Year: 1860

In my native village lived an old man
named Beauchamp. He was q Frenchman
by birth, but had come to America when
child. When the Mexican war commenced,
he enlisted under our banner, and during the
whole of that brief but sanguinary struggle
fought with the ardor and bravery which
characterzcs his race In the long winter
evenings, | was in the habit of repairing to
his humble cot, for the purpose of hearing him
narrate the principal events of his stormy
career On one occasion he related the fol-
lowing incident


You must know" said he, " that after the
capture of Chcpulteptc, General Scott deter
mined to follow up the advantage thus obtain
ed by marching at once upon the Mexican cap
ital Il was necessary, however, that pOr-
tion of the troops should remain and keep pos
session of the captured fortress. The company
TO which | belonged was among those selected
for this purpose. This duty, however, we
considered IL very unpleasant one inasmuch as
we were allowed to remain inactive, while our
companions were winning laurelS beneath the
walls of the fatcd city.


1--WE had taken a great many Mexican pr
soners. So numerous were they that We had
scarcely room for them in the garrison The





the fort, for the purpose of destroying it should
it fall into our possession. When, therefore,
they saw that we were going to carry the
place, they attempted to ignite the mine, but
were prevented by the prompt arrival of Pill
lows column The mine was placed beneath
n room in the western wing Of the fort This
apartment was guarded by sentinel, for the
purpose Of preventing any one from entering
it. No prisoners were confined there, for fear
they might succeed in igniting the mine.


THAT afternoon, about an hour after the
departure of the others, | heard a strange
noise, which seemed to proceed from the drec-
tion of the mine. Having mentioned the cir
cumstancc to three of my companions, we all
proceeded to the spot TO ascertain the cause.
On our arrival, spectacle met our gaze that
was truly appalling. Lying at the entrance,
we saw the sentinel, his bosom covered with
wounds. While we were still gazing with hor'
FOR on the mntilated corpse, We heard q noise
in the room Bursting open the door, we were
about to spring forward, but the spectacle wo
witnessed rooted us to the spot. The trap
door above the mine was open, an! standing
over it, with burning torch in his hand, was
IL Mexican. A moments inspection served to
prove the fearful fact that he was insane. His
eyes dilated and cleaned with demoniac light
his face was pale, and ghastly smile played
arogad his mouth At his feet lay q small
poniard, covered with our comrades blood
After moments hesitation, two of US started
forward to seize him, while third started to
alarm the garrison. But before either of those
objects could be accomplished the maniac cried
out, Hold ! We Involuntary paused. Hav
ing gazed upon us for moment, the Mexican
stopped down and placed the burning torch
within one foot of the powder. You may mag
ine what my feelings were when | witnessed
this action A simultaneous exclamation ol
horror burst from US AS the Mexican wit
messed our terror he laughed wildly, and still
holding the torch in the same position, said
You Americans, am going to revenge my
self On you if any of you move or speak, |
six drop this fire on the powder"


"After this, his speech became wild and dis
connected We had heard enough, however
TO convince US that we were in critical stu
alton. Retreat We dare not, for it was evident
that the Mexican would light the mine should