''f'^A 
 
 

 
 <«^ 
 
PENCILLIIVixS 
 
 OF SCENES UPON 
 
 HE RIO C^MANBE; 
 
 ORIGINALLY PULISHED BN THE 
 
 SAINT LOUIS AMERICAN. 
 
 BY THE REV. LvL/ ALLEN. 
 
 n 
 
 te Chaplain to the La. Volunteers, in the United States Service, 
 upon^the Rio Grande. 
 
 NEW YORK, 
 1848. 
 

 St. Loms.Jan. 8th, 1847. 
 To Gen. J. D. Learned : 
 
 M]j Dear Friend: — Ingratitude Is justly considered one of the blackest 
 stains to the human character— while gratitude is esteenned one of the 
 highest virtues that animates the human heart. To you, sir, I feel more in- 
 debted than to any other man living, for you took me kindly by the hand, 
 whencomparatively a stranger, and generously sustained my sinking head, 
 at a time when disease, of long standing, had nealy crushed every hope of 
 usefulness to myself, my country, or the church. You, sir, encouraged me 
 tolnok forward, with confidence to a brighter period, in the chequered histo- 
 ry of my life ; and by your exertions and influence, other partial friends were 
 induced to look kindly upon me. You encouraged me, to submit my " Pen- 
 cilings of Scenes upon the Rio Grnade," to the public; you opened the columns 
 of your excellent paper for their,publicaiion— you sent them abroad, and ihey 
 have been commended, and numerously copied by others. 
 
 Permit me, now, to express the warm feelings of my heart to you, and my 
 other kind friends, who, in their benevolence, have tendered me their sym- 
 pathy while suffering under severe affliction. Their memory will be enshrin- 
 ed in my heart until it ceases to beat. 
 
 1 have the honor to be. Dear Sir, 
 
 with sentiments ot the highest esteem, 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 L. L. ALLEN. 
 
 St. Louis, Jan. 8th, 1847. 
 To the Rev. L. L. Allen: 
 
 Dear Sir :—\ have received your kind and complimentary letter, and 
 for the friendly feelings expressed in it, I return my thanks. But I cannot 
 feel that any act of mine, however kindly intended, has been of sufHcient 
 importance to merit any acknowledged return of gratitude. 
 
 1 have discharged but a conamnn duty of kindness and civility, that de- 
 serves no praise, and is richly rewarded in the good intent ; and I assure you 
 that it will always be a source of sincere pleabure to me, when by any act of 
 mine, I can render you an acceptable service. 
 I am, Reverend Sir, 
 
 Your friend and obedient servant, 
 
 J. D. LEARNED. 
 
TO 
 
 MAJOR C- E M E R A L W 1 N D F I E L D SCOTT 
 
 THE HERO OF 
 
 LUNDY'S LANE, CHIPPEWA, YERA CRUZ, 
 
 ICONTRERAS, CHERUBUSCO. AIND THE 
 
 CITY OF xMXEICO. 
 
 WHO BY HIS MILITARY SKILL, TRIED VALOR, AS WELL AS HIS UN- 
 SURPASSED BRAVERY, CHIVALRY AND PATRIOTISM THROUGH- 
 THE MOST BRILLIANT CAREER HAS WON FOR HIMSELF 
 AND HIS COUNTRY IMMORTAL HONORS 
 AND UNFADING LAURELS. 
 
 AND TO 
 
 MAJOR CS^ISMSRiiL %, TAY£.OII< 
 
 WHOSE PATRIOTISM AND DEVOTION TO HIS COUNTRY, IS BLEN- 
 DED WITH THE CHIVALROUS GALANTRY OF THE 
 SOLDIER AND WHOSE BRILLIANT 
 ACHIVEMENTS AT 
 
 FORT HARRISON, THEJ FLORIDA WAR, AT 
 
 APLO ALTO, RESACCA l)E LA PALMO 
 
 MONTEREY AND BUENA VISTA 
 
 IS THE THEME OF EVERY TONGUE ; 
 
 iindfor whose great kindness and urbanity to me, personallv, 
 these pages are respectfully dedicated, by the 
 
 . AUTHOR. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 It may seem presumptuous in so humble an individual, to ap- 
 pear before the public, as an author. But having been honored 
 with the appointment of Chaplain to our patriotic volunteers 
 upon the Rio Grande, and having received from them many and 
 repeated acts of kindness and courtesy, especially from the 
 officers and soldiers of our own chivalrous St. Louis Legion, 
 I was induced, upon my return, to publish a (iiw pencillings of 
 the events of tlie campaign. I have since been induced to con- 
 tinue them, and kindly requested to have them published in 
 pamphlet form. I have, at length, consented to send them forth 
 to my friends, and a generous public — hoping they may meet 
 with kindness, and prepare the way for a more considerate and 
 voluminous work hereafter. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Second Edition, Enlarged and Improved. 
 
 The kind manner which the first edition of my little work has 
 met with — and ready sale — has induced me to publish a second 
 edition, enlarged and improved. 1 have added a num- 
 ber of scenes of a thrilling and interesting character, ren- 
 dering the work doubly as large as the first edition ; and should 
 jt meet with the same favorable reception as the former edition, 
 from my numerous kind friends, and a generous community, I 
 shall be encouraged to publish a larger edition still, hereafter. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 Executive Office, New Orleans, 
 
 May 6th, 1846. 
 Sir: — The Rev. Mr. Allen has tendered his services as a 
 volunteer Chaplain to the expedition now fitting out and under the 
 requisition of General Taylor. I have informed myself of the 
 qualifications and moral worth of Mr. Allen and appreciate very 
 highly the motives which actuated him in his pious and patriotic 
 offer. I would, therefore, re'^ommend the acceptance of his 
 serv ces, believmg as I do, that the success of our arms, and the 
 perpetuity of our Republican Institutions depend very much upon 
 a proper observance of the rights of Christain worship at all 
 times, and under all circumstances. I think — indeed I have no 
 doubt, I hat religious worship in the army, at stated periods, would 
 not only have the tendency to promote morality and discipline, 
 but to inspire the ofllcer and soldier with correct and more ele- 
 vated views of patriotism. I would also advise that Mr. x\l!en 
 be placed upon a more substantial footing, if practicable, than 
 that of a mere volunteer, without renumeration. 
 
 ISAAC JOHNSON. 
 To Brig. Gen. P. F. SMITH. 
 
 The Rev. L. L. Allen will be mustered and respected as a 
 Chaplain in the Brigade of Louisiana Yolunteers, under the 
 command of Brigadier General Persifer F. Smith. 
 
 (Signed) EDMUND P. GAINES, 
 
 Major Gen. U. S. A. Commanding. 
 
 Chaplain of the Louisiana Volunteers. — We have re- 
 ceived the following communication from the Rev. L. L. Allen, 
 Chaplainof the Louisiana Yolunteers : 
 
 U. S, Barracks, below N. 0., La. 
 
 Sabbath, May 24th, 1846. 
 Messrs. Editors — Genthmen: Will you be so obliging as 
 
to permit me through the columns of your interesting paper to 
 say a few words iji behalf of my fellow soldiers. I have spent 
 this day in vi:r^iting, conversing, and addressing myself to the 
 dilferent corps quartered here for the time being, and it gives me 
 great pleasure to say that 1 have been treated with the utmost 
 kindness and respect both by the respective officers and men. 
 I cannot speak in terms of too high commendation of the solici- 
 tude which his Excellency the Governor, Generals Gaines and 
 Smith, together with the officers in general, which I had the 
 honor to converse with, constantly evince in administering to the 
 comfort of the soldier. The agent of the American Bil)le Soci- 
 ety of this city has been very efficient in furnishing the Chap, 
 lains with Testaments, tracts, &c., for gratuitous distribution 
 among the troops upon the Rio Grande. My mtention is to 
 leave in a few days lor the seat of war, and any contributions in 
 bibles, tracts, &c., suitable for distribution, if \ei\ at the Com- 
 me^rcial Exchange, or with the agent of the American Bible 
 Society, will be greatly received and faithfully distributed. And 
 rest assured as soon as the star spangled banaer shall waive over 
 the ramparts of Metamoras, there are men ready promptly to 
 unfuil the banner of the cross by its side. And should circum- 
 stances render it necessary for the United States to dictate terms 
 of peace to Mexico in the halls of Montezumas, there will be 
 warm and dauntless hearts to invoke the blessings of Heaven 
 upon their acts. 
 
 I have the honor to be, yours, &c., 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 L. L. ALLEN. 
 
 Chaplain to the Louisiana Yolunteers. 
 
 Soule-Chapel, New Orleans, June 1,»1846. 
 Rer. L. L. Allen — Dear Sir: Learning that upon Gen. 
 Taylor's rcquisilion for Volunteers to defend our common coun- 
 try ,'t hat you had been actuated by those pious and patriouc 
 motives which we are justly proud of in any man, whether as a 
 Citizen, or Soldier, Statesman or Minister — and had offered your 
 services as a volunteer Chaplain to our chivalrous and patriotic 
 Lousianians, and that his Excellency the Governor had as 
 promptly recommended, and General Gaines approved the ap- 
 
pointment, although reluctant to part with you as our paafer, 
 yet holding as we do a love of country to be a holy and sublime 
 principle which should pervade every hear. ; and appreciating 
 the motives which have promp ed this act, we request you to do 
 us the honor to accept, as a slight expression of our regard for 
 you and our country, this Banner, wrought with our own hands, 
 wit 1 I he mottoes which we have taken the 1 berly of selecting — 
 Our Country — Our Aitars — Fight the Good Fight: Presented 
 to L. L. Allen, Chaplain to the Louisiana Volunteers — by the 
 Ladies of Soule Chapel, New Orleans. And as you proceed 
 to the batilo plains and the tented tield, when the star-spangled 
 bmner shall be unfurled o'er the land of the tree and the home of 
 the brave, may you have the pleasure of unfurling this banner 
 as an enibiem of your holy and sublime calling ; and when the 
 clang of war has died aw.iy in the distance, and men shall learn 
 w ir no more, and the soldier shall beat his sword into a plough- 
 share and his spear tnto a pruning-hook— may you be returned 
 with health and honor, bearing the olive branch, and crowned 
 with laurels to your ti Id of labor, having had the happiness of 
 serving your country faithfully in an hour of peril and need. 
 Accept, Dear Sii, our best wishes for your wellfare, and allow 
 us to subscribe ourselves your sincere friends. 
 
 With sentunents of the highest and most profound esteem, 
 very respectluliy. 
 
 Lienor Jay, Mary Kingsbury, Mary A. Johnson, Martha 
 Haygood, Sarah Kellogg, Julia Garrison, Committee. 
 
 To the Rev. L. L. Aiten, Chaplain Louisiana Volunteers. 
 
 New Orleans, June 1st. 1846. 
 To the Ladies of Soule- Chapel : Language is too meagre to 
 convey to you the profound gratitude of my heart, for this ex. 
 pression of your kindness towards me, in the presentation of ihis 
 beautiful Banner, wrought with your own hands, and the very 
 appropriate motto ot your own selection In volunteering my 
 teeble services as a Chaplain to our patriotic and chivalrous 
 Louisianians, in an hour when every man was called upon to go 
 to the defence of his country; when our own brave and nohlo 
 soldiers were in im nent peril, being surrounded by an overwhelm- 
 ing hostile foe, I did no more than my duty, and the pleasure 
 arising from doing my duty infinitely repays mQ lor any toil 
 
8 
 
 which I may be called to indure in the camp among my fellow 
 soldiers. But not to be sensibly alive to the honor conferred 
 upon me by the presentation of ibis banner, I would be wantir g 
 in the finer feelings which belong to intelligent beings. Be as- 
 sured that I shall go out to the tented field and battle plains with 
 an ambition notto disappoint four confidence, but to demean my- 
 self as a Christain eoldier and a faithful minister of the cross 
 and have the honor of unfurling this Banner by the s'de of the 
 flag of my country, wherever the i'ortunes of war and the Provi- 
 dence of God may call, and should I fall while in the discfjarge 
 of my duty, I beg to be buried with this beautiful Banner wrap- 
 ped around me as my winding sheet, and humbly asking to be 
 remembered in your orisons, and embalmed in your memories 
 and enshrined in your affections. But if in the providence of 
 God 1 should be spared to return to my future field of labor, and 
 again greeted by my kind friends, I hope to come back 8 purer 
 patriot and a more devoted Chrrstain. Be pleased to accept 
 assurance of my sincere regaid awd most profound esteem. 
 Most respectfully, L. L. ALLEN. 
 
 To Elenor Jay, Mary Kingsbury, Mary A. Johnson, Martha 
 Haygood, Julia Garrison, Sarah Kellogg, Committee. 
 
 Matamoros, June 4th, 1846. 
 Messrs. Editors : Believing that the Press is the great 
 " palladium" by which light and knowledge is diffused, and 
 knowing you to be deeply interested in all that pertains to the 
 elevation of mind, and the happiness of man, permit me to ad- 
 vert to the introduction of Protestantism in the valley of the Rio 
 Grande, which must be of the deepest interest to all the admirers 
 and followers of the Protestant Church. The first services 
 were held on Brazos St. Jago, by invitation from Col. Feather- 
 stone. The Rev. L. L. Allen, from IVew Orleans, (M. E. C. 
 S.) Chaplain of the Louisiana Brigade, preached from these 
 soul stirring words : "fight the good fight," 1 Tim. 6, 12. 7'he 
 same evening the Rev. Mr. C'eghorn, from Alabama, (JV'L E. 
 C. S.) addressed the soldiers, from H. Cor 6th and 20lh, as- 
 sisted by Rev. Mr. Presley, (M. P. C.) Divine service was 
 held by invitation from a number of the officers of the respec- 
 tive regiments quartered near Burita. Capt. Stewart, better 
 known as the '• fighting preacher," held divine service near 
 Matamoros, and, we are informed, preached a most eloquent 
 
impressive, and patriotic sermon. Services have been held at 
 stated periods, by the various Chaplains, Messrs. Posvell, Cren- 
 shaw, Allen, and Cleghorn, of M. E. C. S , and Presley, of 
 M. P. C. 
 
 On last Sjndiy, the proprietors of th'? American Hotel, 
 kindly proirered the use of their li<i'l for divine worship, and 
 their kind offer was promptly acccplcd. At dn-ee o'clock, P. 
 IVl., a most respectable congregation mot ; the stand occupied 
 by the Rev. W. C. P. Cleghorn, of the x\Iiibatna volunteers, 
 who thus had the honor of preaching the first Protest-ant sermon 
 in the city of Matamoros ; the subject was one which fitly ap- 
 plied to all denominations, vi/. : the intercession of Christ, 
 from these words, John 14, 16 : '" And I will pray the Father in 
 the evening, at candle-light." P^ev. L. L. Allen preached fi-om 
 the following words : '' Wherefore, Jesus also, that he might 
 sanctify the "people with his own blood, suffered without the 
 gate," &c., Heb. 12, 13. The subject was well handled, -dud 
 during both services the most respectful and solemn attentior 
 prevailed. It was indeed a heart cheerinf^ sight to the friends ol 
 Christianity, amid the " din of arm?, and surrounded by all the 
 pomp anil circumstance of glorious war," to see such respect 
 paid to the religion of the Cross ; and that the Amer'cans of the 
 present day, like their '' puritan fathers," carry their religion and 
 literature with them. 
 
 On the last evening, we had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Al- 
 len again, who preached to a very respectable congregation. It 
 is highly gratifying to see the American nation so zealous, not 
 only in their country's cause," but in laying the foundation of 
 civil and religious liberty in oppressed Mexico ; and, wo trust, 
 that the time will soon come, when the valley of t!ie Rio Grande 
 will be peopled with those who obey the second commandment 
 in the letter and spirit. 
 
 AN OBSERVER. 
 
 Matamorors, June 26th, 1846. 
 JJear Sir : On my arrival at the Brazos St. Jago, I com- 
 menced my duties by Visiiing the soldiers connected with the 
 Louisiana, Louisville, St. Louis and Alabama regments. It 
 gives me much pleasure to say, that I was received with the 
 Utmost kindness by all, both ofticers and inmh and the books 
 
10 
 
 tracts, &c., were received with eagernessi and read with much 
 interest. I have visited since that period Burita, a small Mexi- 
 can town, eight miles from the mouth of the Rio Grande; Lor- 
 neto, six miles above ; Colonels Dakin's Peyton's, Davis' Marks' 
 and Walton's regiments, they being quartered upon each side of 
 the river, from the mouth to this point. 
 
 Last Sabbath I spent with ihe Rev. Mr. Powell. After I 
 had attended divine service, Mr. Powell and myself took our seats 
 in a marquee, where we were visited by a large number of men, 
 anxiously inquiring for books, &c., to read. To-day is the 
 Sabbath ; but it being excessively rainy, I am prohibited from 
 attending service. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Crenshaw has distributed judicially all the 
 books consigned to his care ; and those committed to my care 
 have all been given out to persons who have read them with 
 much care, and the deepest interest, and, I doubt not, that we 
 could dispose of $500 worth, if we had them, for gratuitous 
 distribution. It is ceitainly very gratifying to the friends of Chris- 
 tianity, to learn that our <jeneral-in. Chief, and Gen. Smith, 
 together with other oflic(M-s, both in the regular and volunteer 
 army, are very favorable to religion, and some of them decided- 
 ly pious. It was certainly the part of wisdom to appoint Chap- 
 lains to accompany the volunteers in this expedition ; and it 
 reflects great credit on Gov. Johnson and Gen. Gaines; for, 
 most assuredly, if there is any place where the practical exhi- 
 bition of the beauty and excellency of our holy religion is needed, 
 it is in the army. 
 
 I am taking all possible pains to get into the good graces and 
 affections of these oppressed people, in order to do them good. 
 In my intercourse with them, when they have ascertained my 
 calling, they have exhibited the greatest deference, and with the 
 most prolbund reverence, saluted me by kissing the back of my 
 hand, exclaiming, el Padre Americano del troop — the priest of 
 the troop ; and then voluntarily telling me that their religion 
 was costly — that the priests exacted large sums of money. 
 When 1 told them that the American padres, or priests, did not 
 exact any thing more than their people thought proper to pay 
 them, they seemed very much surprised, and expressed a great 
 desire tor the Americans to settle among them, and erect Ameri- 
 can churches and seminaries of learning. It has struck me very 
 forcibly, that this is the way that the Lord designs to have all 
 this priest-ridden, ignorant and unhappy country evangelized; 
 and it becomes us^ as patriots and christains, to exert ourselves 
 to follow the leaclinp nml openings o( £i wise ^^royidence, fDr« 
 
11 
 
 most assuredly this country will not only be revolutionized, but 
 christianized. 
 
 Will you be so obliging as to publish this in the Protestant, 
 and send me some copies, and also a lot of books, &c., and 
 greatly oblige yours, &c. 
 
 Verv respectfully, 
 
 L. L. ALLEN, 
 chaplain Louisiana Volunteers* 
 
 Matamoros, June 27th, 1846. 
 Mr. Editor : Will you permit me to say a few words in be- 
 half of my fellow soldiers, especially those whom I have the 
 honor to be connected with, have vi-ited all the regiments, both 
 of L luisiana, St. Louis, Louisville and Alabama- I am very 
 proud to say, that as a whole, from the General to the private, 
 they are as chivalrous and patriotic men as ever drew a sword or 
 shouldered a musket. Men of the finest intellect, scientific and 
 literary attainments. Clergymen and members connected with 
 the various churches, lawyers, doctors, planters, mechanics, &c., 
 who are an ornament to their professions, and an honor to their 
 calling at home or abroad. Men possessed of the loltiest feel- 
 ino-, and pure motives. Men who have made great sacrifices, 
 and left lucrative employments, broken the silken ties and en- 
 dearments at home, and all ihe honored recollections that cluster 
 around the mind actuated by the most sublime and holy princi- 
 ple which can possibly occupy the heart of man. And you will 
 permit me to say respectfully, that it is not the design of the 
 volunteers with respective Chaplains who have the honor to ac- 
 company them, to mtrude themselves or their views, either of a 
 political or religious character, but they feel ambitious to demean 
 themselves in such a way as to secure the approbation of iheir 
 country, and the smiles of heaven, so that after we have laid 
 aside the sword, and returned to our respective homes and em- 
 ployments, we niRy have the proud satisfaction of having done 
 our duty, and when we shall pass away from the busy drama of 
 life, we may meet in a more congenial clime. 
 
 Re9oectfuliy, L. L. ALLEN* 
 
 C'hanlain Louisiana Yolunteera, 
 
12 
 
 Camp opposite Matamoros, 
 July 5th, 1846. 
 
 Mr. Editor : Yesterday being the glorious Fourth, our 
 Louisiana volunteers were disposed to have a national celebra- 
 tion upon the banks of the Rio Grande. In the morning the 
 Louisiana Brigade marched to General Smith's quarters, 
 where were assembled his staff, Chaplains Allen, Pow- 
 ell, and Crenshaw, General Taylor, and other distinguished 
 men. The exercises were opened with prayer by Chaplain 
 Crenshaw, when the Declaration was read by Captain Nichols, 
 after which Major Ogdon delivered an eloquent and soul inspir. 
 ing oration, which was listened to with admiration and delight; 
 the Brigade then passed in review before General Taylor. At two 
 o'clock we sat down to an excellent dinner, prepared by Cap- 
 tain Head's company. There being about thirty printers com- 
 posing the corps, and the printers you know are always ready to 
 take the lead in every noble enterprise. There were a number 
 of other fine dinners served up, but as I had no time to visit 
 them, I can only speak of the one I had the honor to be an in- 
 vited guest. At the hour announced, Captain Head, by jequest, 
 took the head of the table as President, and the Rev. L. L. 
 Allen as Chaplain of the day, upon the right General Desha of 
 the Alabama volunteeis, and upon the left accompanied by a part 
 of General Smith's Brigade, Captains Kean, Stewart and others, 
 and also upon the right Lieutenant Hart, Quarter- Master Phillips, 
 and others ; the table was well filled, and the manner in which 
 the boys of the types got up the dinner^ reflects credit on their 
 heads and hearts. The exercises were opened by the Chaplain 
 in an eloquent and impressive prayer, after which the Declara- 
 tion was read by Sargeant Harby, a member of the company ; 
 then, as a matter of course, we all tell to work relieving the table 
 of its weight of luxuries and viands ; then folio^ved the answers 
 to the invitations from those who hud not been able to comply 
 with the invitations. 
 
 Generals Lamar and Burleson, and the Hon. H. L. Kinney, 
 of Texas, G. VV. Kendall, Esq., of tlie New Orleans Picayune, 
 who sent ihe tbilowmg characteristic loapt, wh:ch was r ceived 
 with great applause: " The Universal Yankee Nation, all the 
 way trom Mame to Texas, go to the farthest jiarts of all crea- 
 tion, and you will find some of the stock making a rait to go 
 ahead." General Taylor had only time to call and di ink the 
 health of the company and pass on to others, ; s did Colonel 
 Marks and several other officers, it v/ouid afford me much 
 plectiufs to give, all th^ tosatsj but tme md space will not per- 
 
13 
 
 mit. The following was received with enthusiasm: "The 
 Louisiana Volunteers, amon^ the first to enter, may they be the 
 last to quit the field." The Rev Mr. Allen's health bein"<r drank 
 standing, he responded in a lew appropriate remarks, and closed 
 by ofi'i-ring the following pnlriotic sentiment, which was received 
 with unanimous and enthusiastic applause : *' The American 
 soldier, at home or abroad, his motto, my ccntalnj, my whole 
 country, and notkino- but mij conninj.''^ But i must close this 
 iestive scene upon ihe banks of the Rio Grande, in sight of the 
 city of Matamoros, in the midst of thousands ol veteran soldiers, 
 both m the regular and volunteer army, will continue green in 
 Iheir memory, and in after years when the din and commotion 
 of the camp has passed away, the recollection of a national cel- 
 ebration on the western frontiers of the land of the Lone Star, 
 will be hallowed in the breast and heart of 
 
 A GUEST AND VOLUNTEER. 
 
 [Letter from the Chaplain of the Louisiana Volunteers ] 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Head Quarters, Akmy of Occupation, } 
 June 27lh, 1840. ^ 
 
 To ihe Editors of the Picayune : 
 
 Gentlemen: — As you have done me the honor to publish 
 sonie of my communications through the columns ofyour vaiua- 
 ble and interesting paper, will you have the kindness' to present 
 to your readers some facts which have fallen under my personal 
 observation. It is but justice to my fellow soldiers," from the 
 highest to the lowes% to say, that this corximunication is entirely 
 unsolicited, and voluntary upon my part. Since my arrival 
 among the respective regiments from the Hrazos, Santiago, via 
 Eurita and Lorreto, to thig point, I have l)een honored with an 
 intercourse with fhem, as also with the regular ar<ny, and have 
 been treated with universal kindness and respect; and should 
 rh^ lime ever arrive to provo the bravery of these me«, ther« 
 
14 
 
 will be the same promptness manifested in achieving conquests, 
 and winning laurels, as there has been in volunteering iheir ser- 
 rices in an hour of peril, when our country demanded their ser- 
 vices. It cannot be expected, among such a heterogeneous 
 mass, representing every State in the Union, and from different 
 parts of thu transatlantic world, that entire unanimity will exist. 
 So long as human nature is surrounded by infirmities, we must 
 expect some little misundersiandings ; and a volunteer army is 
 not an exception to these remarks. In my intercourse with the 
 respective regiments, commanded by Culs, Walton, Marks, 
 Davis, Dakin, Peyton, and Featherstone, of the Louisiana Vo- 
 lunteers,- together with the St. Louis Legion, commanded by 
 Col. Easton ; the Louisville, by Col. Armstead, and the Alabama 
 Battalion, by Col. Rugford. f have observed a manifest desire 
 ot these gentlemen to consult the happiness of the soldiers ; in- 
 deed, I am prepared to say, that it has arrounted to a painful 
 anxiety, and the officers have not exacted from their men what 
 they arc not willing to endure themsolves. [ presume it never 
 was the expectation of Gen. Taylor, in making his requisition, 
 that men, leaving almost cvtry occupation at a moment's warn- 
 ing, should be as well versed in military sciences and tactics, 
 with all tiie minutise of war, as men who had spent muchtime in 
 drilling, manoeuvring, &c. ; but be assured, that should the hour 
 arri^ve to give a demonstration of their prowess, the officers will 
 evince skill enough to march their men to the mouth of the thun- 
 dering cmnon, and upon a rampart of bristling bayonets, brmg- 
 ing back the revolutionary scenes. The spirit of '76 is still 
 alive — Bunker Hill, Lexing-tt)n, Monmouth, Lundy's Lane, Tip. 
 pecanoe, and New Orleans, come looming upon the mind, and 
 the spirits of the immortal Washington, Warren, Montgomery, 
 Lafaye'te, and Kosciusko, come up in visions, inspiring the sol- 
 dier with the same holy and sublime principle which actuated 
 their sires. Gen. Smith is as solicitous aoout the welfare of his 
 fellow soldie's, as ever Washington was, and is universally res- 
 pected and beloved by his men, and the mos*^ implicit confidence 
 IS placed in his valor and patriotism. Gen. Taylor, also, is ready 
 to act the scenes of the Palo Alto over again, when necessary, 
 and our brave heroes of the " lone star," are here, with their 
 swords buckled on, as eager for the combat as at the battle of 
 San Jacinto. Gov. Henderson, Gens. Lamar, Burleson, and 
 Johnson are in the field, with Cook, their Adjutant General — 
 Dr. Smith, Surgeon General — and Senator Kinney. 
 
 With such men, what need v/e fear 1 Louisiana has, indeedj 
 raade m admirubie dsinoiEistration—biit I will not make invidioua 
 
15 
 
 remarks ; every State in the Union is desirous to give a practi- 
 cal demonstration of its patriotism. It gives me much pleasure 
 to say, that there is a very general desire to attend divine service 
 among the troops. I have extended my remarks to a much 
 greater length than I intended ; but I trust they are not wholly 
 without interest, especially to our iriends that we have left be- 
 hind, who feel such a deep anxiety for us, and are looking with 
 the most intense interest for anything, whatever, from those who 
 are dear to them. We hope, alter having faithfully served our 
 country — our whole country — and nothing but our country — to 
 return to our friendly firesides, and be greeted again hy kind 
 friends, and enjoy again the pleasures and blessings oi domestic 
 happiness, and also have the proud saiisfaction of having done 
 our duty, as laitiiful soldiers and true patriots. 
 
 I have the honor to be, yours, &c., very respectfully, 
 
 L. L. ALLEN, Chaplain La. Volunteers. 
 
 [From Matamoros.J 
 
 CHAPTEll IV. 
 
 [The St. Louis Legion are on their return, and may be ex- 
 pected here in two weeks. 
 
 The following communication from the Rev. Mr. Allen, 
 Chaplain to the Legion, who arrived here last evening on the 
 White Cloud, direct from the army, will be read with interest. 
 We smcerely hope, cur obliging correspondent will continue to 
 enliven our columns with further sketches of the Mexican cam- 
 paign. He will always find a corner for the exercise ol his pen, 
 lupon a subject that has, and will continue to excite a lively inte- 
 rest iri this community. We think we see important events sha- 
 dowing forth from this war. that may produce results and revo- 
 luiions in interests and opinions, that are but little drenwed of 
 now •.-"67. Louk 4mmcan.] 
 
16 
 
 St. Louis, August 11, 1840. 
 
 Mr. Editor : — Believing it would be interesting to the com- 
 munify to hear any itenns of news from the Army of Occupation 
 upon the Rio Grande, especially to those who have relatives and 
 friends there, 1 am induced to ask the use of your valuabls paper 
 for that purpose. 
 
 I left the city of Matamoros two weeks ago last Sabbath, and 
 Brazos St. Jago the following Tuesday, ae 2 o'clock, p. m., in 
 the steamer New York, in company of a number of the officers 
 of the Louisiana Volunteers, (who have been disbanded, as you 
 are apprised,) touched at Galveston, and arrived at New Orleans 
 on Saturday, at one o'clock, p. m., and arrived here, per steamer 
 AVliite Cloud, last evening, glad enough to get home, not having 
 found, in my short military excursion to the sunny south, any 
 spot, take it all in all, like the Empress City, and certainly no 
 city improving as fast. With others of my countrymen, I went 
 out to Mexico as a volunteer, holding the appointment of Chap- 
 lain to the volunteers, at the c^\\\ of our illustrious chieftain, Gene- 
 ral Taylor; promptly repairing to the scene of war, at a mo- 
 menl's warning, without distmction of, or regard to party — all 
 actuated by a holy and sublime principle, patriotism — and am 
 proud to say, that there are men among the St. Louis, Louisiana, 
 and Alabatna volunteers, whom any state or nation may look 
 upon with admiration : — men, from the different callings and 
 professions of life, who are an honor to iheir country, and an 
 ornament to th-eir profession, who have made great sacrifices in 
 obeying their country's call ; but we are disbanded by our go. 
 vcrnraent, and perhaps it does not become us to inquire the rea- 
 son. At least, I will leave that question to be settled by our 
 j)oliticians and statesmen, at the same time respectfully adding, 
 from personal observation, that our gallant and chivalrous volun- 
 teers are disappointed, for there was an ardent desire, upon the 
 part of both ofiicers and soldiers, to distinguish themselves ; and 
 after paying merited respect to all, 1 shall be pardoned in exhibit, 
 ing some partiality to our own St. Louis Legion. 
 
 Si. Louis and Missouri have no reason to blush at the repre- 
 st^ntation on the Rio Grande, for a better uniformed, driMed and 
 gentlemanly [.egion was not found in the Army of Occupation. 
 Co'oneis Ea^ton and Kennelt, Drs. Johnson and Stevens, Cap. 
 tarns Salisbury, Coleman, Watson, and McKcllops, Lieutenants 
 Moore, Millec, and Degan have brought me under peculiar obli- 
 gations for their repeated acts of courtesy ani kindness, while 
 suffering under severe afflictions incident to that climate. St. 
 Louis has madf? a noble deroonsiration of her patriotism ia sendr 
 
17 
 
 ing her Legion to Mexico ; and though the men are obliged to 
 return without having gratified their fond aspirations, and their 
 brows bedecked with laurels from the battle fields, yet, they have 
 done their duty, and I am quite sure that I hazard nothing in 
 bespeaking for them a warm and cordial reception on their return, 
 by their friends. 
 
 General Taylor, on the morning of our departure, met us, and 
 did us the honor to say, that he was very much graUfiel to see 
 such a promptness on the part of the different States to meet his 
 requisition, at the same time deeply regretting the necessity of 
 disbanding us, but that he had no discretion in the matter. Ame- 
 rica has reason to be proud of such a chieftain, and such an army 
 under his command. There are strong evidences in my mind, 
 from historical accounts, practical demonstration and personal 
 observation, to believe that there are elements at work which will 
 cause not only a revolution, but an entire change in the vast, fer- 
 tile, and beautiful valley of the Rio Grande, Santa Fe, Californio, 
 and the states contiguous, for the better- In my intercourse wiih 
 many of ihe Mexicans, there was a manifest desire, voluntarily 
 made upon their part, that the country should become American- 
 ized ; they felt oppressed by their military chieitains, and many 
 expressed a wish to see American institutions phmted among 
 them, churches and academies established. It has struck me 
 very forcibly, judging of the future by the past, that the period is 
 not very distant, when this country will either make an eflbrt to 
 erect itself into a separate republic, or else ask to be received 
 under the protection of the United States. And will ihe go-ahead, 
 enterprising Anglo-Saxon rest until the stars and stripes wave, not 
 only over the ruins of the halls of the Muntezurnas, but over every 
 portion of North America ? 
 
 General Taylor is concentrating all his troops at Camargo. 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Very respectfully, vours, &c., 
 L. L. ALLEN, 
 Late Ckaplaiii to the Louisiana Votunleers. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Dear General : — As you have done me the honor to request a 
 continuance of items frona the Rio Grande, I will avail myself of 
 
18 
 
 this courtesy, by occasionally submitting a few sketches of the 
 valley of the Del NortC; of such facts and circumstances as have 
 fallen under my personal observation, hoping that they may not 
 be wholly without interest to the readers of the St. Louis Ame- 
 rican, especially as the attention of the statesman and philanthro- 
 pist are invited to that quarter. It cannot fail to arrest the atten- 
 tion of every inquiring mind, that there are certain causes at 
 work, in ct^rtain places, which cannot fail, sooner or later, to pro- 
 duce certain efiects. We cansot suppose, for a single moment, 
 that a government like that of the United States, wielding such 
 an immense influence^ — making such herculean strides in im- 
 provements, and de.stmed to become one of the most powerful 
 nations upon the globe — having a JVational Con.o^ress composed 
 of illustrious S mators and Representatives, could manifest such 
 intense interest in regard to Mexico, unless it had in view, by 
 looking dawn through the dim vista of the future, events which 
 will elicit the interest of different nations. Such an august body 
 as the American Congress, certainly would hot move an appro- 
 priation of $10,000,000, and the enlisting of 50,000 volunteers, 
 to repair to the Rio Bravo, merely as a momentary, enthusiast'C 
 past time. Oh, no ! there are more important consequences in- 
 volved. Ever since the American Colonies were first planted 
 by the Puritans, at Plymouth, we have been a progressive nation. 
 iNot only has the far and mighty west attracted the attention of 
 the enterprising citizen, ever restless adventurer, and hardy pio- 
 neer, but the balmy south, and great south-west, has claimed the 
 attention of thousands of active and investigating minds, and the 
 truth cannot be disguised, that there is a determination on the 
 part of many to continue the enterprise, until the whole of Mexico 
 shall undergo an entire change. 
 
 In an interview with an intelligent Mexican, a citizen of Mata- 
 inoros, he stated very frankly, that the Americans would not. be 
 satisfied with the conquest of Texas. No sooner had they 
 achieved that object, than the troops were marched across the 
 Rio Grande, into Mexico; and now, taid he, the next object to be 
 accomplished, will be either to erect a new Republic, or come 
 under ihe protection of the United States. But, he continued, 
 >ou will not be contested then, you must have your star-spangled 
 banner waving over the ramnarts ot the (Japitiola, (or capitol of 
 Mexico,) — and then you must have Oregon, California, Yucatan, 
 Cuba and Canada. And, said he, it is better that the Americans 
 should have jurisdiction over them, for they would greatly ame- 
 liorate the condition of man. 
 
 As to the justness of his remarks, and propriety of his reason- 
 
19 
 
 ing, I leave my readers to judge. TJiere are a thousand and one 
 opinions entertained and expressed as to the intentions of our 
 government. As to future practical demonstrations of our troops 
 upon Mexico, so far as I was enabled to learn from personal ob- 
 servation, and intercourse with General Taylor and the respec- 
 tive officers under his command, his instructions were to obtain 
 sufficient transports to convey troops, ammunition and provisions 
 to Camargo, a small town on the Rio Grande, about two hundred 
 miles by water, from its mouth, and one hundred and twenty from 
 Monterey, a town which once contained twelve thousand people, 
 but now probably reduced to five thousand, and possibly to three 
 thousand ; but a strongly fortified place, being upon an elevated 
 point, overlooking the surrounding country, and with but one en- 
 trance. If the Mexican forces should concentrate at that point, 
 it could not be taken by the Americans without a hard-fought 
 battle, and much blood shed upon both sides. After leaving de- 
 tachmcnts of men to protect the respective posts of M.itamoros, 
 Foit Polk, Camp May, Brazos St. Jago, Fort Brown, the mouth 
 of the Rio Grande, and Burita, the commonder-in chief of the 
 Army of Occupation, or Invasion, will use his discretion in con- 
 centrating an army of probably 15 or 20,000 troops, or perhaps 
 more, at Camargo, and then be governed by circumstances, as to 
 future operations. 
 
 One thing may be relied upon. General Taylor will not be 
 superseded by General Scott, or any other officer, so lorjg as he 
 continues to manifest the prudence which has so far characterized 
 him. It certainly occurs to me, that if our government intends 
 to prosecute the war with Mexico, although it may be compara- 
 tively an insignificant nation, it is highly necessary that a sufficient 
 number ot well disciplined troops should be concentrated, and 
 sufficient ammunition and provisions furnished. The prevailing 
 opinion is, that one of two results will take place — either terms 
 of peace will be proffered, indemnity made by Mexico to defray 
 the expenses of the war, which certainly is accumulating to a 
 most alarmingextent, (if it be half a million per diem,) and Cali- 
 fornia and Santa Fe be the price of the war, as it would be utterly 
 impossible for them to raise the money. Or, on the other hand, 
 if Parades should succeed in. raising a large number of troops, 
 and command them in person, there will he a yet harder fought 
 battle than Texas has ever witnessed, although the battle of San 
 Jacinto was a brilliant victory, and <:ave signal success to the 
 American aims ; and the victories of Palo Alto, and Resacca de 
 la Palma, added lustre to our arms — honor to our country — and 
 renown to our officers and soldiers ; and though ii has caused the 
 
20 
 
 nation to weep over the loss of some of her bravest men, and 
 purest patriots, yet, most assuredly, if.&^nother battle ensues, 
 (which, if at all, must be late in the fall or winter,) it will be a 
 tremendously hard fought one ; for, although there may be a 
 want of bravery on the part of some of the soldiers of Mexico, 
 yet there are others who will fight like a lioness in defence of her 
 wiielps, or like men knowing that it is a case ot life or death ; and 
 no man can tell what the fortunes of war may be, and what the 
 future may uniold. In my next I will say something about the 
 army. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 In my last, your readers were promised a few thoughts rela- 
 tive to the Army of Occu})ation upon the Rio Grande. The regu- 
 lar army is composed of some of the best men that ever unsheath- 
 ed a sword, or shouldered a musket. — men of long experience and 
 tried valor — men who have grown grey in the service of their 
 country, such as Taylor, Worth, Twiggs, Mcintosh, Munro, 
 Whiting, and others, their compatriots, who are an henor to our 
 country, and an ornament to their profession. Many of the array 
 otlicers, if not all of them, that compose General Taylor's regu- 
 lar arm.y, as you are aware, received their military education, 
 and graduated with honor from West Point Academy. Hence, 
 from choice, arms has become their profession ; and the men 
 who enlist in the regular service, and who have served from three 
 to thirty years, and in many instances a life time, become, as a 
 matter of course, more inured to fatigue, and can endure much 
 more hardship than those who merely take up arms upon a sud- 
 den emergency ; and both officers and men find it highly neces- 
 sary to cultivate that very important qualification in a soldier — 
 patience. And, in reading the history of nations, W8 find that 
 their soldiers have undergone hardships, which to us appear al- 
 most incrodible. Carthage, Rome, Greece, Persia, Sparta, Eu- 
 rope, and America, have given the most striking instances of the 
 assertion, and it must necessarily be so. He who looks for rich 
 feasts, and downy beds in the camp of a soldier, will miss it most 
 egregiously. Take away the privations and the sufferings of the 
 patriot of the Revolution, and the glory and honor departs. His 
 privations are identified with his honors. HencCj when a man 
 
enlists, he makes up his mind patiently ro submit to all that per- 
 tains to his profession. And in the army, there must positively 
 be the officer, and the soldier— there must be discipline. Every 
 border that is issued, from the highest in command, down to the 
 I Fourth Corporal, must be poshively and promptly obeyed and 
 executed, in order to secure respect, and ensure success. An 
 ,army, composed of volunteers, made of men of all sorts, and 
 forming a heterogeneous mass of beings, representing every State 
 in the Union, and many parts of the Old World, thrown hastily 
 together at a moment's warning— representing, also, the various 
 professions and callings in life — lawyers, doctors, clerg3.men, 
 merchants, mechanics, planters, artists, artisans, financiers, &c., 
 all having their peculiar notions of matters and things in general 
 and particular ; and they are, generally, that portion of our 
 countrymen who are active, enterprising, and energetic. Hence, 
 they are anxious, as soon as mustered into service, to march to 
 the scene of action ; and, if restrained, they become impatient and 
 restless. Many of them are quite young and inexperienced, ne- 
 ver having been away from the counsels of a kind flither, or an 
 affectionate mother. Hence, when they arrive at the seat of 
 war, they find that there is a vast difference between an indepen- 
 dent volunteer corps, or legion, marching through the streets of 
 a populous city, or country, merely for pleasure, or encamping 
 for a day or two in a cool, pleasant grove, beneath its foliage, or, 
 in being'greeted with the applause of the admiring populace, with 
 banners streaming in the breeze, nodding plumes, gleaming 
 swords, and bristling bayonets, and the soft, mellow strains of the 
 band, or the more thrilling and stirring tones of the drum and fife, 
 than in taking their position in the army, among the old weather- 
 beaten veterans. The beautiful visions which have loomed upon 
 the imagination pass away— the stern reality stares them in the 
 face— the novelty ceases to charm. In a few days every thing 
 becomes monotonous, and the very scenes and circumstances 
 which possessed a charm, become irksome— the mind sighs for 
 something new. In camp it is one dull round of duty, day after 
 day. In the morning the revtilh beats, then breakfast— but of 
 that I must not speak. My powers of description are not suffi- 
 ciently graphic, to give the reader a just idea of a soldier's break- 
 fast. Among the volunteers upon the Rio Grande, a large dish 
 is generally placed upon the ground, either in front of, or in the 
 tent, containing good old salt seven by nine pork— and once we 
 had fresh meat; then comes a large camp kettle, containing 
 coffee of the most superior quality, of course ; then is brought on 
 a tin plate of hard biscuit ; each man takes his tin cup, with his 
 
22 
 
 iron spoon, and dip's in ; and then with his fingers, if he has no 
 knife and forii, helps himself to a slice of meat and bread. Seat- 
 ing themselves in a circle, they commence operations, and as the 
 work of mastication goes on, the mind is engaged also. The 
 ready wit and laughing joke are heard, and for a while they for- 
 get that they ever had any other home — and any one would think, 
 from their appearance, that they had been born and bred in a 
 camp. As to their appearance, why sometimes it is grotesque 
 enough. Men wlio, at home, are paragons of neatness and gen- 
 tility, have become so metamorphosed, that you would scarcely 
 recognize them. They have become sun burnt, and have not 
 shaved since they have been there ; and, as to washing and 
 changing of clothes — why, it makes me smile to see one who 
 has always been in the habit of going to his drawer, and helping 
 himself — now, with his sleeves r^>lled up, going down either to a 
 pond, lagoon, or river, with his camp kettle, soap, &c., in one 
 hand, and in the other his clothes; wading into the water, he 
 commences operations by rubbing on the soap, and rubbing, 
 splurging, and wringing until he has brought them to a tolerable 
 perfection — he hangs them up, or sprawls them out to dry. And 
 don't they iron them ? Oh, don't mention that ! They are 
 glad to get them without ; and this, gentle reader, is no fancy 
 sketch — it is stern reality. But I must close this for the pre- 
 sent. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Dear General : — Many of your readers have probably heard 
 of a woman connected with the regular army, the wife of an or- 
 derly sergeant, if my memory serves me. She is familiarly 
 known upon the Rio Grande, as the Great Western, Some may 
 have supposed that this person only existed in fancy, but I have 
 seen the Great Western, and conversed with her, while she was 
 in Gen. Taylor's camp ; and also, learned her history from 
 childhood, which may be relied upon as authentic. It appears 
 that she is of respectable parentage, and respectable connection. 
 In early life she married a soldier, as young ladies will do, when 
 they take it into their heads. Her hucsband being necessarily- 
 called away from home, and deprived of the society of his family 
 for a long period, and often upon the frontiers, in imminent pe- 
 
ril, exposed to clangers, and doomed to undergo hardships, truo 
 to woman's nature, she determined to accompany him to camp ; 
 hence, she emphatically chose the |)rofession of arms for her fu- 
 ture calling. She is very highly respected hy all who are ac- 
 quainied with her, both officers and soldiers, and comfortably 
 provided for, having her own quarters, pay, and rations, and very 
 useful, being appointed Matron of the Hospital. She adminis- 
 ters to the immediate wants of the sick, wounded and dying.— 
 One reason why she is called the Great Western, is because of 
 her height and size, being a remarkably large, well proportioned, 
 strong woman, or strong nerves, and great physiciil power, capar 
 ble of endurit)g great fatigue. Another reason i?, because Jof 
 natural and moral courage, being very intrepid, and reckless of 
 danger, and, at the same time, possessed of all the finer qualities 
 which characterizes her sex. When any of the troops are 
 wounded, or sick, she manifests the greatest care and sympathy, 
 in personally attending, at proper times, lo ail their wants — for 
 woman never appears more lovely than when engaged in her 
 respective sphere, and which is more particularly her province, in 
 bending over the couch of the sick and dying ,• and how much 
 easier a soldier can die, when her gentle form bends over him, 
 trimming the midnight lamp, or contemplatmg its flickering rays 
 as they fall upon his pale face, sunken eye. and emaciated form, 
 wiping off the cold damp sweat of death— bindmg up his stricken 
 heart — assuaging his griel^ — soothing his sorrows, and solacing 
 his hopes ! With how much more composure did the gallant 
 and lamented Page resign his spirit into the hands of his God, 
 when his dying head was pillowed upon the bosom of a tender 
 and faithful wife, who, in her undying affection and faithfulness, 
 watched the last ebbings of nature, closing his eyes, and sealing 
 his lips forever, and watering his cheeks with her tears. Peace 
 to thy memory ! Tread lightly over the ashes of the dead ! But 
 I did' not intend to indulge in this digression, but my kind and in- 
 dulgent readers will appreciate the motive. 
 
 To return : When the army marched from Fort Jesup, in 
 Louisiana, through Texas to Corpus Christi, and from ihence to 
 the Little Colorado, wheie there was great danger in crossing, 
 she rendered great assistance ; and, in one instance, saved the 
 lives of a number of soldiers, vho were crossing in a flatboat — 
 which sunk while she and her children were in it. At the bom- 
 bardment of Fort Brown, opposite Matamoros, she exhibited 
 great courage, and the moat cool, danng intrepidity. The cannon 
 balls, bullets, and shot, those sure messengers o( death, were fall- 
 ing thick and fast around her. She continued to administer to the 
 
wants of the wounded and dying ; at last the siege became so 
 hot, that a bullet passed through her bonnet, and another through 
 her bread tray, while she was preparing some refreshments for 
 the men. Her marquee being a little distance from the men, they 
 were obiiired to watch their opportunity to go for their meals. — 
 Finall}^, they wished her to bring it to them ; but, in her own 
 language to me, she became very much offended, and indignant 
 at their conduct, in making such a demand. After she had run 
 such great risks, and periled her lifo, to demand her to expose 
 her life still more, in carrying ibod from her tent to them, was 
 asking a little too much, and she oegged to be excused, and up- 
 braided them in very severe terms, for their want of courage. 
 
 On the 4th of July last, at a national festival, an officer propos- 
 ed the following sentiment, which was received with enthusiastic 
 applause : 
 
 '* The Great Western — One of the bravest and most patriotic 
 soldiers at the siege of Fort Brown." 
 
 When I left Matamoros, the Great Western was pulling up 
 stakes, and preparing to push on to Camargo and Monterey. I 
 think Congress ought to bestow upon her a vote of thanks, and 
 an annuity for life. I cannot conceive any more impropriety in 
 the Great Western accompanying her husband to war, and in giv- 
 ing her personal attention for the comfort of her fellow creatures, 
 than it was for the3 eminent Greek and Polish females, in cutting 
 off their hair to make wadding, and giving their jewellery to 
 melt into balls ; or the mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, 
 to appropriate many of their garments for the use of the cannon, 
 or in busying themselves in manufacturing garments for their fa- 
 thers, husbands, and biothers. Any nation may be justly proud 
 of such a phalanx of women. But I have extended my remarks 
 much further than I intended, but trust they may not be entirely 
 destitute of interest. 
 
 CHAPTER \III. 
 
 Dear General : — In my la?t, something was said in rela- 
 tion to the city of Matamoros. I shall, in this number, advert 
 more particularly to the country upon the Rio Grande, beginning 
 with the Brazos. St. Jago Island has nothing particularly inter- 
 esting about it, only as it is connected with the American army. 
 
25 
 
 It is rather an insignificant place, lying very low, and subject to 
 entire inundation. There is a ridge of sand thrown up by the 
 breakers, or waves of the sea, from fifteen to thirty feet high. 
 There was once a flourishing village here, containing^ about 200 
 families ; but aterrable storm arose one nignt, wiih tremendous 
 thunders and gleaming lightning, and swepi it away — all founJ 
 a watery grave. Since that peiiod tew families have ventured 
 to reside there, and they but temporarily. Since the United 
 States have sent troops to that place, it has been assuming an 
 important appearance. Many steamboats and vessels land, or 
 anchor off the Island. Tiie United Slates Quarter-master has 
 made quite a little town again, by causing various buildings be- 
 longing to the department to be erected ; and while I was in 
 ihat country, the Brazos was alive with troops, most of them 
 volunteers going and coming. A number of Legions, from dif- 
 ferent States, were quartered there, and presented quite a war- 
 like appearance. The respestive regiments performing their 
 various evolutions and drills — the sound of music — the command 
 of the officers — the moving of the baggage trains — cooking, and 
 now and then, eating, drinking, laughing and joking, all com- 
 bined to enliven the scenes, and keep off that most abominable 
 disease, in common parlance called the blues^ which is so apt to 
 attack and sink the spirits of yoong volunteers. Before leaving 
 the Island, I may as well give a brief description of the erer 
 memorable battle of the sand hills. So long as memory holds 
 its empire in its proud citadel, the rough hand of time will 
 never erase the impressions stamped upon the scene which 
 transpired upon that night. The St. Louis legio.i, together 
 with the Louisville, and the 6th Regiment of the Louisiana vo- 
 lunteers, were encamped on a line with each other. A hot, sultry 
 day had passed. A dewy night had wrapped her broad curtain 
 around the Island. The lantherns were hung out from the stu- 
 pendous dome of Heaven — the moon looked dimly down through 
 the breaks ot a dark cloud — while a few fleecy and scattering 
 ones moved ?lowly and gradually along. The sentry had been 
 placed at his post, to mark his lovvnly round, while the soldiers 
 retired to their tents, and were wrapped in sweet forgetfulness — 
 forgetting the toils ot the day, and the turmoils of a camp. Sud- 
 denly the picket fired. This was the signal of alarm. The 
 long roll was beat — that awful, mournful summons, so well un- 
 derstood by the soldier. In a moment every man was upon the 
 grasp of his arms, mustering into his proper place. The officers 
 weie hurrying to and fro, giving their orders, and in less time 
 than it has taken me to tell the story, every man was ready to do 
 
1^6 
 
 his duty, or die for his country. It was reported thai a large 
 lorce of A^exicans had crossed the Rio Grand' , at or near us 
 iiiOulh, a disiiance ot eight or ten miles from us, and were 
 marching to give us battle, kill, or take us all prisoners, and 
 take possession of the Inland. Our couiage, of course, was 
 wrought to the sticking point. Every man evii.ced a di^•posI- 
 tion to St 11 his life as dear as possible. Deiachmtniis were 
 scLt out along the beach to reconnoitre, carelully and report. 
 Col. Eastern was Cool and col'ected, Lieut. Col. Kennett 
 displayed the same ardent desire to do his duty, and Dr John- 
 son found his soul inspired wnh a noble ambition to be in ihe 
 front raliks, among his ie.low-soldier«, and almost toigot his 
 saws and pasters. Young hmniett and Ch^pali, ol this city, 
 who had been appointed orderlies to Col. Easton and Kenneit, 
 were seen marching deliberately along the lines, with their 
 swords and pistols girded on, evincing a desire to have a part in 
 the nialter. Every thing being ready, ihe word ot command 
 was given. Every soldier could almost hear his heart beat ; and, 
 no doubt, some were ttunlung of dying a noble death, as martyrs 
 for their country, 
 
 Well, as 1 said, we were ready, willing, anxious, and deter. 
 mined. When — how shall 1 describe n'l Language is too 
 meagre to give a proper idea of the awl'ul scene which lul lowed. 
 The future historian must record the deeds ot valur. and chivaK 
 ry, and noble patriotism. Imagine our njortificaion and chagrin, 
 when you learn that news came that there was not a single foe 
 to be seen upon the Island. Our ardor, of course, sunk sud. 
 denly down to thirty degrees below zero, and we soon began to 
 breathe easily again. It appears th t Col. Bailie Peyion, com- 
 manding the 6;h Regiment of Louisiana volunteers, and who 
 was stationed at Burita, had heard a cannonading during the day, 
 irom some quarter, and he supposed that it came from the ene- 
 my, and consequently despatched a messenger wiih the intelli- 
 gence, that we might be prepared to defend ourselves. '1 hus 
 the matter ended, without s.noke. Happily too, there was no 
 hves lost, and the Surgeons and Chaplains had no duties in tlieir 
 lines to peiform. 'Ihus ended the battle of the sand hills, 
 waich will be remembered by every member of the different 
 Legions, with pride and pleasure. The boys of the St. Louis 
 Legion will have treqnent opportunity to ait down with Uieir 
 Iriends around the domesuc hre-side, and beguile a tedious hour 
 in recounting the thrilling scenes which accurred on the Brazos. 
 But that which will stand out in bold relief, and peerless, will be 
 ,lhe celebraied battle ot the sand-hills. 
 
n 
 
 CHAPTEB IX. 
 
 Dear General: — It may be interesting to your readers to 
 hear something definite of a city which, in the days of yore, and 
 more recently, has become the theatre of many a thrilling HCene, 
 especially since the battles of the 8th and 9th of May. Mata- 
 moros once contained a population of 17,000, but now is re- 
 duced to about 7,000. Its palmy days have passed away. Since 
 1835, when Texas evinced a determination to dissolve its alle- 
 giance from Mexico, this ill-fated and doomed city has been fall- 
 ing into decay. The families of wealth and influence have been 
 moving away and settlino- upon Ilanchitos, or in ottier towns and 
 cities. Its position is n jt very eligible. The entire couulry 
 around it, for many leagues, lies very low, and is subject to inun- 
 dation. It stands upon the banks, or partly so, of the Rio 
 Grande, surrounded on all sides by vast plains, or prairies. As 
 far as the eye can gaze, nothing is to be seen but the long grass 
 waving in the breeze. Now and then, a chapparel of low, 
 scrubby, thick underbush may be seen. In the city are found 
 almost every variety of buildings. Some very respecrable — 
 but the majority, by far, are poor miserable huts. At the time 
 of my visit there, I labored under disadvantages, from a peculiar 
 prejudice against every American. However great the effort (o 
 divest the mind of it, yet it lingered with them. An unusual 
 quantity of rain had fallen, and overflowed the country for a vast 
 distance. On each side of the river, the Mexicans staled, that 
 there had not so much r dn fallen for many years, as since the 
 Americans had come among them. The waters had cone 
 nearly up into the city, so that you had either to ride, or wade to 
 get to the steamboats. On (he river, the streets are narrow, i\nd 
 in many instances, exceedingly muddy. It is true there is a de- 
 gree of order and regularity manifested. Some of the buildin<js 
 are built upon the European style ; most of them but one story 
 high — and there are a great many mere hovels, miserable abodes, 
 made of posts set in the ground, or cane — the floor, the naked 
 earth — the roof covered with reeds, or grass — and the tene- 
 ments, generally filled with men, women, children, and smooth 
 skill dogs, which are very great favorites with the Mexican fe- 
 males. They are certainly a very sagacious people, if we may 
 be allowed the term. The streets are generally laid out in 
 squares, intersecting each other at right angles. Tlie principal, 
 or great square, is called the Plaza. There are two rows of the 
 chma trees running entirely across the Plaza, forming a beauti- 
 ful bofver, where, in times which have rolled away, the Siegnoras 
 
2g 
 
 and Seignoritas used to promenade when twilight had thrown 
 its mantle around the earth, or when the moon had shed its mel- 
 low light upon it, and the stupendous of dome Heaven was light- 
 ed up with innumerable i brilliant gems, and the soft and gentle 
 zephyrs, fanning the foliage, was hailed with joy, after enduring 
 a long day of almost suffocating heat. Here was heard the 
 hearty laugh, interspersed with a pleasant joke. Frequently the 
 young were enjoying themselves in the dance, while the band 
 discoursed its sweet strains of music, and the Seignoras were 
 enjoying themselves in smoking their cigaritos, or in playing 
 cards. Upon the west side of the Plaza is the old guard house, 
 a perfect furnace, and a most miserable filthy hole, where many 
 of our Americans have been imprisoned — and if bars, bolts, 
 and walls could speak, some sad tales would be told. I found 
 a number of wretched beings, nearly in a state of nudity, pent 
 up in different rooms, with only one place to receive the air, or 
 the light of heaven, and two Americans were theie. One had 
 been there for fifteen months, in consequence of not bringing his 
 passport. He was from the State of iMaine. The other had 
 been there for five months. On application being niade to Gen. 
 Taylor, he promptly released them. They had become very 
 much amaciated, and their eyes were sunken, and had lost their 
 lustre. The Americans, true to their character, and to their 
 eternal honor be it spoken, immediately made up a contribution, 
 clothed them, and gave them money to get home to their friends. 
 On the south side there are stores, groceries, and gambling 
 houses. On the north, the houses are generally very well con- 
 structed, and, in some instances, elegantly finished, and magni- 
 ficently furnished with mahogany furniture. In some cases, you 
 may find the piano and guitar. On the east side is situated the 
 ruins of the old cathedral, an immence Catholic institution, com- 
 menced fifteen years ago, under the patronage and direction of 
 the Priests. The contemplated cost was immense. Various 
 estimates have been given, from $50,000 to $500,000. Its 
 front is the Plaza, with one main entrance, which is through 
 an immense iron door or gate, one folding in the other, secured 
 with a huge lock and bars, supported upon very large and 
 •trong hinges. On either corner of the building there is a lower, 
 or belfry, containing a number of bells, which are rang at sun- 
 rise, twelve o'clock, and at sun-down, and on funerals and other 
 occasions. And certainly it was very solemn and oppressive to 
 hear these bells pealing out their notes — the death-knell of de- 
 parted worth. The giand entrance leads to a spacious hall, 
 running through the entire length of the building. On either 
 
29 
 
 side there are beautiful arches, supported by pillars — and in the 
 north-east corner, a small chapel, ihe present place of worship. 
 Opposite this is another small room, at present occupied by the 
 officiating Priest or Padre. My judgment may deceive me, but 
 I should think the building would accommodate about 3,000 per- 
 sons, comfortably ; but it is in an unfinished state, and it is at 
 least problematical whether it ever will be completed. Its beuu- 
 tiful columns, and naked shafts, are falling a prey to the gnaw- 
 ing teeth of time, bereft of their grandeur and symmetry, and are 
 mingling with the universal ruin around. 
 
 ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 
 
 Rio Grande — Cainjp Brown, 
 Jiibj 4th J 1846. 
 
 To his Excellency, 
 J^M. L. MARCY, ESQ. 
 
 Honored Sir : We take great pleasiue in presenting and 
 recommending to your notice, the bearer, the Rev. L. L. Al- 
 len, now Chaplain of the First Brigade of Louisiana volunteers, 
 U. S. A. 
 
 In presenting the Rev. Gent to you, allow us to pay a tribute 
 to his moraland intellctual worth, and also to his patriotism in 
 leaving his charge at home and enrolling himself among the first 
 of his country's defenders. 
 
 With sentiments of the deepest respect, 
 
 Your Obedient Servants. 
 
 GEO. C. COMSTOCK, Z. TAYLOR, 
 
 Captain Co. A. Brig.^Idj. Gen. U. S. A. 
 
 II. C. FOUNTAIN, ALF R. EASTON, . ^ . 
 
 Captain Co. G. Col. lit. Reg. St. Louis Legion 
 
 C. S. HUNT, Mo. Volunteers. 
 
 Captain Co. B. FRED. KENNETT 
 
 H. B. JOHNSON, Lt. do. fJo- do. 
 
 l»t. Lieut. Company G. GOLLFR. SCHOONTHALEE, 
 
 F. G. HENDERSON, Mhj. 1-t. Rt. St. Louis Leg. Mo. ^il. 
 
 1st Lieut. Company K. . GEO. JOHNSON, 
 
 CLARENCE deMONTREVILLE Surgeon, do. do. 
 
 1st. Lieut. Company C. R. H. STEVENS, 
 
 T. J. HUNT, Asst. Sirg. do- do. 
 
 Lt. Col. A. G. Reg't La. Vol. 'tl 
 
30 
 
 ^ We the undersigned cordially approve of the within recom- 
 mendations, 
 
 EDWARD BURLESON, JAMES MOORE, 
 
 \VM. C. F. CLECtHORN, Ist Lt Company G. do^ 
 
 Capt. Ala. Volunteers. G. N MILLER, 
 
 M. B. LA^L^R, 2d Lt. of Oompany G. do. 
 
 JAS. CURTIS, S. O -(OLEMAN, 
 
 Cant. Ala Voluntees. Capt. Com. A. 1st Reg. St. Louis 
 
 PHILIP H. RATFORD. Lesion Mo Vol. 
 
 Lt. Col. 1st. Regt. Ala. Vol. ALEXANDER KAYSER, 
 
 S.\L H. PKCK, 1st Lt. E. do. do. do. 
 
 Lt. Col 6'h Regt. La. Vol. H. C. LONG, 
 
 H. .1. B. ^IcKELLOPS, Q. M. A. A. C. 5, Louisville Le- 
 
 Capt. Com'y G. St. Louis Legion. gion, Is Reg. Ky. Vol. 
 
 ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 
 
 On the Rio Grande — Matamoros, 
 
 July 4//i, 1846. 
 To his Excel'ency, 
 
 JAMES K. POLK. President of the United States. 
 
 Honored Sir : Enclosed I have the honor to transmit you 
 a letter of recommendation to the Hon. Secretary of War, 
 Wm. L. Marcy, Esq., in behalf of the Rev. L. L. Allen, 
 Chnplain of the Louisiana Brigade Volunteers. 
 
 With the most profound sentiments of respects, 
 
 Your Excellvncy's obt. ser'vt. 
 
 CLARENCE MONTREVILLE, 
 
 In behalf Louisiana Brigade Volunteers. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 0^ When was woman outdone in deeds of patriotism and be- 
 nevolence? The Ladies who have so nobly resolved to give a 
 Supper at the'Arniory Hall, tendered them by the chivalrous Bat- 
 talion, for the purpose of erecting a Church in the first Munici- 
 pality, have, with their characteristic generosity, determined to 
 appropriate one half of the proceeds to the purchasing of beau- 
 tiful and appropriate Banners, to be presented to each of the 
 Regiments called out by his Excellency, the Governor, by the 
 reqnisitioQ of Gen. Taylor, and under the command of Gen. 
 Snjith. 
 
 All arrangements will be made by a Committee of Ladies 
 aided by the Rev. L. L. Allen, Chaplain, to the Bri- 
 gade. 
 
 Success to these noble- hearted Ladies ! Whatever they un- 
 dertake must, and will be accomplished. Come forward, ye 
 gallant sons and daughters of the Cresent City, and give the 
 
31 
 
 Ladies a s^a^lant response — one you will ever have cause to be 
 proiH of — and may we have the hippii^e^s of knowing ihauhf^se 
 Bmnfrs will be borne and follovved by brave and patriotic sol- 
 dier^, which hu'e, in triumph, waved over '' ihe land of the free 
 and the home of the brave." — [.V. O. Dtlla. 
 
 A Friend to his Country. 
 
 [^ It will be gra'ifyinor to the friends of religion and patri- 
 otism, to learn that his Excellency, the G'^vcrnor, has recom- 
 met)ded the i^n^priety and importance of ihe app )intment of a 
 Chaplain to the Briiiade now fiitinrr out under the command of 
 Brig-.dier Gen. Smith, upon the requisition of G'^n. Taylor, f»r 
 the seat of war, on the Rio Grande. This has been approved 
 by Gen. Gaines, and the Rev. L. L- Allen, pastor of Souie 
 Chapel, has been recognized as Chaplain to the Brigade. While 
 men of all classes are cheei fully rallying to the standard of their 
 country, when invaded by a foreiiin foe, ready to forego the com- 
 forts ot home for 'he tented field, and bat'le plain, as a rampart 
 for their altars and their firesides, we need fear nothing from a 
 foreign povNer. — [.V. 0. Picayuue. 
 
 C:>* Rev. L. L. x\llen, whom many of our citizens will re. * 
 memberas a visiter here some thre-^ or four years sin^^e, has been 
 officiating a-s Chaplain to the recently disbanded Louisiana vol- 
 unieers. He has returned to St. Loois, and is writing in the 
 American some interesting articles on matters and thmjjs con- 
 nected with the expedition. — [Glasgow JVews. 
 
 (t;)' The Louisville Courier says : The Rev. Mr. Allen, who 
 accompanied the Louisiana Legion to the Rio Grande, has been 
 furnishing the St. Louis American with some very interesting 
 sketches of incidents that came under his observation. 
 
 We find in the Si. Louis American some interesting letters 
 from Camp, by the Rev. L. L. Allcn, a Methodist clergyman. 
 We give some ot his sketches : ^ 
 
 c^ Rio (Mrandt Breakfast. — In the morning the reveille beats, 
 then breakfast — but of that I must not speak. My powers of 
 description are not sufficiently graphic, to give the reader a just 
 idea of a soldier's breakfast. Amono; the volunteers upon the 
 Rio Grande, a large dish is generally placed on the ground, 
 either in front of, or in the tent, containing good old salt seven 
 by nine pork — and once we had fresh meat ; then comes a large 
 
camp kettle, containing coffee of the most superior quality, of 
 cours« ; then is brought on a tin plate of hard biscuit. Each 
 man takes his tin cup, with his iron spoon, and then with his 
 fingers, if he has no knife or fork, helps himself to a slice of 
 meat and bread ; and then seating themselves in a circle com- 
 mence operations — and as the work of mastication goes on, the 
 mind is engaged also. The ready wit and laughing joke are 
 heard, and for awhile they forget that ihey ever had any other 
 home ; and one would think, from their appearance, that they 
 had been born and bred in a camp. 
 
 M.iliiary Duty. — Both officers and men find it highly neces- 
 sary to cultivate that very important qualification in a soldier, 
 patience. And, in reading the history of nations, we find that 
 their soldiers have wndergone hardships, which to us appear al- 
 most incredible. Carthage, Rome, Greece, Persia, Sparta, 
 Europe, and America, have given the most striking instances, in 
 proof, of the assertion, and it must necessarily be so. He who 
 looks for rich feasts and downy beds in the camp of a soldier, 
 will miss it most egregriously. Take away the privations and 
 the sufferings of the Revolution, and the glory and honor de- 
 parts. His privations are identified with his honors. Henc^e, 
 when a man enlists, he makes up his mind, patiently to submit o 
 all that pertains to his profession. And in the army there muit 
 positivelj be the officer, and the soldier — there must be disc- 
 pline. Every order that is issued, from the highest in command 
 down to the Fourth Corporal, must be positively and promptly 
 obeyed and executed, in order to secure respect, and ensure suc- 
 cess. — ICincinnaii Pa'per. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Messn, Editors. — By giving the following beautiful and chaste 
 poetry a place in your paper, you will confer a favor upon many 
 friends, and very much oblige yours, dtc, 
 
 L. L. ALLEN. 
 The following verses were written by Rev. W. Cleghorn, of 
 Alabama, in answer to some lines in which the Bible was repre- 
 sented as being the ''Lone Star," that points out the way to 
 heaven. 
 
 The Bible? yes, it is the star 
 
 That points us out the way to Heaven ; 
 But there's another, brighter far, 
 To penitents in mercy given. 
 
33 
 
 A hope in Christ, without it none 
 
 Can travel far that thorny road ; 
 Where tears, and bloody sweat, and groans, 
 
 Trace out the suffering ^?on of God. 
 
 The scarlet robe, the crown of thorns, 
 
 Tlie Cross, the Vinegrir and Gall, 
 Are landmarks for the soul that mourns, 
 
 To find, and crown him " Lord of All." 
 
 A hope in Christ, O blessed gift, 
 
 Brought by the Holy Ghost from Heaven, 
 
 The Star that *'lumes life's gloomy path," 
 And witnesses our sins forgiven. • 
 
 Lord, let this hope in life, in death 
 
 Here from my peaceful breath be riven ; 
 
 Ripened to certainty by faith. 
 
 Its end, a crown of life in Heiiven. 
 
 On hope in Christ's triumphant wing, 
 
 When death my soul from earth shall sever, 
 
 Ansels shall bear me horne to sifig. 
 Glory to God and Christ forever. 
 
 W. C. P. C. 
 
 DEATH OF COL. CLAY, 
 
 lY REV. L. L. ALLBN. 
 Author of " Pencillings upon the Rio Grnnde," &.c. 
 
 The battle of Buena Vista will ever be memorable in the his- 
 tory of nations, on account of the circumstances which surround- 
 ed it, and the prowess of our troops — from the great skill and 
 coolness which our chivalrous and patriotic otHcers evinced 
 throughout the whole engagement. Our illustrious and distin- 
 guished General-in-Chief, Mojor General Ziichary Taylor, won 
 for himself imperishable honors and unfading laurels. i?anta 
 Anna, President of Mexico, and Commander- in Chief of the Army 
 and iNavy of Mexico, had suddenly marched at the head oftwen- 
 ty-uvo thousand soldiers of his own selection, with stati'and field 
 officers that he could confide in, to that part of the province 
 where Gen. Taylor was encamped, wiih a force of little more 
 than five thousand men. Althougn the disparity was so great in 
 tjie respective armies, yet what our armies lacked in numbers 
 was n)a(|e up in valor— our troops performed prodigies of gallant 
 
34 
 
 and heroic feats. When the conflict commenced it was a scene 
 of terrible grandeur and awful magnificence — the huge rocks 
 displayed iheir rugged and cragged fronts in one direction, look- 
 ing down from their lofty summits, like the pyramids of Egypt, 
 upon the mighty conflict which was ensuing below. Notwith- 
 standing the sun occasionally poured forth his scorching and 
 withering rays upon the earth, now and then a gentle zephyr 
 would fan the foliage, and cause a rustling anjong the leaflets, as 
 if in sympathy with the fierce contest ; the waters gushed up 
 from bubbling springs, and dashed in silvery cascades among the 
 green liills, but was soon mingling with the crimson current 
 which flowed from the death wound of many a brave soldier — in 
 every direction sqi^iadrons of men hastened to the fearful strife. — 
 The contending armies rushing with tremendous shouts to the 
 onset, while the huzzas of the victors, went up to the very dome 
 of heaven — the banners were w.ivmg in the air — the thunder of 
 artillery shook the earth, and the blaze of musketry and the 
 gleaming of swords rendered the scene painfully interesting ; 
 while the shrieks of the wounded and dying were most agonic, 
 ing in the intervals of the conflict — the music of the bands would 
 roll in upon the ear in thrilling and enlivening strains. General 
 Taylor was seen riding his favorite charger, who had borne him 
 so proudly through the line, cheering his men in the conflict un- 
 heeding the messengers of death, which flew thick and fast around 
 him. At length the enemy weie completely routed, and fled 
 with the renowned Santa Anna at their head, accompanied by 
 many of his distinguished chieftains. *' We had met the enemy 
 and they were ours ;" but what a victory — at what an expense 
 had It been achieved — how many valuable lives have been lost. 
 Oh ! it is a sickening snd paralyzing scene to pass over the bat- 
 tle field, after a hard fought and sanguinary conflict, to gaze upon 
 the heaps of slain — of your own noble and brave companions — 
 who, but a few hours before, were moving with animation and 
 energy among their fellow soldiers, but who had been smitten 
 with the steel, or pierced by a ball — now struck down and iymg 
 a stiflened inanimate lump of earth— their spirits fled to a world 
 unknown. Heaps of men lay upon the green sward, with no 
 other winding sheet but the dew of heaven, and the life blood 
 which flowed in streams from mortal wounds received in de- 
 fence of their country. Though nature may erect their monu- 
 ments, yet their heroic and chivalrous deeds will be enshrined in 
 the hearts of their countrymen ; and their memories enthroned 
 in the affections of every son and daughter of freedom. Among 
 heroes who fell upon that memorable day, there 
 
35 
 
 was one, whose name is associated with the whole Annerican na- 
 tion. Colonel Clay, the son of America's statesman and ora- 
 tor, fell in ihe midst of the thickest and fiercest of the contest, 
 nobly baring his breast to the conflict. While lei ing on his 
 men to the charge, he fell mortally woundt^d — his men were 
 obliged to struggle fur victory or death, consequently their leader 
 was left to die in the arms of his faithful friend Captain Cutter. 
 Oh ! it was a painfully agonizing scene to look upon thnt noble 
 form and mild countenance, yielding himself up to the iron hand 
 of death, and resigning his spirit into the hands of his God. Re- 
 clining his head upon the bosom ot his friend, the blood fast ooz- 
 ing from his wound, and his eyes swimming in the waters of 
 death, " here," said he, '• take these pistols to my honored fa- 
 ther and say to him, that I return the present he mnde without 
 disgracing them, or sullying the reputaton of my name ;'' 'hen 
 calmly resigned himself to death— one struggle at d all was over, 
 the budy o-'Coi. Clay, lay '' like a warrior taking hi? rest with his 
 martial cloak wrapped around him." Peace to thy memory — 
 tread lightly over the ashes of the dead. In th^ fall of Ciav our 
 army lost one of its brightest ornaments, and ^America on'- of her 
 most gallant and purest patriots. Tnere are other hearts which 
 bleed beside ihose of his brethren in arms who survive him, and 
 beside his numerous circle of friends and acquaintances. Ash- 
 land is shrouded in mourning — sorrow is depicted in every face 
 of that stricken family as they gather around the domestic board 
 in their sanctuary. There is a tender and afTectionaie wife who 
 is left d widow, and her heart stricken, and a wound inflicted 
 which time can never entirely heal. There are little one.s, too, 
 who a few months before had a farher ; but who, alas ! now are 
 left without the protection of such a parent. And there s the 
 subdued and pent up feelings of an idolizing mother, now gush 
 ing forth from the deep fountains of her very soul ; and the futhc, 
 who has stood before the American naiiun for more than a quar- 
 ter of a century, with his colossal mind and Herculean strength, 
 as Amerca's great s^tatesman, having been smitten, blow after 
 blow ; and who, in the loftinei?s of his intellect and majesty of his 
 slren^ith, has borne up with dignity and calmness, which belongs 
 to his^ nature, amid the many conflicts which have surrounded 
 him ; at length gives way to this most severe stroke of all ; and 
 the great man bows to the mandate of his God — and he is affect- 
 ed even to tears. The letter from General Taylor to Henry 
 Clay, conveying the mournful intelligence of the death of his son, 
 is characteristic of the old soldier— couched in the most tender 
 and delicate language — full of great sympathy, atd wishing Iq 
 
36 
 
 soothe his anguish- There is not a heart in all America that 
 does not throb in sympathy with Henry Clay. But Gen. Tay- 
 lor and Henry Clay need no eulogies from me — -their fame has 
 been wafted far over sea and land, and a nation will ever be 
 proud in the remembrance of being honored wiih such a distin- 
 guished General, and with such an illustrious statesman. 
 
 DEATH OF THE YOUNG ADJUTANT OF THE 
 ARMY OF TEXAS. 
 
 BY REV. L. L. ALLEN. 
 Author of ' Pencillings upon the Rio Grande,' &.c. 
 
 Henry S , was an only child, idolized by his father, and 
 
 loved with an undying afTection by a fond mother ; possessed 
 of an ardent temperament, generous to a faulf, of an open and 
 ingenuous mind, unsuspecting because innocent himself — not a 
 single mean streak lingered around the region of his heart, and 
 above all, he was as chivalrous and as patriotic a youth as ever 
 trod on the face of this green earth. VVith such rare qualifica- 
 tions and noble traits, how could it be otherwise, than that he 
 should be the favorite of all who became acquainted with him. — 
 In 1836, when Texas was calling aloud for volunteers to come 
 to the rescue, young Henry S., was among the first to enroll his 
 name as a volunteer. It was my happiness to enjoy his confi- 
 dence and friendship, as also to accompany him to the land of 
 the Lone Star ! We became, as a matter of course, devoted to 
 each other ; there was a congeniality of sou', kindred spirits had 
 met ; here was an affiliation of soul. When the company 
 of which we were members, had arrived at Washington, upon 
 the Brazos, Henry was unanimously elected a lieutenant, any 
 when we had marched to head-quarters, upon the Gaudaloupe, 
 he was appointed adjutant. 
 
 Such a distinction conferred upon a mere youth, was an honor 
 of which he might have been justly proud. His conduct in this 
 capacity, was every way highly satisfactory to both otficers and 
 n^en. He bore himself on all occasions, as a gallant soldier ; 
 and with how much pleasure did we hang his young brow with 
 laurels ; and with how much delight did we all pour out our 
 meed of praise upon our young hero ; and how the heart of t|je 
 fond |Qd devoted n^otjier thrilled with ^.notion, when hearing of 
 
 \H ^^f^y ^M d^rin| H^H 9^ ht'f hoy \ jin^iliQw the qld vetef^pf 
 
87 
 
 the sun, used to talk of the gallant deeds of their boy. 0, he 
 was indeed, the idol of the whole army ; but alas ! the destroyer 
 had come, and that gallant youth was doomed to fall a prey to 
 the demon — not by a leaden messenger — not from tiie thunder- 
 ing cannon, nor by the bristling bayonet, nor yet t^y the keen and 
 glistening sword — he who had received honored scars in detenco 
 of freedom's hallowed cause, was destined to fall by a foe potent, 
 though his approaches were slow, yet sure of his prey, because 
 he wielded his magic wand, 
 
 Henry, alas ! like too many others, paused, listened, and yield- 
 ed to the temptation, and was ruined. While memory hold> her 
 empire, the rough hand of time never can erase from my mind 
 the scene which occurred upon the banks of the Lavaca, on (he 
 night of the 7lh of August, 1836. 1 was aroused from my slum- 
 bers while reposing on my camp-couch in my marquee, about 10 
 o'clock, by a messenger from my devoted friend the young adju- 
 tant. Hastily repairing to his quarters, I found him lying upon 
 his couch surrounded by others of his faithful friends, with a dim 
 flickering lamp throwing out its faint rays as if in sympathy with 
 the scene. The moon rode high in the heavens, while the great 
 dome hung out her lamps ; and now and then a fleecy cload 
 paused a moment, as if to enquire who kept their vigils, and who 
 watched the vestal fires at such an unseemly hour ; the sentry 
 trod lightly as he passed his lonely round for fear of disturbing 
 the loneliness and the sacredness of the hour, while the murmur- 
 ings of the river mingled its notes and voice w'th the solemnity 
 of the scene. Occasionally the distant thunder rolled away in 
 the distance, as the voice of the migh.y God, and the vivid light- 
 nings flashed and streamed through the heavens as though omi- 
 nous of the sad and mournful scene. Every officer and soldier, 
 almost held his breath for fear of disturbing the sacredness of the 
 hour. Swch, gentle reader, is a faint outline of the scene which 
 surrounded the couch of my comrade, of my brolher-in-arms, and 
 more than this, of my sincere and devoted friend the young adju- 
 tant. As 1 almost breathlessly approached his couch, with my 
 heart in my throat and eyes, he reached out his fevered and 
 trembling hand, his countenance becoming animated, and his 
 burning eve still retaining some of its former lu-strc, and exclaim- 
 ed, '' My friend," in low and feeble tone, " I have seat for you 
 in my last dying hour to recei«e my last message;" and then 
 with the struggles of a dying man,, with tlie death rattle in his 
 throat, attempted to reach me b^ pocket Bible fjom his side, Put- 
 ting my ear (JQwn to \\m nuiyering lips,-~'« 'tako thjs liible— .a 
 p|icolea^ gifl 80f1 gpj^ i'rpru m ii&a>' m\ fiffbvliynuie rnQther,-;-* 
 
 w^\ lif^# li#Wrt H) (^v li^p^iH^HS nhil^te ^m\\^ ^mm^ 
 
40 
 
 I hope will not be wholly without interest to my numerous 
 friends. 
 
 I was sent for one evening from a prisdi house by a young 
 Lieutenant, who desired to see me very much. I obeyed the 
 summons immediately, and soon arrived in company with the 
 messenger at the prison, which was a miserable and lonely look- 
 ing plcice, dilapidated and fast going to decay. The turnkey 
 soon made his appearance, placmg the key in the lock with a 
 very great effort, turned back the bolt, and placing his body 
 against a huge door, composed of solid massive iron, he forceJ it 
 open. Ob, how it grated on its rusty hinges, making my blood 
 curdle in my veins. On entering this lonely and damp abode, 
 the cold, chilly wind that came through one little space fell upon 
 the heart, for it was the month of January. After a few moments 
 pause, which was deeply agonizing to me, lights were brought. 
 Recovering from my momentary shock, produced by the awful 
 stillness and death like silence which pervaded the spot, my eyes 
 rested upon ihe form of a young man, of about nineteen years, 
 l\ing upon a straw palet, with one hundred and fifty pounds of 
 iron upon his ancles, chaining him fast to a large ring in th^i floor, 
 which was solid rock. His countenance was as white as the 
 drifted snow — his forehead high and intellectual — his features 
 mild and pleasant. Fixing his keen piercing eyes upon me, his 
 bosom heaving and strnggling with powerful emotions, he ad- 
 dressed me as follows : '' i have sent for you, my friend, as a 
 messenger of peace, to ask you to do me one more favor, and 
 remember it is the request of a dying man," and then the burn- 
 ing tears coursed down his cheeks as he heaved a sigh — he con- 
 tinued, " in a few days, I must die an ignominious death. I 
 must be hung up between the heavens and earth, a spectacle for 
 men and angels to look upon ;'' and then the tears would choke 
 his utterance, so that he could not proceed. At length, recover- 
 ing himself, he continued : '' I wish you to accompany me from 
 my cell to the place of execution, and preach my funeral sermon. 
 His request was complied wifh. At length, that long-dreaded 
 day rolled on, and if my feelings were so acute, what agony must 
 he have endured. As usual on such occasions, there was an 
 immense concourse of people in attendance, composed of men, 
 women, and children. The prisoner was seated on a coffin paint- 
 ed black ; it was placed in a common cart. He was habited in 
 a white shroud, with a black cap over his face, and that hateful 
 cord around his neck, and a coil of it in his right hand. He was 
 guided by as fine a looking and noble hearted company of young 
 soldiers, as ever drew a sword or shouldered a rifle, to the place 
 qf execqtipn. On arriving at the foot of the stairs, the ascended 
 
41 
 
 the scaflTold with a firm step, and took his place upon the fatal 
 drop. After a fervent prayer had been offered up for him by a 
 Minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church, I attempted to per. 
 form one of the most painful duties which has fallen to my lot; 
 and I pray most sincerely that it may never occur again. xVfter 
 I had finished my discourse, the prisoner standing on the platform 
 with the rope around his neck, addressed the audience in the fol- 
 lowing language. " My friends, listen to the words of a dying 
 man, and take warning from my example. At the early age of 
 nine years, I lost one of the best of mothers. Her last words 
 to me were, Charles, my dear son, beware of bad company; and 
 above all, shun the wine cup — remember my son it is a mother's 
 dying advice. Although ten summers have passed away, yet I 
 still hear her sweet and silvery voice falling upon my ear. Had 
 I followed her advice, I should not be here. Alas ! I forget her 
 counsels — mingled with the unprincipled — draiik wine freely 
 and gambled, and became addicted to the maddening bowl ; and 
 while heated with the accursed wine, in a fatal hour, I committed 
 a crime contrary to the laws of God and my country. To the 
 young, especiaHy, let me warn you to shun the wine cup, and the 
 course which I have pursued. I shall in a iew moments be usher- 
 ed into the presence of a sin-avenging God ; and may He have 
 mercy upon my soul. To you, sir. (turning to me,) who have 
 been so kind and attentive to me, I return the grateful acknow- 
 ledgments of my heart, which will soon cease to beat. And now 
 1 bid you farewell — remember we shall all meet again before the 
 Throne of Heaven — farewell ! farewell ! farewell !" The cord 
 was adjusted, the drop fell, and the spirit of the young lieutenant 
 was ushered into eternity. My friends pause, and remember 
 that a life of vice will lead to death, while the path of uprightness 
 and virtue will lead to endlesi joy. 
 
 Written for the Columbian Fountain 
 
 ASSASSINATION OF COL. TEAL. 
 
 BY REV. L. L. ALLEN. 
 Author of ••Pencellings upon the Rio Grande," &c. 
 
 We take pleasure in publishing an extract from the manu- 
 script of a work now preparing for the press from the pen of this 
 gifted and graphic writer, entitled '' Pencillings in Texas, during, 
 the Campaign of 1835, '36, '37;" and also a continuation of his 
 " Pencellings upon the Rio Grande," while he was officiating 
 as Chaplain in the United States service, in Mexico, with out il- 
 lustrious and distinguished chieftian. Major Gen. Zachary Tay- 
 lor. The author has kindly consented to contribute to the col. 
 
42 
 
 muns of our paper from the many deeply interesting and thrilling 
 scenes which have fallen under his personal observation. We 
 are quite sure that our numerous readers will peruse them with 
 the same pleasure which we derive in publishing ihem. 
 
 Henry Teal was as noble a young man as ever trod the lace 
 of this green earth While on a line of march in 1S35 as a 
 volunteer in the scenes of the land of the " Lone Star," I met 
 young Teal for the first time at Nacogdoches, acting then as 
 Captain in the recruiting service. Find ng him possessed of so 
 many noble traits of Character, I became very much attached to 
 him, and we soon became very intimate. 
 
 My duties called me to the frontiers beyond Grudaloupe in 
 the vicinity of the Alamo, consequently, I did not meet my friend 
 for some time, which was soon after. the memorable battle of 
 San Jacinto, which secured to Texas her freedom. 
 
 The main army was then under the command of Generals 
 Houston and Johnson at camp Preston, on the Lavaca river I 
 here had the pleasure of renewing the acquaintance of Teal, 
 who had been promoted to the rank of Col. He was a noble 
 specimen of Georgia's patriotic and chivalrous sons ; generous 
 to a fault ; possessed of all those noble qualities of head and 
 heart that end^-ar a man to his fellow man — he was the idle of 
 the army, but fortunately, like too many others, he was addicted 
 to a habit which was destined to cause his death ; and, I fear, 
 doom him to eternal wretchedness. Among all his excellent 
 qualities he indulged in the use of alcohol — and while in a con- 
 vivial circle one evening in his markee, wine was circulated very 
 freely— the mind became excited and unrestrained. At length 
 some remarks were made which were considered personal — a 
 quarrel ensued — the party broke up in confusion. Menacing 
 looks were exchanged — low murmuring threats were given. 
 
 I remember upon one of the darkest nights I ever experienced, 
 and so long as memory holds its empire, the rough hand of time 
 never will erase t>om my mind the scene which transpired on 
 that awful night. Col Teal was reposing upon his camp couch 
 in his markee, and Gen. Cook upon another one opposite his — 
 the tattoo had beat — the golden orb of day had sunk behind the 
 western hills — night had wrapped her sable drapery around the 
 earth. The moon withheld her silvery rays; the stars disap- 
 peared, one after another — the heavens gathered blackness in a 
 tenfold degree ; the ram began to fall in torrents ; the thunder 
 rolled in the distance in sullen and terrific grandeur; the fierce 
 lightnings flashed and gleamed in terrible majesty, and it ap- 
 peared really as though the whole arena of heaven and earth 
 had come together. The Lavaca came leaping by like a 
 
43 
 
 race horse, as though it would break over its boundaries, and the 
 dismal clouds came careering through the sky like the giant tread 
 of an earthquake. Most of the officers and men were sleeping, 
 save the failhful sentry as he walked his lownly round of duty ; 
 and amid the awful warring of the elements upon such a night, 
 and amid such a scene as I have faintly deleniated, was com- 
 mitted a deed which humanity weeps over, and at this distant 
 period and place, my blood almost curdles in my veins. One 
 small lamp was throwing out its flickering rays in the markee ot 
 Col. Teal, by the I'ght of this did the dastardly assassin fire the 
 deadly ball, which passed directl) through his heart, creating al- 
 most instant death. Gen. Cook in the interval of the storm was 
 awakened from his sleep by the report of a musket and the death- 
 yell of Col. Teal — he sprang to his couch raised him up and 
 ibund the warm blood gushing from his wound, and then shouted 
 to the top of the voice, '' Good heavens ! my fnend Teal is 
 dead." Yes it was too true — our mutual fiiend had fallen by the 
 hand of the assassin, and al^'.ohol was the cause of it. The 
 next day we buried him according to (he rights and honors of 
 war. Oh, it was a melancholy scene to see one so young so 
 noble stricken dovvn in the midst of such an active life — and as 
 his corpse was bourne along upon tlie bier carried upon the 
 shoulders of his men, in whose nftection he was enthroned, and 
 who would have plucked out their very eyes and given him, 
 '* With his martial cloak wrapped around him/' and swords 
 crossed upon his breast. I could not suppress the deep emotions 
 of my own heart, or prevent the gushing of a font of tears that 
 bathed my own face, and so we proceeded on in the mournful 
 procession amid the bayonest and sworr*s gleaming m the sun; 
 the nodding plumes, the waving banners, the roll of the muffled 
 drum, the sound of the shrill Hie, fell mournfully and in m.elon- 
 choly strains upon the ear. The soldiers trod slowly with their 
 arms reversed. When upon arriving at the grave, we gazed 
 for the last time upon the mild and manly features of a soldier 
 who had won laurels in defence of his country, but who, alas 
 had fallen a prey to the demon of intemperance. We placed his 
 body down in the narrow limits of the grave, and heaped the last 
 green sod over his sleeping dust. We carved not a line, we 
 raised not a stone, but left him to rest until the resurrection morn. 
 But ah, me, who can tell of his final doom, when the curtain 
 which hides us from eternity shall bo rolled up, and his soul all 
 unanealed be ushered into eternity — and who can tell the (ear- 
 ful consequences that await the murderous assassin when he shall 
 be ushered into the presence of his Maker, with his hands wreak- 
 ing ill the blood of his victim. But the scene is too sad to con- 
 
44 
 
 template, and I would fain draw a veil over such scenes, and 
 raise my warning voice, by this and a thousand other scenes of 
 a like character which are staining the hearts of our countrymen, 
 and dooming them to eternal sorrow and undying pain. 
 
 Address of the Rev. L. L. Allen, late Chaj^lam, in the U. S. 
 Service, on the Rio Grande^ delivered at a Temperance meeting 
 in, Washington D. C, at the 'presentation of a Banner by 
 the Ladies. 
 
 Without any previous arrangement 1 rise to address you, 
 catching inspiration from ihe scenes which surround me, upon 
 one ol the most deeply interesting subjects which can possibly 
 occupy the mind, or engage the heart ot intelligent beings, and 
 allow me to congratulate you upon the feliclious scenes with 
 which we are at this moment surrounded. I should be wanting 
 in the feelings which belong to intelligent beings were I not sen- 
 sible of the honor thus conferred upon me in being invited to 
 take some humble part in the delightful exercises of the evening. 
 This is an interestino- period in the history of the Temperance 
 cause in East Washington ; the heavens without lend enchant- 
 ment to the scene within, and the atmosphere is mild and bland, 
 the moon walks forth in her queenly beauty, the silvery stars 
 are keeping their vigils, and all nature smiles with pleasure and 
 happiness; and we are greeted with happy countenances, beam- 
 ing eyes, and warm hearts. The mellow strains of music from 
 the choir fall upon the ear like the minstrelsy of heaven ; and 
 woman — heaven's best gift to man — has come out to greet us 
 with her smiles and influence, in a cause which involves such 
 mighty and momentous interests. The beautiful and elegant 
 gift presented in such a chaste and appropriate manner also con- 
 spires to add felicity to the scene. Having thus briefly adverted 
 to the circumstances which surround us and the objects that have 
 convened us, I will now address myself on the subject before me. 
 
 My friends, we live in an exceedingly interesting period of the 
 world, when the mind is occupied with high and noble objects. 
 We have met to battle with h foe more potent and devastating in 
 his influence than the sword, pestilence or famine. One who is 
 sweeping over our fair and happy land, like a fiery siroco, carry- 
 ing in his resistless tide mllions of our countrymen, and althouh 
 it if a humiliating acknowedgement, it is nevertheless nue, that 
 too many fold their arms, hug their chains, lying upon theii oars, 
 and listening to the syren songs, while sudden destruction com- 
 eih upon them. Oh, it is a fearful and painfully agonizing sight 
 to witness the paralysing and withering effect ot the demon of 
 intemperance upon its victims in the various relations whicl^ 
 
45 
 
 they sustain to community. I have witnessed its sad effects upon 
 the statesman who has stood up in the loftiness of his soul with 
 his great strength of mind and briliancy of thought, compelling 
 his auditors to do him homage, but who alas ! in an evil hour, 
 has yicUlcd himself to the destroyer and fallen — Oh ! how low ! 
 I have seen the physician who by virtue of his profession, is 
 permitted to tread the dom.estic sanctuary where no other can 
 approach, and who was honored and respected by his fellow men 
 and who was also an ornament to his profession, I have seen 
 him too yielding to the destroying hand of alcohol, and ruined 
 eternally. And I have also looked upon the Holy min- 
 ister of the cross clad in the livery of the church and panoplied 
 all over with the armor of heaven, as the priest of the Most 
 High, being enthroned in the affections of the people, and pour- 
 ing out his ardent prayers, and earnest appeals to dying men. 
 Yes, and I have seen him, alas ! fallen a prey to intemperance. 
 And I have watched the warrior, as he went forth to battle for 
 his country, march calmly up to the thundering cannon, and 
 then rush upon a rampari of bristling bayonets, amid the gleam- 
 ing of swords, rattling of spears, waving of banners, nodding of 
 plumes, roll of the drum, the sound of the clarion, the rushing of 
 the foe, the groans of the dying, and amid scenes of blood and 
 carnage he b.as won imperishable honors. And his countrymen 
 have delighted to bind upon h's brow a wreath of immortal fame, 
 And Ihave heard his name mentioned by all classes with pride, 
 but ah, me! the chivalrous and patrotic soldier has fallen a vic- 
 tim to a foe more potent than the sword, for it has carried him 
 to a drunkard's grave and doomed him to everlasting woe, and 
 undying pain. 
 
 But we are here to night to encourage each other in the sub- 
 lime and godlike cause of temperance. And as an Order of 
 the Sons and Daughters of Temperance ^o have great cause to 
 rejoice and take courage, and redouble our diligence. 1 am 
 most happy to state to the friends of temperance that we are all 
 engaged in the same high and holy enterprise as members of the 
 old temperance societies, Rechabites, Total Abstinents, Wash- 
 ingtonians, Sons and Daughters, Templars, Cadets, and the 
 young Misses : thus «ombined fathers and mothers, hus- 
 bands and wives, parents and children, we march in solid and 
 firm phhuiax right up to the very battlements of the foe. If, as 
 an Order we have in less th'an five years enrolled under our banner 
 more than one hundred thousand men, good and true, and nearly 
 twenty- five thousand ladies, true as steel, besides the institution of 
 Templars, Cadets, and young ladies. I say if we have accom- 
 lished so much in such a brief period, under discouraging cir- 
 
46 
 
 cumstances, being in our infancy, what will we not accomplish 
 in the future if we are true to our principle, and true to each 
 other? We have persons connected with us of every descrip- 
 tion, agriculturists, mechanics, merchants, artists, artisans, ora- 
 tors, poets,sculpturers, and painters, togeihergwith eminent slates- 
 men, sigacious lawyers, skillful physicians, profound and deeply 
 pious divines, and what, I inquire, does the Temperance cause 
 contemplate? She contemplates what the gospel does. She 
 designs to lilt up the fallen, sorrow-stricken and crushed heart, 
 and from the pale cheek to wipe, with the soft hand of kindness, 
 the tears of anguish, and implant in the heart joy and gladness, 
 and not only enthrone them again in the esteem and confidence 
 of the good, but to be instrumental eventually of enthroning 
 them with God and angels in the clime of unsullied happiness 
 and unclouded glory! The Temperance cause is preparing 
 material tor the Christian church, and is a powerful auxiliary. 
 Then, as an Order, we can accomplish often more even than a 
 church. I remember once upon a time a citizen of one 
 of the cities of the far West who was comforably situated and 
 stood high in the estimation of his friends, a man with a mighty 
 intellect withal, and surrounded with a large circle cf acquain- 
 tances, and blessed with a kind and excellent wife, and afTection- 
 ate children. But he, too, listened to the voice of the foe and 
 in a few years squandered his property, ruined his family, and 
 almost destroyed himself, and as the trafficker in alchohol and 
 distilled death, swept the last farthing into his coffers, because he 
 had no more to give, turned him uncerimoniously into the street, 
 and whilst lying in the gutter, covered with rags and filth — must 
 I say it? Yes, some ministers of the cross passed by, looked 
 upon him, and then passed on, excleiming, " poor fellow," ii'ji 
 all over with him !" And some members of Christian churches 
 looked coldly on him exclaiming, " Ah, poor fellow you was 
 once very respectable, but you are down at last," and following 
 their leaders, also passed on. At length a Son of Temperance 
 passed, and having been rescued from tlie monster hiaiself, knew 
 full well how to sympathize; he stopped to lift him up, exclaim- 
 in^, '' I will take you home." Wtien the sound fell upon his 
 ear and striken heart it awakened painful emotions. " Home ! 
 I once had a happy and cheeitul home, but, alas ! for me now, 
 I have no home," and then the poor inebriate wept tears of bit- 
 ter anguish. Oh me, how heaven weeps over fallen humanity, 
 and what heart does not throb with the deepest sympathy at the 
 sad scene. But the man of Philanthropy took his brother, 
 fehoufTh an inebriate, to his own house and called for his wife 
 who was a Daughter oi Tempprance, to assist him in his task of 
 
47 
 
 benevolence, and woman, true to her nature, bent over the poor 
 wretched drunkard, and lent her aid— a lovely gir:, scarcely 
 seventeen summers had pass- d over her fair brow, the rose 
 blooming on her young and delicate cheek in freshness and 
 beauty, was there to aid in this scene of mercy. A little boy of 
 seven years brought water to wash the mud from his mouth, 
 nose, ears, and eyes, and a sweet little angel of a girl, scarcely 
 live years old, looked up into the eyes of its parent, exclaiming 
 in the mnocence of its young heart, " Pa !" let me do some- 
 thing too." They remembered that there was an immortal spirit 
 wrapped in human clay, and the wife bent over the poor man 
 watchmg with intense emotion the throbbing of his agonizing 
 heart, wiping off with her own soft and delicate hand the sweat 
 that gathered upon his brow. He awoke from his dream of ine- 
 briation and found himself surrounded with kind friends, then 
 bursting into a flood of tears, exclaimed in the bitter anguish of 
 his soul : *' Oh, rum, rum, rum, thou destroyer of my peace and 
 hiippi less ! my poor heart broken wife and my stricken and deso- 
 late children." And then he wept again but his wants were antici- 
 pated, for he was surrounded by true Sons and Daughters of 
 Temperance; /lope, began to dawn upon him ;tgain, /o?/ once 
 more took possession of his heart, and happiness was again felt 
 in his family, and prayer was heard in their cottage, and the 
 morning and evening hijmn arose as incence before the throne of 
 Vveaven, and at this moment that man and his family occupy a 
 respectable position among their fellow-citizens. Oh, how many 
 poor and unfortunate men are now wandering through our streets, 
 degraded by rum, and many a fond wife's hopes are crushed in 
 censequence ; how many widow's hearts are rung with anguish 
 and how many burning tears are shed by the hapless orphan 
 cast out upon the cold pitiless world to buffet with its rude winds? 
 Oh, my friends, I call upon you as patriots and christians, parens 
 and children, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, by the 
 memory of the immortal Washington, by the love you bear 
 vour country, by all that is sacred in heaven or on earth, all, all 
 — to rise up in the majesty of your strength, and wage cU eter- 
 nal warfare against the demon of intemperance. But 1 am to 
 speak of the cause of intemperance in the Army of Occupation 
 in the valley of the Rio Grande. Intemperance among our brave 
 and puiiiotic troops in Mexico exists to an alarming degree. My 
 duties made it necessary to become acquainted with its appalling 
 effect upon the officers and sojcljers. The venders of alcohol 
 have found their way to our army, and many, very many of our 
 "oldiers have fallen tiirough their lustrameniality. Men possessed 
 ^ hearts, noble hearts as ever throbbed in the bosom of man, 
 
48 
 
 have paused, listened, and fell ; brave men \Vho have distinguish- 
 ed themselves in the great battles of our country at Palo Alto, 
 Resaca le la Palma, Matamoros, Monterey, Buna Vista, Vera 
 Cruz, and Cero Gardo ; men who have won immortal honor 
 and their names inscribed high upon the archives of fame, have , 
 yielded to the tempter and fell. Oh, what keen anguish ha" 
 taken possession of my own soul, as I have bent over the bod 
 of an interesting young soldier to stifle the wound received in de 
 fence of his rights, but how much more pain have I experience( 
 when called upon to administer to him in his dying hours, to gaa 
 upon the eye losing its lustre, and swimming in death, and be 
 holding the quivering lip and the pulsation of life becoming fev 
 and feeble, nature fast ebbing out, and the last flickering rays ii 
 the lamp of life throwing out iheir scintilations, and what is iiifi 
 nitely more painful, is the fact that the brave and gallant yotin^ 
 soldier's death was hastened in consequence of the use ot alcohoj, 
 but I am happy to state that there are very many both officers an^ 
 soldiers in the American army in Mexico, who are as distinguish- 
 ed for their habits of temperance as are they for their deeds of gal- 
 antry, and it gives me much pleasure to add the name o four distin- 
 guished General Z. Taylor, as a man of temperate habits, toge- 
 ther with many others associated with him. But my respected 
 auditors I am tresspassing upon your time, I am admonished by 
 the circumstances which surround me to bring my remarks to a 
 close. The only apology for detaining you, is the deep interest 
 which I feel in the subject, and the profound attention with which 
 you have done me the honor to listen; adding my most ardent 
 prayers and confident wishes that the glorious cause of temper- 
 ance may continue to prosper, until Father Mathew, the Apostle 
 of Temperance in Ireland, shall be met by the champions o. 
 our noble cause in America, when the shouts and songs of tem- 
 perance roll forth from millions of happy Sons and Daughters 
 of Temperance, and beside the stripes and stars of our beloved 
 country be unfurled, not only the banner of the Cross, but the 
 flag of Temperance, and this trio of banners continue to wave 
 forever in triumph o'er '' the land of the free and the home of 
 the brave." 
 
 FINIS. 
 
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