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Letter to Editor
November 17, 1847
Weekly Miners' Express
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
What is this article about?
Prisoners from Encarnation express gratitude to Capt. C. M. Clay for his bravery and kindness during captivity in the Mexican War, recounting his self-sacrifice during a threatened massacre and sharing of resources. Signed by A. C. Bryan and others in Lexington, Ky., Oct. 20, 1847.
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Full Text
TRIBUTE TO CAPT. C. M. CLAY.—Every just thinking man will agree with us, that it is far more honorable to deserve such a tribute as the following, than to hold any station, even the highest, in the gift of President or Kings.
From the Lexington Observer.
Capt. C. M. CLAY, as open-hearted as Brave.—The undersigned, a portion of the prisoners of Encarnation, for ourselves—and we doubt not all would unite were they here—take this method of expressing, as well as we are capable of doing in words, our deep and heartfelt gratitude to Capt. C. M. CLAY for his attention and kindness whilst we were prisoners with the enemy.
When Capt. Henry made his escape, and the Mexican commander, excited by that event, gave orders for the massacre of the Americans, Capt. Clay exclaimed, "Kill the officers—spare the soldiers!" A Mexican Major ran to him, presenting a cocked pistol to his breast. He still exclaimed: Kill me—kill the officers, but spare the men—they are innocent!" Who but C. M. Clay, with a loaded pistol to his heart, and in the hand of an enraged enemy, would have shown such magnanimous self devotion? If any man ever was entitled to be called the "soldier's friend," he is. He was ever watchful and kind towards us, allowing every privilege that would be granted by our enemies—turned all orders and commands into advice and consolation; and upon our march to the city, would take turn by turn, allowing us to ride his mule, that we might stand the march of forty miles a day: divided the last cent of money he had with us, and resorted to every sacrifice to make us happy and comfortable. He disposed of his mule, when he found it necessary, the only animal he had, his buffalo rug, his watch, and all his clothes but one suit, and supplied our wants. He not only acted in this manner, towards those who were under his immediate command, but to all; and expressed his regret that he was unable to do more.
We make no comments upon the character and conduct of Capt. Clay. We state facts—we feel, but have no language to express our feelings.
Lieut. Davidson is also a full hearted man. He divided with us to the last cent. Clay and Davidson! true and noble hearts! May heaven restore them to their country and friends, amongst whom we in our own names, and for the prisoners of Encarnation, subscribe ourselves the most grateful and devoted.
A. C. BRYAN
W. D. RADCLIFFE,
CHARLES E. MOONEY,
JOHN J. FINCH,
ALFRED AR GABRIGHT
Lexington, Ky., Oct. 20th, 1847.
From the Lexington Observer.
Capt. C. M. CLAY, as open-hearted as Brave.—The undersigned, a portion of the prisoners of Encarnation, for ourselves—and we doubt not all would unite were they here—take this method of expressing, as well as we are capable of doing in words, our deep and heartfelt gratitude to Capt. C. M. CLAY for his attention and kindness whilst we were prisoners with the enemy.
When Capt. Henry made his escape, and the Mexican commander, excited by that event, gave orders for the massacre of the Americans, Capt. Clay exclaimed, "Kill the officers—spare the soldiers!" A Mexican Major ran to him, presenting a cocked pistol to his breast. He still exclaimed: Kill me—kill the officers, but spare the men—they are innocent!" Who but C. M. Clay, with a loaded pistol to his heart, and in the hand of an enraged enemy, would have shown such magnanimous self devotion? If any man ever was entitled to be called the "soldier's friend," he is. He was ever watchful and kind towards us, allowing every privilege that would be granted by our enemies—turned all orders and commands into advice and consolation; and upon our march to the city, would take turn by turn, allowing us to ride his mule, that we might stand the march of forty miles a day: divided the last cent of money he had with us, and resorted to every sacrifice to make us happy and comfortable. He disposed of his mule, when he found it necessary, the only animal he had, his buffalo rug, his watch, and all his clothes but one suit, and supplied our wants. He not only acted in this manner, towards those who were under his immediate command, but to all; and expressed his regret that he was unable to do more.
We make no comments upon the character and conduct of Capt. Clay. We state facts—we feel, but have no language to express our feelings.
Lieut. Davidson is also a full hearted man. He divided with us to the last cent. Clay and Davidson! true and noble hearts! May heaven restore them to their country and friends, amongst whom we in our own names, and for the prisoners of Encarnation, subscribe ourselves the most grateful and devoted.
A. C. BRYAN
W. D. RADCLIFFE,
CHARLES E. MOONEY,
JOHN J. FINCH,
ALFRED AR GABRIGHT
Lexington, Ky., Oct. 20th, 1847.
What sub-type of article is it?
Emotional
Historical
What themes does it cover?
Military War
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Capt Clay Tribute
Mexican War
Encarnation Prisoners
Bravery
Self Sacrifice
Kindness
Soldiers Friend
What entities or persons were involved?
A. C. Bryan, W. D. Radcliffe, Charles E. Mooney, John J. Finch, Alfred Ar Gabright
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A. C. Bryan, W. D. Radcliffe, Charles E. Mooney, John J. Finch, Alfred Ar Gabright
Main Argument
the undersigned prisoners express deep gratitude to capt. c. m. clay for his brave self-sacrifice and generous kindness during their captivity with the enemy in the mexican war.
Notable Details
Capt. Henry's Escape Leading To Massacre Order
Capt. Clay's Plea: 'Kill The Officers—Spare The Soldiers!' Despite Pistol To His Breast
Sharing Mule, Money, Clothes, And Other Possessions With Prisoners
Praise For Lieut. Davidson's Similar Generosity