The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-05-05

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EjT9FSN-z INK The regiment was en-
tAMBss = LEI ploved in keeping open
SWIMMING sss Iss-e@8 Gen. Winfield SCOTS
seAlA3 10 As.1Ss- communication between
Is r. the City of Mexico and
go " the sea at Vera Cruz. /
was in my 14th year,
serving as regimental
battalion marker.
The scenery was magnificent in the vicinity
of our camp. beautiful little stream, the
Rio Frio meaning cold river, burst from the
side of the cliff until It's crystal waters, spark
ling in the bright sunlight as it formed into
vail-ike spray in its descent into the pool at
the base of the rocky precipice, and from there
breaking into cascades and whlripools IN IT'S
course through the glen. At the head OF the
pretty little valley is the weird. sombeT, and
QUAINT INDIAN VILLAGE,
with its huts made of hewn planks, while
nesting down on the banks of the river lies
the small town of Rio Frio, with its church,
inn, and custom or tol-hou
This place has an elevation OF 900 feet above
the sea level and is surrounded by the tail
ranges Of the Cordillera Mountains, their sides
clad with an evergreen forest of pine. Far
back of the range, where it towers above all
and rises in majestic grandeur, is. Mount Popo-
catepetl.
In the carly morning it was a magnificent
view to watch the first CLEANS of the suns rays
prism rejecting back all the colors OF the rain
bow.
There Is small gap to The east and west,
forming pass in the mountain range, through
which that great thoroughfare, the National
Road, passes, connecting the City OF Mexico
with the sea at Vera Cruz. Through this
mountain defile was Transported, on the backs
of mules and asses, the commerce that supplied
two-thirds of the people Of Mexico for over 300
years and also through this gorge passed the
Spanish invaders under Cortez together with
his allied Indian army, when they made their
first descent into the great plain Of Anahuac,
on which was located The
CAPITAL OF THE AzTECs,
with its great temple, floating gardens, and
hontezuman halls. Through the defe our
own gallant little army under Scott made their
conquering descent on to the army of Mex
Geo, under the command of their famous
chieftain, Gen. Santa Anna. As mill
tarv position it possesses very great
strength, tut it can be fanked either to the
north or south. The French, with their Aus
TRAN allies, under Marshal Bazaine entered
the valley of Anahuac, by the way of Orizaba,
Ranking the mountain stronghold some miles
20 the left.
1t was while in the valley, after having
taken the capital. that Bazane issued his in
famous order to murder all prisoners without
trial, and that pretender. Emperor Maxmll-
l.
have no sympathy with hat fawning, sickly
sentiment that condones the acts of the Pre-
tender. He simply received justice at Quere-
taro at the hands of the patriots under Es-
cObedo, whom he sought TO rob of their lib
erty, and set up an autocratic personal Govern
nent on the ruins of the Republic.
The rowing bands of outlaws. who infested
the mountain gorges, foothills, and adjacent
plains, had become SO daring in their maraud
ing exploits that Gen. Scott gave orders to
al tire commanders occupying military dis
tricts in the vicinity of the country exposed to
the lawlcss depredations Of these men to scour
the woods, ravines, and plains ard
BREAK Up THEIR HAUNTs
In pursuance of these orders Col. Irwin de-
tailed detachment composed of dragons and
infantry, the latter under command of Capt
Joseph Smith, OF Co. II. and Capt. w. II. Lytle,
of the Queen City Guards. Capt. Lyle is the
author OF the beautiful poem, entitled
liam dying, Egypt dying"
During the war of the rebellion he raised
The 10TH Ohio, was made its Colonel and rapid
Is rose to the rank OF General. He received a
mortal wound at the battle of Chickamauga, at
the head OF his brigade, while CALAMITY repel-
ling a charge OF the enemy.
The mounted troops were commanded by
Lieut.. Green, Of the Illinois Dragons, all under
the immea late supervision OF Mai. W. H. Link,
OF Circleville O.. who raised the 18th Ind, at
Fort Wayne Ind, TO serve during the rebellion,
and received a commission as its Colonel He
fell on the battlefield OF Richmond, KY, while
berocally leading q charge of the brigade.
The troops moved out from the post one day
Just at dusk, taking the National read that
Leads west through the gap, passing over the
level summit, ard descending the wooded
mountains. In the Valley of Mexico, nine
miles from the post, was located
TIE HACIENDA OF coRpoyA
Just at the edge Of the timber overlooking the
beautiful plain, built in the usual Moorish
style, one-story high.
When the detachment arrived at tho gate of
the hacienda, they found IT closed and securely
fastened. A light was seen through the cracks.
and The Major raped vigorously on the gate.
After considerable time had elapsed, and no
attention being paid to his knocks, the Major
ordered the gate forced in, which was done.
Upon entering We were surprised to fud that
q mounted band of brigands, who had been
inside, had made their escape in the darkness.
by passing over the roof and letting themselves
down over the back wall, taking their arms
sud accoutremcnts with them, but leaving their
mustangs Is in number, which we confscated
The troop resumed its march, taking along
the captured mustangs, the infantry riding
them ia turn.
We left the main road and followed the mule
path that led Of 10 the southeast Passing
along the base OF the mountain, we arrived,
late at night al the village Of Meriforis.
There The infantry was left ia charge Of Capt.
Jos. Smith, and the mounted party continued
on.
Near morning, In the vicinity Of a small
town, we met man and woman on horseback.
As soon as they saw who we were the two
turned their horses, and putting spurs 10 them.
dashed OF, taking no notice of our orders TO
halt. Some Of our party fred few shots az
the man, Que Of which hit him, but did not
dismount him. Maj. Link ordered Capt Lytle,
who was in charge Of the mounted infantry, to
select detail Of five and pursue them.
lively chase ensued in the direction of the
town, upon entering which the soldiers dis
covered company Of bandits, just mounting.
preparatory 10 starting q raid. Then
TIE PURsUERs BECAME TIE PURSUED.
Capt. Lyle ordered his men 10 fall bget,
end passing out Of the town he wheeled them
20 the left The MeXicans not observing this
movement, passed down the causeway and ran
into the main column of soldiers. The Can
tain closed in on their rear, cutting off their
retreat and placing them between the two
fires Then ensucd lively little brush in the
early morning light, for the sun had not vet
risen.
Finally, the enemy seeing themselves over
powered by superior numbers and hemmed in
on the narrow road, made dash for the river.
and, as the water was shallow, a majority Of
kibem succeeded in making their escane but