Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-12
A shrawd Tnlker.

"But they were not yet out of their scrape
They were well aware that they had been post
ed as deserters, and that they would find it diff
ficult to explain their conduct satisfactorily.
They did not return, therefore, to their former
encampment, but marched far up the river to
the heart Of the Wilderness and reported from
there to the superior officer who had ordered
their arrest that they had changed their base
on information that hostiles were about to
cross the river from Mexican soil at this point
believe. however, they were relieved of their
commands and ordered to Washington to give
personal explanation OF their actions. AT any
rate, they came here for that purpose. They
were referred sternly from one officer to an
other. and finally to President johnson. Their
commander in chief coldly expressed his regret
at finding them involved In so serious compli-
cation. and wanted TO know what they could
say to soften judgment against them.
Porter acted as the spokesman, and reeled
OF, with the most brazen sang froid, an elo-
quent yarn, which was, in brief. that they had
information that the army of Maximilian had
formed plan to cross the river capture their
men, artillery, horses and supplies, for the pur-
pose of using them against the Mexicans. The
concluded it was imperative that they should
take the surest plan to save the men ana prop
erty of the United States from falling into the
hand of foreign invader, whose very pres
ence to put upon it the best complexion, was
an insult to every true American, and who had
set out to make a conquest of Mexico in de-
fiance of the Monroe doctrine and of the spirit
of the institutions of the Republic Of the
United States.
president johnson listened with stern coun-
tenance to this extraordinary harangue, but it
was just possible to detect twinkle in his eye
that showed he appreciated the humor as well
as the gravity of the affair, and after a severe
lecture, in which he descanted on the danger
of their conduct to the peace between the
United States and hitherto friendly European
power, he dismissed them and their case.
A Brave Soldier.
''Porter resigned from the army short time
after that, believe; at any rate he went to
Egypt and entered the army of the Khedive as
high officer at time when several other
young and adventurous American officers did
the same thing. Possibly he merely got in
definite leave Of absence. Once while there he
narrowly escaped capture and death. He took
out small scouting party of Egyptians and
penetrated far into the wilderness. Suddenly
they were set upon by Abyssinians lurking in
the bushes. His companions ran away, and he
faced score or SO OF the enemy alone. Killing |
the man nearest to him with his revolver, he |
took to his heels, distanced his pursuers and |
got into camp safely. He reported large body |
of the enemy only few miles away, and urged |
that the army be put in fighting position with |
out delay.
THE Egyptian commander refused to be- |
lieve the story and did nothing. That night |
they were surprised by the Abyssinians, utterly |
routed, several thousand of their men taken |
prisoners and put to death with the most hor- |
rible tortures. All of the Americans got |
away. At point where they halted they could |
hear the awful cries of the prisoners as they |
were mutilated and solemnly congratulated
each other that for the time at least they were |
spared that terrible fate. They had arranged, |
however, that if any one of them was wounded |
SO as to be unable to escape he should be killed
by one OF his cOuntrymep and not permitted to |
fall into the hands Of the savage enemy. l |
don't know anything personally of the matter |
about which Admiral Porter and General But
Ter are disputing, but do know there is not a |
venturous son of the Admiral who has for |
saken military hfe for the law" E. w. l.