River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1884-08-28

1t was in the month of March, in the
FEAR 1847, and the feet of the United
States, with the army under Genera
Scott on board, lay before the city o.
Vera Cruz. All the morning the guns
of the feet had poured their shot upor
! the castle of San Juan de Ulioa, which
commanded the city, and on the beacf
where the Mexican army had gathered
to oppose the landing of the Americans
Finally the heavy fire drove the Mexi.
cans from the beach, and they retired
to the castle and the city.
Then the boats of the ships were
lowered away and arranged themselves
in long line, parallel with the beach.
Soldiers, sailors and marines filed the
boats, and in the bows, all along the
line, there stood sailor, with one foot
on the gunwale, who held a flag furled
sound was heard but the splashing OF
the waves against the boats, and all eyes
were turned toward the flagship as the
sailors lay on their oars awaiting the
signal to advance. A little ball Of
bunting sped up to the masthead of the
flagship, and then unrolling itself,
spread out into the watched-for signal.
"Give way" The oars fell into the
water from end to end of the long line,
as if moved by one gigantic impulse,
and race for the shore was begun.
Finally, one of the boats grated on the
sand, the sailor in the bows leaped to
the beach, and amid wild hurrahs un-
furled the American flag on the hostile
shores of Mexico.
Among the officers in the boat which
touched the shore that day was young
lieutenant of infantry named Edward
Ives.
In person the young lieutenant was
of medium height, and of slight but firm
build, with light hair and blue eyes.
His face was Drowned by exposure to
the weather, and his expression was one
of courage and decision of character.
He was recently graduated from West
Point, and as yet love, except that of
kindred, was to him but a name. In
fact, though only "a, Ives was known
among the officers of his regiment as
"the bachelor" he having announced to
each of them in the "strictest confidence"
that he considered all men who got
married slightly insane.
"Mr. Ives" said the young heuten-
ants captain soon after the landing had
been effected, "the colonel wants a
scout made in the direction of that house
over yonder. Take half a dozen men
and go see what there is there and report
to me"
The house which Edward Ives ap-
preached with his scouting party was
situated in a grove of palms and giant
ferns, something over mile from the
shore. At the main entrance of the
house stood wagon in which some In
dian servants were loading the house
hold effects of the family. A tall Mexi-
can, of middle age, was experimenting
the operation, and gesticulating violent
ly with his cane, as he urged the Indians
to greater efforts. Near by stood a
young girl of 10, of surprising beauty.
On her olive cheek there was warm
flush, and her dark eyes were hid be-
meath long, dark lashes. She wore a
Spanish mantilla over her head and
shoulders, and altogether formed a
most charming picture.
The approach of Lieutenant Ives and
his men had been so cautious that he
was close to the house before his pres
ence was perceived. One of the Indians
saw him first, and catching sight of the
blue uniform, uttered an exclamation
and fed precipitately, followed by all
his companions. The Mexican gentle
man who had been experimenting the
leading of the wagon turned his head,
and, seeing that there was no escape
and no chance of successful resistance
stood proudly waiting for the lieutenant
to speak His daughter grasped her
fathers arm, and a pallor over spread her
face.
Fear nothing, senor," said Lieu
tenant Ives, in Spanish. 81 have only
come to see if there are any soldiers con-
cealed hereabouts."
Gear r. returned the Mexican" Wedo
not fear Northern invaders and robbers.
We hate and despise them.
Before the lieutenant had time to re-
ply, soldier ran up and exclaimed:
IA party of Mexican cavalry are right
on us, sirp
The words were scarcely out of his
mouth when, with clanking sabres and
jingling spur, thirty horsemen dashed
through the trees.
The Americans made a desperate
81, NJ hn
Mexieans were killed, but were soon
overpowered. The young lieutenant
fought bravely, using his sword. until O
sabre cut in his sword-arm forced him to
desist.
From the wild and picturesque dress
of his captors Lieutenant Ives saw that
they were party Of Mexican guerillas
fierce and cruel men, out of whose
hands few escape alive.
The night was now falling, and the
Mexicans hurried their prisoners into
the house. The lamps were lighted ID
large apartment, from which most of
the furniture had been removed, and the
leader of the band, fierce-looking
man of gigantic stature, whose features
showed clearly the Indian blood that
was in his veins, seated himself IN
chair, and, lighting cigarette, order
ed the prisoners to be brought before
him. The Americans, who, with their
arms bound behind them, had been hur-
ried In one corner of the room, were
led to the captain of the guerillas, who
was spoken of by his subordinate as
"El Tigere.
"Ah, Senior Americana" said Ell
Tigere, addressing Lieutenant Ives,
$50 you thought to take Don Francisco
and his daughter captives, did You? If
/ am not mistaken you were one of the
eabelleros who eaped SO gallantly from
the first boat of the invaders that land
ed to-day" / and my men were lying
behind a hummock near the shore at
the time, and / covered you three
times with my carbine. l am glad now
that did not kill you then. L have
you now where can shoot you at my
leisure"
May" interposed Don Francisco,
who was standing near, "these are pris-
oners of war, captain, and must be
treated as SUCH"
"Do not cross the path of the tiger in
his fury" replied the captain, with
dark scowl. tThose are my prisoners,
and shall be dealt with as Isee fit"
Lieutenant Ives knew that his failure
to return from his scout would by this
time begin to excite apprehensions, and
strong party would be sent out IN
search Of him. So great was his cha
grin at having been surprised by the
l.