little twilight, you know,
in the tropics. The sun hnd disappeared
in the folds OF an immense cloud, which
was rapidly spreading itself over the en-
tire heavens. while from its sable depths
darled lurid sheets of lightning, followed
by the increasing roar of thunder, " hch
already found mn echo through the walls
levs and gorges OF the mountains.
| did not fancy wet jacket, and whist
ling for my dog, an animal to which I
was warmly attached, was on the point
of retrncing my steps down the rough
mountain road, when the jingling ofSpurs
and accountrements. the tramping Of
horses. ard the hoarse words of com
mand was sufficient for me to draw back
in a tall tuft of grass and Spanish bayo-
net growing beside me.
The dog crouched Mt my feet. growing
omniously, as if conscious of the danger
his master was in and faith did not
much like the situation / found myself
compelled to fa1e.
A number of Mexican lancers were be-
fore me, preparing to bivounc for the
night, and my retreat down the rond was
out of The question.
High, precipitous rocks hemmed me in
on three sides, through which the road
had Travelled had been originally cut
That outlet was now in possession OF the
lancers, while in front Of me tho steep
side of the mountain, verging almost on
to prscipice, sloped toward the city.
To remain where l was would be only
10 court death, namelcss fate, an un>
known grave, for discovery was certain
to follow when the sentinels should be
posted.
Cautiously examined the smooth sides
of the precipice, covered here and there
by network of vines clinging to the
crevices and ritts in the rocks for its un,
certain life. Further on | beheld dark,
irregular line, disappearing in the murky
depths below. | strained my eyes to the
utmost, for the gloom OF night, and the
list Of the storm, which threatened ev-
cry moment to burst above my head, en-
veloped all objects in darkness and un
certainty.
But for once. fortune favored me, and
| never hid claim t. be fnvorte of the
fcklc jade. The dark line proved to be
deep. dry gully, the channel of some
mountain stream, long since dried up.
But how to reach the friendly cover ?
that was the question which puzzled me.
A sudden commotion among the gailv-
trapped gentry behind me soon decided
my course of action. They had kindled
small camp fire, we're about to cook
their evening meal, and dozen men
tall, strapping fellows-were indieting
from the main body in different directions
to perform the duty of sentinels.
One in particular was making for the
friendly cump of wide spreading lin bs,
in hopes, possibly, to pa tally escape the
fierce gusts of wind nnd rain which had
begun to sweep about the mountains
Dropping my fowling piece, and bid
ding my nrb!e dog to shift for himself.
swung myself over the prec ipice, cling.
ing to the network OF vines, which shook
nd .l.,tn II hnnoath ;..bt
The darkness bad increased with as
tonishing rapidity, and as swung over
that rayless void found il impossible to
pierce the gloom. l heard the short,
sharp growl of my dog ms he dsrted off
in search Of me then. amid he rush of
the squall came the confused shouts of
men, struggling shot or two mingling
with the crash of the heavy artillery rol
ling in the vast expanse above me.
Depending principally upon the strength
and endurance OF my arms, / carefully
and cautiously felt my way along the
edge Of the precip:ce. working in the d.
recton of the gully, which, once gained
promised to afford me the means Of es,
cnpe from the dangers which encompass
ed me.
Broad sheets Of lightning lit up, with
dazzling dstinc;ness, the fearful scene,
bringing out every undulation of the
rocks, every crevice and blade OF grass
and once, when | had found slight sup
port for IT feet, glanced above amid
the yellow glare Of the lightning and be-
held the fierce. dark whiskered face OF n
Mexican peering above the brink, his
eyes apparently fixed upon me as hung