LIBRARY OF CONGRESS _| r= V^' ''0£\"^'^^<'' ■'0£^'>^<'' -'Sk^^y-^^^' ^ <. --^AO^ ' , . * A^' 95, ^ c -^ .V" 9x ^ « " ^ "" A^ 95, ^ , X ■* v^ ^//A*^-^\\V rjL.0^ r^^ ■=;\^^ :;;^:£:\\\^ :^M.'^-^^%<^ /^M£'i\<^ ;> o c\, ,^^ ^ ■O^^;^:^-^':^^/' ^ ■. ■'■-.^.r:^ '^' -. --^-\r^' -^ 95%'" ^^ .^^,'^' 0-, .^^ ^^^ ^.<^' - '^\^o '^^^^ % '. % v^^^ > iS ^. .'^ ^. oV ^^ ~^ ^^^^^ V ; ::\ 'crv ^.^ ^A^';'=^<^ :mv;^/- '^.y^^ ^.#\./^ "^^^ ,^<<^ cb ^. - ^:\:^ 2j: s^. ^^^\m^^\^^ \^ ^AO^ %.(^ H Q. ; :. .^^ ^^ '^ V ^ ^' ^ A '•^, cxV ^o^ 0^' ^>si;>'-S % -^ %.^^' "a'\^ t ,5^-^. / .«>=^ ^ - ^^^ r.^^ ^_> ^.-^.^-.c^ '^ '/-■^':^\r^ >' -^^ rO^ '.\.:?^ "^ ^ <. cP' ^^'"--.^ .<^ %/r'^<:<^ NOTES Mexican War 1846=4:7=4:8. COMPRISING INCIDENTS, ADVENTURES AND EVERYDAY PROCEEDIN(;S AND LKl'TEKS WHILE WIIH THE UNTIED STATES ARMY IN THE MEXICAN war; ALSO EXTRACTS FROM ANCIENT HISTORIES OK MEXICO, {;IVING AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF THE FIRS'T AND ORIGINAL SETTLERS OF MEXICO, ETC.; ALSO THE NAMES AND NUMBERS OF THE DIFFERENT RULERS OF MEXICO; ALSO INFLUENCE OF THE CHURCH. J. JACOB OSWANDKL, I.ATK OK Co. C, First Rkct. Pknna. Vols. RKN'IST^D ISSo. ILLUSTRATED. liULADIiLl'III.A; 1 « « D . 1^97 INTRODUCTION When the United States Government first declared war against the republic of Mexico, Pennsylvania was called upon to fi.irnish two regiments of soldiers. Francis R. Shunk. then Governor of Pennsylvania, issued his proclamation calling upon the militia and citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to rally to the support of our national honor and to sustain the flag of our beloved country, which was then trailed and trampled in the dust on our frontier. The time when this proclamation was issued, the author of this book was then living above Lewistown, Mifflin county. Pa., following boating in the capacity of bowsman on the canal boat " Mary," of McVeytown, of the same county, carrying freight and running between Hollidaysburg and Philadelphia. We were on our last trip, it being in the early part of the cold month of December, 1846, the boats having hard work to contend with in breaking the ice. We arrived at Harrisburg about the 9th of December ; here we were met by Mr. Daniel M. Dull, the proprietor of our boat, who informed us that Adjutant-General George W. Bowman had chartered the boat to take a company of soldiers to Hollidaysburg, Pa.; the company of soldiers who happened to come on our boat were the Monroe Guards, of Philadelphia, Capt. William F. Small, commanding. Having always had the inclination of cither going into the United States Navy, or joining the United States Army, and particularly since the war and struggle with Mexico, the desired opportunities were now before me. Having passed the age of twenty-one, I had already started out into life for myself, being thus young and healthy, and naturally ambitious for new enterprises and excitement, and had nothing to confine myself to any particular locality. ^ INTRODUCTION. The world was before me, nothing to leave behind me, ex- cept parents, brothers, sisters and friends. I concluded to fol- low that inclination by enlisting in Capt. William F. Small's Co. C, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve during the war with Mexico unless sooner discharged. Our regiment was, fortunately, attached to Gen. Scott's army, who dared to invade the soil of the Montezumas and teach an arrogant foe the bloody lessons of war, and dictate to over six millions of people the terms of the Treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo. After the close of that war we returned home with impaired health — many without friends and relatives ; shattered with a disease, contracted in a strange country and a hot climate, which, in a few years after the war, had taken from their homes more than one-half of those who returned. Some of our comrades have been fitly rewarded, by a grateful people, to the highest position in the gift of our people. Gens. Zachariah Taylor, Frank Pierce and Ulysess S. Grant have been elected to the Presidency of the United States. Others, who, probably, were less ambitious, have found in the pursuit of private life a congenial occupation, and content with the reputation of their past deeds, desire to be known as citizens of good report and as veterans of the Mexican War. The soldiers who fought through fire and blood from Vera Cruz to the capital of Mexico — a distance of nearly three hundred miles, which had to be fought foot by foot until the towers of the halls of Montezumas were stormed and taken, without a single retreat or defeat — have a just cause to be proud of their participation in that eventful struggle ; and by their valor they subdued an insolent foe and greatly widened the area of nearly three hundred and sixty-four million acres of land to the government which called them to its assistance. During this triumphant and memorable campaign, the author of this book kept a journal, and noted down every day's proceedings, from the first day of his enlistment until INTRODUCTION. 5 his honorable discharge in the city of Philadelphia, July 29, 1848. Many a thint^- may have been written in this book, which young men will eventually do, which at this advanced ao-e of sixty looks foolish, but it is, as far as my observation, all true. It also gives me pleasure to mention (and my friends will so testify) that I never failed to answer to my name at roll- call (except ten days while lying sick at Pueblo City with diarrhoea and cold, &c.). NOTE. — The long delay in presenting to the public this \Yoik was for the want of finances, and I thank God that he has spared my life to have raised sufficient funds to publish this book. Yours, THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. /. — Intcnlion and Enlistment — Mustered into the United Slates Service — Election of Field Officers — Departnre from Pittsburgh on Steatn- boats — On the Ohio and Alississippi Rivers — Arrived at Algiers, opposite New Orleans— Encampment on the Old Battle-field of Gen. Jackson'' s Achievement — Embarkation on Ships for the Scat of War — Arrived at Brazos Satttiago — Left that place for Island of Lobos — Arrival^Startcd for Anton Lizardo — Arrival at Anton Lizardo — Preparing to Land. II. — Landing beloiu Vera Cruz — Storming the Sand-hills — Surrounding the City — Col. Harney's Dragoon Fight — Bombardment of the City — Articles of Agreement to Surrender Vera Cruz — Mexican Army Marching out and .Stacking their Arms — First Visit to the City — Inspection of the Forts — Our Army of 10,000 Men leaving for the Capital of Mexico — Toilsome Marcliing — Arrival at Plan Del Rio — Gen. Twiggs Meets the Enemy — Preparing to Storm the Heights — He is Ordered to take Possession of a Hill — Gen. Scott's General Order No. iii to attack Cerro Gordo. III. — Battle of Cerro Gordo — Victory Complete — Routing of the Ene7iiy in all Directions — Capture of j, 000 Prisoners, 4J pieces of Artillery, some Bronze, 07/er J, 000 Stand of Arms, no end of Ammunition, Provisions &^c., over $jo 000 in Specie, Santa Anna's Private Carriage, Cork Leg; also his Saddle — F'ollo7ving the Flvini"''^t;rmastei-'s Warehouse, Stored icith Tobacco — Left Pueblo to Escort a Train to Vera Cruz — Numbers ' ('/" Priests — People Held in Ignorance in Small Towns — Aly Knapsack Stolen — A7-rived on the Old Battle-field of Cerro Gordo — Arrival of Gen. Pattersoti' s Forces — Camp at falapa — Execution of two American Teamsters and tiuo Mexican Officers — Capt. Small leaves tis to take his Seat in the State Senate — Arrived back to Pueblo City ~ Remain for Azahile. VI II. — Compelled to .Stay in Pueblo — The Catholic Religion — What it Used to Cost to Sustain It — Arrival of Gen. Wm. O. Butler — Train from J 'era Cruz — Left Pueblo — Arrival at Rio Frio — The Deep Cut to Drain the City of Mexico — El Penon Pass — .Irrived in the City — Saw Enough Greasers to Drive Out our .Ir my — Camp at .Sii/i .Angel — A Christmas in. the City — Scandalous Action of the Secular Clergy in Mexico — City of Mexico the Metropolic Capital of Mexico. ^^ ' IX. — Bull Fights in Mexico — Visit to the Castle Chapultepec — Alameda Park — The Cypress Trees — The Catholic Cathedral : its Dimen- sions, its Idols, Weallh,Qfc. — The Sofig of'^ Derry Down " — Tlas- calla City and its Ancient History — The Retnoval of Gen. Scott from his Victorious Army — Gen. Wm. O. Butler Appointed in his Place — Excitement Amongst the Soldiers — The Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, freeing them from the Spanish Rule- — Gen. Winfield Scott's Letter of Grievance to the Secretary of War, Hon. Wm. L. Marcy. ^ ^ j" CONTENTS. 9 A'. — Poor India IK — Flrsi AniiiiJersary of the Landing of Vera Cruz — Death of Gen. / 'aleneia — Account of the Bull Fight in Mexico — Lients. llare and Dutton, of the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, .i ceased of Murdering a Banker — First Anni-i'ersary vf the Battle of Cerro (iordo — A Holy Thursday — 77/1? Poor Lepers — Gens. Paredus, Alinonia and Bustat?iente — Great Excite- ment on Account of Prospect of Peace — Taking up the Dead — Bill of Tare — Ho7o Coffee is Made — Lieut s. Hare and Dutton Sentenced to be Hung — Another Visit to the City — A Treat with a High-toned Senor — Kare History of Mexico — Montezuma the Ninth Ruler of Mexico — His Life — A Treaty of Peace Signed, Causing Great Excitement Amongst the Soldiers — Lieuts. Hare and Dutton Pardoned, hat to be Kept Under Arrest until Land- ing at A>7i7 Orleans. ^ ~(^ ^ XL — First Original Settlers in Mexieoi—A'ames and Numbers of Rulers of A/exico — Our Departure from the City for " Home, Sweet Home " — Poetry: " We are Coming Home" — Chalco and its Ancient History — Arrival at Pueblo — Grand Reception, with Cheers and Clapping of Hands by the Senoritas as we Marched Throtigh the City — Arrived and Camped at El Encerro — Left Here and Arrived at Vera Cruz — Talk with Some of the Umbres—'' Will it Pay to Visit Mexico ?" — Embarked and Left Vera Cruz, with Cheers, for Home — -Poetic — '■'■Good-Bye to Mexico''^ — Arrival at N'etu Orleans — Meet taith a Grand Reception at Cincinnati — Arrived at Beaver and Economy — Harmony Society Formed — Reception at Pittsburgh— -Arrived at yohnstoxvn on the Summit {.Mc Veytoivn) at j locks — Lewistown — Grand Reception on the Road and at Harrisburg and Lancaster — Memoir of Early Childhood, Long Gone By. Xlf. — L^eaving Lancaster in the Midst of Cheers — Meet witli a Grand Reception at Philadelphia, with a Grand Dinner at the Chinese Museutn, on Alnth Street belo^v Chestnuts-Speeches and Songs Suitable for the Occasion — Taken to Third Street Hall, Corner of Third and iVillo'cv Streets, kept by Gen. Hall^Receiving our Discharge from the Army — Bidding Good-Bye to our Comrades — List of Names of the Company — Those who Died or were Dis- charged from the Army — Table of Distance from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico — 7he Formation of the Scott Legion — Twenty- fifth Anni'L'ersary of the Battle of Cerro Gordo —Speech on the ■ O.caiion. J JACOB OSWANDEL. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. CHAPTER I. INTENTION AND ENLISTMENT — MUSTERED INTO THE UNITED STATES SERVICE — ELECTION OF FIELD OFFICERS DE- PARTURE FROM PITTSBURGH ON STEAMBOAT — ON THE OHIO AND MISSISSIPPI RIVERS ARRIVED AT ALGIERS OPPOSITE NEW ORLEANS ENCAMPED ON THE OLD BATTLE-FIELD OF GEN. Jackson's achievement — embarked on board of SHIPS FOR THE SEAT OF WAR ARRIVED AT BRAZOS SANTI- AGO LEFT AND ARRIVED AT ISLAND OF LOBOS — LEFT LOBOS FOR ANTON LIZARDO — ARRIVED AT ANTON LIZARDO — PRE- PARING TO LAND. Friday, December ii, 1846. — To-day, after we arrived at Lewistown, Pa., Louis Bymaster and myself, also of that town, came to the conclusion to enlist in a soldier company to serve in the United States Army during the Mexican war. Mr. Bymaster wanted to join some dragoon company but I preferred the volunteer infantry. He then said that he, Bymaster, would follow me, and concluded to join the com- pany now on our boat and go and stick together, if we lived, during the Mexican war. Saturday, December 12, 1846. — This morning after we arrived at Huntingdon, Bymaster and myself had fully made up our minds to enlist in Capt. William F. Small's Co. C, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve during the war with Mexico, unless sooner discharged. We mentioned our intention of enlistment to Mr. Bently (a member of the company), who took us into the cabin 12 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. and introduced us to the Captain as new recruits. The Captain shook hands, and expressed himself highly pleased that we had made up our minds to join his company, and he hoped that we would never have occasion to regret it. The roll-book was then laid upon the table, after which we signed it. The Captain then again shook hands, con- gratulated us in a neat and well appropriate speech stating of our destination and prospect of triumphant victories in Mexico. Lieut. Aquilla Haines, who also was present, shook hands and said that he knew from our motive and activity on board of the boat that we would make good soldiers, and as long as we obey orders, as soldiers should do, we will find no better officer in the regiment. We then left the cabin of the boat and followed our usual occupation on the boat until we arrived at Hollidaysburg. During the day I informed my brother Frederick, who was also employed on the same boat, of what I had done and of my future destination. He seemed to be much surprised, and all he said was, well, I suppose you know your own business best, and all I can wish you is that you may keep your health, good luck, and a safe and triumphant return home again. The company of soldiers we have thus joined are entirely strangers to us, and we to them, they (with the exception of a delegation of eight men from Little York, who enrolled themselves at Harrisburg,) hailing from the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Louis Bymaster and myself are both from Lewistown, Pa., and Avill no doubt feel a little s/iyiwss for a while, but I hope before long, and particularly when we get into camp, we may be well acquainted and pleased with our choice. Sunday, December 13, 1846. — This morning about 7 o'clock we arrived at Hollidaysburg, Pa., and for the first time took breakfast with the soldier company at Mr. Reynold's hotel. After breakfast I went back to the boat " Mary " to take a final good-bye of my brother and friends, and addressed them in these words, " FViends, I have enlisted and signed the United States muster roll to serve during the war with Mexico, and NOTKS OF THE MFATCMN WAR. Vi that I will not flinch or desert from it. Nay ; I will go forward with the company, let the consequences be what they may, and fight for the good old State of Pennsylvania as long as my two arms swing." (Cheers.) " Again, I will state that you can all rest assured that I will not dis- honor the old Keystone State. Nay, I will ever stand by its colors as long as there is breath of life within me." (Cheers.) After this I shook hands with all my friends, and instructed my brother Frederick about my private affairs. I then joined our company, took the cars and ascended the Allegheny mountains, up five plains and five down. When we arrived at the top of the first plain, I looked back on the magnificent scene. The valley dotted with farm houses, the foaming and rapid Little Juniata river below us, presented a glorious view to the delighted eye. After the cars were at- tached to the engine and started, I, with the wave of my hand, bade good-bye to the " Mary," early scenes and exploits on and along the Juniata river. We arrived at Johnstown, Pa., about 4 o'clock, P. M., and by the invitation of the citizens we par- took of a good supper. History tells us that Johnstown was called after Joseph Johns, a pushing, enterprising and liberal German citizen, who was also one of the first settlers in this section of the country. It is a lively little town, and I find that there is a great trade and business transacted here in trans-shipment of goods. After supper we left Johnstown on a canal boat, chartered to take the company to Pittsburgh- We have plenty of good straw to lay upon, and are passing our time first rate ; some are singing our national songs, some are playing cards, and others are trying to sleep Monday, December 14, 1846. — This morning, about 8 o'clock, we arrived at the beautiful little town called Blairs- ville. The citizens met us with drums and fifes, and escorted the company to the main square. Here we were divided into squads, and then taken to different hotels and private houses to breakfp.st. After doing justice to the free gift, we then 14 NOTKS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. strolled about town, findini;:^ it well laii.1 out. and a fine bridge across the river named Conemauy,"h. The people are very clever and intelligent. The town was named after John Blair, one of the early pioneers of this section o( the country. The drums beat, we were ordered on board, and left Blairs- ville with three hearty cheers from the citizens on shore. On our way we passed Liverpool, Saltsburg, Lockport, and Leech- burg. Saltsburg is an old village ; it got its name from the salt works, which are plenty, and seemed to be in full opera- tion. Leechburg is named after David Leech, one o( the most enterprising citizens in rennsyKania. He is the head man of the forwarding and commission line of David Leech ^ Sons. They have a line of canal boats and cars running between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. I had the pleasure of seeing the old gentleman, and he looks like a jolly, good- hearted mail. During the day we mingled and conversed witli the different members of the company, and we found them to be a social and jolly set of men, and expressed themselves well pleased with our coining into their company. We also called upon the Little York delegation, so called on account of their hailing from Little York. Pa. They are a fine set of young men, jocular and mirthful in manner, full of talk and wit. They wanted Bymaster and I to join their mess after we arrived at the camp-ground. New Orleans, but we made no promise. To-day being fine most of the company were walk- ing on the tow-path, going into the beer and ginger-bread. Our journey to-day has been a weary one ; nothing could be seen but rocks and hills surrounding us on every side. This evening the weather is growing colder, and I find our boat has a hard time in fighting its way through the ice. To-night our sol- diers are wrapping tliemselves tightly up in their blankets and straw beds, and snoring. T//eSt/(n\ Di'Cc'nibi'r 15. 1S46. — This morning after a cold nights iournc\- we arrixed at Freeport, here we got oft' tlie boat and formed into line on the tow-path, and then divided into squads, and were then taken to difierent private NOTKS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 15 houses to breakfast, which \vas a good one, being one of the old fashion — buckwheat cakes, sausages and n-e coffee. After breakfast I viewed the village and found it to be a liveh- little place situated on the right bank of the Alle- ghen\' ri\-er ; below it is a splendid aqueduct across a small stream called Buffalo creek. I also noticed different salt works in full force, and the people, like all along the route, are remarkably clever. At 8 o'clock we were again ordered on board and left Freeport and passed the towns of Warren and Sharpsburg. Sharpsburg seems to be a flourishing town, and from what I can see there seems to be a great deal of business done. The people look like hardworking, enterprising and thrifty people. The scener}' from here to Pittsburgh is beautiful. About noon we arrived in the city of Pittsburgh, and some of our men who never had been in Pittsburgh before were perfectly disgusted at the idea of sta\-ing in such a smoky city. After we got on shore and formed into line we marched to the wharf where we quartered in one of the large warehouses. This has dissatisfied and discouraged many of the soldiers; having no stoves or any place to make a fire. The weather being ver\' cold makes it still more unpleasant for the boys. In the evening some of our members left the quarters and went to the hotels and boarding houses to get something to eat and a comfortable night's lodging. Myself having never been raised with a silver spoon in my mouth, and for the last six years ha\'ing been used to l\'ing on hard bunks and rough living, don't mind this kind of rough usage, and all these growlers will have to get over their fancy idea of living and get used to the hardships of soldier-life and living. To- night I had a chat with the Yorkers and they are laughing their fist full about these city fellows finding fault about our quarters and rations ; they will all get used to it before the war with Mexico is over. I bet they will. The following are the names of the Little York delegation : Peter i\hl, Henrj' Alburtus Welsh, Jacob Banner, William .16 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Eurick, Thomas Zeigle, Samuel Stair, Robert Patterson, William Patterson. Wednesday, December i6, 1846. — This morning after we had something to eat, Bymaster, Welsh, Newman and myself promenaded through the principal streets of Pittsburgh, also to the packet boat landing, here we find that nearly all the soldiers belonging to the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers had arrived, which makes the streets full of soldiers. The ladies, and particularly the factory girls, seemed to be very sociable and talkative. They swell around the soldiers as if they were in love with them ; they talk in a pitiful tone of the dangerous risk in time of war, and particularly in a foreign land to fight. About noon we returned to our quarters, when we were told to form into line, after which we marched to the American Hotel, where we partook of a splendid dinner served up at the company's expense, and after doing justice to the good eatables on the table we de- parted in broken ranks highly pleased with the food and also delighted with the proceedings. In the afternoon we walked along the wharves on the Ohio river side and found it to be one of the greatest business marts that I ever saw, it beats Philadelphia. Steamboats and canal boats were all busy in loading and reloading merchandise for the Western and Eastern markets. In the evening a party of us soldiers visited the theatre, which was well attended by citizens and soldiers ; when the play was about half over in rushes a party of rowdies and half drunken soldiers, going by the name of " Killers," of the district of Moyamensing, Philadelphia, belonging to Co. D, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, rushing in past the door- keeper, entered the theatre, whooping and yelling like so many wild Indians. Tl)e police attempted to put them out when they cried out "Go in. Killers!" "Go in, Killers!" which caused a regular row, fjghting and knocking one another down; finally quiet was again restored and the play went on without any more disturbance. Ii) this row one of our members, named William NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 17 Mullon, (not McMullin,) accidentally had his head badly cut in several places, and after the theatre was over we returned to our quarters and turned into our bunks. TJiiirsday, December ly, 1846. — This morning we received orders for all the soldiers to be in their quarters at 8 o'clock, sharp, which orders were obeyed. After we were all in, the Officer of the Day placed a guard at the front door with strict orders not to let any one of the soldiers out. At 10 o'clock, A. M., we were formed into line and then marched to some kind of a barrack ; here we were ordered to halt until our names were called, when we were mustered into the United States service by Dr. King, a jolly old fellow, who made some mirthful and joking remarks to nearly every one he mustered. After we were all mustered we were again ordered into line and marched back to our quarters, here we were addressed by Capt. Small, in a good and well appropriate speech, which was much admired and applauded by the company. Capt. Small I find is a ready off-hand speaker, full of wit, intellect and talent, as well as very active in his motions. We were then again dismissed and at liberty for the day. In the afternoon eight of us soldiers went over to Allegheny City and visited the large manufactories, and I assure you we had a good deal of fun and sport with the factory girls, and I would judge by their movements that some of the girls were in love with some of our soldiers ; I said to one of the girls, that I thought it was a bad time to fall in love with the soldiers now, for remember Johnny is enlisted for the war with Mexico, and God knows whether he will live to return to his love. Many of these girls gave us their address, and we promised them that if we lived to return from the war to call upon them as they will be much pleased to see us and listen to the tales of the Mexican War. After shaking hands and k we left and visited several other large manufactories ; at dusk we returned to our quarters, where we found our company busy in preparing tickets for to-morrow's election. Our company is, of course, solid for Capt. Small for Colonel of the 2 18 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; Samuel W. Black, of Pittsburgh, for Lieut.-Colonel, and Francis L. Bowman, of Wilkesbarre, for Major. To-night a party of rowdy soldiers holloaed and hurrahed for Wynkoop, of Pottsville, for Colonel. To-morrow will tell who is who. Good-night. Friday^ December i8, 1846. — This morning the soldiers were nearly all up by daylight getting themselves ready for the election for field officers of our regiment. Our company, (C) will try their utmost efforts to elect Capt. William F. Small to the rank of Colonel of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and if not elected, that Captain and his friends are willing to submit to the majority. At 10 o'clock, A. M., the election polls were opened, and generally, like at all other elections, fighting and knocking one another down was the order of the day. Some of our company fought like bull dogs if anyone said aught against Capt. Small. The row was kept up by the different parties concerned nearly the whole day. In the evening at 6 o'clock the polls were closed, and there was a good deal of excitement going on while the votes were counted off, and everything appeared to look favorable for the election of Capt. Wm. F. Small to the Colonelship. This was the opinion of the majority of the officers, as well as the soldiers, who seemed to know something, but to our sad dis- appointment, when the official returns were read off it resulted in the choice of Francis M. Wynkoop, of Pottsville, for Colonel; Samuel W. Black, of Pittsburgh, for Lieut.-Colonel; Francis L. Bowman, of Wilkesbarre, Major; and Alexander Brown, of Philadelphia, appointed Adjutant of the regiment. The elec tion of Wynkoop and Bowman causes great rejoicing among the country soldiers. About 10 o'clock this evening the officers elected were serenaded and made speeches suitable for the times, and Capt. Small was also called upon and said that he was not disheartened on account of his defeat, that he felt proud of the complimentary votes he received, and that he was going with his company and help to fight the battles in CAPT. WM. F. SMALL, Co, C, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. 20 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Mexico; and he urged every soldier who voted for him to rally and to stick to the officers elected. (Great applause.) The night was mostly spent in drinking, fighting, and walk- ing and yelling around the streets of Pittsburgh, in fact, there was no use for anyone to go to sleep. Saturday^ December 19, 1846. — This morning I noticed several of our company and others having black eyes and cut heads, all from the election yesterday. After we had our breakfast a party of us soldiers devoted our time to visiting several steamboats to ascertain which ones are chartered to take the soldiers to New Orleans, but failed to find anything out. So we left and visited the Pitts- burgh Penitentiary and several other public buildings, such as the Western University, Court House, and the Western Theo- logical Seminary in Allegheny City ; from here is some of the most picturesque scenery in and around the immediate countiy. At noon we returned to our quarters, and at 2 o'clock, p. M., we received orders to march to the American House to be paid ofif. Each soldier received twenty-one dollars, with a deduction of five dollars and fifty cents from each man for expenses incurred on our way to Pittsburgh, while ten cents would have paid for all that we got, for everything along the canal was given to the soldiers gratis by the citizens. This caused a considerable fuss, as there seemed to be no account given of the appropriation made by the State of Penn- sylvania for this express purpose. In the evening our com- pany received an invitation to attend divine services to-morrow at 10 o'clock, A. M., which was accepted. Late this evening I noticed several boxes of musketry in our quarters, and it was not long before they were opened and each soldier picked out and helped himself to a musket. They are all old flint muskets, marked Harper's Ferry, U. S. Later, every soldier who had helped himself to a musket was ordered to put the musket back into the boxes, as they are not to be opened or used until we arrive at New Orleans ; NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 21 so there was another growHiifr. To-night it commenced to snow and was very cold, which made the boys quiet, and they wrapped themselves up snugly in their blankets and straw beds. Sunday December 20, 1846. — This morning, about 9 o'clock, we were formed into line, and after going through a little drill, Capt. Small stepped to the front and made a few com- plimentary remarks, hoping that every soldier will behave themselves as soldiers, after which we marched to the Presby- terian Church, which was well filled, no doubt from curiosity, and to have a good look at the soldiers. We were taken up to the front, where seats were provided for us, and seated, and listened to an excellent sermon, suitable for the occasion. Greatest decorum prevailed among the soldiers ; in fact, the soldiers I noticed seemed to take a deep interest and listened silently to every word the minister spoke ; and I also noticed that the fair and bright eyes of the ladies rested heavy upon most of our men during the ceremony. An orderly sergeant came into the church with a note from the Adjutant of our regiment to Capt. Small, calling him out. Here he received orders from the Adjutant to prepare his company for to leave Pittsburgh in the morning for New Orleans. The church looks like a well built one, and inside has a good imitation of marble blocks. The organ is a splendid piece of workman- ship, very fine toned. The singing was exceedingly good ; their anthem was ''Gird on your Armor," which was sung by the whole choir, as well as by some of our soldiers. After church let out many of the people shook hands with nearly all of the soldiers, wishing us all good health, and God to be with us on our journey. In the afternoon the soldiers mostly took to carousing around the city and bidding good-bye to the citi- zens, telling them that we will be off for Mexico to-morrow. This evening a good many citizens came to our quarters, talk- ing about Mexico and the many battles that will have to be fought before peace will be made. To-night most every man is busy in packing up and preparing to leave this smoky city for the seat of war. Some I notice are writing letters. 22 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Mo7iday, December 21, 1846. — This morning the soldiers were all up early, and busy in packing up their knapsacks. At 10 o'clock, A. M., we were formed into line, and after listen- ing to a little speech from our Captain, we were ordered to march to the wharf and embark on board of one of the finest steamboats that runs on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, known by the name of " Messenger." Capt. Jas. Nagle's Co. B, also of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, came on board with us. There are two companies of soldiers allowed on each steamboat. There being ten companies in our regiment, it will, therefore, take five steamboats to take our regiment to New Orleans. After all the soldiers got on board of their respective steamers, we pushed off the shore amid the deafening cheers of the citizens on shore, and in return some of our men got a little cannon, placed it on the bow of the boat, and sent forth peals that shook the boats. The steamboats that had steam up blew their whistles as we passed them. We are now passing down the river, and are losing sight of Pittsburgh, but its black, smoking clouds could be seen for a long distance. On our way we passed the towns of Economy, Freedom, Rochester and Beaver. Tuesday^ December 22, 1846. — This morning after breakfast I went on the hurricane deck to take a view of the beautiful Ohio river. The river is full of wild ducks and other wild game. The weather is cold, it is now snowing, but this don't seem to drive the soldiers off the hurricane deck. All are too anxious to see the steamboats running up and down the river. To-day we passed Newport, Marietta, Ohio ; Parksburg and Belleville, Va. All quiet to-night. Wednesday^ December 23, 1846. — This morning while we were eating breakfast, one of our men came running into the cabin and reported to us that there were several deer on the opposite side of the river bank. We, of course, hurried on deck for the purpose of seeing them, and sure enough, they were just leaving, running through the thicket woods. The Ohio river is full of floating ice and wild ducks. The weather NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 23 to-day is fair, and the scenery is most delightful and very inter- esting, it not being so hilly or mountainous. To-day we passed numerous little towns. Their names I failed to get. They are mostly all situated along the river shore, and some are well laid out and promise to tell well in the future. Many of the citizens along the river had the Ameri- can flag flying over their house-tops and on poles in honor of us soldiers, and at many places we perceived the ladies waving their lily white hands and handkerchiefs from the doors, win- dows and house-tops of their humble cottages on shore, and no doubt from some of the fair damsels who has or had a near and dear friend in the American army. The soldiers, I am glad to say, are all passing their time first-rate. There seems to be no quarreling or any ill feeling between them, in fact, they act more like so many brothers in place of strangers, for it will be remembered that Co. B, is from Pottsville, and our Co. C, from Philadelphia. To-night I notice that most of our soldiers are passing their time in playing cards and singing. Tliursday, December 24, 1846. — This morning after break- fast our company made up a penny purse for the purpose of getting up a supper ; each man paid in fifty cents. A commit- tee was appointed to wait on the captain of the steamboat, who, by-the-by, is a good hearted old fellow, to ask permis- sion for the use of the cabin room for a Christmas eve ball to-night ; the permission was granted with pleasure. To-day we passed the towns of Rome, Manchester, Ohio ; and Mays- ville, Dover, Kentucky ; Mechanicsburg, Palestine, Ohio ; all seemed to be flourishing villages. This evening after supper was over, everything was got in readiness for the grand eve ball, which I must confess was a fine affair and well conducted, our Little York friends enjoyed themselves first-rate. The captain of the steamboat " Messenger " and all the other officers mingled themselves with the soldiers, and you can rest assured that we had some of the tallest kind of sport that I ever saw, and we did not stop until the clock struck twelve, 24 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. night. So in honor of our Saviour's birthday broke up the froHc, all highly delighted and pleased with the first Christmas eve ball spent on the Ohio river. Friday, December 25, 1846. — This morning is Christmas, and the first one that I ever spent so far from home ; it seems odd to me to be so far from home on Christmas day, although there is plenty of amusements and frolicing going on around me to entice me from my weary thoughts, but for all this I cannot help to think of the many Christmases I spent at home. Our cooks who were detailed yesterday to cook our Christmas dinner are busy in preparing the turkeys, chickens and many other good things. About i o'clock, p. m., the much looked for good things began to make their appearance on the table, extending the full length of the cabin. About an half hour later the door-way was crowded, all anxious to get in and be first to the table. The gong rung, then you should seen the rush and tumble for the best seats, and I am sorry to say the soldiers did not eat like men should have done, but like s'o many starved liogs. They of course all went and reached for the turkeys, chickens, &c., dug right into the good things, and the roughest and best men got the most, while such quiet and moral men like me had to pick the bones. I thought to myself this has been the first penny purse I ever joined and I think it will be the last one. In the afternoon we arrived and stopped at Newport, Ky., opposite Cincinnati, here we remained all afternoon and evening with strict orders to let no soldier go on shore, but as a matter of course all our officers were allowed to go on shore and promenade through the streets of Newport. To-night our steamboat was moved over to Cincinnati, and orders again given to the guard to let none of the soldiers on shore. More growling. So ended Christmas Day on the Ohio river. Saturday, December 2^, 1846. — This morning we left Cincin- nati with cheers from the crowd on shore. We passed to-day a number of sniall towns, such as Covington, Claysville, Ky.; NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 25 and Lawrenceburg, Madison, Jeffersonville, Ind. Whenever our boat arrived at any town the Httle cannon would be fired off, which caused the people to rush to the river line, and when they saw that the boat was loaded down with Uncle Sam's soldiers, would give cheers. In the afternoon we arrived at Louisville, Ky., and owing to the break in the dam the boat could not run over it or through the slot with its living fi-eighton board. On account of the river being too low both companies were obliged to land and march through some of the principal streets of Louisville, After which we came to a halt in the main square and there dismissed for one-half hour. This pleased the boys, and you should seen them rush towards the taverns and cake shops, the men" were mostly hungry, being tired of eating government rations. I noticed the people here are not so sociable, liberal and open-hearted as those we met in other towns, they have not much to say, and give nothing until it is first paid for. After the expiration of our time we again formed into line and marched (without receiving a cheer from the citizens) for about three miles around to another boat-landing place where we got on board of the old " Messenger " and left for New Orleans. Two of the members of Co. C were left behind, their names are John Perfect and Morris Stemler. This evening we passed a thriving little town called New Albany, Ind., we stopped few minutes, and when we left the citizens gave us three hearty cheers, which was more than we received in that fancy and aristocratic town called Louisville, Ky. The weather is getting considerably warmer, and as the saying is, the further down South we go the warmer the climate will be, and I find it so. SiDiday, December 27, 1846. — This morning we had a hard chase with the steamboat called the "Allegheny," who caught up to us during the night and was trying hard to pass the " Messenger." Some of our men who were interested in the race volunteered and assisted the fireman in keeping up steam, 20 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. and I have seen no less than three barrels of fat salt pork thrown into the fire-place, which naturally burnt like so much brimstone and which made plenty of steam. This was the first steamboat race that I have ever seen on these rivers, and I must say it was magnificently contested. The race kept up until our boat had run out of coal and wood which gave the "Allegheny" a chance to pass us, which caused a cheer from the crew of the "Allegheny." In the afternoon our steamboat was compelled to halt at a plantation to repair some of the machinery which became out of order during the race with the " Allegheny." Here we had some gay old sport with the darkies or slaves, cutting up all kind of monkey-shines, dancing, singing songs, &c. Some I noticed were fishing, while others were trying to make love to some of the yellow gnls, in fact, I noticed some were as white as we are, even whiter. During all the time we laid here there was an overseer of the slaves to watch and see what was going on, and I heard him tell several of our men that he didn't care what we done with the slaves, so long as we don't entice them away ; which orders were obeyed. Louis Bymaster and myself took a walk through some of the orange groves which are truly magnificent, the tall palm leaves waved gracefully, and the air is sweetened with its per- fume ; it is really the prettiest place that I have yet seen. I also noticed that the negroes, or slaves, are far better clad and more lively spirited than one-half of our free negroes in the North. It is true, our negroes are free, but what is freedom when there is no protection for the negroes in the North. Of course, we in the North would like to see every man in the whole United States free, provided they are protected. Myself and all that belongs to me are opposed to slavery, but since I have seen some of its workings, I am satisfied and free to say, that the slaves in the Sunny South have it far better, and more care taken of them and are better protected than most of our free negroes in the North. Six o'clock, P. M., the bell of the steamboat commenced to NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 27 ring, which indicated that the machinery of the boat was finished ; all should get on board. After which we pushed off the beach ; the slaves gave us three cheers which was responded to from the Yankee soldiers on board, and even the overseer of the slaves was cheering and waving his hat and throwing it up in the air. In the evening we passed the towns of Napoleon and Vicksburg. To-night, the usual mer- riment in playing cards, dancing and singing, while some are trying to go through some theatrical performance. Monday, December 28, 1846. — This morning we could see Natchez at a distance off. There is a wonderful change in the climate ; it is pleasant, and as warm here as it is in May or June at home. The scenery along the noble Mississippi river is indescribable ; the prairie fields of cotton, the splen- did mansions of the owners, and the out-houses and cabins of the slaves, all combined, was rare and strange sights to us northern mud sills. We also saw any quantity of wild turkeys, geese and ducks by the square miles. Swans and cranes are swimming on this great Father of Waters, while the air is darkened with wild pigeons. In fact, I have seen more wild game this day than I ever have in all the days of my past life. We passed Port Hudson, Baton Rouge, and arrived at New Orleans about 10 o'clock this evening, but none are allowed to go on shore. Tuesday, December 29, 1846. — This morning Capt. Wm. F. Small was appointed Officer of the Day. He soon gave orders to the captain of the boat to run her over to the other side of the river to a small town named Algiers, which was done. This order raised considerable fuss among the soldiers on account of some of our men wanting to get off and go to New Orleans. One party headed by Wm. Ford of our com- pany did break the guard, and about eight or ten jumped on shore just before we pushed off the wharf and went to the city. At this instant Capt. Small posted himself with the guard and warned all the soldiers to obey his orders like men and not act like a band of pardoned or escaped felons, and 2S NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. that the first man who attempted to break the guard again will be followed and captured and will be severely punished. These remarks had the effect of cooling these rowdies down, but not without cursing and swearing, and many threats against Capt. Small, but they cannot frighten nor scare Capt. Small, he is Small by name and small by nature, and he is just as spunky and plucky as he is small, so the boys behaved themselves during the day. Algiers, above mentioned, will be remembered, as famous for the destruction of life and property by the two largest elephants in this country, Hannibal and Columbus, then at- tached to Messrs. Raymond & Co.'s Menageries and Circus Company. If my memory is correct, it was seven years ago to-day that Raymond's Show was then quartered in this immediate neighborhood making great preparation for a grand procession into the city of New Orleans about New Year's day. When everything was accomplished that was necessary to make a grand display, a little before the time of forming the proces- sion, Hannibal got stubborn and wanted to fight Columbus, the keeper, Mr. William Crum, had him finally quieted down for awhile, but soon afterwards Columbus got his back up and he showed a disposition of wanting to fight, or do mischief and before the keeper, Mr. Crum, could do anything with him he struck Mr. Crum's horse to the ground and run his long tusks through the horse's body, his keeper, of course, fell with the horse, and Columbus instantly snatched him, Crum, up with his trunk and dashed him to the ground with such a fearful crash that it broke nearly every bone in his body, from which he soon died. Columbus then went for two mules at- tached to a wagon driven by a negro. He upset the wagon first, and then killed both mules. The driver ran and made good his escape while the elephant was killing the mules, after which he went for a negro who was sitting on the fence, and looking on to see the fun, and before the negro could get off the fence he raised him up on his trunk and dashed him against NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 29 the fence with a tremendous shock that instantly killed him. During- all this fearful rage the elephant had three or four bul- lets shot into him, one went into his right eye which had the effect of bringing him too, and he was finally captured and fastened to a tree. Messrs. Raymond & Co. had to pay the owner of the negro (slave) one thousand eight hundred dollars, beside one thou- sand dollars for other damages done at the carnage. Think of it, one thousand eight hundred dollars for a negro, when thousands of poor whites and blacks in the North are not worth eighteen cents. No wonder our Southern friends don't want their negroes to run away from them to the North, for in the North they are really worth nothing. This evening I hear a rumor that we will go down below New Orleans to-morrow morning to encamp and drill ; so we will all be on shore again. Wednesday, December 30, 1846. — This morning after break- fast the United States Quartermaster came on board the " Messenger " and gave orders to Capt. James Nagle of Co. B, who was Officer of the Day, to get under way and proceed to the old battle-ground known as the place where Andrew Jackson gained the glorious victory over the British Army commanded by Edward Packingham. At 11 o'clock, A. M., we arrived at the battle-ground, our place for en- campment. All the soldiers were anxious to jump on shore with their knapsacks strapped on their backs and muskets upon their shoulders. We marched about four hundred yards from the river bank ; here we were ordered to unsiing knapsacks and select suitable ground on which to pitch our tents. Others could be seen gathering wood and building fire-places, while some of the rest were carrying water from the noble Missis- sippi, which is as muddy as our Juniata River after a hard day's rain. At noon other companies commenced to arrive in camp, and towards evening the battle-ground was full of tents and lively with soldiers. Different messes were formed, six in a mess. We soon had something cooked and eat it in 30 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. a homely way in our tent. To-night is the first night that I ever slept under a tent, and I was going to say I wish it was the last night, but this I can't see, it may be far distant yet. Some of our soldiers slipped the guard to-night and went to New Orleans, this will have the effect of doubling the guard hereafter to keep order. Thursday, Decenihcr 31, 1846. — This morning after a very uncomfortable night's rest, one of our mess called me up who had already a good pot of coffee boiled and some meat fried. After breakfast we were formed into line, and orders from Col. Francis M. Wynkoop's quarters read to us not to leave any soldiers go to the city of New Orleans without a written pass from our respective captains, and countersigned by our Adjutant Brown. The guards also had strict orders not to let anyone of the soldiers pass, if they did they would be bucked and gagged and put into the guard-house and bound down with iron chains during the time of our encampment at this place. This afternoon some soldiers were detailed to get wood and some to get water, while others dug sinks, and some were completing and fixing up their quarters, and some got very drunk, and this makes Colonel F. M. Wynkoop issue such strict orders, and particularly on the men that act with un- soldierlike conduct. Serves them right, why not behave them- selves like your humble servant. Nothing new but pork and beans for dinner, and beans and pork for supper (good-bye, 1846). Friday, January i, 1847. — This is the first morning in the New Year, and what can I wish myself at the commencement of this year? nothing but health and strength. This is all I can ask for the present; this morning reveille beat before breakfast, and companies' roll calls and all absentees noted. At noon some of Capt. Hill's company (D) broke the guard and went to New Orleans City, where they cut up high, breaking and smashing everything that came before them. Some soon were arrested by the city police and put NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 31 into the "calaboose," and Col. Wynkoop is going to leave them locked up for a few days for their unsoldierlike conduct. At 4 o'clock, p. M., we had a parade and drill for the first time, our Colonel was dressed in his full uniform with cocked hat and big feather thereon. At 8 o'clock, p. M., tattoo, when all the lights must be put out in camp, and no noise after 9 o'clock at night ; we are now eating our homely supper all in good spirits, that is of the kind, and there is a good deal of drunkenness amongst some of our soldiers, but at the same time there is no fighting amongst them. Saturday , January 2, 1847. — This morning, after breakfast, orders were read for each captain of their respective com- panies, to give each company ten passes to go to New Orleans. Louis Bymaster and myself got passes and soon afterwards started for the city. We walked it all the way, which is about five miles from our camp-ground; we, of course, first struck for the St. Charles Hotel, here we met some of our own company and some belonging to the Louisiana regiment ; after we had several drinks and good lunch, we left the hotel and walked around the city, and we find it to be a beautiful and well planned city. It is the largest, greatest commercial metropolis city in the South, and from the appearance of the rush along the levees, there is more business done Iicre in one day than there is in Baltimore in one month, and nearly as much as there is in New York. Their regulation and rules about the wharves or levees are the best in the world. Along its levees you can see moored to the shore hundreds of steamboats, at one section of the city arriving and depart- ing for Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, St. Louis, besides hundreds of flat boats and barges. Also hundreds of sea-going ships at another section of the city, arriving and sailing for London, Liverpool, and German ports ; besides, steamships to Havana, Galveston, Panama, St. Domingo, New York, Boston, bring- ing the merchandise of the whole world to the warehouses of the merchants of New Orleans. 32 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. The steamboats and sailing crafts are all separate from one another, which gives them better chances to unload and re- load without any confusion. There are not many white people working on the levees, they are mostly all slaves ; yet they don't seem to work harder than our poor whites in the North. The poor old darkies, or those who have miserly owners, are a fair specimen of our old poor in the North. Their clothing is mostly tattered and torn, and is so patched that the original cloth is lost in the variety of colors used in keep- ing their garments together. Their jaws are fringed with an iron gray fuzz, and all over their black faces years have traced hard lines of struggle; hats on their heads are mostly with- out a crown and one-half of the brim, in the corner of their mouth rest the clay pipes ; yet they seemed to be the happiest people I ever met with. They are good singers and dancers, and at dinner hour they gather around a ring, talk, tell stories, laugh, and sing until the bell rings, when everyone jumps upon his feet and goes direct to his place of work. New Orleans is the great slave market of the South, where men, women and children are bought and sold to the highest bidder. Thousands of black men and women are smuggled into this city from Cuba and Africa, and sold by an auctioneer the same as they sell horses and cows in the North. After we had seen all we desired to see, we left New Orleans at 4 o'clock p. M. for our camp-ground, at which Paradise we arrived about 6 o'clock p. m., all safe except a little tired, but of course we were able to eat a hearty supper, after which we soon retired under our tent. Sunday, January 3, 1847. — This morning after breakfast we were called out and formed into line, after which our muskets were inspected, and for the first time I was de- tailed to go on guard. I had a good post, it being the Quarter- master's department. T had no occasion to go to our quarters to get something to eat, diere was plenty of good things NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 33 there, but strange the private soldiers don't get any of these things (all for officers). To-day there are not many soldiers allowed to go to the city, for the reason that Col. VVynkoop received a note from the city authorities of the bad conduct of some of our men, but it turned out to be the Louisiana Volunteers. At noon the sun was unusually warm, and I thought to myself if this is winter in New Orleans I have no desire of spending the Fourth of July here. This afternoon the steamship " Alabama " came in from Brazos, Santiago, bringing a large mail and about two hundred and fifty sick, wounded and discharged soldiers from Mata- moras Hospital, but no news from Gen. Z. Taylor's army in Mexico. To-night I heard a shot fired off, no doubt some ruffian soldier attempted to pass the guard to go and rob the citizens. Monday^ J anil my 4, 1847. — This morning after I was re- lieved from guard I was free from all duty, such as drilling, parading and camp duty. To-day several of our men got permission from our Captain to go to New Orleans, but with strict orders not to get drunk nor be found in disorderly conduct towards the citizens. Some of the other companies' men went to the city without permission from their Captains, and when they returned to camp in the evening they were all put into the guard-house by orders from Col. Wynkoop. This evening some of Co. D's men had what I call a little fight with a Spaniard, who keeps a grocery and liquor store on the levee, and came near killing him. They would no doubt have killed him had it not been for some of the officers who were just passing the place at the time of the fight. The officers brought the men to camp, but said nothing to Col. Wynkoop about the affair. Had it been any other com- pany's men they would have been put in the guard-house, but being the " Killers " nothing was said or done. To-night as usual tattoo, put ouc the lights. 3 34 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Tuesday^ January 5, 1847. — This morning there seems to be a great deal of dissatisfaction among the soldiers of our regi- ment on account of the conduct of our officers toward the men. Nearly all our officers generally go to New Orleans, stop at the St. Charles Hotel, and there drink and eat and be merry, thus neglecting to do their duty toward the soldiers who are lying here without half enough to eat. At noon, in spite of the strictest orders from our officers to the guards, most of the soldiers passed between the guards and went to New Orleans to get something to eat. So this afternoon when the dress parade came off, Col. Wynkoop noticed that there was one-half of the regiment absent. After dress parade he immediately ordered five men from each company as guards to go to New Orleans and bring back all soldiers that could be found in the city. At about 6 o'clock, p. m., the guards returned from the city having but nine men belonging to our regiment in charge. Df course, they were instantly put into the guard-house for safe keeping for a day or so. This evening, as usual, tattoo, put our lights out and make no noise, so that our faithful officers, who have just returned from the city, can sleep. • Wednesday, January 6, 1847. — This morning, as usual, the soldiers are cursing the officers and Quartermaster for not furnishing us with something to eat. It is, in fact, a perfect shame how the soldiers are treated in regard to provisions, and if it was not for the little money that the soldiers mostly have, God only knows how we would stand it. This afternoon a guard of fifty men were detailed from our regiment (I was one of the detail), and were sent to the city under command of Capt. Hill. We proceeded to New Orleans, and the first place we entered was a ball room, where there was a masquer- ade ball going on. At first Capt. Hill was stopped at the door, but with force we proceeded on our way in the ball room, and immediately arrested all the soldiers that were in the room. There were any quantity of city police in the ball room, and they insisted in favor of the soldiers staying in the NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 35 room, and were going to arrest Capt. Hill, but instead of the police arresting Capt. Hill, Capt. Hill ordered us to arrest every police ofificer that interfered, which we did, and marched them with the arrested soldiers to our camp, but on our arrival at camp. Col. Wynkoop released the police. Thursday, January 7, 1847. — This morning there was nothing of much importance occurred, but talking and asking many questions about the arresting of policemen by the soldiers yesterday in New Orleans. At noon the steamboat " Fashion," Capt. Morgan, came in from Brazos, Santiago, bringing the dead bodies of Lieut.- Col. William Watson, Capt. R. A. Gillespie, of the First Texan, Lieut. Randolph Ridgly, of the Third Light Artillery, and several other officers, besides a good many sick, wounded and discharged soldiers. Lieut. R. Ridgly was with Maj. Samuel Ringgold at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma on the 8th and 9th of May, 1846; after Maj. Ringgold received his death wound, he took command of the battery and covered himself and his light artillery with glory. He retained the command of his battery until the time of his death, and for his bravery and skill, was promoted Brevet-Captain, and was Assistant Adjutant-General in Gen. Zachariah Taylor's army. I^e died October 27, 1846, from injuries received from the falling of his horse ; the horse having fallen heavily on the whole body of Capt. Ridgly. He graduated at West Point in 1837, and was a brave, daring and skilful officer, a gay chevalier, a good jolly fellow and full of life, a great favorite in his regi- ment ; he was looked upon and known as one of the best horsemen in the United States Army. Col. Watson and Capt. Gillespie were both killed at the storming at Monterey on the 22d of September, 1846. The former in front of Fort Teneria and the latter at Fort Soldjela. One of the committee, a Baltimorean, who was sent to bring home the dead bodies of Watson and Ridgly, both being Marylanders, was hearty and in good spirits last evening 36 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. when he went to bed and was found dead this morning in his berth, an inquest was held, and the verdict was, death from heart disease. This evening Capt. Small informed the company that we would have fresh beef to-morrow, and that we would more regularly draw our rations hereafter, which caused a hearty laugh and clapping of hands. So on the strength of this beef and regular ration news we eat our homely supper all in good spirits. Friday, January 8, 1847. — This day is the thirty-second anniversary of the famous battle of New Orleans ; the battle took place about five miles below New Orleans. Yes, upon the very field of our encampment. Gen. Edward Packenham with over fifteen thousand well-drilled soldiers attacked Gen. Andrew Jackson's seven thousand raw militia with the full expectation of defeating Gen. Jackson's green militia, and driving them out of the field. Here on this camp-ground a most desperate struggle for liberty ensued, the conflict and its history is before the world, and it is not worth while for me to comment much on it, for we all know that it was one of the most brilliant victories of the whole war of 18 12 and 18 15. In fact the enemy were so badly defeated at this battle that tjiey never up to this day ever attempted to attack us or even show any sign of an attack. Gens. Packenham and Gibbs were both killed. The very tree under which Gens. Packen- ham and Gibbs were temporarily buried still stands and shows marks of seeing services, too ; over two thousand of the flower of the army of Great Britain were killed upon this camp-ground. All over these fields were strewed the dead soldiers of the British army, while the American army's loss was but seven killed and six wounded. On the same night of the British defeat Gen. Lambert, the only general left of the British army, embarked with the remaining forces and left for England, and sent word to Gen. Jackson that he, Gen. Lambert, would bother him no more. This glorious victory causes great joy throughout the NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 37 whole United States on every 8th of January. At lo o'clock, A. M., myself and several of our company got permission from Capt. Small to go to the city of New Orleans and see the sights on the 8th of January. After we arrived in the city and walked around a little, we came to the St. Charles Hotel and of course took a drink and lunch which is as good (as John Newman says, and he ought to know for he boarded,) as many a dinner set out in Philadelphia boarding houses ; all for ten cents, drink included. The military paraded, and I must confess turned out strong and marched and looked well, they were accompanied by several bands of music and a large number of citizens. The procession passed the St. Charles Hotel, marching through several principal streets, flags were flying and banners waving over almost every house-top, the cannons sent forth their deafening peals of thunder which made the very earth shake beneath our feet. On most every public, as well as private dwelling, the flags of our country and the portraits of Gen. Andrew Jackson were hung out or stretched across the street. The procession finally came to a halt in one of the public squares, where the citi- zens listened to an oration delivered to them by an old patriotic gentleman who spoke for one hour with great force and eloquence. In the afternoon we went to the circus performance under a large tent and stayed there until the show was over, after which we started for camp, at which place we arrived about 8 o'clock, p. M., well pleased with the 8th of January, 1847. Satw'day^ Jamiary 9, 1847. — This morning strict orders were given to our sergeants and corporals to drill every man thoroughly in the way of loading and firing ; also company drills twice a day which will be good exercise for the men. At noon Co. D, or " Killers " as they call themselves, went out skylarking as they call it, they came to a Frenchman who had g whole lot of poultry, they broke into the poultry-yard and garried off about a dozen chickens, besides geese, turkeys 88 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. and a small deer. The Frenchman pleaded for his fowl and particularly his pet deer, but it was no use, they brought the plunder to camp and it wasn't long afterwards before they had their stolen game killed and on the fire cooking. In the evening the Frenchman came to camp and asked for his pet deer, and when he was told it was killed and some of it on the fire, he shed tears and went to Capt. Hill and he told the Captain that he would go to the city to-morrow and get out a warrant for the whole of Co. D, for stealing and killing his poultry. Sunday, January lo, 1847. — This morning there is a great change in the weather ; instead of a scorching sun, it sprung up with a northern wind, and commenced to snow and rain all the morning, forming a pond of water and ice around our encampment, and running into our tents, the ground being so low that nearly all our quarters were overflowed with water. So we private soldiers were now in a bad fix. Some I noticed were taking their blankets and knapsacks to hunt more com- fortable quarters ; they mostly all hunted up the slave's huts, and slept there among the slaves, and were cursing the day that they went soldiering. Our mess succeeded after we arrived here to get some boards, and made a floor about six inches from the ground, so we were all right as far as the wet ground was concerned, but our roof, I must say, leaked at several places. The Frenchman's warrant for the arrest of the whole of Co. D has not yet arrived, and I have been informed that the officers and our Quartermaster will pay the Frenchman a reasonable price for his lost fowl and pet deer ; and gave him (the Frenchman) notice that in case any soldiers came around his place again to defend his flock, even though he would have to shoot several men for it. Midnight. It is still raining and snowing, it is awful cold, can't sleep at all. Oh ! we wish it was in the moriiing so we could get around our camp-fire, NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 39 To-day it was given out that the First and Second Penn- sylvania Volunteers will be attached to Gen. Scott's army. [Cheers.] Monday, January ii, 1847. — Last night was one of the most unpleasant and disagreeable nights that I ever ex- perienced in all the days of my life, and, like the rest of my comrades, I shall never forget it, the longest day of my life, being half frozen to death. Our blankets and clothing on our backs were all frozen stiff and hard. Every fire-place was thronged W'ith soldiers standing around to dry their blankets and clothing, and talking sorrowfully about the bad treatment and hardships of soldier-life in time of war. In the afternoon two deers were seen running past, close by our camp, a party of our men soon followed them with guns, axes, knives and clubs, and succeeded in capturing one of them, the other one swam the river. Mr. Alburtus Welsh of our company (C), who (by-the-by) is a butcher, dressed the deer and gave me for our mess a piece of the deer-meat for supper, which actually was the first fresh meat we have had since we have been in Camp Jackson. This evening it is not so cold. It is clearing off and getting more pleasant again, which has the effect of bringing and cheering up our men in good humor again. Some are trying to sing songs. Some of them of the most contemptuous character I ever heard. Some sang "Alice Gray," and "Oft in the Stilly Night," with much merriment and loud laughter. It lasted until tattoo beat, when all lights must be put out. Tuesday, January 12, 1847. — This morning a party of some thirty men belonging to Capt. E. L. Danna's company (I), of Wilkesbarre, Pa., forced the outer guard and went to a tavern kept by a Spaniard. After eating and drinking everything they wanted they (which is always the case) commenced to break up the household goods and bottles. The Spaniard in defending his property and his own life, took up his gun, which was lying under his counter, and emptied its contents into the face of one who styled himself a bully, disfiguring his 40 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. face horribly. The news of this outrage was brought to camp by a darkey, who saw the whole affair/and reported the facts. Capt. Scott, of Co. H, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, was sent in pursuit of the rioters, and succeeded in arresting the whole party, and they of course were all put in the guard-house, there to be kept until the injury of the Spaniard is fully ascertained, and the cause of the riot known, which will be investigated by Col. Wynkoop and Capt. Danna. All quiet to-night. Wednesday, January 13, 1847. — This morning Lieut. -Col. Samuel W. Black, of our regiment, went to New Orleans to release some of our men who were locked up in the " cala- boose " for several days. At noon several companies belonging to the Second Mississippi Regiment arrived and" encamped about five hundred yards above us, nearer the river. This regiment comes under the same call and requisition as ours, and I am sorry to say that they are the hardest and most delicate Idoking set of men, for new arrivals, that I ever saw. This evening Lieut. -Col. Black returned to camp, bringing with him nearly all the straggling soldiers belonging to our regiment. Some looked pretty hard, and were glad that they were released again. Thursday ^ January 14, 1847. — This is a delightful morning. The weather being beautiful and warm, which makes every- thing look pleasant. At noon Col. Wynkoop sent orders to the Chief of Police of New Orleans, to arrest every soldier found in uniform (our regiment now being uniformed) that was in the city, and re- turn them to our camp. In the afternoon three companies of the Second Regiment of Pennsylvania came to oqr camp and pitched their tents close by ours. Louis Bymaster, Daniel Cruthers and myself, besides many others, went over to see them, and to see whether we knew any of them, but found none, as they hailed from the northwestern part of our State. MAJOR-GENERAL WINFIELI) SCOTT, Commander-in-Chief U. S. Army. 42 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. It is now rumored all over camp, and it seems to come from good authority, that most of the troops will soon embark for Vera Cruz, Mexico. This had the effect of three or four of our company deserting. I will record their names for future reference, they are as follows : William Barnes, William Ford, William Rolett and John Gill, all four from Phila- delphia, Pa. This evening the man belonging to Co. I, who was shot in the face by a Spaniard, whom he tried to rob and kill, died in the hospital of his wounds. That's what he got for trying to rob and kill his fellow-m.an. Later the United States Quarter- master came to the camp from New Orleans, and stated to Col. Wynkoop that the vessels would be down here to-night or in the morning, and that we should be ready to embark at a minute's notice. So all the soldiers are in high glee, singing and cheering, at the same time making preparations for the seat of war ; writing letters is the order of the evening. Friday, January 15, 1847. — This morning our regiment was divided into three divisions. The first and second divisions received orders to strike their tents and pack up and be ready to embark on ships. The first division is composed of Co's A, G and K. They embarked at noon on the sailing-ship "Oxnard," under the command of Col. Francis M. Wynkoop. The second di- vision soon followed. It is composed of Co's E, F, I and H. They embarked at 3 o'clock, p. m., on the sailing-ship " Russell Glover," under the command of Lieut.-Col. Samuel W. Black. The third division, to which our company be- longs, is to embark to-morrow morning. As soon as the soldiers got on board the lines were cast off and away they went with cheers for Mexico, etc. This evening some five or six hundred soldiers, belonging to the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, arrived in camp, others belonging to Col. Second Mississippi Regiment, and some belonging to the Louisiana Regiment arrived. All quiet to-night. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 43 Saturday, Janiiary i6, 1847. — This morning, after breakfast, we received orders to strike our tents, pack up, and hold our- selves ready to embark, which took place at about 10 o'clock, A. M. Our division is composed of Co.'s C and D. We embarked on the bully sailing ship " Statesman," under the command of Major Francis L. Bowman. After we were all on board we gave three hearty cheers for the old battle- ground, and cheers for Mexico. Previously, before we left camp, Capt. Hill and Lieut. George Moore, both belonging to Co. D, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, resigned their commissions, and left Lieut. J. C. Kretschman or Kretsch- mar. to take command of the company. Lieut. Kretschmar is the only commissioned officer left in Co. D, Lieut. Alex- ander Brown being appointed Adjutant of our regiment. There was about a dozen of the " Killer " Co. D, deserted ; our company missed one more deserter, named Oliver Amy, of Philadelphia. All the country soldiers belonging to our company stood by their company and their flag. Just before we embarked, some of the Louisiana men told me that they also received orders to embark to-morrow in the sailing-ships " Orchelans," " Ondrika" and " Sharon," and that they are making preparations to leave. This evening we weighed anchor and slowly passed down the river, but did not go far on account of a heavy fog setting in early, so the ship dropped anchor. Sunday, January 17, 1847.- — This morning, at 8 o'clock, we again weighed anchor and left the tow-steamer, named " Phoenix," and passed down on the bosom of the great Mis- sissippi river, and on our way down we saw some of the largest sugar plantations and rice fields in the State of Louisi- ana. They were full of slaves or plantation negroes, male and female, old and young. They cheered us and sang their plan- tation songs and hymns. This section of country is full of that dreaded enemy, the yel- low-legged mosquito. This unruly bird is so terrible on account of its size and voracity, and it seems they prefer northern hide to rich, blue blood. 44 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. About 3 o'clock, p. m., we were again obliged to come to anchor owing to the heavy fog. The sailors told us to-night that if nothing happens and the fog clears away, we will be at the mouth of the Mississippi to-morrow evening. Alonday, January i8, 1847. — This morning we could not start until 10 o'clock, owing to the fog, which is common here, and particularly at this season of the year. We weighed anchor and was towed by the steamboat " Phoenix " down to nearly the mouth of the Mississippi river, to a place called Blaizen, here the tow-boat left us. We shook out sails and passed on down the bay, which is wide here. We saw any quantity of wild game, such as ducks, geese, swans and pelicans, flying around the small islands. In the evening we anchored opposite Fort Jackson. Tuesday, January 15, 1847. — This morning after breakfast the sailors weighed anchor and we sailed down the river, and crossed the bar about i o'clock, p. m. The ship now com- menced to rock a little, increasing its rocking as we went on. We had just partaken of a hearty dinner of fat pork and bean soup. The ship now commenced to rock heavily, and is rolling from one side to the other like a cradle (not the cradle of liberty). The soldiers are beginning to look sickly, and no doubt feel very uncomfortable, and are getting sea-sick. Some could be seen to hunt places less motionless, or trying to keep the ship from rocking, but all no go. King Neptune was too stubborn, and finally revolutions came into their throats, making them look pale about the "gills." Some could be seen hunting positions, or their bunks, to lay down. The ship still keeps rocking up and down, and it seems that every time the ship goes up, up goes the stomachs of some of our soldiers, struggling and rushing to the side of the ship, and heaving up the fat pork and bean soup. Some made a firm determi- nation not to get sea-sick, and laughed at those who were taken first, but old Neptune was too much for us, for we all NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 45 had to be relieved of our pork and bean soup, and so before night I was relieved of most everything that was within me,- and I am now feeling very sick on the strength of it. To-night everything is very quiet, the soldiers are quietly lying in their bunks, not saying anything to anybody, nor don't want anybody to say anything to them. The ship is still rocking. Wed iicsdaf, January 20, 1847. — This morning I did not rise until 10 o'clock on account of being sea-sick. There was no dress parade, owing to the men as well as the officers being all sea-sick. Our journey to-day is a monotonous one, nothing to be seen but the water and the blue sky above us. There was very little amusement occurred on account of the sea being so heavy. In the evening the wind began to blow very hard, and the sailors could be seen busy in lashing everything fast, and by their general conversation we could learn that it was expected that we would have a storm soon. To-night every soldier is lying quietly in his bunk covered up in his blanket, sad and sorrowful, saying that they wished they had never went soldiering. Twelve o'clock to night the wind blows very hard and the ship tosses to and fro. Oh ! how we all wish ourselves on shore again, and would then make promises that we would sin no more. Some of our men I notice are very much frightened about getting ship-wrecked. Thursday, January 21, 1847. — This morning the ships " Oxnard " and " Russell Glover," which has the other two divisions on board, were seen at a distance. This caused much joy and merriment among the soldiers. The wind still keeps up, which prevents the soldiers from coming on deck for fear of again getting sea-sick. This evening the wind began to die away and was getting calm, which caused much encouragement amongf the soldiers. and particularly the sick. The men are coming on deck, and 46 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. everybody seems to be in good cheer and good nature, which • is the best feature in the face. Wit may raise admiration, judgment command respect, knowledge attention, beauty inflame the heart with love, but good nature has a more powerful effect, it adds a thousand attractions to the charms of beauty, and gives an air of benefi- cence to the most homely face. Friday, January 22, 1847. — This morning we find that the demon had been conquered, and the storm and wind ceased. At noon the sky became bright and clear, which had the ef- fect of bringing nearly all the soldiers, well and sick, on the deck. John Newman and I went up into the rigging of the ship, where we stayed for several hours, looking over the broad water. Now and then we could see sails afar off, no doubt loaded with munitions of war, or with soldiers. Below us we could see the sick, who were enjoying the pure air and glow- ing sky with relish. A light breeze waves us along slowly. The gulf looks magnificent, and I was surprised to see the color of the water, which was as blue as if colored with indigo. Some of our fellows could be seen catching a sort of a shell- fish, called Portugueres (man-of-war), which swims the Gulf of Mexico. This evening one of our mess caught one of these fishes by throwing a bucket down the side of the ship and scooping it into the bucket. It was really a curiosity for me to see this kind of fish. To-night is a beautiful night, all the soldiers are on deck and the long hours are whiled away by singing, dancing, telling stories and other pastimes. Saturday, January 23, 1847. — This morning we find the wind dead against us, and could not make any headway, much to the dissatisfaction of all the soldiers, and most of them again got sea-sick, and were anxious to get on dry land again. At dinner-time I was amused at seeing several of our men (sick) emptying their stomachs of the fat pork and bean soup, just relished, over the side of the ship. One of our fellows teased the sick by having a piece of fat NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 47 pork stuck on the end of a stick, holding it up in front of the sick men's faces so that they could see it, which sight, of course, made them a great deal worse. This evening some of our company and Co. D found out the locality of the ship's stores, and were determined on having something else than fat pork and beans, and at night they succeeded in capturing five or six hams, a few tongues, and several bushels of potatoes. So look out for somebody being arrested. Sunday , January 24, 1847. — This morning we find the wind still unfavorable, and our ship making slow headway. The swells are very heavy, and it keeps the ship rolling over and over, which is very unpleasant for our sick. At noon some of our officers were going around and examining our pork and bean pots to see whether they could find out who had the hams, tongues and potatoes, but our fellows were too sharp, they put a layer of sourkrout over the top of each kettle that had a ham or tongue in, and this is the way our officers were blind- folded, and could not find out who stole the hams, tongues and potatoes. This evening the weather is getting warmer, which is en- couraging the sick. ' To-night we fared well on our mysterious hams, tongues and potatoes. Monday, January 25, 1847. — This morning all of the soldiers, except the sick, jumped on deck, brought up by the cry of land ahead. The captain of the ship took his spy-glass and went aloft, and when he came down reported to the soldiers and officers that it was Brazos, Santiago. This cheered the soldiers, and they all appeared lively' and in good spirits again. This afternoon some of the soldiers caught a dolphin and several other sort of black fishes, which came alongside the ship in shoals. To-night it is splendid. For supper we had fish, ham and potatoes; who wouldn't be a soldier? 48 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Tuesday, Jaiuiary 26, 1847. — This morning the soldiers were gathered in different groups and were talking and wondering how soon the long-looked-for land would be seen. Some even went to the captain of the ship and asked him how long or how many days it would be before they could get to land again. The captain answered them that we will have a storm before night, and that we will likely be driven further from land than what we now are. Sure enough this evening the sky clouded up and the sea ran mountain high, and the captain for fear of being driven on shore concluded to run out to sea again, which he did to the great disappointment of all the soldiers. To-night the sailors lashed everything fast. The sea is raging wild, and the sailors tell us that we will have a heavy sea to-night. Wednesday January 27, 1847. — Early this morning the wind ceased, and soon afterwards a heavy fog set in which kept the ship from getting nearer to the land. At 4 o'clock, p. M., the fog cleared away, which gave the ship an opportunity to sail on a little further, but the fog soon set in again and the captain was obliged to anchor, for fear of running into some sailing craft or get on a reef. To-night the storm came up again and blew a perfect hurricane, the sailors had to give the ship forty fathoms of cable to make her stand, and sometimes she would drag the anchor. The sea is high and rough, everything fastened, the hatchway shut down. It lasted until midnight, when it slackened off This storm had the effect of again making some of our men sea-sick. Thursday, Jamiafy 28, 1847. — This morning the fog cleared off, and we could plainly see the much talked of and looked for Brazos, Santiago, and a miserable looking place it is; two or three shanties and a few tents along the beach, and the harbor full of vessels of all descriptions anchored around the beach. Some loaded with troops, stores and ordnances to carry on the war with Mexico. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 49 About lo o'clock, a. M.,a United States Government steam- boat came alongside of our ship and wanted our report to be handed to Gen. Winfield Scott, whose headquarters are now at Brazos, awaiting the arrival of all his troops to operate against Vera Cruz. The captain of the steamboat informed us that the ships " Oxnard " and " Russell Glover," contain- ing the balance of our regiment, had left the day before for the Island Lobos, and the soldiers were all well with exception of a few being sea-sick. The captain of the steamboat then asked our men whether we wanted any beef or provisions. This question was no sooner out of his mouth, when nearly all the men cried in a loud voice, " We want beef, we want beef! For we have had none since we left Pittsburgh, Pa." [Laughter.] The answer was that we shall all have beef. [Laughter.] Friday, January 29, 1847. — This morning our doctor, Dr. Bunting, and commissary stepped into a small boat and rowed toward the Brazos to see if there was any mail for our regi- ment, also to get some medicine for the sick soldiers. So, during the absence of our distinguished commissary, one of Company D, took the advantage of him, and rolled a barrel of ham away and hid it under a tent, with blankets thrown over it carelessly, but in a couple of hours afterward some of the officers discovei-ed that a barrel of ham was stolen, and were determined to find out who took the barrel of ham. They placed a guard over the fire-place to keep a watch and see who had the hams. But they fooled the soft, green guard, as well as the officers on a former occasion, by doing as they done before, cutting the ham in two or three pieces, and then put it into the camp kettles of water with a heavy layer of sourkrout on the top of it, and that was the way they cooked it unknown to either the guard or officers. To-night neither Dr. Bunting nor our commissary have arrived on our ship. I guess they are having a nice time on shore. 4 50 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Saturday, January 30, 1847. — This morning, after break- fast, we were mustered on deck for the first time since we were on board this ship, and had orders read to us from Gen. Scott. The orders were that we should immediately proceed on our way to the Island of Lobos, some sixty miles south of Tam- pico, there to await until further orders from his generalship. This looks like business. To-day is very calm, not a breath of air stirring. In the evening we still find ourselves at anchor on account of our doctor and commissary being at Brazos, Santiago. We are nearly all wishing that they would either return or stay away altogether, as we have plenty of ham. To-night in the absence of our commissary, some of the stolen hams were distributed among the soldiers, that are favorites. Sunday, January 31, 1847. — This morning the captain of our ship lowered a life-boat for the purpose of going after our two officers now on shore. When about half-way over they were met by a United States Government steamboat coming toward our ship with the fresh beef promised us the other day, saying that they thought that was what was keeping us here waiting for the beef The captain of our ship returned with the Government, steamboat and brought the promised beef on board of our ship, and it was the hardest looking beef I ever saw, it was nothing but skin and bones, and not as much fat on it as would make a penny candle. It was as black as the ace of spades. We said to ourselves we prefer the commissary ham. To-night our two officers are still absent, and keeping us here. Monday, February i, 1847. — This morning we are still at anchor, awaiting those two bummers of ours. At noon, to our great delight, the two missing officers came on board. They both looked as if they got different kind of rations while they lived on shore. We are now weighing the anchor, after which we set sail for the Island of Lobos. The wind being NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 51 contrary, we did not make five miles from the Brazos. It was gloomy all day. In the evening there were shoals of fishes swimming around our ship. I tried to catch one of the porpoises, but failed. At dusk a small schooner came along- side ; or, in fact, passing our ship, when the following con- versation took place : " Ship ahoy ! " "Aye, aye, sir." "• Where do you hail from ? " " New Orleans, sir. Where are you from ? " " Galveston, Texas, sir." " Where are you bound for ? " " The Island of Lobos, sir." " Here, too." " What is your latitude ? " " Good." " Good luck to you, sir." " Same to you, sir." This is the general conversation the sea captains have when they meet one another out at sea. The soldiers paid a close attention, and listened with their ears and eyes open while the conversation was going on, and were well pleased with the ceremony. At lo o'clock to-night the wind changed in our favor, and we are now gliding along pretty fast, and the captain says that if it keeps on this way, and we have good luck, we will make the Island of Lobos to-morrow evening. We have nearly all got pretty well used to the sea ; our men who have been sea sick have nearly all recovered, and they seemed to care little whether the ship lies still or rolls over until her keel is above the water. Tuesday, February 2, 1847. — This morning our Commissary first discovered that another barrel of his hams was missing. He is swearing vengeance against the man or men that stole it, threatening to shoot the man or men who stole it. He will have a happy time to find out who got it. And, again, the hams are by this time nearly all eaten up. At noon orders were issued that every soldier would be put on an allowance of water, one quart to a man for a day to cook, drink, etc. This is coming to a pretty pinch. To-day is beautiful, the wind being in our favor all day, and the prospects of the end of our sea journey is near at hand. This evening the sky was darkened by the heavy clouds, and a heavy norther blew up. The poor sailors went aloft, took in their sails, and on deck lashed everything fast ; lashed the spars and foretops ; tightened 52 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. everything fast; the sailors also tell us that the sea by to- morrow morning would run mountain high. To-night the sea is as red as fire, wild and rough looking. Wednesday. February 3, 1847. — This morning, sure enough, the storm raged with the utmost fury, but died away about 10 o'clock, A. M. The sea is now a magnificent sight, sparkling like a sea of diamonds on the massive sheet of foam, playing, plunging and burying themselves in the deep blue bosom of the Gulf of Mexico. To-night the wind rose acrain, and almost every soldier was seen to jump into his bunk to take a good night's sleep on the rocking of the ship, for we are now getting well used to the rocking and rough sea. Good night. Thursday, February 4, 1847. — This morning the storm ceased and the sea became quite calm. At 10 o'clock, A. m., we were startled by the cry of a shark. All the soldiers rushed upon deck to witness the sight, when some thirty shots were fired at him, but he seemed not to mind it at all, but was soon captured by a sailor who had a large hook tied to the harpoon. He was hauled on deck and skinned by Alburtus Welsh, of our company. He measured six feet in length. Mr. Welsh wasn't long before he had the shark cut up and put on the fire to cook. After which Mr. Welsh gave me a piece. It was the first shark meat I ever eat, and I must confess it was the best fish meat I most ever eat. This evening we noticed sev- eral small fishes swimming alongside of our sliip. We low- ered a basket and scooped several of them up. They are called the pilot boy. This fish is something on the leech order, it having a broad, flat head. They die as soon as they are out of water. Friday, February 5, 1847. — This morning our ship's cap- tain discovered that we were not far from land, the wind being still against us, and of course making very little head- way. At noon we saw several swallows flying about the ship. This indicated that we were not far from land. This evening is calm, not a ripple can be seen on the ocean. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 53 Saturday^ February 6, 1847. — This morning we find the current running at the rate of six miles per hour to the north. Our course should be to the south. We did not make five miles all day. This evening afi:er dusk we spoke the ship "St. Louis," of Philadelphia, loaded down with ammunition of war and surf or transport boats. The same conversation took place that was held with the schooner the other day, except the " St. Louis " was bound for Anton Lizardo, near Vera Cruz. The soldiers all seemed to be much pleased in meeting the ship. Sunday^ February 7, 1847. — This morning our water, which we were told of the other day, was issued to us by the mess. Each mess drawing a quart of water for each man to drink, cook and wash in. The water is miserable. The smell is enough to make the soldiers sick or to put us entirely against using it, but we will have to put up with it until we can get better. At noon the wind is still ahead and is likely to be so for several days ; yet there is no telling how the wind may blow in an hour from now, for it is so contrary in these regions, and particularly at this time of the year. In the even- ing several of our men caught fishes, some weighing from five to six pounds and are a very pretty fish. We are now several days out from the sight of land and our men are won- dering how long it will be before we will see land again. Nothing extraordinary happened to-day or night. Monday, February 8, 1847. — This morning as usual we still find the wind against us, but the weather is fine and pleasant. At noon most of the soldiers went on deck and passed their time in playing cards, a game the soldiers are more or less addicted to, and thus frequently gamble all their money in a few days after they are paid off. Some of our men were amused by Mr. Kennedy, of Company D, who favored them with some beautiful airs on the accordeon. He is a good player as well as a singer. We did not make six miles all day — poor way of getting along, but we will have to let old Neptune take his own time and way, for he is very contrary sometimes. To-night it looks as if none of our men want to go to sleep. 54 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Everybody seems to be cheerful. Some are trying to dance, while others again are singing sentimental songs tuned with the accordeon and with comic voices and accents in such a doleful and lugubrious style as to cause the soldiers to look like a funeral party. It was so comic that it made every one laugh and be in good humor. Tuesday, February g, 1847. — This morning I noticed some of our men did not get out of their bunks until after 10 o'clock, and their whole talk and laughing was about the comic proceedings of last night. The wind is still ahead and is blowing hard. The sailors seemed to be very much alarmed. They are telling our men that we are now on one of the worst coasts on the gulf for storms. This evening at a distance we saw a large fire on the Mexi- can shore, supposed to be put there by the Mexicans to get vessels on the breakers or beach. To-night, in place of our men singing comic songs, they formed themselves into a debating society, and their whole dis- cussion of subjects was on the Mexican War. The discussion was very interesting and exciting. Some of the soldiers were well posted in argument, in talent and gift of speech-making. Some prophesied that the war, after we landed, would only last one month, while others, again, argued that it would last over a year, and that a desperate and bloody struggle will have to take place before the city of Mexico is taken. The debating was heartily applauded, and adjourned at 1 1 o'clock at night. Wednesday, February 10, 1847. — This morning the sky had every appearance of a storm. At noon the prophecy became too true, the wind whistling through the rigging and making great mischief In the evening the sea became very rough. Waves were dashing up in front of our ship as high as moun- tains. It blew a perfect hurricane. The tempest is raging high. Could not carry one foot of sail. It began to look gloomy, The sailors were obliged to take the main-top NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 55 mast off to lighten her above. To-night the soldiers were obliged to fasten themselves in their bunks with ropes to keep themselves from falling out. The storm was fearful, and some of our men began to get alarmed, fearing the ship " Statesman " would go down to rise no more. I noticed our messmate, Simon Schafifer, was praying. Yet, for all this fearful rage, it was truly laughable to see how some of our men were falling out of their bunks, and trying to creep back into them again ; to see the pans and camp kettles rolling and tumbling about on the floor of the ship. We heard the billows swelling, the breakers roaring on the ocean all night. TJiursday, February ii, 1847. — This morning the storm is still raging with unabated fury. One of our main fore-sails was carried away by the storm, which blew it high in the air. At noon it commenced to rain powerfully, accompanied by thunder and lightning which made the sea howl. Every- thing is kept fastened. To-night I heard the sailors talking about the awful storm we had last night, and how some tumbled out of their bunks and struggled to get in again, laughing over the scene and excitement amongst our men. Friday, February 12, 1847. — This morning the wind is blowing a regular gale, and kept at it nearly all day. So nothing strange took place. To-night one of our sentinels, stationed on the forecastle, cried " Ship ahead ! ship ahead ! " We came within several feet of running into one another, which caused great excitement amongst the officers, as well as all the soldiers and sailors on board. Had there been a col- lision, the ships would have undoubtedly both went down, with all the living and half-dead freight on board. Some of our men say that it was the same ship we met the other night (" St. Louis "), but the captain of the ship said that it was the " Sharon," with Louisiana soldiers on board. It was a lucky escape. The wind is now dying away. It is time. Saturday, February 13, 1847. — This morning the general talk and conversation among the soldiers was about the narrow escape we met with last night. At noon it began to 56 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. get very cloudy, and the ship's captain seemed to be very uneasy, not knowing his latitude and longitude. He could not find out where he was, owing to the state of the weather ; so not knowing his whereabouts, he again put out to sea. This afternoon there was a little excitement among the soldiers, owing to a hat and a pair of pants floating near our ship. It was supposed to belong to some of the ships we saw at a distance off. Sunday , February 14, 1847. — This morning the sun came out, and our ship's captain soon found out his latitude and longitude, and discovered that we were not far from Vera Cruz, and it wasn't long before we could with spy-glasses see the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa and Orazaba Mountain. The captain put about ship and proceeded to the Island of Lobos, and if the wind keeps as it is we will make the Island in the morning. Monday , February 15, 1847. — This morning about 10 o'clock we spoke to the bark " May Flower," of New York. Some say with New York soldiers, others have it the Second Mississippi Regiment, the latter I think is correct ; also the bark " Isabella " with a detachment of the New York Vol- unteers, under the command of Capt. Shaw, on board. We hailed them both, and they answered as their destination the Island of Lobos. At noon the sentinel at the forecastle spied land ahead, and it proved to be the long-looked-for Island of Lobos. To-night the soldiers are all in high glee, with the beauti- ful sights in view. Tuesday, February 16, 1847.- — This morning as we were ap- proaching the Island Lobos a pilot-boat came alongside of our ship and wanted five dollars per foot to pilot us in to anchorage. The captain of our ship did not like the appear- ance of the man for he asked too much ; we, however, beat in slowly and anchored about 3 o'clock, p. m., after which there was a detail of ten men from each company to go ashore and clear away the bpshes apd rubbish, so we could pitch our tents. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. r)7 At 5 o'clock, A. M., we all landed, and it seemed that everyone wanted to be first to land, so anxious were we to get on shore again. Here we were received by the rest of our regiment, who arrived a few days ago. We were much rejoiced in seeing one another again. To-night, for the first time, we are sleeping on foreign soil. All quiet to-night. Wednesday, February 17, 1847. — This morning after break- fast, and after having our tents all fixed right, Louis Bymaster and myself took a walk around the island, and we find it a much prettier and larger place than we expected. We also visited the Palmetto Regiment and Louisiana Regi- ment drilling on dress parade, and they are the hardest look- ing (new) soldiers that I ever saw, and if you call these men cJdvalry of the Sunny South, I would like to see some of the poor. This evening one of the Louisiana Regiment died, and was buried with all the honors of war. Thursday, February 18, 1847. — This morning Capt. Small reported himself to Col. Wynkoop for duty, after which he gave orders to our company for each and every soldier to clean up his brasses, his belts and make a fine appearance, for the first time, on foreign soil. At 10 o'clock, A. M., the drums beat. We formed into line, and mustered eighty muskets. After a little speech from our Captain, we marched to the parade-ground, and I must say that our company looked as well, if not better, than any company in the regiment. After going through the usual parade drill, we marched back to our quarters, where we met Col. Wynkoop, who compli- mented us very highly by saying that we drilled better, looked healthier and cleaner than any other company in the regiment, and he hoped that we may continue in our drilling, cleanliness and good behavior in camp, as well as on dress parades, after which Capt. Small thanked the Colonel for the compliment, and the Colonel then left with cheers. 58 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. This evening two more of the Louisiana Volunteers died, and were buried with all the honors of war. The band belonging to the regiment played the funeral march. It seems to me that these Southern soldiers can't stand the hot climate as well as us Northern dirty dogs. Talk about dirt ! That's what kills these Southern soldiers. They are the filthiest and laziest set of men I have ever seen ; there is no life or ambition about them. Friday, Fchniary 19, 1847. — This morning there is a stiff breeze from the north, which has the effect to make it more pleasant — not so hot. At noon I noticed several more ships had arrived, and I counted no less than twenty vessels in sight. This afternoon the schooner " Catharine H. Bacon " arrived. She is loaded with wagons, mules and army ordnances. Also, the ship " Charlotta Reid " arrived, loaded down with Capt. Rockett's Howitzer Battery, and ordnance stores for Gen. Scott's army. They had a full brass band on board, and played the national airs as she sailed in ; also, played in the evening. To-night is calm and beautiful. The sea looks lovely. Saturday, February 20, 1 847 — This morning, after breakfast, Alburtus Welsh, Simon Schaffer, myself and others went in search, along the beach, for rare shells, which are numerous here. We found some beautiful ones, and we were wishing that we only could send some of these rare shells home to some of our friends. It would be a great curiosity to them, and particularly from this section of the country. From here we visited the other regiments. We find en- camped on this island the First and Second Regiments Penn- .sylvania Volunteers, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi and part of the New York Regiments. Some have not got their uniforms yet. This evening, after the usual dress parade and drill, nearly all our soldiers went into the sea to bathe. It is calm. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 5!) Sinniav, Fchniary 21, 1847. — This morning a steahiship hove in si'Tht, and in a short time she came near enough for us to learn that it was the flagship " Massachusetts," and by her signs we found our Commander-in-Chief, Major-Gen. Winfield Scott, was on board of her. The sloop-of-war " St. Mary," Capt. Sanders commander, and which has been lying here ever since we arrived, opened her /;//// dogs in honor of his (Scott's) arrival. The General did not land on account of the sea and weather being too rough. To-night the sea looks like fire. Monday February 22, 1847. — This morning the minute guns of the "St. Mary," as well as those on shore, fired salutes in honor of the 2 2d of February. The day was celebrated by several companies in a becoming manner. Our company had a splendid supper on the occasion, served up by Mr. Schultz. After supper was over the bottles were handed around and toast after toast was drank. Little patriotic speeches were made by several of our officers and men. So passed the 22d of February on the Island of Lobos. Tuesday, February 23, 1847. — This morning we were visited by the officers of the Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- teers. They spoke very highly and complimentary. At noon the man-of-war-brig "Perry" arrived from the blockading squadron off Vera Cruz. As soon as she dropped her anchor the " St. Mary" weighed her anchor and set sail for Vera Cruz. In the evening some of Co. D and some of our men had a little fight about the right of the fire-place ; but it was soon quashed by our officers. This was the first quarrel we have had since we were mustered into the United States Army. To-night it is rumored in our camp that Lieut. Richey and a party of his men were all captured and murdered by the Mexican guerillas, near Villa Grand. I learn to-night that a regular United States officer died on shipboard and was brought on the island. The wind to-night is again rising and the ships are seen to rock to and fro like a baby's cradle. 60 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. IVi'dncsday, February 24, 1847. — This morning the regular United States officer that died on ship last evening was buried with all the honors of war. He was accompanied to his grave by nearly all the regular officers on the island, besides a full brass band playing the funeral march. The report of the capture of Second Lieut. J. A. Richey, of the Fifth United States Infantry, and his gallant little band is confirmed. They were lassoed and afterwards brutally massacred in cold blood near the town of Villa Grand, on or about the 12th or 13th of January last. Lieut. Richey was the bearer of dispatches to Gen. Zach. Taylor. Thus all the dispatches and plans of Gen. Scott's campaign in Mexico were captured with poor Lieut. Richey, and the Mexican government by this time are as fully posted as to his movements as Gen. Scott himself This evening there was an election in Company D, of our regiment, for captaincy. Adjt. Alexander Brown and Lieut. J. C. Kretschmar were the candidates. After the polls were closed and the votes counted it resulted in favor of Lieut. Kretschmar for captain almost by a unanimous vote, which caused much rejoicing and hand-shaking among the boys. Lieut. Kretschmar made a little speech thanking the members for electing him to the cap- taincy of the company and promising them that he would stand by them as long as he lived. Capt. Kretschmar is quite a young man ; in fact, he looks in the face like a lady — smooth face and good looking. To-night we can hear most all the soldiers talking about the capturing and murdering of Lieut. Richey, saying that his blood shall and will be yet avenged the first opportunity. Thursday, February 25,1847. — This morning after breakfast we went out on parade, and drilled for over one hour, after which orders were read to us for to pack up and strike our tents. At 1 1 o'clock, A. M., we again got into the surf-boats, which took us on board of our bully ship " Statesman," singing the National song, \Vc arc all Hoit)id for Mexico. NOTES OF THE Ml'.XlCAN WAR. (il This evening orders came from Gen. Scott stating that we should not leave until further orders from him. He expected long before this that his ships containing the transport surf- boats would have arrived. To-night the soldiers were all wishing that the ship having those surf-boats on board would arrive. Friday^ February 26, 1847. — This morning we were all ordered on deck to be inspected and mustered. Also orders were read stating that the red pennant flying from the main topmast of Gen. Scott's flag ship " Massachusetts," would be the signal for all ships to depart. Cheers for Mexico. In the afternoon I heard considerable growling, and there seems to be much dissatisfaction among the boys, all being anxious to get away from this island. All eyes are watch- ing for the red pennant on Gen. Scott's flag ship "Massachu- setts," but all in vain, Saturday, February 27, 1847. — This morning the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers and all the rest of the troops on Lobos Island were ordered to strike tents and to embark, and be ready to sail. I heard to-day the reason of our delay here is on account of Gen. T. S. Jessup, United States Quartermaster at New Orleans, failing to provide transportation for the soldiers, ordnance stores, artillery and dragoons. According to Gen. Scott's plan of operation all the transports and soldiers should have been here long before this time. Gen. Scott seemed to be much embarrassed and troubled about the capturing of his plan of operations in Mexico, and the insufficiency of trans- ports to transport his army. This evening a number of ships loaded with troops, ammu- nition and ordnance .stores arrived. There must now be nearly one hundred vessels of all sizes anchored around this island, in fact it looks like a wilderness of spars and rigging. Later this evening three companies of the Second Regiment Penn.sylvania Volunteers on board the ship " General Vesay " were ordered to land a^rain on Lobos Island on account of 62 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. their having the spiall-pox, and were ordered not to join their regiment until they were fully restored to health, this news caused a little grumbling among those who were not sick with that disease. Ten o'clock to-night I heard that several of our sentinels were asleep on their post when the guard went around to release them ; they were ordered to be put under guard to await a court-martial. Sunday, February 28, 1847. — This morning we were ordered on deck, and orders were read from Gen. Scott stating that the Second Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama Regiments were lo leave instantly for Tampico to form part of the garrison of that place so as to relieve some of the regulars. They weighed anchor and set sail, and are now nearly out of sight. In the evening all the carpenters and laborers on the island were ordered to get on ships. Monday, MarcJi i, 1847. — This morning the steamship " Eudora " arrived from New Orleans and Brazos Santiago, bringing important dispatches from our Government to Gen. Winfield Scott. By this arrival the soldiers all expected letters from home, but were sadly disappointed, there being no mail, and brought but enough money to pay off our commis- sioned officers, but nothing was said in regard to paying the privates. Oh, no ; they will have to serve a little longer. This evening some of our soldiers held a meeting and made patriotic speeches, after which they adopted strong resolutions requesting our Government to either send us on to the seat of war or send us back from ^\'hence we came, as we were getting tired of this tomfoolery. Tuesday, AlareJi 2, 1847. — This morning some of our soldiers traded away a barrel of Uncle Sam's fat pork and a box of candles for some ham and butter of a trading schooner. At 10 o'clock, A. M., we were formed on deck and inspected by Col. Wynkoop, after which he addressed us in a good little speech, saying that the next time he will meet us would be on the enemy's soil, where he will cheerfully meet and lead his NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 63 regiment into the field of action ; also warning all soldiers to keep their muskets and ammunition dry and in prime order ; also saying that from authority the enemy's force at Vera Cruz is from six to seven thousand strong, and he expected to meet with strong opposition in landing at Vera Cruz. To-night I noticed our Capt. Small and Lieut. Berry making a flag out of blue bunting. The pole is of a ship's boat oar, the spear out of a prong hook, the State of Pennsylvania being too poor to give us a flag. Wednesday, MarcJi 3, 1847. — This morning the appointed signal was seen floating from the ship " Massachusetts." Then there was great excitement and bustle among the different ships, all preparing to start. The rattling and clinking of the heavy cables as they weighed the anchors. While the sail- ors were winding up the cables the soldiers mingled with them in singing their favorite and merry songs, such as : " With a Stout Vessel and a Bully Crew, we'll carry the Ship States- man through the Storm, hi oh, hi, oh." " We are now Bound for the Shores of Mexico, and there Uncle Sam's Soldiers we will Land, hi oh, &c." Everything is as merry as a marriage bell and inspired the soldiers with confidence of our success in Mexico. The whole fleet of ships was soon under way with their flags flying from almost every mast head. Gen. Scott, on board of his flagship " Massachusetts," could be seen passing from one end of the ship to the other giving or- ders and watching the movement of every sail, and as the vessels were passing one another cheers after cheers were given. The "Russell Glover," with Col. Francis M. Wynkoop on board, led our regiment, followed by the "Oxnard," Lieut.- Col. Samuel W. Black, and then the "Statesman," Maj. Francis L. Bowman, bringing up the rear. The sight was grand, and it will be remembered as a day of jubilee and rejoicing among the soldiers. Thin'sday, March 4, 1847. — This morning the wind changed in our favor, which caused a smiling and a pleasing countenance 64 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. in almost every soldier's face. The noble ship "Statesman" is now gliding along like a thing of life. The fleet is nearly all out of sight. The weather is pleasant and fair and most all the soldiers are on deck and in the rigging talking about the gala day of yesterday, and are also straining their eyes to get an early view of the city of Vera Cruz, the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa, &c. Quiet to-night. Friday, Marcli 5, 1847. — This morning nearly all the vessels that started on the 3d were out of sight which again made everything look lonesome and tiresome. At 1 1 o'clock, a. m., our ship " Statesman " ran on a coral reef The ship's captain and his crew tried all they could to keep the ship off, but all in vain, as the wind was against him. The captain then ran the flag up with the Union down as a signal of distress, but the vessels passing near by paid no attention to it, and every time the ship struck up came large pieces split off her keel. The sailors took out the chain anchors and by adding a cable around the windlass we succeeded in getting her off after hard wbrk. The captain of the ship ordered up a barrel of whiskey to be distributed among the soldiers who assisted in getting the ship off, &c. During this little accident some of the soldiers got frightened, and one of Co. C, named Simon Schaffer, was seen in the hold of the ship with his knees upon his knap- sack praying aloud for God's sake to save the ship and all the souls on board. To-night some of the soldiers looked as if they felt the whiskey. Saturday, Marcli 6, 1847. — This morning we were in full view of Anton Lisardo, and it was not long till we got right in the midst, and anchored in the midst of over two hundred sails ; in fact, it looks more like a wilderness of dead pine trees than so many spars and rigging of ships. Nearly all the men-of-war ships now in the employ of our Government are stationed here to protect the unarmed vessels, as well as the soldiers and ordnances on board. This afternoon several more ships arrived. General Scott, with Commodore Connor, on board the steamboat " Spitfire," were seen reconnoitering NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 65 along the shore for the purpose of selecting a suitable place for the landing of troops. When they nearly approached the city of Vera Cruz the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa commenced firing several round shot and shell towards the " Spitfire." One shot we saw fall in front of the " Spitfire's " bow, which caused the " Spitfire " to return, having accomplished and learned nearly all they wanted to know. Castle of San Juan de Ulloa was named after a prominent Spaniard in Spain. This evening we could plainly hear music all around us, bands playing the national airs. Simday, March y, 1847. — This morning Col. F. M. Wynkoop came on board of our ship and stated that Gen. Scott had selected a spot near the Island of Sacrificios for the landing of our soldiers, and that we would land to-night at i o'clock, and that we were to take three days' rations in our haversacks and our canteens filled with water, and not to take anything in our knapsacks but one blanket, two shirts and a pair of socks. He also said that he had lost his horse on the voyage, and would be obliged to foot it with us. This evening Gen. Scott and Commodore Connor, on board of the " Spitfire," were cruising around the ships, and were cheered as they passed, the bands playing all the national airs. To-night some of our men had a ball in the hold of the ship. Monday, March 8, 1847. — This morning we still found our- selves on board of the ship. The talk of landing, which was to take place yesterday afternoon, did not come off. At noon the mate of our ship went to the ship " Russell Glover " for the purpose of getting orders from Col. Wynkoop. After an absence of one hour he returned with orders stating that every- thing was now ready, and that we would positively land to- morrow noon. Also that Lieut. Landstree of Capt. Bennett's Company (F), First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, died of brain fever, and was buried on Anton Lizardo with the honors of war. This is the first commissioned officer that died belonging to our regiment in a foreign soil. In the evening there was a good deal of excitement and activity going on 5 66 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. among the soldiers and sailors in preparing for the landing, which I am told will surely take place to-morrow at the Island of Sacrificios. This island was once famous in ancient times of bloody altars with sacrificed people with opened breasts, chopped off arms, legs, etc. ; also for numerous wrecks of many vessels. It was once occupied by the English as relic- hunters, such as earthenware, until 1568, when Gen. Almarze arrived from Spain and drove " Johnny Bull " from the island. To-night another ball on ship, having a jolly time. CHAPTER II. LANDING BELOW VERA CRUZ STORMING THE SAND HILLS SUR- ROUNDING THE CITY — COL. HARNEY's DRAGOON FIGHT BOMBARDMENT OF THE CITY ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT TO SURRENDER THE CITY OF VERA CRUZ MEXICAN ARMY MARCHING OUT AND STACKING THEIR ARMS MY FIRST VISIT TO THE CITY INSPECTION OF ITS FORTS OUR ARMY OF 10,000 MEN LEFT FOR THE CAPITAL OF MEXICO AFTER TOILSOME MARCHING ARRIVED AT PLAN DEL RIO GEN. TWIGGS MEETS THE ENEMY PREPARING TO STORM THE HEIGHTS HE IS ORDERED TO TAKE POSSESSION OF A HILL GEN. .SCOTT's order NO. I I I FOR THE ATTACK ON CERRO GORDO. Tuesday, March 9, 1847.— This morning we had orders to pack up and prepare to land. There was great excitement among the soldiers and sailors on board the ships, and much confusion in the fleet, while making preparation for landing, in fact the whole scene was full of wild excitement. The passing of small boats to and fro, the dashing of the oars, the clangor of the officers' sabres and the clinking of -the cables, the sharp clarion voices of order by the officers, and the quick response by the officers and men. The soldiers mingling with the sailors in singing their favorite songs will ever be remembered by those who saw it the longest day of their lives. We were taken off our ship " Statesman " and put on so-called surf- boats, after which we were taken and put on board of the United States frigate " Potomac." In fact nearly the whole army was taken from the transport ship to the man-of-war. Some say it is on account of the channel being too narrow for all the ships to anchor, others have it it is to protect the troops when they land in case of an attack. (67) 68 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. After we were all safely on board we weighed anchor, with bands of music playing the national airs, after which we started for the Island of Sacrificios and passed on until we ar- rived opposite the island, when the anchor was again let go to the bottom. Here are numerous vessels from all parts of the globe. The tops of masts and other rigging were filled with officers and sailors watching the movements of the ships, as well as the soldiers on board, all anxiously looking with strained eyes to see the landing and the attack upon our soldiers as we land. In fact, it put me in mind of seeing so many robins or black birds on a wild cherry tree, or crows on trees watching the dead carcass lying beneath. Gen. William J. Worth's division, which is mostly composed of regular soldiers, was ordered to land first, about half past 3 o'clock, p. M. We saw from seventy to eighty surf boats holding from seventy to one hundred men each, with five or six sailors as oarsmen, coming alongside of the ships contain- ing Gen. Worth's division, for the purpose of embarking in these surf boats, after which they were drawn into line. Everything was now ready. The signal gun on board the flagship "Massachusetts" was fired. Off they started for the Aztec's shore, with great excitement and cheers from all the soldiers still on board as well as from the foreign spectators on the rigging of their respective vessels. It was truly a mag- nificent sight to see them gliding towards the shore and the bright muskets and bayonets flashing in the sun. As soon as the surf boats struck the beach the soldiers instantly jumped on shore, some in the water. We are now looking for the Mexicans to attack our men, but on they rushed in double- quick time until they came to a sand hill. Here they planted the flag of our country with three hearty cheers, responded to with great enthusiasm by every soldier on board of the ships, as well as from all the vessels in this port. During all this bu.stle and excitement the bands were playing the national airs, " Yankee Doodle," " Star Spangled Banner," and " Hail Columbia." They effected the landing southwest of Vera 70 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Cruz. The whole of Worth's first division was now safely landed without the firing of a single gun, and without any op- position from the enemy. This was without expectation from us soldiers as well as a great disappointment to the spectators and foreigners who came many miles to see the attack upon our troops. Gen. Robert Patterson, who commands the second division, was ordered to land next. This division is called the Volun- teer Division, it being composed of all volunteers, and our regiment is in this division. Surf-boats came alongside of our ship and we embarked in these surf-boats loaded down with as brave and gallant men as there is in the United States Army. The sailors rowed us to shore, when the boats struck the beach we leaped on shore, everyone wanted to be first. Some had to jump in the water and hurried on, and, like Gen. Worth's Division, landed without any opposition. Cheered our flag now waving triumphantly in the land of the Montezumas. Gen. David E. Twiggs, who commands the third division, landed after our division, they of course all landed safely. Thus it will be seen that the orders and plans of Gen. Winfield Scott in landing the United States troops was well carried out, and by 9 o'clock, p.m., the whole army, numbering about 12,000 men, were all safely landed without the least accident and without the loss of a single man. After the whole army were formed into position we were ordered to stack our muskets and unsling our knapsacks, after which we took our supper from the following bill of fare : A piece of fat pork and biscuit and washed it down with some of the ship " Statesman's " dirty water, after which we received orders to lay down on the wet beach close by our muskets with our feet towards the gulf and our heads towards the sand hills to rest and sleep, if we could, for we are all much fatigued. About midnight our whole camp was aroused by the firing of several volleys of musketry from the enemy who were stationed on top or back of the .sand hills (which are numerous NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 71 here) right in the rear of our encampment, but doing no damage except to one of our men belonging to Co. I, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, who was wounded. Thus the first soldier wounded and first blood spilt in Gen. Scott's army was of Pennsylvania Volunteers. This little excitement raised the whole army on their feet in a minute ; expecting an attack by the enemy. Officers were dashing along the line urging the men to be quiet, for they wanted to make a charge on the sand hills. All was soon quieted, and all, except the guards, laid down again with their muskets close by their sides and finished our first nap on the Aztec shore. Capt. A. Cady and Lieut. Fitzergald, of Co. H, Sixth United States Infantry, were the first to land and form their company on the beach below Vera Cruz. Wednesday, March lo, 1 847. — This morning the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa commenced firing some of her heavy shots toward our encampment, but all fell short. We finished our breakfast on some of Mr. Mason's mouldy crackers and old fat pork, having no cooking utensils on shore to cook anything. Some made their coffee in their tin-cups, others were compelled to wash fat pork down with bad water. After breakfast we were formed into line of march to surround the city of Vera Cruz, and it was one of the marches the volunteers will never forget. All along the road-side men could be seen, who had dropped down with blistered feet, exhausted and thirsty for want of water. In fact we could hardly walk ten steps with- out seeing some poor soldier, whose tongue was thirsty for water, laying on the wayside and begging for a drop of water. Lieut. Casper M. Berry, of our company, was sunstruck. It looked as if you could almost see his brain gushing out of his forehead. He is not expected to live. We marched on until we arrived at a chaparral tangled with the thickest of cactus. Here we struck what we called an Indian pathway, filed through the chaparral, headed by Brig.-Gen. Gideon J. Pillow. When we were almost half way through, the Mexi- cans, who were lying back in ambush, fired volley after volley 72 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. upon us. We, without orders, instantly returned the fire, and all was soon quiet again. In this little skirmish several of our men got wounded, but not dangerously. After a little rest we again marched on until we came to an old stone building which looked as if it had been in ruins for a number of years. Here we lay in ambush, awaiting and expecting that the Mexican cavalry, who had been cut off, would make an attempt to get into the city of Vera Cruz. After lying and waiting for sev- eral hours, and finding that the cavalry would not come, we again marched on until we came to a large sand hill, which was partly occupied by the Mexican Lancers and cavalry. This is a prominent point and a good position, it being back of Vera Cruz. Here we halted for a short time and could plainly see the manoeuvring of the Mexican Lancers, mounted on .spirited horses. Orders now came from Gen. Patterson stating that the sand hill must be taken before night. So we again started and went direct for the sand hill. The First Tennessee Regiment, Col. W. B. Campbell commanding, was this time in the advance during the ascent on the hill. The Castle of San Juan de Ulloa and all the forts around the city of Vera Cruz kept up a constant firing with round shot and thirteen-inch shell, whistling, cracking and snapping through the chaparrals like lightning, but so far have done no damage to our men. The road we had to go on was very narrow, being like all the by roads, a mere Indian pathway. Only two and in some places only one could pass at a time ; besides this it was very difificult to ascend the hill on account of nu- merous thorns. When we got near the top of the hill we were ordered to charge on the Mexicans, which we did with a yell, driving and dispersing the enemy in all confusion. We are now in full possession of the sand hill, and the First Regi- ment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. F. M. Wynkoop com- manding, were the first ones to plant the flag of our Keystone State on the sand hill, overlooking the city of Vera Cruz. From here can be seen a fine view of the city, and from appearances it looks like a fair city, with plenty of dornes. The scenery NOTES OF THE MF:XICAN WAR. 73 from here is very rough, and in place of seeing splendid country seats, mansions, gardens, lawns, flowers, shrubbery, trees, cul- tivated fields, &c., like it is in other cities, where we came from, it is a barren wilderness, mostly covered with wild, ragged, small knotty trees, gnarled and twisted, with wild chaparral, with thorns from one to five inches long, making it difficult to pass through without first cutting the way. In- deed, we Yankees wonder how the people live here, as we could not get a mouthful to eat since we landed. Nothing grows here but sand hills and wild chaparral. Snakes would even starve to death. Even drinking water is not to be found in this miserable section of country. In our march up to the sand hills we were ordered to leave our knapsacks at the old stone ruins ; so to-night we had to sleep without blankets. The sand hill was our bed tick and the blue sky our covering. I thought to myself where is the richness in this country. Tlinrsday, March ii, 1847. — This morning we were all anx- ious to see what had become of the Mexicans. We soon dis- covered them in large numbers on the adjoining hill near the city. We instantly went to work, digging trenches with our hands and bayonets. Before we had finished the work the Mexicans opened on us with their musketry ; but seeing that their shots all fell short, fell back, and then the castle of San Juan de Ulloa and all the forts stationed on the top of the stone wall surrounding the city, commenced to fire upon us. Our position being a very exposed one, we were ordered to fall back of the hill, more under cover. By this temporary retreat we expected the Mexicans would pick up courage and make a rally upon us, but they could not be bamboozled or drawn out in that way. We were in possession of a position to play havoc to a charging enemy. Seeing that the Mexicans would not likely charge upon us, we were ordered to hold ourselves ready to charge upon the Mexicans at any moment. 74 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. By this time Gen. Twiggs' division was passing us on their way to Vergara, the other end of the city, where they are to camp at the National road, leading to the city of Mexico. At this time the Mexicans commenced to fire upon Gen. Twiggs' division, when the order charge was given, which was done with a yell and hurrah, driving the Mexicans in every direc- tion. Some never stopped until they got to the gates of the city. This was the last time we saw the Mexicans. In this little engagement Capt. Alburtus, of Company G, Third Artil- lery, was instantly killed, having his head carried off by a can- non ball. Lieut. -Col. Dickerson, of the Palmetto (South Car- olina Regiment), was wounded in the left breast by an es- copet ball, and a little drummer boy named Rome, belonging to Company B, First Artillery, had his arm shot off The boy cried. When Gen. Twiggs heard of this, he remarked that it was only lent and he will make up for it before long. Several other officers and private men were slightly wounded. Gen. Twiggs then marched on through the sand hills and chaparral to his camp-ground, Vergara, northwest of our camp, without any 'more trouble. I now learn that Gen. Scott and his staff landed last evening, and were highly pleased when they heard of the action the troops took since we landed, and complimented our officers and soldiers for their gallantry and good conduct. At noon Gen. Robert Patterson came up on the sand hill on crutches, addressing the men in a neat and well appropriate speech, saying that it makes his very heart feel good to see the Pennsylvania troops and other boys hold such a good position. At the same time bombs and round shots were flying and bursting over our heads and all around us, fired from Fort Santiago and from the city wall. The General ordered the men to lay down and not expose themselves. So, at this, one of Tennesseean boys cried out : — " Lay down your- self, General, or the Mexicans will presently knock you over." " No, sir," said the General, "my duty requires me to be where NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 75 I am. The President of the United States can make generals every day, but he cannot make soldiers." [Laughter and cheers]. Early in the evening we were released, not having much of of anything to eat for over twenty-four hours. We marched back to the old ruins, or monastery, so called, and on our way down we saw tw^o lancers riding as fast as their horses were able to go, back to the city. One of the Tennesseeans who, by-the- by, had his own hunting rifle with him, was seen to watch for the lancers for some time and fired from behind some thick bushes and brought the noble lancer to the ground, which caused a great shout among the Yankees. His gray horse fled into the city of Vera Cruz. When w^e arrived at the old ruins and after we had some- thing to eat, we ^^•ent to work and built a small breastwork across one of the railroads so as to stop all communication with the Mexicans at Vera Cruz. After our work was finished we went to our old quarters and beheld our knapsacks, which we were ordered to leave here last evening to lighten us for the charge on the sand hills, were either all stolen or plun- dered. Mine I could not find until late at night with nothing in it except my government blanket. There were no Mexicans within three miles of this place so it must have been some of our own gallant fellows, who make it their business to linger back on the excuse of bein"- exhausted, worn and tired out, for the purpose of robbing their comrades of rare articles. Some lost many valuable things given to them by their friends and sweethearts at home. They are swearing ven- geance should they ever catch the thieves who plundered and robbed them while they were charging and driving the enemy helter skelter. Late in the evening, and for the first time since we have been on shore, we had good crackers, pork and coffee, of which we all ate a hearty meal. 76 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. To-nii^ht strong picket guards were thrown out and posted on all the important points, for it is rumored that there is a strong force of Mexicans behind the sand hills w ho are trying to make their way into the city of Vera Cruz. Laid down to sleep with no shelter except the sky above us. Friday, March 12, 1847. — This morning our company was detailed to dig an entrenchment across a road below the railroad. We were kept at it all day without being relieved, which was anything but pleasant, working under the rays of the hot sun with bad water to drink. At noon we saw Gen. Patterson move his quarters to the old ruins, but the Mexicans must ha\e noticed him mo\'ing, for the General was not long in his new cjuarters when they commenced to bombard it so hard the General was obliged to leave it in double-quick time and hunt other quarters. In the ev^ening, while we were lying down under the bushes resting ourseh^es, a " northern," (so-called,) wind of the Gulf blew up fearful, and it wasn't long before we were buried in the floating drifts of sand, the sand being so light that during the least wind it drifts and makes hills, and when the wind changes drifts and make hills elsewhere. We had to leaxe and seek shelter in the chaparrals. SatnrdaVy jSIarcJi 13, 1 847. — This morning the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa and the forts of the city opened some of their big guns on our men, but done very little damage. We were only sorr)- that we could not retiu-n the compliment. There is not much firing from our side, owing to heavy northern winds, which still continues to blow, which pre\"ents our men from landing our cannons and munitions of war. This evening it is reported that Gen. Scott, with his spy- glass, discovered the Mexicans hoisting a cannon on one of the church steeples. He immediately sent orders to Com. Oliver H. Perry, who is now commander of the fleet in Vera Cruz Harbor, to fire a few round shots towards such a steeple, which he did, and s(X)n made them leave the steeple. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 77 No news to-nisjiht, cxxcpt the castle and forts around the city are constantly firini^ bomb shells, which keeps our men from sleepin<^. Sunday, March 14, 1847. — This morning we noticed that the Mexicans had taken down their cannon from the steeple. Old Perr}''s shots were too hot for them. The wind still prevails, which keeps everything back ; for as long as this northern wind continues we can't land our horses and ammunition. To-day I have been informed that several schooners were blown on the beach last night, damaging their whole cargoes. At noon the infantry were ordered to advance nearer to the city. When our men commenced to move the Mexicans seemed to get very much excited. They opened a tremendous firing from all their forts on Gen. Twiggs' division, camped at Vergara and our camp. They no doubt, when they saw us move, expected our men to charge upon the city, for such ringing of bells and people crying, mingled with the shrill trumpets, made it an exciting time among the frightened Mexi- cans and foreign residents. In the afternoon our scouts captured a Mexican courier, who had several letters in his possession stating that the city of Mexico was now in a state of revolution ; also instructions from Gen. Santa Anna to Gov. Morales and Gen. Landero, now guarding the city of Vera Cruz, not to yield or give up to the infernal Yankees (as he calls us). That they would soon be reinforced with about five thousand men from Alverado. He also had a newspaper giving an account of Gen. Taylor's great victory over Gen. Santa Anna at the battle of Buena Vista, which took place on the 22d and 23d of February. This has caused great rejoicing among our men. In the evening several sailors went beyond our camp and had a fight with some of the Mexican lancers. One of our sailors, named Mr. Welsh, had his throat cut from ear to ear. This outrage caused great deal of excitement among the tars, and they expressed a determination to have revenge at some future time. 78 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. To-night pickets are posted on all the roads leading into the city. Some are doubled, and defended by several pieces of artillery. Our men are also cautioned to be careful with their muskets. Monday, MarcJi 15, 1847. — This morning all seems quiet in and around camp, with the exception of the booming of cannons from the castle and forts. The wind still continues to blow, in consequence of which it keeps everything back. In the afternoon Gen. Scott and his staff of engineers passed our camp, visiting and inspecting the important points. When the old hero of Chippewa, Niagara and Lundy's Lane passed we all stood in line and tipped our caps, which compliment he returned in the same manner, after which three cheers were given him. To this salute he took off his hat, bowed and passed on to Gen. Twiggs' division camp at Vergara. Tuesday, March 16, 1847. — This morning we find the north- ern wind still prevailing, which renders it impossible to land our heavy ordnances and other war-like material for the de- struction of life and property. At noon it was reported that the revolution in the city of. Mexico has ceased, and that Gen. Anton Lobes de Santa Anna is now President, and Senor Gomes Farrias Vice President, and that the whole Mexican Government is united on the war question, and their cry will be " death to all traitors and in- vaders." On the top of this rumor comes in a squadron of Col. William S. Harney's dragoons, who have been out scouting, reporting to Gen. Scott that there was a large body of Mexican soldiers, with four or five pieces of light artillery, with some cattle, camped at Medallin River, about five miles from our quarters, trying to make their way into Vera Cruz. On the receipt of this report. Gen. Scott immediately dispatched his friend Col. Harney with one hundred and fifty picked dragoons, several pieces of light artillery under the command of Capt. Taylor and Lieut. Judd, and about five hundred and fifty of NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. • 79 the Second Regiment Tennessee Volunteers, under the com- mand of Col. William T. Haskell, all under Gen. Robert Patterson. Off they started with cheers and waving of their caps, promising to bring good news. After they arrived at Medallin (once a town). Col. Harney opened fire upon the Mexicans to draw their attention, so as to find out their position, and at the same time gave Lieut. Judd a chance to plant his artillery. After this was accomplished, Lieut. Judd opened on the Mexicans and their small breast- works. At this Col. Harney made one of the most gallant charges on the Mexicans that has ever been heard of, it put Col. May's charge at Palo Alto entirely in the dark, charging with full speed of their horses, running their horses over the Mexican infantry, following and cutting the lancers down right and left, and killing twenty or thirty of the enemy. Col. Harney's loss was one Tennesseean killed, and four of the dragoons wounded. The victory was complete. They cap- tured two pieces of artillery each, six brass pieces and several small arms. Col. Harney thinks that the Mexican forces were commanded by Gen. Harrah in person, yet he was lucky enough to make good his escape. The Medallin river, above mentioned, was so named by Conqueror Cortez, who also built a town of the same name, in memory of his Cortez birth-place in Spain, but the town was soon destroyed by some of his Cortez men. Some of the ruins are still standing, and the whole place looks like a God- forsaken place. Towards evening the northern wind ceased to blow. Mr. Welsh and myself took a walk down the sea shore to see the sights. The sun was just setting in waves of gold and purple, the long stretch of glittering sand with misty splendor, the tide rolling in with a low musical murmur, here we sat down on the beach, and saw our sailors and laborers busy in landing artil- lery, ammunition, ordnance stores and provisions. Further down the bay we saw no less than five schooners and one brig lying high and dry on the shore, all driven ashore by the late northern gale. 80 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Towards dusk returned to our camp ; passed Col. Haskell's Second Tennessee Regiment, who have just returned from the fight at Medallin creek. They were, all in high glee and seemed much rejoiced over their grand victory. Even the Mexicans in the city must have heard the result, as they com- menced firing upon us rapidly. It was given out this evening that the city of Vera Cruz was thoroughly surrounded from beach to beach and all the roads leading into the city are double guarded. Gen. Twiggs' division is encamped on the northwest side of the city. Gen. Worth's division southeast end and Gen. Patterson's division in the centre of the line. To-night different details were made for to-morrow to land ammunition. Wednesday, March 17, 1847. — This morning the whole beach presents a lively appearance. The different details were busy in getting the artillery, ammunition, provisions, horses, &c., on shore. The Alabama and Georgia regiments have just arrived from Tampico. They are now landing. At 10 o'clock, A. M., our regiment was detailed to drag the cannon up to the sand hill to make a battery. We succeeded in getting up six pieces of heavy artillery two of them being sixty-four pounders and four twenty-four pounders ; also built breastwork and stationed a battery. The breastwork was built with bags filled with sand. We were kept busy at this work until dark, when we were relieved, and I must confess that this was the hardest day's work I have ever experienced. Being exhausted from exposure to the hot sun and bad water several of our men were sun-struck and gave out before noon. Beside the artillery we planted to-day there were ten mortars and some howitzers landed to-day, and if old Neptune will keep quiet for several days more we will have all our artillery and ammunition landed. Returned to our camp and after supper we laid down to rest and sleep, providing the Castle and other forts, the ant- eaters, lizards and other creeping things which are numerous NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 81 am(Mi- on Gen. Worth's breastworks. The Castle is assisting the cit)- forts besides, and does everything in her power to protect the city from being destroyed by the Yankee. Oh ! I tell you the bomb-shells and round shot are flying like hail-stones into the city of the True Cross. Think of it eighty-five bomb-shells were thrown into the city the first two hours, and over one hundred bomb-shells the next two hours. F.v^erything is darkened from the clouds of smoke, and the city looks like Pittsburgh on a rainy day, all black with gunpowder smoke. During the afternoon our navy opened on the Castle to draw the enemy's fire from our batteries. This evening I was informed that Capt. John R. Vinton, of the Third United States Artillery, was killed behind his battery. He was a brave, gallant and skilful officer, as well as a Christian soldier. He has a brother a quarterma.ster in Gen. Taylor's army. This will be sad news to the brother. Our division is still busy in building our volunteer batter)', and when we have it finished ready to open, the enemy will be still more surprised; for it is nearer to the centre of the cit)'. To-night we can plainly see the bombardment of the city, and it is one of the most magnificent and striking di.splays that 1 have ever seen, and, as a soldier said, I shall ever remember the bombardment of Vera Cruz. At lo o'clock to-night I was informed that Capt. John R. Vinton was buried as he fell, with all of his clothes on, and with all the honors of war. He was a good and kind t)fficer to his men, which is something rare among the regular officers. Tuesday, Mavcli 23, 1 847. — Last night after 12 o'clock the Plaza de Toras bull pit was set on fire from our shells, which illuminated the whole city, and caused great excitement among the citizens. NOTKS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. H9 After a short pause this mornini;the Mexicans a^ain opened their batteries on Gen. Worth's division and his battery, and of course Gen. Worth answered them bravely with his mortars. To-day we were detailed to assist the .sailors in pulling- cannons and mortars to battery No. 5, and I assure you it was a hard da}''s work, but we are all anxious to have the batter}' thoroughly completed, so that we may be ready to open on the Mexicans to-morrow. At noon while we were dragging up the cannons a sailor and one of the Tennessee Volunteers had a falling out, and it resulted in the sailor getting killed. He was shot dead by the Tennesseean ; rum was the w hole cause of this sad affair, but it rai.sed a great deal of ill-feeling between the tars and the Tennesseeans. There was also one man killed to-day by the bursting of one of the Mexican shells. To-night there were bomb-shells thrown right into our camp and near the volunteer battery, but fortunately no harm was done, and we will return the compliment tomorrow. ]]^edncsday, March 24, 1847. — This morning Capt. Breese, of the United States Navy, with a party of .sailors and volun- teers brought with them three sixty-eight and three twenty- three pounders and some Paixhan shells over to our Naval and Volunteer battery. No. 5. The captain is a jolly-looking officer, and says that this is the best position of any of our batteries. It commands the whole city of Vera Cruz. This battery the Mexicans have not yet seen. It being in the rear of a thicket of chaparrals, and sand hills all around. About noon our battery No. 5 was completed and ready for destruction of life and property. Gen. Scott was notified of its completion, and he ordered the battery to open for the first on the cit)- of Vera Cruz. So after the chaparrals in front of our batter)' was cleared away, and, in fact, before it was all cut away, the Mexicans discovered us, and was astonished to see another battery still closer, as it is reasonable to suppose, for the)- instantly changed their !I0 NOTKS Ol' rill. MKXKAN WAR. fire tVoin (ien. Worth s batteries to us. The Mexicans cipened 1)11 us with deleniiineil hraxery. aiul h\\\\ in (.juick succession. Tlie sailors, with the assistance o[ the xolunteers. now opcneil with a darinsj; and treniendous tire upon Fort Santiai^o. luer>- discharge the hatter)- niatle the earth tairl\- trembled. The Mexicans took better aim at our batter)- than they did at (i.-n. Worth's batteries. Their big ivuns did a orcat deal o\' tlania^e to our batter)- in bursting;" o[)en the sand bai^s, of which it was composed. In our batter)-, No. 5, four sailors were killed outright, ami also Mitlshipman Shubrick, a \-oung, bra\e and daring officer. He was killed while nunuuing upon the breastworks to see what effect his last shot had on the Mexican Fort Santiago. At this moment an eighteen pounder from Fort Santiago took his heatl o({' close to his shoulders, and he almost fell upon the \er)- gun that he had just fired off He was soon picked u]) and carried to our rear and laid under a tree for the present. We o\ course did not cease firing, but kept blazing awa)- with moie \igor and de- termination, and made e\-er)- ball fired tell, until a big breach was made in their forts, and w-e could plainl)- see some of their guns dismounted. This has been the hottest da)- in the art ot firing o\' the present war, and as the bo\-s say, " B}' goll)- it was clo.sel)' contesteel b)' both parties." The Mexicans, we must confess, did handle their pieces well, for almost e\er)- shot they fired took effect on our sand-bag battery. This evening the sailors and the officer, w ho were killeil, were buried close b)' our batter)-. T(,)-night the Mexicans ceasetl firiiig, and we were not sori)- for it. We all feel much fatigued and worn out from constant dut)- in building batteries and cair)-ing cannon balls to the batter)\ Thursday, March 25, 1847. — This nuM-ning all of oui- batteries were in full operation, the)- ojoened with terrible effect upon the cit)-, and in fact we could sometimes hear our shells fall in the cit)- ant! make a tremendous crash. Some of the fine buildings as well as the domes and steeples of churclies i)2 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR.. were on fire, and rallin<,^ to the ground. The way thing.s look- now the city nui.st either soon .surrender or be burnt to the earth. At noon we noticed that our battery had more effect on the fort.s and city from to-day'.s firing than any previous time. At noon one of Capt. WilHam Frederick Binder's Company (E), First Regiment Penn.syh^ania Volunteers, named Rupe, was killed by the explosion of a bomb-shell fired from the Ca.stle of San Juan de Ulloa. He was the fir.st soldier killed belong- ing to our regiment. This afternoon our foraging party, who had started out after beef, had a skirmish with a band of guerillas, and in the fight our men had one man killed, and the Mexicans left seven killed on the field and fifteen wounded. At 4 o'clock this afternoon the Mexicans again ceased firing, shortl)' afterwards a flag of truce came from the city asking for two hours' armistice to bury their dead bodies, and also a memorial from consuls of European people to allow the women and children in the city of Vera Cruz to come out and seek the shelter of more safety. Gen. Scott granted the first request, which is the customar\' rule in all wars, but the latter he could not grant ; stating that he could only grant passes to pass them out on the application of Gen. Morales, Governor of Vera Cruz, with the view to sur- render. After the expiration of two hours both the Mexicans and all our batteries opened in earnest, and most every shot or shell were thrown directly into the heart of the city. A big- breach is now made in the wall, and it is rumored this evening that we will storm the city at the point of our bayonets to- morrow at noon. So we may look out for breakers ahead. Our bosom we will bare on the glorious strife, And our oath is recorded on high ; To prevail in the cause that is dearer than life, Or crushed in its ruins to die. — Canipbt'll. To-night I w as put on picket-guard, stationed near the walls NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 93 of the doomed city, and I could plainl)- hear the people cry out for to rcndircn trcgar dc cindad (surrender the city) before they were all killed off That these Yankees won't give up firing. Also could hear the bells ringing and trumpets sound- ing to arms, to arms. It was really laughable to hear the Mexicans talk, and I heard enough to convince me that the city cannot hold out much longer, that something must be done soon or else the citizens would rebel against the govern- ment of Vera Cruz. Our batteries to-night are throwing rocket after rocket into the cit\', which illuminated the sky as well as the whole city, and made it a most beautiful scene. About 12 o'clock to-night Lieut. Tower, of the United States Corps of Engineers, came to my post with a squad of soldiers on a reconnoisance. I was ordered to fall in the rear and follow them. The lieutenant seems to be well acquainted with the whole exterior of Vera Cruz. We kept on marching until we come within two hundred yards of the outside of the city walls. Here I was told to stay until a little before day- light, then I was to return to our line of defence. This I thought to myself is a very dangerous position for an humble^ soldier like me to be placed in, but such is the fortune of war. I have been informed by one of the sergeants that the illumina- tion was done to give Lieut. Tower a chance to see what damage our batteries have done to the walls, and also to find out the most suitable place to charge upon when the order for the assault is given. From this position I could hear the Mexicans talk more plainly, and it sounded to me that they were quarreling and fighting among themselves. I could even hear the dogs moan, and other strange voices. Lieut. Tower has finished his mission. He has returned to camp and left me here all alone. The firing of the rockets had also ceased. Oh ! this is a dreary night, dark as pitch and "^ standing in the midst of chaparrals and thorns with strict orders not to make an)' nt)ise, for fear the Mexicans might dis- cover me. 94 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Fridav, March 26, 1847. — Tliis morning- 1 was released from guard-dut}' before daylight, so that the Mexicans could not see a Yankee soldier so close to their walls. The forts and Castle are still constantly firing on our line of operation with awful activity. We have partly ceased firing, and all the necessary arrangements to carry the city by assault is now completed. Gen. Worth's division is to attack the city from the beach on the right of our division. Gen. Patterson's (our) dix'ision is to attack right in the centre, where the breach in the wall is made. Orderlies are now being despatched to different quarters to see that everything is ready to make the assault. The Mexicans have now partly ceased firing, which gave me and others a chance to write letters before the assault is made. After I had written my letter and delivered it in the United States mail-bag, I noticed a flag of truce accompanied by several officers coming out of the city toward Gen. Scott's headquarters. Our batteries immediately ceased firing until further notice from the commanding officer. Soon afterwards I learned their errand (fortunately for themselves as well as our- selves) was to make a final arrangement to surrender the city of Vera Cruz, but not the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa. This pro- position Gen. Scott most emphatically rejected, saying that he must have both or nothing. So, after consulting over it a little while, Gov. Morales and Gen. Landora yielded to all of Gen. Scott's demands and returned to the city to make the final arrangements for surrender. Everything is now quiet. All the soldiers and sailors are in a high glee ; and all of the officers, soldiers and sailors are making preparations for the surrender of the Mexican Arm\\ To-night a heavy northern wind sprang up, and blew a per- fect hurricane, blowing a number of small vessels on shore. To-night, for the first time since we are on shore, we can sleep without being annoyed by the roaring of cannon balls, &c. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 95 LETTER TO MY PARENTS. Camp near Vera Cruz, \ March 26, 1847. j Dear Parents: — This morning, after I was reheved from picket guard, I thought that I would write }'ou a letter and let you all know of my whereabouts and tlestination. I have no doubt }n)u have been apprized long before this first letter reaches n'ou of my occu]:)ation and position, which I am now in, and, if nt)t, vou will no doubt be sadl\' surprised to hear the undersigned, your son, in such dangerous and perilous position. Yes, while I am writing this very letter the balls, shells and fragments of shells are fl>'ing around \\\y head like so many hail-stones, and do not know what moment I may be killed or victimized b)- a Mexican cannon ball or the fragments of shells. Well, as a fellow soldier said, if it is my lot to be killed, it shall be glorious!)' in defence of our country and our glorious old flag. Landed on the 9th without any opposition. During all this time we were bu.sy working in building breast- works and batteries and making preparation for the bombard- ment of the city. During all this labor and operation we were, and are to this writing, constantly annoyed with daring and ceaseless fire from the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa and the batteries on the walls of the surrounding city of Vera Cruz. We commenced firing on the city on the 22d inst., and kept bu.sy at it until the present time. We have made several large holes, or breaches so-called, in the walls, and it is now rumored this morning that Gen. Scott has finally concluded to take the city by assault, which, of course, means by the point of the bayonet. So if this rumor is true, and the assault takes place, there will be a great many killed before the city can be taken ; but let the result be what it may, I for one shall do my duty as a true soldier. Again, I often think (and, in fact, sometimes dream) of the romantic hills, valleys and dales in which I passed my boyhood, and contrast it with the many dangerous struggles, places and positions I am placed in now at war in this hot tropical climate ; but there is now no use of thinking and fretting, but march and push onward, and never mind or think of them, and let us all put our trust in God, and all will assuredly be well. The assault on the city is to take place this afternoon at 2 o'clock, unless otherwise ordered, and our division is to make the assault on breached walls. So let the result be what it may, you will hear of me either dead or alive ; 96 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. if dead, from my commanding officer ; if alive, from me. No more, but one word that I am well and hardy, and have been so ever .since I am in the army. Write soon. ? /(H-/ks above Le7L'isto7cii, Pa. Your son, J. J. O. SatKnIav, March 27, 1847.— This morning Gens. Worth. Pillow and Col. Joseph G. Totten, of the Engineer Corps, were appointed by Gen. Scott commissioners on the part of our arm\', and Senors Vellanner, Robles and Gen. Herrear appointed by the Governor of Vera Cruz, on the part of the Mexican Army. This evening the com- missioners of both parties came to terms and the articles of surrender were signed and approved by the two com- missioners and commanding officers. The terms are as follows : — Article i. The whole garrison to be surrendered to the Army of the United States as prisoners of war, and to lay down their arms to such officers as may be appointed by the General-in-Chief of the United States Army and at a point to be a<'-reed upon by the commissioners. The surrender is to take place on the 29th instant. Article 2. Mexican officers shall presej've their arms and pri- \-ate effects, including horse and horse fixtures, and to be al- lowed regular and irregular officers, as also the rank and file five days to return to their respective homes, on parole, as here- inafter prescribed. Article 3. Coincident with the surrender, as stipulated in ar- ticle I . the Mexican flags of the various forts and stations shall be struck, saluted by their own batteries and immediately thereafter forts Santiago and Conception and the Ca.stle of San Juan de Ulloa occupied by the forces of the United States. Article 4. The rank and file of the regular portion of the prisoners to be di.sposed of after surrender and parole as their General-in-Chief may desire, and the irregular be permitted to return to their homes, the officers in respect to all arms and description of force giving the usual parole that the said rank and file, as well as themselves, shall not serve again until duly exchanged. Article 5. .\11 material of war and all public property of every description found in the city and Ca.stle of San Juan de Ulloa, and their dependencies, to belong to the United NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 97 States, but the arms of the same not injured or destroyed in the further prosecution of the actual war may be considered as hable to be restored to Mexico by a definite treaty of peace. Article 6. The sick and wounded Mexicans to be allowed to remain in the city and no property is to be taken or used by the forces of the United States without previous arrangement with the owners and for a fair equivalent. Article 7. Absolute protection is solemnly guaranteed to all persons in the city. Article 8. Absolute freedom of religious worship and cere- monies is solemnly guaranteed, and the sick to be attended by such medical officers of the army as may be necessary to their cure and treatment. All quiet to-night and can sleep without being annoyed by the roar of artillery and the explosion of bombshells over our heads. Sunday Mmrh 28, 1847. — This morning we had orders read to us to clean our belts, brasses, and brighten up our mus- kets. Also to wash and c/can ourselves and clotjiing, so as to look like soldiers and not like so many sand diggers and bat- tery builders, which profession we have been following for the last five and six days, and iverc dirty enough. At noon, our regiment was ordered from our old quarters, No. 5 Battery, to a place in front of the city of Vera Cruz, and here encamped until our advance on the capital in the after- noon, Some of our men started out after beef. They were not gone long before they fell in with some of the guerillas, and after a hot skirmish, our men were obliged to return to camp without the beef They were fortunate enough to make t|ieir escape to camp in safety. They say that there is plenty of the finest cattle ip the country about ten miles from Vera Cruz. They are guarded by a strong body of guerillas ; no cioubt, belonging to some of the cattle dealers in Mexico. Monday, March 29, 1847. — This is a lovely morning, and everybody is in high spirits making preparation for the grand surrender. About 8 o'clock, a. M.,the drums began to beat to fall in line; after a few complimentaries from our officers, we marched down towards the city and formed in front of the 7 m NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. city. The rci^^ulars and sailors were formed opposite to us, and Col. W. S. Harney's dragoons and several pieces of artil- lery on the right, leaving an aisle for the Mexican soldiers and their followers to march out in the circle to surrender. After the arrangements were all completed, a signal was given, requesting the Mexicans to march out. At lO o'clock, A. M., the Mexicans blowed their trumpets announcing their coming, and all eyes were then cast towards the Mexicans. It was a beautiful sight to see the Mexican army with their drums, fifes and bands of music playing and their flags flying in the air, marching out of their doomed city, which they have so bravely and gallantly defended to the last hour. As they marched, we could see them now and then look back to Vera Cruz, kiss and wave their hands and bidding it good-bye, when they came to a halt opposite the flag-staff. The Mexican officers then came to Gen. Scott's head-quarters, who was surrounded in full uniform, by his staff Commissioners, and Commodores Oliver H. Perry and Tatnall, and their staff officers. After greeting one another, some conversation took place in regard to the stipulation and agreement. After this the signal was given for the Mexican soldiers to stack their arms, or muskets, cartridge boxes, belts, and other munitions and implements of war, after which they were let go to their homes. Some showed signs that they were glad to get rid of their arms, and seemed to lay them down cheerfully, while others slammed their muskets and accoutrements down on the ground with an oath and anger. One fellow could be seen taking the flag off the pole and hiding it away in his bosom, no doubt presented to him by some fair lady of Vera Cruz, and he swore by the great God of the Universe, that he would for ever protect it, stand by and defend it from falling into the hands of the enemy. He was let keep it. He was ^o rejoiced over it that he cried like a child. The whole number of prisoners were nearly six thousand soldiers. They were all well uniformed and drilled, but they NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 99 were nearly all what we called black men. Some were real negroes, while others were Mexican Indians, who are com- posed of all mixtures and of all grades of color, which is naturally very dark and coarse. I must now again speak of the surrender. It was one of the grandest sights and specta- cles that I have ever seen. Yet I tell you it was hard to see the poor women with their small children strapped upon their mother's back, and with what little clothing they could carry, toddling along with the Mexican soldiers. Everything passed off quietly ; no insulting remarks or fun was made towards the Mexicans as they passed out, we looked upon them as a conquered foe, who have fought for their fire- sides and property, the same as we would have done if attacked by a foreign foe. After they had all marched out that wanted to go, Gen. Worth, with his division, triumphantly marched into the beautiful city of the True Cross, with the bands playing " Yankee Doodle," " Star Spangled Banner," " Hail Columbia." The Mexican flags were hauled down and the Stars and Stripes put in their place, waving in the breeze and saluted by our artillery, which caused great shouts and cheering among all the soldiers and sailors. The sailors were not long afterwards until they pulled down the Mexican flag from the flag-pole on the strong and impregnable Castle of San Juan de Ulloa and ran up the victorious American flag in its place. We could plainly hear the sailors shouting and cheering in our camp. We were all sorry that we were not allowed to march into the city and see some of the fun. Gen. Worth was made Governor and commanding officer of Vera Cruz until our army marches on to the capital.* After all the excitement had died away, we were ordered to march back to our encampment, well pleased with the sublime sight — the surrender of Vera Cruz. Our loss during the siege of Vera Cruz from March 9th until to-day, was seventeen killed and twenty-eight wounded; the Mexican loss by their own report, was over eleven hundred killed and wounded, mostly all killed by the explosion of our shells and shots. 100 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Tuesday, March 30,1847. — This morning we received our tents, which we have not seen since we left Lobos Island, and went to work and pitched them in line. So we are again under cover, and protected from the hot sun. At noon Alburtus Welsh and myself got permission from our Captain to go to the city. We passed through a large gateway, and in walking through some of the principal streets we noticed that our naval battery did some heavy damage to the public and private buildings. The Mexicans informed us that the loss among the women and children was far greater than among the soldiers. There is one place where there are more than two hundred soldiers buried, all killed at the battery. According to our promise, we both soon returned to camp, where we learned, I don't know how true it is, that an expedition was to start this evening to Alvarado on the coast, a town containing about twelve hundred or thirteen hundred inhabitants. It is to consist of the South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia Volunteers and two hundred dragoons, under the command of Maj. Beale, and a section of Capt. Steptoe's battery, commanded by Lieut. Judd, and the whole under the command of Gen. John A. Quitman. The United States Navy, under Com. Tatnall, is to co-operate with Gen. Quitman's force. The object is to communicate with the town and clear our rear. This afternoon I noticed a good many of our soldiers, as well as sailors, going out to the outskirts of Vera Cruz; in fact so many that the guards received strict orders to stop all men from going outside of the picket-line, as tl-je chaparral is full of rancheros and ladrones. Sure enough, this evening, some of them returned, and stated that they had been several times chased, and the only thing that saved them was that they had their muskets and six-shooters with them. They think that the rancheros or lancers have captured several of our " tars ;" and if this is true, I would not give much for their lives. It seems the Mexicans are very bitter against Uncle Sam's sailors. The latter had better obey orders and stay in camp. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 101 Wednesday, March, 31, 1847. — This morning the soldiers had the privilege of visiting the city in squads of ten men from each company, accompanied by a non-commissioned officer, and with strict orders not to insult or molest any of the citizens. I was one of the lucky ten from our company. We started, and soon got to the outskirts of the city. We walked on until we were stopped by sentinel, who was stationed at a stone bridge; this bridge is just outside of the gate of the city entrance. It is built like some of our country- road bridges, arched and parapet on each side, and a few old benches, which looked as if they had been used for lounges. There are several shady trees around this bridge, but their appearance proves that they suffered considerably from our shots and shells. After showing our passes to the officer at the gate we walked on, and came to the fountain called " Cen- tral," which seems to be the favorite place of resort of the poorer class, and for the watering of beasts. We noticed several water-carriers, and an aquador, with his donkey with kegs or earthen jars, halt and fill them up with water ; after which he drives around the city and distributes it to families, who pay a few pennies daily. Walking around, I took more pains in examining the city to-day than I did yesterday, for I was then in a hurry. We find Vera Cruz well and strongly built with stones ; the houses are mostly two stories high ; the streets, except the main street, are mostly narrow, that is they are not so wide as the streets of Philadelphia. They also have a fine cathedral, which is the main one in this city. The floor is paved with small marble blocks. This church has suffered considerable during the bombardment, because it was more conspicuous than any other building in the city. We also visited the forts and half-moon batteries, which has a full sweep over the plains; and by taking it by assault, which was intended, had the Mexicans not surrendered, it would have cost at least over one thousand men. 102 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. It is true, a great many of the batteries were disabled and guns dismounted, but every main street was strongly barri- caded with breastworks and artillery. The wall which sur- rounds the city is about fifteen feet high, with half-moon bat- teries thereon, and a deep ditch about twenty feet wide, and five or six feet deep, filled with water. In fact, there seems to be no end to the artillery. There must have been from one to two hundred in the city, besides the ammunition. The walls were at several places crushed pretty badly. The little Catholic Church near the gate suffered very much. The Mexicans seemed to be very shy ; they are afraid to even show themselves, particularly the women, who, whenever they see us Yankee soldiers coming, would instantly run into their casas and shut the door until we had passed, after which they would peep out and look where we were going. They, no doubt, say to themselves, " There go those barbarous and murderous Yankees." We also saw several flocks of large black fowls, looking somewhat like our crows or buzzards. I noticed they mostly roost and rest upon the towers and crosses of churches, cupalos and house-tops. They fly about singly and in pairs ; they descend upon the streets and pick up all the offal and re- fuse ; in fact, they seem to be the only offal gatherers in the city. They mostly gather at the fish market, and steal fish from the sellers. There is a penalty for shooting or harming these zapilatcs, as they are called in the Spanish language. After we had seen all we cared to see, we returned to our camp well pleased with our visit to the first city in Mexico. Vera Cruz was built by Cortez and his men as soon as they landed. After it was built, Fernando Cortez and his officers held a council of war and resolved to destroy and burn all their ships, and either conquer or die in the country, which re- sulted in conquering and plundering the w^hole of Mexico, with the loss of a great many men on both sides. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 103 Thursday, April i, 1847. — This morning being the ist of April, it being All Fools' Day, I saw several of our men fooled, and some were made to believe that peace is declared, and that we will soon be on our way way toward home. To-day several of our men went to the city, and some visited the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa.* After they returned to camp they reported that the castle was an immensely strong fortress, mounting some of the largest guns in the world, and having any quantity of ammunition. Friday, April 2, 1847. — This morning there was a small paper published in the city by some of our enterprising Yankees, called the American Eagle, a very appropriate name. It sells for twelve and a half cents a copy. Gen. Scott is now preparing his army for an advance on the city of Mexico, but is still lacking in horses, mules, wagons, ammunition, field- pieces, or light artillery ; also, provisions, which have not yet arrived from the United States. This is what keeps us here in this hot and sickly place. At noon Col. Harney, with a detachment of his dragoons, under the command of Capt. George A. H. Blake, and several pieces of Capt. Taylor's artillery, and about five hundred in- fantry, started on an expedition toward a notorious town called Antiguo (Old Town). The object is to break up a gang of guerillas, rancheros and murderers, who constantly kill our soldiers and sailors if they happen to catch any alone, or who may unfortunately go beyond our encampment. Saturday, April t,, 1847. — This morning orders were issued from Col. Wynkoop not to permit any soldiers to leave the camp, owing to a murder committed yesterday morning near the city, on a French gardener. They robbed him first, then murdered him. I believe they have caught the murderer, who is, I am glad to say, not a soldier or a sailor, but a fol- lower of the army, and no doubt justice will be done to him. *Cortez commenced to build the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa in 1 582. 104 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. This evening Gen. Worth's division appeared on dress parade with an excellent band of music. Col. Harney's expe- dition arrived in camp this evening and reported that they had broken up the guerillas' quarters, and brought in some eight or ten prisoners and about thirty horses. To-night there is a gentle breeze wafting in from the Gulf of Mexico, which makes everything look happy and agreeable among the boys. Sunday, April 4^, 1847. — This morning our squad had the privilege of going to the city. After arriving we concluded to go to church, which we found nearly full of soldiers, who, like us, went for curiosity to see what could be seen. Among the audience was Maj.-Gen. Winfield Scott. The priest gave him a lighted candle, which he held while the ceremony was going on. After church we strolled around the streets and visited the wharves, where a number of vessels were laying to unload ammunition, ordnance, provisions, etc. Returned to camp. It is rumored this evening that the man that killed the French gardener will be hung to-morrow ; it is also rumored that the vice-president, of Mexico, Paris, has resigned or has been expelled from his seat, etc. Monday, AprU 5, 1847. — This morning the man that mur- dered and robbed the Frenchman will be hung. At noon a man named Isaac Kirk, a colored man, and, I believe, a free citizen of the United States, yet who has lived here for a number of years, was arrested for committing, or attempting to commit a rape on the person of Mrs. Maria Antonia (lallegas, a Mexican woman, yesterday on the road between the ruins of Malilran and Vera Cruz ; also for stealing ten dollars and a silver comb. He should have been shot on the spot. He will be tried by court-martial, which is now sitting in Vera Cruz, and no doubt will be speedily convicted and hung as high as Haman. Tuesday, April 6, 1847. — This morning Mr. Beasly, of Co. I), First Pennsylvania Volunteers, died of brain fever. There are several of our company laid up with the same complaint. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 105 At noon Gen. Quitman's expedition arrived in camp from Alvarado. The expedition was what was expected — a full success. The Mexican soldiers, having previously heard of the sur- render of Vera Cruz and the castle, abandoned the town of Alvarado before our troops arrived. They bring with them some four or five hundred high-spirited horses — something much needed at this time for our dismounted dragoons. They say that the country from Vera Cruz to Alvarado is very fertile, with luxuriant tropical vegetation, such as grain, oranges, figs, dates, bananas and cocoanuts. This evening Mr. Beasly was buried in the Catholic cemetery close by our present quarters. His corpse was fol- lowed and accompanied by Brig.-Gen. Pillow and his staff. While the funeral ceremony was going on in the cemetery a cart brought out of Vera Cruz two dead bodies (Mexicans), dug out from the ruins in the city. They were in a deplora- ble condition, turned all black, as coal itself This evening is unusually hot and close, making everything very unpleasant for the soldiers, and particularly the weary and sick. But, thank God ! the arrangements for our start on the march for the interior of Mexico are nearly completed, when we will leave this miserable and sickly section of country for a healthier climate. Wednesday, April y^ i847- — This morning another member of Co. D, First Pennsylvania Volunteers, died. His name is George Gun. He died with the same disease as Mr. Beasly did. He was only sick two days. At noon I again visited the city, probably for the last time, that is, for some time to come. I was pleased to see it look so lively ; it begins to show a different appearance. What a wonderful change ! When we first entered this city we could get nothing to drink or eat, and found nobody to talk to. Now the streets are lined with eatables and drinkables ; they are thronged with Mexicans and Americans alike. Streets that were then filled up with fragments of stone and mortar are 106 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. now cleared of the rubbish, and nothing is now left to tell of the destruction the city sustained during the bombardment. The harbor is crowded with American vessels, filled with American goods, busy unloading stores, ammunition of war, etc. The citizens, with a sprinkling of Americans, are open- ing their stores with the products of American commerce and industry, and in a few weeks this city of Vera Cruz will be a place, and its inhabitants, who have suffered so much of late, will be in the enjoyment of all the comforts of life. The Mexicans themselves seem to have undergone a change, for being free from the presence of their own army, which daily levied contributions from them, they have a protection in our army, and a General who suffers no wrong to be committed without awarding severe punishment to the offender. This city is like every other town or city — it is full of rumors, chiefly about the Mexican Government at the capital. Some tell you that Gen. Santa Anna has been defeated in all his plans of operation, and that he is a prisoner ; another that opposition against Gen. Santa Anna has all been put down, and that quiet reigns in the capital. No doubt Gen. Santa Anna will establish himself in power. Then we shall look for results of great moment, and the sooner that event comes the better will we, the Yankees, be satisfied. In the afternoon I returned to camp with as much alacrity as if I had been enjoying a long siesta after the heat of the day. To-day nine members of our Co. C, First Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, including Lieut. Casper M. Berry, were discharged, and will sail on the loth inst. on the steamship " Virginia" for home, sweet home, promising to never return to Mexico again as soldiers. This evening Mr. George Gun was buried in the cemetery with all the honors of war. Thursday, April '^, 1847. — This morning on parade orders were read for us to pack up and leave camp at 10 o'clock, a. m. Every soldier was busy in packing his knapsack and striking tents, and all were soon ready for a long march. All seemed to be much rejoiced in getting away from this awful sickly NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 107 climate. When lo o'clock came around the orders for march- ing were countermanded, that is, our division, but that of Gen. Twiggs, Second Division, left. He goes by the National Road leading toward the city of Jalapa, where he is to halt, provided he is not stopped by the enemy before he gets that far. Our division is to follow to-morrow. • To-day I learn that Lieut. George Moore of Co. D, First Pennsylvania Volunteers, who was reported as having resigned his position in the army at New Orleans, reported himself to his company last evening for duty, and promises to stay with his company during the war with Mexico. He says that he never resigned his position in the company ; that he got leave of absence from Col. Wynkoop to go home to attend to some very important business. This evening we again had orders read, stating that we will pos- itively leave to-morrow morning ; also, that Brevet-Col. Henry Wilson, of the First Infantry United States Army, is assigned to the governorship of Vera Cruz, and that Gen. Worth is to take command of his division and follow us. Also, that the court-martial has found Isaac Kirk guilty of theft and attempt- ing to commit a rape upon Mrs. Maria A. Gallegas, and sen- tenced him to be hanged April lO, at 5 o'clock, p. M. ; also, Joseph Grussenmyer and Francis Crystol, both of Co. D, First Pennsylvania Volunteers, were found guilty of theft, and sen- tenced to a fine of one month's pay and one month's imprison- ment in the Castle of San Juan de UUoa. The sentence of Isaac Kirk for rape committed on a native woman, will no doubt convince the Mexican people that we are not a set of barbarians, murdering fiends, pillagers and ravishers. The sentence passed to be hung to death, on a cit- izen of the United States for an offense committed against an enemy. What a lesson it ought to be, too, to those to whom we have been painted as savages, outlaws, respecting neither religion nor law, and committing all over the country we have occupied, the crimes for which the poor wretch is about to suffer death. We hope the sagacity of our able commander will succeed in giving the lie, and the establishment of a military commission is the first step toward it. 108 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Friday^ April g, 1847. — This morning at 6 o'clock we took up our line of march for the interior of Mexico. We passed the city on the western side, passed Brig.-Gen. Twigg's old camp, Vergara. Nothing was left but a few old camp-kettles, pots, clothing, etc. We kept along the sea beach for several miles, after which we passed over a very sandy road, called the National Road to the city of Mexico. Talk about the sandy roads in New Jersey ! Why they are no comparison to this one. We came to a halt at a small place called Santa Fe. Here we were allowed one-half hour to refresh ourselves, after which we again fell in and marched on until we came to a stream called San Juan, about eighteen miles from Vera Cruz. Here we halted and encamped for the night, and, as a fellow said, we were devilish glad of it, for we had to carry our own baggage and grub. Our officers were compelled to leave their baggage at Vera Cruz, there being no wagons to transport it. We noticed the road, all along, was strewn with knapsacks, clothing, and other articles belonging to Gen. Twiggs' division, which is in our advance. There was not much variety in the scenery on our march to-day — no luxuriant tropical vegetation, orange-groves and picturesque scenery, which, it was said, we would meet at every step we took toward the capital. Perhaps we have not come to them yet. The country we passed over to-day is rough and barren, wild with forest trees and numerous chaparrals. On our march many of our soldiers kept lagging back, could not keep up with the army, and no doubt some will fall into the hands of the guerillas, who are numerous in this sec- tion of the country, and who are mostly " laying " for our straggling soldiers to murder them whenever they can get a chance. To-day was extremely hot, and, as I stated before, the road very sandy, dusty and hot, and with no good water on the whole route. The ranches and huts along the National Road are all deserted, and not a Mexican could be seen all day. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 109 Saturday, April loth, 1 847. — This morning at daylight we started, and did not march fast, partly on account of not having far to go, and also, on account of some of our men having the diarrhoea, sore and blistered feet and being much fatigued. I noticed to-day, the further we are advancing, the more beautiful and picturesque the country is getting. The road is well shaded with fine palm and cocoanut trees. At 2 o'clock, p. M., we arrived at a bridge called Puenta de Las Vegas ; here we bivouacked for the balance of the day and night. A party was detailed to go after some came, (beef), and it was not long before they brought in fresh beef On our march to-day, we saw several Mexicans who seemed friendly and wanted to talk with us, but not knowing their language, we did not know what they wanted ; I did not want to trust myself alone with them five minutes for I think they are treacherous. To-night nearly all the men went into the river bathing, after which they all felt more comfortable. Sunday, April nth, 1847. — This morning we again took up our line of march, and passed through a wild, barren, tract of country ; water was scarcely to be had. It looked as if nobody had ever lived here, for no houses or shanties could be seen. We saw plenty of fine large cattle along the road, and our men would shoot and kill a fine ox just for his tongue, heart or liver. Some of our men say that they must be wild cattle, as no one seems to make any claim for them. About 3 o'clock, p. M., we came in sight of the Puenta Nacional. This is, in fact, the first splendid scenery we have seen since we landed on the shores of Mexico. The Puenta Nacional, or National Bridge, is a fine, substantial, well-con- structed bridge, built with solid stone arches, through which rushes a beautiful stream of water, called Rio Antiqua, or Old River. It puts me in mind of the arched stone bridge over the Conestoga Creek east of Lancaster City, Pa., except that this is considerably higher than the Conestoga bridge. At the end of this bridge, and on a hill, is a fort, built of stone, in 1 804 ; it is to protect the National Road. It is the 110 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. work of ancient days, built by the Spaniards in Cortez's time. It commands the bridge and the winding road, and is con- sidered by the Mexicans to be one of the strongest positions between this and the city of Puebla. It is 35 miles from Vera Cruz and 230 miles from the city of Mexico. Brig.-Gen. Pillow, took quarters in the summer residence of Maj.-Gen. Lopez de Santa Anna. It is a splendid, neat, low building, with a fine fountain. Our regiment encamped on this side of the bridge, on a large open field, without tents. On to-day's march many of our men were compelled to throw off everything except their blankets, for they could not carry them any longer and keep up with the main army. They were so much exhausted and fatigued from unaccustomed toil- some and hard marching that they were hardly able to carry themselves. In the evening our mess had chicken soup for supper. The polio (chicken) we got on the way, and promised to pay the Mexican when we come again this road on our way home. The Mexican agreed to trust that long. At dark I noticed nearly all the soldiers were taking a bath in the rapid stream of Old River, washing off the dust and sweat. Our soldiers who have been lagging in the rear are now coming in slowly, with bitter complaints of the cruel and inhuman treatment they received from the rear guard, through the orders from Gen. Pillow. Many of our men are weak and exhausted from the effects of bad water and diarrhoea, which makes them unable to keep up with the army. They drop off on the side of the road under some tree, and there rest them- selves, and some probably may go to sleep without much coaxing. It is reported that Gen. Pillow has instructed the rear guard to pick up every soldier lagging on the wayside ; that they must keep up with the main army ; and if not, to put the bayonet in their rear, or tie them to the tail end of the wagons and drag them along. Oh, chivalrous Brig.-Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow — for such is your name in full — how can you be so hard-hearted, so harassing, so cruel, on these NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Ill poor unfortunate sick, delicate and much-exh^tusted soldiers ? Remember, these men are not your slaves on your plantation. Nay, they are your equals and your peers in all and every society in the whole United States of America. I at this moment hear determined threats and warnings from these unfortunate soldiers to Gen. Pillow to beware of his bad and tyrannic treatment towards them, and I even hear some of the Pennsylvania and Tennessee volunteers threatening to shoot Gen. Pillow the first opportunity offered. We marched hard all this weary day, And camped at night by this Uttle stream, Where all night long on our arms we lay, To watch and rest, to sleep and dream. Monday, April 12, 1847. — This morning after breakfast, my- self and a small party started ahead of our division for the pur- pose of taking our time, and marching along slowly until our regiment comes up ; but we were soon overtaken by the ad- vance-guard, headed by Brig.-Gen, Pillow, who rode up to us with his strong body-guard, and commanded us to go to the rear and join our regiment. Lieut. Wm. H. Gray, of Co. F, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, who, at the time, happened to be with us, was asked by Gen. Pillow what regiment he belonged to. " To the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, sir," was the reply. " Go back immediately, join your regiment, and consider your- self under arrest." "Aye! Aye! sir," was the answer. We went back a little piece, sat and lay on the soft grass under a big tree, cursing and swearing vengeance against Gen. Pillow. As soon as the regiment came up we fell into line, and marched on until we came to a few deserted huts, or ranches, as we call them. Here we halted and refreshed our- selves with a good fresh supply of water, which, I am glad to mention, is the best we had since we left the United States. After a little rest we again started, and passed over a partly hilly and partly fine level country, with shade trees and mixed chaparrals on both sides of the National Road. After we had 112 NOTES OF THP: MEXICAN WAR. marched about' five miles we heard the report of artillery, in our adv^ance, which raised the cry throughout the whole di- vision, "A fight ahead! A fight ahead! Huzza! Huzza! Huzza! " In fact, we were so much aroused with admiration and confidence of soon having another fight with the enemy, that we had almost forgotten our fatigue and our tiresome marching. Being thus encouraged, we hurried along a little faster, when we met with a courier, or express-rider, who stated that Brig.-Gen. Twiggs, who is in our advance, had fallen in with the enemy, and had a little brush with him, after which he (Twiggs) fell back to the watering-place, and was now await- ing re-enforcements, and for the arrival of Gen. Scott. We arrived in camp about 4 o'clock, p. m., and encamped at the lively stream called Plan del Rio (River of the Plain), over which is a splendid stone bridge, built in 1804, of cement, and very substantial. •This evening it is rumored that Gen. Twiggs is making a reconnoisance, and that he is determined to attack the Mexi- cans as soon as possible, and before the arrival of the general- in-chief, if convenient. There is a village here composed of miserable shanties and huts, and, like most of those we passed along the National Road, were nearly all deserted by their owners and tenants. At dark Maj.-Gen. Robert Patterson and his staff arrived and took up quarters in an old church or convent. Late this evening nearly the whole regiment took a bath in the noble River of the Plain, after which we lay down on the bare ground to take a good rest and much-wanted sleep. " When our earthly cares are over, And we enter into our rest, May we join that seraphic choir That dwells in the land of the blest !" I have heard and read a good deal about the richness and sunny skies of Mexico, but if this is a sample of the country and balmy breeze, I don't care about going much further. NOTi:'^ OF THI'. MEXICAN WAR. 11?. Tucsdav Apfil l ^, 1S47. — Ihis morning- at reveille we were all \\\i and clown at the stream, some bathini;-, others washing- their only shirts, the rest having; all been thrown aua\- on our march. All da}- the stragglers kept coming in to camp, those that could not keep up with the division. They say that the)- shut the rear-guard's and Gen. Pillow's eyes up by going in oH the main road, so that the)' could not be seen or found. At noon to-day den. Twiggs issued orders to ])repare to storm the pass of Cerro (iordo at midnight, but, fortunately, Maj.-Gen. Patterson arrived last e\'ening, and rej)orted himself for dut)- this morning, and dela)-ed the attack until the arrival of (icn. Scott. .Several scouting parties .started out to-day, and brought in a few prisoners, who reported that Gen. Antonio Lopez De .Santa Anna is at the Cerro (iordo Pass with thirteen or fourteen thousand soldiers, strongl)' entrenched, with batteries well planted and fortified. This evening some of the drag(^ons came into camp and reported hax'ing found three of our soldiers dead on the road. Two of them belonged to the New York regiment, and the other to the Second Dragoons. Late this evening a train of some eight)- wagons started back to Vera Cruz for provisions and ammunition for the attack on Cerro Gordo. Capt. Wall's field batter)-, attached to our division, is encamped close by our regiment ; the)- are brightening up their pieces and getting them ready for action. This is a lovely night, making it very plea.sant to sleep in the tierrcs calioitcs (warm countr)-). and ]:)articularl)- without tents. All quiet )'et. Wednesday, April 14, 1847. — This morning, after reveille, some soldiers enjoyed themselves in fishing and suimming_ while others went out after beef. In the afternoon our Com- mander-in-Chief, Maj.-(ien. Winfield Scott, arrived at our camp and took up his tjuarters in an old ranch beside the National Road. As the (jeneral came riding b)', our soldiers took oft' their caps and hats, and those that had nothing on their heads 8 114 NOTKS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. tapped their heads with their riglit liand and sahited him. The General re.sponded to the .salute by rai.sing- his old straw hat. This ex'enin^ Col. Wynkoop ordered a dress parade, and it 7i.uis a dress parade. Some with straw hats, some with caps, and others with Mexican hats ; some with one boot or shoe on, and others with no hats or boots or shoes ; some had Mexican coats on. and some had hardl}- anythin<^ on except shirt and pants ; in fact, it looked more like a fa utas tic parade than a military one. After this we went into the River of the Plains and took a good bath, and then laid down for the night. Thitrsdav, April 15,1 847. — This mornini; the reveille aroused us from ovn- good night's slumber, and about 10 o'clock Gen. Scott started out with his engineer cor])s to make a new reconnoisance, and found that an attack in front on the National Road batteries would cause the sacrifice of thousands of men, and in all probability defeat to our army. He dis- approved of (ieneral T\\ iggs' ]ilan of attack, and ordered a new road to be cut back of the hills of Cerro Gordo. At noon we were detailed to accom]:»any Gen. Pillow and his engineers to make a reconnoissance up to the left of Cerro Gordo hill or ])ass. We marched about three miles on the main road, when Me took in through the chaparral, and marched about a mile more to the left. We went quietly and cautiousl)' along, when we were ordered to halt and rest. We were then ordered to lie down, which we were very glad to do, being much fatigued and tired. During this time Gen. Pillow and his engineer corps were reconnoitering to find out the real position of the Mexican batteries. They went on until they were discovered by the Mexican pickets. The shrill trumpet sounded the alarm, and never was a set of men sooner on their feet than us. It put me in nnnd of the first night after we landed below Vera Cruz, when we were aroused by the firing of pickets. Gen. Pillow and his engineers soon returned, saying that he had found out all he wanted to know, and ordered us to march back to our camp. Much fatigued and parched wfth thirst, we arrived in camp about supper time, which was being prepared tor us. NOI'KS OK I'MK MEXKWN WAR. 11", While others were i)re])ariiiL;- their nuiskets ami ainimiiiition to be read)- for action, to-nicTJit we went into the River of the Plains and washed the dust and dirt off us, after which we went quietly to sleep. ]-rida\\ April l6, 1847. — This niorniuL;- there is a -gentle breeze which seems to waft across tlie hills from the blue (iulf of Mexico. At 10 o'clock, A. M., Gen. Scott ordered (len. Twi^i^s' tlivi- sion to take possession of a le\el hill opi)osite Cerro (iordo, and station his twent\--four pounder and several liowitzers on it. To-day almost ever)- soldier seems to be in <^ootl humor, and making- threat pre[)arations for the approaching battle. Some are fixini;- their fire arms, others are writiuL^ letters, and probably their wills, others are thinking;" of nothino' but walk- ing througli camp whistling;', sinq,"ini4 sonos ; and some can be seen playint^ a i^amc of cards. This afternoon. Gen. William J. Worth and his division arrived in cam]), and re])orted haxint;" a skirmi.sh with some of the ouerrillas. who attacked his rear ouard and also his beef party who went after some cattle off the road; none of our men were killed or wounded. This evening;" the proxision and siege trains arrived from Vera Cruz, the teamsters report the road in a bad condition. It is rumored that the attack upon the hei<^hts of Cerro (iordo wn'll soon be made. The ammu- nition, provisions and siet^e ouns are all that kept us waitini; here. It seems the Mexicans ha\e not discovered Gen. Twiggs' pioneers cutting the new road around the foot of the hill, at least we have heard no firing from that direction. To-night is a beautiful night ; the stars are shining brightly over the heads of the United States Army encamped on the plain near Plan del Rio, Mexico. Ten o'clock, p. m., no news from Gen. Iwiggs or his ojjera- tions on the heights of Cerro Gordo, nor can we lieai' an\- thing, on account of all around here being thicket, with large forest trees. lit) NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Saturday, April 17. 1 S47. — This mornin<4 the balance of Gen. Tvvio-o-s' division left for the field of action. This division is composed mostly of riflemen, reg^ulars and dragoons. They are to take a position for the purpose of planting Gen. Twiggs' artillery. About 10 o'clock, A. M., we heard the roaring of artillery, and in between we could hear the rattling and the sharp crack of the rifles. Our advance at first was partly repulsed. At this Gen. Twiggs instantly formed his men in different position, placing them under the command of Col. William S. Harney, and charged on the heights, which was done with a yell, driving the enemy from their position and holding it. The Mexicans rallied and made a desperate attempt to retake their lost position. They charged upon our men with great bravery, but were just as bravely repulsed, with heavy loss. Our riflemen made every ball tell. Not .satisfied with this, they (the enemy) made several attempts to retake their much-regretted lost position, but with still less success and with heavy losses. The ground all around the hill was strewn with dead and wounded Mexicans. In the evening Gen. Twiggs sent word that he had carried his intended position, and is now safely on the hill, throwing up breastworks and planting his battery, and that he (Gen. Twiggs) will be ready for action to-morrow morning. Maj. Sumner and ten others were reported killed, and twenty wounded in to-day's fight. Late this evening, some of Gen. Twiggs' wounded soldiers arrived in camp with sorrowful and painful looks. They are part of Gen. Twiggs' division, and were wounded while driving the Mexicans from a hill. The heights of Cerro Gordo — and, in fact, all around here — are covered with large forest trees, and in some places with stunted mesquit and thickets of prickly chaparral, cactus plants, etc., which makes it difficult for soldiers to pass thrt)ugh or gain positions. This evening, on dress parade, orders from Gen. Scott were read to us by Col. Wynkot)p, stating that we should be read)' to storm the batteries assigned to Gen. Pillow at 6 o'clock ^^» A. Americaoitinny Bi IJatteiT,\(Anierican.) C. Cerro Gordo &. Towei D. Twiggs* march. a. a, ^c. Mexican batteries. i,.ft..FilIow'3 brigade N. R..N«tionnI roud. d. Gen. Shields' brigiide. G. Hill stormed by 'i1 inf. P-'-8 in. howitzer, (Amor.^ 118 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. to-morrow morniiii;-, and to have two days" provisions with us. The orders which have just been read to us are as follows: — r,EN. SCOTT'S ORDERS FOR THE ATTACK ON THE HEIGHTS AND DIFFERENT POSITIONS OF CERRO GORDO. General Order No. hi. The enemy's whole line of entrenchments and batteries will be at- tacked in front, and at the same time, early in the day, to-morrow probably, before lo o'clock, A. M. The Second (Gen. Twiggs') Division of Regulars is already advanced within easy turning distance towards the enemy's left. That di\ ision has orders to move forward before daylight to-morrow and take up a position across the Main or National Road to .the enemy's rear, so as to cut off a retreat towards Jalapa City. It may be re-enforced to-day, if unexpectedly attacked in force, b\ regiments one or two taken from Brig. -Gen. James Shields' brigade of volunteers. If not, the two volunteer regiments will march for that pur- pose at daylight to-morrow morning, under Brig.-Gen. Shields, who will report to Brig.-(ien. David E. Twiggs on getting up with him, or the Gen- eral-in-Chief if he be in advance. " The remaining regiments of that volunteer brigade will receive in- structions in the courjie of this day. "The first division of regulars (Worth's) will follow the movement against the enemy's left at sunrise to-morrow morning. "As already arranged, Brig.-Gen. Pillow's brigade will march at 6 o'clock to-morrow morning along the route he has carefully reconnoitered, and stand ready as soon as he hears the report of arms on our right — sooner, if circumstances should favor him to pierce the enemy's line of battle at such point — the nearer the river the better — as he may select. Once in the rear of that line, he will turn to the right or left, and attack the batteries in reserve, or if abandoned, he will pursue the enemy with vigor until further orders. Wall's field battery and the cavalry will be held in reserve on the National Road a little out of way or view and range of the enemy's batteries. They will take up that position at 9 o'clock in the morning. The enemy's batteries being carried or abandoned, all our divisions and corps will pursue with vigor. This pursuit may be continued many miles, until stopped by darkness or fortified position toward Jalapa City ; consequently, the body of the army will not return to their encampment, but be followed to-morrow afternoon, or early the next morning by the baggage-trains for the several corps. For this purpose the feebler officers and men of each corps will be left to guard its camp and effects, and to load up the. latter in the wagons of the corps. NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 119 As soon as it shall be know n that the enemy's works have been car- ried, or that the general pursuit has been commenced, one wagon for each regiment and one for the cavalry will follow the movements to re- ceive, under the directions of medical officers, the wounded, who will be brought back to this place for treatment in the general hospital. The surgeon-general will organize this important service, and desig- nate that hospital, as well as the medical officers, to be left at that place. Every man who marches out to attack or pursue the enemy, will take the usual allowance of ammunition and subsistence for, at least, two days. Thu.s reads Gen. Scott's General Orders, No. iii, which shows and points out e\'ery General's position, and the duty which they are expected to perform, and which it is expected they will carry out to the fullest extent. To-night most of our soldiers went into the river swimming and washing". .Some were fixing up their firearms and their accoutrements ; some were, like myself, writing letters home to their parents, wives and friends. LETTER TO MV BROTHER FREDERICK. Cami- Pj.an del Rio, Mexico, April 17, 1847. When 1 last saw you at HoUidaysburg, Pa., I promised vou faithfully that I would write to you whenever an opportunity offered, but I am sorry to say that I have neglected it until the present time. I hope you will excuse me this time, and 1 will try to do better hereafter. Our regiment embarked at New Orleans in three different sailing- ships, being divided into three divisions, after which we set sail, and arrived at Brazos Santiago, January 28,1847. After four days' delay we again weighed anchor and sailed for the Island of Lobos, about one hundred and twenty miles from Vera Cruz. Here we arrived February 16, 1847. We here disembarked, and encamped on the island until nearly the whole army of (ien. Scott's arrived; after which we again embarked, March 3, 1847, and the whole army, on shipboard set sail for Vera Cruz, and arrived at a little island called Anton Lizardo, March 6th. Here the whole fleet, say about two hundred vessels, including the men-of-war, was anchored. After several days of preparation and re- connoitering to select a suitable place for landing our troops, we landed on the 9th of the same month, without any opposition, after surround- ing the city of Vera Cruz. The siege commenced on the second day after our landing, and lasted till the day when the agreement to surrender the city was signed, the 29th, making the siege last for seventeen days, in which tremendous and vigorous firing was carried on, Ijoth day and night. 120 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. /\ccording to Gen. Scott's report, our army and navy had fired over three thousand ten-inch shells, two hundred howitzer shells, over one thousand Paixhan shot, and twenty-five hundred round shot, weighing in all about half a million of pounds. Nearly every house in the city was more or less dnmaged from our cannon. Some houses were totally ruined ; a part of the Mexican batteries were dismounted ; and several heavy breaches made in the walls surrounding the city. This was the result of seventeen days of war. At lo o'clock, A. M., March 29th, the Mexicans surrendered the city of Vera Cruz and the strong Castle of San Juan de Ulloa, with all their stores, artillery, ammunition, and other munitions of war, and left for their respective homes on parole of honor. After which the flag of the United States was soon hoisted over the walls of \'era Cruz and the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa, and is now waving triumphantly in the breeze. We captured over four hundred cannons, over three thousand round shot and shells, and six thousand muskets. After the surrender. Gen. Scott made immediate preparations to march his main army farther into the interior of Mexico, on account of the unhealthiness of Vera Cruz and its vicinity, there being already a great number of our soldiers sick in the hospital, unfit for any duty. On the 8th of April Gen. Da\id E. Twiggs' division, composed of about three thousand regular soldiers, with a light field battery and part of Col. Harney's dragoons, started on their march towards the halls or capital of Mexico. Our division (Gen. Robert Patterson's) followed the next day, and for four days marched over a sandy and clayey but well- shaded road, but through a poor, miserable, desolated and deserted country, producing nothing but prickly pear, long stretches of plate cactus, which grows from eight to twelve feet high, and chaparral in abundance. In fact, it looks as if the country was too poor to raise any kind of grain or vegetables. The Mexican rancheros and padrones, fellows who live in miserable Jacals or mud-plastered hovels, by their appearance live in a condition of filth and poverty. Many have no abrigam (sheltering place). Thev are mostly the descendants of the old Mexicans or Chichimeca. Their houses, or mud-plastered jacals (as we call them) were mostly deserted, in fear of us Yankees. We arrived at our present encampment, I'lan del Rio (or River of the Plain), on the 12th inst., much exhausted and fatigued from march- ing and heat from the hot sun. Here we find our distinguished and bosom friend, Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, with about 15,000 troops, strongly fortified and entrenched, with heavy batteries, contesting and disputing our march toward the capital of Mexico. NOTES OF THE ^TEXICAN WAR. 121 During our encamiJiiient here our men have been busy at work in making and cutting new roads and planting batteries in different posi- tions, and making other preparations for the attack on the heights of Cerro Gordo. These preparations are now finished, and orders were read to us this evening that we would storm Cerro Gordo to-morrow morning at 6 o'clock. Most of my comrades are now making preparation for the final result. .Some are drawing and cooking their rations, others are, like mvself, writing letters to their parents, friends and sweethearts, stating the positions and dangerous duties assigned to them for to-morrow's work. I for my part have no fear in going into this battle. In fact, it gives me pleasure to be able to go into it, and makes me feel proud to serve in the United States Army during this time of troubles and dangers. And you and my friends can rest assured that no deeds or actions of mine will tarnish our fair name. 1 shall go into this battle with a firm heart and contented mind, and should it be my lot to fall, or death itself be my fate, I say " Let it go ! " with a will, and then my name and those of other gallant patriots will be recorded on the bright pages of history of the glorious war with Mexico. The orders which have been read to us this evening state that we should not only defeat the Mexican Army, but follow them up, and stop not until the spires of Jalapa City appear in sight. So you see by these orders that Gen. Scott is confident of our gallant little army being suc- cessful and victorious in this battle. Thus I need cast no fretting or lingering looks behind, but march onward and fight until the battle is fought and victory is won. I believe I have given you all the details that I know of. One word more, then I will be done. Read this letter to my parents and friends, and tell them that my health and strength have been remarkably good ever since I joined the army ; also, that there is another day of danger before us, and that the whole army is inspired with confi- dence of a grand and glorious victory. So good-bye. Your brother, J. J. O. Three Locks abo7'e Leii'i'stowii, Pa. CHAPTF.R III. RATTLE OF CERRO (lORDO \lCTORV COMI'LETE ROUTING OF THE ENEMY IN ALL DIRECTIONS CAPTURED FIVE THOU- SAND PRISONERS FORTY-THREE PIECES OF ARTILLERY OVER FIVE THOUSAND STAND OF ARMS, WITH NO END OF AMMUNITION AND PROVISIONS OVER SIXTY THOUSAND DOL- LARS IN SPF:CIE (iEN. SANTA ANNA's PRIVATE CARRIAGE, CORK LEGS AND SADDLE FOLLOWING THE FLMN(; ENEMY CAPTURED JALAPA CLIA , PEROTE CASTLE AND PUEBLA CITY ARRIVED AND CAMPED NFZAR JALAPA ARRIVAL OF (;EN. SCOTT AT PEROTE CASTLE PEROTE CASTLE A POLIT- ICAL PRISON P.ATTT,E OF LAS VEGAS. Sunday, April 18, .1847. — ihis morning all soldiers were up bright and early, and in fact it looked more like preparing to go on a Fourth of July spree than going into the field of battle. Some were still writing letters, while others were eating and drinking, and some whistling, and some boasting and talking loud of what they intended to do. About 6 o'clock, a. m., the drums began to beat their merry old tunes. Company after company marched into line to their respective places. Our Adjutant, Alexander Hiown, with a clear and distinct voice gave the words, " Attention ! Shoulder arms ! " After addressing the regiment, he saluted the Colonel, and informed him that the regiment was formed. Col. Francis M. Wyn- koop then drew his sword and stepped to the front, looking with his keen eyes from one end of the regiment to the other, gave the command, " By the left flank, left face, forward ! March!" (The left being in the front.) Then started for the field where bloody work is to be done. After marching about four miles uj) the National Roatl, we came to a halt at a cluster of deserted huts or ranches. (122) NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 123 Here, by looking hack, w c had a fine view of our camp at Plan del Rio, and could plainly see some of our camp-fires still burning, also a splendid view of the snow-tops of Orazaba Mountain. Here we halted about one hour and a half, await- ing the arrival of (len. Robert Patterson. Penally Cien. Pat- terson came riding up in front of our regiment, and made tlie following remarks : — " (lood morning, men ! I am glad to see you all. You are now about to take your line of position, and to charge and storm the enemy's batteries and heights, and the honor of Pennsylvania, the good old Keystone State, is now in your hands, and 1 know, and can safely say, it could not be in better hands. " And, again, 1 am sure that \'ou all will do your duty, not only as Pennsylvanians. but as soldiers of the United States Army." At this our soldiers bursted forth with tremendous cheering. " Again, follow your commander, Col. P'rancis M. Wynkoop, who is willing, able and capable of leading you on in the midst of battle." Six cheers were then given for Maj.-Cxen. Robert Patterson, which made the hills of Cerro Gordo echo. He then put on his hat and said " Good-bye, my brave men. I expect to hear good news from you." Col. Wynkoop answered, "■ You shall, and should I, Gen. Patterson, be wanted, you will find me with you in the midst of the' battle." Cheers were then given which rent the air and made the hilLs all around echo. Gen. Patterson then rode off to the Tennessee regiments, and also made appropriate remarks suitable for the occasion, and to stir up their patriotism. Just as we were about to start for our position, four or five wounded soldiers, riflemen, belonging to Gen. Twiggs' division, accompanied by their comrades in arms, came walking slowK' down the new road, and as they passed us. remarked, " Oh, fellows ! Tlie Mexicans are on the hill strongl)- fortified, and are awaiting for you ; look out ! ' 124 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. Never shall I forijet the looks of these gallant men. Some had their arms shot off, others shattered by shot and bullets, hung powerless, while a stream of their precious blood poured from their severed arteries, flooding their sides. Never, never, shall I forget this horrid sight, and I assure you it was not very encouraging to those soldiers who were just going into the field of battle; but such is war. I understand these soldiers were wounded early last evening in storming a hill opposite Cerro Gordo. Orders now came from Gen. Winfield Scott that the heights of Cerro (iordo must be stormed all at once and taken without further delay. We moved and passed through the chaparral, moving with the left division in front. The First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. Wynkoop commanding, in front, supported by the First Tennessee Volunteers, Col. W. B. Campbell commanding ; the Second Regiment Penn.sylvania Volunteers, Lieut. -Col. John W. Geary commanding ; supported by the Second Regiment Tennessee Volunteers, commanded by Col. W. T. Haskell. In this way we moved on with the utmost caution, climbing up the hill which is both steep and rough and rocky, covered in some places with miles of trees, shrub and chaparral, which bears clu.sters of thorns sharp as a needle. As already stated, we filed to the left, to assault the enemy's line of batteries and entrenchment to the right, in the rear of the National Road, with nothing to protect our men except the steepness of the hill and trees. After we had reached the position assigned to us, Gen. Pillow ordered our division to halt, with positive orders not to move or fire until further orders were given from either him or Gen. Patterson. From here is a fine view of the valley below, which was literally coveretl with wild flowers, and in some places, lilies were forcing their way up between rtjcks where one would think nothinp- could t^row. liC. NO'l'KS OF THE MKX[CAX WAR. Shortly afterward, a blunderinj^ mistake was made on the part of Col. Haskell ; before any firing was heard from Gen. Twiggs' division on our right. Col. Haskell orders a charge on the enemy's batteries, followed by the Tennessee regiment and one company (Capt. Charles Naylor), Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. They charged up the hill with a yell, but before reaching the batteries were repulsed with con- siderable loss. Col. W. J. Haskell in the retreat lost his old hat, which caused a good deal of merriment among the soldiers. The Mexicans by this hhrndcr were aroused, and were not long in discovering our position. Their reveille was plainly heard summoning their soldiers to arms. They sent out skirmishing parties, and of course, they were not long before they discovered some of our soldiers ; after which, they re- turned, and the Mexicans soon opened a tremendous firing of heavy artillery with round shot, hurling a terrible storm of grape, canister and rockets through the trees, cutting the twigs and young limbs as a hail storm cuts the ripened grain. It caused for a short time, confusion and tumult. It was enough to tr}^ the staun chest nerves ; sometimes a volley of musketry would be fired, but being out of range, the bul- lets fell short, and of course did no harm. By this time, Brig.-Gen. Gideon John.ston Pillow, (I am giving you his title and name in full), was .seen going down the hill in our rear, and was no more seen or heard from until the engagement was all over. Here we were left standing in front of the enemy's thunder- ing artillery, with the rattling of grape, cani.ster, rockets and the bursting of shells, cutting the limbs of trees down over our heads, and almost rooting up the ground beneath our feet ; men shot down right and left, awaiting with patience for orders from our commanding generals to charge upon these breastworks, but none comes. The Mexicans could be heard yelling and shouting "Bravo ! Bravo ! De la Mexicano ! " No doubt supposing that the>- NO'I'KS OF THE MKATCAN WAR l-_>7 had checked us from chari^iiii; on them ; hut wx- were anxiousl)- waitiut^' for orders from (ic'ii. Patterson to charj^e on the enemy. Durint:; this perilous .uul dangerous position, we could hear Gen. Twii^s^s" division on our riglit shoutinj^" .uid cheering, and the firing of heavy artillery and musketry, firing N'olley after volle\', and the sharp cracks of the rifles. Our regiment, and in fact, the w hole di\ision, began to get impatient antl excited in ncjt getting orders from our generals to charge. Col. W)'nkoop, a braver and more gallant officer never drew a sword, sent a messenger after Gens. Patterson and Pillow, to receive orders to charge on the batteries in our front, but the uKvssengers soon returned without finding either Patterson or Pillow. He again sent another, he returned with the .same result. He then sent another, who made inquir\- of the whereabouts of either Gens. Patterson or Pillow, but none could tell ; he retin"ned and re])orte(l the same to C"ol. VVynkoc^p. I'ortunately the Mexicans were either bad gunners or the\- could not depress their cannons enough to have effect on our men. Had they been good gunners, or depressed their pieces enough, there would have been few left to tell the tale of the battle of Cerro Gordo. Col. Wynkoop began to get tired waiting for orders. Was about to order a charge on the batteries, when some soldier hallooed out that a white flag was waving from the Mexican batteries, the batteries we were about to storm. We all thought it was a joke, that it could not be possible that they have surrendered up their strong batteries and entrenchments, but the ceasing of firing all around put some truth in the re- port, and finally an aide came to Col. Wynkoop, confirmed the report, and ordered Col. Wynkoop to countermarch his regiment to the National Road. There was much dissatisfaction among both the officers and soldiers for not getting orders to charge, left standing to receive a plunging fire in our front. All the fault of our Generals in failing to giv^e us orders, and failing to carry out the pledges they made to us pre- vious to starting for the battle-field. 12S NOTKS OF THE Ml.XICAN WAR. The question now is asked, where was Gens. Patterson and Pillow during this heavy firing ? They were not where the)- jironiised to be, nor could the three messengers sent b)' Col. Wynkoop find them. So where was Gens. Patterson and Pillow?* Fxho answers, Where? On our way to the National Road I saw some horrible sights — the wounded dying, and some dead, but I learn that there was only one belonging to our regiment, D. K. Morrison, that was killed, but many wounded. Among them was John Sheldon, belonging to our company (C). Alburtus Welsh, myself, and others, made a bearer out of poles to carry him to the National Road. Here we put him carefully into a liospital wagon, where some were already in a dying state. Mr. Sheldon received a grape-shot wound through the ankle-bone. On his way down he complained pitifully of his wound, and fears that he will have to lose his foot or leg. After we had all arrived from the battle-field we formed into line along the National Road and waited until (ien. Twigg's division arrived from the field with the Mexican prisoners. Here we witnessed another sorrowful scene. The wounded brought down from Gen. Twigg's division — some with arms and legs off, others with part of their faces shot off. and other- wise badly mangled. While these poor unfortunate crippled soldiers were passing by I overheard some of our men making- remarks, " It was .sweet to die for our country's cause, and an honor to those who sacrificed their limbs and ga\'e their blood in defending our glorious country's flag, and that it is an honor to them and friends to rejoice in their sacrifices." I admit there is honor in the way these gallant young men have lost their limbs, their bodies disfigured and their blood spilt ; and our country should well reward them for their sacrifices and suffering, but I don't think that there can be much rejoicing of anyone in losing their limbs, or having their bodies disfigured, like 1 saw some to-day. I, if (iotl's will, prefer my body and limbs as God made them, and do v\'ithout the honor and rejoicing of lost limbs NOTES OF THE MEXICWN WAR. 129 and blood. When Gen. Twii^i^.s, ^\ ith the head of liis division, arrived, was heartily cheered by our regiment. The\' brought with them, as already stated, the 3,000 (some have it 5,000) Mexican prisoners, and some officers high in rank. Amongst them was Gen. La Vega, \\ ho commanded the division and batteries that we were to charge upon. They reported that (len. Vasquez.ea, a gallant Mexican officer, was killed behind his battery, and that our gallant old friend. Gen. Santa Anna, and Gens. Camaliza and Almonta, with about 10,000 troops, had retreated and fled in all directions just before Gen. Twiggs stormed the telegraph hill. (ien. Twiggs' division also cap- tured Gen. Santa Anna's field carriage, containing drawers under the seats, filled with papers, plans and maps and his field service, a splendid mounted saddle and several wooden or cork legs, and, the best of all, over $60,000 in specie, portion of which Gen. Santa Anna made a levy and had assessed on the citizens of Jalapa on his way to Cerro Gordo ; and to the carriage w^as harnessed three splendid black mules. The fourth mule and Gen. Santa Anna were so hotly pursued by Col. Harney's dragoons that he (Gen. Santa Anna) was compelled to cut him loose and make his escape from the field by taking what they call a blind road. The capturing of the specie caused much rejoicing amongst our victorious soldiers, and the prospect of soon getting paid off by the captured cash. The prisoners were marched down to our Camp Plan del Rio, there formed into line, stacked their muskets and cart- ridge boxes, after which they were dismissed on parole of honor, and not to take up arms again, unless exchanged, as long as the two nations are at war with each other. After the defeat of the Mexicans, Gen. Scott sent Col. William S. Harney in hot pursuit of Gen. Santa Anna and his scattered and flying army, but I doubt whether Col. Harney will over- take Gen. Santa Anna, as I have been informed that he had over a half-hour start on him, and he, of course, being well acquainted with the country and all the by-roads, has all the chances of not getting caught even on a mule. Col. Harney has orders not to stop until the spires of Jalapa City ai:)pear in sight. 130 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. I also Icani that Col. Ilarncy is followed with sonic infantry and artillery under the command of Gen. Robert Patterson. This is the first \\'c heard of him since he left us on the National Road, making' his patriotic war .si)eeches. I'ollowinj^ a confused and refreating army is better than to be in the midst of battle and promising the men to lead them into the conflict. I learn the result of our grand victory to-day was the capturing of forty-three heavy and light bronze artillery, and over six thousand stand of arms, and any quantity of ammuni- tion and provisions. Some of the musket boxes have never been opened. These muskets, as well as most of the heavy artillery, are ordered to be destroyed as we have not the means and force enough to take them with us. This evening it is reported that Brig.-Gen. James Shields was shot through the lungs while carrying an order to Gen. Scott. It is feared he will not get over it. He is a brave, gallant and very kind officer; is well liked and admired by all his men. A little before dark Gen. Santa Anna's carriage (which I was informed was ca[)tured by Capt. Justus McKinstry of Scott's staff, and the Second United States Infantry) was hauled up in front of Gen. Scott's headquarters to be unloaded of the specie, it bein^ in little bags marked jSioo. The soldiers were stanaing around the carriage (which is after the model of Napoleon's field carnage) anxiously awaiting for an opportunity to steal a bag of specie. While one of the men (detailed) was carrying in a bag on his shoulder a man sneak- ingly slips up behind him with an open knife and gives it a rip, and, of course, away went the specie on the ground. Then you should have seen the scrambling and rushing. It was really laughable to see the scene. The largest, strongest and the roughest men were the most fortunate in getting some of Gen. Santa Anna's specie. The noise and wrangling brought Adjt.-Gen. H. L. Scott to the door. Seeing the disorder, and soldiers charging on the 132 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. wrong battery, ortlcrcil the L;uartl to chari^c upon, the men and drive them from the carriat;e. This naturally caused a murmur, much orowlint^r and loud talk. When presently Gen. Scott himself came to the door, and inquired what was the matter ? Some ;msweretl the cause ; he laughed, saying, "Well, let the boys have what is on the ground ; for they fought and worked hard all day, and they deserve all they can get." This caused laughter, and a cheer for (k-n. Scott, but from this time there was no more specie bags cut open. Some of our men got from twenty to thirty dollars, while others got nothing but sore hands, shins, and other bruises. In our engagement to-day some of our men made some very narrow escapes. Some had the butt of their muskets shot off, out of their hands. Myself had the top of my bayonet shot off, while others had their canteens carried from their sides, one had his cartridge box carried clean from the belt, while Sergt. Joseph Faust, of our company, had his sword scabbard slipt from his side. On our way down from the battle-field it was reported that our Brig.-Gen. Pillow was wounded, but I put no faith in that report ; knowing that he left us when the firing first opened, and, like some others, could not be seen or found anywhere near us. But I hear now that the report is true that the Gen- eral was wounded with a musket bullet. The bullet fell short of us where we were standing. Gen. Pillow when the fire first began was in our rear, in fact so far that Col. Wynkoop's orderly could not find him. Now, I ask where was Gen. Pillow, and where did he run to when the fire first opened from the enemy's batteries ? Pxho answers, Where ? After ccna (supper) several of us went over to the Ten- nesseeans' camp. They were just burying their dead com- rades, namely : — Second Tennesseeans, Lieuts., F. B. Allen, C. G. Gill and B. F. Nelson; Scrgts., H. L. Byrnirn, F. Willis and W. F. Brown ; Corporals, W. O. Shebling and PVanklin P^lkin ; Privates, Samuel Floyd, W. P^ngland, G. W^ Keeny and C. A. Sampson. R. L. Bohanan, J. N. Gunter, NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 183 T. Griflin, R. Keirman, K. Price, M. M. Durham, A. Hatton and S. W. Landerdal of the Vwst Tennesseeans. Tliese men were unfortunately killed in the blundering chari^e on the batteries at Cerro Gordo. Those who have escaped that dreadful carnage are cursing and condemning every bone in Brig.-Cien. Pillow's body, and some even boast and seemed to know how Gen. Pillow was wounded, and that it was a pit}' that the ball didn't kill him for his cowardly and inhuman act on our poor and much exhusted soldiers on our march from Vera Cruz to Plan del Rio. The Tennesseeans don't seem to think much of Gen. Robert Patterson. They think, like a good many others, that he is braver before going into the battle than in the midst of the battle. That he made the same \\ar speech to them as he did to us Pennisylvanians before the battle began. They, like ourselves, have not seen him since he left us on the National Road. To-night everything seems 1o be very quiet. Silence reigned throughout the whole camp, broken only by the step of the sentinel. The soldiers, as well as the officers, are all tired, and will soundly sleep over the glorious victory of the battle of Cerro Gordo, April i8, 1847. Thus on Cerro (iordo Heights, a short, but fierce, day's work was done. And thus our brave old Gen. Scott another battle won, and our glorious banner still triumphantly waves over everlasting glory unto Cerro GordcVs dead. Since the above has been written a great deal has been said, as well as written, about Gen. Robert Patterson's action and cowardice at the battle of Cerro Gordo. The author of this book has no animosity, or is no partisan of Gen. Patterson, nor do I wish to harm a hair on his veteran gre\' head, now in his eighty-second year, and all 1 have to say is that I have nothing to add to or detract from the above. They were taken down on the spot. But 1 will say this for the General, and I will say it boklly without fear or favor from either side, that there is not a better man living to-day to take charge or command a set of men than Gen. Jvobert ]*atterson. 134 NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. He not only