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278 been betrayed into their hands. And they stripped and plundered the bodies of the American dead, left on the field of battle; bruising' and mutilating them in the most brutish and vindictive manner.

It is consoling to know, however, that in course of time such barbarities became fewer and further between; until at length they ceased altogether, and hostilities were conducted a little more in accordance with the dictates of humanity. As the Americans approached the capital—though strenuous exertions to the contrary were made by priests and others—their advent was regarded, by the more intelligent inhabitants, rather as a token of forthcoming tranquillity than otherwise.

Such proceedings as the foregoing gave rise to reprisals on the part of the Americans: a number of the vile cumanches and rancheros—who had been foremost in several of the atrocities last named—were elevated to the dignity of high gallows-trees: others were shot, taken in the act. The Mexican officers were indignantly expostulated with and threatened on the subject and prompt and vigorous measures were resorted to, until at length the taste for such horrors was forcibly subdued.