fficer
of no more value or importance than himself. Hence he yields obedience
only because he knows the necessity of discipline in a hazardous
service, while, off of duty, he is as familiar with his commander as
with a private.

Thus the Ranger's existence has ever been a scene of fierce
independence; and though approaching the _ranchero_ in some of his
restless habits, he has, nevertheless, always been distinguished from
that vile compound of ferocity, treachery and cruelty, by the remnants
of civilization he has borne to the solitudes of the wilderness. He was
destined to be of infinite value to the regular army in a country where
it was important to obtain information by reckless means among an almost
Arab population. Subsequent events proved that no scouting service was
so severe, no adventure so dangerous, that he would not risk his life
and exercise the cunning of his craft in performing it either on the
thorny banks of the Rio Grande or among the mountain defiles of
Monterey.

FOOTNOTES:

[105] The following document was circulated by Mexican emissaries and
spies among our troops:

"_The commander-in-chief of the Mexican army to the English
and Irish under the orders of the American General Taylor_:

"KNOW YE: That the government of the United States is
committing repeated acts of barbarous aggression against the
magnanimous Mexican nation; that the government which exists
under "the flag of the stars" is unworthy of the designation
of Christian. Recollect that you were born in Great Britain;
that the American government looks with coldness upon the
powerful flag of St. George, and is provoking to a rupture
the warlike people to whom it belongs, President Polk boldly
manifesting a desire to take possession of Oregon, as he has
already done of Texas. Now, then, come with all confidence
to the Mexican ranks, and I guarantee to you, upon my honor,
good treatment, and that all your expenses shall be defrayed
until your arrival in the beautiful capital of Mexico.

"Germans, French, Poles, and individuals of other nations!
Separate yourselves from the Yankees, and do not contribute
to defend a robbery and usurpation which, be assured, the
civilized nations of Europe look upon with the utmost
indignation. Come, therefore, and array yourselves under the
tri-colored flag, in the confidence