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diff --git a/old/68587-h/68587-h.htm b/old/68587-h/68587-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 9f8029d..0000000 --- a/old/68587-h/68587-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4581 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> - <meta charset="UTF-8" /> - <title> - Journal of William H. Richardson, by William H. Richardson—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> - <style> /* <![CDATA[ */ - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } - - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; - text-indent: 0; -} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.ph1 {text-align: center; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;} - -div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; page-break-after: always;} -div.titlepage p {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 2em;} - -.large {font-size: 125%;} -.small {font-size: 75%;} -.tiny {font-size: 50%;} - -.caption {font-weight: bold; text-align: center;} - -.x-ebookmaker .hide {display: none; visibility: hidden;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - -.antiqua { - font-family: Blackletter, Fraktur, Textur, "Old English Text MT", "Olde English Mt", "Olde English", Gothic, serif, sans-serif;} - -.poetry-container {text-align: center;} -.poetry {display: inline-block; text-align: left;} -.poetry .verse {text-indent: -2.5em; padding-left: 3em;} -.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} -.poetry .indent {text-indent: 1.5em;} - -@media print { .poetry {display: block;} } -.x-ebookmaker .poetry {display: block;} - -.gap {margin-left: 7em; } - -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; - padding: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - /* ]]> */ </style> -</head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Journal of William H. Richardson, a private soldier in the campaign of New and Old Mexico, by William H. Richardson</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Journal of William H. Richardson, a private soldier in the campaign of New and Old Mexico</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Under the command of Colonel Doniphan of Missouri</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: William H. Richardson</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: July 22, 2022 [eBook #68587]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David E. Brown and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON, A PRIVATE SOLDIER IN THE CAMPAIGN OF NEW AND OLD MEXICO ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter hide"><img src="images/coversmall.jpg" width="450" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i002.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">MARCHING THROUGH A JORNADA. <span class="gap"> Page <a href="#Page_45">45</a>.</span></p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>JOURNAL<br /> -<span class="tiny">OF</span><br /> -WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON,<br /> -<span class="small">A PRIVATE SOLDIER</span><br /> -<span class="tiny">IN THE CAMPAIGN OF</span><br /> -<span class="antiqua">New and Old Mexico,</span><br /> -<span class="tiny">UNDER THE COMMAND OF</span><br /> -<span class="small">COLONEL DONIPHAN</span><br /> -<span class="tiny">OF MISSOURI.</span></h1> - -<p>SECOND EDITION.</p> - -<p><span class="large">BALTIMORE:</span><br /> -JOHN W. WOODS, PRINTER.<br /> -<br /> -1848.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center">Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1848, by <span class="smcap">William H.<br /> -Richardson</span>, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of Maryland.</p> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">JOURNAL.</h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">I left</span> my home on West River, Anne Arundel -County, Md., the 11th November, 1845, for a southern -tour, and after visiting the principal places of the south -and west, inspecting the country, and meeting with -adventures familiar to all who travel, I found myself, -the following spring, located permanently a few miles -from Carrollton, Carroll County, Missouri, boarding in -the family of Judge Rea, a clever gentlemanly man. -Here I formed numerous acquaintances, among them, -an old Capt. Markle, who informed me of his intention -to visit California, and depicted in glowing terms the -pleasure of travelling in new countries, &c. In the -meantime, a company of mounted volunteers was being -formed in the neighborhood, under Capt. Williams, in -which many young men whom I knew, had enlisted. -This, together with the enthusiasm which prevailed at -a public meeting on the 4th of July, (when the ladies -of Carrollton presented the company a beautiful flag, -and many speeches were made)—caused me to decide -and join the company. I immediately set about preparing—bought -my regimentals, canteen, saddlebags, -also some books and a writing apparatus for convenience -in noting down the occurrences of each day, -thinking it probable, should I live to return, it might be -a source of amusement to my friends in Maryland.</p> - -<p><i>August 4th, 1846.</i>—This morning we started for Fort -Leavenworth. Many of my friends came to take breakfast -with me at Squire Dorr’s. We met our Captain at -Carrollton, where a public dinner was given. The company -formed and marched to the table in order. In the -evening we mounted our fine horses and proceeded out -of town. We passed the Prairie, 30 miles wide, and rode<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span> -as far as the residence of Dr. Arnold. There were fifteen -of us in company, separated from the rest, and all in -search of quarters.</p> - -<p>Having to water our horses, the Doctor directed us -where to go. The way was plainly pointed out, but to -our astonishment, we all got lost in the timber. We -rode till very late, and might have been put to great inconvenience, -had we not met with a servant who set us right. -We returned to the Doctor’s to muse on our mishap and -enjoy more hospitality. An ominous beginning for a soldier’s -life.</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—Started this morning in company with the Doctor -and his lady, who went with us eight miles to Lexington, -and thence to Richmond, where we arrived at 4 o’clock. -A few miles further on we encamped. I rode all this day -without my dinner. Having had opportunity to become -better acquainted with my Captain and other officers, I -find them very clever and kind.</p> - -<p><i>6th.</i>—I discovered this morning that my horse was lame -from tightness of his shoes. Went to town to a blacksmith -who re-shod him. The company could not wait -for me, and I travelled alone through a beautiful forest of -sugar trees. Passed Elke Horn, and rode until within -six miles of Liberty. Here I found our baggage team -had given out. Our Captain had gone ahead with the -company, and left the second Lieutenant, Mr. Smith, in -charge. I discovered Lieutenant Smith to be a man of very -tender feelings. Several of our company were taken -with chills to-night, which is rather discouraging.</p> - -<p><i>7th.</i>—At day-light this morning our train was under -way, arrived in town to breakfast, after which our Captain -marched us all over the city. It is a beautiful inland -place of 1000 inhabitants. Fifteen miles further on, we -met our first Lieutenant, just from the Fort. He told us -to hurry on and get mustered into service before the other -companies should crowd in. We hurried accordingly and -reached Platt City at sunset. I was fatigued and hungry, -and went into the hotel to get my supper, when I -came out, I found our third Lieutenant had come up -with the rest of the men, and were ready to start for the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span> -ferry. I went on with them. We arrived at the ferry, -opposite Fort Leavenworth, about 12 o’clock at night. I -went in search of something for my horse. There was a -widow lady living near, to whom I applied, and she very -pleasantly told me “to go to the crib and help myself.” -I went, fed my horse, and spent the rest of the night on -the unhusked ears in the crib, where I slept soundly.</p> - -<p><i>8th.</i>—Rose early and went in search of my Captain. -Found him, with many others, between some fallen trees, -wrapped up in their blankets, fast asleep on the sand. -We soon prepared for crossing the river, which I felt to -be the bidding adieu to friends and home, and almost civilization -itself. I was the only one who had taken refreshment. -It was fortunate for me that I had made a -second visit to the widow and obtained a good breakfast. -We were soon all safely over the ferry, 85 in number, men -of all grades and dispositions, some very facetious, and -others reserved and thoughtful. We were all huddled together, -and ordered to form in double file, to proceed two -miles from the Fort to erect our tents. We had to wait some -time for the wagons which contained our provisions, consisting -of mess pork, sugar, coffee, &c. The head of -each mess—six in number, had to apply to the Sergeant -for the necessary supplies. Having been appointed to the -charge of my mess, I went up, took my share, and helped -the men to theirs. The first meal I tasted in the Indian -territory was supper, and such a supper! It was composed -of hard water crackers and mess pork, which would cut -five inches through the ribs. I boiled my pork for nearly -two hours, and found it still so tough that it was harder labor -than I had been at all day to eat it. Necessity is the -mother of invention, and I fell upon an expedient by -which to despatch it, I took it out, stewed and fried it. -But it was yet spongy and stuck in my teeth. I made -out, however, with the assistance of a keen appetite; and -being very tired, I laid myself down on my blanket in -the tent. I had not lain many minutes when our Orderly -came by, calling upon the men to form a line. We had -much rather slept, but to obey was our duty, and we -were soon in the line. We were then drilled by a young<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span> -officer from the Fort. After drill, the officers commenced -counting us off from right to left, and every fourth man -had to stand guard.</p> - -<p>I was taken as one of the fourth men and placed with -eleven others at No. 1, where I had to walk my post two -hours. It was quite long enough for a beginning, and I -resigned the post with pleasure when the time expired. -At 12 o’clock the relief guard put a man in my place, and -I went rejoicing to my rest.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 9th.</i>—This morning I had to get breakfast for -the first time in my life; I was perfectly green at the business, -but it had to be done. I filled the kettle with water, -browned my coffee, fried the pork, &c. I went on very -well until by an unlucky mishap I upset the kettle, and -put out the fire. Nothing daunted by the misfortune, I -entered upon another trial and was more successful. We -paraded immediately after breakfast, and prepared to go -to the Fort, where we had the honor of being mustered -into service by our Colonel. He called our names, and -as each passed before him he was asked his age, and as -many other questions as would afford a pretty good description -of his person and history of his life. The Articles -of War were then read and we formed a line and returned -to camp. The roll was called soon after, and all -that were not present, had to keep guard. So much for -playing truant on an occasion of so much importance. I -was fortunate enough to be present and escaped the infliction.</p> - -<p><i>12th.</i>—The past two or three days were employed in -strict attention to the duties of a soldier, such as cooking, -drilling, &c. To-day, Col. Price assembled the whole -regiment at the Fort, to have an appraisement of horses, -saddles, &c. In the afternoon I rode back to the encampment -on a large bag of beef in the hot sun. A severe -headache was my travelling companion.</p> - -<p><i>14th.</i>—Yesterday and to-day we had a terrible job, -breaking mules to the wagons. It is difficult to muster -these stubborn animals into service. I, with a fellow -soldier, was detained from the Fort till a late hour. -We were employed in the novel pursuit of pulling two<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span> -of the mules by main force through the hazel bushes two -miles. Only think of it! Two of Uncle Sam’s worthies -pulling a jackass apiece two miles through the bushes. -While at the Fort I called on the minister, who was -very kind and affectionate in his conversation and manners. -He presented me a Testament, Prayer Book, and -a bundle of Tracts—at night we threw copies into each -tent, and then sung hymns until it was time to retire.</p> - -<p><i>15th.</i>—This was our washing day. I went with the -rest of the b’hoys, to the branch, where we kindled three -large fires, and put up our camp kettles to boil the -clothes. I never boiled any before, and I felt pretty -much as I did when I began to cook breakfast. I went -to work awkwardly enough, as my scalded hands bore -witness. But a man can even wash his clothes when he -is obliged to do it, the opinions of the ladies to the contrary -notwithstanding. In the evening we ceased our -labors as washers of clothes and went into the branch -and washed ourselves. After bathing we returned to -camp quite refreshed.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 16th.</i>—This morning I thought I would hear -the Missionary preach—and with several others, started -for the purpose. Just before we got to the village, an -Indian informed us there would be no preaching that -day. We were greatly disappointed, and turned to wander -about awhile and survey the country around. It was -wild and picturesque, and the sight of it was gratifying. -We met a number of Indians. Their language and -gesture were very strange, and they presented a most -outlandish appearance. Many of them came into our -camp with a variety of things to sell. When we returned, -our camp was nearly deserted. The men had -gone to the Fort for equipments to commence our march. -We hurried on, but only to be disappointed again. Too -many companies were in before us. We went back to -the camp, and spent the day quietly.</p> - -<p><i>18th.</i>—Every man was well fitted out with a musket -and fifteen cartridges, a load of guns having been brought -from the Fort. I have now become accustomed to implicit -obedience to orders—going and returning on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span> -errands to the Fort—breaking mules, looking for strayed -horses, cooking breakfast, washing clothes, &c. At night -it rained hard, and while I tried to compose myself to -sleep, I felt the shower dripping in my face.</p> - -<p><i>20th.</i>—The important morning had now arrived. It -was the morning on which we were to “strike our tents, -and march away” for California. All was bustle and -excitement, and we poor privates had to load the wagons -with provisions for our long march. It fell to my -lot as usual, to handle the bacon, pork, &c. And yet -another trial awaited me: we had not travelled more -than a mile, when we came to a deep slough or pond, -through which I had to guide a mule. It was the first -time I had the honor of leading a mule in gears. I had -to dismount and wade through thick mud up to my waist. -I had rather carried the mule on my back over a better -road. What made the matter worse, I had my new clothes -on, and they were almost ruined by the adventure. On -stopping to encamp, a messmate kindly poured on water, -while I washed the mud off, as well as I could, and -laid down in my wet garments, very weary with my -day’s journey.</p> - -<p><i>21st.</i>—We are now fairly in the Indian country. -The place assigned by the Government for the future -residence of the tribes who have emigrated from the -States. Here we found the prairies covered with grass—a -seasonable supply for our horses, and a drove of -ninety-five beeves which we had brought out for present -use. A strong guard was stationed around the encampment, -at night, as roving bands of Indians were lurking -around us, ready to seize any thing they could lay their -hands on. We had travelled 12 miles when our Captain -thought it best to encamp for the night, as we found a -little wood. The want of timber is a great defect in this -otherwise beautiful country.</p> - -<p><i>22nd.</i>—We started this morning at 8 o’clock, and travelled -15 miles through a lovely region, when we came to -a settlement of the Delaware Indians. Their houses and -plantations bear evident marks of civilization. In company -with our first Lieutenant, I called at a house, in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span> -door of which sat two squaws making moccasons. -Stretched on a bench near by, lay an Indian fast asleep. -He was a man of most powerful dimensions, at least -six feet four, and fat withal. By his side rested a club -full of notches. We did not care to disturb his repose, -for we had slight misgivings that a notch or two more in -that fatal war club, might record the finale of our own -history. We left him to his slumber and hastened to -the river where we found several companies of our companions -buying and selling among the squaws. Whiskey was -the principal commodity, and a number of Indians were so -much intoxicated that they could hardly tell a tree from a -moccason. The ferry is kept by the Indians. The -Kansas river at this place is a bold stream, it was, nevertheless, -safely passed by all, using boats only for our -wagons; about sunset all landed and we encamped -about a mile from the river.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 23d.</i>—Again we started on our journey. -After the first ten miles of a broken country, some high -hills appeared. They were very difficult of ascent, and -we had much trouble with our teams. In two places -we had to put our shoulders to the wheels. Orders were -given that every man should secure what wood he could -find, and we commenced packing it before us, on our -horses. A picturesque scene we must have presented, -each man with his load of wood before him on his horse. -While riding in this way we overtook Lieutenant Col. -Mitchell.</p> - -<p><i>24th.</i>—After passing a few clumps of trees, an immense -prairie spread out before us, extending as far as -the eye could reach. At 12 o’clock we came to a branch -and encamped. The water here is in standing pools, -and before drinking or making coffee, we were obliged -to strain it through our handkerchiefs. While thus engaged, -two Indians of the Sac Tribe, made their appearance. -They were elegantly mounted, but painted and -tattooed in a frightful manner. They are smaller in stature -than the Delawares, and at war with them. They -called at our camp as a matter of curiosity. One of my -mess, Levi Flowers, received a severe kick in his face<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span> -from a horse which nearly killed him. His face was very -much swollen.</p> - -<p><i>25th.</i>—The companies are now all united—having -overtaken each other at different places. Our force was -1200 strong. We travelled all day in sight of trees like -little dots on the horizon. At the end of our day’s march -we hoped to find water, <i>good</i> water, which our poor fellows -needed after a long hot march, with nothing to protect -their heads from the rays of the sun but small glazed -caps. The goal was reached. We rested beneath the -shade of a small skirt of woods.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—As usual, 8 o’clock found us ready to start. After -a march of 14 miles, we encamped on Beaver Creek. -We killed a beef—and the soldiers busied themselves in -cooking supper. Not having conveniences of home at -hand, we dispensed with our dinner daily, and satisfied -ourselves with eating morning and night. Our Captain is -a good sort of a man and will no doubt do the best he can -for us. And now while speaking of the Captain I will -say a word or two about our Lieutenants. Our first -Lieutenant, Mr. White, is nearly always in a good humor. -He is large and somewhat corpulent—enjoys a laugh -very much. He weighs 220<i>lbs.</i> net. Our second Lieutenant, -Mr. Smith, is of the middle size, very facetious, -and always ready to accommodate. Our third Lieutenant, -Mr. Rock, was formerly Captain of Militia, but volunteering -to go with the army to California, we elected -him third Lieutenant. He is a little over the middle -size, and very reserved and stately.</p> - -<p><i>27th.</i>—After travelling twelve miles we reached the -encampment of the Marion company, where we found a -poor fellow who was accidentally shot last night, by a -revolving pistol. Two men are left to take care of him. -It is thought he cannot survive. Poor fellow! His -fate is a sad one. Pursuing our journey, we passed -Beaver Creek, and after travelling 18 miles, came to the -Big John River, where we encamped for the night.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i014.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">A CAMP WASHING DAY.</p> - -<p><i>28th.</i>—The Captain told us this morning that we should -stop here for a day or two to rest ourselves. And now -began a most ludicrous scene. Every camp kettle and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span> -other vessel that would hold water was brought in requisition, -and the whole regiment commenced washing -their clothes. To me it was a most singular sight. -While rubbing away at our clothes a rumor reached us -that we were on the route to Santa Fe, instead of California. -This was news, and what with washing and what -with talking we were kept pretty busy. On the route to -Santa Fe, though we entered the journey for California. -But alas! no matter where we are. We found our trip -was not a “pleasure excursion,” as many of our imaginations -had so often pictured. The two soldiers we left -to-day have just come in, after digging the grave of their -poor comrade.</p> - -<p><i>29th.</i>—This morning we caught some black trout and -cat fish in the Big John. They were very fine. Col. -Price had gone ahead, and at 12 o’clock we struck our -tents, passed Council Grove, and encamped at 2 o’clock -a few miles further on, where there is a blacksmith shop, -established by the government. Here I left letters for -my friends in Maryland, to be carried back by the return -mail to Fort Leavenworth.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 30th.</i>—Saw near the road, one of those singular -mounds, of which I have so often read. It towered -beautifully to the height of 100 feet. It may have -been a mount of observation; it may be filled with the -bones of the red men of the forest. I have no time, however, -to speculate upon subjects so foreign from my present -employment. At the end of 8 miles, we came -to Rock Creek, and 7 miles further we arrived at Diamond -Spring, where we halted for the night.</p> - -<p><i>31st.</i>—This morning I filled my canteen with the refreshing -water of Diamond Spring. At the spring I counted -45 wagons loaded with provisions for the army. Yesterday -we entered upon the far-famed <i>plains</i> at Rock -Creek. The scenery presents a dull monotony, a vast -plain, almost level, bounded by the horizon and covered -with a thin sward and herbage.</p> - -<p><i>September 1st.</i>—Came to a place, called the “Lost -Spring,” a most singular curiosity. The stream rises -suddenly out of the ground, and after rushing over the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span> -sand a few yards, as suddenly sinks, and is no more -seen.</p> - -<p><i>2nd.</i>—To-day we are at the Cotton Wood Fork. It -takes its name from a large cluster of cotton trees, the -first I had seen after leaving Diamond Spring. There is -a good stream of water here, and we enjoyed the blessing -of a fine shower of rain. A little misunderstanding -took place among the officers about starting. Some of -them were too slow in their movements and caused our -Captain to collect his men and make a speech. Several -of the men were disgusted and become uproarious. A -march of eight miles, however, to Turkey Creek, settled -the question, and all appeared in pretty good humor. -Three miles further on, we came to 2nd Turkey Creek, -nine miles beyond to 3rd Turkey Creek and encamped. -Turkey Creeks are plenty in this vicinity. How we -would have rejoiced if the turkeys had been as plenty as -the titles of the streams indicated. Third Turkey Creek -is a lovely stream, running through the prairie. Here -we wanted wood to cook with. As yet we had not seen -any game with the exception of two rabbits, caught by -our men. They were of a novel species, almost white, -with long black ears, and as large as a grey fox.</p> - -<p><i>3rd.</i>—About 12 o’clock to-day we came in sight of -timber. Passed the 4th Turkey Creek, and after travelling -18 miles, encamped on the banks of the little Arkansas, -which at some seasons is a bold stream, with tremendous -cliffs that can be seen at a long distance.</p> - -<p><i>4th.</i>—We are all huddled together in our tents, in consequence -of a heavy storm of wind and rain, which came -on last night. Some of the tents blew down, and most -of the company were in a bad fix. Fires were necessary -to keep us warm. We left at 8 o’clock, and after travelling -10 miles, came to Owl Creek. Five miles from -Owl Creek we reached Cow Creek, where we encamped. -On the left we could see cliffs and timber at a great distance, -and some small white spots like sand hills. On -the right, nothing but a vast prairie. Just before we arrived -at the Cow Creek an antelope was started. Our -boys gave chase and fired several times, but they missed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span> -him and he finally escaped. They must shoot better in -fight with the enemy. We had scarcely fixed up our tents, -when the news came that a buffalo was in sight. In an -instant, men on horseback, fully armed, were in pursuit -from every direction. He was less fortunate than the -antelope. The men had improved a little and they overtook -their game after a considerable chase, during which -they fired fifty times. They killed him at last and brought -some of the flesh to the camp. It was of very little use, -for with all our cooking, it was too tough to eat. He -was a bull at least 20 years old. We had better let the -old patriarch run.</p> - -<p><i>Arkansas Bend, Saturday, 6th.</i>—Here we stopped -last night, after a most exciting day. Herds of buffalo -were seen scattered over the plains. The best hunters -were picked out to secure as many as possible. The chase -was a fine one, 13 were killed by the different companies. -I strolled away from camp alone, to one of those mysterious -mounds, which occur so frequently to the traveller -among these wilds. On ascending it, I enjoyed a most -magnificent prospect. It has the appearance of a Fort, -but when and for what purpose erected will long remain -a matter of uncertainty. I lingered so long that on my -return I found that my company had gone forward, but I -soon overtook them. To-day we come to Walnut Creek, -6 miles from the mound. I felt stupid and sick; as I -was placed on guard last night, on the banks of the Arkansas. -I was all alone in the deep midnight, and I sat -three long hours, with my musket; looking up and down -the stream. I could see a great distance, as the sand on -the shore is very white.</p> - -<p><i>7th.</i>—We were preparing to take a buffalo chase, -when word was brought that the whole command must -be moving. We were much disappointed, for we expected -fine sport in the chase. On our route to-day, we -passed Ash Creek, and five miles on came to Pawnee -Fork. We saw herds of buffalo, and surrounded one, -but they made a break towards the road and crossed -among the teams. They did no damage, however, nor -was much damage done to them. I rode on briskly to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span> -overtake a friend, when my horse trod in a hole made by -prairie dogs, (a small animal and very numerous here,) -and fell with me. I received no injury except a little -skin rubbed off my knee. On remounting, my attention -was arrested by a horse running at full speed, and dragging -something on the ground. When he came closer, -I discovered it to be a man whom his horse had thrown. -The frightened animal stopped a little ahead of me and I -rode up, expecting to see a dead man, but as soon as his -foot was extricated from the stirrup, to the surprise of all, -he stood up, and said that he was not much hurt. He said -he regretted most of all the loss of his clothes, which -were torn in shreds from his body. Another man belonging -to our company, by the name of Redwine, had -a severe fall. He was taken in to camp nearly dead. -Chase was made again after buffalo, which appeared in -thousands. Many antelopes also appeared, but it requires -the fleetest horses to overtake them. Before we -encamped we saw near the road side a little mound of -stones, on one of which was engraved the name of R. -T. Ross. It was supposed to be the grave of a man -who was murdered by the Indians in 1840. He is resting -in a lonely spot.</p> - -<p><i>8th.</i>—We are now on the banks of the great Arkansas -river, after marching many miles through a barren and -dreary looking country, almost destitute of grass or herbage. -Here there is some improvement in this respect. -A heavy rain caused our tents to leak, and drenched the -poor soldiers, so that they passed a very uncomfortable -night.</p> - -<p><i>9th.</i>—Kept up the river ten miles. A few scattered -cotton trees, and cliffs, and sand banks are the only things -to be seen. One of Col. Mitchell’s men was near being -killed to-day by an Indian. He had chased a buffalo two -miles from camp, when an arrow was shot, which pierced -his clothes; the poor fellow made all the haste he could -to camp with the arrow sticking in his pants. It was -well it was not in his skin.</p> - -<p><i>10th.</i>—Last night as soon as we were all snugly fixed, -and ready for sleep, there arose a fearful storm of wind<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span> -and rain, which gave our tents and ourselves a good -shaking. Some of the tents were blown down, breaking -in their fall the ridgepoles of others, and bringing -them down also. In our tent, four of us held on with all -our might, for nearly two hours, to keep it standing. To-day -we continued our march, travelling 15 miles, on the -banks of the river. We saw a large flock of wild geese -and tried to get a shot, but without success. They were -too wild for us.</p> - -<p><i>11th.</i>—The weather was quite cold this morning, and -there was so dense a fog as to prevent us from seeing a -hundred yards ahead. There was an antelope killed to-day. -The flesh tasted like mutton. We encamped by -the side of the river, and an opportunity was afforded us -of catching fish, which we accomplished by the novel -mode of spearing them with the bayonet. Several -dozens were caught, and we found them delicious.</p> - -<p><i>12th.</i>—Resumed our journey through the same scenery -12 miles—many antelopes were seen in herds, and prairie -dogs barked at us, in every direction.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 13th.</i>—As we proceed, the country assumes -a still more dreary aspect, bare of verdure, and broken -in ridges of sand. Our horses, enfeebled by their long -travel, have very little to subsist on. The men too, for -the past three days, have ceased to receive rations of -sugar and coffee. When we could not get these articles, -we did as they do in France—that is, without them. We -had to fry our meat, and a few of us entered upon the -funny work of making soup out of pork, buffalo flesh, -and fish, boiled up together. It was a rare mess, but we -pronounced it first rate.</p> - -<p><i>14th.</i>—After passing over the last 15 miles to-day, -we found ourselves at a place called the crossing of the -Arkansas. We were then 362 miles from Fort Leavenworth. -Our course has been along the margin of the -river for 75 miles. At this place are steep bluffs difficult -to descend. There are multitudes of fish in the river, -many of them were killed by the horses’ feet in crossing. -We caught several varieties by spearing. A number of -antelopes were killed here.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span><i>15th.</i>—This morning I felt very dull from loss of rest. -We had to give considerable attention to the cattle, -horses, &c., to prevent them from straying. I and seven -others were detailed to stand sentinel. I was appointed -to the second watch, and to be in readiness at the hour, -I spread my blanket down in the prairie to take a nap. -In two hours I was awakened, and instructed to arouse -the Captain of the Watch at the expiration of three hours -more; having no means to measure the time but by my -own sad thoughts, and the weary hours being rather -tardy, I too soon obeyed the orders, and kept the last -watch on duty five hours, to the amusement of all. After -breakfast I took a stroll over the sand hills, and found about -a dozen of our boys, inspecting the contents of a large -basket, something like a hamper in which the merchants -pack earthenware. It contained the skeleton of an -Indian chief in a sitting posture, wrapped in buffalo robes, -with his arrows, belts, beads, cooking utensils, &c. It -had fallen from the limb of a tree, on which it had been -suspended. Several of the men picked up the beads, -and one named Waters carried the lower jaw and skull -to camp, the latter he said he intended “to make a soup -gourd of.”</p> - -<p><i>16th.</i>—I took my seat quietly in the tent this morning -and thought I would rest, as we were to stay a day -or two at this place. I was presently surrounded by -soldiers begging me to write a few lines for them “to -father, mother, wives, friends and homes.” I wrote <i>seven</i> -letters without removing from a kneeling posture, and -was kept busy almost the whole day.</p> - -<p><i>17th.</i>—Our Captain told us to get ready to start at -10 o’clock to-day, and as we were to cross a sandy -desert 60 miles wide, much water and provisions were -to be packed. A number of us were kept busy cleaning -the salt from pork barrels in order to fill them with water. -Scarcely had we finished this hard job; when the news -spread like electricity “that the mail from Fort Leavenworth -had come in.” I cannot pretend to describe the -scene that ensued. I met our Captain, who said “the -Sergeant had a letter for me”—with the most peculiar<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span> -feelings I seized it and saw the hand-writing of my loved -sister in Maryland—my home, now so many weary leagues -away. The delight I experienced was not unmingled, -however, with the thought that perhaps at this very spot, -the entrance to a wild desert, I had bid adieu finally to -all I held dear. We travelled 22 miles, and as it was -late at night when we halted, we spread our blankets on -the sand and slept soundly till morning.</p> - -<p><i>18th.</i>—I rose by day-light and took a slice of bread -and meat. We started early and came 23 miles, where -we found some water standing in pools. We tried to -erect the tents, but the wind was too high—had to cook -that night with <i>buffalo chips</i>; strange fuel even for soldiers -to use.</p> - -<p><i>19th.</i>—After marching 10 miles to-day, we came to -the Cimarone Springs—a sweet stream. Here we found -grass enough for our poor horses. It is truly an oasis -in the <i>desert</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 20th.</i>—We crossed an arm of the Cimarone, -but the waters were dried up—dug for water but found -none. Went on 5 miles further, dug again, and procured -enough for ourselves and horses. In our route of 25 -miles we saw the ground encrusted with salt. A singular -animal attracted our notice. It was a horned frog, -a great curiosity. Every thing was involved in a thick -cloud of dust.</p> - -<p><i>21st.</i>—One of the members of the Randolph Company, -a gentleman by the name of Jones, died last night of -consumption. He took the trip for his health, but to-day -his remains were interred, not far from the camp, with -the honors of war.</p> - -<p><i>22nd.</i>—We still travelled on the Cimarone, though -only at certain places could we procure water. A deep -sand retarded the progress of the army. On arriving -where we had to encamp we found 42 wagons, laden -with goods. They were the property of a Mr. Gentry, -a trader who has amassed great wealth, in merchandising -between Independence, Santa Fe and Chihuahua. He -speaks the Spanish language, and had nearly a dozen -Spaniards in the caravan.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span><i>23d.</i>—We had a considerable storm last night—and -the hard rain made it rather disagreeable, especially so to -me, as I had to do the duty of a sentinel in the first watch, -with a wolf howling most dismally within 50 yards of -me. I would have fired at him, but I had to obey orders -and not arouse the camp by a false alarm. We saw to-day -the bones of 91 mules, which perished in a snow-storm -last winter. The bones were piled by the road -side.</p> - -<p><i>24th.</i>—Overtook another caravan—still passing up the -Cimarone, whose bed is through the sandy plain, at -length we came to a hill from whence we descried the -Rocky Mountains, rising abruptly in the distance. In -our route we crossed a small spur. Mr. White our first -Lieutenant, with several others ascended one, which -presented the appearance of frowning rocky precipices. -From its highest peaks, he brought down seashell, and -petrifactions of various kinds. We had great difficulty -in procuring buffalo chips. It was very amusing to see -the boys in search of this indispensable article, our only -resource to cook with.</p> - -<p><i>25th.</i>—We reached “Cool Spring” to-day, and found -refreshing and delightful water, bursting from a solitary -rock of enormous dimensions, the sides of which are -covered with the names of various travellers. Our pleasant -officer, Mr. White, called me up saying “he wished -to see my name on a spot he pointed out,”—so taking a -hearty draught from his canteen, which was just filled, I -went up, and had scarcely carved my name, to remain -there a monument of my folly, I suppose, when I discovered -my horse making off with my accoutrements, canteen, -&c. Hurried down and started after the beast. After -running a great distance in the deep sand, I succeeded -in capturing the runaway. Nineteen miles further on -we encamped in a deep ravine, among cliffs and rocks, -here a few cedar trees were found. They afforded a -seasonable supply of wood to cook with. The Rocky -Mountains were in sight all day.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—After a slight breakfast of bread and meat, we -left this inhospitable place in disgust. It did not afford<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span> -grass for our horses to graze on. We proceeded 12 -miles through a dreary waste, and had to encamp at night -in a place where there was no water.</p> - -<p><i>27th.</i>—I was awakened by the Sergeant of the Guard -at 2 o’clock this morning, it being my turn to stand sentinel -of the morning watch. After breakfast we went on -15 miles to Cotton Wood Creek. There we fixed up our -tents, but no forage being found for our half-starved animals, -we soon took them down again, and proceeded 5 miles -on, to Rabbit Creek. At this place there was plenty of -grass and some tolerable scenery, but we were in no condition -to enjoy it; being late in the night we spread -our blankets on the prairie, and composed our wearied -limbs to rest.</p> - -<p><i>28th.</i>—Our journey was still continued through a dry -and sterile land, where there is neither wood, water, nor -grass; late in the evening we came to a pool of water. -It was cool and good, and we drank of it freely. Our -wagons did not come up till very late, and being tired, -we wrapped ourselves in our blankets and laid down to -sleep without our supper. We went supperless, not to -bed—but to the sod.</p> - -<p><i>October 1st.</i>—The last two days of September we remained -at a place called Whetstone Creek, to rest. This -Whetstone Creek is another oasis. It was the source of -great joy to ourselves and our mules and horses. Our -pastime was like the boy’s holiday whose mother allowed -him to stay at home from school to saw wood and bring -water. Our resting spell was a spell of hard work, and -most industriously did we labor in cleansing our arms -for inspection by the Colonel. And we had to do a deal -of marching and countermarching. Indeed the parade -lasted so long and with so many manœuvres were we exercised, -that the patience of officers and men was worn -to its extremity. It was nearly thread-bare. And then -came the orders for every man to see to his own provisions -and water, as another desert was to be traversed. -So we go—changing from bad to worse. To-day, after -a march of ten miles, we reached the “Point of Rocks”—a -significant name. Late at night we encamped in a -valley between high mountains, where there was some -grass, but no water.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span><i>2nd.</i>—We still moved on over barren rocks and sand -hills. We labored hard all day to leave them behind us. -The hope cheered us of soon finding water, we realised -it at the far-famed Red River. Our whole force encamped -on its banks about night-fall. The waters of this distinguished -river are brackish, but refreshing. Incrustations -of salt are formed upon the rocks lying above its surface. -This river was named Rio Colorado by the early Santa -Fe traders; who, without having followed it down to any -considerable distance, believed it to be the head waters -of the great river of this name, which flows into the Mississippi -below Natchez. It has, however, since been followed -down to its junction with the Arkansas, and found -to be the Canadian fork of that river. We were now -within 140 miles of Santa Fe, having marched more than -600 miles over a country destitute of timber, with but little -water, and occupied only by roving bands of Indians -who subsist wholly upon buffalo meat. We saw immense -herds of that animal on the Arkansas and its tributaries. -The whole country presents, thus far, the most -gloomy and fearful appearances to the weary traveller. -But rough and uninviting as it is, all who visit New -Mexico via Santa Fe, are compelled to pass it.</p> - -<p><i>3d.</i>—We have journeyed well to-day, having reached -St. Clair Springs. It is a beautiful spot, well watered—and -glowing in delightful verdure. It is surrounded by -mountains, the surface of which are covered with craggy -rocks. We searched for miles around our camp for -wood, with little success. The different companies -killed a number of antelopes here.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 4th.</i>—We are still encamped, and shall remain -in our position till the morning of the 5th. I took -a walk, to “wagon mound,” so called from the shape of -its top, being like a covered wagon when seen in the distance. -This mountain top is surrounded by a cliff of -craggy rocks at least 100 feet in height. A most beautiful -view is presented to the beholder. To the south -you see hills covered with cedar and pine, situated in the -immense prairie; to the north and north-west, are seen -mountains with rocks piled upon rocks, with here and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span> -there groves of evergreens; far away to the east, is the -desert, over which we had just passed. The sides of -this mountain are covered with a hard kind of sand, and -pumice stone, having the appearance of cinder. Whilst -I am writing, being situated as far up as it is prudent -to go, an adventurous fellow by the name of George -Walton, has gained the wagon top, two others have also -ascended, an achievement that few can perform. North -of us there is a salt lake which we intend to visit this -evening.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday Afternoon.</i>—Lieut. Smith and myself took a -stroll to the lake. We found a thick crust of salt around -its edge, which is several miles in circumference. We -returned to camp by a mountain path, very difficult to -travel.</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—Eighteen miles were passed over to-day, through -a mountainous country. We had just erected our tents -and prepared for rest, when an evidence that we were approaching -some civilized country, arrived in the shape of -a Frenchman, who met us here with a travelling grocery. -This concern came from Moras—a barrel of whiskey -was strapped on the back of a poor mule—which stuff, -some of our soldiers were foolish enough to drink: it -sells at $1 per pint. Such dear drinking ought to make -drunkards scarce.</p> - -<p><i>6th.</i>—Saw a mud cottage on the road side to-day. -The sight was most pleasant to our eyes, accustomed as -they were for forty-four days to a wild waste. As we -rode up, every one must have a look into the house. It -was inhabited by a native of North Carolina, whose wife -is a Spanish woman. After being somewhat gratified -with the sight of a house, though built of mud with its -flat roof, we went on 18 miles, and encamped at a town -called Rio Gallenas Bagoes. On visiting this place we -were struck with the singular appearance of the town -and its inhabitants. The town consists of mud huts containing -apartments built on the ground. The men were -engaged in pounding cornstalks from which sugar is -made; the women with faces tattooed and painted red, -were making tortillas. We ate some, and found them -excellent.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span><i>7th.</i>—The wagons which contained our provisions -coming in sight, we prepared the wood, which we obtained -with difficulty, for boiling the coffee, &c., when -Col. Mitchell rode up and told us the wind was too high -to encamp. And hungry as we were, we went ahead -17 miles through a forest of pine to Ledo Barnell, where -we encamped for the night. A grisly bear was killed to-day -by some members of the Randolph Company.</p> - -<p><i>8th.</i>—We passed the large village of San Miguel to-day. -Col. Mitchell and his interpreter went forward in -search of a good place to encamp. The weather was -dry and pleasant, with a suitable temperature for travelling. -The most disagreeable annoyance is the sand, -which is very unpleasant when the wind is high.</p> - -<p><i>9th.</i>—Col. Mitchell had chosen a spot for our encampment, -about 12 miles from our last resting place, -near the foot of a mountain. There was no water to be -found. Impelled by necessity we followed an Indian -trail over the mountain 5 miles, and after riding through -the thick pines for several hours we found the coveted -treasure. As may be supposed we drank most heartily, -after which we filled our canteens and returned to camp -about 12 o’clock at night. We learned that Santa Fe -was about 25 miles off.</p> - -<p><i>10th.</i>—We arrived at the mountain pass at 10 o’clock, -and reached Santa Fe about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. -The glorious stars and stripes floating over the city was -the first object that greeted our sight. We formed and -marched into the town in order. We were received with -martial music and several rounds of blank cartridges were -fired as a welcome to us. We paraded in the square -fronting the Governor’s house. After parade I took a -walk through the town. The wagons did not arrive with -our tents in time for us to encamp, and with our blankets -around us, we laid down to rest. The blue sky was our -canopy.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 11th.</i>—It was so cold and disagreeable last -night that I found it impossible to sleep. I shivered -through the night on the hard soil, and rose this morning -with a severe headache. I walked about to keep myself<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span> -warm. After eating three small crackers for breakfast, -I went to church in company with several others, to -hear a Catholic priest. The music was prettily performed -on various instruments. An old man in the meantime -turning round before an image, and after he had -bowed to the people several times the music ceased. All -was over—and we returned to camp. I felt sick and sad, -for the worship did not refresh my spirits. This evening -I was pall-bearer to a member of the Benton Company, -who died in the hospital soon after his arrival. -We carried him out about a mile from the city to his -final resting place. Four others were buried to-day, who -died from fatigue and exhaustion. They belonged to -the different companies. The muffled roll of the drum, -and the firing of the farewell to the dead, did not have a -tendency to cheer me.</p> - -<p><i>12th.</i>—This morning the roll was called, and various -duties assigned the soldiers. Some had to work on the -Fort, and others to cut and haul wood. In the latter -employment I had to become teacher to some green hands. -I found the task very troublesome—but performed it to -the best of my ability. In the evening I wrote letters to -my friends in Maryland.</p> - -<p><i>15th.</i>—The two past days have been employed in preparations -for our departure from Santa Fe. We have -encountered much trouble and perplexity in getting teams, -&c., have to travel 80 miles up the mountains where we -shall take up our winter quarters. We went out 6 miles -and encamped. Having a severe headache, I tried my -best to get some rest at night, but I had scarcely fallen -asleep, when I was awakened by the officer to stand guard. -I arose mechanically, feeling pretty much as I should suppose -a fellow might feel who was on his way to execution. -Taking up my gun I went to a large fire, where I sat quietly -for two hours, watching my feelings more than I did -the camp, for I was very unwell.</p> - -<p><i>16th.</i>—The breaking down of some wagons detained us -here till late. After starting we met a number of Spaniards, -mounted on mules. We passed some little patches -of corn badly cultivated, which they dignify with the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span> -name of farms. A messmate wishing some red pepper, -I called with him at a house, but it was all “<i>no comprenda</i>”—“<i>dont -understand you</i>,” so we got no red pepper. -We went on to the next habitation through a broken -country; here we found our third Lieutenant with the -interpreter arranging for our camp. As we had to wait -for the other companies to come up, I rested on some -corn shucks, and very pleasantly did the bed feel. It was -a bed of down in comparison with that to which I had -been accustomed. I had slept on the ground for more -than three months. Nothing grows spontaneously in -this country but the Spanish broom.</p> - -<p><i>17th.</i>—Colds, and other complaints, are becoming -common in our ranks. After the fatigue of marching on -foot heavily armed, we were illy calculated to do the -duties of the camp. Our horses being too much enfeebled -for further use, after our arrival at Santa Fe, were -sent up the mountain to recruit. Thus our hardships -increase with our progress. The ground being very broken -where we encamped to-night, which is in a wheat -field, I gathered all the stubble I could, to make our beds -soft and even—bought some wood to cook with from -the natives.</p> - -<p><i>18th.</i>—I started alone, and tried to overtake two messmates -who had gone on before me. I had not proceeded -more than 6 miles when I found my two young gentlemen -playing cards on the road side. I passed them, -and came to a village where I saw a considerable number -of Spaniards. An old woman invited me in her house -and set before me some tortillas and cornstalk-molasses -which were quite a treat. I remained there several hours, -but thinking I had missed my way I was about to take -leave, with many thanks for their hospitality, when, to -my great surprise and embarrassment, the old lady and -her daughter most affectionately embraced me. I suppose -it was the custom among these simple hearted -mountaineers, but of which I was quite ignorant. I was -thankful for the meal my hostesses had provided for me, -but the hugging was a luxury I did not anticipate, nor -was I the least ambitious of having it repeated. I found<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span> -my company without much difficulty. We went on and -crossed the Rio Grande. In the first stream I got my -feet wet; the second was too deep for wading, and I was -kindly invited by our Sergeant to mount behind him. -We encamped there, having travelled 12 miles that day.</p> - -<p><i>19th.</i>—We were surrounded by the natives, who appeared -friendly. When we came to the place where our -horses were feeding, we learned from the soldiers in -charge, that some of them had died, and that several had -been stolen or had strayed away—mine, of course, was -among the missing. While the others were preparing to -mount, I shouldered my musket and walked on, in sand -half a foot deep. The walk was exceedingly tiresome. -I saw large quantities of wild geese on the Rio Grande. -After marching 8 miles we encamped.</p> - -<p><i>20th.</i>—All on horseback this morning in fine style, -except myself and a few others equally unfortunate. -We made the best use of our scrapers through the sand. -After walking awhile we came to a house on the road -side, the inhabitants of which, men, women and children -came rushing out. We were at a loss to know what -it meant, till we saw them surround a colored man, (our -Surgeon’s cook,) who proved a novel sight to them. -The poor fellow was quite mortified at being made a -show of on account of his color. We went on 8 miles -and encamped among the Utah Indians. They are at -war with the Navihoes, who have hunted them nearly -down. After supper I asked permission of our Captain -to accompany Mr. White, and several others to their encampment. -Here, around a large fire sat an Indian chief -with his squaws. After being introduced by our interpreter, -a council was called. After some jabbering, a -regular war-dance commenced. Their best warriors, -equipped in full costume, and painted most hideously in -twenty different ways—danced furiously around a large -fire, to the music of kettles and drums. It was a horrid -din, in which mingled the war-whoop. We gazed with -astonishment till its conclusion, when an old chief made -a long speech. We then returned to our camp to meditate -upon what we had seen and heard, and to wonder at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span> -the strangeness of character and habit exhibited by those -poor creatures.</p> - -<p><i>21st.</i>—We were surrounded by the Indians before our -breakfast was over. They came on to Abique, and encamped -near us. There are several villages in this place. -We arrived about two o’clock, and took up our quarters. -The companies under Major Gilpin which were stationed -there, and which we had been sent to relieve, were greatly -worn and reduced with their long stay among the -mountains. There was another dance at night in the -Indian camp—being much tormented with sandburs, I -did not go out. We had to eat our provisions half -cooked, from the scarcity of wood. I and a messmate -were forced to “hook” two small poles from a fodder -crib, and when we returned to camp we found the companies -on parade, and the Captain telling them the order -of the next day.</p> - -<p><i>22d.</i>—The whole command, viz. two companies from -Col. Price’s Regiment, consisting of about one hundred -and eighty men, were obliged to remove to-day four miles -further up the river, in order to obtain grass and fuel. -This place being entirely destitute of either. At night, -I went with our interpreter and third Lieutenant to several -houses, to buy mutton. While on our errand we -met with some ladies; one of them had a dough face; -all the rest were smeared with red, and to my fancy, -not at all beautiful. We returned to camp without our -mutton, and not a little disappointed.</p> - -<p><i>23d.</i>—The country here is bare and sterile to a great -degree, but there is an improvement with regard to fuel, -which is so necessary at this season, in this mountainous -country. I believe we are stationary at last. I was -kept busy all day writing letters for the soldiers, many -of whom very gladly do my washing and mending in -return, for this slight service. I had rather at any time -write than cook and wash and mend clothes.</p> - -<p><i>24th.</i>—I felt sick to-day. I took cold from a severe -drenching, while on duty as a sentinel last night. A -heavy cold rain was falling the whole time. I strove to -assist in making our camp as comfortable as possible,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span> -and in the evening despatched two letters to Santa Fe, -for my beloved friends in Maryland.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 25th.</i>—At day-break this morning, a number -of Mexicans came to camp; jabbering to themselves in -a great rage about something. At first we could not -ascertain the cause of their trouble, there being no interpreter -present, and none of the soldiers knowing enough -of the Spanish language to comprehend their meaning; -soon, however, it was discovered that about sundown -last evening, the Captain of our company had caused -the embankment of their mill and irrigating pond, to be -broken, a short distance above camp on the bank of the -river, so as to prevent it from overflowing the bed of -his tent. The water of course rushed out with great -force, tearing the embankment down and washing the -earth away for a considerable distance, stopping their -mill and leaving many families destitute of water; all of -which serious injuries, the Captain seemed disinclined to -repair. This behavior of the Captain met with but little -favor from his men. To their honor be it spoken.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—This morning our Lieutenant went round the -camp to get volunteers to repair the broken ditch. All -seemed unwilling to do any thing—some had their -horses to find, others to cut and haul wood. The men -had no idea of laboring gratuitously for the repair of a -deed wantonly done by their Captain. I with several -others walked four miles up the river, with our axes, for -the purpose of getting wood. We crossed the river several -times in the wildest and most out-of-the-way places, -between high cragged mountains which it was impossible -to ascend. We returned to camp with our wagon -loaded, though we encountered great difficulty in accomplishing -it. We found there was a disagreeable misunderstanding -among the officers respecting the embankment. -The Captain wished soldiers detailed for its -repair, and the Lieutenants thinking it an imposition on -the poor fellows to stand in the mud to work such cold -weather, without compensation.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><i>28th.</i>—We are now living in the midst of the greatest -abundance of life’s luxuries. As an evidence of our high<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span> -living, I will transcribe our bill of fare for the week. It -is as follows:</p> - -<p>Monday.—Bread, beef, (tough as leather,) bean soup.</p> - -<p>Tuesday.—Tough beef, bread, and bean soup.</p> - -<p>Wednesday.—Bean soup, bread, and tough beef—and -so on to the end of the week.</p> - -<p>The greatest <i>harmony</i> prevails in camp, especially -among the officers, the Captain and first Lieutenant are -the greatest <i>friends</i> imaginable, they do every thing in -their power for the good of the company. They are the -<i>bravest</i> and most <i>patriotic</i> officers in the regiment. -In this lovely and fertile valley, encamped on the banks -of the Rio Charma, we are enjoying all the <i>blessings</i> -of life. We are charmed by the surpassing beauty of -the polished Spanish ladies, and living in so much <i>harmony</i> -with each other that we almost imagine the “garden -of Eden” to have been again raised for our enjoyment; and -then, Oh! heavens, what a luxury, amid these joys, to -feel the delightful sensations produced by the gentle and -graceful movements of a Spanish <i>louse</i> as he journeys over -one’s body! The very thought of it makes me poetic, and I -cannot resist the temptation of dedicating a line to the -memory of moments so exquisite. How appropriate are -the words of Moore to such occasions of bliss?</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oft in the stilly night,</div> -<div class="indent">Ere slumber’s chains have bound me,</div> -<div class="verse">I feel the cursed creatures bite,</div> -<div class="indent">As scores are crawling round me.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">O not like one who treads alone,</div> -<div class="indent">The banquet halls deserted;—</div> -<div class="verse">In crowds they crawl despite the groan</div> -<div class="indent">Of him whose blood they started.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>When I took up my Journal to add a few items, I -found the above had been written by some wag, in my -absence. He was disposed to ridicule my description of -the felicity of which I boasted. Our boys are rather -mischievous, and I must confess that I felt rather waggish -myself when I made the boast of our possessing Eden-like -pleasures. The continuation of my narrative pleased<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span> -me so well that I consented to let it remain as it was -written. Our mischievous feeling and manner of expression -is the most innocent way in which we can relieve -ourselves, for we privates are suffering many privations -while some of our officers refuse to speak to each other. -I am glad, however, that our troubles are so merrily -turned into ridicule, the best way sometimes to treat -them. We are not destitute of sport however—many -amusing scenes occur among us, debating societies are -formed among the soldiers in which the most absurd -questions are dilated upon with a vehemence and mock -seriousness truly laughable. A breakfast of coffee -without sugar, some very poor beef soup, and onions -sliced up with parched corn, made a better meal for us -to-day than we have had for some days past. Yesterday -I traded off <i>two needles</i> to the Spanish girls for six ears of -corn and some onions, it was a trade decidedly profitable -for both parties. In company with our first Lieutenant, -his brother, William White, Dr. Dunlap, and a -number of others, I went up on a high peak of the Rocky -Mountains. We had been there but a few minutes -when it commenced snowing. We kindled a large fire, -and amused ourselves by listening to the reverberations -of sound produced by our Lieutenant’s revolver, who -fired six rounds. Becoming thirsty, we searched and -found water in the crevice of the rock close to the edge -of the precipice. It was too far below the surface for us -to drink by stooping over, and William White proposed -to throw in gravel, in order to raise the water, reminding -me of one of Æsop’s fables. We followed his advice -and the water was soon forced to rise high enough for -our purpose. The snow increasing, we came down and -made another fire in a large hollow of the rock, where -all but myself sat down to cards. It was an amusement -that I did not relish, and I sought my gratification in -loosing the rocks and rolling them down the side of the -mountain, which is at least a thousand feet above the -level of our camp.</p> - -<p><i>29th.</i>—To-day, Charles Perkins and myself took our -guns and proceeded down the river several miles in search<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span> -of game. We fired at several flocks of wild geese and -ducks, but it only scared them further off. We passed -several Spanish houses on our return. When we reached -the camp we found the soldiers at different employments, -some playing cards, and others making articles to sell to -the natives. A Mr. Hatfield was engaged in the manufacture -of a <i>grindstone</i> to trade to the Spaniards for corn -and beans. These, with onions, are the only vegetables -they grow.</p> - -<p><i>30th.</i>—The mountains are covered with snow, and, -after raining hard all night, this morning it is clear and -cold. We made the best preparations we could to send -the wagons back to Santa Fe for provisions, as late last -night, our second Lieutenant returned, after an absence -of five days, and brought news that we are to take up our -winter quarters in this dreadful region. There seems to -be very little likelihood of our going south at all. The -officers went in search of other quarters to-day.</p> - -<p><i>31st.</i>—We had a heavy fall of rain last night, which -improved into a snow-storm before morning. I slept -very uncomfortably, as a high wind from the north had -full sweep in the door of our tent. We were inspected -at 11 o’clock, and carried through all the evolutions of -the drill. After the parade we could scarcely keep warm, -though wrapped in our blankets, and crowded around the -fire. Yesterday one of our beef cattle died from starvation. -The Mexicans came down and took it off to their -habitations. We might have made a speculation by selling -it but did not think of it.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, November 1st.</i>—Several of my mess are -going up the mountains to look for their horses. I offered -a friend $5 (should I ever again possess that sum) -to search for mine. I read aloud in my Testament to -some of the boys, while others sat apart, or pitched quoits. -At night a Spaniard came in camp with a fiddle, and -played a number of tunes which so exhilarated my poor -half frozen companions that they united in a dance which -they kept up till a late hour.</p> - -<p><i>2nd.</i>—Some Taos flour, coarsely ground in the little -native mills on the Rio Grande, badly baked in the ashes,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span> -and some coffee without sugar, now comprise our only -sustenance. Between meals, however, we parch some -corn, which we now and then procure of the natives in -exchange for buttons, needles, or any little matter we can -spare. At 9 o’clock, we struck our tents, and marched -down the river two miles to a deserted Spanish house -nearly in ruins. The inhabitants were murdered by the -Navihoe Indians. This is the place where we are to -take up our winter quarters. I can scarcely describe -this wretched den. The soldiers have looked in and -they have become very dissatisfied. They were told by -the Captain to erect their tents inside the wall. All the -houses in this region having that protection. We could -not sleep in the house on account of the offensive odor. -The tent was much more comfortable.</p> - -<p><i>3d.</i>—As soon as our breakfast of beef soup and coffee -was over, some of the men were appointed to scrape and -clean the house. I with several others was sent to the -mountains to cut and haul wood. After walking two -miles, we procured a load of green pine, which does not -grow here more than half the usual size. On the return, -I thought I would take a near cut to our camp alone. I -turned into a foot-path, which led me to the top of a high -mountain. Here I could see our quarters, though a long -distance off. I took a direct course, and soon arrived at -camp, where I found our boys writing down a vocabulary -of Spanish words. They have become very erudite of -late.</p> - -<p><i>4th.</i>—All this day we did nothing but write down -words from the language spoken by the people, who, -from their complexion, appear to be a mixture of the -Spanish and Indian races. We made a pretty good -dictionary among us.</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—This day is very unpleasant. It is raining hard. -At 4 o’clock, our first Lieutenant, Mr. White, returned -from Santa Fe. He brought bad news. He could get -no provisions, except one-fourth rations of flour, and one -and a half barrels of mess pork. But notwithstanding -all this, our boys are still very lively.</p> - -<p><i>6th.</i>—We had great labor to-day in procuring fuel -sufficient for our present purpose, and the prospect of a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span> -long and severe winter before us makes our situation -rather unenviable.</p> - -<p><i>7th.</i>—On short allowance yesterday and to-day, a -little bread, (i. e. two pints for six men,) some fried -beef, and coffee without sugar.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 8th.</i>—Although the morning was cloudy and -cold, I walked with twenty others down to Abique to -church. On arriving we went into the priest’s room. -He very politely invited us to be seated, and then commenced -asking all kinds of questions about the United -States. He seemed to take great interest in teaching us -the Spanish language. He made us repeat after him, -many long and hard words. We sat two hours with him -and then went in church, where a large congregation -was assembled. In a few minutes our priest made his -appearance, dressed in gold lace, and ascended the pulpit, -while all present fell on their knees. The music of -various instruments now commenced, the priest the -meanwhile, drinking sundry glasses of wine. The people -remained on their knees till the music ceased, when -all retired.</p> - -<p>It was noised among the soldiers that a fandango would -take place in the evening. Some of us went in to inquire -of the priest, who informed us that the fandango -was to be at a village some miles further off. In a little -while, a Mexican guide was hired to escort us. After -walking a mile we came to a river, when this Spanish -fellow, very quietly sat down to pull off his shoes, and -told all who were in favor of wading the stream to follow -his example. Eight of the boys immediately commenced -stripping to cross, declaring that nothing should disappoint -them from attending a fandango. As I had a bad -cold, with some others, who felt no inclination to wet -their feet, I returned to our quarters.</p> - -<p><i>9th.</i>—All this day in the mountains cutting wood.</p> - -<p><i>10th.</i>—I went with several others to search for lost -horses. We had not gone far when to my great joy I -found mine, which had not been seen since we left Santa -Fe. We heard volleys of musketry in the direction of -our camp, and were at a loss to understand the meaning,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span> -till on our return, we learned that a dog had been buried -with the honors of war. This poor dog had been a great -favorite with our Captain and all the company; he was -most foolishly shot by a soldier on guard last night. The -man was made to dig his grave, and will be detailed on -extra duty as a punishment, the Captain being much -exasperated. This evening I, with four others took -rations for five days, in order to drive the horses down -the river to graze. Late at night, we reached a Spanish -village, where we stopped. A mile from that place, a -fandango was to come off, and the ladies of the place -were preparing for the dance. They were nicely equipped -in their best finery, and the soldiers were engaged to -accompany them. Not being very desirous of attending -the fandango, I preferred to remain and try to get -some rest, of which I was very much in need. The -party was soon prepared, and off they started, leaving -me behind to cook supper and arrange matters for their -comfort when they should return. I browned the coffee, -fried the beef, made the bread, and having all things in -readiness, I drank a cup of coffee and laid down to rest -on a mattress placed on the floor. As far as the thing I -laid on was concerned, I was comfortable enough; the -mattress was a luxury; but I could not sleep; the reasons -were various. I was lying in a house, when I was -accustomed to dwell in tents;—my quarters were divided -between myself several donkies and mules and two -small children—the odor of the donkies was not the -most agreeable, nor their noise very harmonious; the -children knew their mother was out and did their best at -crying. The woman had gone to the fandango, where I -hope she enjoyed better music than that which she left -for the lulling of my sensibilities into sweet slumbers.</p> - -<p><i>11th.</i>—Our soldiers did not return from the fandango -till 3 o’clock this morning, and I was appointed to get -breakfast while they slept. I had considerable trouble -in accomplishing this service, as the girls crowded -around the fire, and I had frequently to pass the frying -pan over the naked feet of a pretty girl who was sitting -near me. In company with a young Spaniard, who was -exceedingly agreeable and polite, I went out after breakfast<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span> -to kill wild geese. We walked a long distance, and -returned unsuccessful.</p> - -<p><i>12th.</i>—I find the family residing here, very agreeable. -I was invited, and almost forced to accompany them to -a fandango last night (for they do little else but dance.) -All on horseback, the married men mounted behind their -wives, we started. A little baby in its mother’s arms -becoming troublesome, one of our men, who said he -was a married man, most gallantly rode up, and offered -to carry the little creature. The mother thankfully resigned -it to his charge. There was more pleasure in the -idea of enjoyment at the fandango than in taking care of -a cross child. When we arrived at Abique, an old man -invited us to partake of his hospitality;—an invitation -we gladly accepted. We went in accordingly, and after -all were seated on the floor in the posture of a tailor, a -large earthen vessel was placed before us containing pepper -sauce and soup; and a few tortillas, (a thin paste made -of corn rubbed between flat stones.) The sauce caused -my mouth to burn to a blister. The people are very -fond of condiments, and become so accustomed to them -that what will burn a stranger’s mouth has no effect upon -theirs. After all was over, we went across the street -to attend the fandango. From the crowd, I should judge -it was high in favor with all classes of the community. -Some of the performers were dressed in the most -fantastic style, and some scarcely dressed at all. The -ladies and gentlemen whirled around with a rapidity -quite painful to behold, and the music pealed in deafening -sounds. I took my seat near a pretty girl, and -every time she leaned on my shoulder, which she did -pretty often, her beau would shake his head in token of -his displeasure, and showing his jealous disposition. I left -the place about 10 o’clock, and returned to our quarters.</p> - -<p><i>13th.</i>—We visited our camp to-day at the Spanish -ruins. The Captain and officers were glad to see us, -especially as we had good news in relation to the horses. -We had them in charge, and exhibited them to our comrades -as the trophies of our success. On our return, we -killed two wild geese and four rabbits, which we found<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span> -a great help to our stock of provisions which was then -very low.</p> - -<p><i>14th.</i>—I was left alone with the Spaniards to-day, -while our boys were attending to the horses. My Spanish -friends are very courteous, but there is little to relieve -the monotony of our intercourse, as from my ignorance -of the language I am unable to converse with them.</p> - -<p><i>15th.</i>—This morning we had one of our wild geese -stewed for breakfast, which we had without coffee, and -almost without bread. After breakfast I started to camp -to draw provisions of some kind. When at camp I concluded -to remain there.</p> - -<p><i>16th.</i>—I was told by the Sergeant to-day, that there -was no flour to issue. He referred me to the Captain, -who directed young Bales and myself to a mill some -distance off, where we procured 60<i>lbs.</i> of unsifted Taos -flour very coarsely prepared. With this, we returned, -and in a few minutes nearly the whole was appropriated -to the use of the half-starved soldiers. A very small -portion of this brown flour fell to our share. This -evening we are without food, or nearly so. Martin -Glaze, an old veteran, who has seen service, and belongs -to my mess, got a few ears of corn and parched it in a -pan, with a small piece of pork to make it greasy. When -it was done, we all sat around the fire and ate our supper -of parched corn greased with fat pork. The weather -to-night is extremely cold.</p> - -<p><i>17th.</i>—Awoke early this morning and found it snowing -very hard. At 10 o’clock I went to our first Lieutenant’s -quarters. He was engaged in appraising some -cattle which are pressed into our service, and for which -the natives were to be paid. A bull has just been killed, -and the offals are being greedily devoured by our poor -fellows. At 11 o’clock to-day our third Corporal died, -having been sick with camp fever and inflammation of -the brain several weeks. At 3 o’clock his grave was -dug and the poor fellow was wrapped in his blanket—and -buried without a coffin. To-night there are several -of our men sick with the measles, supposed by our Surgeon -to have been brought from Santa Fe.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span><i>18th.</i>—The snow four inches deep—clear and very -cold—another grave dug to-day for a member of the Livingston -company, making five who have died since we -have been out here. They are all buried near the mountain, -where poor Johnson was laid.</p> - -<p><i>20th.</i>—The past two days have been employed in -procuring wood, which is hard labor; but we do not -complain as our fare is improved by the addition of bean -soup and coffee.</p> - -<p><i>21st.</i>—A court martial was held this morning to try -our fourth Sergeant, who has said something derogatory -to the character of our Orderly. After the court adjourned, -we were ordered to form a line. Our first -Lieutenant then stood in front and read the proceedings -of the court. The decision was that our fourth Sergeant -be reduced to the ranks, for slander. It was ordered -that if any man, or men should thereafter bring false -charges against the officers, he or they, should be sent -with a file of soldiers to Santa Fe, and tried at head quarters, -&c. The company was then dismissed. Several -of my mess concluded to run as candidates for the vacant -place. They went among the crowd with tobacco and -parched corn, electioneering. I was placed on guard at -9, and had to stand till 11 o’clock.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 22d.</i>—A gloomy Sabbath morning—I felt -badly, but concluded to go to church at Abique. As -soon as the ceremonies were ended I went in the priest’s -room in company with my old friend Capt. Markle and -several officers. After sitting awhile, a servant brought -in a dish of refreshments, consisting of pies and wine. -Placing the glass to my lips I discovered it to be <i>Taos -whiskey</i>, as strong as alcohol. A piece of the pie, I -thought might take away the unpleasant taste, so I crowded -my mouth full, and found—alas! it was composed of -onions, a dreadful fix indeed, for a hungry man, Taos -whiskey and onion pie!—the very thought of the mess -makes my mouth burn. When I returned to camp I -found nearly every individual busily engaged at cards. -Elias Barber, a messmate, was taken sick with the -measles. The disease, is now raging among the troops.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span><i>23d.</i>—We had great trouble in procuring fuel to-day. -We had to travel far up the mountain for it, and it is -exceedingly difficult to cook with it out of doors in the -deep snow. It fell to my lot to make the bread, and I -had much ado to-night, to make the mass stick together. -I felt more than usual fatigue after the parade.</p> - -<p><i>24th.</i>—Elias Barber is very sick to-day. He spent a -wretched night last night in a thin cotton tent. The -wind is blowing on him constantly, while the measles -are out very thick. I went to the Captain this morning -and informed him of the situation of the young man. -He told me if I could procure a place in the house, he -might be brought in. I therefore went and after making -preparations to move him, I was told that no such thing -should be done. I then tried to get an extra tent to -place over the one we are sleeping in, and even this was -denied me. The poor fellow is lying out of doors, exposed -to all the inclemency of this cold climate. And -last night it was so cold that the water became frozen in -our canteens. The Surgeon appears interested, but it is -all to no purpose—nothing further is done for the comfort -of the sufferer. May the Lord deliver me from the -tender mercies of such men!</p> - -<p><i>25th.</i>—I felt quite unwell all day to-day. I suffered -much from a severe attack of diarrhœa. Our lodgings -are very uncomfortable. I went down to the Rio Grande -to get water, and found it nearly frozen over. A great -mortality prevails among the troops who are dying from -exposure and disease.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—I was very much engaged all day, in nursing -poor Barber. He is worse to-day, the measles having -disappeared from the surface. I sat by him the livelong -night and listened to his delirious ravings, and I felt sad -to think I had no means of relief. At 4 o’clock this -morning the Captain came, and finding him so ill, -brought out a tent to cover the one he laid in.</p> - -<p><i>27th.</i>—Last night, my messmate Philips returned from -Santa Fe, with a message from Col. Price to the different -Captains, to send on ten men from each company, -as an escort for Col. Mitchell, who was about to start for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span> -Chihuahua. From thence he is to proceed to open a -communication with General Wool. To-day an express -arrived from Col. Mitchell for the same purpose. We -were hastily paraded to ascertain how many would -volunteer to go, when I, with five others of my company, -stepped out of the ranks, and had our names enrolled. -We were satisfied that we could not render our situation -worse, and hoped any change might be for the better. -We hastened to the grazing ground, over the mountain, -for our horses, which occupied us all day. Mine was -gone of course. To prevent delay, I gave my note to a -young man for a horse which belonged to a deceased -soldier.</p> - -<p><i>28th.</i>—A full company having been made up, this -morning we gathered at our quarters, and were ready at -8 o’clock to take leave of our kind hearted comrades. -They bid us “good-bye,” with many expressions of -regret, and injunctions to write often. We pursued our -journey 35 miles, and put up late in the evening at the -house of a rich Spaniard, who accommodated us with an -empty room twenty feet square, but it had so small a fireplace -that we could not use it for our culinary purposes, so -we were forced to do most of our cooking in the open air. -It fell to my lot as usual to make the bread, and I kneaded -forty pounds of Taos flour in a mass, and baked thirty-six -good sized cakes, while two others prepared our -camp kettles of coffee, &c.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 29th.</i>—At 4 o’clock we ate our breakfast, -and were on the road by day-light. We travelled all day -without stopping, and arrived at Santa Fe at 6 o’clock -in the evening. We went immediately to the American -Hotel where supper was provided for us. Nineteen men -sat down to the table, none of whom had enjoyed such a -privilege for nearly four months. All were hungry, and -it was amusing to see how we tried to eat our landlord -out of house and home. After supper we retired to our -quarters in a very small room.</p> - -<p><i>30th.</i>—Word was sent from Col. Mitchell this morning -for us to parade before the Governor’s house for inspection. -Our horses were also examined, and all being<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span> -found in good order for the trip, we were dismissed and -conducted to our quarters, in the court house; where we -drew our rations, viz. thirty pounds of good American -flour, with pork enough to last five days.</p> - -<p><i>December 1st.</i>—Paraded again soon after breakfast, and -were told by our Captain, that previously to our departure, -we must all march to the sutler’s store, and acknowledge -our indebtedness to him, so up we rode in right order -and dismounted. We had a peep at our accounts, and -I found mine to be $30 75. I had purchased a few -articles of clothing on my route, being forced to do so -from necessity. I was therefore not surprised at the -amount, especially when I read the prices of some the -articles, viz. a small cotton handkerchief $1—suspenders -$1—flannel shirt $3—tin coffee pot $1 50, &c. &c. -Here we bade farewell to our Captains, who had accompanied -us to Santa Fe to see us off. Captain Williams -shook me cordially by the hand, saying, he had no expectation -of seeing me again in this world. Captain -Hudson now took charge, and rode with us two miles -out of town—here he informed us, we had a dangerous -road to travel, but would leave us to the care of Lieutenant -Todd for two days, till we were joined by Col. -Mitchell and himself. He returned to town, and we -came on four miles and stopped at a house, whose master -sold us forage for our horses and wood, it being severely -cold. Sixty of us occupied two large rooms for the -night.</p> - -<p><i>2d.</i>—We marched 25 miles to a place called San -Domingo, and took quarters in a deserted house. This -is a considerable place, with a handsome church, which -was being illuminated when we arrived. In a little time -the bells began to ring, and there was a firing of musketry -and considerable commotion at the door of the church. -Several of our soldiers were induced to go up and inquire -into the meaning of the uproar. We were told that a -converted Indian chief had just died, and all this was to -prevent him from going down to purgatory. The roll of -the drum and firing continued a long time, when the ceremonies -commenced in the church, from the door of which<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span> -we saw many large wax candles burning, but not being -permitted to enter we very quietly retired.</p> - -<p><i>3d.</i>—After travelling six miles we came to an Indian -village called San Felippe, and two miles further down -the Rio Grande we encamped in the midst of a good -pasture for our horses. After supper, our Lieutenant -told me I was honored with the appointment of Captain -of the watch. In consequence of this distinction, I had -to be up nearly all night. It was very cold. We were -now comparatively happy, for we had plenty of good -flour from the States, with coffee, sugar, &c.</p> - -<p><i>4th.</i>—We learn that we shall be obliged to stay here -till Col. Mitchell comes up with the other company, so -we seize the opportunity to have our horses shod. Two -blacksmiths are now at work; I have just bought a set -of shoes and nails from our sutler for $3.</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—The weather has moderated somewhat, but the face -of the country presents nothing inviting at this season of -the year. Every thing has a desolate and wintry appearance. -There being no food for our horses, we chopped -down some limbs of the cotton wood tree for them to eat. -We then went to a Mexican village to buy corn. Having -no money, I took some tobacco and buttons to trade -for the corn. While here, I sold my greasy blanket for -a Navihoe one, with a meal for my horse in the bargain. -The man with whom I traded was very kind; he set before -me some corn, mush and sausages, but being seasoned -with onions, I declined eating. He then brought in -some corn stalk molasses, which I mixed with water and -drank, thanking him for his hospitality. I returned to -camp, when I found that Col. Mitchell, and the baggage -wagons had arrived. I was officer of the guard to-night, -and up till 12 o’clock.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 6th.</i>—Formed in line by our Colonel in the -midst of a heavy shower of rain, and marched down the -Rio Grande, a long distance. Our course is due south, -keeping the river constantly on our right, and ranges of -mountains on our left hand. We passed many villages, -and at night encamped near one.</p> - -<p><i>7th.</i>—Rising early this morning to prepare breakfast, -I found the snow four inches deep, and still snowing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span> -very fast. Marched in right order 15 miles, and after -passing several towns situated on the banks of the river, -we stopped at night at the large town of Albikirk. -Here are garrisoned one hundred and fifty regulars; -near whose quarters we encamped in a large room 100 -feet by 40. In this place we found a number of soldiers, -some engaged in tailoring, some playing cards, and -others amusing themselves in various ways.</p> - -<p><i>8th.</i>—The country through which we passed to-day -is thickly dotted over with towns and villages, whose -names I cannot remember, but the road is dismal enough, -being still among the mountains, where every object the -eye rests upon is covered with snow. The cold is very -intense. We pitched our tents to-night under the walls -of a town. We had six small ears of corn for our -horses, and no fodder. I went to the Quarter Master -and was informed by him that the Mexicans had refused -to sell us any thing. I cut some buttons from a uniform -jacket, and with them tried to purchase food for my -horse, but I was refused every where. I sat down and -made out a requisition, and with several others went to -their large stacks, ten feet high, which we ascended, and -threw down a large turn for each. We succeeded in -coming off with our booty, and in a few minutes, we -were in bed. We were not disturbed in conscience in -the least, being fully covered by the axiom, “necessity -knows no law.”</p> - -<p><i>9th.</i>—We were called up this morning to lead our -horses into ranks, when two guns and a sabre were missing. -They had been taken from the tents by the -Mexicans. After the line was formed, Col. Mitchell -ordered the men who had lost their arms, to march out. -He then told them they would be left behind to search -the town, assisted by the alcalde, and if they should not -find their arms they would have to return to Santa Fe. -We then left; marched ten miles and encamped near a -village. Our interpreter was sent to procure forage for -the horses, but he returned with the news that none -could be had. Our Captain told the Sergeant to go up -with a file of soldiers and <i>take</i> what was wanting. He<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span> -formed a line of twenty men, I among them, and marched -off with our Orderly at the head, and second Sergeant, -with the bags to put the corn in. At the door of the -house, we were ordered to halt. The lock was broken, -and we entered, filled our sacks and packed them down -to the camp. In this adventure I made the acquaintance -of a young man by the name of Hepbourn. He was -born and raised in Prince George’s County, Md. After -supper, we were all ordered up to draw fifteen rounds of -cartridges. A strong guard was ordered out to-night.</p> - -<p><i>10th.</i>—Having orders to march very early, we rose -by light and proceeded down the river 18 miles, the -country presenting very much the appearance already -described. We saw a few vineyards, surrounded by -walls. I felt miserably disordered from the cold and -loss of rest. I was just about to sit down to supper, -which I thought might revive me, when our Orderly -came by, requesting the men to form in line immediately, -as the Captain wished to read the Articles of War. We -stood just one hour and listened to the dry detail. -When the reading was concluded, we returned to our -tents. After supper, sixteen men were detailed on guard. -I stood two hours the first watch, and three hours before -day-light. It was extremely cold.</p> - -<p><i>11th.</i>—The roll was called at day-break, and after -parade we continued our march 12 miles and encamped -in a town among the mountains. Wood was very scarce, -and the severity of the weather increasing.</p> - -<p><i>12th.</i>—We eat our breakfast at day-light. It consisted -of mess pork and bread, half baked by a miserable -fire. We went 12 miles to a place where there is a fine -supply of wood. Our poor fellows had the satisfaction of -having a good fire all night, and it was very necessary, -for the weather was tempestuous with cold gusts of wind -and snow.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 13th.</i>—At one o’clock this morning I awoke -and found myself so cold that I arose and went to the -guard-fire to thaw myself. I stood by the fire till day-light. -The Captain in his round to visit the guard, -stopped at the fire, and I had a pleasant chat with him.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span> -He is very clever and condescending. He remained an -hour or two, and then woke up the Orderly to have all -in readiness for a start. We came over the mountain -four miles, where our road intersected the river again, -passed a town, and further on encamped near the river. -Our interpreter bought a beef from the natives, also a -little wood to cook it. The wild geese are very numerous -here.</p> - -<p><i>14th.</i>—The roll was called very early this morning—and -as my horse had a sore back, I asked the Captain’s -permission to walk behind the wagons. I walked all -this day and led my horse. When I came up to the encampment -I found that my mess had supper ready. It -consisted of a kind of chicken pie, bread and coffee. I -relished the supper very much, but by way of desert I -received information that I had to stand sentinel. I -walked my post two hours and then went to bed; being -too cold to sleep, I got up at two o’clock, and went to -the guard-fire. The guard said he was very sleepy and -would lie down if I would consent to serve while he -slept. To this I readily agreed—and he laid down, -while I made a large fire, which soon attracted the attention -of the other sentinels, and several of them collected -around it. We enjoyed each others conversation till the -morning dawned.</p> - -<p><i>15th.</i>—I woke up the Sergeant, who said we had -walked our post four hours over the time. I received the -compliment, but did not tell him that we had sat by the -fire all the time. In his Irish brogue, and with a pipe -in his mouth, he proceeded to call the roll. We are to -stay here till the 17th.</p> - -<p><i>16th.</i>—Having secured some beef, I made a large fire -to get an early breakfast. Yesterday our Quarter Master -pressed a lot of seven very good cattle from the Mexicans. -Last night a strong guard of twenty men was -stationed around our camp. The weather is still raw -and cold. We are yet among the mountains.</p> - -<p><i>17th.</i>—This morning we reached the <i>second crossing</i> -of the Rio Grande. Four miles beyond the crossing, -we overtook Col. Doniphan’s command, and encamped<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span> -near them. Having to walk and lead my horse, I did -not come up till all were fixed. I found our boys very -angry at a circumstance which they related and made me -write down, with a promise to publish it—which promise -I now fulfil. While on the march to-day, the Captain -ordered a halt, and told the soldiers that he had been -requested by the Lieutenants to beg them all not to come -near their fire or tents, as it incommoded them greatly. -He stated on his own behalf, as well as on behalf of the -other officers, that it was quite a nuisance to have the -privates lurking about their tents and fires. He said that -something might be “hooked” and that the Lieutenant -had already lost some saleratus, &c. This was a poser. -Our poor fellows could hardly endure it. Some of them -were much exasperated. I tried to soothe them, and -told them no other harm was meant than a slight intimation -that we must keep away at meal times, as a knowledge -of their better fare might make us dissatisfied, &c. -All passed off better than I expected. We had to go a -mile for water, and the thermometer at zero.</p> - -<p><i>18th.</i>—The situation of our tents was by no means -pleasant. There was much complaint about stones and -hillocks, lying hard, &c. Breakfast over, I started with -the wagons, in company with some others, whose horses’ -backs were sore. I felt stupified from the cold and loss -of rest, having walked my round five hours last night. -We went on 12 miles, which we trudged on foot. At -night we cut some branches of the cotton wood for our -horses to eat. We were preparing to rest, when our -Captain told us, if any man lost his horse he would have -to walk back to Santa Fe. He further said, that we had -to go through a gloomy region or desert, 85 miles in -extent, where no wood or water could be procured. He -advised us to go to work and prepare food enough to -last three or four days. I made up 30 lbs. of flour and -baked eighteen cakes, while the balance was attended to -by my mess.</p> - -<p><i>19th.</i>—We were all busy providing against the perils -of our difficult and dangerous march. We shall have -to keep close company, as the Navihoe Indians roam this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span> -desert in bands. At 11 o’clock we moved off in fine -order, and marched 15 miles over the dreary plain. At -8 o’clock at night the Captain ordered a halt. We picked -up a few weeds, kindled a little fire, took a cold cut of -bread and meat, and laid on the ground to rest, without -erecting the tents. A young man having drank too much -of the “ardiente,” very unluckily offended one of the -officers, and was ordered to be tied to the wagon wheel. -He cut a variety of capers while this was being done. -His friends soon set him at liberty.</p> - -<p><i>20th.</i>—The news of a “spring in the desert” was -brought by some scouts, who had started out on an exploring -expedition. They found the spring in a place -full 6 miles from our road. We drove the cattle over a -miserably rough path to drink from the spring, which -turned out to be a muddy pool. We afterwards marched -15 miles and encamped late at night. We took a slice -of bread and meat and laid down to rest on our blankets.</p> - -<p><i>21st.</i>—The appearance of our Captain very early this -morning aroused us. He came with the intelligence -that Major Gilpin had sent on an express last night for -a reinforcement, as he was expecting an attack every -moment from the enemy. In a few minutes we were on -the march, and without stopping to take breakfast we -travelled 35 miles. We encamped late at night 3 miles -from the river, where men and beasts, thirsty and weary, -were refreshed. I was afraid my horse would kill himself -drinking. With six others, I pressed some oxen from the -traders, whom we found encamped here, as the most of our -team had given out and were left upon the road.</p> - -<p><i>22nd.</i>—Passed over 14 miles of broken wretched -country to-day, the soil of which produces nothing but a -kind of shrub called soap-weed. The inhabitants, it is -said, use this weed in washing their clothes. We encamped -in a rough place, among stones and hillocks.</p> - -<p><i>23rd.</i>—I trust the end of this “<i>jornada</i>,” as it is called, -and which means the “region of death,” is nearly reached, -for a march of 12 miles brought us to a village, where -we halted to take in provisions bought by our Quarter<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span> -Master. Proceeding two miles further we came up to -Major Gilpin, whom we found encamped on a large -sandy plain. We had to go 2 or 3 miles for wood. Our -flour was nearly gone, and we had a little beef soup and -rice for supper at night. The boys being still hungry, -we went to the village and procured some dried fruit -and pumpkins, which we sliced up and stewed in our -camp kettles. Of this fare we partook heartily, and laid -down to sleep in the sand.</p> - -<p><i>24th.</i>—The first blast of the bugle this morning made -us hurry into line. Some of the men being rather tardy, -were too late, and they were told by the officer who inspected -us, that any man who did not come into rank -at the sound of the bugle, would be made to stand guard -three days. We broke ranks and ate our breakfast, -which consisted of a small piece of bread, made up with -pumpkin. The weather is now quite pleasant, and the -country, hitherto so uniformly desolate, begins to improve -in appearance.</p> - -<h3>BATTLE OF BRACITO.</h3> - -<p><i>25th.</i>—In the union of our forces we are one thousand -strong. Moved as early as usual from the position we -have occupied the last three days, and after marching 12 -miles, we came to Bracito, and encamped at 10 o’clock. -We stripped our horses as usual, and picketed them out; -went out to hunt wood to cook our dinners. Some of -the men had gone at least a mile from camp when the -alarm was given, “<i>to arms! to arms!</i>” Looking in the -direction pointed out we saw a cloud of dust, as if the -whole of Mexico was coming down upon us. Unwilling -to throw away our wood, we ran with our turns on our -shoulders, when we heard an officer hallooing—“Throw -away your wood and bring your horses into camp.” -We obeyed the order as quickly as possible. We found -our Orderly at his post, directing the men to load -their guns and get into line. Every man was at his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span> -proper place in a few minutes. By this time the Mexican -army was in sight, and had formed in battle array at -a distance of a mile from us. Presently an officer came -out of their ranks, handsomely mounted and bearing a -black flag. Col. Mitchell, accompanied with the interpreter, -rode up to meet him on half way ground to inquire -his business. He told them he had come to demand -the surrender of our entire force, by submitting, he said, -our lives would be spared—if we did not, every -man would be put to death. Our interpreter cut short -his harangue by telling him to “go to h— and -bring on his forces.” In the meantime our company -(the Chihuahua Rangers) received orders from head quarters -to right about face, and march from the right, where -we were somewhat protected by brush, weeds and -gopher hills, to the extreme left, in open ground to withstand -the charge of the Mexican cavalry; so off we -marched in double quick time to our position on the left. -Our Captain here told us to reserve our fire till the -enemy was in fair rifle distance, and added that he hoped -no man in his command would act the coward, but all -would do their duty as volunteers and American soldiers. -He had scarcely done speaking, when the enemy commenced -firing at us, from three to four hundred yards -distant. They advanced closer, and continued to advance, -pouring in volley after volley, till the sound of -bullets over our heads reminded me of a hail storm.—We -waited impatiently for the word of command. It -was at length given, “fire.” One loud peal of thunder -was heard from our Missouri rifles. Consternation and -dismay was the result, for, thrown into confusion, the -Mexicans commenced obliquing to our left. Another -volley, well aimed, caused them to <i>retreat</i> towards our -wagons. Here they were met by a round from the -wagon company. In the meantime Capt. Reid, at the -head of eighteen men, well mounted, pushed after them, -chasing them to the mountains. All their provisions, -guns, sabres, camp furniture, &c., besides one 10 pound -howitzer, fell into our hands. The Mexican loss was -estimated at thirty or forty killed and wounded, while we<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span> -had but two slightly wounded. The Mexicans left their -dead on the field.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—With fifteen prisoners and a few wounded Mexicans, -we resumed our march, the main army being flanked -on both sides, and came on 16 miles and encamped in -a desolate place filled with thorn bushes. Here we prepared -our supper, and were about to sit down, when the -report of a gun from the picket guard, caused us to extinguish -the fires, and form in line as quickly as possible. -Presently our Lieutenant rode up and said it was a false -alarm. We were ordered to break ranks and get our -supper. Again we commenced that unfortunate meal, -when the report of a second gun, so loud as to be heard -by every one, again made us put the fires down. There -was a tremendous clattering of arms, for all formed in -line in a few seconds. At this moment Lieut. Cribbons -rode up and said that in visiting one of the outer pickets, -he was requested to give the countersign by the guard, -whose gun was cocked, and he accidentally let the hammer -down too heavily, causing it to explode, the load -passing close to the Lieutenant’s face. After hearing this -statement, we again broke ranks to resume our supper. -I stood sentinel, to guard the wagons and piece of artillery -taken from the enemy, till 12 o’clock, then went to -bed—was awakened again at 3, and stood till 6 o’clock.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 27th.</i>—Col. Doniphan wishing an early start, -the roll was called at light and we moved on in the same -order as yesterday, with front and rear guard. We had -scarcely travelled six miles, when at a distance over the -river was seen a dust, as if a body of horsemen were -meeting us. We were told to keep cool and obey orders. -Continuing our course we met several Mexicans bearing -a white flag. Their commander coming up, presented -Colonels Doniphan and Mitchell his sabre. They then -drank wine and other liquors together, and we resumed -our march, crossed the Rio Grande, and encamped in the -town of El Paso del Norte about night-fall. This is the -noted pass between Old and New Mexico. The town -contains about seven or eight thousand inhabitants, and -is built along the margin of the river, several miles in length.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span> -The environs are cultivated to some extent, and the usual -varieties of fruit grow here in abundance. The river is -compressed in many places to a very small compass, by -the high and precipitous mountains, through which it -winds its way.</p> - -<p><i>28th.</i>—Established our quarters a mile from the city, -where there is a large coral or enclosure, in which to -keep our horses. Throughout the day a variety of fruit -was brought to camp by the natives, and readily bought -up by the soldiers. The wind was high, and we were -nearly blinded by clouds of dust, which being mixed -with isinglass is very hurtful to the eyes.</p> - -<p><i>29th.</i>—To-day Col. Doniphan, while searching the -town, found two pieces of cannon, and after breaking -several locks, a good deal of ammunition was discovered. -We all paraded and were carried through the regular -drill.</p> - -<p><i>January 1st, 1847.</i>—The last two days being quite -cold, with high winds, we kept in camp. After the -usual parade to-day, Lieutenant Todd went to town -about 10 o’clock in company with several of our men, -but they returned in a short time at full speed, hallooing -with all their might for us to get our horses quickly, and -saddle up, for the Mexicans were coming on us. In a -little while we were ready and marched over the river to -join the other regiment, and prepared for battle. When -we arrived at the ground, we were formed by Col. Doniphan, -who despatched Col. Mitchell with twelve men to -reconnoitre the enemy, who were reported to be in sight. -In the course of an hour, they returned and said it was a -false alarm. We then marched to the public square, and -informed by our Captain that arrangements were made -to keep us in town, and that our camp equipage must -be sent for. One out of each mess was directed to go with -the wagons for that purpose. We were well supplied -with fuel at night, and our quarters were quite comfortable.</p> - -<p><i>2nd.</i>—Nothing of importance transpired to-day. The -roll was called, and we paraded twice, morning and -evening.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span><i>Sunday, 3rd.</i>—The usual duties being over, and a -high wind prevailing, we did not go to church. Hearing -that a sick horse was in the coral I went over to see, -and found it was my mare. I brought her out to have -her bled and physicked. I went to get assistance, -and when I returned with a friend I found she had -escaped; searched the town three hours without finding -her.</p> - -<p><i>4th.</i>—Renewed my efforts to recover my lost horse; -walked till three o’clock, when I found her in the centre -of a lot about two miles from town—dead. I hastened -to Col. Mitchell and told him I was on foot, as my mare -had lost breath and was laid up to dry. He advised me -to look about and ascertain if I could suit myself. If I -succeeded I was to call on him again in the morning.</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—Our Orderly Sergeant in reading over the names -of those to be placed on mounted guard, cried out mine. -Accordingly, I with three others marched down to the -public square, where we paraded, and dinner, or rather -supper, being over, we were placed as sentinels till three -o’clock in the morning. I then went to the guard-fire, -spread down my blanket and slept till day-light.</p> - -<p><i>6th.</i>—To-day we were allowed two-third rations of -coarse Taos flour, some coffee without sugar, and poor -mutton. We sometimes got a few peaches from the inhabitants -in exchange for tobacco, buttons, &c.</p> - -<p><i>7th.</i>—Finding our flour nearly gone I went out and -bought a baked pumpkin to mix with it; saw much fruit -exhibited for sale, but had no money to buy any. Our -scouting party which had been sent out a few days ago, -returned this evening, bringing three prisoners, a priest -among them. They were captured 12 miles down, on -their way to Chihuahua, with papers containing information -of our movements to the Mexican army in that quarter. -They were placed under strict surveillance.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 10th.</i>—I went to church with a number of -others, and witnessed all the ceremonies, and manœuvres -of this singular people. The church is large, and the -handsomest and best built house in the place. I saw the -representation of Christ in the sepulchre, with various<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span> -other images in and near the altar. On our return we -found multitudes in the open street playing cards—sorry -to say, some were American soldiers.</p> - -<p><i>13th.</i>—Our time begins to hang heavily. The ordinary -duties of the day are soon accomplished, and no -novelty to amuse or excite, the soldiers become restless -and are ready for any excess. Our living consists of -poor mutton, the miserable Taos flour and a little coffee. -Some complain and others “hook” what they can to -improve their fare.</p> - -<p><i>14th.</i>—I was taken last night with a violent headache -and pain in the bowels. My diarrhœa having become -much worse I got up and went to the Surgeon, who gave -me 15 grs. calomel, 10 do. jalap, 5 do. rhubarb and 2 -do. tartar, all mixed up together in a dose. I took this -monstrous compound and sat by the guard-fire till morning, -I then laid on my blanket and slept till 3 o’clock in -the evening. Needing some refreshment, I tried my -mess, but they had nothing I could relish; I went to -Sergeant Edwards and he gave me a lump of sugar to -sweeten my coffee. I tried in vain to borrow a picayune -to purchase some molasses. At length I applied to a -messmate who had come to me a few days after my horse -had died, bringing a mule, and saying if I would consent -to let him draw the rations of my horse I should have the -use of this mule. Yesterday I understood he had sent -his mule away to graze, and was <i>selling my corn</i>. -When I presented my petition, he turned his back as a -refusal, and went down among the gamblers and lost -every cent.</p> - -<p><i>15th.</i>—Feeling disordered and ill, I applied early to -our Surgeon, who gave me a small lump of sugar, charging -me to take particular care of the article, as it was -only intended for the <i>sick</i>. He felt my pulse and made -me swallow a large dose of salts and tartar; I then went -to my blanket.</p> - -<p><i>16th.</i>—I awoke this morning with a high fever and -headache. The Surgeon gave me a large pill, and I -was placed in the hospital, under the particular care of a -doctor, whose name I could not learn, but who said he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span> -was from Philadelphia, and could out-practice any man -in the regiment. Wishing some coffee, he very <i>politely</i> -took a pinch of sugar between his thumb and finger -to sweeten it for me, talking the while of “his superior -skill,” &c.</p> - -<p><i>17th.</i>—Still in the hospital, but feeling better, I applied -to the Quarter Master, who gave me four pints of -American flour; I baked a small cake to eat with my -coffee. At night I spread my blanket in the tent, and -slept with my mess.</p> - -<p><i>18th.</i>—At the sound of the reveille I arose and strolled -over the graveyard, where the remains of young Leland -were interred yesterday. This young man died of the -fever prevailing among the troops, and his grave is close -to the wall, fronting an old church in ruins. Piles of -bones lay around—in the centre of some of the hills were -erected wooden crosses.</p> - -<p><i>21st.</i>—Since Tuesday last I have been ill in the hospital, -with high fever and headache—bed hard and uncomfortable, -consequently little sleep or rest. The doctor, -in his round, asked me why I was not out at the -roll-call this morning, as my name was erased, by his -direction, from the sick list. He said there was nothing -the matter with me, and he would give me no more medicine. -He charged me with being home-sick, &c. &c., -with many other <i>tender</i> and <i>endearing</i> epithets. Weak -and quite unwell, I left the hospital and found my way -to Col. Doniphan’s quarters, I consulted Dr. Morton, who, -with expressions of sympathy, gave me the necessary -restoratives. I had symptoms of jaundice, with very -sore eyes.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—I was somewhat recovered from my illness, -through the humane treatment of Dr. Morton, but I still -suffered considerably from my eyes. I felt much regret -that I was prevented from joining Capt. Hudson, who -took our company on a scout, and will be gone several -days. I begin to feel weary of our detention here, -occasioned by the non-arrival of Capt. Weightman with -the artillery from Santa Fe. Col. Doniphan is hourly -expecting this reinforcement.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span><i>27th.</i>—Last evening a fellow was caught by our outer -picket guard, who could give no satisfactory account of -himself, and told so many contradictory tales, that our -Colonel sent him to the guard-house. At ten o’clock -our company returned from the scouting expedition; -they went down to the fort, 25 miles off, and found it -was deserted. They think it very likely we shall have -no fighting to do at Chihuahua.</p> - -<p><i>29th.</i>—While on guard to-day over the prisoners -taken at the battle of Bracito, I thought I would write -in my journal, I searched my belt for it in vain. It was -gone!—taken out probably by some mischievous soldier -in the tent. In this book I had faithfully kept an account -of every thing <i>interesting to myself</i> at least, since the -day I left Carroll County, Missouri. Having another -blank book I commenced writing again, but felt provoked -at my loss.</p> - -<p><i>30th.</i>—This morning, being relieved from the duty of -sentinel, I went immediately to Capt. Hudson and stated -the loss of my journal. He asked me a number of questions -in relation to it, and appeared pleased at so unusual -an undertaking in a private. He went forward and told -the soldiers that Maryland’s book must be restored or -every man in his command should be searched.</p> - -<p><i>31st.</i>—The impatience of our boys for the arrival of -the artillery has induced several to go out to meet it. -This evening some of them returned, and said it was not -more than 30 miles off. To-day my book was found on -the floor of the tent. The robber was no doubt alarmed -by the Captain’s order, and dropped it in the most convenient -place.</p> - -<p><i>February 1st.</i>—We paraded early, and about 12 -o’clock several rounds from our artillery-men, just across -the Rio Grande, announced the arrival of Capt. Weightman -from Santa Fe, with four six pounders and two -twelve pound howitzers. They marched in town in right -order; our men firing the salute from our piece of captured -cannon just as they reached the public square. This -company is an important acquisition to our small force.</p> - -<p><i>3d.</i>—Early orders were received that Lieut. Col.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span> -Mitchell, at the head of the Chihuahua Rangers, would -move down to the fort to-day. Every thing being in -readiness we came on in double file, and arrived at sunset -at a pretty little village. Our provision wagons being delayed -on the road, every thing like food in this small place -was had in requisition by the orders of the Colonel, and we -made our supper on pies, cheese, bread, &c.</p> - -<p><i>4th.</i>—This morning we were told to saddle up and -hasten forward to overtake the traders, who had disobeyed -orders in preceding us; we were ordered to bring -them back. In obedience to the order we started and -travelled 13 miles. On the way we saw several Mexicans, -who endeavored to elude our observation. Our -first and second Lieutenants wishing to know who they -were, and on what errand bent, gave chase. After a run -of two miles at full speed, they were overtaken and -searched. One was the alcalde from the town where we -staid last night. We halted late in the evening on the -road, where we met a Mexican fully armed, gun, sabre, -&c. He was also stopped and minutely examined, but no -papers being found on his person, he was suffered to pass.</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—Marched on several miles, overtook and encamped -with the traders, who had formed their wagons in a -pen or coral, tried to refresh ourselves on a supper of -black bread, poor beef, and sassafras tea, cooked over a -fire of thorn bushes. The traders sell the bark of the -sassafras at $1 per pound. A small cup of the decoction -cost 25 cents to-night.</p> - -<p><i>6th.</i>—The ground was so uneven we did not erect our -tents, but spread our blankets and went to bed; the -cold prevented any thing like refreshing sleep. We -arrived late at our former encampment, and found Col. -Mitchell had returned from El Paso, whither he had gone -to see Col. Doniphan. He brought news, which was -currently reported there, viz. that Gen. Taylor had been -overpowered at San Louis Potosi by the Mexicans, and -was imprisoned, with 4000 regulars. Of course this -was a Mexican story, told no doubt for effect—and it -had its effect upon our boys, for it made us feel as if we -could fight like lions against the treacherous foe. We<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span> -waited at this place for Col. Doniphan, who was making -every preparation for our dangerous trip. I made for -my own use to-day a pair of wooden spurs.</p> - -<p><i>7th.</i>—This morning after roll-call and breakfast, we -fed our horses and mules, and tried to rest and amuse -ourselves. At supper I made some pancakes, without -milk or eggs, unfortunately I put rather too much <i>salt</i> -in my batter. Fifteen men were sent down the river -on a scouting expedition to-night. My name was called -to be on guard, so I gathered up my blanket and went -into the line with the rest. I was placed in first relief, -near the river. I walked two hours, then went to bed -at 12 o’clock by the guard-fire; I was awakened by -the Corporal at three, and stood till morning.</p> - -<p><i>8th.</i>—Prepared my clothes by washing and mending, -for our departure. Boiled some beans and beef for my -mess. The weather was very disagreeable, and we all -felt weary of our delay.</p> - -<p><i>9th.</i>—While busily engaged fixing up to-day, Col. -Doniphan came on with the artillery and encamped -near us. All is now bustle and excitement, as it is said -we shall start in the morning.</p> - -<p><i>10th.</i>—Col. Doniphan has concluded to stay here to-day -with the army, as it is very cold and cloudy. Our -boys are making desperate efforts to amuse themselves. -Among other things, our sutler is here with his establishment, -and whiskey is selling at 75 cents per pint. -With some honorable exceptions, the scene among officers -and men may be much “better imagined than described.”</p> - -<p><i>11th.</i>—The whole of Col. Doniphan’s regiment, including -the Chihuahua Rangers, started this morning -for the South to join Gen. Wool. We marched in right -order 12 miles, and encamped on the bank of the river.</p> - -<p><i>12th.</i>—The wagons not coming in last night, some -uneasiness was expressed by our Commander, when, -with fifteen others, I returned to where we encamped the -night before, and found the train just about to move on. -We passed a caravan, who told us they had lost the last -night 250 mules and 50 yoke of oxen, driven off by the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span> -Indians. We came to our camp and found cooking to -be the order of the day. We are about entering another -jornada, and provisions for four days must be packed.</p> - -<p><i>13th.</i>—Detained here to have all in complete readiness. -The Indians were at their thievish work again. Last -night they drove off some cattle and mules belonging to -the traders. The skill and daring evinced by these bands -of savages exceed belief. They follow the army, and -are always prowling around our camp at night.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 14th.</i>—Although on mounted guard nearly all -night, I made all the haste I could to eat an early breakfast -and saddle up. I was among the first in the ranks. -Here we were told that the burial of two soldiers, who -expired last night, would only detain us a few minutes -longer. The mournful ceremony ended, we started at 8 -o’clock; came on the jornada five miles, and halted to -feed our horses and mules. I was in the rear guard behind -the prisoners all day—travelled a long and wearisome -journey through the sand until 8 o’clock at night. -I ate a small piece of bread and meat, and spread my -blanket at the guard-fire, where I slept till four. I was -awakened by the officer of the watch and stood till six. -I was at last relieved by the sound of the tattoo.</p> - -<p><i>15th.</i>—12 miles further on we stopped to eat breakfast, -which was a cold cut. We again moved on, and -came 20 miles through this jornada and encamped late in -the night. No water was as yet to be seen. Our Sergeant -measured to each man a half pint. One man sold -his half pint for 50 cents.</p> - -<p><i>16th.</i>—We made an early start, and after marching 15 -miles, came to some puddles of dirty water. Our horses -and mules rushed in and drank all they could get. -Ascending the hill before us a spring was discovered, but -the water was muddy and brackish. At night had a -slight shower of rain, with lightning and thunder.</p> - -<p><i>17th.</i>—On awaking, the first thing I heard was that a -man in our company was dead. The poor fellow had -left a wife and family in Missouri to serve his country. -He was taken sick at El Paso, with the measles, and had -come thus far to die. We followed his remains to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span> -grave, where our Captain stood forth and made an impressive -speech. He stated that “this was the third time -he had been called, on occasions like the present, to perform -the mournful duty to men in his command, and that -it was wisdom for each and all to prepare for the worst,” -&c. The usual rounds were fired, and we covered poor -Tolly over with soap-weed, and filled up the grave. -After trampling the dirt and leveling the ground, we -marched off in right order to this spot, where we shall -rest to-day.</p> - -<p><i>18th.</i>—Loaned my mule to a soldier who had lost his -horse, to enable him to go in search. I was rewarded -for this favor, by being compelled to stay behind my -company several hours, till he returned with his horse. -We pursued our journey two miles, and overtook the -command at a Hot Spring, which was discovered on the -top of a small eminence. It boiled up very curiously in -the centre, covering the surface with bubbles. The temperature -about 100 degrees. The water is scarcely fit to -drink, having a very disagreeable taste, nevertheless, the -men filled their canteens, saying they would drink it when -it got cold enough. The country still presents a barren -appearance, the soil sterile; the surface rocky and mountainous. -We marched 14 miles, and about sunset, encamped -close to a small stream, which supplied a few -poor villagers with water. The people busied themselves -in preparing for us, what they could, viz. a little -muskeet brush to cook with, and corn for our cattle. In -crossing this jornada, the teamsters were obliged to -throw away 5000 pounds flour, and leave several wagons -behind—the mules being unable to proceed.</p> - -<p><i>19th.</i>—After a journey of such length over uneven -ground, the fatigue of the army induced our Commander -to remain in camp to-day. About two o’clock the wind -began to rise, and increased in violence till the tents -were leveled to the ground. We tried to cook by -digging pits in which to place the fire. The sand blowing -in clouds, covered our food; making it gritty and unpleasant -to eat. As night came on, a heavy storm of -wind stripped our wagons of their covers. Quite unsheltered,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span> -we had to do the best we could, and that was bad -enough. We laid down, as we had often done before, -on our blankets. We slept uncomfortably on hillocks -and tufts of grass.</p> - -<p><i>20th.</i>—The wind having abated, we were all in line -at an early hour—came nine miles through this ranch, to -the mouth of another jornada. Here the same scene of -desolation is presented. No cultivation to be seen any -where, nor scarcely any natural vegetable production except -the thorn and muskeet brush. The days are warm, -and the nights very cold, in this region.</p> - -<p><i>21st.</i>—Marched ten miles out to the Hot Springs, -which are situated in a ranch, and encamped. The -army will here halt a day or two. The same arrangements -are to be made as before. While cooking my -meat and bread, I was informed by the Orderly, that with -18 others, I was appointed to go before the command several -miles. Hastily despatching the meal, we mounted -and rode out a long distance, where we had to stand all -night. We made a small fire of brush weed on the -road side.</p> - -<p><i>22d.</i>—I was relieved from duty early this morning by -the next detail. Feeling much disordered from loss of -rest and fatigue. I was greatly obliged to a messmate -who very thoughtfully brought me some water and a -piece of bread for my breakfast. The army appearing—we -went into line by sections of four, and marched 17 -miles where we encamped at a place where the men had -water; but none could be spared to the poor horses and -mules. After eating some bread, we laid down on the -ground and went to sleep.</p> - -<p><i>23d.</i>—Without waiting for refreshment of any kind, -we came on to-day eight miles to a pond, where we -watered our horses and mules—we stopped for the poor -animals to graze awhile and then proceeded three miles, -when we halted for the night at a stream of water. Several -antelopes were killed to-day. After the tents were -fixed up, we boiled some of the flesh, which made fine -eating; the repast was seasoned with a good appetite; -a fast of nearly forty-eight hours, had made us hungry -enough.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span><i>24th.</i>—In conversation with my Captain—I expressed -a wish to go up a neighboring mountain, as I understood -a large Tagoon could be seen from its summit. -He told me to go and make all the observations I could. -Having no time to lose, I commenced its ascent, by -climbing over large rocks, in which were formed several -immense caves—some of them I thought were well fitted -to be the resort of robbers. At length I found myself on -the top, and set down to write. At the distance of three -miles a lake of considerable extent is seen, reposing in -the bosom of a prairie, bounded by the horizon. To the -left a continuous range of mountains loom up, whose bare -and rugged tops present to the mind the idea of coldness -and desolation. The whole face of the country is destitute -of wood, and verdure, except a species of brush or -thorn bushes. Looking towards our camp, I beheld a -long line of wagons stretching along the road as far as -the sight could reach. They were all in motion, and the -sight made me hasten down the mountain at a brisk pace. -It was our army preparing for a start and I did not wish -to be left “solitary and alone,” in that rocky region. In -a few minutes we took up the line of march—came 12 -miles and encamped at sunset. We saw Mexican spies -at a distance. The picket guard came in and reported, -that 10,000 Mexicans were at a lake some miles off, -ready to give us battle.</p> - -<p><i>25th.</i>—The sound of the reveille started every man to -his post by light. We moved on eight miles to the lake, -and watered our horses and mules. We saw nothing of -the Mexicans. The country begins to improve as we -leave the jornada, especially on the margin of these lakes -or ponds, the water of which is brackish. Here prairie -grass grows with some luxuriance. Kindling a fire, the -soldiers commenced baking bread, made from the -wretched native flour, now our only fare. A high wind -prevailing—sparks were carried out, which set the dry -brush and weeds in aflame. The Chihuahua Rangers had -orders to subdue the fire, and we commenced threshing -it out with our blankets, but the wind increasing we -found it useless labor. The flames continued to increase<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span> -in spite of us. The whole command was put in action -with their horses, beating a track, to stop the progress -of the fire. Unfortunately for us, the fire caught the -grass on the other side of the track, and the wind -blowing tremendously, the fire was carried in almost -every direction. We then encamped on the burnt -ground, off of which the grass had been burnt, and picketing -our horses on the left of the road in the prairie, we -laid down to rest. In a few hours we were awakened -to bring our horses in, for the whole prairie was on fire. -Coming out of my tent, a sight appeared of such magnificence -as had never before met my eyes. It was an -opposite mountain on fire, and the whole prairie, as far as -the eye could reach, in flames. A strange glare tinged -the clouds, and all surrounding objects, and presented a -scene which was fearfully grand. It consumed nearly all -the grass in the country 15 miles towards Chihuahua.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—We continued winding through the mountain -passes and plains 16 miles. Our advance found a coral -to-day, in which were 50 sheep and 15 cattle, driven in -from the surrounding neighborhood. They were immediately -butchered for the command, the soldiers being -nearly exhausted for want of food. This was a dreadful -day for our march. The wind was so high that we could -scarcely see a hundred yards ahead.</p> - -<p><i>27th.</i>—The artillery and wagons were kept in front -all day, the whole army being formed in two lines in the -rear. We marched in right order 8 miles, and encamped -on the margin of a lake. Here we shall halt till to-morrow. -Scouts were sent out in every direction. I was -busily engaged all the evening writing for our boys, who -believe themselves to be on the eve of some engagement -with the enemy. Saw several of our men come in, leading -a horse—soon learned that spies being seen by our advance, -Capt. Skillman of the traders’ company, and Capt. Parsons -of the E company from Cole County, with others -gave chase and overtook one. The fellow finding he was -likely to become a prisoner, leaped off, and fled up the -mountain leaving his horse and all his rigging behind. -He was elegantly mounted. Col. Mitchell has just informed -us that a battle will be fought to-morrow.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i065.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 28th.</i>—At sunrise this morning, we took up our -line of march, having learned from our spies that the -enemy in great numbers, had fortified the pass of the -river Sacramento, about 15 miles off. Our train consisting -of 315 traders’ wagons, and our Commissary and -company wagons, in all about 400, were formed into four -columns, so as to shorten our lines. The whole command -marched in right order between the columns, thus -concealing our force from the enemy. When we arrived -within three miles of their entrenchments, Col. Doniphan -made a reconnoisance of their position, and examined the -arrangement of their forces. This was easily done, as our -road led through an open prairie valley between the high -mountains. The pass of the Sacramento is formed by a -point of the mountains on our right, their left extending -into the valley, so as to narrow the valley about one and -a half miles. On our left was a deep, dry channel of a -creek, and between these points, the plain rises abruptly -about 50 or 60 feet. The road passes down the centre -of the valley, and in the distance we had a full view of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span> -the Mexican army. On the point of the mountain, they -had a battery of four guns, so elevated as to sweep the -plain. On the left, there was another battery commanding -the road, with six pounders and rampart pieces, -mounted on carriages. Their cavalry was drawn up in -front of their redoubts, in the interval of four deep. -When we had arrived near their entrenchments, our columns -suddenly diverged to the right, so as to gain the elevation, -which the enemy endeavored to prevent by moving -forward with four pieces of cannon and 1000 cavalry. -But our movements were so rapid, that we not only gained -the eminence, but were formed in order for their reception. -Our company (Capt. Hudson’s) now dismounted, -and every eighth man was detailed, to hold horses and -mules. It fell to my lot to hold eight mules. The action -now commenced by a brisk fire from our cannons, doing -considerable execution at the distance of twelve hundred -yards, killing fifteen of the enemy, and disabling one of -their guns. Our fire was briskly returned from 14 pieces -of artillery, sending ragged balls, and heavy copper ore. -But being badly aimed they struck the ground about -forty or fifty yards before us, and rebounding passed over -our heads without harm, except slightly wounding two -men, and killing several horses and mules in the rear. -Our guns were so well aimed as to compel the enemy to -fall behind the breastworks. We resumed our march -in our former order, diverging as much as possible to -the right, to avoid a heavy battery, and their strongest -redoubts, which were on our left, near the common road. -After marching as far as we thought it prudent, without -coming in range of their heavy battery, Capt. Weightman -of the artillery, was ordered to charge it with two 12 lb. -howitzers, to be supported by the cavalry, under Captains -Reid, Parsons and Hudson. We then remounted -and charged the battery from right to left, with a brisk -and deadly fire from our rifles. We then advanced to -the very brink of their redoubts, and drove them out with -our sabres. The enemy now fell back on their centre -battery, where they made a desperate rally, and gave us -a shower of balls and copper ore, which whizzed over<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span> -our heads without doing us any injury except wounding -several men and killing a few mules and horses. Major -Clarke was ordered to commence a heavy fire upon this -battery, which being well directed, together with the -rapid advance of our columns, put them to flight over the -mountains in utter confusion, leaving all their cannons, -and the ground strewed with their dead and wounded. -Thus ended the battle of Sacramento, which commenced -about three o’clock, and ended about sunset. The enemy -numbered 4220 rank and file, and lost 300 killed -500 wounded, beside 40 prisoners. The American force -consisted of 924 effective men, 1 killed, 11 wounded. -Our success is to be attributed entirely to the superior -skill of our commander. Had he not taken advantage of -position, in keeping out of range of redoubts and batteries, -we should all have shared a common fate, as the black -piratical flag was captured, together with a wagon load -of that formidable weapon, the lariat, which was intended to -tie us all to our saddles in case of a defeat. The Mexicans -lost ten pieces of artillery, varying from five to ten -lbs. and seven one lb. culverines. One of the cannon is -very valuable, being composed of silver and brass melted -together. They also lost all their baggage, ammunition, -&c., and provisions enough to last us three months were -found in their wagons, together with $4000 in specie. It -was gratifying to see the soldiers shaking hands with -their officers after the engagement and tendering their -congratulations to their commander for his skill and -bravery displayed on this memorable occasion. The -Surgeons are now busily engaged in administering relief -to the wounded Mexicans, and it is a sight to see the -pile of legs and arms that have been amputated. The -cries and groans of the poor fellows, are distressing in -the extreme. It is a fact, worthy of note, that the atmosphere -here in this mountainous region is so perfectly -pure and clear that a cannon shot can be seen coming, -when it is a considerable distance off, by leaving a blue -streak in the air. Many a soldier saved his life in the -battle by dodging the balls as they came forward. When -a flash would be seen from the enemy’s battery, you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span> -could hear the soldiers cry out—“watch the ball boys!—here -comes a ball boys,” and they invariably avoided -them, or the slaughter must have been very great. I -saw a ball coming in the direction where I was, when -immediately falling off my mule, it passed just over my -saddle without injury. Our rapid movements seemed to -astonish the enemy. Our four pieces of flying artillery, -discharging five times in a minute, volleys of grape and -canister, with chain shots, would rake the enemy’s -redoubts and cut roads through their lines, while our 12 lb. -howitzers throwing a constant shower of bombs into the -middle of their entrenchments, and the unerring aim of -our Mississippi rifles, acting in concert; cast terror and -dismay among the cowardly and unprincipled foe. Our -men acted nobly, and in the hand to hand fight in the -redoubts they fought to desperation. Lieutenant Sprawl, -our 2d Lieutenant, a man over six feet high with bared -arms, and without his hat, his longhair and beard streaming -in the wind, with sword in hand, was charging the -enemy at every point, when a ball struck his splendid -charger, and he fell. But seizing his carbine he kept up -with us on foot. Another of our men, being unhorsed, -and fighting near me, was attacked by a Mexican who -was about to lance him, and the poor fellow’s gun being -discharged, he picked up a rock, and throwing it, struck -his enemy on the head, which felled him to the earth, -when he knocked his brains out with the butt of his gun. -These were but common occurrences in that hard contested -fight, where we had to contend with nearly five -to one.</p> - -<p><i>March 1st.</i>—After spending a comfortable night, -feasting on the good things of our enemy, and making -our prisoners bury the dead, we started with the remains -of Major Owings, and after marching four miles encamped. -My mule having received a wound in the loins yesterday, -cannot be found this morning, so I borrowed one -of the Commissary.</p> - -<p><i>2d.</i>—Placed on mounted guard to precede the army, -whose entrance in the city will take place to-day. Came -ten miles; saw the spire of the Cathedral towering in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span> -the distance, with peculiar feelings of delight. A -merrier group could scarcely be pictured than our worthy -Col. Mitchell and his escort. We entered the beautiful -city of Chihuahua about 12 o’clock, and proceeded immediately -to the plaza or public square. The inhabitants -are polite, and manifest in various ways the utmost complaisance, -and regard to our soldiery. Of course we see -the fairest specimens of the Mexican character here, and -afford us evidences of superior intelligence, comfort and -industry. While the soldiers were scattered in various -directions, seeking refreshments, I took a walk alone, and -seated myself in a quiet nook, fronting the Cathedral. -It is an imposing structure of white marble. It was -about fifty years in building—the production of a gold -mine, and cost <i>three million dollars</i>. I felt too much -fatigued to write a long description of even a beautiful -church, although, had it been otherwise, such employment -would have been pleasant to me. The tones of -the bell are grand. It strikes the hour, and can be -heard at a great distance. At sundown Col. Doniphan -arrived in town with the rest of the command, all in fine -order. The band was playing Washington’s March—just -as we reached the public square, the tune was -changed to Yankee Doodle, when there was a general -huzza. We then marched through the town and took -up our quarters on the outskirts. I was placed on picket -guard and had to be up all night—first to watch the -prisoners, and then to walk my post three hours.</p> - -<p><i>3d.</i>—All is now tranquil. The funeral of Major -Owings took place to-day. Every thing was conducted -with the utmost decency and order.</p> - -<p><i>4th.</i>—This morning I sallied forth for a ramble. I -went through the thickest parts of the city, which I should -judge contained about 40,000 inhabitants. The streets -cross at right angles, and the houses are mostly built of -the usual sun-dried brick, in Mexican style, with flat -roofs, and close barred windows, as if intended for defence -against street assaults, or rival factions. I was, -afterwards, introduced to some senoras, and drank some<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span> -coffee with them—they using the <i>ardiente</i>, instead of -cream in theirs.</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—Passing near the public square I encountered -Col. Mitchell, with several officers on horseback, before -a handsome building. The Colonel was earnestly engaged -in conversation with a man, who, it appeared -was an Englishman. I soon learned that our Colonel -wished to search the building, but the English gentleman -said he should not. I was called on, with several -others who were standing near to form ranks, and go at -once and arm ourselves. We ran to our quarters, and -soon returned well equipped. I had not been in the -line more than a minute, when I saw my entire company, -the Chihuahua Rangers, come up. I, of course, left my -position and with them paraded before the house. The -Englishman being still very stubborn and refusing to -give up the keys, the Colonel ordered two pieces of -artillery to be brought down immediately and placed before -the door. Turning to look for the man, I found he -had escaped to the top of a house, not far off, where he -stationed himself to watch our movements. He no -sooner espied the cannon, than he ran down in great haste, -begging for a few minutes to open the door, saying -“somebody might be killed,” &c. We then entered -peaceably. Magoffin, the trader, whom the authorities -of the city had condemned to death as a traitor, -cannot be found. On inquiry, we learned that he had -been sent to Durango. But several are of opinion, that -he has been killed.</p> - -<p><i>6th.</i>—I went to the Secretary’s office and wrote letters -to my sisters in Maryland.</p> - -<p><i>10th.</i>—For several days past we have been relieved -from all extra duty, only answering to the roll-call -night and morning. I have been busily engaged to-day -writing letters for different persons.</p> - -<p><i>17th.</i>—During the past week I have had no time to -write in my journal. I have been busy in writing letters for -others, and assisting in writing out requisitions, &c. I -received to-night the first number of the “Anglo Saxon,” -a paper printed by our boys, and the first American newspaper<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span> -ever published in Chihuahua. On Wednesday -the 15th, the express started from here for the United -States. Many weary months have passed, and we have -heard no tidings from home and friends. Truly a soldier’s -lot is a hard one.</p> - -<p><i>19th.</i>—I had a chill last night, which ended in a fever. -I felt thankful that I was favored with every attention -from Lieut. Sprawl, who is as kind and generous as he -is brave. A few hours sleep recovered me in some degree -from the stupidity in which the fever left me, and I -arose from the stone floor refreshed. I went to church, -which was opened for Mass, but soon returned with a -headache, longing for the simple and sweet worship of -my own church at home. An express consisting of -twelve men was sent on to General Taylor to-day.</p> - -<p><i>20th.</i>—I took a stroll through the town—went down -to the American Hotel to learn what news was stirring. -Nothing is heard from the South.</p> - -<p><i>23d.</i>—We have at this time all that is necessary for -our comfort, and nothing to do but attend to our slight -duties, and the care of our mules and horses. A strict -guard is kept. The captured cannon is in charge of the -non-commissioned officers, and our company has to -practice target shooting. Being number four I have to -touch off the guns. The concussion jars my head so -much that I have to place a quid of tobacco in <i>each</i> -cheek, to prevent it from injuring my teeth, which are very -sore. The companies are all well disciplined, and with -our 25 pieces of artillery, Col. Doniphan says he would -defy 10,000 Mexicans. When not on duty, our men resort -to every kind of mischief by way of amusement. Two -pieces of artillery found at this place, were by them, on -yesterday, dismounted and blown up. They were filled -with powder and plugged, and the muzzles being buried -in the earth several feet, a slow match was applied. The -reports were terrific. They have also burnt all the powder. -A train, nearly one-fourth of a mile in length, was -made and set off, and which ignited several barrels at its -termination. The poor affrighted Mexicans, meanwhile, -ran off crying “no wano, no wano,” (very bad, very bad.)<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span> -Another species of fun, consists in collecting all the -dogs that can be found during the day, and carefully -shutting them in a room; at night each dog is brought -out, and a large bundle of fire works fastened to his tail. -He is then let loose, amid the general halloo; and being -enveloped in sparks, accompanied with the noise of small -fire arms, wherever he runs in the crowded streets, the -Mexicans fly before him with the utmost consternation.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, April 4th.</i>—This was the appointed morning -for us to leave Chihuahua for the south. But, on account -of a bull fight, our trip is postponed. As soon as -church was over, the soldiers hastened to see this great -sight. As I was conscientious in regard to the violation -of the Sabbath, I, of course, staid behind; I was, however, -informed by the men on their return, that five bulls -were let loose, but none were killed. If they cannot -strike the animal in some vital part, they are obliged to -let him live. The blows were badly dealt and the bull -escaped. This is a strange mixture of christianity with -the barbarities of heathenism. Card playing, cock fighting, -bull baiting, and dancing, are the chief amusements -of these people, and they are always accompanied with -excessive drinking, not unfrequently with quarrelling and -fighting, in which the belligerents are bruised, their -limbs broken, and their lives sometimes destroyed. -What an idea of the character of God must be entertained -in the midst of such performances? He can hardly be -regarded as a God of love, whose delight is in the upright -walk and chaste conversation of his people. The -service of that blinded population, comports better with -what we might suppose would be the worship of the -devil, were such worship distinctly ordered. Alas! -for the darkness in which so many of our race are enveloped!</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—The wagons were loaded for our long journey—but -a difficulty in getting our soldiers together detained -us till two o’clock, P. M. At length, every -thing being in readiness, we started out of town. Some -of our men imagined themselves commanders in chief, -assumed to give orders, and were otherwise troublesome.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span> -We succeeded in reaching a ranch, twelve miles -off, and encamped.</p> - -<p><i>6th.</i>—Moved on twenty-five miles, and stopped at a -ranch late in the evening. Putting our horses in a clover -field—we spread our blankets on the ground and rested -till morning.</p> - -<p><i>7th.</i>—After accomplishing another 25 miles to-day, -we erected our tents close to the walls of a town. Here -we were joined by two strangers, who said they came -from a coral, 140 miles off, to inform us that a large Mexican -force of about 10,000 soldiers were on their way to -re-take Chihuahua. They also stated, that Generals -Taylor and Wool had gone far to the south, in the direction -of the city of Mexico. These men being native -Americans induced our Colonel to listen to their story, -which, if true, would have placed us in a bad situation. -With one half of our command left behind at Chihuahua, -we could be easily cut off from this point.</p> - -<p><i>8th.</i>—This morning we had orders to start back to -Chihuahua. After marching 25 miles reached the second -ranch, and encamped.</p> - -<p><i>9th.</i>—Our Sergeant woke us all at two o’clock to get -our breakfast, and make an early start. We travelled -briskly 36 miles, and arrived at Chihuahua about four -o’clock. Here we are again in the city, at our old -quarters.</p> - -<p><i>14th.</i>—I have been employed in writing for our Surgeon, -and others, for several days past. Yesterday we heard that -Vera Cruz was taken by Gen. Scott. Twenty-eight -rounds were fired by our artillery-men.</p> - -<p><i>15th.</i>—I witnessed to-day the mode of punishment -among the Mexicans, and felt disgusted at the sight. -Offenders are tied to a tree and severely lashed for different -offences. I saw several whipped to-day for horse stealing. -At night it commenced raining. The first rain -since we have been in the city. I was too sick to perform -the duty of sentinel.</p> - -<p><i>16th.</i>—The morning air being clear and cool I took -a walk to relieve the excessive languor I feel. I have -little or no appetite, and my spirits are very much depressed.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span> -I went to the American Hotel, where a great -many questions were asked me. While there I read an -advertisement of a grand ball to be given on Sunday, -18th, entrance $2. It is really distressing to contemplate -the desecration of the Sabbath in this country. -Oh! how I long to be once more in a truly christian -land, and among congenial spirits.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 18th.</i>—Various exhibitions encountered at -every step throughout the city to-day. Sunday as it is, -gambling is the most prominent. At night the greater -part of our men went to the ball.</p> - -<p><i>19th.</i>—Drew off some writing for our Doctor; afterwards, -with a messmate, took a bath in the river—still -quite sick, and nothing to eat, but poor beef, with bread -and coffee. This stone floor is particularly hard to rest -on.</p> - -<p><i>24th.</i>—I went with a Mexican to see the <i>prison</i>. He -was very polite and accommodating; he took me through -the cells, and showed me the blocks, and chains, handcuffs, -lariats, &c. that had been prepared to keep all the -prisoners safely, which they expected to have taken in -the battle. They were to have been kept here until they -could be marched on foot to the city of Mexico. But -they counted their game a little too soon! The prison -is the darkest and most gloomy place I ever saw.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday morning, 25th.</i>—Just as the church bells -began to ring, our men geared up their mules, and at 11 -o’clock, two companies started out of town with the -artillery, and arrived about three o’clock at the first ranch.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—An early start took us to the second ranch 25 -miles. To-night our second battalion came up.</p> - -<p><i>27th.</i>—After marching 36 miles to-day we came to a -town called Santa Cruz, where we encamped.</p> - -<p><i>28th.</i>—We lay by here, and wait for the rest of the -army, which will start from Chihuahua to-day.</p> - -<p><i>29th.</i>—At day-break we set out, and after marching -21 miles came to Sousilla, a town situated on the river -Couchas, which is, at that place, a considerable stream. -I went with one or two hundred others, and took a refreshing -bath. At night I cooked a supper of coarse<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span> -bread, beef and coffee, with the materials of a coral, -which we tore down.</p> - -<p><i>30th.</i>—Still travelling on the Rio Couchas. Passed a -town called Los Cruezas, and at the end of 28 miles encamped -at the town of San Rosalia. Col. Doniphan’s -first battalion came up to-night.</p> - -<p><i>May 1st.</i>—At the sound of the reveille all went in line, -and after roll-call our captain told us to get our arms in -good order for inspection at nine o’clock. Every man -was soon busy firing off loaded guns, cleaning out, &c. -To-night I went into town and brought a welcome repast -for my mess, viz. pork-steak and nice bread.</p> - -<p><i>2d.</i>—Our Captain, after calling the roll, told us that -the reveille had sounded thus early for a company to go -in advance. Came out a few miles and stopped to inspect -a fort the Mexicans had erected to keep Gen. Wool -from marching to Chihuahua. It is nicely finished off, -with port holes for their batteries, &c. The building -covers nearly an acre of ground; but every thing is silent; -the place being entirely deserted. A fatiguing march of -27 miles brought us to a ranch called Remado, where we -passed the night.</p> - -<p><i>3d.</i>—The country is still barren between these ranchos, -which are always found in fertile valleys, mostly inhabited. -Some muskeet brush was all we could find on our -road to-day; no verdant carpet of grass to relieve the eye -from the strong glare of the rays of the sun pouring on -the sandy plains as we pass along. A late hour brought -us to a large town called Huadaquilla, on the Rio Florida. -We travelled 30 miles to-day.</p> - -<p><i>4th.</i>—At ten we left—came out six miles and encamped. -On our way we saw several monuments erected to -various saints. A pile of rocks marks the grave of one -great personage. In the centre of the pile is erected a -cross, adorned with artificial flowers. The country -around this town is cultivated; provisions are cheap and -plenty. All the soldiers are now engaged in packing -provisions and water; the latter precious article, it is -said, will not be found again till 65 miles are passed over. -At four, P. M., we came on and travelled 25 miles in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span> -this jornada, and laid ourselves down to sleep in the -sand, after taking a cut of meat and bread at nearly 12 -o’clock.</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—By the time it was light our Orderly came around -to arouse us to roll-call. Some poor fellows, half asleep, -staggered off into the ranks. We started and marched -40 miles through a thick dust, when we came to a pond -of brackish water, which is sometimes found in these -deserts. Here we halted for the night. The water was -quickly drunk by our famishing boys, notwithstanding -it was a disagreeable mixture of salt and sulphur.</p> - -<p><i>6th.</i>—The fatigue and sufferings of yesterday were -not allayed by a report in camp that several thousand -Mexicans were lying in wait a few miles ahead, in order -to cut off our artillery. We marched on ten miles and -stopped on the banks of the Rio Cerro Gordo, where we -have tolerably good water.</p> - -<p><i>7th.</i>—I arose from the guard-fire, where I had been -stretched the last three hours dull and sleepy, having been -on duty all the former part of the night; I went to my -mess, whom I found eating breakfast. As soon as we -got through, our command started and travelled 30 miles. -Here we stopped at a ranch, near which are several -springs bursting from a bank, the water of which is very -clear, but very warm, and of a most disagreeable taste. -A few hundred yards from the camp we saw a large deserted -fort, also a coral, which our boys tore down to -cook with. The face of the country has nothing to recommend -it, but a vast variety of cactus, beautifully in -bloom all over the sandy plains. Covered with dust, I -found a bath in the hot springs very refreshing to-night.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 9th.</i>—Pursued our way uninterruptedly the -past two days and travelled 40 miles. At night we encamped -at a town called Mapemilla. At our approach the -inhabitants fled to the mountains. It was a fine night, -and their fires in the distance, dotting the mountain side, -had a singular and romantic effect. News met us here -that Gen. Scott had whipped Santa Anna, which caused -Col. Doniphan to fire a salute of 29 rounds.</p> - -<p><i>10th.</i>—At 3 o’clock this morning the reveille sounded.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span> -A little coarse bread, and coffee without sugar, constituted -breakfast, on which we travelled 30 miles. We -halted late at night at a ranch called San Sebastian, on -the Rio Mosas, a stream sufficiently large for swimming. -It was soon covered with our soldiers enjoying this rare -luxury.</p> - -<p><i>11th.</i>—At an early hour we had to bury two of our -men, who died yesterday. They were found last night -(after our fatiguing march of 30 miles) dead in the wagons. -They were buried in a warlike manner. We -crossed the river two miles below the town, and pursued -our route 30 miles to another village, called San Lorenzo. -Here we encamped, but suffered much inconvenience -from want of water, having to use it very sparingly. -To-night another grave was opened for another of our -men.</p> - -<p><i>12th.</i>—As usual, our whole command was put in motion -at three o’clock, and after marching seven miles -through a thick dust, had orders to halt and turn back, -for we had left the right road behind. Our army turned -about and travelled several miles until we got right. At -the end of 18 miles we encamped on the Rio Mosas. -Here, unable to join the swimmers from a violent attack -of ear-ache, accompanied with a most painful sore mouth, -which latter I have suffered with since leaving Chihuahua, -I went to a Dutch surgeon for advice. He looked -in my mouth a few seconds, and with an air of confidence -declared that <i>nothing ailed me</i>. I determined thereafter -to bear my pains like a hero, and almost vowed -that I would never pester a Dutchman either for his -sympathy or his prescriptions.</p> - -<p><i>13th.</i>—This morning we started early, and after travelling -30 miles reached a ranch. The first objects that -met our eyes were six Indians lying dead. They had -been killed by our advance guard of about 30 rank and -file, under Capt. Reid. The guard was unexpectedly -attacked by a body of Indians, which they repulsed, -after killing 13 of their number, with their chief. He -must have been a desperate warrior, for even after he -was shot down, and to the last moment of his life, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span> -tried to use his bow and arrows. These fellows were -seen coming from a gap of the mountain, some distance -off, making direct for our little party, who went out at -full gallop to meet them. A discharge of arrows was -met by a volley from our men. A considerable skirmish -now ensued. The Indians raising the war-whoop, -rushed on them, discharging their arrows with incredible -rapidity; but they were forced to retreat, and these bodies -were dragged hither as trophies.</p> - -<p><i>14th.</i>—About one o’clock in the night, while our -wearied soldiers slept, two guns were heard. In an instant -our Captain jumped to his feet, and hurriedly went -over the ground to wake us all up. In a few moments -every man had on his arms. After waiting some time -for the enemy, news came that one of the Lieutenants -was shot through the hand. It appears that this Lieutenant -was officer of the night, and in his rounds, tried to -take a sentinel by surprise. Creeping stealthily on the -ground to the spot, he was told by the sentinel to stop -and give the countersign. No answer being returned, -he fired. As soon as he found that he was shot in the hand -he returned the charge on the sentinel. But no one can -tell as yet who this watchful sentinel is. I made up a fire to -prepare coffee. At two o’clock the reveille sounded for all -to saddle up. At four we started, and after marching 25 -miles came in sight of Parras, a large city. Our Adjutant -chose a place for us to encamp, which is in a beautiful -grove of ornamental cotton trees. The scene is new -and pleasant. Here are trees, green cornfields, and running -streams. The gardens in and around the city are -beautifully arranged, and <i>tastefully</i> supplied with ripe -apricots, oranges and lemons; also a great variety of -flowering shrubs and plants.</p> - -<p><i>15th.</i>—We are to pass a day or two here I believe, -resting from our long travel. This morning one of our -wagon drivers, who is a sailor, went up town, and by some -means, most unfortunately, offended several of the Mexican -gentlemen. Complaint was made to the alcalde, who -ordered Jack to be taken to the caliboose and flogged, -going in person to see it done. But Jack knocked him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span> -down and broke his sabre in pieces—whipping several -others who came to the rescue, and finally walked off to -camp completely victorious. Word was brought to Col. -Doniphan about the conduct of his man, who gravely -told the people that if Gen. Wool could do any thing with -his men, it was more than he could with his. He said it -was now too late for him to keep them in order, therefore, -he should leave on Monday.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 16th.</i>—Preparations are going on in different -departments for the renewal of our march to-morrow. -The expectation of soon encountering Generals Taylor -and Wool, appears to inspire our men with a desire to -look decent. Old clothes are being washed—sundry holes -in deerskin pants are in the process of repair, and I think -we shall not look so very ragged, after all.</p> - -<p><i>17th.</i>—Moved out of town at three o’clock, P. M. -After marching five miles through a broken, bare country, -we came to a house, whose <i>shingled</i> roof indicated that -its builder had been educated in the United States. We -found it even so, although the man was a Mexican. -We made a journey of 25 miles to-day, and had a supper -of excessively tough beef, and coarse bread.</p> - -<p><i>18th.</i>—On our way, very early, as usual—made 18 -miles with a severe ear-ache, from which I have suffered -almost constantly for several weeks past. Strolling -out after the tents were fixed up, I saw some soldiers -walking along with a man in front, whom I learned they -were about to drum out of service. He proved to be a -teamster, and not a volunteer. He had, without provocation, -struck several Mexicans in Parras. The alcalde -sending on an express to Gen. Wool for protection, induced -Col. Doniphan to settle the business thus. He -was made to walk before three armed men, behind whom, -several bugles performed a doleful ditty. When they -arrived at the outskirts, the Captain ordered a halt, and -proclaimed that the man was drummed out of service for -misbehavior. Whereupon he ordered the men in front -to kick him. The punishment having been inflicted, the -poor fellow was turned off, to find a shelter where he -could.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span><i>11th.</i>—To-night we are encamped at a ranch, almost -overflowed with water which is coming down in a rush, -in consequence of a heavy rain in the mountains. Made -to-day 25 miles.</p> - -<p><i>21st</i>—Yesterday and to-day we pursued our journey -without intermission. At night we encamped where -Gen. Wool had stationed 1000 men as picket guard. -We received a treat in the shape of nice American flour -and mess pork, as rations.</p> - -<p><i>22d.</i>—I rode with several others to Gen. Wool’s -camp. On the way we passed over the battle ground of -Buena Vista, and saw the remains of hundreds of Mexicans -thrown in heaps and covered over with cactus. -These remained undisturbed by the wolves while they -had disinterred our buried Americans and devoured -them; these animals make a practice of keeping in the -rear of our advancing armies, and always prefer eating -our men after death to the Mexicans. I spent an hour -in contemplating the desolations of war—picked up a -few Spanish coins, a watch key, cross, &c., with several -other little matters, as mementos. Gen. Wool’s quarters -were to be seen in the distance. After spending an hour -or two in his camp, I returned to our boys, whom I found -assembled in a congregation, and Capt. Reid holding -forth in a speech, trying all his might, to get some of -our men to volunteer again, their term being nearly expired. -This morning every preparation is made for the -reception of Gen. Wool, who is expected to receive the -command. All in right order, we marched out, the artillery -in front, our company (the Chihuahua Rangers) -next, and so on. As he rode up, the artillery-men fired -a salute, and while passing along the lines with his escort, -we had orders to “present arms.” After the -parade was over, we were marched back to <i>camp</i>, where -the General came to inspect the captured cannon, and -see the black flag, taken at the battle of Sacramento. -At night we drew rations of bacon and dried apples, -which good things, some of our boys thought were given -as a <i>bribe</i> to induce them to re-enlist.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 23d.</i>—We left at an early hour, and as we passed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span> -through Gen. Wool’s encampment, we turned over to -him our American artillery, consisting of six pieces, received -at Santa Fe. We retained the Mexican cannon, viz. -17 pieces taken at the battle of Sacramento, and one piece -taken at Bracito, and marched on 12 miles to Saltillo, a -large town among the mountains. The weather is warm -and pleasant, and in right order we passed through, and -proceeded on eight miles, we encamped at night in a -wheat field. We saw to-day several deserted ranchos.</p> - -<p><i>24th.</i>—After a long and fatiguing march of 32 -miles, we stopped at a deserted ranch to pass the night. -In winding through the mountain pass to-day, we turned -aside to see the fortifications which had been thrown up, -to stop the progress of Gen. Taylor to Saltillo.</p> - -<p><i>25th.</i>—An early start, and fatiguing journey of 25 -miles brought us within four miles of Monterey. From -our camp we have a full view of the city and palace of -the Bishop. All this day our road lay through the narrow -pass of the mountains, one of which is volcanic, and -has been burning for several years. A heavy rain descended -to-night, drenching us completely, and in the -midst of which a grave was dug for a poor soldier, who -has been sick ever since we left Chihuahua.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—Through a heavy wind we rode into town and -stopped to see the citadel and wall so bravely scaled by -our troops after the enemy was driven from their redoubts. -From this palace, a lovely and extensive view -of the city and surrounding country is presented. The -southern fruits and flowers are growing in great luxuriance. -After our men were satisfied with an inspection, -we marched through the famous town of Monterey to -Gen. Taylor’s camp, where we arrived at 12 o’clock. -We found the old hero encamped in the woods. Immediately -on our arrival he came to us, in company with -Col. Doniphan, to see the trophies of our victories. I -was fortunate enough to grasp the hand of the old General. -In the afternoon several thousand pack mules -were sent out with provisions for Gen. Wool.</p> - -<p><i>27th.</i>—At day-break the roll-call was called, and -Capt. Hudson told us to saddle up, and get ready to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span> -start. All was in readiness, when orders came that we -should be delayed till 12 o’clock. A few minutes before -that hour Gen. Taylor with his escort rode up, and passed -along the lines, with his hat off, to review us. We -presented sabres, and then started on our way, the General -escorting us some distance from his camp. After -he left us, we pursued our march through a country well -covered with hackberry and other trees. A long route -of 32 miles brought us to a ranch, where we halted for -the night.</p> - -<p><i>28th.</i>—Arrived at a deserted ranch late in the morning, -after passing 40 miles over a most dreadful road. Being -in the rear guard, I and eleven others, were obliged to -assist the wagons up the hills, by pushing at the wheels. -All along this route decaying bodies and skeletons of -men, are lying. Some of the bodies still had their clothing -on, and the stench was almost intolerable. The -road was also strewed with mules, which had died in -numbers on their way to Monterey.</p> - -<p><i>29th.</i>—The road is only interesting from association. -Many a brave man has passed it never to retrace his steps. -Six miles from our last stopping place we reached Seralvo. -Here we found a regiment of volunteers on the -march to join Gen Taylor. We waited till the afternoon -to feed our horses and mules; then marched 14 miles to -another deserted ranch and stopped to sleep. We saw, -on our way many ranchos and villages tenantless and -destroyed. While we were at Seralvo, a Mexican was -caught, who belonged to the gang that murdered the -teamsters, and burned up 150 wagons, which were on -their way to the army. At three o’clock, he was brought -out in the plaza, and placed against the wall. A file of -six men, (the Texian Rangers,) stood some ten yards off. -The prisoner was told by the Colonel that his time was -at hand. He was then ordered to turn his back. This -he not only refused to do, but struck fire and lighted his -cigar. The word was given—all fired—and he fell dead. -Three balls entered his breast, and three his head. A -Texian, whose brother had been murdered in the wagon -train, gave a five dollar gold piece to take the place of -one who was chosen to do this melancholy business.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i084.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">EXECUTION OF A MEXICAN CHIEF.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span><i>Sunday night, 30th.</i>—We have stopped at a town -called Mier. I felt very weary after a travel of 36 miles. -This place is notorious on account of a battle that was -gained by the Texians. Our Rangers were highly elated -in the thoughts of their success and they became so drunk -that the defeated Mexicans took them prisoners, and -marched them off to the city of Mexico. So much for -the sale of rum. We met with a cordial reception at -this place.</p> - -<p><i>31st.</i>—We encamped in sight of Camargo at two -o’clock to-day. We crossed the river St. Pon in a ferry -boat, which was pulled by means of ropes. The crossing -occupied about two hours, when our troops and -artillery were landed. This town is well fortified. It -is the principal depot for supplies to the army, which -come up this river in small steamers. River water is -drank, although rendered very filthy by the carcasses of -mules and horses, which are thrown into it. To-day -one poor fellow was buried, who had been sick a long -time. Many a hard jolt in the rough wagon, and hour -of thirst and weariness had he—but he sleeps quietly -and peacefully in his lonely rest on the banks of the St. -Pon.</p> - -<p><i>June 1st.</i>—On our way to the Rio Grande, this morning -one of our men was shot by a party of Mexicans, -who had concealed themselves in the bushes. He was -riding alone, when he was fired upon. The charge entered -his hand and breast, and he fell dead. Capt. Reid -at the head of 50 men, went after the murderers, and soon -returned with six of them. They are to be kept in close -confinement.</p> - -<p><i>2nd.</i>—Our officers were in an unpleasant dilemma. -They did not know how to dispose of the prisoners, and -after some debate, they concluded to turn them loose. -A file of soldiers was detailed for that purpose. They -took them some miles off, and soon returned, announcing -that <i>they had turned them loose</i>. At 4 o’clock we left, -and travelled all night through a thick forest of muskeet -trees and brushwood. About sunrise we arrived at Columbus, -where we found several steamers ready for us.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span> -Many of us were miserably disordered from our weary -midnight march. We encamped on the Rio Grande. -This evening our cannon was sent down the river two -miles to be shipped.</p> - -<p><i>3d.</i>—Orders were received at an early hour for the -troops to bring forward their saddles, rigging, &c., to be -valued. A most unsightly mass was soon presented, the -dilapidated articles were gathered in a heap. Our Sergeant -gave notice he should value them as condemned -property, it being impossible to transport them. A large -fire was then made, and all were consumed. Our horses -were placed in charge of a Mr. Van Bibber, who for a -stipulated sum engaged to drive them through Texas to -Missouri, and leave them at any point we might designate. -We walked a mile to the beach, where several -steamers awaited us. The sick went immediately on -board. Two or three companies started, while the rest -of us were detained till very late to assist in shipping the -cannon. Orders were given that we should remain all -night, so we went again on shore, spread our blankets on -the beach, and spent the night rather uncomfortably.</p> - -<p><i>4th.</i>—It commenced raining at 3 o’clock this morning. -After eating a breakfast of coffee and a few hard crackers, -we hurried on board the steamer. Here we found both -cabin and deck crowded with men. Our little steamer -started in the midst of a heavy rain, rendering every thing -exceedingly unpleasant. Night came on and no cooking -could be done, so we went on shore, erected our tents, -ate our suppers and rested quietly through the night.</p> - -<p><i>5th.</i>—The bell rang at 3 o’clock for us to come on -board which we accomplished in the course of an hour. -One fellow being rather slow, was left behind, but he -regained the boat before she had gone two miles. Fortunately -for him an accident happened to the wheel, -which was found to be broken, thus detaining us for -repairs several hours. We did not reach Matamoras till -two o’clock. Here we stopped but a very few minutes, -and proceeded on till sunset. The boat now stopped to -take in wood, and the Captain informed us that he should -leave at moonrise. We laid down on deck on our -blankets.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span><i>Sunday, 6th.</i>—I was awakened at one o’clock by the -deck hands to make room to haul in the foot plank. I -found myself drenched with filthy water, which had run -under me as I slept. Quietly folding up my blanket I -thought I would make no complaint, as I was near my -journey’s end. About sunrise we reached the Balize, -when all hands landed and erected the tents. After -breakfast, with a number of others, I went to bathe in -the sea. We let the breakers pass over our heads. -They came with such force, that in my present reduced -state, I found it difficult to stand up under them. Nor -could I remain long in the water.</p> - -<p><i>7th.</i>—We are encamped on the banks of the Rio -Grande, eight miles from the shipping, which is on the -opposite side of this narrow neck of land.</p> - -<p><i>8th.</i>—A regiment of regulars landed to-day, on their -way to the seat of war. No ship has appeared as yet to -take us off.</p> - -<p><i>9th.</i>—This morning we had orders to start for Brazos -Santiago, nine miles from this place. We had not proceeded -far through the deep sand, when it became necessary -for those who had the remnant of shoes, to pull -them off, on account of the sand gathering in them, it -being above the ankle at every step. Our feet became -badly blistered by the heat and friction. Most gladly did -I spread my blanket on the sand and enjoy a night of -rest, after the fatigues of the day. We are not yet at -the end of this uncomfortable journey. The shipping is -in sight, and a short march in the morning will relieve -the weary teams of their burdens.</p> - -<p><i>10th.</i>—We are all on board—artillery, baggage, and a -motley crew of 250 men, with unshaved faces, ragged -and dirty, but all in fine spirits, save a few poor fellows, -whose thin visages show the ravages of disease and -suffering.</p> - -<p><i>11th.</i>—The past has been a memorable night. For -suffering I have not experienced its equal in all my -peregrinations through life. In the brig, on board of -which we took passage, there were 100 bunks (a slight -elevation made of plank) for the soldiers to sleep on.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span> -When I got in mine, the crowd was so great and the air -so oppressive, that I thought I would get out, and take -a few pulls at the fresh atmosphere. Groping along in -the dark, I endeavored to find some place of egress, but -the whole gangway was strewed with men, and I was -forced to return, amid a shower of <i>blessings</i> from the -poor fellows, on whom I had the misfortune to tread. -I laid the rest of the night in this hot place, more dead -than alive. There was not the slightest air, and I was -covered with a profuse perspiration.</p> - -<p><i>12th.</i>—An inspection of this brig, which was beautiful -in its exterior, convinced me that it was a filthy place -indeed; especially between decks. It was certainly -worse than a hog-pen, for just above our bunks, there -was a sty, in which were several of the real material. -Two small fires were built for the soldiers to cook with, -and so many crowded around them, all anxious to be -served, that a long time elapsed before I could get my -coffee. As a matter of convenience we were supplied -with hard crackers and molasses. This diet only increased -my disease, and I turned a longing eye on a large -turtle which had been killed and was being served up -for our officers, and the inmates of the cabin.</p> - -<p><i>13th.</i>—Our allowance of water was a coffee pot full -twice a day for coffee, and a pint apiece for each man to -drink; a hogshead had been drawn upon deck for our use. -There is a guard kept throughout each day, over this -hogshead of miserable water, not fit for horses to drink. -It was with mingled feelings of admiration and sorrow -that I saw our brave fellows, who had borne the fatigues -of the march, and the strong blows of the battle, come -humbly around the hogshead, which was a central point -of attraction, and ask for a little cup of water, when they -were almost famished, and could drink several pints were -it allowed them. It is a gloomy Sabbath evening—nearly -calm.</p> - -<p><i>14th.</i>—We are running S. E. by E., though the boat -scarcely glides along, there being a calm. It seems that -the water is becoming scarcer to-day. The Captain has -directed that a quart only shall be given to each man for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span> -all purposes. And it is to last 24 hours. When this -was announced one of the men muttered something which -I did not hear, but which the Captain disliked; for he told -us all, that if any one made another threat, he would -blow his brains out as quick as he would shoot a rattlesnake. -When this threat was heard the men all roared -out in a hearty laugh. The Captain was of middle size, -somewhat corpulent, swarthy in complexion, and blind in -his right eye. He was rough in his manners, but talked -very little, especially to us, privates. He is master of the -brig and is employed by government to convey troops -across the gulf. His name is Woodsides. This morning -about a pint of water was issued to each man. Of course, -no coffee is made. We mixed a little vinegar with some -water, and with crackers and molasses, made out our supper. -Two dolphins were caught by the sailors, and one -of our men caught a young shark. Another turtle is -served up for the cabin. It was so warm that I could -not sleep in my bunk, but lay in the gangway, on my -blanket. At midnight a steamer came alongside, and -the Captain took on board several barrels of water. It -was truly a blessing for us.</p> - -<p><i>15th.</i>—Coffee and fried shark for breakfast, but a dreadful -sore mouth (which I fear is the scurvy) makes the -eating a painful performance. Every indication of land -was near. At 12 o’clock the Captain said we were 80 -miles from the Balize. In anticipation of a storm, the -sails were furled, but a little sprinkle of rain was all, and -we again spread our canvass to the breeze. A sailor was -sent aloft to see if the light house was in sight, and after -remaining in the cross trees two hours, he came down -and said he saw it. A short time after the cry was -heard, “the pilot boat is coming.” Sails were furled, -and the pilot was soon on board. In the meantime some -one cried “three cheers for Capt. Woodsides!” The cry -was echoed by the crowd, and Capt. Woodsides looked -bullets. A flag was placed on the bow, a steamer came -alongside and towed us over the bar, where our Captain -anchored. We now draw water up the sides of the ship, -for we are in the Mississippi river, 100 miles from New<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span> -Orleans. The water is good and there is plenty of it, as -the river is full. Every man has just as much as he can -use, and we use it freely enough. After supper I went -to my bunk, but found it too warm to rest in, so I took -my blanket, and laid down, as usual, in the gangway—but -not being able to stretch my feet out, in consequence -of a sack of bacon in the way, I got up and searched -about, and at length found an empty bunk of some one -who had gone on deck to spend the night. I felt weak -and sick from the heat.</p> - -<p><i>16th.</i>—We drew our water from the river to get some -breakfast, the sailors are washing off the deck, and if -any man happens in the way, he is sure of having a -bucket full thrown on him; of course several of our boys -have had a good drenching. At 8 o’clock a steamer -took us in tow. As we proceeded up the Mississippi, we -beheld on its banks large plantations of the sugar cane -which present a lovely contrast with some countries over -which I have marched. On the left side of the river is -Fort Jackson, now nearly in ruins, but still a beautiful -place. With several of our men I slept on the deck of -the steamer. We were all in good spirits at the prospect -of getting home, though the want of a change of clothes -at this particular juncture is keenly felt. Some are covered -with filth, and vermin, which have kept their hiding -places within our garments, for many a long day.</p> - -<p><i>17th.</i>—We are now among the thick settlements, and -sugar plantations which line the river as we approach the -city. I remained most of the night on deck, and ate an -early breakfast of the usual diet. Afterwards Capt. Hudson -had one of the big guns taken up, and fired a salute -as we passed a pretty little village. We are now on the -site of the battle ground, where General Jackson fought -the English in 1814—continued our course up the river, -and fired several times. At last, we were safely landed -on the wharf in New Orleans. Upon my head there was -no hat, having lost my last remnant overboard in the -gulf. My pants, I had thrown away three days before, -because (being composed of deerskin worn into tatters,) -I despaired of making them look decent. A pair of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span> -drawers, rather the worse for wear, and an old overcoat, -constituted my dress. If, to this description of my person -I add that my hair, beard, and mustachios, had been -left to vegetate undisturbed ever since I left Fort Leavenworth, -then some idea may be formed of the accomplished -soldiers of Col. Doniphan’s command.</p> - -<p><i>18th.</i>—In company with twelve others I got in an omnibus -to search for some clothes and quarters; came three -miles to a large clothing establishment, where our wants -as to garments were soon supplied. The barber next -exercised his skill, and it was with many an amusing jest -and laugh that we regarded each others altered and improved -appearance. Comfortable quarters were secured, -and to-night I am reposing in a quiet boarding house. -Here I feel that no homage of my soul is profound -enough to render due adoration to that gracious Providence -Who has protected and guided me, while marching -over the wild plains, and through the mountain -passes of Mexico.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“Deserts in vain opposed our onward course;</div> -<div class="indent">O’er hostile lands and wild untravelled wastes,</div> -<div class="verse">Our journey we pursued, nor feared the floods,</div> -<div class="indent">Through deep ravines that flow; dire banked with death;</div> -<div class="verse">Nor mountains in whose jaws destruction grinned.</div> -<div class="indent">Though floods rapacious roaring as they rolled,</div> -<div class="verse">And mountains huge and rough were circled round</div> -<div class="indent">By roving bands of restless savage foes.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p><i>22nd.</i>—On Sunday last I went to the M. E. Church -and listened to an excellent sermon. I was kindly invited -by a stranger, who introduced himself to me, to -dine and spend the evening with him. I complied with -his request and was pleasantly entertained. After tea I -returned to my boarding house, which is kept by a Mr. -Wren, and whose charge is moderate, viz. $4 per week. -On my first introduction here I committed a blunder, the -thought of which has frequently caused me to smile. It -shows the contrast between a camp life and the more -polished proceedings of life in the city. When I was -called to the first meal, I seated myself at the table in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span> -presence of my hostess, and commenced operations as I -supposed in a manner the most polite and refined. Casting -a glance at the lady I observed that she was eyeing -me with a curious interest. The smile that played upon -her lip told me that she was amused at some awkwardness -of mine or some oddity in my appearance. And -what was my surprise when I found that I had jerked -my old knife from my pocket and was cutting my meat -placed upon my bread in my usual way. The habit had -been fixed upon me, and notwithstanding the neat -arrangements of the table I could not resist the propensity -to indulge in my camp customs.</p> - -<p><i>26th.</i>—On board the steamer Louisville bound for -Cincinnati. The boat is crowded, but a mattress on -which to lie is a luxury. A few hours ago, I parted with -many of my fellow soldiers and friends, with feelings -which it is impossible for me to describe. I am not in a -situation to continue with the regiment until it reaches its -final destination. My mouth is so sore that the least -effort to masticate my food is very painful, and I cannot -eat, now that I have before me all the luxuries of life; -and even if I could it would be improper for me to do so, -on account of a long continued diarrhœa and pain in my -breast and side. I feel that I am greatly changed when I -compare the present with the time when I last glided -over this beautiful stream. Then so full of health and -anticipations of pleasures and happiness, now, a sick -soldier—a mere skeleton of a man, bronzed by the burning -rays of a Mexican sun, and worn down by the prolonged -fatigue of travelling, watching and toil. I regret -very much that I cannot go to St. Louis, as requested -by Col. Doniphan, where an enthusiastic reception is -awaiting him. To express myself in <i>measured terms</i> -about our Commander, would not be expressive of my -feelings, and I feel how utterly incompetent I am to utter -his eulogy. The man who can familiarise himself with -the poorest private, by some kind word, or ride among the -troops, and make us forget that we were hungry or thirsty -by some pleasant converse, in our long and toilsome -march;—the man who can forget his own personal<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span> -safety in the hour of danger, and rise superior to every -embarrassment—who can be prepared for every emergency, -by superior skill in the tactics of war—as well as -a refined sense of honor, and an open suavity of manner, -not only leading captive the hearts of his entire command, -but thousands of the hostile foe—such a man is a treasure -to society, an honor to his country. And, such a -man, is the brave Doniphan. It was with the feelings -of a brother or a friend to whom I owed many obligations, -that I grasped the hand of this great man, who -kindly wished me a safe return to my family.</p> - -<p><i>27th.</i>—Our noble steamer has made good headway up -the river, passed Baton Rouge, and at nine o’clock at -night came in sight of Natchez.</p> - -<p><i>28th.</i>—Passed the Grand Gulf at 10, and at 2 got to -Vicksburg. The pleasure of feasting my eyes on scenes -so lovely, and which are presented by a trip to the -“Father of Waters,” compensates for any little inconvenience -arising from our crowded state.</p> - -<p><i>30th.</i>—At this time we are near Memphis. There is -some excitement on board. A man laboring under the -effects of mania potu is quite crazy, and has attempted -several times to jump overboard. Just now he entered -the ladies’ cabin and struck his wife; one of our officers -interfered, and soon placed him on his back. But a further -attempt to kill his child made it necessary to secure -him. With several others I entered the ladies’ cabin, -and helped to tie this <i>gentleman</i>. He made much useless -resistance.</p> - -<p><i>July 1st.</i>—Slept but little—the surrounding bustle -and noises mingled strangely with dreamy anticipations of -soon receiving the cordial welcome of friends, that I -fondly think that are eagerly awaiting me in my native -home.</p> - -<p><i>West River, July 10th.</i>—Let no brave soldier say he -cannot shed tears of joy, when clasped in the arms of -his aged, widowed mother, after an absence of nearly -two years, in which he has encountered the perils of -both land and sea—travelling nearly 6000 miles, 2200 -being through the heart of an enemy’s country, and -witnessing death in every shape and feature.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span>It were an endless task to attempt any thing like a -minute description of that part of Mexico through which -we travelled. Our route lay for the most part, on the -Rio Grande del Norte, whose head waters rise in the -Green Mountains, several hundred miles above Santa -Fe. It forms the western boundary of Texas, and can -be easily forded at almost any point above El Paso. In -the dry season it is extremely low, and can be of very -little importance for navigation, except near its mouth, -which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. It is thought this -river has a course of from 15 to 1800 miles. The country -is elevated: being traversed by a range of mountains -extending far to the northward. Among the inhabitants, -I saw every shade of complexion, from a dark swarthy, -or yellow, to the palest white. But few are handsome -among the ladies; and this is principally to be attributed -to their great love of coloring the skin with red paint. -The mountaineers are mostly poor, and almost universally -destitute of every thing beyond the bare necessaries of -life. Their flocks and herds constitute their principal -riches, and their implements of husbandry are all of the -most simple character. Their ploughing such as it is—is -effected by a wooden plough, to which is attached two -or four oxen, and the wheat is slightly covered over, -having been previously sown on the hard ground. There -are some fertile valleys in this mountainous range, but -the poor simple inhabitants have very little idea of taking -advantage of the natural resources of their country. -After we left Chihuahua, fields of cotton and corn, interspersed -at intervals with the sugar cane, presented themselves. -The ranchos are always about a day’s journey -apart, and the whole aspect of nature in these delightful -spots, is one of the most inviting that can be imagined, as -a field of operation, for the industry and art of man. The -soil here is fertile, and what is generally termed bottom land; -and with proper culture would be made as productive as -any of our western lands, as the climate is more genial. -They grow only a few vegetables, of which the red pepper -appears to be a favorite, these they string and hang -on the outsides of their houses so thick that on approaching<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span> -I frequently thought I should see a painted dwelling, -but was to see only a miserable dirty hut. The mines -of Mexico afford her principal wealth, but of this the -poorer classes obtain but little, they are kept in ignorance -and degradation by a government which has borne -the name of Republican, but which every one who -sojourns in that country must soon discover to be a -mockery, for the mass of the people are subject alone to -the will of the Roman clergy, and are not free to act. -There is no slave in any of our Southern States whose -situation they have not reason to envy. The women are -more degraded if possible than the men, and more slovenly -in their appearance, and while this is the case in any -country the morals of the people must remain at a low -grade. Since my return, I have heard of the enthusiastic -reception of Col. Doniphan at St. Louis, an account -of which I annex as published in the Baltimore American. -Our business was not, however, to see all that was -worth seeing, but to hurry on to the place we started -for and when arrived at that to make arrangements to -hurry on again.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">COL. DONIPHAN’S MARCH.</h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> the recent reception of the Missouri volunteers under -Col. Doniphan at St. Louis, the address of welcome -was delivered by Mr. Senator Benton. The speech is -characteristic—exhibiting that clear and graphic narrative -and those strong and concentrated expressions for -which the Senator is remarkable.</p> - -<p>The orator gave an outline of the long march of this -gallant regiment—first, a thousand miles to New Mexico, -which became a starting point of a new departure. -Then Chihuahua was aimed at—Chihuahua, a rich and -populous city of nearly thirty thousand souls, the seat of -the government of the state of that name, and formerly -the residence of the Captains General of the Internal -Provinces under the vice-regal government. In advancing -towards Chihuahua the adventurous regiment encountered -incredible hardships. They passed over the -desert called <i>el jornada de los muertos</i>—the journey of -the dead—an arid plain of ninety miles strewed with the -bones of animals perished of hunger and thirst and -marked by continual mementos of men who had fallen -victims to the perilous way. They fought the enemy -at the Bracito, and gained a decisive victory although -opposed by superior numbers strong in cavalry and artillery. -Again at Sacramento the intrepid band fought -and conquered a vastly superior force. Mr. Benton calls -that victory “one of the military marvels of the age.” At -length Chihuahua is reached and taken; and there the bold -adventurers must pause to determine which way next they -shall direct their steps. They had occupied a city about -as far from St. Louis as Moscow is from Paris. Let -Col. Benton’s graphic narrative be heard:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span>“Chihuahua gained, it became, like Santa Fe, not the -terminating point of a long expedition, but the beginning -point of a new one. Gen. Taylor was somewhere—no -one knew exactly where—but some seven or eight -hundred miles towards the other side of Mexico. You -had heard that he had been defeated—that <i>Buena Vista</i> had -not been a <i>good prospect</i> to him. Like good Americans -you did not believe a word of it; but like good soldiers, -you thought it best to go and see. A volunteer party -of fourteen, headed by Collins of Boonville, undertake to -penetrate to Saltillo, and to bring you information of his -condition. They set out. Amidst innumerable dangers -they accomplish their purpose; and return. You march. -A vanguard of one hundred men, led by Lieut. Colonel -Mitchell, led the way. Then came the main body, (if -the name is not a burlesque on such a handful,) commanded -by Col. Doniphan himself.</p> - -<p>“The whole table land of Mexico, in all its breadth, -from west to east, was to be traversed. A numerous -and hostile population in towns—treacherous Cumanches -in the mountains—were to be passed. Every thing -was to be self-provided—provisions, transportation, -fresh horses for remounts, and even the means of victory—and -all without a military chest, or even an empty box, -in which government gold had ever reposed. All -was accomplished. Mexican towns were passed, in order -and quiet: plundering Cumanches were punished: -means were obtained from traders to liquidate indispensable -contributions: and the wants that could not be supplied, -were endured like soldiers of veteran service.</p> - -<p>“I say the Cumanches were punished. And here presents -itself an episode of a novel, extraordinary, and romantic -kind—Americans chastising savages for plundering -people who they themselves came to conquer, and -forcing the restitution of captives and of plundered property. -A strange story this to tell in Europe, where -back-woods character, western character, is not yet completely -known. But to the facts. In the muskeet forest -of the <i>Bolson de Mapimi</i>, and in the sierras around the -beautiful town and fertile district of Parras, and in all the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span> -open country for hundreds of miles round about, the savage -Cumanches have held dominion ever since the usurper -Santa Anna disarmed the people; and sally forth from their -fastnesses to slaughter men, plunder cattle, and carry off -women and children. An exploit of this kind had just -been performed on the line of the Missourians’ march, -not far from Parras, and an advanced party chanced to -be in that town at the time the news of the depredation -arrived there. It was only fifteen strong. Moved by -gratitude for the kind attentions of the people, especially -the women, to the sick of General Wool’s command, -necessarily left in Parras, and unwilling to be outdone -by enemies in generosity, the heroic fifteen, upon the -spot, volunteered to go back, hunt out the depredators, -and punish them, without regard to numbers. A grateful -Mexican became their guide. On their way they fell -in with fifteen more of their comrades; and, in short -time, seventeen Cumanches killed out of sixty-five, -eighteen captives restored to their families, and three -hundred and fifty head of cattle recovered for their owners, -was the fruit of this sudden and romantic episode.</p> - -<p>“Such noble conduct was not without its effect on the -minds of the astonished Mexicans. An official document -from the Prefect of the place to Captain Reid, leader -of this detachment, attests the verity of the fact, and the -gratitude of the Mexicans; and constitutes a trophy of -a new kind in the annals of war. Here it is in the original -Spanish, and I will read it off in English.</p> - -<p>“It is officially dated from the Prefecture of the Department -of Parras, signed by the Prefect Jose Ignacio -Arrabe, and addressed to Capt. Reid, the 18th of May, -and says:</p> - -<p>“‘At the first notice that the barbarians, after killing -many, and taking captives, were returning to their -haunts, you generously and bravely offered, with fifteen -of your subordinates, to fight them on their crossing by -the Pozo, executing this enterprise with celerity, address -and bravely worthy of all eulogy, and worthy of the brilliant -issue which all celebrate. You recovered many animals -and much plundered property; and eighteen captives<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span> -were restored to liberty and to social enjoyments, their -souls overflowing with a lively sentiment of joy and -gratitude, which all the inhabitants of this town equally -breathe, in favor of their generous deliverers and their -valiant chief. The half of the Indians killed in the combat, -and those which fly wounded, do not calm the pain -which all feel for the wound which your excellency received -defending christians and civilized beings against -the rage and brutality of savages. All desire the speedy -re-establishment of your health; and although they know -that in your own noble soul will be found the best reward -of your conduct, they desire also to address you the expression -of their gratitude and high esteem. I am honored in -being the organ of the public sentiment, and pray you to -accept it, with the assurance of my most distinguished -esteem.</p> - -<p>“‘God and Liberty!’”</p> - -<p>“This is a trophy of a new kind in war, won by thirty -Missourians, and worthy to be held up to the admiration -of christendom.”</p> - -<p>The regiment arrived at Gen Taylor’s camp at Monterey, -and reported themselves ready for duty. They -were prepared to go with the hero of Buena Vista to San -Luis Potosi, or Zacatecas, or the city of Mexico. They -regarded not their fatigues nor the approaching expiration -of their term of service. “But unhappily,” says Mr. -Benton, “the conqueror of Palo Alto Resaca de la Palma, -Monterey and Buena Vista, was not exactly in the condition -that the Lieutenant General, might have been, -intended him to be. He was not at the head of 20,000 -men! he was not at the head of any thousands that -would enable him to march! and had to decline the -proffered service. Thus the long marched and well -fought volunteers—the rough, the ready, and the ragged—had -to turn their faces towards home, still more than -two thousand miles distant.”</p> - -<p>The last nine hundred miles of the land march from -Chihuahua to Matamoras was made in forty-five days -with seventeen pieces of artillery, eleven of which had -been taken from the enemy. During all their long march<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span> -this regiment of hardy soldiers received from the Government -not a dollar of pay; they furnished for the most part -their own supplies and forage and clothing, and yet -brought back nearly their whole number. “You marched -farther than the farthest,” says Mr. Benton, “you -have fought as well as the best, left order and quiet in -your train, and cost less money than any.”</p> - -<p>Col. Doniphan made an eloquent address in reply to -the oration of welcome, and towards the close of it, he -turned to his men, the companions of his toils and dangers, -and said:</p> - -<p>“You have endured much toil and hardship. It is now -about to terminate. You have arrived once more in the -land of civilized society, and again we are citizens mingling -with our fellow-citizens. Your lot has been a hard -one in many respects.</p> - -<p>“Before reaching New Mexico, by two hundred -miles, you were on half rations, and never afterwards, -for a single day, during our long and arduous march to -Saltillo, did you receive full rations. Yet all this you -have borne, and you have borne it with fortitude. The -order which you received to march in Major Gilpin’s -command, with a large column, over the Sierra Madre, -covered with perpetual snow—proceeding on your march -on shortened allowance, without tents or transportation, -and many other comforts, because the Government was -unable to furnish them; yet you bore it all, and were -ready to resume your march in two days on the city of -Chihuahua. You have travelled over five states of Mexico, -and five very large ones, in point of territory.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps the citizens of St. Louis do not know what a -Bonava is, but I will answer for every man in my command, -knowing what they are. I may assure you, had -you crossed them, you too, would have known what -they are. The shortest one that we crossed was fifty -miles and one ninety-five miles, which we crossed in -three days in December, without wood, without water, -without tents, at an elevation of 7000 feet above the -Atlantic ocean. In sending expresses to the distance -of 600 miles, when I was unable to furnish them with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span> -the means of carrying provision and other comforts -with them over immense sand prairies covered with -snow, I have never made a detail, but all were volunteers, -or when I have sent out parties for the purpose of -watching the enemy who have had to starve for days, -I never made a detail in this column, but all were volunteers, -and I am proud to say it.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="ph1">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.</p> - -<p>Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.</p> -</div></div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF WILLIAM H. 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