Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-08-14
A STORY OF FREMONT.
Pardoning a Prisoner About to be
Led to Execution.

Captain Swasey is an enthusiastic ad-
mirer of Fremont's career on the coast
and declares he Is deserving of every word
of praise which has been given him and
more too. The veteran is about to express
his views on the much-mooted subject of
General Fremonts career in an historical
and biographical work. In reference to
the charges of excessive severity and of
brutal treatment to the prisoners who fell
into his hands, Captain Swasey relates
the following dramatic incident:
Just before the capture of San Luis
Obispo, the men under Fremont had been
subjected to great exposure and to priv
alton and hsrdships of all kinds, and
their hatred of the Mexicans had reached
its height. In fact, it was pretty clearly
understood that if any of the enemy was
unfortunate enough to fall into their
hands they would spend but little time or
sentiment in disposing of him.
On December II, two days after the TAX
ing of the town, the pickets captured
Don Jose de Jesus Pico, who was called
Totoi. He was tried by court-martial on
the charge of breaking his parole, was
found guilty and was sentenced to be
shot. The fact that Pico was leader
rendered him still more an object of hat
red and distrust, and on every side were
heard mumurs of approval when it was
decided that he should pay the penalty
of his treachery with his life. The ex-
ecution was ordered for 1890 o'clock
in the morning, and at 10 o'clock the
whole battalion was ordered to parade on
the plaza, where the execution was to
take place. The prisoner was confined
in room in the Mission. Fremont with
two or three of his officers was present
awaiting the coming of the prisoners fam
loved husband and father. The prisoner,
with bowed head, was seated on one side
and opposite stood Fremont with folded
arms and face unmoved from its usual
stern demeanor. The officers in grim
silence were grouped about when the
wife with her eight or nine young chill
dren entered, dressed in the deepest
mourning. The wife was a beautiful
woman of stately bearing and the chill
dren of delicate and refined appearance.
No word was uttered to break the silence
which had grown oppressive. Then the
children fell upon their knees and with
fearful eyes and outstrctched hands mute
ly begged for the life so dear to them.
Among the officers present was that
stern soldier Captain Richard Owens,
who had never feared living foe, but
whose eyes were then dimmcd with tears
at the pathetic sight before him. Sud
denly, for he could no longer control
himself, he uttered the one word: "Col-
onel" Fremont's face relaxed its deter
mined expression, and he exclaimed:
eyes, Dick, know we had rather meet a
thousand of them in the field tomorrow
than take this one life" Then, turning
to the prisoner, he said: 'fYou are par
doned you are Free"
The prisoner fell upon his knees at
Fremonts feet and pressed the hem of his
cloak to his lips, excaiming brokenly in
Spanish: "NIy life was forfeit. You have
given it back, and henceforth it shall be
devoted to you" Instantly Pico ordered
that his horse be saddled, and from that
day on there was no more devoted follow
or of Fremont through danger of every
kind than the man whose life he had
given back to him.-[San Francisco Ex-
aminer.