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INTRODUCTION If the tiaie lias not yet come for the grave and impartial sum- ming up by the historian, of that interesting event — the Mexican war — it is believed that a sufficiently remote period has arrived for the publication of those Notes and Memoirs which have been prepared, and are designed, not so much to gratify any existing popular interest, as to " serve the cause of History." The writer of the following pages is aware that his subject lacks the charm of novelty. A strong and experienced ccrps of intelligent officers and literary camp-followers, armed cap-a-'pie for the campaign, have taken the field before him. Still, as the same landscape or picture, when observed from different points of view, will not unseldom present new and attractive features ; the reader may perhaps dis- cover in these Sketches, some lights and shadows to which his attention has not heretofore been directed. The history of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers (incorporated with the narrative) may be interesting to many of his fellow-citizens ; and his account of some of the leading events of the war, he trusts, will not be altogether valueless. An untrained volunteer in authorship as in arms, the writer — though not inditferent to, nor ungrateful for the approbation of others, — has been more intent upon the performance of his duty, than solicitous for the favorable opinion of his readers. Prompted by a just State pride, and the desire to discharge a merited tribute to the constancy and courage of the gallant men to whom the volume is inscribed, he has endeavored to recite plainly and briefly those inter- VI INTRODUCTION. esting events in which the troops of Ohio participatad, together with such incidents of Taylor's campaign as seemed necessary to afford the general reader a clear, connected, and comprehensive view of the war in Northern Mexico. He has quoted only such Orders, Dispatches and official documents as were required to elucidate the narrative ; the interest of which he has sought to enhance by occa- sional extracts fz'om the only history of the war as yet published by Mexicans. To his surviving fellow-soldiers, who are all doubt- less content (for the true soldier is never covetous of praise,) with the meager account of their services moldering in the archives of the War-Department, these chapters may serve to recall many scenes which time, perhaps, has already partially effaced from the tablet of memory. An eye-witness of what he describes, the writer confidently claims for it the belief of the reader ; for though his little book be but a trifling contribution to the history of the war, it is one oi facts, — collected from notes taken almost daily during the campaign. It has been no part of his purpose to discuss in these pages the question of " the origin of the ivar." Concerning that, our poli- ticians have scarcely yet ceased to pass resolutions and make speeches. The mists of passion and prejudice still hang like the smoke wreaths of battle over the unfortunate controversy. Time will soon dissipate them, and the impartial pen of some future historian will treat the subject in a manner which its magnitude and interest and justice to both nations require. However the final decision of the grave question of its causes may affect the character of our government, all will agree that its prosecution and results redound greatly to the credit and permanent benefit of the United States. For, to judge it fairly, — as a military transaction, — the numbers and positions of the forces actually INTRODUCTION. Vll engaged in the field must be regarded, ratlier tlian the power and resources of the belHgerent countries. As in all wars, we are compelled to lament among its conse- quences, the desolation of many hearts and homes ; but it has also extended the blessings of knowledge and of civil and religious liberty to thousands ; it has brought to us States, rivers and har- bors, the possession of which was alone necessary for our political and commercial pre-eminence among the natiors of the earth. IMore than this, — it has solved the problem of this country's strength ; and proved to European Powers, what they had pre- vioiisly denied, that the volunteer armies of the United States were competent to carry on extended and offensive operations and to conduct a'i"eat wars to a successful issue. These are amono- its fruits ; and it is believed that, — beside the immense accession to our territory and commerce, — the military reputation resulting from it will tend, under Providence, to aid enlightened statesmen in averting greater bloodshed hereafter. On this subject it will be sufficient to quote, in conclusion, a few lines from the admirable dispatch of our late distinguished Secre- tary of State (Mr. Everett) to the British and French governments on the subject of the proposed tripartite treaty for the protection of Cuba. In alluding to the great march of events on this continent, he thus speaks of the splendid results of the Mexican war : — " Without adverting to the difference of opinion Avhich arose in reference to this war, — as must always happen in free countries in reference to great measures, — no person, surveying these events Avith the eye of a comprehensive statesman, can fail to trace in the main result, the undoubted operation of the law of our poli- tical existence. The consequences are before the world. Vast provinces, which had languished for three centuries under the Vlll INTEODUCTION. leaden sway of a stationary system, are coming- under the influences of an active civilization. Freedom of speech and the press, the trial by jury, religious equality and representative government, have been carried by the Constitution of the United States into extensive regions in which they were unknown before. By the settlement of California the great circuit of intelligence round the globe is completed. Every addition to the territory of the Ameri- can Union has given homes to European destitution and gardens to European want. From every part of the United Kingdom, from France, from Switzerland and Germany, and from the extremest north of Europe, a march of immigration has been taken up, such as the world has never seen before. Into the United States, grown to their present extent in the manner described, but little less than half a million of the population of the Old World is annually pour- ing ; to be immediately incorporated into an industrious and pros- perous community, in the bosom of which they find political and religious liberty, social position, employment and bread." CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The annexation of Texas. Our army encamps opposite Matamoros. The Mexi- can troops cross the Rio Grande and commence hostilities. General Taylor calls for reinforcements. The war recognized by the Congress and people of the United States. Requisition upon Ohio for three regiments of volunteers. They are immediately raised and rendezvous at Camp Washington. Organization of the Ohio brigade. Embarkation of the 1st regiment. Fourth of July. General Hamer's speech. page 17 CHAPTER 11. Departure from New Orleans. Brazos Santiago. A man overboard. Scenes on the island. A fire in the rear. The mouth of the Rio Grande. Volunteers " falling back on New Orleans." Burrita. Camp Belknap. The cat-fish war. Sickness and trials of the troops. The battle-fields of Palo Alto and Resaca. p. 25 CHAPTER HI. The Mexican army under General Ampudia prepares to defend Monterey. Gen- eral Taylor's order regulating the movement to Camargo. Departure from Camp Belknap. The valley of the Rio Grande ; its people and productions. A Sabbath in Matamoros. Reynosa. A Fandango. The Stag dance. Death of a volunteer. A pleasant interchange of visits with a Mexican family. Arrive at Camargo. A glimpse at head-quarters and General Taylor. - - p. 44 CHAPTER IV. Camp scenes at Camargo. General Worth. The review. The regular troops sent forward to Cerralvo. Great sickness and mortality in the volunteer regi- X CONTENTS. ments. Character and conduct of tlie natives. Our treatment of them. The proclamation. The army and church of IMexico. Their influence on the govern- ment. Eager and enthusiastic spirit of the volunteers. Tlie Texan Rangers. Brigades organized for the field. Limited means of transportation. The Mexi- can jockeys and our horse-market. Something of a shower. General Ilamer's brigade crosses the San Juan preparatory to marching for Monterey - p. 74 CHAPTER V. Arrieros. Packing the mules. The march commenced. Trials of the first day. Cerralvo. A storm. Mustard 7>er se. Orders for continuing the march. Descrip- tion of the country. Marin. The enemy seen and heard from. A stampede. Crossing a stream. A donkey going down stern foremost. San Francisco. The army arrives before Monterey. Encamps at Santo Domingo. - - P- 108 CHAPTER VI. The reconnoissance. Beautiful view of the city and valley of Monterey. Descrip- tion of the fortifications. Worth's division sent to seize the Saltillo road, and to attack the western defenses of the town. Skirmish with the Mexican cavalry. The action of San Jeronimo. Divisions of Twiggs and Butler advanced on the north. Attack of Garland's column upon the north-east corner of the city. Its result. Advance of Quitman's brigade. Fort Teneria captured. The 1st Ohio regiment enters the town. Its operations. Charge of Lancers. Their respulse. Loss and gain of our army on the 21st of September. View of Worth's opera- tions on the 21st and 22d. The hights are stormed and the castle carried. The Mexicans retire upon their second line during the night of the 22d. Street fights on the 23d of September. The capitulation of the 24th. Taylor's letter vindi- cating it. General Ampudia's proclamation. p. 141 CHAPTER VII. The army at San Dvmingo. Texan Rangers discharged. The wounded sent home. A new camp established. Discipline of the 1st regiment of Ohio volun- teers. Lights and shadows of camp life. Our commissariat and the meat bis- cuit. The " spotted tiger " and " striped pig." Savage spirit of the Mexicans. Assassination of Father Rey. The Sierra Silla. Scenery hunters in a bad case. A day in Monterey. Condition of the battle-field. Death of Brigadier General CONTENTS. XI Hamer. His character and services. Military events of the autumn reviewed. Sallillo and Tampico abandoned by the enemy. The Mexican forces concen- trated under General Santa Anna at San Luis de Potosi. Columns of Generals Kearney and Wool. Proposition of the American government referred by Santa Anna to the Mexican Congress. The armistice terminated. Worth's division occupy Saltillo. Twiggs' and Quitman's march to Victoria. - - p. 219 CHAPTER Vni. False reports. Why and how^ we went to Saltillo. The loan of a donkey. Forced march across the Sierra Madre. Mountain scenery. La Rinconada. The Aloe plant. Los Muertos. The tierra templada. Bivouac at the Palomas pass. Conduct of the natives. A cotton factory. Scarcity of fuel. Sufferings of the troops. Rabbit hunts. A visit to Saltillo. Christmas-eve. Another stampede. Lassoing a team. Return to Monterey. p. 253 CHAPTER IX. Monterey garrisoned by our regiment. The battalion of San Patricio. How the monks of San Francisco diddled us. A few words about volunteer troops. Expedition against Vera Cruz. Arrival of General Scott in Mexico. His letter to General Taylor. Its bearer, Lieutenant Richey, killed. The divisions of Worth, Twiggs and Patterson sent back to the coast General Taylor returns to Monterey. His letter to General Scott. Scouting parties captured by the enemy. Taylor hastens to join Wool at Saltillo. Changes his head-quarters to Agua Nueva. Reasons for taking that position. Advance of Santa Anna. Taylor falls back to Buena Vista. Sights and sounds at Monterey. General Urrea moves from Tula upon our line. He captures Lieutenant Barbour's train. Besieges Lieutenant Colonel Irvin at Marin. Attacks Colonel Morgan's bat- talion. Glorious news from Buena Vista. p. 275 CHAPTER X. Bearers of dispatches from head-quarters arrive at Monterey. We prepare to escort them to Camargo. A train tacked on. Description of the convoy. Appearance of the country and villages. The massacre near Ramas. The affair with the Mexican cavalry at Cerralvo. General Urrea retreats to Tamau- lipas. Friendly reception by the citizens of Cerralvo. Pronunciamiento of the Xll CONTENTS. teamsters. Arrival of Colonel Curtis' command. We resume our march to Camargo. Fortifications of that town. Another march to Monterey. Mustang Gray. Wholesale slaughter of Rancheros near Marin. - - - p. 296 CHAPTER XL Condition of General Taylor's army after the battle of Buena Vista. Tranquility restored in Northern Mexico. Courts established. Glance at General Scott's campaign. The homeward march. p. 337 ERRATUM. On page 273, line 22, read " skirting the road." SKETCHES OF THE CAMPAIGN IN NORTHERN MEXICO. CHAPTER 1. The Annexation of Texas — Our Army encamps opposite Matamoros — The Mexi- can Troops cross the Rio Grande and commence hostilities— General Taylor calls for reinforcements — The War recognized by the Congress and people of the United States — Requisition upon Ohio for three Regiments of Volunteers — They are immediately raised and rendezvous at Camp Washington — Organization of the Ohio Brigade— Embarkation of the First Regiment— The Fourth of July — General Hamer's speech. At the commencement of President Polk's Administration, our country was involved in two very serious disputes with foreign powers : one with England, the other with Mexico ; the subject of the former, the boundary of Oregon ; of the latter, that of Texas. Although " Fifty-four Forty or Fight " had been the shihholeth of the government party in the na- .tional election just passed, the Cabinet at Washington did not seem to think it altogether politic to prosecute both of these quarrels with arms. The Oregon question was, there- fore, unraveled by negotiation ; that of Texas, cut with the sword. Whether the latter could also have been peaceably adjusted, is one of the questions connected wdth the origin of 2 14 THE AKMY OF OCCUrATION. the war which it is not my purpose to discuss. Non nostrum tantas comjponere lites. Pending the settlement of the interesting ante-nuptial con- tracts between " Uncle Sam " (who, besides being a sad old Mormon in his polygamous tendencies, has a decided pen- chant for the dark-eyed daughters of the South) and Texas, and which resulted in their union ; the troops of the former were sent to occupy a convenient position in the territory of the latter, with a view of meeting promptly any presumptu- ous Mexican knights who might approach to forbid the bans. The command of this " Army of Occupation " was entrusted to General Z. Taylor, whose prudence and firmness eminently qualified him for a task of such importance and delicacy. From August, 1845, to March, 1846, he remained encamped at Corpus Christi, a healthful and convenient location on the coast of Texas. Many years had elapsed since so large a portion of our army had been concentrated in the field, and the general commanding availed himself of the opportunity to establish a system of instruction and discipline, which con- tributed greatly to its subsequent success. Meanwhile the annexation of Texas — the casus helli — was consummated. The " lone star " was added to our glorious banner, and the President announced the event as a bloodless achievement. But he, and all of us, learned ere long that " Those who in quarrels interpose, Must often wipe a bloody nose." Our government, believing that the limits of the new state extended to the Rio Bravo del Norte, instructed General Tay- TAYLOK ENCAMPS OrPOSlTE MATAMOKOS. H lor to break up his camp at Corpus Christi, aud march to th( left bank of that river. If, as many have supposed, the de sign of this movement was simply to quicken the tardy pace of Mexican diplomacy, an unfortunate mistake was evidentb committed in estimating the means necessary to accomplish that object. The little army of three thousand men, whicJ General Taylor displayed upon the frontier, rather invitei than averted the threatened war. In the presence of a large: force, it is by no means certain that Paredes, the Dictator o: " the magnanimous Mexican nation," would have ventured to authorize those bold aud ofiensive operations which led so suddenly to the first shock of arms. On the 11th of March, General Taylor marched from Cor- pus Christi. In the latter part of the same month, after establishing a depot at Point Isabel, he encamped opposite Matamoros ; the garrison of which town was soon afterwards reinforced by a strong division of troops from the interior, under General Arista. From that camp, which the Americans hastened to fortify, " the flag of the stars " was unfurled ; and the Mexican authorities were informed that the United States claimed all the territory north of the Rio Grande. There and then, too, was begun that military correspondence in whicl the American general proved himself an accomplished master and by which, no less than by his valor and humanity, he won the admiration of his countrymen. In the following month (April, 181:6) were shed the first red drops of the long impending storm, which, it was even then hoped, would pass away like an April cloud. The Mex lean cavalry, having crossed the river, succeeded in killing 16 THE WAR KECOGNISED. and capturing some officers and small detachments of our army. Encouraged by the good fortune attending these skir- mishes, and the comparatively small number of the opposing camp, General Arista, on the 1st of May, passed his army to the Texan bank of the Rio Grande, and displayed there, for 'he last time, the banner of his arrogant and vain-glorious country. Learning the hostile attitude of the Mexican gen- eral, the American commander immediately called upon the States of Louisiana and Texas for troops. In the meantime, le determined to keep open the communication between his depot at Point Isabel and his camp opposite Matamoros, both of which were now seriously menaced, — Arista having taken in intermediate position, at Palo Alto, with the design of brcing a battle. Notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, Taylor did not decline the combat ; but in a characteristic iespatch from Point Isabel, May 7th, he informed his govern- ment that he should march that day for Matamoros, and adds, " if the enemy oppose my march, in whatever force, I shall fight him." The Federal government, meanwhile, informed of the crit- ical position of its army, was seized with apprehension for its safety and success ; and, on the 11th of May, the President ient a message to Congress communicating the startling in- .'elligence that war existed with Mexico, and this almost be- fore the announcement that annexation was a " bloodless achievement " had ceased to echo through the halls of the Capitol. On the following day, a bill was passed, by large majorities in both branches of the National Legislature, rec- ognizing the war ; appropriating ten millions of dollars, and OPPOSITION TO THE WAR, 17 authorizing the President to accept the services of fifty thons- and volunteers for its prosecution. It is, perhaps, to be re- gretted that there was not perfect unanimity in favor of that important measure ; and, indeed, for an earnest and energetic pursuit of the war throughout, — all opposition to which should then have been silenced by humanity, if not by policy and pa- triotism. To abandon or denounce the government in such an alarming crisis, would only serve to prolong the contest. Peace once broken with such a people — ignorant of our power, and boastful of their own — could only be conquered, and that most effectively and speedily, by united councils at home, and resolute and vigorous action in the field. An accomplished historian (Macaulay) has well remarked, that "if there be any truth established by the universal experience of nations, it is this : that to carry the spirit of peace into war, is a weak and cruel policy. The time of negotiation is the time for de- liberation and delay. But when an extreme case calls for that remedy, which is in its own nature most violent, and which, in such cases, is a remedy only because it is violent, it is idle to think of mitigating and diluting. Languid war can do nothing which negotiation or submission will not dc better ; and to act on any other principle is not to save blood and money, but to squander them." But I have no quarrel with the opponents of the Mexican war bills. According to the venerable Senator from Michi- gan, they have not been singular in their sentiment of hos- tility to the cause of their country.* K, however, they, or any * " I have seen a great deal of this political perversity, — this unpatriotic predis- position, which prompts many men always to take part against their country, what- 18 ENTHUSIASM FOK THE WAE. /vho may come after us, shall perchance, in their efforts to arrest ;he progress of this Republic, either in peace or war, be run over and crippled by that new and powerful American engine ycleped, — " manifest destiny," — let them not complain if the popular decision should be as usual, " no blame is attached to the company." But a decided majority of the people, as ;vell as of the Congress, of the United States, were far from ^eing averse to a war with Mexico, whose wrongs and insults :o American citizens had been greater for a series of years than those inflicted by all other nations combined. Hence, when it was known that American blood had been shed, and that " the question had reached a point where words must vive place to acts," the alacrity with which the people ten- lered their services to the government. Hence the general nthusiasm, the many public meetings, and the generous con- ver be the position in which she is placed. I do not recollect a single controversy n which we have been involved with a foreign power, since I have been on the tage of action, when the whole sentiment of the country was united in the cause if the country. I doubt if there is another people on the face of the globe whose listory presents so many instances of this want of true national pride — patriotism •ather — as our own. Whether it results from any peculiar political idiosyncrasy, [ know not ; or whether our party feelings are so strong that we are blinded by .hem, and led, in their vehemence, to think, that all is wrong our opponents do; or, t may be, at any rate so far as England is concerned, that some of the old colonial eaven remains, which leavens much of the lump. Be it one or the other, or whatever else, the deplorable consequence is certain ; and the sentiment of Decatur, !iot less noble than just, — " Our country, right or wrong " — which, being truly un- lerstood, — felt rather — means that when embarked in a controversy with a foreign ration, it becomes every true citizen, after the course of his country has been de- cided by the constitutional authority, to submit to that authority, and to support her ^•ause, and not the cause of her foes. This noble sentiment finds many who repu- iiate it, — many who possess the character, without possessing the feelings, of Amer- can citizens." — Extract from a speech delivered by General Cass, in the Senate, Jan- lary Ibih, 1853, on the resolution reaffirming the Monroe doctrine, concerning the Col- nization nf this Continent. REQUISITION FOR OHIO TROOPS. 19 tributions for the support of the families of those whose poverty would otherwise have prevented their enlistment. It was determined by the War Department to call into im- mediate service but twenty thousand of the fifty thousand men which the President was authorized to employ. Most of these troops were furnished by the Western States, — Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee — as indeed was the largest portion of those subsequently raised. These five States sent twenty-six regiments of volunteers to the field, besides a very considerable number of recruits for both the old and new regi- ments of the regular army. A requisition for thirty compa- nies (three regiments) was the first made upon Ohio ; and Governor Bartley, on the 20th of May, issued a proclamation appealing to the courage and patriotism of the State to render promptly the required aid. Soon afterwards, Samuel R. Cur- tis, Adjutant General of the State, established a general ren- dezvous at Camp Washington, near Cincinnati, to w^hich companies were ordered to repair as soon as organized. In less than two weeks after the requisition of the War Depart- ment was received in Ohio, three thousand of her people, having gladly responded to their country's call, were march- ing towards the rendezvous ; and before the middle of June, the tents of forty companies were pitched at Camp Washing- ton. I recall with pleasure, and record with pride, the zeal and enthusiasm with which the " young giant of the West " rushed to the conflict, standing, as it does, in favorable con- trast with the conduct of other States, whose chivalry and patriotism it is the fashion to applaud. During the month of June, companies were assembled at 20 CAMP WASHINGTON, Camp "Washington from all quarters of the State. They were chiefly from the rural districts, where the volunteers had fol- lowed those manly and laborious avocations that trained them admirably for the fatigues of war. But every trade and pro- fession was represented in the ranks, so that it was no difficult matter, throughout the campaign, to obtain, upon call, a corps of skillful laborers in any branch of industry. There were workers in metal, wood and leather, — men who could make clothes, harness, wagons, mills, bridges, forts, laws, and pills ; all of whom, of course, knew how to make a charge. Several more companies than were necessary to fill the requisition, came to the rendezvous, and those last to arrive were sent home ; not, however, without much clamor and dissatisfac- tion. But in the following year (1847) some new battalions were raised in Ohio, thus aflbrding the disappointed fire-eaters the desired opportunity of "seeing the elephant," or of " rev- eling in the Halls of the Montezumas," as the phrase went. Governor Bartley having divided the thirty companies re- tained at the camp into three regiments, the officers immedi- ately set about completing their organization by the election of field-officers. Though they were naturally desirous of promoting some of their own numbers, yet two of the regi- ments very disinterestedly conferred their colonelcys upon gentlemen who had not been connected with the volunteers, with a view of securing the benefits of their previous mili- tary experience. And here it may be remarked, that the company officers — who were the electors of the regimental officers — had themselves been previously chosen from the Tanks, after having been sworn in as privates. Such, at least, OHIO TROOPS ORGANIZED. 21 was the just and honorable practice, so far as my observation extended. The three regiments organized at Camp Wash- ington, were composed and commanded as follows ; First Regiment, Colonel A.M. Mitchell ; comprising com- panies from Cincinnati, Dayton, Hamilton, Portsmouth, Georgetown, and Sandusky. Second Regiment, Colonel G. W. Morgan ; composed of companies from Athens, Columbus, Mount Vernon, Newark, Logan, Lancaster, Circleville, Chillicothe, and Hillsborough. Third Regiment, Colonel S. R. Curtis ; of companies from Mansfield, Massilon, Wooster, Norwalk, Steuben ville, St. Clairsville, Coshocton, Zanesville, and Seneca. This Buckeye brigade was soon afterwards reviewed by Gen. Wool, (who was then en route to take command of the column assembling in Texas for the reduction of Chihuahua,) and mustered into the service of the United States for one year. Though within the influence of the many allurements of a populous city, but few of the thousands assembled at the camp failed to apply themselves diligently to the task of learn- ing their new profession. The garb and vocation of the citizen were abandoned together ; and with his uniform the volunteer assumed the duties of a soldier. Crowds of citizens from all parts of Ohio, attracted by various motives, were in daily attendance at Camp Washington. Among them were many eminent clergymen, who distributed Bibles and fre- quently addressed the troops. The sermons of those gentle- men were, as a volunteer remarked, " the only rations of religion issued during the campaign ;" for in the army there are no Sabbaths, no days of rest and worship, as they who read these pages will not fail to observe. 22 THE TROOPS EMBARK AT CINCINNATI, Contrary to expectation, but little sickness prevailed in the encampment ; and there was only one death during the month we remained at the rendezvous. Toward the end of June, our regiment, (the 1st,) having obtained its outfit of clothing and camp equipage, struck its tents, and entered that shining path which leads " to glory and the grave." The streets of Cincinnati through which we marched, to embark upon " La Belle Riviere^'' were filled with a dense multitude of specta- tors. There were mothers, wives, sweethearts, fathers, bro- thers, friends, who eagerly scanned the passing ranks for some familiar face ; to which, when recognized, they ran to add another blessing and a last adieu. The friendly volleys of artillery that announced our departure from the wharf, shook stout hearts that afterwards remained unmoved, when " death spoke in every booming shot that knelled upon the ear." Many there were in that band of citizen soldiers, who gazed for the last time upon the beautiful " Queen City of the West," then arrayed in the brilliant robes of summer ; on her shoulders, a mantle of the richest green ; in her hair, fruitful vines and fragrant flowers ; her imperial head tiaraed with gems of rural architecture that sparkled brightly in the morning sun. The Fourth of July found us afloat on the Mississippi, and still many hundreds of miles above New Orleans. The sol- diers, who had not then ceased to be sovereigns, were not disposed to let the birth day of Independence pass by without the usual amount of jollity and speechifying. With a famili- arity, and in terms that would doubtless have shocked the martinets of the regular army, several oflicers were "called GENEKAL IIAMER. — EMBARK FOR THE BRAZOS. 23 out," and addressed the troops. The last, and of course the best speaker, was General Hamer, who possessed an extended and enviable reputation as an orator, but whom it had never been my good fortune to hear until that day ; and never before or since have I listened to a more witching speech. His manner was natural ; his gestures, graceful'; his words well selected from an abundant store ; his figures, beautiful and striking ; and his voice, clear and musical as a trumpet. As a few of the men had previously evinced a mutinous dis- position, he seized the occasion to denounce a spirit so dan- gerous to the happiness of the soldier and the success of the regiment. He illustrated the importance of subordination and discipline by examples from history ; he dwelt upon the privations and sufferings of the men of the Revolution ; teaching his hearers that glory was the sweet fruit of toil and danger, not of idleness and pleasure. " For sluggard's brow the laurel never grows, Renown is not the child of indolent repose." Such a speech was not without its influence, and proved again the superior efficacy of words wisely wielded, in the conquest of human passions. Hamer was indeed a perfect master of that eloquence which, either in sprightly conversa- tion or grave discourse, went directly to the soldiers' hearts. Early in July we arrived at New Orleans, whence the regi- ment immediately sailed for Brazos Santiago, leaving the writer, who had been attacked by fever on the Mississippi, to mend or end his humble existence in that city, not remarkable for its salubrity in the dog days. Two long weeks of solitude and pain there passed heavily by, during which time the sound 24: Taylor's campaign. of artillery and the hurrahs of the crowds that thronged the streets, daily penetrated to his chamber, announcing the arri- val of troops from the North, and their departure for the hostile shores of Mexico, The governors of Louisiana and Texas, upon whom, it will be remembered, General Taylor had called for reinforce- ments, had long previous complied with his requisition ; but their troops, though raised almost as quickly as the fabled battalions of Cadmus, and transported with the speed of steam, arrived too late to share the first harvest of laurels. The battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma had been fought and won by our gallant little army. The nation, that had awaited the shock with breathless anxiety, was dazzled by the radiance of those brilliant victories. From that hour, " Old Rough and Ready" became the first of living men in the hearts of his countrymen ; and as the gloom of war deep- ened, the glittering galaxy of his manly virtues shone out with that enduring lustre, which no subsequent calumny could obscure. The battles on the Rio Grande opened a compaign, which, terminating with the perilous conflict on the heights of Buena Yista, need not shrink from a comparison with any in our history ; and whatever may be the verdict of posterity concerning the justice of the war, it must ever be conceded that it was conducted on our part with great hu- manity, and waged to a successful issue with a skill and prowess never surpassed in any quarter of the globe. CHAPTER II. Departure from New Orleans— Brazos Santiago—" A man overboard "—Scenes on the Island— A fire in the rear— Tlie mouth of the Rio Grande— Volunteers " fall- ing back on New Orleans" — Burrita— Camp Belknap — The cat-fish war — Sick- ness and trials of the troops— The battle fields of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. Despairing of convalescence in the atmosphere of New Orleans, and being anxious to join our regiment before the contemplated invasion of Mexico should be set on foot, a brother officer, also an invalid, and myself, concerted ar- rangements to decamp. Our medical attendant offered no serious objections, either because he thought our chance of recovery as good in one place as another, or agreed with us in believing that the voyage across the Gulf would dissipate the slow, burning fever which his potions had failed to extinguish. We therefore caused ourselves to be conveyed on board the steamer "Alabama," then about to start for Brazos Santiago. In her cabin were assembled forty or fifty officers, and on her decks a crowd of volunteers ; many of whom, like ourselves, were feeble and emaciated from recent sickness, and not very redoubtable looking soldiers certainly. But all were filled with the ardor and ambition of youth, and were hastening with joyful anticipations to range themselves under the standard of the gallant General from whom they were to receive their first lessons in the art of war. We left New Orleans on the 26th of July, 1846, and anchored off the Brazos before daylight 20 AKKIVE AT THE JUiAZOS, on tliG morning of tlie 29tli. The weatlier was intensely hot. Not a breath of wind ruffled the smooth glassy surface of the Gulf, and during the three days occu})ied in the passage, the feverish invalids watched and panted in vain for the sea breeze which we had hoped would invigorate our wasted bodies. Thanks to the genius of Fulton, ours was a steam ship, and, heedless of the calm, glided in triuraj)!! over the slumbering sea. Many unfortunate companies, transported in sail vessels, were two weeks on the voyage. An officer of my acquaintance was becalmed ten days, in a filthy little schooner, in whicli, as he gravely informed us, " the pas- sengers had to fight like terriers to keep the rats from the cabin table." He ever afterwards spoke of the voyage as the veritable purgatory between heaven (the United States) and hell (Mexico) ; commencing many a story or jest with the preface — •" When I was in purgatory." At dawn on tluj 29th, we hastened on deck to see the land which Sj)aniK]i cliivulry and more recently American courage had invested with charms that kindled the most romantic spirit of adventure. Next to the classic shores of the Medi- terranean, those of Mexico and Central America, yet so rich in relics of ancient art, had long been most interesting to me. Who, ])ernHiiig the brilliant pages of Prescott, does not desire to visit the grand and beautiful scenes, he so grandly and beautifully describes ? To revel among the intoxicating perfumes and liowery plains of the tierra oaliente ; to wander among the verdant fields and fruits of the tierra terrvplada ; to gaze upon the magnificent scenery and wonderful exhibitions of Aztec civilization displayed in ])roiuBion throughout the TlIK DKUAliKATlON. tierra fria! To conqiiei' the dcscciuhinta of the Spanish conqncrors, iind to phmt the lla<; of our young- republic upon the capital reared centuries ago above the ruins o^ Montczuuurs palaces! AVhat prosi)ect more captivating to the youthful imagination 'i Our first glimpse, liowever, of the hostile coast, Avas not particularly fascinating. The country before us, laintly re- vealed in the glimmering light of the morning, seemed to be but "a dreary waste, ex]ninding to the sky." A narrow belt of sand, stretching northwanl as far as the eye could reach, lay between us and the main land. This was inter- sected by shallow channels, which formed los h-a:i'os do San lago^ the arms of ISt. James. On one of the Islands thus formed, was located our ])rincipal army depot ; and on the opposite side of the broad lagoon, which was spread out be- tween the Island and the main, was Point Isabel. A number of large transports lay around us, all full o1" troops, anxiously awaiting their turn to bo disembarkeil. It was live miles irom the anchorage to the Brazos, and though a busy fleet of little steamers and schooners was constantly plying between the ships and the landing, the business seemed to progress but slowly. Many hours elapsed before a lighter api)voached the Alabama, during which time wo sat impatiently gazing upon the desolate picture of water and sand, for not a tree could bo seen in the distant pers})ective. A strong breeze had sprung uj) with the morning, and when the lighter came alongside, there was such a heavy sea on, that it was no easy matter to transfer our troops and baggage to her deck. While all liands were engaged in the work. 28 A MAN OVERBOARD. that startling cry, " a man overboard," rang through the ship. An eccentric little Frenchman, by profession a cook, in the service of an officer of the Maryland volunteers, had thrown himself into the sea. It was supposed at the moment, that he had fallen from the gangway in attempting to reach the lighter, as the footing was very unsteady and unsafe for lands • men. Fortunately or unfortunately for the rash Gaul, his body would not sink, either in consequence of the spirits it contained, or because it was buoyed by the action of the tide under the two vessels, between which he had precipitated himself. He floated like some huge sea-frog upon the sur- face, but in imminent danger of being crushed between the ships, whose sides were occasionaly grinding hard against each other. Before that, however, could happen, almost indeed before the alarm was given, the mate of the Alabama, seizing a rope, leaped overboard and rescued Monsieur le Cuisinier, much to his dissatisfaction and disgust evidently, and as he was hauled on deck, dangling and twisting at the end of the rope, he looked daggers at the stout and daring sailor who had so gallantly saved him from the sharks. When it was understood that he had attempted " that poor- soul'd piece of heroism, self-slaughter," the sympathy of the crowd was quickly checked, and many of the spectators kindly wished him " better luck in his next effort." The scene at the landing was a lively and interesting one. Two or three months previous, the Island had been a wild and uninhabited ridge of sand, whose solitude was broken only by the melancholy dirge of the great waves that broke upon its shore. Now, it was alive with busv men ; soldiers, SCENES ON THE ISLAND. 29 sailors, artizans and others, who were running to and fro like ants among the hillocks the winds had whirled up from its surface. Tradition relates that a flourishing village (flourish- ing after the Mexican fashion, I presume) formerly existed at Brazos Santiago ; and that one morning, after a terrific storm had raged through the night, the amazed inhabitants of the main land looked out in vain for the hamlet that had so long stood firm amid the billows of the Gulf. The last sun had left it gleaming there like a beautiful shell on the shore ; the next, shone upon a sea of foam that danced wildly o'er its walls. The tempest had come in darkness and wrath, and swallowed up the village and its people, not one of whom is said to have escaped. The island was not inhabited again, until General Taylor occupied it, as a favorable position from which to extend his military operations. The harbor is a very poor and unsale one ; yet perhaps there are not many better on the coast of Mexico, which, though often swept by destructive tornados, ofler^ but few havens to the navigator. The only house at the Brazos, was a small frame shed, built but a few yards from the water's edge, and which con- tained the ofiices of the quarter-master and commissary ot the depot. It was elevated about three feet from the ground, upon Palmetto logs, and beneath it lay more than a dozen volunteers, who, sorely stricken by disease, had sought its wel- come shade. Around and near the building were piled great heaps of provisions and munitions of war. The labor of un- loading the vessels and rolling barrels, boxes, etc, across the beach to the dry sand hills, was performed by a gang of swarthy Mexicans. These industrious gentlemen were by no 30 THE UNLADING. — SICKNESS. means overdressed, their wearing apparel consisting of a sombrero alone. Thus lightly attired, they could labor with impunity under the broiling suns of their native land ; and, tempted by high wages, had abandoned for awhile the indo- lence in which they delight. Mechanics, too, were at work on all sides; and sutlers, with their merchandise displayed under awnings, were busily engaged in supplying, at Cali- fornia prices, the numerous wants of men so suddenly de- prived of their ordinary comforts. Farther back from the shore, amid the deep hot sands, four or five lately arrived regiments were encamped, awaiting transportation to the less unpleasant banks of the Rio Grande, distant about eight miles from the island. At that time, and indeed until a very late period in the campaign, there was a lamentable scarcity of wagons, and consequently our troops were long detained in the suffocating atmosphere of that sandy waste at the Brazos, before they could obtain the means of removing their sick and baggage to the more salubrious location selected for the volunteers in the vicinity of Burrita. Many a poor fellow, choked then with sand and parched with fever, will long remember the sufferings that he endured there. To heighten the misery of the soldiers, infectious diseases broke out amongst them. I was informed, that at the time of our arrival, one-fourth of an Indiana regiment was sick with the measles ; and the only comfortable hos- pital at Point Isabel being filled with wounded regulars, these unfortunate volunteers lay at their miserable camp, half buried with the drifting sand. Before the termination SET FORWARD FOE THE EIO GRANDE. 31 of the year, however, many convenient hospitals were established, ample means of transportation were provided, and the comforts of life were so multiplied at all our posts, that the volunteers of 1847 suffered but little in comparison with those of 1846. A government, pursuing the wise policy that distinguishes ours in its military establishments, cannot be expected to set an army in the field, or a navy on the sea, in a day ; yet, if the Cabinet had regarded the words of wisdom contained in the somewhat famous letter of the Commander-in-chief, General Scott, our privations would have been comparatively few and trifling, while, at the same time, the true interests of the country would have been pro- moted. The troops would have been accompanied by all the necessary supplies and material of war, and hundreds of Americans rescued from inglorious graves upon the coast, to meet the enemy in battle. I was detained at Brazos Santiago but a few hours, during most of which time I lay on the beach close to a pile of baggac'e and camp equipage, so arranged as to afford me some shelter from the sun's rays. Much to my surprise and satisfaction, I was enabled to procure some ice, sold from a Boston vessel at one dollar per pound, which costly and fleeting luxury allayed my fever very much. Having as- certained that my regiment was encamped on the left bank of the Eio Grande, about three leagues from "the mouth," and being as yet too feeble for the saddle, I reem- barked in a small vessel, bound to the river for a cargo of fresh water. That article, by the way, is not to be found on the island ; nor was the water brou2;ht from the Rio 32 A FIKE IN THE KEAK. Grande very fresh or palatable after standing in barrels. Of coui'se, all kinds of liquor were at a premium in that thirsty place. This scarcity doubtless prompted to an amus- ing trick, whereby, as will be perceived, a tolerably shrewd Yankee got a " fire in the rear," which demolished his cal- culations for a small fortune. Jonathan had by some means obtained a barrel of cider, with which small stock he deter- mined to "set up" business. To scrape together a few boards and odd bits of canvass, enough to build a small shed, was but the work of a brief hour ; to set his barrel on a couple of skids in the back part of the tent, to tap it and to commence retailing the cider at two dimes a glass, occupied but a short time more. Customers flocked in by dozens, and our Yankee was making his " etarnal fortin " at a stride. Some of his patrons complained, that two dimes a glass for cider was an outrageous price ; but the times were hard as well as hot, whisky scarce, water bad, the retailer's con- science easy ; he had all the cider in the market, and he " ralely could not afibrd to sell any cheaper." For several hom's the Yankee was as popular as a pay- master, crowtls filled his shanty, his cider went oft' rapidly, and the deep pockets of his short-legged pantaloons con- tained silver enough to start a ti-ee bank in Indiana. But the tide of fortune unfortunately began to ebb before the cider was half sold ; his pati'ons gradually fell oft', and by the middle of the afternoon, Jonathan was left alone with his barrel, to whittle and cogitate upon the mutability of trade ; speculating it may be, too, as to the time required in that climate to convert apple juice into vinegar. Towards even- A FIRE IN THE KEAK. 33 ing, a customer appeared in the tent, and called for a (vlass of cider. The retailer hastened to draw the desired potation. The customer, after drinking, took out his purse and in- quired the price. " Two dimes," said the Yankee. " Two what ?" exclaimed the customer. " Two dimes," coolly replied Jonathan. " Two devils," snarled the customer ; " why I can get just as good cider here for five cents a glass." " No you can't," drawled the Yankee ; " there aint a pint of cider 'cept what I've got in that arc barril this side of Or- leans, I'm darned if there is." " I know better," indignantly retorted the purchaser ; " I bought a glass not an hour ago, and only paid five cents for it." " I'd like to know just where you efiectcd that small trans- action V inquired the Yankee. " Right round here," was the answer. " I guess it was — right round here ; right round where ^ I'd like to know ?" continued the cider seller. "Why, close by here somewhere, just back of your place :" rejoined the customer. " I'll bet you tu drinks you did'nt," said the Yankee, " and we'll go right round and see." " Done," responded the customer ; aud off they started. Sure enough, "?%7ii! round there'''' they found another establishment in full blast. A second Yankee had rigged an awning behind the first Yankee's shed, had tapped the rear end of the aforesaid cider barrel through a board, and was 34 AGEOUND. — THE MOUTH OF THE GKANDE. etailing it at five cents a glass to a perfect rush of cus- omers. We had a short but rough passage from Brazos Santiago to he mouth of the E.io Grande ; as the Gulf, long so calm, vas then lashed into fury by the winds. In attempting to ^nter the river, our little vessel was driven upon the bar, and ■emained through the night in that dangerous position ; the surf breaking, at intervals, completely over her. A schooner, which lay aground quite near us, was compelled to give the ^ost valuable part of her cargo to the ravenous ocean, that, 1 truth, seems to be " at eternal war with man." Old Nep- ;une was evidently propitiated by the gift, for soon afterwards, much to our joy, the wind abated, and with the flood tide of ':he morning we entered the celebrated Rio Bravo del Norte. It is quite a narrow river at its mouth, not more than three or four hundred yards wide, but in the wet season disem- bogues an immense volume of water. On the right bank at that place, is a small collection of mud and reed huts, occu- ied by Mexican fishermen and herdsmen. The latter pas- ture large herds of cattle in the marshes, winch extend many miles back from the coast on both sides of the river, This miserable village was, I believe, called by the natives, Res- guardo ; but among our people it was known as the City of Bagdad. When we revisited it, on our return to the United States in the following year, it had been somewhat improved md Americanized. The few poor brown and bare-legged fishermen having been initiated into some of the mysteries of our elective system, were then engaged in an animated canvass for the high office of Alcalde. A Yankee, perhaps VOLUNTEERS FALLING BACK UN NEW ORLEANS. 35 the sharp cider dealer of Brazos Santiago, was the demo- cratic candidate, and treated the sovereigns to bad liquor and worse stump speeches alternately. As we were told by those who listened to one of his harangues, that he took good care to represent himself as the only disinterested friend and obedient servant of the people ; and denounced his opponent, who, by the way, was some poverty-stricken and ragged Mexican, as an aristocratic whig ; in short, a despot in dis- guise ; it is probable that Jonathan was triumphantly elected, and the country saved from the sword and chains of a tyrant. We landed on the Texan bank of the river, opposite Bag- dad, where was located another of our army depots. At that place, which was known throughout the war as " the mouth," we beheld the same scenes of uproar, confusion, and bustle, that had been witnessed the previous day at the Brazos. Sol- diers, sailors, and sutlers, clerks, cooks, and camp-followers — a motley multitude, all " full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard," were crow^ded along the shore among barrels, boxes, tents, wagons, and artillery. The naked Mexican la- borers appeared to be the only people silent and really at work. At " the mouth " we met the army of " three months' volunteers," who had hastened to join General Taylor at the commencement of hostilities ; and who were then, as one of their number jocosely remarked, falling hach on New Or- leans. It is a fact, which certain gasconaders, who engage in the poor business of estimating the amount of blood and sweat that each section of our Union expended in the war, will do well to bear in mind, that six regiments of Louisiana 36 BDKRITA TAKEN. volunteers, one of Texas (foot), a battalion of Alabama, and one of Missouri Infantry, retired from the frontier without firing a gun or even seeing the foe. Of all those mentioned, but one company (Captain Blanchard's, of Louisiana) re- mained. The residue, declining to extend their term of ser- vice to twelve months, were discharged by order of the War Department. After a short detention, caused by the usual parley with the quarter-master of the post, we obtained transportation on a small river steamer to the village of Burrita, around which the volunteer army was encamped. The village is situated on the first inland elevation ; and is but eight miles from the coast by the road, though fifteen by the river, — so crooked is the course of the stream, as it doubles through the interven- ing plain. It was the middle of the rainy season, and the swollen Grande poured along with such an impetuous cur- rent, that we were nearly four hours in reaching our destina- tion. All of that time our boat was paddling to and fro across the marshes, with, as it appeared to me, one or the other broadside constantly turned toward the village and camp, which were in full view all the way. The appearance of Burrita, composed of a score of mud hovels, ludicrously recalled the glowing panegyrics with which some of our edi- tors, a month previous, had announced the capture of that stronghold of the Mexican nation. " GLORIOUS NEWS FROM THE ARMY ! ANOTHER TRIUMPH ! BUR- RITA HAS FALLEN ! THE ENTIRE CITY REDUCED TO ASHES ! !" Such was the startling caption of the ex- tras which the news-carriers thrust under the spectacles of CAMP BELKNAP. 37 peaceable and nervous old gentlemen in our cities, and wlio. as they read, doubtless in imagination saw — "High towers, fair temples, goodly theaters, Strong walls, rich porches, princely palaces. Fine streets, brave houses, sacred sepulchres, Sure gates, sweet gardens, stately galleries, All these (oh, pity !) now turn'd to dust." My regiment bad spread its canvas on tbe Texan bank of tbe Rio Grande, opposite Burrita, among some scrubby trees and bushes ; which, however insignificant as specimens of the vegetable kingdom, relieved the eye, and aflbrded some pro- tection from the clouds of scorching sand that, rising on the gulf shore, often rolled inland upon the breeze like pillars of fire. This location was called " Camp Belknap," — the name of an officer of the General Staff, who had selected it. On entering the camp, and finding myself surrounded by so many familiar faces, I really felt like one who had just reached home after a long absence. From that hour my pertinacious fever began to succumb, though it was several weeks before it released me from its grasp. Many of our men, in their acclimation, suflfered in a like manner — their fevers appearing to rise and go down with the sun, thus daily and gradually consuming the strength, and sapping the constitution of the most robust. Young troops, entering upon the duties and dangers of an active campaign, are not subject to ennui ; and tliough during our stay at Camp Belknap much sickness pre- vailed, our life was one of cheerful excitement and bustle. The officers and men were attentive and industrious, and earnestly commenced upon a thorough system of instruction and discipline. On entering the field with the troops of other 3 38 THE CAT-FISH WAK. States, a desirable esjprit die corps had been awakened. A kindly feeling also existed between the officers and soldiers, which was strongly cemented by the common trials and tri- umphs of the campaign. There were some accomplished and agreeable officers in the First Ohio regiment, whose unas- I suming manners, united with happy social qualities, cheerful I wit and humor, rendered them pleasant companions, and en- livened many a dreary scene. The legal profession was well represented among them, as indeed it was in every corps — so numerous as almost to verify Dryden's verse, " Soldiers the lawyers, and the bar the field." I have thought that a green bag would have been no inap- propriate banner for the volunteer army. The evening of my arrival at Camp Belknap, I received from our adjutant (who, if reports be correct, did not, on the ^. occasion, place himself in the way of sharing very largely in i:he beatitude promised the peace-makers,) an amusing ac- count of a difficulty that had occurred between our regiment ~ ;ind the Baltimore battalion, originating in the larceny of a Mt-fis7i belonging to our colonel ; and which trifling cause had nearly resulted in a disgraceful fight between the two regiments. At that time. Colonels M. and "W., the com- manders of the belligerant battalions were absent, having gone to head-quarters at Matamoros in consequence of the affair. Various accounts of the row reached the newspapers at home ; and in the dearth of more interesting intelligence, their readers were regaled with some entertaining reports of the " cat-fish war." It is to be regretted that the ill-feeling aroused by this quarrel, was permitted, by one of the parties SICKNESS AT CAMP BELKNAP. 39 concerned, to manifest itself at a subsequent interesting period. Between Camp Belknap and the river was a swamp, about a mile in width, through which, from the want of wagons, the men were compelled to wade for all their provisions, — the tent of the commissary being pitched upon the banks of the Eio Grande. All our water, too, was brought from the river ; for the ponds in the vicinity of our camp were salt, and the few wells that were dug were as bitter as the fountain of Ma- rah. These supplies were carried in barrels, swung on poles, the ends of which rested upon the aching shoulders of the volunteers, and sinking them knee-deep in the mire. Much of the sickness that so thinned the ranks of the army on the coast was perhaps induced by the severity of these necessary labors. To their ignorance of the art of cooking, however, must be attributed many of the common and pain- ful complaints with which the soldiers sufiered, for at that time they had not penetrated far into the mysteries of the cu- linary science. After a few weeks' practice, when they had learned how best to prepare their food, that class of diseases disappeared. While we lay at Camp Belknap, — nearly two weeks — about one hundred of the eight hundred, rank and file, contained in our regiment, were daily reported on that melancholy catalogue, the surgeon's morning return. Many were at once disabled, and discharged from further service. Indeed I do not think we could have mustered more than six hundred bayonets at Camargo, and scarcely five hundred at Monterey, so rapidly did the climate, like a skillful anatom- ist, designate and discard all the unsound men. The great 40 THE CLIMATE — INSECTS INNUMERABLE. number of lives lost by disease in Mexico has caused a very general belief among our people that the country is unfavorable to health. But it must be remembered, in this connection, that our army landed there at the very worst season, and, in- deed, the only unpleasant one of the year. The low grounds were overflowed, and the whole country saturated with water, the exhalations from which were quickened by the heat of summer into pestilent malaria. For weeks (until September) it rained every day ; not continuously, but at intervals, in sudden and drenching showers, each followed by a burst of melting sunshine. These deluging rains cooled the enthu- siasm of a few modern paladins, who found but little romance in the privations and sober realities of the camp. Among the little dtsagrtments attending our sojourn on the lower Rio Grande, not the least were caused by the ven- omous insects and reptiles that swarmed on those burning- sands, and allowed us no repose. Our camp was infested by snakes, tarantulas, ants, centipedes, lizards, horned toads, scorpions, fleas, spiders, — et id genus omnc. Of these, the ants were, I think, the most annoying. They not only found their way into our food, but attacked our persons boldly, crawling into our blankets or clothes, and stinging with re- markable severity. But the far-famed tarantula was most dreaded. Our assistant surgeon was bitten by one of them, and his was the only case of the kind in our regiment. The effect of the poison was immediate and alarming. So violent were his spasms, that the united strength of several men was required to confine him to his tent, from which he had delir- iously rushed soon after receiving the wound. ' ■" THE ARTILLERY DID THE WORK AT PALO ALTO AND RES AC A. 41 The consecrated and still ensanguined fields of Palo "Alto and Kesaca de la Palma, were not many leagues distant from Camp Belknap ; and during our stay there, many of our peo- ple took occasion to visit them, in company sometimes with those who had witnessed, and could communicate many thril- ling incidents of the battles. It was well ascertained that the enemy had at least five thousand fighting men at Falo Alto, while General Taylor's effective force did not much exceed two thousand. Many ofliicers with whom I conversed on the subject united in attributing their success mainly to the artil- lery. In the action of the 8th of May, was first demon- strated, in the practical operations of war, the wonderful perfection of our light field-batteries. The prairie upon which the hostile forces met, was admirably adapted for their evo- lutions, and they made terrible havoc in the Mexican ranks. The distinguished Guarda Costa battalion of Tampico, is said to have been almost extinguished by the artillery, so boldly and brilliantly manoeuvered by Duncan and Einggold. It is also affirmed that, by a single discharge of one of these batteries, an entire baud of Mexican musicians was ex- terminated, while executing one of their grand martial bra- vuras. It is not improbable that General Arista, perceiving at Palo Alto how a complete knowledge of the artillery arm equalized the strength of armies differing so greatly in num- bers, was thereby induced to fall back on the morning of the 9th to the broken and covered ground at Eesaca, where the bayonet and sabre should decide the combat. But there again his quantity yielded to what General Taylor calls in his offi- 42 akista's confidence — ampudia. cial report, " the superior quality of our officers and men ;" and the Mexicans were completely routed, " horse and foot." Confused and panic-stricken, they fled to the Rio Grande, and hundreds escaped the wrath of the battle only to perish in its waves. A few days before, that scattered and flying army had crossed it elated with hope and assured of victory. Nothing can be more conclusive of the confidence which General Arista had in the result, than the fact that he, a sol- dier of considerable talent and experience, unprovided with pontoons, should decide to hazard a battle with a deep un- bridged river in his rear ; a position from which, in the event of defeat, would result the loss of his army, and open the northern frontier of his country to our victorious arms. The entire Mexican army had crossed to the Texan bank in two small boats, thus causing a delay of twenty-four hours, by which Arista had been prevented from attacking Taylor on his march from Fort Brown to Point Isabel, on the 2d of May, as he intended. Under the circumstances, it is not strange that the Mexican army, on reentering Matamoros, should be diminished to one-fifth of its original strength ; or that it should be wary of again offering battle in the open field. We shall see how strongly and judiciously it was posted in the next engagement of the war. The Mexican historians ascribe the loss of the battles of the Rio Grande to the dis- trust and jealousy which existed between Generals Arista and Ampudia. It was currently reported among the Mexicans that General Don Pedro de Ampudia was the first to abandon the field of Resaca ; and from his conduct in subsequent bat- AMPUDIA. ties, there arises a suspicion that Senor rcdro is duly im- pressed witli the conviction that "Timely running's no mean part Of conduct in the martial arl." CHAPTER III. The Mexican Army under General Ampudia prepares to defend Monterey — Genera) Taylor's order regulating the movement to Gamargo — Departure from Camp Belknap— The valley of the Rio Grande, its people and productions — A Sabbath in Matamoros — Reynosa — A Fandango — The Stag-dance — Death of a Volun- teer — A pleasant interchange of visits with a Mexican family — Arrive at Ga- margo — A glimpse at flead-Quarters and General Taylor. After the two sanguinary engagements on the northern bank of the Eio Grande, General Arista solicited an armis- tice, which was refused by General Taylor, who stated in re- ply, that a month previous he had proposed one to the Mexican General, which had then been declined ; that circumstances were now changed ; that he was receiving large reinforce- ments, and could not suspend operations which he had not initiated or provoked. Perceiving that the Americans were determined to crown their victories with the conquest of Mat- amoros, the broken and dispirited battalions of the Mexican army evacuated the town at twilight on the 17th of May, and retreated to Linares, which place they reached on the 28th, sufi'ering every misfortune in their mournful retreat. We are informed that " many of the soldiers ]3erpetrated suicide ; and that General Garcia, a chivalrous man and an illustrious citizen, died during the march of profound grief." * * These facts are stated upon the authority of a Mexican history of the war, en- titled, " The Other Side, or Notes for the History of the War between the United States and Mexico ;" written by a junla of Mexican officers, and translated by TAYLOR ADVANCES UPON MONTEREY. 45 In the month of July the remnant of that unlncky army was united with fresh troops at Monterey,— a city situated at the base of the Sierra Madre, near the entrance of the prin- cipal pass leading up to the table lands of the interior. The Mexican government, learning the disastrous result of the conflicts at Palo Alto and Kesaca, and desiring, as usual, to throw the blame upon the unsuccessful general, deprived Arista of the command of the army of the North. He was succeeded by General Mejia. Soon afterwards, however, the Central Government was itself overthrown, and Mejia was in turn superseded by Ampudia, who undertook, as " Governor General-in-chief,''' the defense of Monterey. Meantime the American regulars had occupied Matamoros, while the tents of the rapidly arriving volunteers dotted the banks of the river, at various points, between that town and the Gulf. In the latter part of July, General Taylor began to push forward the regular troops to Camargo,. a town sit- uated near the head of steamboat navigation on the San Juan, a tributary of the Rio Grande. To that point, by water, it was no diflicult matter to transport men and supplies. But beyond it, in consequence of the limited resources of the country, but a small force could be taken with our inadequate means of land carriage. Yet such was the anxiety of the government to hasten operations, that General Taylor deter- mined to march from Camargo upon Monterey witli but six thousand men, — half regulars and half volunteers,' — unpro- Colonel Ramsey, of the 11th United States Infantry. In that book, to which the reader's attention will occasionally be invited in the following pages, the frightful disorders and hardships of the retreats from Matamoros and Buena Vista arc viv- idly portrayed. ■±6 OEDEK OF MARCH. vided with a siege train, and with scarcely transportation enough at the command of liis Quarter-Master for a single division. But in Taylor's hands, enterprises of great pith and moment were not to be balked by ordinary obstacles. When the number of troops intended for the reduction of Monterey was made known, a strong desire was manifested by the volunteers to learn which of the regiments would be selected for that honorable service, as all were averse to an indolent garrison life on the frontier. That interesting ques- tion was not decided until after our arrival at Camargo ; nor were the volunteer troops organized into divisions and bri- gades until we reached that place. The following communi- cation, however, which was received at Camp Belknap early in August, indicated with tolerable clearness to some anxious spirits that they were not to be included in the glorious six thousand. Being an important order, it is quoted in extenso, as it will explain not only the disposition first made of the volunteers, but may also serve to inform the reader of the numbers, commanders, and States of the various regiments in the field. Orders ) Head- QuaHeTs^ Army of Occii/pation^ Ko. 93. ) 3fatamoros, July 30, 1846. 1. The commanding General being about to leave for Ca- margo, the following arrangements for regulating the move- ments of the troops, and the service generally, in the rear, are announced for the government of all concerned. 2. Four companies of artillery, under the command of Brevet Major Brown, now under orders for Camargo, will be TKOOrS DESIGNATED TO KEDUCE MONTEREY. 47 the first to ascend the river. They will be followed, as rai> idly as transportation can be provided, by the following corps, in the order named : Louisville Legion, (1st Kentucky regiment,) Col. Ormsby. Baltimore and Washington battalion, Lieut. Col. Watson. Ohio brigade, Brigadier General Hamer. Second Kentucky regiment. Colonel McKee. Mississippi regiment. Colonel Davis. First Tennessee regiment, Colonel Campbell. Alabama regiment. Colonel Coffee. Georgia regiment, Colonel Jackson. Second Tennessee regiment, Colonel Haskell. 3. The Indiana brigade, and the regiment from Missouri and Illinois, will remain below until further orders. The regiments of Texas volunteers will receive particular orders for their movement. 4. Brigadier General Hamer is assigned to the command of the Ohio brigade. He will designate one of the regiments to proceed immediately by water to Matamoros, and take such position as may be indicated by Colonel Clarke, com- manding in the town, to whom the Colonel of the regiment will report for orders. 5. The first four corps destined for Camargo, viz : — the Louisville legion, Baltimore battalion, and two regiments Ohio volunteers, will send their heavy baggage forward by water, with four companies of each regiment and two of the Baltimore battalion. The remaining companies of each corps, with their light baggage, will take up their line of march for Camargo as soon as provided with wagons by the Quarter- Master's Department, — say by the 10th of August. 48 DISPOSITION OF THE REGIMENTS. 6. The other corps destined for Camargo, viz : — the Ten- nessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia regiments, and the Second Kentucky regiment, will move forward l^y water as rapidly as practicable, in the order prescribed in the second paragraph. 7. Brigadier General Twiggs will remain at Matamoros in command of all the troops in the vicinity until the last vol- unteer regiment shall pass up by land, when he will move forward with the dragoons and horse artillery to Camargo, On his departure, Colonel Clarke will assume command of all the troops in and near Matamoros, on both banks of the river. Colonel Clarke will receive special instructions for his government in this command. 8. The artillery and train of the third brigade, with the rear companies, will march by the 5th of August, under Lieuten- ant Colonel Garland. By order of Major General Tayloe : W. W. S. Bliss, Assistant Adjutant General. In accordance with the foregoing order, General Ilamer designated the Third Ohio regiment, Colonel Curtis's, for the garrison of Matamoros. The First and Second Ohio regi- ments, Mitchell's and Morgan's, proceeded to Camargo in the manner mentioned in the fifth paragraph. It was my fortune, being yet on the sick list, to go by water with the four companies detached from our regiment. A frail and filthy little steamboat was provided for our transportation ; and on the 8th of August, after exchanging adieus with our STEAMING TO CAMARGO, 49 companions who were compelled to take the weary land route, we pushed off from Camp Belknap, and commenced the as- cent of the Rio Grande. Owing to high water, the ignorance of pilots, who, being unaccustomed to the river, were unable to steer at night, and the fact that our boat was chartered by the day, we were more than a week in getting to Camargo. It had not been long since the first steamboat ascended the river, and, to the na- tives, it was yet an object of intense curiosity. At all the rancherias on the banks, a throng of people — women, child- ren, and even old men tottering with infirmity — were assem- bled to stare at our boat as it struggled slowly up against the rushing and roaring stream. At that period, but few wood- yards had been established, and we were sometimes compelled to take the troops ashore to gather the pickets inclosing the fields, to be used as fuel. Occasionally, too, we were de- tained at places where the river, in its whole length brimfull, had overrun its banks and covered the country for miles, form- ing wide lagoons in which our pilots had to sound for the channel. In these bayous were to be seen large flocks of water-fowl ; and not unfrequently the bloated carcases of animals, navigated by piratical-looking vultures, floated slowly through the circling eddies. Mexico — bare, dry, and mountainous as it is, for the most part — was naturally enough called " New Spain," by the con- querors, from the resemblance of its principal features and productions to those of the Peninsula, It is particularly deficient in good harbors and navigable streams. Of the latter, the Rio Grande is the most important ; but the people 50 THE EIO GEANDE IS KATIIER CKOOKED, have not availed themselves of the facilities which even that affords. The river, as it meanders through the tierra cali- ente^ offers but few beauties to the eye of the traveler. Noth- ing is hazarded in asserting that it is the most crooked stream on the continent, since it far surpasses the Mississippi in the number and magnitude of its curves. For hundreds of miles, its yellow waves, pent in by muddy banks, roll through a lonely champaign country, undiversified by majestic cliffs or shadowy woods. Like a great serpent which has lost its brilliant and varying hue, it fails to charm. If it were but straight, its homeliness would be complete. So far as I could hear or observe, it has not a single tributary between its mouth and the Rio San Juan ; a fact suggestive of arid wastes, which the mind, touched by remembrance, did not fail to contrast with the many bubbling brooks and enchant- ing groves that beautify and refresh the Atlantic slope of the United States. As there are no forests on its banks, there are of course no snags or sawyers to excite the fears of the voyager ; and its navigation is far more tedious than hazard- ous. The country, however, is well clothed with chcqxinxd; and groves of the more lofty onesqueet are abundant in the valley. The former, as the reader is perhaps aware, is a low evergreen thorn ; the latter, a tree resembling the peach somewhat in appearance, and of not much larger growth. The valley of the Rio Grande abounds in fine, nutritious grass, which, after the wet season, dries upon the stalk, and becomes excellent liay. It is but sparsedly populated, yet these plains, interspersed with clumps of mesqueet, gave to many places the appearance of high cultivation, when viewed THE SCENEEY ALONG THE RIVEK. 51 from a distance. The broad and verdant lawns skirting the river, afibrd good }3asture throughout the year to the large herds of cattle roaming over them. The cattle far exceed in size any of the common herds of the United States ; owing, perhaps, to the fact that they never experience any cold or starving winters, but grow and fatten from their calfhood. The quality of their flesh, however, is much inferior to that of our northern stock. This wild beef, together with salt pork, beans, and hard biscuit, constituted our rations. But they were dainties to a campaign appetite, — hunger furnish- ing a better sauce than epicure ever invented. At some spots along the river, we noticed a few beautiful flowers and luxu- riant plants, whose broad and glossy leaves told of an exu- berant soil, stimulated by the great heat and moisture of the season. Mexico, from its remarkable terraced formation, en- joying every variety of climate, is said to possess the richest and most diversified Flora to be found in any country on the globe. The soil is not generally poor, — the nakedness of the interior plains being caused by the scorching sun and absence of w^ater, rather than by any natural barrenness. The banks of the Rio Grande are in places chequered with patches of maize, sugar-cane, and cotton, whose large stalks attest the fertility of the soil ; and of these products, two crops may be raised annually in all situations where irrigation can be ef- fected. An industrious, well-governed people could make the valley " stand so thick with corn that it W'Ould laugh and sing." But the Mexicans, naturally indolent, are oppressed by a government that fosters neither agriculture nor any of the productive arts which are the surest source of public and 52 STATE OF MEXICAN AGRICULTURE. individual prosperity. Nay, so far from encouraging enter- prise, it imposes severe restrictions npon it, and, together with a numerous and avaricious priesthood, is continually and cor- ruptly sapping what little of energy yet remains among the people. Is' it strange, then, considering this vampirism of church and state, that the principal productions of the coun- try should be pronunciamientos, priests^ and prickly-pears f The cultivation of the soil, in northern Mexico, is slovenly in the extreme. Agriculture there is yet the veriest drud- gery ; as it always must be when not pursued with system and intelligence. The labors of the farmer, in our country, now rendered comparatively light and pleasant by the im- provements which science and the inventive genius of our people have suggested, are there performed, of course, at a great disadvantage, with the most antiquated implements of husbandry. At a ranclio on the Rio Grande, near wdiich we landed for wood, we had an opportunity of examining for the first time a Mexican plow. It may be best and briefly des- cribed as a forked stick pointed, with a huge ox horn as a substitute for a share. Not a particle of metal was employed in its construction, and probably it was only serviceable for scratching the alluvial borders of the river. It was just such an implement as has been used for centuries on the banks of the Nile ; and was fashioned much like that curious speci- men of eastern art — the Syrian plow — which w^as exhibited, in the midst of many beautiful modern American tools, like a senseless mummy, among the active and useful agents of ag- riculture, at the Ohio State Fair, held at Columbus in 1851. Domestic animals are numerous in Mexico, but they arc THEIK DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 53 very inferior to ours. The mustangs possess scarcely more than half the size and strength of our northern horses, and are entirely unsuited for farm work or military service. Many of them exhibit marks of fine blood, but from the effect of climate or food, neglect or close breeding, they have sadly degenerated from rheir famous Andalusian ancestry. The Mexicans are a nation of horsemen, or mulemen, — even the beggars are mounted. I never saw one traveling a pied. None are so poor as not to have a riding animal ; they throw the lariat too well for that. With them, the mule and ass are literally '• beasts of burden," and often made to carry im- mense loads. The ox is generally used for draught at the plow, and may sometimes be seen clumsily attached by the horns to a heavy, unwieldy sort of tumbrel, with low, thick wheels of solid wood, and which, though a sufficiently pic- turesque object, would be considered a decidedly slow coach by our go-ahead people. The fact that the Mexicans have existed so long on the boarder of "the universal Yankee na- tion," without profiting by any of the useful inventions of our country and age, is evidence of a sloth and degeneracy, which, if not soon arrested, must, at no very remote period, terminate in the ruin of their republic and race. In contemplating the entire status of the people, — their po- litical, religious, social, and intellectual condition — no atten- tive observer, even among themselves, has failed to foresee and lament the fate of the country. It must gradually sink, from its complication of fatal diseases, into the tomb of the Acolhuans and the Aztecs. And not only Mexico, but the whole of Spanish America, will probably pass from the do- 3* 64: TASTOKAL LIFE IN THE VALLEY OF THE KIO GEANDE. minion of the original conquerors into the possession of the enterprising blue-eyed Saxon — the chosen people of the age ; who, by the way, are even now "prospecting " in the rich basins of the Amazon and La Plata. So few are the wants of man in those soft and genial climes, that they are easily satisfied by fitful and desultory exertion. And as long as the people do not feel the pressure of that necessity which makes intelligent and industrious citizens, they will continue to be vagrant herdsmen and shepherds. The man, too, who merely wanders over a country with his flocks, rarely forms the same attachment for it, and is seldom as able to defend it, as he who mingles the sweat of his brow with its soil as it is upturned by his hands. The inhabitants of the valley of theEio Grande are chiefly occupied in raising stock ; the wool, hides, and tallow of which constitute the exports of the port of Matamoros. But a pastoral life, generally so propitious to purity of morals and strength of constitution, docs not appear to have produced its usually happy eflect upon that people. Poets, from the earliest days of their art, have been most gracious and complimentary to all engaged in that priniative and innocent occupation. Those men were shepherds too, who, " as they w^atched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground," were made the honored recipients of the most joyful tidings ever communi- cated by shining angels to sinning man. But neither poets nor seraphs, I ween, would tune their harps to the praises of these vile rancheros ; the majority of whom are so vicious and degraded that one can hardly believe that the ligl.it of Christianity has ever dawned upon them. Many of the coun- TIIEIE DWELLINGS AND MANNERS. 55 try people are in quite as " parlous a state " as shepherd Corin, whom that rare fellow, Touchstone, makes the subject of some exquisite fooling. They are just such " natural phi- losophers," and know simply " that the property of rain is to wet, and fire to burn ; that good pasture makes fat sheep ; and that a great cause of the night is lack of the sun." Never elsewhere have I seen such an idle, ignorant, and unenterpris- ing a community. Their habitations are constructed of the most flimsy materials, and utterly devoid of taste or comfort. Along the river we saw some formed of hides, fastened to a \ light frame work, and many of reeds placed upright in the ground, and interwoven and thatched wdth leaves or grass. These domiciles are decorated with rude crucifixes, and per- haps a few wretched prints of the Virgin, or " Our Lady of Gaudaulupe," the greatest of the native Mexican saints. How striking was the contrast everywhere with the United States, in which personal comforts of every kind are incon- ceivably multiplied and brought within the reach of all ! The population of Mexico is said to be about eight millions ; more than half of whom are pure blooded Indians, and the remainder of every cross and color. Three-fourths or more i of the inhabitants of the Northern States are of unmixed In- j dian blood. With scarcely an exception, the country people are brown, broad, and big-headed bipeds ; and it is only in the towns that the traveler sees the fair complexion, regular features, and graceful forms of Castile. In regarding the as- pect, bearing, and manners of modern Mexicans, it is difficult to believe that many of them can be the descendants of that chivalrous Spanish race which once gave laws to both liemis- < 56 THE MISERABLE CONDITION OF THE NATION. plieres; or, of that fierce Aztec tribe, which, after centuries of warfare, pushed the boundaries of their empire from a little village of reeds in the marshes of Lake Tezcuco, to the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific. The sad and sinking teps by which our sister republic — the oldest, and once the strongest and wealthiest, power on this continent — has arrived at her present low estate, and her people made the bondman of even the bold barbarians on her borders, are known to every reader. " 'Twere long to tell and sad to trace Each steps from splendor to disgrace." Now, instead of subjugating neighboring tribes, extending the limits of their territory, and enriching themselves with crowds of prisoners, the Mexicans are unable to defend their own provinces from Indian invasion ; and it is stated that there are not less than four thousand of their women and child- ren at this time enslaved by the wild warriors who wander over the vast plains and hills washed by the waters of the Rio Grande. How applicable to Mexico the 'words of the pro- phet : " Wo to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not s})oiled ; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously \ with thee ! When thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled ; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacher- ously, they shall deal treacherously with thee !" Wo com- mend those unhappy ca,])t[ves to the generous and disijiterested sympathies of our ardent Flibustiers, and trust that their next foray in the cause of freedom and the rights of mankind will be to the Camanche country, instead of Cuba. The towns on the llio Grande are few and insimiificant. MATAMOROS, AFAK OFF AND NEAK. 6'i Matamoros, the largest of them, is about fourteen leagues by land from the coast. We did not reach it, however, until the afternoon of the day after our departure from Camp Belknap. On passing " Fort Brown," which is rather below the city, our men greeted the star-spangled banner, that then floated in triumph o'er its battered walls, with many hearty cheers. The fort, as well as the village, Brownsville, that has since sprung up around it, takes its name from tlie gallant Major who was killed while defending it. Though but a common and hastily constructed field-work, it had sustained success- fully for one hundred and sixty hours a severe cannonade of shot and shells. "We landed near the Mexican Fort Parades, on the southern bank. Matamoros is situated on a beautiful plain, half a mile from the river, and from the landing it presented a very picturesque appearance. But a short walk toward it, proved that distance had lent its wonted illusions to the view. The beautiful sub- urban gardens and cottages that we had so much admired in our first glimpse of the town, were found upon a closer in- spection to be cow-pens and contemptible huts. Around the Plaza — for every Mexican village has its public square — and on some of the principal streets, there are a few respectable dwellings of two stories, built of adohes, or large unburni bricks. The doors and windows are small, and most of the latter are protected by stout iron bars, which cause the houses to resemble so mai^y prisons. Nor were tlie sulky and swarthy faces peering through some of them at the passers by, in the least calculated to remove the impression. The streets are narrow, unpaved, and, at that season, were very muddy. The 58 THE FAIR SENORITAS OF MATAMOKOS. town liad not sufiered in the bombardment, owing to its dis- tance from Fort Brown, and the small calibre of our guns. At the American hotel, in the callede Terran^ we were shown some balls which had been thrown by Bragg's battery into the adjacent garden. Such souvenirs of those perilous days in May were interesting to us, who had yet to hear " The death-shot hissing from afar— The shock, the shout, the groan of war." In our stroll through the streets, we saw many senorltas^ sitting at the windows — a favorite position — chatting and smoking ; for all the women, even of the most polished cir- cles, use the fragrant weed. They are all alike, too, in having large dark eyes and black glossy hair; the last, it is intimated, is not unseldom frequented by those "ugly, sprawlin, crowlin ferlies," which the Ayrshire poet once observed upon a lady's bonnet, and so humorously addressed. In this, as in many other respects, did some of our young and adventurous soldiers, in whose minds romance and poetry had painted glowing pictures of Spanish beauty and grandeur, suffer a disagreeable disenchantment in the city of Matamoros. Of course, the foregoing remarks will not be understood as referi'ing to the upper tendotn of Matamoros. But the wo- men of Mexico, — superior in all classes to the men — even of the best society, do not contrast very favorably with their sex in our country, either in their mental or personal charms. True, their tresses may be like the raven's Aving ; their eyes may " shame a night of starlight gleams ;" but among them is rarely seen " That purity and modesty of mien. The mind, the music breathing from the face," THE MAKKETS — THE COSTUMES. 59 which so enhances loveliness in woman, and stamps her — angel. Give me the blue eyes, fair locks, and snowy hands, of our northern clime. During our stay at Matamoros we visited the market plaza, where we saw a goodly quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables, — some of them quite new to us. But little space was devoted to butchers' stalls, from which, and subsequent I observation, I inferred that the people consumed much less j meat than we carnivorous Americans. The crowd of men and women assembled there, citizens and rustics, were all smoking. The towns people were generally pretty well dressed ; but the costume of the countrymen was plain, and peculiar enough to be interesting. Scandals of thick hide, coarse cotton trowsers, the unsightly national somhrero^ with the indispensable blanket, comprise their raiment. Some wear jerkins and pants of leather, both ornamented with jingling bell-buttons, which, with their huge iron spurs, cause a great rattle and clatter at every movement. To the Ran- cheros, who wear this economical apparel, — so suitable to their occupation in the thorny chaparral — the Texans have given the expressive name of Greasers. One has but to see them ' clad in their leather armor, shining from grease and long usage, to be satisfied of its propriety. In one corner of the market square, were some stacks of i fresh grass and fodder, which, as they seemed to possess the power of locomotion, attracted the attention of my compan- ions. Great was the merriment when, on approaching one of them to penetrate the mystery, the half smothered bray of an ass broke upon our ears. The immense and well-packer" 60 AMEBIC AN NEWSrAl'ERS IN MEXICO. burden, sweeping the ground on every side, so completely concealed tbe patient little donkey, that, like his brother of the fable who assumed the lion's skin and regal dignity, he might have preserved a successful incog but for his foolish and betraying bray. Among other places, we visited the office of " The Ameri- can Flag," a spirited little tri-weekly paper, the publication of which was commenced soon after the capture of the town. Its editors, Fleeson, Peoples & Co., kindly offered us late tiles of New Orleans papers. There was a great number of patri- otic typos in the volunteer army ; and newspapers were es- tablished in the course of the war, at every important point occupied by our troo^JS. Thus, in addition to the " Flag," we had subsequently in Northern Mexico, the " Pioneer," at Monterey, and the " Picket-Guard," atSaltillo. The native population of the town is said to be about three thousand, but at that time the place was full of soldiers, and adventurers of every description. For the consideration of some of these last, the following polite and pointed advertisement (which is copied from the "American Flag" of that date — Sunday, August 9th, 184G) was probably intended : " TO GENTLEMEN OUT OF EMPLOYMENT. " I wish to hire ':wo industrious gentlemen to work in my stable. Those who have no business of their own, that can work without getting drunk, and obey instructions, can ob- tain immediate employment and good pay by applying in time to Israel B, Bigelow." THE SABBATH IN MATAMQROS. 61 That particular calmness which distinguishes the Sabbath in all God-abiding communities, and by which the holy day is intuitively recognized under all circumstances, did not ap- pear "to brood with dove-like wings" ov^r Matamoros. Stores and drinking-houses were open in every street ; and it was evident, from the angry shouts and sound of breaking glass that issued from some of the latter, that they were do- ing a smashing business. In consequence of the disorders arising from intoxication. General Taylor, before starting lor Camargo, had enacted a stringent anti-liquor law, to take effect as soon as the stock on hand should be exhausted ; but it is probable that the adroit smugglers never permitted that event to occur. * A theater had also been opened by an enterprising histri- onic company from New Orleans, whose bill for that evening * Orders i Head' Quarters, Army of Occupation, No. 94. \ Matamoros, August 2, 1846. No spirituous liquors will be permitted to enter the river or the city of Matamoros, for the purposes of barter or traffic, on account of any person whatever, whether sutlers in the army, or private dealers. Any liquors found in violation of this order, will be confiscated and sent to the Quarter-Master in New Orleans, to be eold : one-half of the proceeds for the benefit of the informant, the other half to be applied to the support of the hospital department. The merchants in Matamoros will be permitted to vend the liquors they may have on hand, but to receive no new supplies. The Commanding General issues this order under the sanction of the General Government, and calls upon all officers to give their aid in executing its provisions. The Quarter-Master's Department, and Colonel Clarke, will take the necessary measures to have it communicated to the persons interested, particularly to the dealers in Matamoros, and the masters of all public transports, or other vessels, in the river. Any steamboat captains, or other hired persons, that are found violating it, will be at once discharged from the service. By order of Major General Taylok : W. W. S. Bliss. Assistant Adjutant .General. 4 ^,2 BEYNOSA. ,vas quite in keeping with the place, if not with the day. The manager posted the pnblic that, " On Sunday evening, August 9th, will be presented for the first time, ' The Dumb Girl of Genoa,' and ' The Forest Kose,' together with a great variety of singing ; the whole to conclude with a dance in wooden shoes, that will be a caution to corns and cock- roaches." At Matamoros, our men first tasted that inebriating bev- erage, pulque^ the whisky of Mexico. Whether in conse- quence of their indulgence in it, or some other cause, some of them were reported as " absent without leave," when we left the town on the 10th of August ; and, by their disobedience, were compelled to measure with fatiguing steps the land route to Camargo. The next village of any importance above Matamoros, is Reynosa. There we found a small garrison of regular troops. It is very prettily situated on a commanding elevation, about a mile from the right bank of the Rio Grande, and contains some substantial stone houses ; but its general appearance, like that of almost everything else in the country, indicates dilap= dation and decay. A short distance below the landing, we oassed a number of women bathing in the river ; the length )f their hair and tongues disclosing their sex. In the course )f our voyage, we encountered several parties of natives vashing themselves in the discolored stream, many of whom were as destitute of modesty as of clothing. From the cus- tom, not uncommon among the lowest class, of wearing pan- taloons only, their tawny bodies have been dyed by the sun and air, many shades darker than their legs. Hence tlie droll A MEXICAN FANDANGO. 63 mistake of one of our volunteers, who gravely insisted with his comrades that these swimmers were dressed in " yallar buckskin tights." Some of these borderers were quite friendly, and often hailed our boat, desiring to sell chickens, eggs, melons, and milk. With the view of obtaining supplies of these rare deli- cacies, we generally stopped at dark in the vicinity of a rancho ; though, sometimes, we were compelled to " tie up " at places where, apparently, the foot of man had never trod. Near one of the landing places between Matamoros and Key- nosa, our soldiers had an opportunity of witnessing that novel scene of revelry — a fandango. Such social assemblies are of frequent occurrence, and aiford the common people their chief amusement. A smooth, well-beaten circle in the open air is generally the salle de danse on these festive occasions. This is illuminated with torches, and surrounded by tables for gaming, to which the Mexicans seem passionately addicted. There are tables also for the sale of the vile liquors, and other products of the country, which are pleasantly termed refresh- men is. A swarthy and sweating crowd, of both sexes, engaged in waltzing, gambling, smoking, drinking, etc., I understand to be a fandango. One night our boat was moored near a solitary hut, in which dwelt an old Mexican fiddler. As soon as the musical talents of its occupant were discovered, the men sought per- mission to spend the evening ashore, for the purpose of en- joying, what is termed in our western parlance, " a stag dance." Accordingly, the whole detachment landed — except the sick, and a few elderly men who had no taste for such 64 A DANCE ASHORE. boisterous mirth — and soon the fan grew " fast and furious." It was a singular spectacle, as revealed to us by the light of a huge fire on the bank, at which some hungry soldiers were roasting a goat ; and the ruddy glow emitted by the smol- dering furnaces of the steamer, as she lay with bows inclined to the shore. Those who heard that " brisk awakening viol," or witnessed that " gay fantastic round," certainly were not inclined to think, that " They saw in Tempe's vale her native maifls. Amidst the lestal sounding shades, To some unwearied minstrel dancing." In front of the cottage of the musical shepherd, sat one of our fifers and the new-found son of Apollo. Though they could communicate with each other only through those dulcet symphonies, — compared with which " language is said to be faint and weak," — yet they formed an amiable orchestra ; and, aided by the hoarse blasts of steam which were occasion- ally suffered to escape from the boat, succeeded admirably in " making the night hideous with discordant sounds." One would have supposed, from the energy and evident delight of the two artists, thus strangely brought together, that they, at least, imagined themselves possessed by the spirits of Fan and Paganini. The dancing, too, it must be admitted, was eminently suited to the music, and became stronger in pro- portion as the wild strains grew louder. As the performers trod the measure not upon "the light fantastic toe" alone, but with their whole soles^ the clatter of their heavy shoes, like the sound of many cymbals, united to swell the din. The soldiers, glad to be released from the crowded quarters to BURIAL OF A SOLDIEK. 65 which they had long been confined, vied with each other in the extent and singularity of their saltations. They danced in couples, but without much regard to time or order ; and at intervals the wdiole party indulged in a promenade or rather gallojpade of two or three heats around the hut. A heavy rain terminated the sport at a seasonable hour, and the men returned to the boat much amused and refreshed by their exercise, "We suffered much while cribbed upon the narrow decks of the steamboat, from the great heat of the weather, and the mosquitos that nightly environed us like a legion of foul " fiends. To the sick (and there were many on board) those roasting days and restless nights were particularly trying. We lost but one man during the trip, — one of the Dayton volunteers, Co, B. His death had a very depressing eifect upon the invalids who were stretched around him on the cabin floor, and who seemed not to have anticipated the sudden invasion of the King of Terrors, Late in the after- noon of the day of his decease, we landed to perform the sad funeral rites of poor Dix, — for such was his name, " No useless coffin inclosed his breast," but wrapped in his blanket, the dead volunteer was borne in the arms of his comrades to a grave which had been prepared in the chaparral, close by the shore, and where the last honors were performed by a corporal's guard. Attracted by the volleys of the funeral escort, and understanding their import, a very respectable old Mexican, whose Jiacienda was near by, came down to the boat. He was accompanied by his wife, a fine specimen of the Spanish matron, in manners and appearance. They were 66 VISIT OF A MEXICAN. closely followed by a timid female slave, who carried in her arms a neatly dressed child. Pleased with the superior air and bearing of this family group, and gratified by the confi- dence they exhibited, we invited them to the cabin, where we passed a pleasant half hour in conversation with them. The old gentleman was well informed on the topics of the times ; and far better acquainted than most of his countrymen with the power and resources of the hostile republics. He con- fessed that he saw but little prospect of success for Mexico in the pending struggle ; acknowledged that his country was badly governed ; and that he did not care much how the war terminated. These remarks were received with some grains of salt. His wife — a handsome woman, with pleasing man- ners, and qmtQfair as well as fat and forty — seemed pleased with the visit, and gracefully acknowledged the respectful attentions of our people and their kindly notices of her child. As our boat-captain was anxious to clean out the boilers, in which much mud had accumulated, we determined to remain all night at the place ; and informed Senor , when he arose to depart, that we would take pleasure in returning his visit after supper. "We did so at the time appointed. On arriving at the house, or houses^ (for there were several small tenements clustered around the principal building, — the for- mer occupied by ihQjpeons^ we were politely received by our host, and offered cigaritas and seats in the open air. The Mexicans generally are skillful fabricators of cigaritas ; little cigars made of fine cut tobacco, with wrappers of thin corn- husk or paper. These materials they always carry about their persons, — the tobacco frequently tied up in the corner WE VISIT A MEXICAN HACIENDA. 67 of the pocket-handkerchief, and the husk in the somljrero. Our host was a capital cigar-maker, and while engaged in earnest conversation, manufactured the pleasant little rolls as fast as three or four persons could consume them. He wa; a man of considerable substance, and in addition to his case de Gcimjpo (country house) owned, as he informed us, a dwell ing in the town of Reynosa. On his large estate, whicl extended for many leagues along the river, were grazing ; great number of mustangs, mules, cattle, sheep and goats the tithe of which, he said, were sometimes stolen by th*. Camanchcs, at one fell swoop. Fifty of his best pack-mule had recently been hired to the American quartermaster a Camargo ; and he informed us that many others were bein sent there by the Mexicans, to be employed in transportin our baggage and supplies to Monterey. In the course of cor; versation, Senor asked us, how many voluntarios wer coming to Mexico ? He was told in reply, that we did no know what number had been ordered to the Eio Grande ; but certainly enough for present purposes ; and that nearly every man in the United States capable of bearing arms was ready, if required, to join Taylor's army. From the incredu- lous air with which the latter part of this response was received, it was evident that the old man knew more of the opposition to tlie war at home, than had been supposed. Possibly he may have been enlightened by some of th< " Stars " and " Torchlights," or other equally luminous and rabid anti-war prints published in Ohio ; whose editors, no content with opposing the cause of their country, engaged ii the pitiful business of abusing those who dared not only t< • differ from them, but to take part in the strife. 68 WE VISIT A MEXICAN HACIENDA. The road from Matamoros to Camargo was not far from the river at that point ; and we were informed that a column of American infantry had been seen passing np that day. From the vague and incoherent description given of it by one of the ^eons^ we were led to suppose that it was composed in part of the remaining battalion of onr regiment. In this, however, we were mistaken; although, as the distance be- tween the two places is more than twice as great by the sinu- ous Rio Grande as by the road, it would have been possible for active and healthy troops to march it in less time than our slow boat could steam it, — traveling as we did only during daylight. Before our departure from the hacienda, we were invited to enter and partake of some goat's milk ; which — upon observing a fold near the house containing some hun- dreds of " the bearded people " — we had expressed a desire to taste. The patriarchal beverage was delicious. An unu- sual number of weapons were hanging upon the walls of the apartment; and which, the old gentleman remarked, were used by his household against the Indians, who, since the commencement of the war had become very bold and trouble- some ; that but the week previous a large and daring band of Camanches had invaded the neighborhood, and driven off a number of horses and fat cattle, besides killing three Mexi- cans in the foray. It was night when we returned to the boat, for in that latitude the twilight is so brief as to be scarcely percepti- ble. The sun disappears, and darkness almost immediately " broods over the still and pulseless world." But those southern nights are enchantingly beautiful. Nothing arrested THE NIGHTS IN MEXICO. 69 my attention more, during the many weary vigils of the cam- paign, than those glittering hosts, which at set of sim, were ever seen in regular and stately march through that pure, un- clouded firmament. No where else have " the lights that rule the night " appeared so brilliant or lovely. On reach- ing the steamer, we mounted to the hurricane deck to enjoy the night breeze, that laded with fragrance stole across from the Texas bank. The scene around us that night, forms one of those interesting pictures of the campaign which the memory has retained more faithfully than the pen can deline- ate. On one side of us, the restless and turbid stream, roll- ed moaning to its' ocean-bed ; on the other a vast expanse of prairie and chaparral, o'er which comes the howl of wolves and the answering bark of w^atch-dogs at the ranche. The silent sentinels pace with ghost-like tread upon the shore, as if fearing to disturb the last long sleep of their departed comrade, over whose fresh grave the thick bushes bending mournfully in the breeze, weep their dewy tears. Stretched in slumber on the decks are whole ranks of men, many of them with their greasy haversacks drawn over their faces, to protect them from the mosquitos that swarm out from the shore. But even these are not secure from the insidious assaults of the pigmy enemy. For see how often they start and wake, — how they shake their sufibcating masks as impatiently as hungry cavalry horses toss their empty nose- bags, — how they smack right and left at the gray-coated gal- linippers, " then swear a prayer or two, and sleep again." While these are " dreaming of breaches, ambuscadoes, Span- ish blades," a party of officers in the cabin are drinking 70 WE KEACH CAMAKGO. healths^ five fathom deep. And still below them on the boiler deck, a number of soldiers are making merry over a certain fatted calf, found coucJiant near the landing; and whose peaceful ruminations have been interrupted by a single well-directed bayonet thrust. Long before dawn of the following day, the steam was his- sing like an angry serpent through the cleansed boilers and pipes ; and with the first light we were again upon our wind- ing way to Camargo, which place we reached at noon on Sunday, August 16th. The town is situated on the right bank of the San Juan, about a league above its confluence with the Rio Grande. As all our men were wearied, and many indeed sickened, by a long confinement on the com- fortless steamer, it was with unusual satisfaction that we beheld our boat gliding, at an unexpected moment, into the mouth of that beautiful little stream. Its limpid waves flow- ing between high banks (for draining a country of compara- tively limited extent, its flood had subsided) formed an agreeable contrast to the dark, swelling tide of the Rio Grande. The water of the latter is, however, more palatable / and more healthful, when its 20 per centum (literally as well Vi?, figuratively) of mud is precipitated. The American camp, with its right resting on Camargo, extended for a considera- ble distance along the river. The soldiers who loitered on the shore filling their camp-kettles, or stood knee deep in the water, washing their shirts, engaged in the usual skirmish of wit with our men, as we passed slowly up. On reaching the village, we pushed our prow into the landing where a com- pany of Texas Rangers, with all the boisterous merriment of FIRST INTERVIEW WITH GENERAL TAYLOR. 71 undisciplined troops, were engaged in cleaning their horses. Just above them, a party of the village women were coming to the stream for water, with the most primitive-looking earthen jars upon their heads. Having sent an officer to the quarter-master's office, in quest of wagons with which to transport our equipage to the camp, we set out to report at head-quarters the arrival of our detachment. In our walk thither, we were overtaken by an officer wearing the uniform of a brigadier general, who, after exchanging salutations, informed us that he was General , of the State of . Learning our destination and object, he politely oflered to accompany us to head-quarters and introduce us to General Taylor. Passing on through some narrow streets and lanes, and between gardens sur- rounded by mud walls, on the top of which grew many vari- eties of the luxuriant cactus plant, we arrived in a few min- utes at a little grassy lot just without the town, in the center of which were pitched three soiled and ragged tents. A small guard of dragoons was posted near by. The spot was remarkably quiet, being removed from the noise and bustle of both the camp and village. Under an awning in front of the tents, sat a solitary man, dressed in linen coat and trowsers, twirling a straw hat between his fingers, and appa- rently conversing with or dictating to some one within. The first glance assured us that it was the old hero, with whose name and fame the country was then ringing ; and as we approached, we recognized the mahogany complexion, pierc- ing eye, iron-grey hair, and stout frame, which we had been told distinguished the commanding general. As he arose to 72 APPEARANCE OF CAMARGO. greet us, I was struck with the benevolent expression of his face, and the affability of his manner. He was invested with no silly pomp or ceremony. There was no ice to break in approaching him ; but the natural grace and kindness of his reception at once placed us at ease, and during the time he gave us audience, our respect and admiration for the sturdy old republican general momentarily increased. His iirst question was concerning the health of the men, about which he seemed extremely solicitous ; and he expressed his anxiety to hasten his army forward into a more salubrious region. He conversed with a stammering voice. But if slow of speech, no man could be more prompt in action than Old Rough and Ready. On arising to take leave, which we did at the earliest suitable moment, he desired us to report to General Worth, who, he said, was in command at the camp. Returning to the boat, we had the satisfaction of finding the wagons already laden with our sick and baggage. The road to camp led us through the town, — if piles of crumbling clay and straw might be so called. A short time previous to its occupation by our troops, Camargo liad been inundated, and many of the houses being built of soft sun-dried bricks, had partially dissolved. TheToofs of some of them were yet clinging mournfully to one tottering wall. The little church and a few buildings around the Plaza, were in tolerable pres- ervation. These were occupied as store-houses by our quar- ter-masters and commissaries. But few Mexicans remained in the town, the population of which could at no period WE REACH THE CAMP. 73 have exceeded one or two thousand.* A brisk march of half an hour brought us to the left wing of the emcampment, where we pitched our tents and patiently awaited the arrival of the remaining battalion of our regiment. * The village of Camargo probably derives its name from Diego Munos Ca- margo, a native, and the historian of the celebrated Haskalian tribe, which was associated with the Spaniards in the conquest of the city of Mexico. Camargo lived in the latter half of the sixteenth century, was educated in the Catholic faith, and composed his " Historia de Hascala " in the Castilian language. CHAPTEK lY. Camp scenes at Camargo.— General Worth.— The review.— The regular troops sent forward to Cerralvo. — Great sickness and mortality in the volunteer regi- ments. — Character and conduct of the natives. — Our treatment of them.' — The Proclamation.— The Army and Church of Mexico.— Their influence on the gov- ernment. — Eager and enthusiastic spirit of the Volunteers. — The Rangers. — Brigades organized for the field. — Limited means of transportation. — The Mexi- can jockeys and our Horse Market.— Something of a shower. — General Hamer's brigade crosses the San Juan preparatory to marching for Monterey. A STROLL through the encampment, on the morning after our arrival at Camargo, afforded me, — a raw volunteer, — much pleasure and instruction. It was the first of any mag- nitude, and by far the most beautiful one I had ever beheld. Never before, indeed, had I seen a battalion of our regular troops, either in camp or garrison. But there, in the same field, were horse, foot and artillery ; not in great force, it is true, but perfect in all their appointments and discipline. Pour light batteries, of six guns each, a few squadrons of dragoons, and lour brigades of infantry, (comprising the divisions of Twiggs and Worth,) in all about three thousand men, comprised the regular army of General Taylor. The tent of every oflicer and private was pitched in its proper place, so that knowing a man's rank and company, his quar- ters could be almost as easily found as any number in the streets of our principal cities. In front of the camp was a vast and well smoothed parade-ground ; along the edge of CAMP SCENES. *■ 75 which was a row of fading fires, at which breakfast had just been prepared. The long lines of white canvas and stacks of burnished arms, interspersed with umbrageous rose- wood and mesqueet trees ; troops of splendid horses, standing with the calm dignity of veterans at their pickets ; batteries of artillery, their bright muzzles gleaming from beneath tar- paulins like watch- dogs peering from their kennels ; these assisted in forming one of those impressive martial spectacles that swell the veins and give fresh vigor to the step. Militia camps and parades I had often witnessed, but though every man wore the lace, and feathers, and gaudy trappings of a Field Marshal, they presented but a sorry mimicry of war. Here, however, was Mars himself; in repose, yet armed c&p- a-pie and ready for action. The very calmness and order that pervaded the camp would have told plainly enough that it was no holiday affair, even if many of the quiet men around us had not exhibited upon their persons and bronzed faces the marks of recent battle. It was one of those scenes that sent the mind wandering back through many a bright old page of histoiy, until it dwelt again with all the delight of boyhood, upon those vivid and magnificent camp and battle-pieces with which the Prince of Poets has adorned his Iliad. And I am inclined to think, that the appearance ot Achilles himself, brandishing in triumph his bloody spear, and dragging behind his chariot the body of some vanquished enemy, would not, at the moment, have in the least aston- ished me. At the quarters of the 3d infantry, I was courteously re- ceived by an officer to whom I had brought a letter from a 76 bkagg's battekies. mutual friend, and through whom I at once became ac- quainted with other gentlemen of that gallant corps. He politely proposed accompanying me to the quarters of Gen- eral "Worth, to whom I had been prevented by sickness from reporting in person, on the previous evening. We paused in our walk to witness the morning drill of Captain Bragg's excellent company of artillery. The horses, as well as men, seemed to understand their business perfectly ; and being of " fine bone and blood," they whirled the guns and caissons over the plain with wonderful rapidity and ease. These light field batteries, in which the canoneers ride upon the gun carriages, ready for action at any moment, are very efficient for quick work ; and with sufficien 1 aorse-power, are certainly the most formidable auxiliaries that science has ever given to w^ar. Captain Bragg, a skillful and coura- geous officer, is, I understand, distinguished for his attention to the minutio3 of his profession ; a merit to be esteemed no less than heroic daring, when it is remembered what disasters may result in critical moments from the most trifling casual- ties, such, for example, as the loss of a horse-shoe or linch- pin.* He was in Fort Brown during its long bombardment. There, his light pieces were of little service as battering guns. So at Monterey. But in the open field of Buena Vista, our horse-artillery exhibited its terrible power. There, in fact, (as General Taylor states, in his rejjort of the battle) it saved the day. " Moving rapidly over the roughest ground, it was * Caesar, whose great sagacity and conduct put success as much out of the power of accident as human reason could well do, remarks in tiie third book of his Com- mentaries: ^'' Furtuiia qtics plurimiim potest, cum in aliis rthus, turn pracipue in hello in parvis momentis magnas rerum mutationes efficit/'' GENERAL WORTH. 77 always in action at the right place and the right time ; and its well-directed fire dealt destruction in the masses of the enemy." We found General Worth, in this, my first and only inter- view with him, pacing his tent with much the air of a caged lion. He had that morning received orders to hold his divis- ion in readiness for a movement in the direction of Monterey ; and was most anxious to hasten events. He informed us that he would march on the 19th, and was to establish him- self at Cerralvo until the arrival of the other divisions at that place. Colonel Duncan had just returned from a reconnois- sance to Puntaguada, and reported that the roads, which it was supposed had been made nearly impassable by the sum- mer rains, were in good condition, and that water was not so scarce as on the route between Matamoros and Camargo. This was cheering intelligence, and the ambitious and chiv- alrous spirit of Worth, chafed at missing the glories of Palo Alto and Resaca, now burned to press forward and pluck from the hights of Monterey a laurel as fresh and green as that which crowned his rival. It will be recollected by the reader that, in consequence of a disagreement with General Twiggs concerning rank, (Twiggs being the senior colonel, and Worth a general by brevet) he had resigned his commission and returned to the United States before the battles on the Rio Grande were fought. When the unexpected and startling news of those actions reached him at Washington, he withdrew his resigna- tion and immediatelv repaired to Mexico, where he added greatly to his reputation as a soldier, by the brilliant manner ■i* 78 GENEKAL WORTH. in wliicli he fought his division throughout the war. The blow upon his fame, — from which he was then evidently suf- fering, — like that of Achilles, had been self-inflicted by his voluntary retirement from the camp. And like the Grecian hero, he was destined to learn that " those wounds heal ill, that men do give themselves." The countenance, address and manners of this distinguished General, were exceedingly prepossessing. His features were strikingly handsome, and his face possessed that bright, healthy hue which contrasts so well with the gray locks of age. His appearance and bear- ing were imposing and knightly ; his person and gait erect and military ; his voice clear and pleasing ; his utterance very rapid yet distinct. His manners were at times, perhaps a little ostentatious ; and in that regard as well as in other respects, he diflered greatly from the commanding general. Most soldiers in comparing these two generals, (whose char- ters Death has already given over to the impartial pen of History) would probably have concluded that, while no one,— not even Murat or Macdonald — could lead troops in a charge more fiercely than the fiery and enthusiastic "Worth ; yet that upon the deliberate courage, unbroken composure and uncon- querable will of Taylor, it would be safer to rely for success in all the varying chances of a campaign. "Worth, with all his ardor, united great military skill and judgment ; but though a more brilliant soldier, of acknowledged talents and courage, he never inspired the volunteer army, at least, with the same confidence and admiration as did Taylor. Yet was he an extraordinary man, and his untimely death has caused' a ]>lank in the American army which will not soon be filled. REVIEW OF TKOOPS. 79 I was much pleased with the visit, and felt gratified, proud indeed, that my country possessed such a general. Before leaving his tent, he courteously invited the oflicers of my battalion to attend a review of the regular troops, which was to take place that afternoon. I have ever regarded myself as very fortunate in reaching Camargo in time to behold that review, wliich was decidedly the most imposing of the campaign. That man is little to be envied whose heart would not swell with gratitude and pat- riotism, in contemplating such an army ; whose valor and firmness had recently saved the periled honcr of his country. Though there were hardly three thousand troops in the line, the display was admirable and gratifying. The men were in excellent condition and looked invincible. The officers, young, brave and intelligent, were (it may be safely as- serted) superior to any Europe can boast, in professional skill.* Soon after the formation of the line, the generals, attended by a brilliant stafl', rode down from right to left. Taylor * In common with eveiy candid observer of events in Mexico, I would cheerfully testify to the incalculable benefits derived by our country from its Military Acade- my. Not only did it give to the regular army nearly all its efficiency, but its ad- vantages were lealized to a considerable extent, in every volunteer corps connected with the war. To the thorough military training and knowledge which it imparts, the nation is much indebted lor a series of splendid victories; any one of which would more than compensate it for all the expenditures at West Point. That will be an unfortunate day for the Republic, when Congress, influenced eiiher by mo- tives of fancied economy or the vile appeals of the demagogue, shall consent to abandon an institution which has already done much to establish the reputation and extend the borders of the country ; and which is constantly spreading among us that intelligence and skill by which the jjeoplc- — in their freedom from the burden of a large standing army — may at any time be converted into the grandest host o soldiers that ever battled in any cause or clime. 80 KEVIEW OF TKOOPS. clad in plain undress, was conspicuous in the glittering group. Every eye was fixed upon him as lie passed from corps to corps, acknowledging the salute of each. After he had taken a favorable position in the field, the line was wheeled into column of companies, and then with a grand and inspiriting burst of music from the bands, that glorious little army passed in review, moving as one man across the reverberating plain. Floating high o'er the column was that splendid " standard of the stars," to which Drake has as- cribed so poetical and beautiful an origin, and which he has described too, in lines that few Americans can read without feeling their hearts beat within them as at the sound of a trumpet. Ah ! the imperial eagles of Rome and France were not more secure in the midst of the immortal " Tenth Legion " and the unyielding " Old Guard," than is that heaven-born banner there ! " Flag of the brave ! thy folds shall fly, The sign of hope and triumph liigh ! When speaks the signal trumpet tone, And the long line comes gleaming on, Ere yet the life-blood, warm and wet, Has dimmed the glistening bayonet. Each soldier's eye shall brightly turn, To where thy meteor glories burn. And as his springing steps advance, Catch war and vengeance from the glance ! " It was indeed a soul-stirring scene, and we earnestly wished that every volunteer in the army could witness and would emulate the soldiership it exhibited. A distinguished officer of the 3d infantry, who shortly afterward expired under the walls of Monterey, pointed to us, during the review, the vari- ous battalions and commanders in the field ; and related some ADVANCE UPON MONTEREY. 81 interesting incidents connected with the history of many oi them. In reply to a remark of mine concerning the troops, he said — " Yes, this is very fine, certainly ; but our boy;- always look better in a blaze. You will soon see what stuf is beneath those blue jackets." The day after the review, (August 19th) General Worth marched with his division for Cerralvo, — a town about mid- way between Camargo and Monterey. No serious opposition was anticipated short of the last named city. Bold and strong indeed must that Mexican force have been, which could have dared to face that splendid van-guard, led by the keenly excited genius and angry courage of Worth. The remaining brigades of the regular army soon afterward passed to the left bank of the San Juan, and were pushed forward in rapid succession. Meanwhile detachments of vol- unteers were being daily brought up by the boats, but it was not until a week after our arrival that the marching column (composed, as the reader has seen, of six companies from each regiment) reached Camargo. General Twiggs, who, marching rapidly up from Matamoros with the Dragoons and Flying Artillery, had passed the column on the road, re- ported, with his usual sportive and mirth-provoking humor, that the volunteers were in exceeding bad plight, that thei: patriotism was oozing out at their toes, and that their officer: were compelled to encourage them forward by stirring speeches, at least thrice a day. At the commencemenS^ of the campaign it was a standing joke among the regulars, that the officers of volunteers found it necessary to enforce every trifling order with a stump speech ; and that therefore 82 DISCIPLINE OF TKOOPS. the discipline of each regiment depended pretty much upon the eloquence of its colonel. At this jest, and its accom- panying illustrative anecdotes, we have laughed as heartily as our good-natured brethren of the old line ; and, indeed, considering the character of our people, there may have been some room for such innocent raillery. It certainly was calcu- lated to do more good than any severe and unkind profes- sional criticism ; which would have engendered much ill- feeling between the old and new troops. None knew better than the regular officers, that the volunteer regiments con- tained the best material in the world, from which to mold an eflScient army ; but it required time, tact, and much for- bearance, to accustom those independent spirits to the yoke of military discipline. The volunteers, unlike the mass of the regular army, had always been their own masters, and it could scarcely be expected that they should abandon at once all their habits of free thought and free action, and become passive and obedient instruments in the hands of others. Their good sense, however, aided by a little experi- ence, and the example of all who valued tlie reputation of their regiments, and the honor of their states, soon rendered most of the volunteers quite equal to the regulars, in the prompt, cheerful, and full discharge of every duty. .On the 23d of August, our regiment was again concen- trated by the arrival of the six companies which had marched from Camp Belknap under Lieutenant Colonel Weller. The journey, performed under midsummer suns, and through a country but scantily supplied with water, was a severe and trying one to our unripe troops. Several of the wagons MORTALITY AT CAMAEGO. 83 came in laden with sick and dying men, among wliom we were pained to find Lieutenant S., of Company B, (Dayton volunteers,) one of the most energetic,' reliable, and useful officers of the 1st Ohio regiment. His death, which occurred on the morning of the 26th, was, to many of his comrades, one of the most distressing events of the campaign. Lieut. S. had already displayed an activity, and tractable disposi- tion, that won him the confidence and esteem of his superior officers, while his cheerfulness, and the good humor with which he bore every privation, had made him a favorite with all. He possessed, too, all those sterling qualities of the soldier, which, had fate permitted, would have gained him an enviable reputation. The mortality in our camp at Camargo was appalling. The dead march was ever wailing in our ears, and even at this distant period, I can scarcely look back to our brief stay there without a shudder. At almost every hour of the day, funeral escorts of various regiments might be seen following tlie bodies of departed comrades to that vast and common cemetery, the chaparral, where officers and men, " in dust, without distinction lie." The large hospital-tents were con- stantly full — the dead being removed at sunrise and sunset, but to make room for the dying. The groans and lamenta- tions of the poor suflerers during those sickly, sultry nights were heart-rending. Upon our arrival at Camargo, we had been informed by the natives that it was the most sickly place in the valley, but the appearance of the country did not indicate it, nor have I ever heard it attributed to any satisfactory cause. An examination of the circumjacent country might perhaps, have led to tlie discovery of some 84 MORTALITY AT CAMAEGO. swamps or pools of stagnant water, left from the overflow of the San Juan. General Taylor, though busied with the many important ar- rangements upon which his subsequent success would depend, yet frequently found time to visit the hospitals, and cheer their inmates with 'kind and sympathizing words. In a communication to the adjutant general, dated Camargo, Sept. 3d, 1846, he says, " I have used every eflbrt to extend the hospital accomodations and the medical force, but the service is sufiering greatly in this latter particular. There has been great sickness and mortality in some of the volun- teer regiments. Great numbers are taken into the several general hospitals, and no exertion is spared to ameliorate their condition." The deficiency of medical officers here alluded to, was seriously felt in many regiments. But " the laws of the land," said the surgeon general, in reply to Gen- eral Taylor's complaint of the scarcity of surgeons, " awarded two medical officers to a full regiment of 750 men," and as there were more than that number serving with the Army of Occupation, ergo^ the complaint was groundless, and the surgeons in the field were censurable for not performing their duty. Our regiment was fortunate in securing at the onset two skillful surgeons, and in being generally concen- trated. But there were others, which, being divided and sub-divided for garrison and escort duty, often suffered sadly, in consequence of what the surgeon general asserted to be " military propriety, and the customs of the service." * It * " I have given all in the way of medical aid which military propriety, and the customs of the services in like cases, and the wants of the army seem to require ; DEALINGS WITH THE NATIVES. 85 is due to the chiefs of the various staff departments of the army, to remark that they did all, and often more than "the regulations" required from them ; but they should have been neither disappointed nor dissatisfied when gently reminded by the general commanding in the field, that the very nice calculations made at Washington, did not altogether meet the exigencies of every climate and service. At Camargo we were tolerably well supplied by the Mex- icans with fresh provisions, for which they took care to exact exorbitant prices. These native hucksters were a morose and knavish set. Taught to hate all foreginers, and especially "/o5 Yankees^'''' they looked — even when pocketing our dol- lars — as sour as their own bitter oranges when the green rinds have received the first tinge of sickly yellow. As they were allowed to enter the camp at all hours, they of course kept their friends at Monterey well advised of our condition and movements ; while, in their dealings with us, they were close-mouthed and professedly ignorant beyond example. Nothing scarcely could be extracted from them save the price of the articles they offered for sale, and which they uttered glibly enough. To every question touching their roads, coun- try, towns, troops, etc., even when put in the purest Castil- ian, the usual reply was, " no entende^ Senor^''^ (don't under- stand you, sir.) It appears that General Taylor, up to this time, had failed to obtain any very reliable information con- but if they desire more medical officers, they shall have them — with myself to boot, if acceptable — and I am borne out in the measure by the government. Far be it from me to withhold aught that will contribute to the comfort of one of those gal- lant souls who so valiantly fought and so signally triumphed on the battle-fields of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palnia." — From the Letter of the Surgeon General to the Adjutant General. 5 8G DIFFICULTY OF OBTAINING INFORMATION, cerning the designs of the enemy, or even of the country be- yond the points to which he had pushed his reconnoitering parties. On the eve of marching for Camargo, and but two weeks before he fought the battle of Monterey, he remarked in a letter to the government, "We have no very recent intelligence from the interior, nor have I yet satisfactory means of judging whether our occupation of Monterey and Saltillo will be disputed." Such indeed had been the barbarian policy of the Mexican government, and the plundering habits of the Mexican peo- ple, that travelers and traders Had been discouraged from vis- iting the country; and but few of our citizens knew more of its interior than what could be seen along the great thorough- fare between Yera Cruz and the city of Mexico. Though lying immediately upon the borders of the most enterprising and inquisitive nation under the sun, Mexico had remained, up to the commencement of the w^ar, almost a terra incog- nita. The great wall of China could not have ofiered a more effectual barrier to Tartarean invasion, than Mexican legisla- tion, insolence, and intolerance have presented to American industry and genius. The reader, therefore, will not perhaps be surprised to find the quarter-master general (who, like the surgeon general found it necessary to vindicate his official conduct,) writing as follows, in reply to one of General Tay- lor's letters : "As to the complaint i^i regard to the want of land transportation, it is proper to remark, that tliere was no information at Washington, so far as I was informed, to ena- ble me or the War Department to determine wliether wagons could be used in Mexico." tayloe's proclamation. 87 Soon after the beginning of the war, our government had announced its intention of conducting it in a spirit of liber- ality and forbearance ; and it may be safely asserted that no people were ever more kindly treated by an invading army. Rarely indeed, in time of peace, have the Mexicans extended to Americans the same respectful consideration. It appears that the Cabinet at Washington entertained a hope that the mass of the natives might be propitiated, and, in some mea- sure, convinced, that, " the war was waged not against them, but a faithless government of military despots, who had both deprived them of their liberty, and wronged and insulted us," To that end, the government had furnished General Taylor with a proclamation to the inhabitants of Northern Mexico, (a copy of which is subjoined) indicating the policy it in- tended to pursue in prosecuting hostilities, and which many persons in our army, in view of the characteristic treachery and deep-rooted enmity of the Mexican race, roundly con- demned at the time,* Even if the statesmen of the United *A PROCLAMATION. By the General commanding the Akmy of the United States of America. To the people of Mexico : " Alter many years of patient endurance, the Ignited States are at lengtli con- strained to acknowledge that a war now exists between our government and the government of Mexico. For many years cur citizens have been subjected to repeated insults and injuries ; our vessels and cargoes have been seized and confiscated ; our merchants have been plundered, maimed, imprisoned, without cause and without reparation. At length your government acknowledged the justice of our claims, and agreed, by treaty, to make satisfaction by payment of several millions of dollars ; but this treaty has been violated by your rulers, and the sdpulated payments have been withheld. Our late effort to terminate all difficulties by peaceful negotiation, has been rejected by the Dictator, Faredes, and our minister of peace, whom your rulers had agreed to receive, has been refused a hearing. He has been treated with indignity and insult, and Paredes has announced that war exists between us. This war, thus first proclaimed by him, has been acknowledged as an existing fact by 88 THE INFLUENCE OF THE PRIESTHOOD. States had interpreted the character of the enemy aright, they yet greatly over-estimated the influence of the people of the repuhlic / of Mexico, if they supposed that their wishes would be in the least regarded by the central government. Arms and religion govern Mexico. The soldier and the priest control her destinies. The priesthood — perhaps foreseeing disastrous results for their church, in the conquest of their country by the free-thinking Yankees — promptly brought to the aid of the Dictator all their potent, pecuniary, and spirit- ual resources. Though quite shrewd enough to know that it but little concerned our government whether Christian, Jew, Turk, or Infidel possessed the land, yet these holy gentlemen, our President and Congress, with perfect unanimity, and will be prosecuted with vigor and energy against your army and rulers ; but those of the Mexican people who remain neutral will not be molested. " "Your government is in the hands of tyrants and usurpers. They have abolished your State governments, they have overthrown your federal constitution, they have deprived you of the right of suffrage, destroyed the liberty of the press, despoiled you of your arms, and reduced you to a stale of absolute dependence upon the power of a military dictator. Your army and rulers extort from the people, by grievous taxation, by forced loans and military seizures, the very money which sustains the usurpers in power. Being disarmed, you are left defenseless, an easy prey to the savage Camanches, who not only destroy your lives and property, but drive into a captivity, more horrible than death itself, your wives and children. It is your mil- itary rulers who have reduced you to this deplorable condition. It is these tyrants and their corrupt and cruel satellites, gorged with the people's treasure, by whom you are thus oppressed and impoverished ; some of whom have boldly advocated a monarchical government, and would place an European prince on the throne of Mexico. We come to obtain reparation for repeated wrongs and injuries ; we come to obtain indemnity for the past, and security for the hiture; we come to overthrow the tyrants who have destroyed your liberties ; but we come to make no war upon the people of Mexico, nor upon any form of free government they may choose to select for themselves. It is our wish to see you liberated from despots, to drive back the savage Camanches, to prevent the renewal of their assaults, and to compel them to restore to you, from captivity, your long-lost wives and ciiildren. Your religion, your altars and churches, the property of your churches and citizens, the emblems of your faith and its ministers, shall be protected, and remain inviolate. Hundreds of our army, and hundreds of thousands of our people, are members of the Catholic church. In every State, and in nearly every city and village of our Union, Catholic THE INFLUENCE OF THE PRIESTHOOD. 89 pretending to believe all the clap-trap uttered in the United States, about the wealth of the country and the mint value of certain "golden images" and "silver candelabras," aroused the people with stories of our avarice, and avowed that the sacred and dearly-prized emblems of their religion had been offered as a bounty to American volunteers. Thus did the priests forestall our proclamation. If there was any disaffection in the land, it added but little strength to our cause. The people generally placed no confidence in the amicable intentions we published among them, and with the exception of the small spy company of Dominguez, which churches exist ; and the priest performs his holy functions in peace and security, under the sacred guaranty of our constitution. We come among the Mexican people as iriends and republican brethren, and all who receive us as such shall be protected ; while all who are seduced into the army of your dictator, shall be treated as enemies. We shall want from you nothing but food for our army, and for this you shall always be paid, in cash, the lull value. It is the settled policy ot your tyrants to deceive you in regard to the policy and character of our government and people. These tyrants fear the example of our free institutions, and constantly endeavor to mis- represent our purposes, and inspire you with hatred for your republican brethren of the American Union. Give us but the opportunity to undeceive you, and you will soon learn that all the representations of Paredes were false, and were only made to induce you to consent to the establishment of a despotic government. In your struggle for liberty with the Spanish monarchy, thousands of our coun- trymen risked their lives and shed their blood in your defense. Our own Commo- dore, the gallant Porter, maintained in triumph your flag upon the ocean, and our government was the first to acknowledge your independence. With pride and pleasure we enrolled your name on the list of independent republics, and sin- cerely desired that you might, in peace and prosperity, enjoy all the blessings of a free government. Success on the part of your tyrants, against the army of the Union, is impossible ; but if they could succeed, it would only be to enable them to fill your towns with their soldiers, eating out your substance, and harrassing you with still more grievous taxation. Already they have abolished the liberty of the press, as the first step toward the introduction of that monarchy which it is their real purpose to proclaim and establish. " Mexicans ! we must treat as enemies and overthrow the tyrants, who, while they have wronged and insulted us, have deprived you of your liberties ; but the Mexican people who remain neutral during the contest, shall be protected against their military despots by the republican army of the Union." 90 EFFECTS OF OUK TEEATMENT, joined General Scott's army, remained faithful to their tjTants. Notwithstanding the temper and conduct of the natives, the pledges of the Proclamation were as scrupulously ob- served as circumstances would allow. Our army in its early marches through the country, moved like a rich and power- ful benefactor, scattering with a lavish hand, unheard of wealth among the rabble in its path. But ignorance, pride, jealousy and bigotry, were not to be thus overcome. Esti- mating over much their own resources and the ability of their numerous army, or perhaps encouraged to believe from the division of opinion in the United States on the subject of the war, that we would eventually withdraw from the contest — their government, without the prestige of a single victor}^, continued to prosecute an active and relentless system of hos- tilities. At length, when it was discovered that our gener- osity and mild treatment had failed to produce the desired effect upon the population, and that they frequently commit- ted the most savage outrages upon our troops, the Secretary of War instructed General Taylor to draw supplies from the enemy without paying for them ; and thus, by making them feel the weight of war, become interested in the restoration of peace. Beginning to understand the cliaracter of the foe, and perceiving the effect of the policy previously avowed, he says in his letter: "It is far from being certain that our military occupation of the enemy's country is not a blessing to the in- habitants in the vicinity. They are shielded from the burdens and exactions of their own authorities, protected in their per- sons, and furnished with a most profitable market for most CONTKASTED WITH THE MEXICAN AKMY, 91 kinds of their property. A state of things so favorable to their interests may induce them to wish the continuance of hostilities." But General Taylor never availed himself of this autliority to levy contributions, and we continued to pay liberal prices for everything obtained from the enemy. How differently would the dissolute and brutal soldiery of Mexico have conducted themselves in an enemy's country ! How differently, indeed, did they often act in their own. We have the authority of their historians for asserting that their marches through their native provinces were sometimes marked by the worst excesses and crimes; that, "they left behind them, by their unbridled license, an imprint of horror in the towns through which they passed; seizing upon vine- yards, sacking shops, and even murdering poor poulterers to take away their fowls." So disgusted was an intelligent Mexican whom I knew, with the arrogance and extortion of his own troops, that he did not hesitate to admit frankly, that he ])referrcd the presence of the American army to his own • since from the former he was sure of obtaining a fair compen- / sation for his property. To a standing army, and an estab- lished national church, does Mexico owe niDst of her troubles and her poverty. Her government, existing only by the con- sent of the army, is in turn compelled to sustain that army at all hazards and sacrifices. It is now well understood that the recognition of the independence of Texas had been de- ferred, and the war with that state nominally prolonged by the various military rulers of Mexico, merely as a pretext for the exaction of supplies, which were afterward squandered in the maintenance of their ill-gotten and much-abused power. 92 THE GOVEENMENT OF MEXICO. The government, being supported by bayonets, always totters, when, from its want of credit, and miserable domestic policy, it suffers the pay of the troops to fall in arrear. Woe to it in such dark hours, for then thrives that baleful mushroom, the Pronunciamiento. Nearly all their revolutions, since their independence from Spain, have been conceived by ambitious generals, and achieved by a greedy soldiery.* In these civil wars, the church, of course, is careful to side with that party most favorable to its interests ; and it has been truly remarked by one of our envoys to Mexico, that, "no political movement can succeed there, to which the priesthood is opposed." The Mexicans have a very well written constitution ; but what is the best system of government worth to those who have not moral and intellectual power enough to compel its observance? Where the minds and hearts of the people are not properly educated, there can be no real freedom ; and to *Even mercenary motives have sometimes been wanting to excuse the disloyalty of the army— as witness the following passage of history from the Mexican "Notes of the War :" " During the last month of the administration of Paredes, in consequence of the reverses suffered by our troops on the other side of the Rio Bravo, it was agreed to organize the same expedition which Santa Anna afterward resolved upon. To re- alize it, pecuniary resources were wanting, and a contract was accordingly made with the church for $1,000,000, which sum was estimated as being more than suffi- cient for the division that should march from the city of Mexico. The state of in- ternal politics, and the fear, above all, of abandoning his prey, detained Paredes in this city, even after Congress had given him permission to march from Mexico, with the forces that were in garrison, and to place himself at the head of the troops of the North. This delay began to consume, without profit, the loan from the clergy, which, being for the most part wasted, obliged Paredes at last to take the forces and relinquish the government, at the end of July, for the purpose of joining the army of the North Then he made payments for the march to all the corps, to all the officers and chiefs ; with which, a few days after, they flew to the citadel to proclaim a new revolution ; and assisted by the very money that ought to have served to march to Monterey. Infamous intrigues, to which we owe principally the unfortunate issue of our contest at the North." THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO. 93 attempt the establishment of a republic among them, is the very folly of building upon sand. Until directed by wisdom and virtue, all popular efforts in Mexico, as in France, will terminate in a military despotism, or in the crime and folly of a Reign of Terror. In the words of the leading Democratic paper of New York — which in April, 1853, announced the return of Santa Anna to his native shores — • " What is chiefly wanted in Mexico, is virtue and intelligence among the people ; an intelligence which can not be bamboo- zled by priests, and a virtue which will subject the military to the civil power ; together with such practical energy as will convert the generous resources of nature into the food of industry, instead of the nutriment of idleness and beggary." Whether these wants will ever be supplied, whether the mili- tary will ever be made subject to the civil power so long as she perseveres in what her recently exiled President, Arista, terms, " that grand enigma, that squaring of the circle — na- tionality," is excedingly improbable. For every President constitutionally elected by the people, the army can easily make a half-dozen "a^Z interim Presidents," as the usurpers are called. Look, for example, at the changes of adminis- tration in the three years that intervened between the annex- ation of Texas, and the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo. In that brief period, I believe Herrera, Paredes, Salas, Farias, Santa Anna, Pena and Anaya, were severally at the head of aflfairs. Was there every such apolitical whirligig? That certainly was such "rotation in office" as one might suppose would satisfy the most greedy spoils-seeker that ever fought in the ranks of Jacobin or Empire club. Nor has the con- 94: THE FUTURE OF MEXICO. dition of the country materially improved since the termina- tion of the war. It has been somewhat more trancLuil, but it is the calmness of indolence and humiliation. The indem- nity, paid in annual installments by the United States, has perhaps been the means of sustaining the government, and of saving her thus long from anarchy. The future of Mexico is one of tlie saddest and most em- barrassing political problems of the day. That a country of such extent and resources, enjoying a position -which com- mands two oceans, (the advantages of which, by the proposed Tehuantepec road, it has been left to foreigners to demonstrate,) and with eight or nine millions of inhabitants, should be in such a hopeless condition, is a ])eculiar phenomenon in history. It is scarcely possible that Santa Anna, who has again be- come " the Supreme Government," can avert, for more than a brief season, her ultimate fate. Even well-informed and patriotic Mexicans now cease to regard, whli aversion, the " manifest destiny" of their countr3^ Ex-Fresident Arista seems to look forward to it with hope and encouragement. He says, in a late letter to his government : " I desire the happiness of my country, and to attain it, I see no road but through federal institutions, and, if it be desired, annexation uO the United States, in which Mexico will meet an inex- haustible fountain of riches and pros})erity, notwithstanding she may lose that grand enigma, that squaring of the circle, called by General Santa Anna, Nationality. The day will arrive when this will happen." There can be but little doubt that a majority of the people of the United States are pre- pared to annex Mexico at once, and "the rest of mankind" ANNEXATION. 95 at the proper time; yet a voluntary proposition, on her part, for a peaceful amalgamation of the two republics, would per- haps be but coldly embraced, if not rejected by some of our ardent annexationists, who rejoice in more violent delights. To their palates, stolen fruits are always the sweetest. In whichever manner the Mexican States may come into our Union, it is more to be hoped than expected that they would be at once relieved of the incubus which has so long oppressed them ; or that the people, long tantalized by the mirage of liberty, would be able to appreciate its living waters when offered to them in all their freshness and purity. Nor is it certain that the connection would be very beneficial to us for sometime at least, especially if the whole of Mexico should be swallowed at one gulp — as is sometimes mildly proposed by our annexationists. In that event, it is likely that — be she ever so well " licked " before deglutition — we should find her one of those morsels which, " though sweet in taste, prove in digestion sour."* * *It will be seen by the following extract from a recent speech delivered by the Nestor of the Democratic party, (Gen. Cass) that the venerable Senator is of the opinion that the gastric juice ot the body politic has not been in the least reduced by the digestion of a brace of Mexican states. But considering the fact that those were very thinly populated, it might be advisable to swallow the remaining nine- teen or twenty at many, and perhaps smaller meals. This would enable us to manage an island or two hy way of desert. Meantime the South American states may consider themselves as in a pen, fattening for our capacious maws. In good time they will doubtless furnish Brother Jonathan with excellent thanksgiving dinners. In a speech upon Mr. Mason's resolution (in Senate, December 23, 1852,) calling for the correspondence concerning the proposed tripartite treaty with England and France, for the safeguard to Spain of the island of Cuba, General Cass took occa- sion to say, inter alia — " As to the general subject of annexation, I have no new views to disclose. It is pretty well known that I have a capacious swallow for territory, though I am free to confess that I can wait awhile patiently, it necessary, and spend the time in digesting our last acquisitions. They sit lightly on the 96 SPIKIT OF THE VOLUNTEERS. The volunteer army assembled at Camargo was composed chiefly of young men, who had just attained the age at which the enthusiasm of youth and vigor of manhood are united.* The " Young Guard" of Napoleon did not con- tain in its ranks more energy, valor, and daring, than was to be found in that youthful mass. There were soldiers in various regiments whom I had known when " we were boys together," who contemplated the prospect of an arduous campaign with more pleasure than they ever did a recitation in Thucydides or Juvenal. To many of them, a battery was a more agreeable object than a black-board, and I am con- vinced that some of my old school-mates would have as- saulted a bristling tete de pont with more alacrity than they had aforetime evinced in demonstrating the pons asinorum. stomach, and promise to promote the health of the body politic to a degree surpass- ing the most sanguine expectations ot those who expecied most from the measure." In the admirable speech from which the above is quoted, the eloquent Senator is particularly severe upon the press and people of Great Britain for their Pharasaical pretensions, and justly denounces the inconsistency ^th which, after acquiring empires by the sword, on the most frivolous pretexts, they presume to arraign this country for its rapacity. * " The volunteers of Mexico, were the picked men of the nation, who, devot- ing themselves to a service more than a thousand miles from home, went to it un- der the strong impulse of adventure and love of martial glory. They consisted of the young, the ardent, and the brave, who, for the time, renounced all domestic pursuits and marched to the field, animated by the hope of distinction, and disen thralled from all civil cares and engagements. Thus fortified by resolve, stimula- ted by love of the profession, cheered by loud acclamations of friends, unimpeded by domestic solicitude, and filled with the ardor and courage of the national char- acter, they more resemble the chivalry, which a few centuries ago, assembled around Gonsalvo de Cordova, or Gaston de Foix, in their descents upon the fields of Italy, than they do any army of modern times. The skill, concert, impetuous valor and persevering labor of their assnults, will be the theme of commendation from military critics in centuries to come, while the brilliancy of their victories over such disproportioned numbers, and the rapidity of their conquest of the strongholds of Mexico, will be regarded as the marvels of the age in which they were achieved." — Hon. J. P. Kennedy. THE TEXAN CAVALRY. 97 Many adventurous spirits who had failed to obtain desirable places in the Infantry, and who were determined to partici- pate in the war even as privates, attracted by the loose disci- pline and hazardous service of the Texan Cavalry, had become Kangers. There were two regiments of Texan i troops with the army, commanded by Colonels Hays and Wood, comprising the brigade of General Henderson. Their knowledge of the character of the enemy and of the military frontier, acquired in their long border struggle, rendered them valuable auxiliaries in the invasion. Of this far-famed corps — so much feared and hated by the Mexicans — I can add nothing to what has already been written. The charac- ter of the Texan Hanger is now well known by both friend and foe. As a mounted soldier he has had no counterpart u in any age or country. Neither Cavalier nor Cossack, Mameluke nor Moss-trooper are like him ; and yet, in some respects, he resembles them all. Chivalrous, bold and im- \ petuous in action, he is yet wary and calculating, always impatient of restraint, and sometimes unscrupulous and un- merciful. He is ununiformed,* and undrilled, and performs his active duties thoroughly, but with little regard to order or system. He is an excellent rider and a dead shot. His arms are a rifle, Colt's revolving pistol, and a knife. Unac- customed to the saber or to move in mass, the Rangers are of course unable to make a charge upon, or to receive one from well-armed and well-disciplined troops. But when an * Some wag (doubtless the same individual who remarked that the Georgian cos- tume was " a shirt collar and a pair of spurs,") has described the Texan uniform as "a dirty shirt and a five-shooter." 98 TKOOrS EN ROUTE FOK MONTEREY. enemy's line is broken by the rapid volleys of their rifles, they then "pitch in promiscuously," and finish the work with the "five-shooter," — delivering their fire right and left as they dash along at full speed. And it must be confessed that for a chaparral skirmish, or an " up and down and cross over fight" upon house-tops, such as that of the third day at Monterey, the Kangers have few superiors. Centaur-like, they seemed to live upon their horses ; and, under firm and prudent leaders, were eflficient soldiers, especially for scouts and advanced post-service, where the necessity for -uninter- mitting vigilance left them no opportunity for indulging in the mad-cap revels and marauding expeditions for which they are somewhat celebrated. Before the end of August, all the regular troops were en route for the interior ; and intelligence was received from General "Worth — who had taken possession of Corral vo — that the enemy was in force at Monterey, and would probably stand siege. Upon this. General Taylor determined to lose no time in moving forward the volunteers, and bringing the matter to an issue of arms. On the 28th, the subjoined or- der, decisive of the long debated question, " which of the new regiments and brigadiers will Taylor take to Monterey ?" was published.* We of the First Ohio regiment were much * Orders ) Head-Quariers, Army of Occupation, No. 108. ) Camargo, August 28, 1846. 1. Tlie limited means of transportation, and the uncertainty in regard to the sup- plies that may be drawn from the theater of operations, imposes upon the com- manding general the necessity of taking into the field, in the first instance, only a moderate portion of the volunteer force now under his orders. 2. In addition to the mounted regiments from Texas, four regiments of volunteer infantry will be held ready for the march, constituting two brigades and one divi- sion, to be commanded by Major General Butler. The Lst Kentucky, and 1st Ohio TROOPS EN ROUTE FOR MONTEREY. 99 rejoiced at our good fortune, and heartily condoled with those less successful and loudly lamenting men, who, after coming so far to share in the glory of a campaign, were compelled, by " the limited means of transportation," to remain for weeks and months inactive upon the malarious plains of Camargo. The reader will perceive, from Order No. 108, that the four regiments of infantry, comprising General Butler's division, were reduced to a strength of 500 men each. These, with the two regiments of Texan Horse, constituted a force of 3000 volunteers, which, with about the same number of regulars, invested Monterey. The allowance of transportation for the march, were as follows: regiments will form the first field brigade, under the command of Brigadier General Hamer; the 1st Tennessee and the Mississippi regiments, will ibrm the second field brigade, to be commanded by Brigadier General Quitman. 3. The regiments designated will be reduced to a strength of 500 men each, ex- clusive of officers, by leaving behind all sick and disabled men, and all who shall not be deemed capable of undergoing the fatigues and privations of the campaign. These selections will be made under the direction of Major General Butler, in the first, and the brigadier generals in the second divisions — a board of medical officers being convened in all doubtful cases. It is for the good of the service, and the repu- tation of each regiment, that the selections be rigid. 4. In announcing the above arrangements, the commanding general feels that he is disappointing the hopes of many regiments and superior officers, who looked for- ward to a participation in the campaign. But they will see that he is controlled by the necessities of the case, and that it is impossible to gratify the wishes of all. The selections have been made solely with a view to promote the interests of the service, and the successful prosecution of the war with present means. The gener- al hopes, that after penetrating the country, and ascertaining its resources, he shall be able to bring forward other corps now unavoidably left in the rear. 5. The volunteer regiments, remaining at this place, will be temporarily brigided for instruction and camp service. The 2d Kentucky, and 2d Ohio regiments com- ing under the command of Brigadier General Marshall, and the other regiments or battalions, under that of Brigadier General Pillow, the command will be exercised by Major General Patterson, or, in his absence, by the senior brigadier general, who will take measures to institute a rigid system of police and discipline. By order of Major General Taylor : W. W. S. Bliss, Assistant Adjutant General. 100 LIMITED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. To each division and brigade head-quarters, 1 wagon. To the iield and staff of each regiment, 4 pack mules. To the officers of each company, 2 " To every eight non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, 1 pack mule. Three wagons in addition were assigned to each regiment, one for the transportation of water, and two for such articles as could not be packed on mules. Such was the small force and limited means of transporta- tion with which General Taylor took up his line of march for the interior, and which he was careful to place upon record, in a communication, dated September 1st, 1846, to the gov- ernment. But doubtful as the result then seemed, his bold advance, under the circumstances, had a show of confidence, which, if it did not intimidate the enemy, at least inspirited our own troops. In consequence of the short allowance of mules, a great amount of baggage had necessarily to be aban- doned at Camargo. But no complaints were heard on that account ; indeed, the troops selected were all too glad to go, to stand upon the manner or order of their going. Such was their enthusiasm, that they would cheerfully have marched in their shirts alone, rather than have missed the fandango^ as they facetiously termed the anticipated battle at Monterey. Taking advantage of our wants, a number of native horse- dealers daily visited our camp, offering mustangs and mules at prices previously unheard of in that region. These leather- clad jockeys were the most arrant knaves I ever encoun- tered, and, in selling their animals, rarely failed to sell the purchaser also. The wild, half-broken mustangs generally RASCALLY MUSTANG DEALERS. 101 escaped in a short time to their native chapan-al, for, " the Unicorn could not be less willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib ;" or, if detained by strong halters, were often claim- ed by other Mexicans, who had doubtless shared the purchase money with the vendors. In the prevailing desire to concili- ate the inhabitants, and live up to the Proclamation, these false claims of ownership were, in many cases, recognized upon the bare assertion of the claimant, and the property restored ; perhaps to be re-sold and re-claimed again by the same villainous confederates. Indeed, it was ascertained that one notorious rogue had sold the same mustang to live dif- - ferent persons ; the animal having escaped from each succes- sively, and been re-captured by the same lasso. The writer 7 himself can not deny having been victimized by these Cam- argo cheats. After purchasing two mustangs— both of which disdainfully curled their noses at the wholesome oats given them, and finally, breaking from their pickets, disappeared in the chaparral — I determined to invest in mule flesh. My speculation in that article, however, was equally unfortunate. Shortly before our departure for Monterey, a Mexican brought a fine mule to my quarters, which I immediately bought. After tying the money carefully in his pocket-handkerchief, the fellow departed, politely wishing me much luck with the mule. He had hardly got out of sight, before another som- brero-covered wretch hastily approached my tent, and with well-feigned excitement, claimed the animal, averring, as usual, that the other Mexican had stolen it from him. Un- derstanding the game, I declined to give up the mule until the thief (Jadron^ as he kindly termed his countryman and 5* 102 PURCHASE OF A MULE. colleague in guilt,) was brought back to the camp for punish- ment. Upon his expressing an unwillingness to aid in the arrest, I bade him adios^ upon which hint he vanished. I re- tained possession of the mule until the army reached Cerralvo, at which place I received an order from head-quarters, through a Colonel K., of Texas, who had charge of the mule train, to transfer the beast to him, for the use of the quarter-master's de- partment, to which, it was alleged, the mule had been hired by some Mexican, who claimed to be its owner. As I sought no explanation of the trifling, though not unprovoking affair, I have never learned by what evidence the gentlemen at head-quar- ters satisfied themselves that the right of property was vested in Mr. Insolent Ranchero ; and I have mentioned the inci- dent simply to illustrate the character of the border Mexi- cans, to show how groundless were their many complaints of ill-treatment, and how over careful General Taylor was of their rights, real or pretended. The writer is clearly of opinion that his government is still indebted to him for the value of the mule aforesaid ; and, (between ns, good reader,) if the practice of allowing compound interest upon musty old claims, comes to be generally recognized by the Treasury Department, our investment may not prove to be such a bad one, after all ; especially if we keep our mule out of Con- gress for a half century or more. My companions were of course much diverted at the result of the matter, and really I could not but admire the shrewdness displayed by the Mexi- can jockeys, in hiring the animal to our government, since they well knew that its claim would at once outweigh that of any individual officer or soldier. General Ampudia's A HOKSE AUCTION. 103 proclamation * of August 31st, threatening death to all the natives who continued to traffic with the Americans, did not distress us very much, after our dealings with the Camargo people. Before leaving Camargo, the business of these horse-traders was broken up, in our quarter of the camp at least, in an amusing manner. A party of them having entered our lines one afternoon, were for some time quietly permitted to exhibit their horses and horsemanship, in which last they possessed considerable skill. Their greatest feat, and one which they practiced most, was that of bringing their animals from the most rapid stride to a sudden halt. This, which was properly esteemed as a great accomplish - *The following is a copy of Ampudia's bulletin, which, (as Gen. Worth re- marked in his letter from Cerralvo, transmitting it to Taylor,) " is ingenious, and well calculated through the clergy, to operate upon the fears of the ignorant Mexi- cans:" "Considering that the hour has come for taking energetic and timely measures to free the department of the East from Anglo-American rapacity, and that by the laws of nations and of war, every traitor to his country, or spy of tlie enemy, should suffer the penalty of death ; and, finally, considering that it is my indispen- sable duty to oppose a barrier to the torrent of evils caused by the contraband trafiic which has been carried on in the most barefaced manner with the usurpers of our sacred territory, in virtue of the powers confided upon me by existing laws, 1 have determined to decree : "1st. Every native or foreigner, who of his own accord, shall give aid direct- ly or indirectly to the enemy, shall be shot. "2d. Those who, after the publication of this decree, shall continue to traffic with the enemy shall sufier the penalty stated in the preceding article. "3d. The authorities of every branch of the public administration will take care, strictly, and under the most rigid responsibility, that these provisions be punc- tually fulfilled. "4th. This decree is intended to produce action among the people, since all citi- zens have the right, and are under obligation to denounce any infraction of it, and to apprehend the criminals in order to deliver them up to the judicial authority ; and, that it may reach the notice of all, and that none may allege ignorance, 1 order it to be published and circulated among all to whom it belongs, to see that it be faithfully executed. "Given at Head-Quarters, Monterey, August 31, 1846. FlDKO DE AmPUDIA." 104 A HOKSE AUCTION. ment, by a people much addicted to halting and dodging^ they were enabled to do by means of a ring-curb that is nni- versally used. After the usual preliminary display had taken place, the natives, by preconcerted arrangement, were gradu- ally surrounded by all the soldiers of the regiment not on duty. One of the volunteers — a famous wag — then mounted a barrel, and announced to the crowd that he proposed to sell at auction, "for the benefit of whom it might concern," the collection of live-stock before them. He invited particular attention to it as the most miserable assortment of spavined^ sore-hacked and sltoulder-shoUen mustangs, mules and Mexi- cans, ever seen in any market ; and humorously added, that possession would not be guaranteed unless strong halters were used upon either the animals or their thievish riders, especially the latter. During the delivery of these and other preparatory remarks, the Mexicans — profoundly ignorant of their meaning, and wondering much at the position and mer- riment of the Americans — were either watching the speaker, with looks of astonishment and alarm, or peering anxiously around for some avenue of escape through the crowd. The volunteer auctioneer, familiar w^ith all the cant phrases of the horse-market, then proceeded with admirable spirit and wit to sell the animals, some by measurement and others even by the pound, "Commissary weight." This innocent fling at the Commissariat was received with great applause. lie pleasantly commented the while upon the various quali- ties of the stock ; now insisting that the ponderous ears of a certain ugly, brown mule, indubitably proved his " Andrewhi- sian blood;" and again, swearing that a shabby, little gray A HOKSE AUCTION. 105 pony was a noble steed, indeed, a perfect Tartar, and would carry any ambitious gentlemen as far as Montezuma's Halls, to the tune of " Yankee Doodle came to town, Upon a little pony," etc., etc. At this scene in the farce, some of the grave-looking Mexi- cans could not refrain from joining in the general laughter caused by the song and comic action of the auctioneer, who, while he sang, continued to saw with his right hand upon an imaginary fiddle in his left. Thus the sale progressed amid much lively and good-natured competition in the crowd sur- rounding the kicking mustangs and braying mules. Not the least diverting part of the aflair, was the dialogue that fol- lowed the sale of each animal, between the auctioneer and purchaser, concerning the terms of payment, and which gen- erally resulted in the granting of credit for some indefinite period, or the acceptance of a draft on the Mexican Treasury. At the conclusion of the sale, the auctioneer remarked, that, — •" flattered by the unexampled patronage he had re- ceived, and encouraged by the animated condition of the market, he would shortly invite the attention of the public to a small invoice of excellent donheys or rather to some small donkeys in excellent voice, soon expected to arrive from the chaparral." With these words the wag descended from his stand; the crowd dispersed, leading away their purchases to their quarters, and followed by the excited Mexi- can owners, who now began to comprehend, though they did not seem to relish the joke. After playing for some time upon the fears of the avaricious jockeys, their animals wore 106 HAMER CROSSES THE SAN JDAN. — A SHOWER. restored to them, and they left the camp under whip and spur. Nor did they again venture to traffic within our lines. As to the promised invoice of asses, it may be added that the sale was not allowed to take place upon their arrival, inas- much as those musical little beasts were daily employed in transporting needful supplies to the camp. On the 4th of September, General Earner's brigade crossed the San Juan, preparatory to marching on the 6th. The weather was intensely hot, and we anticipated a thirsty, dusty, and fatiguing journey. We had, I think, but one rain during our stay at Camargo, but that was a memorable one. Though it "overcame us like a summer's cloud," it neverthe- less excited our special wonder. It occurred one sultry after- noon in the latter part of August, when the sun was low in the west. Sitting in the shade of our tents, and looking toward the east, our attention was suddenly arrested by a dark cloud that was unrolled from the heavens, like the drop-curtain of a theater, and which completely shut out the distant landscape. It advanced rapidly, and we soon per- ceived that it was one of those showers, peculiar to the tiem^a calienti^ which are concentrated in a single drop, — a mass of water from earth to sky. Their force is soon spent, but most unlucky is the traveler on whom they chance to fall. This cloud began to discharge itself not far from us, and swept directly toward the camp. Rainbows were playing upon its broad surface, giving it the appearance of a vast and beauti- ful curtain of variegated silk, shaken by the winds ; while the sound of the falling water as it broke upon the earth was really terrific. It steadily approached, every moment becom- A SHOWER. 107 ing more fearful and audible, until, like a thousand horse " thickly thundering on," it swept over our camp with a force that almost crushed the awe-struck sentinels to the ground. In a few moments the storm was o'er, the cloud had sunk into the bosom of the earth, and the last glancing rays of the sun shone upon a scene of bright tranquility, as well as upon (to quote the immortal Mantalini) some "demd, damp, moist, uncomfortable bodies." CHAPTER V. Arrieros. — Packing the mules — The march commenced. — Trials of the first day. — Cerralvo.— A storm. — Mustard per se.— Orders for continuing the march. — Description of the country. — Marin. — The enemy seen and heard from. — A stampede. — Crossing a stream. — A donkey going down stern foremost. — San Francisco. — The army arrives before Monterey. — Encamps at Santo Domingo. There are two very good roads from Camargo to Monterey, on both of which it was supposed that a sufficiency of water, beef, and corn, could be obtained for the marching force. To avoid any inconvenience, however, and doubtless, for other good reasons, General Taylor decided to advance columns on both routes. The mounted troops were sent up the valley of San Juan via China to Marin ; while the in- fantry pursued the more westerly route, by way of Mier and Cerralvo. From Camargo to Cerralvo the army marched by brigades ; thence to Marin by divisions. At the last named place the entire force — horse and foot — united, and moved in one column upon Monterey. On Sunday, September Gth, the 1st brigade (Hamer's) of General Butler's division commenced its march and arrived at Cerralvo, a distance of twenty-five leagues, on the follow- ing Thursday. The first day's march was the most weary and painful of the campaign. No soldier of our regiment will ever forget his sufierings on that unhappy day. Hoping to reach the first camping ground before noon, the tents had been struck, baggage packed, and every thing got in readi- MEXICAN MULETEERS, ■ 109 ness at dawn. But it was not until tlio sun had been up several hours, that the muleteers made their appearance with the animals assigned to our brigade. The mules of Mexico have always been usefully employed in its domestic commerce, and, indeed, a[)pear to be all-suf- iicient carriers. Like the camels of Arabia, they are pecu- liarly adapted to the country and primitive condition of their masters. But to persons, fresh from a land in which all the many wonderful inventions in art and science are made sub- servient to the wants of man, a pack-mule is almost as great a curiosity as a battering-ram, or any other relic of a barbar- ous age ; and accordingly we contemplated with some interest, the little animals, as nnbridled and with most provoking and mulish nonGlialance^ they strayed slowly toward us from their pasture in the chaparral. Each of them was covered from neck to tail with a huge, arching, saddle, of itself no light burden, upon which was to be packed a load of from three to four hundred pounds. One of the mules was laded with ropes of hide, to be used in fastening the packs. To another, the most staid and venerable member of the drove, was attached a bell. He enjoyed the honor of leading the train, and of carrying the large, smooth stone, upon which the drivers crush corn for their frugal meals Mead-OuarteTS. Anny nf Qcrrmptituon. Xo. 121. \ C(cam before JIanterey. St>ptem5er 2D. LS53. The commanding seneral fin tf.« ft necessary to condemH the practice which pre- Tails, of small, unarmed parties, and even indiTidnals, strayins from the Kr t ir ii ' * of the camp. No persons, except oficers, or armed parties conducted by oScers. will be stcfered to pass the exterior guards, and the seTeral commanders wiK grre the necessary orders to secnre an observance of this reaniitian. An infantry picket ■will be thrown oat from the 1st diTison upon the ilonterey road, at a distance of half a mile, whose duty it shall he to arrest ill persons who may be ionnd in that direction violaxins this order. By