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An Artillery Officer in 
 The Mexican War 
 
 1846-7 
 
 Letters of Robert Anderson 
 
 Captain 3rd Artillery, U. S. A. 
 
 With a Prefatory Word by His Daughter 
 Eba Anderson Lawton 
 
 With 21 Illustrations 
 
 G. P. Putnam's Sons 
 
 New York and London 
 
 ^be f^nickecbocftec press 
 
 1911 
 
E4-I' 
 
 Copyright, 191 1 
 
 BV 
 
 EBA ANDERSON LAWTON 
 
 TEbe Itnfclierboclser ptees, ttew Cotft 
 
 
 ©CI.A2J!79r6 
 
IN MEMORY OP 
 
 MY MOTHER 
 
 TO WHOM THESE LETTERS WERE WRITTEN 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 THE story of the war which was carried on between 
 the United States and Mexico during the years 
 1846, 1847, ^^d 1848 constitutes an interesting and 
 brilliant chapter in the history of the nation. The 
 record of the campaigns of the little American army 
 makes also a distinctive contribution to the history 
 of war. Since this war was brought to a close, more 
 than half a century has passed. Two generations have 
 come and gone, and the scenes and events of these 
 campaigns now belong to history or to tradition, while 
 the art of war itself has been very materially modified. 
 The deeds of brave men belong, however, to all genera- 
 tions and a record of heroism and of patriotism serves 
 to maintain the noblest impulses of human nature. 
 
 The narrative in question falls naturally into three 
 divisions: first, an analysis of the causes of the war, 
 second, an account of the conduct of the campaign, and 
 third, the actual consequences of the war. 
 
 "The opening scene of the Mexican War aroused the 
 country to a fever heat by reason of the tragic con- 
 ditions that surroimded it. The first contention was 
 over a narrow strip of comparatively worthless territory, 
 lying between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande. 
 The acquisition of Texas had led to the necessity of 
 occupying the new boundary on the southwest, and 
 General Zachary Taylor with a portion of our small 
 regular army was sent to check any advance of Mexi- 
 cans into the lately acquired territory. 
 
vi Introduction 
 
 "He was met at the Nueces River by General 
 Ampudia, in command of the Mexican forces, who 
 forbade him to cross that river, claiming that the other 
 side was undisputably Mexican territory. This demand 
 General Taylor declined to accede to, and, crossing the 
 Nueces, he proceeded at once to the left bank of the 
 Rio Grande, where he threw up a field work, and placing 
 in it a small garrison, he then moved the main body 
 of his troops to the mouth of the river, for the purpose 
 of bringing up supplies and reinforcements. No sooner 
 had he turned his back, than Ampudia with a large 
 force crossed the Rio Grande, besieged the earthwork 
 afterwards known as Fort Brown, and prepared to 
 dispute General Taylor's return. 
 
 "This was the situation that aroused the whole 
 Southern Cotmtry, especially the people of New Orleans 
 and Mobile, as these were the points of embarkation 
 for the seat of war. It was feared that the fort would 
 be captured and its garrison massacred, and that 
 General Taylor with his very inferior force might be 
 cut to pieces. 
 
 "A hundred thousand men would have embarked 
 at once with their own rifles and shotguns if trans- 
 portation could have been provided for them. All the 
 cities of the South were the scenes of intense excitement, 
 which was only relieved by the glorious news that was 
 soon to come. 
 
 "In the meantime, General Taylor, fully aware of 
 what was going on up the river, prepared to return, 
 raise the siege of Fort Brown, and confront the enemy. 
 His little army was composed of superb material. Years 
 of peace had served to recruit a fine class of men at the 
 comfortable and attractive posts on the Northwestern 
 frontier; the troops included school teachers, lawyers, 
 
Introduction ^ii 
 
 physicians, and merchants, who had found their several ' 
 vocations overstocked, or who had been obliged to 
 yield the way tQ men of more push and energy, and had 
 sought a temp6rary refuge in the army. A more intel- 
 ligent body of soldiers could not be foimd in any army 
 in the world. Each man was a host in himself, and 
 each had a personal ambition to gratify. On the other 
 hand, the Mexicans had become inspired with the 
 idea that, compared with themselves, "the barbarians 
 of the North" were an altogether contemptible lot, 
 and so it was with a good deal of confidence that they 
 undertook to interpose themselves between General 
 Taylor and the little garrison of Fort Brown. 
 
 "On a beautiful day of May, 1846, on the now his- 
 toric field of Palo Alto, the Mexican army was drawn 
 up in line of battle, with the artillery in position, sup- 
 ported by a body of infantry, and flanked by squadrons 
 of cavalry. General Taylor, arriving within sight of 
 this impressive array, quickly formed his marching 
 columns into line, and true to his familiar name of 
 'Rough and Ready,' gave battle at once. 
 
 "The field batteries opened their fire with a quickness 
 that astonished the Mexicans, while their rapid dis- 
 charge mowed down the infantry as with a scythe. For 
 a time the Mexicans, in spite of the terrible fire, bravely 
 held their ground, and many of our gallant officers and 
 soldiers fell before them; but soon their ranks began 
 to waver, and then 'Old Zack' ordered his cavalry 
 to charge, which they did with a terrible effect. It was 
 too much for the enemy, who broke and fled and who 
 could not be rallied. But the American forces, after 
 the fatiguing march in the sun, were in no condition to 
 pursue them, and the army rested on the field it had 
 so bravely won. 
 
viii Introduction 
 
 "The next morning found the Mexicans recovering 
 somewhat from their surprise, and with renewed cour- 
 age taking up another position in the rear of the one 
 they had abandoned, known as Resaca de la Palma. 
 It is unnecessary to enter into details. Suffice it to say 
 that the 9th of May by its signal victory added new 
 lustre to the glory of the 8th. The Mexicans were 
 utterly routed, seeking safety in precipitous flight or 
 death by drowning in the river. 
 
 "Fort Brown and its heroic garrison, that had so 
 nobly repelled every assault, was relieved, and a new 
 chaplet of fame had been won for our gallant Uttle 
 army. Subsequently the army crossed the Rio Grande 
 into the enemy's country. The capture of Monterey 
 after a hard fought and bloody battle soon followed. 
 And then came the glorious and surprising victory of 
 Buena Vista where the enemy, commanded by Santa 
 Anna in person, outnumbered our brave soldiers more 
 than four to one, but the latter had become veterans 
 of experience. 
 
 "The seat of war was now transferred to the Gulf, 
 where the army and navy united in the siege and cap- 
 ture of Vera Cruz and of the strongly fortified Castle 
 of San Juan d'Uloa that defended the harbor. Then 
 began, imder General Winfield Scott, who, true to his 
 name, never lost a battle, the long march for the 
 capitol, the halls of the Montezumas. 
 
 "Scott was now to achieve, on the lines followed 
 by the great Cortez four centuries before, the second 
 conquest of Mexico. Cerro Gordo, a marvellously 
 strong position, was turned by strategic skill, and city 
 after city threw open its gates until the victorious 
 columns stood on the summit of the mountain range 
 that overlooked the magnificent valley with the splen- 
 
Introduction ix 
 
 did City of Mexico nestled in the centre. Scott had a 
 mere handful of men compared with the legions that 
 the world's great conquerors had led to battle, and if 
 this army failed there was no retreat, and little hope 
 for reinforcement. Down the mountainsides and into 
 the great valley the army hastened, to the accompHsh- 
 ment of the work before it. 
 
 "A city on an island, in a lake, with no approach 
 except by narrow causeways bristling with cannon! 
 The army advanced, but not to the place prepared for 
 them, where a victory would have been next to a defeat, 
 but by a flank movement, executed with military 
 genius, it succeeded in turning the elaborate and for- 
 midable fortifications at El Pinon. 
 
 "Yet there were battles to be fought, and won, before 
 the prize could be grasped. There was Contreras and 
 Cherubusco, Molino del Rey and Chapultepec, and 
 then the Garrittas bristling with cannon was to be 
 captiu-ed. ThevSe places all fell in turn, some of them 
 with heavy loss. But what deeds of valor, what 
 heroism, what dauntless courage did that little army 
 exhibit ! Scant has been the meed of praise those heroes 
 so dearly earned. Few have been the laurel wreaths 
 upon the graves of those who 'poured their life's 
 blood freely out "pro bono publico. " ' 
 
 "There are few deeds in all the history of war to be 
 compared with the contests of that little army that 
 fought its way step by step to the heart of the great 
 republic of the South, and whose campaigns were fol- 
 lowed by the acquisition of the vast treasure house of 
 the continent, from which the world has received more 
 gold and silver than in all time it had before possessed. 
 
 "To crown it all we restored to Mexico the country 
 that we had so gallantly won, and we gave also sufficient 
 
X Introduction 
 
 means to enable the race that had so long neglected 
 its opportunities to enter on a career of industry, of 
 usefulness, and of honor. A full measiire of prosperity, 
 and a national security never before experienced, have 
 been the result. No one is now more gladly welcomed 
 or more honored in Mexico than an American. 
 
 "To us as a nation, the Mexican War was a grand 
 lesson of patriotism and a glorious exhibition of patri- 
 otic valor. 
 
 "This brief outline of the campaign enables us to 
 understand the part taken in it by Anderson. Nothing 
 could have given him more poignant distress than the 
 decision made by the War Department which desig- 
 nated his company among those that were to garrison 
 the forts on the seaboard. 
 
 "Notwithstanding the requirements for troops in 
 Mexico, it was, of course, not practicable to leave the 
 home stations entirely without garrisons. Anderson's 
 company was ordered from Fort Moultrie first to Fort 
 Marion, and then to Fort Brook. This did not meet 
 with the approbation of the young captain of artillery 
 who had left the staff for the line as a shorter road to 
 active service, and he was well pleased when after a 
 second application to the Adjutant-General, orders 
 came for Company * G ' to embark for the seat of war. 
 Palo Alto, Resaca, and Monterey had already crowned 
 the little army with glory, and Genl. Scott was busy 
 with the organization of his army for invasion by way 
 of Vera Cruz."^ 
 
 This resume of the inception and history of the 
 Mexican War leads us up to the date of the beginning 
 of Captain Anderson's letters to his wife. 
 
 These letters are given without comment or notes. 
 
 » From an unpublished Life of General Anderson by General Viele. 
 
Introduction xi 
 
 All matters of a personal character are eliminated, as 
 this book has been planned to present the events of 
 the Mexican War in which he took part, and not those 
 of his intimate home life. 
 
 The letters of the young Captain present a vivid and 
 valuable picture of the campaign. If we compare 
 these pages with other narratives of the campaign, we 
 may be struck with a similarity of wording. Anderson 
 mentions several persons who appHed to him for memo- 
 randa from his Journal and who afterwards published 
 histories of the Mexican War. He also speaks of Colonel 
 Hitchcock, who on the 3rd October "did me the honor 
 to read to me a proposed Introduction to a number of 
 Letters written in the City on the 20th of August, 
 requesting my suggestion of any alterations that might 
 occur to me." On the 4th October he writes his wife 
 that not until the preceding day did he learn that 
 "Genl. Scott had, about the 19th of last November, 
 made appUcation for me to be appointed Asst. Adjt. 
 Genl. with the rank of Major to enable him to select 
 me as Chief of his Staff. " 
 
 One reading Anderson's letter giving an account of 
 the Battle of Molino del Rey, would hardly realize 
 that he was the hero of the day. I quote from a very 
 long article, entitled " Captain Robert Anderson," which 
 appeared in the New Orleans Delta, a few sentences, 
 showing the estimate in which his services on that 
 occasion were held. "The gallant Kentuckian, who 
 from the bombardment of Vera Cruz to the brilliant 
 
 NOTE 
 
 The citation given on page XI. was from an article brought into 
 print in the Louisville Democrat, December 17, 1847. It appears that 
 the Democrat had quoted from a paper printed some time eariier in the 
 Delta of New Orleans. The article as published in the Delta was 
 understood to have been written by a brother officer who had served 
 with Captain Anderson in the battle of Molino del Rey. 
 
xii Introduction 
 
 capture of this point, against such odds, and Captain 
 Anderson's part in it, were pronounced by a gallant 
 and distinguished officer, who bore an important com- 
 mand on that occasion, as one of the most brilliant 
 achievements of the war. . . . The fighting and excite- 
 ment being over, Capt. Anderson became faint from 
 loss of blood, and he was compelled to lie down, — to 
 rest literally on the bed of honor." 
 
 In closing this introduction I wish to draw the atten- 
 tion of my readers to three salient points in Anderson's 
 character, which shine forth clear as the sunshine in 
 these, his private letters to his wife, and which, with 
 his love of country, distinguished him through life : his 
 deep religious feeling, his self-abnegation, and his mo- 
 desty. Before the battle of EI-Molino-del-Rey, he 
 writes, "Should God spare my life, I will resume this 
 letter the earliest moment after Victory." In one of 
 his early letters, January 28, 1847, he speaks of having 
 a memorial signed by the officers for his "hobby" — 
 the founding of a retreat for old soldiers. From 1837 
 to 1 85 1, he had worked over this plan. He had five 
 bills introduced into Congress, the first in 1840, and 
 the last on March 3, 1851 ; this was passed by a large 
 majority. He had wished the place to be called the 
 "Soldiers' Retreat," in memory of the Kentucky home 
 of his father. Colonel Richard Clough Anderson, and of 
 his own birthplace. From the Louisville Times I quote 
 the following, which, in view of the fact that his right 
 as the Founder of the Home is now generally ignored, 
 speaks better for his unselfishness and self-abnegation 
 than for the gratitude of republics. "The humane 
 sentiment which impelled Major Anderson to urge the 
 establishment of such an institution, and the unceasing 
 and laborious zeal and perseverance with which he has 
 
Introduction xiii 
 
 pursued his conception to its final consummation, confer 
 undying honor on him, and form a beautiful appendix 
 to the glory his sword has so gallantly won in fighting 
 the battles of his country." Anderson's letter of Feb- 
 ruary 24th is very characteristic. Col. Gates had 
 selected him as his associate at Tampico. Col. Bank- 
 head told him, "that next to the officers of his own 
 Regiment, he would rather have me with him than any 
 one else. " " General Scott said that he wanted me in the 
 trenches with him." Anderson adds, "There is so much 
 in the preceding which would not be written to any one 
 else but yourself as it: looks exceedingly like egotism, that 
 I hope you will not read, or let it be read by any one." 
 My noble father will forgive his daughter for making 
 public at this time confidences which were intended 
 only for his wife. She can but feel, however, that after 
 an interval of 64 years, it is fitting that his countrymen 
 should secure a clearer understanding of his character 
 and of his service. It is indeed proper, if only as a 
 matter of historic justice, that after more than half a 
 century of silence, Anderson's fellow-citizens should 
 realize that his action at Fort Sumter was only a logical 
 consummation of a life spent in devotion to his country. 
 The memoir of General Anderson, as presented in his 
 Journals and Correspondence, is to be published shortly 
 by G. P. Putnam's Sons. The preparation of this 
 memoir has been undertaken by his daughter, not only 
 as a task of filial duty, but also for the service of the 
 community and with the conviction that the world will 
 be richer for the record of the lifework of a high-minded 
 and noble Christian patriot. 
 
 Eba Anderson Lawton. 
 New York, September, 191 1. 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 General Robert Anderson . . Frontispiece 
 
 From a miniature. Copyright, 1901 
 
 b- 
 
 Major-General Robert Patterson ... 16 
 
 General Winfield Scott 46 "^ 
 
 View of Tampico 60 " 
 
 Detroit Photo. Co, 
 
 General Taylor 66 
 
 View of Mount Orizaba from Vera Cruz . . 80 
 
 From an old photograph 
 
 The Siege of Vera Cruz . . . . 92 ' 
 
 From an engraving of the painting by Powell 
 
 General Santa Anna 106 
 
 From a lithograph 
 
 General William Jenkins Worth . . .111 
 
 From an engraving by J. Sartain, after a daguerreotype 
 
 Rough Sketch of the Battle-ground of Cerro 
 
 Gordo — April 18, 1847 .... 138 
 
 Panorama OF PuEBLA 170' 
 
xvi Illustrations 
 
 PAGE 
 
 PUEBLA DE Los AnGELES 1 76 
 
 Mexican Water Carriers . . . . .188 
 
 From a photograph 
 
 Scene in a Mexican Market .... 204 
 
 Detroit Photo. Co. 
 
 View of Mount Iztaccihuatl from the East . 242 
 
 From an old photograph 
 
 The Pyramid of Cholula 252 
 
 Redrawn from an old print 
 
 Making Tortillas 262 
 
 Detroit Photo. Co. 
 
 A View of Popocatepetl from Puebla . .282 
 
 From an old photograph 
 
 I 
 
 Scene at the Battle of Molino del Rey . .310 
 
 From an engraving of the painting by Chappel 
 
 The Battle of Chapultepec . . . -314 
 
 From an engraving by J. Duthie after the painting by 
 H. Billings 
 
 Mexico City Looking Southwest from the 
 
 Cathedral 328 
 
Fort Brooke, Fla. 
 Dec. 7, 1846. 
 
 Genl. R. Jones, Adjt.-Genl. 
 General : 
 
 I have the honor most respectfully and earnestly to 
 soHcit orders for " G " Co., 3rd Arty., to report forthwith 
 for duty in the field. The Company, having been raised to 
 a total of 86 by the arrival of the recruits under Lt. Brown, 
 is now ready and desirous to join the Army in Mexico. 
 From conversations with Lt. Brown, I think I may safely 
 promise, that these recruits will, by the time an answer is 
 received to this application, and before they can sail, be 
 pretty well prepared for taking their places in the rank's of 
 the Company. The place of "G" Co., as part of this 
 command, might, I think, be easily and properly filled by 
 one of the companies of the ist Arty., now being raised at 
 the North. This arrangement, certainly satisfactory to the 
 officers of the ist Arty., would enable the War Dept. to 
 send to Genl. Taylor's Army, a company excellently well 
 armed and equipped, which contains a respectable propor- 
 tion of well educated old soldiers, in place of one of raw 
 recruits. 
 
 Hoping that a favorable answer may be soon received to 
 this application, 
 
 I have the honor to remain, 
 
 Robert Anderson, 
 
 Capt. 3rd Arty. 
 
An Artillery Officer in Mexico 
 
 Fort Brook, Florida, 
 December 28, 1846. 
 
 AFTER gazing from the hill-top, near which we se- 
 parated, until I could see nothing more of the two 
 rapidly receding conveyances which carried away from 
 me my all, I returned with a heavy heart to our home. 
 About 9 o'clock the poor Major came in and sat with me 
 for a few minutes. Poor father, his afflictions are 
 very heavy; he read me part of a letter from his son 
 at Pensacola to his mother, urging her to come and live 
 with and comfort his father. The letter was a very 
 affecting one, and had it not been for the insanity of 
 John, would probably have started Mrs. W. for Tampa. 
 Of John, the accounts are somewhat favorable; he is in 
 the Asylum, — but his Uncle thinks that the affliction 
 is rather bodily than mental. God grant that he may 
 be right. The Major has been so kind that I could not 
 help giving the substance of his evening's communica- 
 tion. He spoke of our separation with much feeling. 
 I am employing myself as busily as possible in get- 
 ting ready. God grant that I may hear before we 
 start of your getting on well. Some person may come 
 in who met you on the road. Be assured that I shall 
 keep a good lookout that no one may come in without 
 my questioning them about you. 
 
2 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Mr. Capron told me this morning that Mrs. Steiner 
 had, he beUeved, given up the idea of going across the 
 country. She thinks of spending the winter here, and 
 going to Ohio in the spring. I hope for Mrs. Capron's 
 sake that the original intention may be carried out, 
 as she will be very unpleasantly situated at this out 
 of the way place without a protector. Corporal and 
 Mrs. Hannel come to my room every day to make up 
 my bed, sweep the floor, etc. I have seen the Sutler — 
 he will take all of the eatables, etc., I have on hand. 
 I am to send him the cooking utensils, etc., this after- 
 noon. The carpenters are at work to-day on my camp 
 bedstead, and the tailor is botching my jacket and 
 pants — thus you see that I have not been unmindful of 
 your requests. 
 
 The papers which I have examined closely give 
 no certain intelligence about our vessel. A barque 
 cleared from New York on the nth inst. for 
 Tampico. This may be oiu: vessel. It is the Floyd. 
 I shall write you by the next mail — that is, you may ex- 
 pect to receive another letter from this post, whether 
 I am here on mail day or not, as, if I leave, I shall 
 write you the day we sail. The men seem anxious to 
 go ; everything is now ready for the vessel. 
 
 I have not mentioned that I have joined the mess at 
 Mr. Allen's — breakfast 8:30, dinner i, and tea at re- 
 treat. We keep country hours, differing slightly from 
 our household arrangements. Let us see how my 
 calculations of your daily journeys agree with the 
 facts. Last night I supposed you camped near Capt. 
 Bradley's, to-night I shall locate you about ten miles 
 beyond Col. Pearson's. I pray God that no accident 
 may occur on your journey, and that you may soon 
 reach home enjoying excellent health. Our prayers. 
 
In Mexico 3 
 
 will meet, I hope, nightly in Heaven, as we pray for 
 our own family. This thought will comfort my heart. 
 
 Here you have on this part of the paper the in- 
 formation I should have given you before we parted. 
 It may be best to sell the articles through Capt. 
 Hanham, if Col. M. does not want them. Do as you 
 think best. Say to Col. M. that Dr. Curry has just 
 informed me that he will deliver to him at Longwood 
 his two mules for $165. One is a very large one, and 
 works kindly in harness anywhere. Mrs. C.,he says, 
 has driven him in a buggy. The smaller one, he says, 
 is also an excellent animal. The large mule cost him 
 $140. Their ages he thinks 6 and 8. If an answer be 
 sent at once the mules may be sent by Dr. Steiner or 
 Mrs. Capron's party. Dr. Curry is to be Capt. 
 Sprague's medico. And now I '11 wish you good- 
 evening till after tea. 
 
 6:30. Just returned from tea. Capt. Sprague thinks 
 that you are to-night about fifteen miles beyond Col. 
 Pearson's, and that to-morrow night you will encamp 
 fifteen miles beyond the Withlacoochee. This is a 
 better allowance for your day's travel than I have 
 given. I do not think that you can reach Col. Madi- 
 son's earlier than Wednesday eve., he imagines that 
 you may reach there on Tuesday. Oh ! that this letter 
 could call to you as you enter the mail boat at Palatka 
 and tell you of its being on board for you. It will be 
 on board the same boat all the way to St. Mary's, 
 and you cannot read it till you reach home, nearly four 
 days after your having been almost within arm's 
 reach of it. 
 
 I have not paid a visit since you left. I saw every- 
 body in church on Sunday, but spoke to no one but 
 Mrs. Astell — who kindly approached me and asked 
 
4 An Artillery Officer 
 
 when I left you and how I left you. I suppose that I 
 ought to go in to see the Astells — I shall probably 
 go nowhere else. I am sorry for poor Mrs. Capron, 
 and hope something may occur to give her a safe and 
 agreeable escort to her friends. 
 
 You must not omit telling your father that Col. 
 Madison left your Uncle John my calf about which I 
 wrote him last summer. She is now about i8 months 
 old, of Mr. Clay's best stock, her mother imported by 
 Col. Morgan of Ky. I left her with Col. Hanson sub- 
 ject to my order — intending to have requested you to 
 send for her in the event of my not returning to St. 
 Augustine — but he neglected her, and Col. Madison 
 very kindly and properly took her away. I wish your 
 father would get her while she is young, as I would like 
 him to have her stock on his plantation, and when 
 I get within striking distance I will either want her 
 again or one of her calves. 
 
 You see that I introduce all my business affairs — I 
 do this to keep my mind from my lonesomeness, and 
 also under the fear that after I get away from here my 
 mind may be so much occupied that these trifles may 
 escape me. I had intended writing to one of my 
 brothers by this mail, but I must put it off till the next 
 one. When our boxes are shipped from here I shall 
 request Mr. Clark to inform you of it. And now I 
 must bid you good-night. Let us try to be grateful to 
 Him for the mercies with which He blesses us. I 
 shall expect to find a letter from you in the first arrival 
 from New Orleans after I reach Tampico. 
 
 Fort Brook, Florida, 
 December 29, 1846. 
 The expected vessel has arrived — she is a brig 
 belonging to the Government, called John Potter, 
 
In Mexico 5 
 
 which sailed from New York on the 14th inst. having 
 made therefore a very quick passage. We are to com- 
 mence loading in the morning and will sail as soon as 
 possible. This letter in which I propose writing a 
 little every day will give you the time when. Lt. 
 Burke, Adjt. of the 1st Arty., came passenger. He ac- 
 companies us to Tampico, as he will remain with 
 Maj. Whiting who will be the commander of the 
 Regt. I have been busy to-day sending down our 
 goods and chattels to the Sutler's. 
 
 Dec. 30th. I had written thus far last evening, 
 when the Sergt. came in with some papers for me to 
 examine and sign, and I was engaged until some time 
 after tattoo before I finished my labors. To-day we 
 have been getting some of the Company's property 
 on board — the vessel is so far down (below the island) 
 that we work very slowly. In private business I have 
 done pretty well. Mr. Clark has settled with me as 
 far as he can; he has a Mem. of all the articles left, 
 and has given me a copy. He will take a favorable 
 time for selling everything. I have written to Mr. 
 Adger informing him that one tierce, one trunk, and 
 three boxes would be sent to him. I have requested him 
 to keep them in store until he hears from me or from 
 you. The Capt. of the Potter thinks we will run over 
 in eight days. He thinks that we have an abundance 
 of provisions. We shall not touch at the Balize. 
 
 Mrs. C. has, I hear to-day, decided to accompany 
 Mrs. S. on the New Orleans to Baton Rouge Barracks. 
 If I had Mrs. S.'s money I do not think I would ever 
 think of living at barracks whilst separated from my 
 husband. Poor Mrs. C. would, I suppose, have to go to 
 Kamchatka if Mrs. S. goes there, as she has no one to 
 
6 An Artillery Officer 
 
 take charge of her. I thank God that you have not 
 been dependent on any of them for anything. 
 
 I hope that we may not get off until after the mail 
 comes in, as I may get a line from my wife. What a 
 relief it would give me to know that you had gone on 
 without accident after I left you. It cannot be pos- 
 sible that I am not to hear from you until I reach Tam- 
 pico, and probably not until after I have been two or 
 three weeks there ! God has been so full of mercies and 
 kindnesses towards me and mine that I cherish the belief 
 and hope that when I do hear, the news will be good. 
 
 My camp bedstead and everything is now ready. 
 I have nothing to do but to pack. I have decided not 
 to take sheets. Good-night. 
 
 On Board the "John Potter," 
 
 Fort Brook, Florida, 
 Thursday, December 31, 1846. 
 This has been a busy day. It being muster day, I 
 have of course had writing to attend to, and we have 
 been "engaged sending our stores on board. The 
 distance by the channel to the position of the brig is 
 about nine miles. My private affairs have not been 
 neglected, the cow having been sold at a loss of only 
 one sixth. The carpenters and sail-makers have 
 finished their work for the Company, and all are now 
 ready to start as soon as we can get on board. The 
 chances are now that we cannot leave before Saturday 
 or perhaps Sunday. To-morrow night's mail may 
 bring a letter from you ; oh, how sincerely do I hope it 
 may if it be only two lines to say you are well. 
 
 Friday Night, January i, 1847. 
 The beginning of a New Year. God grant that 
 
In Mexico 7 
 
 it may bring happiness to us — that we may this year so 
 live as to thank our Heavenly Father for the bless- 
 ings it brought. Not a line to-night from you — this is 
 as I anticipated ; my reason told me it would be so ; 
 hope whispered that I might hear. 
 
 I send a sweet letter to you from Mrs. Clinch. 
 It was written before the receipt of my letter announc- 
 ing my having received orders. No other letter came 
 but a very affectionate one from William with a short 
 one from his son Tom. I must answer them to-night 
 as it is probable that I shall be on board to-morrow 
 night. Everything or rather nearly everything is now 
 done. It is proposed to get the men on board to-morrow, 
 and early the next day, that we may sail on Sunday. 
 This may therefore be the last night I shall sleep in 
 my old quarters. Although you are gone, yet there is 
 something a little touched with mournfulness in the 
 idea of my going out of the old rooms not to return 
 into them again. 
 
 To-day I have packed and had the Company's desk 
 boxed and commenced packing my mess chest. I 
 find that I have plenty of room. I think even of taking 
 the soup digester with me. Good soup would not be 
 amiss even at Tampico. Some of the ladies expected, 
 I am told. New Year's calls. I have been so much en- 
 gaged that had I been ever so much inclined, I could 
 not have gone round. Without anything to do, my 
 inclination would have kept me at home. As my red 
 ink is boxed up, I must attempt crossing with this. 
 To-morrow you will perhaps leave Longwood. 
 
 Saturday Night, January 2, 1847. 
 Here I am on board our good brig; nearly all the 
 men are down ; to-morrow morning we shall sail as soon 
 
8 An Artillery Officer 
 
 as the remainder (about twenty) are on board with the 
 Major and other officers. I preferred coming down to- 
 day with the Command, so as to give Lt. Capron as 
 much time with his poor wife as possible. I called to 
 say good-bye to her, and she was very much affected. 
 I called at Mr. Astell's but they were at tea. I 
 did not have time to call at the Doctor's, every 
 moment of my time being taken up. Capt. Sprague 
 received a long letter from Mr. Judd. He writes from 
 Tampico, and says that he has very pleasant quarters 
 there. Col. Gates and Lt. Col. Belton are there. 
 We expect to find Genl. Scott there with a large force, 
 as the papers are filled with accounts of the move- 
 ments of Volunteers towards that place. There was a 
 rumor to-day of Col. Andrews being on his way — if so, 
 you must have met him. I hope if he comes in to-night 
 that he will come down to-morrow. 
 
 I am exceedingly anxious to hear from you, or to see 
 some person who has met you. I fear, however, that 
 I shall have to sail without this last satisfaction. You 
 are, I suppose, on the road from Col. M.'s to Palatka. 
 God grant that you may reach home in good health, 
 and that you, finding how much joy you impart to 
 others, may soon begin to look upon the bright side of 
 things. I shall write you by every opportunity, but 
 you must not worry if you do not receive a letter every 
 mail, as opportunities may not occur so often even as 
 that. As the Postmaster is to be on board to-morrow, 
 I shall not close this letter to-night. 
 
 On Board the "John Potter," 
 
 Sunday Morning, January 3, 1847. 
 
 The last boat load of the Command is now coming, 
 
 and the Capt. of the brig has gone in his boat to 
 
In Mexico 9 
 
 bring the rest of the officers. This looks Hke moving. I 
 had thought until last night that I was about taking my 
 departure from the United States, but the Capt. says 
 that he took papers from New York exactly as if he 
 were going from one port to another in the United 
 States. Indeed the march of Democracy is progressive. 
 
 How different to-day from the Sundays when we were 
 together — then all quiet, now all bustle and confusion. 
 The officers do very well on board, but the accommoda- 
 tions are not sufficient for the number of men. We 
 have a very comfortable, airy, and commodious cabin 
 on deck, they have lines of berths extending the length 
 of the hold, badly lighted and scarcely ventilated at 
 all. Fortunate will it be for the men if our trip is 
 short. The nights are so pleasant that many of them 
 will sleep on deck. 
 
 Major Whiting received a letter from his wife by 
 yesterday's mail. She had heard of his orders and 
 writes to him cheerfully : tells him that the Power who 
 has thus far preserved them will continue his protec- 
 tion; that he must not be worried about her; that 
 she and the children will get on very well. But the 
 best of her news is about their son, whose condition is 
 favorably mentioned. Do not forget to mention to 
 your father that the Intelligencer and Courier are still 
 probably sent to Charleston; they had better be dis- 
 continued; it is useless to send them to me as I shall 
 never get them. 
 
 We take as passengers out with us from Tampa Bay 
 — the Clerk of the Court, Mr. Wan, and the brother of 
 the Postmaster. They go to Mexico to seek their 
 fortunes — anything for a change. The United States 
 will be depopulated by their conquests. Each State, 
 as it is conquered, will be considered the most desir- 
 
10 An Artillery Officer 
 
 able part of the world. Florida is no longer the land 
 of promise. I have directed Mr. Clark to forward the 
 proceeds of the sale of the articles left with him direct 
 to you. I gave our poultry and some few things away. 
 It was useless to take many things with me, and hardly 
 worth while to send others to sell. Having now nearly 
 reached the bottom of the page, and finished re- 
 writing the whole, I must now bid you adieu. 
 
 Brig "John Potter," 
 
 January 25, 1847. 
 
 Here we are at anchor off the bar at Tampico, and 
 the steamboat is now approaching to tow us to town. 
 Hoping that an opportunity may present itself for 
 sending this letter, I have determined to attempt 
 writing, though I fear from the rocking of the boat, 
 and the confusion of all on board, that my scrawl 
 will be illegible. We have had two or three pretty 
 severe storms, but preserved by the Father of all 
 mercies, we are now at our destined port. To-morrow 
 week we were where we now are, and were blown off 
 by a Norther. We are reduced to a short allowance 
 of provisions and water, so that it is well for us that we 
 are to get in to-day. 
 
 You do not know how full my heart has been con- 
 stantly of you. You will be, I know, wretched at not 
 hearing from me, — will think that we are lost. Place 
 your confidence, I beseech you, in God who has show- 
 ered so many blessings on us since our destinies have 
 been united. He has protected both of us in many 
 dangers, and will not forsake us unless we forget Him. 
 
 We have a Mexican subject on board, but as he does 
 not speak a word of English, and we have no one on 
 board who spealcs Spanish, we can get very little in- 
 
In Mexico n 
 
 formation from him. We do not know whether Genl. 
 Scott is at Tampico or not. As the steamer is now 
 alongside, I will stop writing a few moments, and finish 
 as we go up the river. 
 
 We are now safely over the bar, and a small boat is 
 on the point of leaving us for the Ellen and Clara 
 which is to sail to New Orleans in the morning. I shall 
 send this scrawl as I may not have an opportunity of 
 writing again. A steamer is now coming down from Tam- 
 pico to tow us up — we having sent the one that brought 
 us over the bar to tow a bark, which is said to have 
 troops on board. As I shall not have an opportunity 
 of sending this off ^ will take it up to Tampico with me. 
 
 Off Tampico. Finding that the letter I have writ- 
 ten since we anchored is but little better written than 
 this, I think I shall send this. The next time I write, 
 I hope that my hand and head will both have recovered 
 from the effects of sea-sickness. I am truly rejoiced 
 that you had no sea voyage to take to reach home. 
 All on board, except Major Whiting, suffered very 
 much ; the Major has improved very much. He looks 
 much better than he did at Tampa Bay. 
 
 I hope to find a letter from you in the first mail from 
 New Orleans. Were it not that I am exceedingly de- 
 sirous you should hear from me by the earliest oppor- 
 tunity, I would not send you this letter as really I am 
 ashamed of my writing. But as I am writing, or 
 rather attempting to write, on a ship's table, and at this 
 time with a very bad light, and as it is probable that I 
 should not write any better to-morrow, I will and must 
 send this. You can make out what I mean. Finding 
 that I will have a little time for writing a few lines in 
 the morning, I will now bid you good-night. 
 
12 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Tampico, January 26th, 9 p.m. 
 
 Finding that the mail would not leave until six 
 o'clock to-morrow, I have kept this letter open that 
 I might give you the last news. I have attended 
 to-day to landing the Company, etc., and to getting 
 them made comfortable in the quarters. To-morrow 
 I shall move them into other quarters where I am to re- 
 main till we leave here. We shall be very comfortable. 
 I am now writing at Lt. Austine's table. Col. Gates 
 has just left the room to allow my finishing my let- 
 ter. He has been talking a great deal about his wife 
 and child. From his own account it seems to me that 
 the Col. depended too much on himself in attending to 
 his child. He says that Mrs. Gates became strongly 
 attached to the little boy. 
 
 To-day I have been looking around the town — it is 
 not a Mexican or Spanish town in its construction. 
 Most of the good houses being constructed by English 
 or German residents, the walls are very thick and sur- 
 rounding courtyards. Until the Volunteers came, the 
 citizens appeared inclined to be sociable. But now 
 many have left, and gone into the interior. Genl. 
 Whitman's Brigade arrived within ten miles of camp, 
 and is there encamped. I have seen many of my old 
 army friends here to-day. Capt. Myers will sleep in 
 the same room with me to-night. I have not seen 
 him yet. Mr. Brown, whom I saw this morning, ex- 
 presses himself anxious to join me. He will, I expect, 
 be assigned to-morrow. Lt. Andrews has been assigned 
 to the Company temporarily to-day. Mr. Judd, tell 
 Mary, looks exceedingly fierce with his moustachios. 
 He does not shave at all — I wonder that he is not 
 alarmed at his own likeness in the glass. I must now 
 bid you farewell for the present, as I know Col. Gates 
 
In Mexico 13 
 
 keeps early hours for retiring, and I fear that I am keep- 
 ing him up. No news from Genl. Scott — he is daily 
 expected. Maj. McCall inquired very kindly after 
 Genl, Clinch to-day. 
 
 Brig "John Potter," Tampico, 
 
 January 25, 1847. 
 
 We are here at last, and fearing that you may 
 have heard through the newspapers of our reported 
 distress for want of provisions, etc., which we find 
 prevailing here, I hasten to write the first moment 
 after our anchoring. We have had two severe storms, 
 one very severe, but Almighty God, who has ever 
 watchfully preserved me, has brought us into safety, 
 and we are now so grateful that we think lightly of the 
 dangers we have passed. I can never forget it, as I was 
 aware at the time of the danger we were in, and 
 placed my reliance on the only Power which could 
 save us. 
 
 The first person who came on board to see me was 
 Adjt. Austine; he gave me all the news. Lts. Steptoe 
 and Judd have returned to this place from an ex- 
 pedition about fifty miles to the north a few days since. 
 There are now three companies of the 3rd Arty, here 
 quartered in the city — the Company I bring makes 
 the third. You see that I am fortunate again, as the 
 barracks are excellent. Poor Maj. Whiting is to go 
 into camp — joining Lt. Capron's Company to three 
 others already here. Genl. Patterson arrived yester- 
 day with his Division. Our two companies raise the 
 force now here to a fraction over 7000 men — a very 
 respectable force. Genl. Worth is reported to be on 
 his way with all the regulars from the Monterey 
 Army ; Genl. Twiggs came with Genl. Patterson ; Genl. 
 
14 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Shields was here, but left yesterday for old Tampico 
 — a few miles hence. 
 
 Genl. Taylor had advanced as far as Victoria, and 
 was ordered back to Saltillo or Monterey. Genl. 
 Scott is expected in about a week. What we are then 
 to do, no one knows. Rumor says that the City of 
 Vera Cruz is to be taken — that Genl. Taylor is to ad- 
 vance towards San Luis de Potosi, to keep Santa Anna 
 in check, whilst Genl. Scott takes Vera Cruz — the 
 invincible Castle of San Juan d'Ulua will not be at- 
 tacked. When the city is taken, it must fall, as our 
 Navy will cut off their supplies by sea, and the Army 
 in possession of Vera Cruz will prevent succor by land. 
 An English gentleman who arrived from Vera Cruz 
 yesterday reports that there are not more than 4000 
 troops in Vera Cruz, and that if the city is approached 
 by an army of 5000 or 6000 American troops, it will 
 surrender without a struggle. 
 
 Of Mexican news the reports are contradictory; 
 one is that the Congress consents to renewing diplo- 
 matic relations with our Govt, by a vote of 300 to 250 ; 
 another report, that they decide against renewing these 
 relations, by that vote. It is stated, however, that the 
 Mexican Congress have enacted a law requiring the 
 priesthood to assist the Govt, with money — and this 
 law will produce a revolution which may lead to 
 peace. After I get on shore I will write you a more con- 
 nected letter than this — I merely give you the floating 
 rumors in this. 
 
 Our cousin Saml. Anderson came to see me soon 
 after we anchored. He looks very well and says that 
 all are delighted with their position here ; the market 
 is very good — an abundant supply of everything, and 
 at very reasonable rates. What think you of teal 
 
In Mexico 15 
 
 ducks fifty cents per dozen ! — common ducks twelve and 
 one-half cents a pair. These were the prices asked 
 when the troops first came here — now they are a little 
 higher. The town, in which I have not yet been, looks 
 very well from our boat. The streets are well paved, 
 and the houses well built — the large have courtyards 
 enclosed by them. A splendid house is being fitted 
 up for Genl. Scott. 
 
 Capt. P. is here; he is Sutler and Postmaster; if he 
 keeps steady, he will soon make a fortune. His nephew, 
 David Wells, arrived yesterday. Col. Gates is, I am 
 told, looking very well. Drs. Hawkins and McLean are 
 both here. Lt. H. Brown is also here. Brig. Genl. 
 Shields has attached him to his Stafl. Adjt. Austine 
 told me that Col. Gates would at once apply for Mr. 
 Brown to be assigned to my Company. I would be 
 very happy to have Lt. B. again. We are fortunate 
 in getting all the men here in pretty good health. 
 Corp. Hannel has a slight touch of the jaundice. 
 
 One German sang every mild night of our passage over. 
 I find the band of the 3rd Arty, here, also the bands of 
 three other Regts. They alternate in playing on the Plaza 
 every night. Your first letter will, I hope, give me full 
 news. What would I not give to be one half hour with 
 you ! I will, however, apply myself closely to my duties, 
 and do all that in me lies to bring this war to a close. 
 
 Do always write me fully; your letters may be sent 
 to me, Tampico, Mexico, via New Orleans. As this is 
 now a United States city, it will not be necessary to pay 
 the postage on your letters. My heart leaped with 
 pride when I saw the United States flag flying over the 
 City of Tampico, but that pride was soon checked 
 when I thought of the power of the United States, and 
 the weakness of Mexico. God grant that peace may 
 
i6 An Artillery Officer 
 
 soon be effected. This letter is so badly written that 
 I will not attempt to cross it. I pray you to burn it as 
 soon as you have read it. 
 
 No. I. Tampico, Mexico, 
 January 27, 1847. 
 
 I moved to-day, Wednesday, 27th of Jany., into very 
 good quarters near the principal Plaza of the City. I 
 hope that the Company will soon get on their land legs, 
 and become again decent to be looked upon. I paid my 
 respects to-day to Brig. Genl. Patterson — found him 
 very affable and gentlemanly. He thinks that we have a 
 sufficient force now assembled in and near the City to 
 take Vera Cruz, and is very anxiously expecting Genl. 
 Scott daily. Genl. Worth is, he says, on his way to this 
 place. 
 
 We have already more rank than I ever saw together — 
 Major Genl. Patterson, Brig. Generals Twiggs, Pillow, 
 Quitman, and Shields, Genl. Patterson being the Genl. 
 of this Division of the Army. Volunteers raised for the 
 war are hourly expected. Those who are now here are, 
 at this time, indulging somewhat freely in frolicking, as 
 a reward, I suppose, for the abstemiousness necessarily 
 practised during their long marches. Your old friend, 
 Yawn, joins Genl. Patterson's Military family to-mor- 
 row as clerk. He conducts himself so well that it gives 
 me pleasure to advance his interests. I spoke to Genl. 
 Patterson to-day about him, mentioned under what 
 circumstances he enlisted, the estimation in which he 
 was held by the business men of Charleston, etc. 
 
 Breakfasted with Capt. Myers, and a friend or two 
 at a caf6 — fried fish, venison steak, eggs, buckwheat 
 cakes, fried bananas, and coffee, all neatly served and 
 well cooked. Dined at the same house with a mess — 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL ROBERT PATTERSON 
 
In Mexico 17 
 
 Drs. Harney, Satterlee, and Cuyler — soup, baked fish, 
 broiled and roasted duck (excellent) with lettuce 
 salad, Irish and sweet potatoes. From these bills of 
 fare (omitting, as I do, an excellent bottle of cham- 
 pagne at dinner) you will find that there is no danger of 
 my starving. Were you here, I could live as happily 
 and comfortably as at any other place. 
 
 Miss Chase, the lady (Irish) who distinguished her- 
 self by raising the American flag as our Navy was com- 
 ing up to town (three miles) from the bar, has invited 
 Mrs. Col. Gates to come and take a room at her house. 
 The Col. has sent the invitation but does not know 
 whether she will come or not. I would not experience 
 the anxiety I should entertain at the idea of your be- 
 ing on your way to this place for anything in this 
 world. The Col. writes her that he will probably leave 
 this place before she can get here. 
 
 Intending to write you daily, I will now close this 
 day's letter by wishing you good-night. 
 
 Thursday, January 28, 1847. 
 To-day I dined with Maj. Morris, Chef de police de 
 Tampico. He deserves very great credit for his un- 
 tiring zeal and attention to his duties. His authority 
 is necessarily very extensive, all being subject to his 
 supervision. Yesterday he sent a Capt. and Lt. of 
 Volunteers to the guard-house. He orders any house 
 where there is rioting or unnecessary noise to be in- 
 stantly closed, and his authority is undisputed. To- 
 day I am Officer of the Day, and have the right of 
 exercising nearly all the above mentioned authority, 
 but as my plan and desire is, to prevent rather than 
 to suppress, I have already stopped by timely advice 
 one or two incipient cases of riotous conduct. 
 
is An Artillery Officer 
 
 10:30. Just returned from the American Theatre, 
 which I had to visit as Officer of the Day — heard "O'er 
 the Mountain Brow" melodiously sung by the favorite 
 of the night. There were plenty of good subjects for a 
 row, but the fear of the bayonets of the Guard who were 
 present kept them moderately quiet. On my return, 
 I passed round and found the town unusually still. 
 Another Norther — as the storms from that direction 
 are called — is now screaming its approach. The term 
 screaming is strictly applicable to the storm as it ex- 
 erted its fury on our vessel whilst under its influence 
 at sea. No news from Genl. Scott or from the northern 
 portion of the Army. Saw Genl. Persifer Smith to-day 
 — he is looking very well. 
 
 I THINK OF CIRCULATING A PETITION TO CONGRESS 
 
 RELATIVE TO ARMY ASYLUM, as we have now a very 
 large portion of the Regular Officers within a few 
 miles of this City, and I find I have active friends 
 in each Camp who would take pleasure in aiding me. 
 I have been looking round for something for you, but 
 have seen nothing very rare or nice. 
 
 Friday, January 29, 1847. 
 
 To-day I marched fifty of the 3rd to the Camp of 
 the 2nd Arty, when under the command of Capt. 
 McKenzie, we rehearsed the ceremony of receiving 
 Genl. Scott hourly expected from Brazos. I play the 
 second fiddle — the escort of honor is composed of 200 
 men. Genl. Pillow's Brigade has moved its camp nearer 
 town — sorry for it, as we shall have an additional 
 number of the hoys to keep in order. 
 
 I have just returned from dining with our friend, 
 H. Brown. We had an agreeable party and a very 
 
In Mexico 19 
 
 5 7 
 
 good dinner. Guests : Genl. Shields, Adjt. Austine, Dr. 
 
 36 2 
 
 Hawkins, Lt. Lovell, and Capt. Anderson. Hosts (or 
 
 I 8 
 
 Mess) : Col. Kinney (Texan Danl. Boone) , Lt. Brown 
 
 4 
 and Lt. Collins. I will not describe the dinner, as it was 
 
 an American, not a Mexican dinner. Col. Kinney is an 
 extraordinary man, and probably knows more of the 
 Mexican character than any one with the Army. I was 
 rejoiced to find no animosity in his conversation towards 
 the Mexican common people, which I expected from 
 him as the Texan Ranger; on the contrary he concurs 
 with me in sympathizing with them. Genl. Shields is 
 the "Commissioner of the Land Office," and a devoted 
 friend of the President. I think that I have in him 
 
 A GOOD FRIEND OF THE ARMY ASYLUM. A few SUch 
 
 men will carry the measure through Congress. I am 
 to give him a copy of the Bill. No. 3 looks as though 
 he was not quite so sedate as when Nancy was with 
 him. No. 4 is A. D. C. to No. 5. No. 6 is the son of 
 the late Surgeon-Genl,, and the young gentleman you 
 saw at Old Point. No. 8 received me very warmly, 
 
 I learned from conversation at the table that some of 
 the principal men of this part of the Country are now 
 considering whether they shall not at once raise a 
 Mexican force, attach themselves to our Army, and 
 declare at once against the Govt., either holding out the 
 flag of annexation, or of a separate Govt, under the 
 protection of ours. Thus far it seems that our course 
 here has conciliated the inhabitants, and it may lead 
 
20 An Artillery Officer 
 
 to important results. All think that if the troops 
 were withdrawn in a short time even, that their pre- 
 sence and the attending introduction of our goods at a 
 rate so much cheaper than the poor Mexicans have 
 ever before purchased them, with the swarm of enter- 
 prising Yankees introduced into the Country, will event- 
 ually produce, inevitably, the downfall of the Spanish 
 influence. A Mexican is said to have arrived this day 
 with important news from the interior. I have not 
 heard whether the rumor be true or false. 
 
 As a mail is to go to New Orleans to-morrow morning, 
 I shall close this letter to-night. One month and 
 three days (five weeks) have gone since I saw you — 
 and I have not one word from you. *T is not your 
 fault as I know that you write constantly — too fre- 
 quently for your health I fear. You must, I entreat 
 you, be careful of yourself. Could I only be assured by 
 one word that you were well, how warmly I would 
 thank our Heavenly Father — as it is, I must rely upon 
 His protecting mercies for what He has done, with an 
 earnest hope that He has, and does, still guard and 
 provide for my darling wife. 
 
 How you would enjoy what I scarcely now hear, 
 though playing near my Quarters, the bands of the 1st, 
 2nd, and 3rd Regts. Arty. — the band of the 4th has not 
 yet arrived. One band is now playing — they alternate 
 in playing every other night. 
 
 A mail arrived this evening from New Orleans via 
 Brazos — it brought nothing for me but a Volume of 
 Tactics from Washington. I cannot learn that any 
 news of Genl. Scott's movements was received. All 
 are in the dark here — eagerly, anxiously looking for 
 his arrival. No one knows who his Staff Officers are 
 to be. It seems to be expected that Congress will 
 
In Mexico 21 
 
 give him another Asst. Adjt. GenL, and that he will 
 not deprive either of the Genls. now in the field of 
 theirs. I see no good reason for this suggestion as he 
 can call very properly for either of them, and let these 
 Genls. select Lts. to perform the duties of A. A. Genl. 
 in their Military Families. I find that I have been un- 
 intentionally led into a Military discussion. A truce 
 with all such stuff. 
 
 You have a right to expect from me some remarks 
 upon the Mexicans, but as yet I have seen nothing of 
 them except of the lower class, who differ very little 
 in social position from our slaves. They work for us, 
 unload our vessels, assist in throwing up embankments 
 to the fortifications around Tampico, etc. ; in fact, they 
 seem to evince no dissatisfaction at our presence. 
 
 You must know that our troops have been busily 
 engaged ever since their arrival in fortifying the town, 
 as in the event of the movement of the Army from 
 this place a garrison sufficiently large to defend the 
 City will be left here. Each Regt. hopes that it will 
 not have to remain. Col. Bankhead is on his way out 
 — he cannot be fit to go into the field, and would 
 make a very respectable Governor. Major Whitney 
 cannot go into the field. I am rejoiced to hear that 
 he has been assigned to quarters in the City. 
 
 Our flagstaff is planted in the centre of the plat- 
 form on which it was intended to erect a monument to 
 Santa Anna. To what strange uses are the vain pur- 
 poses of man sometimes applied! I will here narrate 
 an anecdote connected with the raising of our flag here, 
 which was told at dinner to-day. An old Mexican 
 about ninety, when it was raised, observed to a man 
 standing near him: "Well, I am not sorry to see that 
 flag going up. That flag has been my ruin. I came 
 
22 An Artillery Officer 
 
 from Spain, and I was then young, and was sent into 
 Louisiana; that flag came and I then went into 
 Florida; in a few years the same flag came, and I 
 then came to this place expecting never to be disturbed 
 by it again. But there it is — the same flag, the same 
 people." This was substantially the comment of the 
 old Spaniard, and evidences in a few words the aston- 
 ishing increase and growing power of our Country. 
 God grant that it may be all for the best. 
 
 As I intend writing you a letter every day so as to 
 give you a bulletin by each of your weekly mails, I 
 shall now close this letter that it may leave in the mail 
 of to-morrow, as I do not know when I shall have an- 
 other opportunity. Do write me how you are. I will 
 not close without saying that I have entirely recovered 
 from my sea-sickness, and that I can now relish very 
 well a good dinner. 
 
 No. 2. Tampico, Mexico, 
 January 29 and 30, 1847. 
 I have this moment (9 p.m.), returned from a 
 dinner given by the offlcers of the 2nd Infy. to 
 those of the 2nd Arty. Though feeling very little like 
 dining out to-day, I thought I could not refuse the in- 
 vitation, as it would enable me to become acquainted 
 with many young officers of those Regts. whom I did 
 not know. The dinner was abundant and pretty well 
 cooked, but it was not served in the home style always 
 indicating the supervisory care of woman. Genl. 
 Patterson was the principal guest and gave us speeches 
 enough to last for half a dozen dinners. What he said 
 was very well, but too much of it for a festive board. 
 Compliments were bandied from the Regts. — the hosts 
 and the guests, and many witty, and some very smart 
 
In Mexico 23 
 
 speeches were made. When Genl. Taylor and some 
 others of the Mexican conquerors were toasted, the 
 utmost enthusiasm prevailed. Good old Genl. Brady- 
 was warmly toasted. No toast was given to Worth — 
 and none, except one not understood by one half at 
 the table, was given to Genl. Scott, until towards the 
 close of the dinner, and that one was very coldly re- 
 ceived. Genl. S. is not known and is therefore un- 
 appreciated by these gentlemen. I venture, however, 
 to predict that at the close of the first campaign under 
 him, these same gentlemen will warm at the mention of 
 his name. I rejoice at his approach. 
 
 Genl. Taylor feels hurt, I fear, at Genl. Scott's hav- 
 ing stripped him of most of the Regulars with whom 
 he has won so much glory; he should, however, re- 
 flect that Genl. Scott's success is a national, not a 
 personal one. We learn this evening that Genl. 
 Worth has arrived at the Brazos with his Brigade. 
 It is probable that we shall not see him here, as we 
 presume that his command will concentrate with the 
 Volunteers imder orders for the seat of war at the 
 Lobos Islands — about forty or fifty miles to the south of 
 this place — where it is said that the vessels will have 
 safe anchorage. Good-night, etc. 
 
 Sunday, 31st. 
 It is so late, that I can write you only a few 
 lines before retiring. The Sloop of War, Albany, 
 arrived this morning from Vera Cruz with Lt. Rains 
 (Old Point acquaintance) on board with dispatches from 
 Commodore Conner for Genl. Scott. Lt. Rains was, 
 I understand, in the City of Vera Cruz — there are about 
 1500 men in the City and 800 in the Castle. Troops 
 may be safely landed under the protection of the gims 
 
24 An Artillery Officer 
 
 of our Fleet, about three miles from Vera Cruz, when 
 the City may be taken without exposure to the fire 
 of the Castle d'Ulua. The City is not defended, or 
 defended badly, from a land attack, and must readily 
 fall. The Castle would of course follow. 
 
 From all that I can learn, it seems that Santa Anna 
 can not succeed in exciting the common Mexicans 
 against us — the kind treatment received from us con- 
 trasts so forcibly with the harsh conduct of the Mexi- 
 can officers and officials as to operate very much in 
 our favor. Many contend that we ought to live on the 
 country to make them feel the horrors of war, and that 
 then they will sue for peace. Perhaps not. It may be 
 that a change of policy on our part would excite the 
 common people so much, as to make resistance to the 
 death a cardinal principle with them; hence would 
 result an enthusiasm which would reader the country 
 unconquerable. Every City and Town might then fall 
 before the force of our Arms, and still we would meet 
 with enemies in every moimtain recess, and behind 
 every burn. Good-night. God bless you. 
 
 Monday, February ist. 
 Tampico is a very pretty town — ^but its people 
 do not look like any you ever saw. Everything 
 here would look strange to you. The men wear large 
 palmetto hats, or broad brimmed and high black 
 polished hats with brass knobs on them, which they 
 think make them look pretty. They wear blankets 
 thrown over their shoulders — some of these blankets 
 are of very rich colors and cost as much as $60 for one. 
 The people here would make you feel sorry for them, 
 if you could see what heavy loads they carry on their 
 backs. They have a strap, passing over the top of 
 
In Mexico 25 
 
 the forehead, which is fastened at each end to a thick 
 soft pad which rests on the shoulders — this pad keeps 
 the heavy things from hurting their shoulders. I 
 saw a small Mexican carrying, the other day, a barrel 
 full of loaf sugar. Four men will, with these pads, 
 carry very large boxes, as big as your largest box — 
 the two men at the corners behind bend their heads 
 down so low that the box rests on the pads. Some of 
 the men wear very curious-looking pants — they have a 
 white pair made with very large legs; over this comes 
 another pair open on the outer seam almost all the way 
 up to the top. 
 
 You must not think that I do not get enough to eat 
 — oysters and fish are nearly as good as those at 
 Tampa, A fish called "barilla" is perhaps better 
 than those we had at Tampa. Oranges four for a 
 sixpence, wild geese twenty-five cents, ducks four 
 cents apiece, and very good they are — in the market 
 I find more kinds of peppers then I ever saw any- 
 where; one of the large peppers is called dulce, and the 
 skin has a sweet taste. I am getting seeds of the dif- 
 ferent kinds of peppers and beans I see. Every day 
 lettuce, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes (brought here), 
 tomatoes cultivated and wild, egg plants, and several 
 kinds of vegetables which do not grow in the places 
 where you have lived, are found in the Market. The 
 Mexicans sit down on the pavement in a large square, 
 and have their market goods near them. You might 
 buy a cup of chocolate in the Market and some nice 
 fresh rolls or cake, as they are always there for sale. 
 
 I can buy a nice little pony here, but it could not be 
 sent safely by water. The sea is so rough when it 
 blows strong from the north that the horses on board 
 ship are almost always badly hurt. 
 
26 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Tuesday, Feb. 2nd. 
 
 The newspapers give you so regularly and con- 
 stantly the last news from the Army, that it is hardly 
 worth while for me to chronicle events as they tran- 
 spire, or to detail rumors as they fly. Of rumors I 
 am too old a campaigner to repeat one twentieth of 
 what I hear. I shall generally give you only what 
 I know, or believe to be true, or think very probable. 
 
 This day has been peculiarly prolific in items of news 
 — the most important is the fact of the stranding of 
 a ship from New Orleans with Col. De Russy and four 
 Compys. of the Louisiana Vols, on board. The ship 
 is on shore thirty miles south of us. They saved most 
 of their guns, their tents, provisions, etc. and all the 
 men — one only was lost. Pack mules under an escort of 
 Cavalry will be sent down for them to-morrow. 
 
 Last evening some of the officers of the N. Y. Vols, 
 came up to town — they left N. Y. Jany, 4th, and came 
 here via Brazos, where they left Genl. Scott about five 
 days since. Their orders are to go as far south as the 
 Isles de Lobos, and anchoring, to remain till further 
 orders. 
 
 The anxiety increases daily in relation to Genl. 
 Scott. All want to see him — because all think that 
 Vera Cruz can be easily taken with the troops now here. 
 Genl. Scott will not move till his plans are well matured, 
 and will not strike a blow until he knows it will tell well. 
 Great anxiety is entertained here by Genl. Scott's 
 friends relative to a bill before Congress to make a 
 Lt. Genl., as we know it is aimed at Genl. S. and designed 
 to place some politician above him. If Genl. S. can 
 take the field with a strong force, carry Vera Cruz, and 
 compel its boasted Castle to surrender, and then estab- 
 lish himself safely in the interior across the mountains, 
 
In Mexico 2^ 
 
 before the arrival of the Lt. Genl., his being superseded 
 will make him President, in spite of the manoeuvres of 
 politicians. 
 
 I rode this evening to the camp of Genl. Twiggs's 
 Brigade, about two and one half miles from town. 
 Their Camp is prettily situated on rolling ground, 
 with a very pretty water prospect. The Officers say 
 they cannot step into the woods outside without being 
 covered with ticks. Say to the Genl. that his old friend 
 Col. Riley desires to be particularly remembered to 
 him. Maj. McKee, a relation of Mrs. Clinch's, also 
 requested to be presented most warmly to the family. 
 As I feel a little fatigued after my ride, I shall now bid 
 you good-night. 
 
 Wednesday, Feb. 3rd. 
 
 Postmaster Perkins informs me that he expects to 
 send a mail to the United States to-morrow. I shall 
 then, instead of keeping this letter for another mail, 
 close and send it by that mail. I am more anxious 
 that you should hear from me by every opportunity 
 now, as I fear that when we leave this place, it will 
 be impossible for me to write as regularly as I now 
 do, and that the chances of communication with 
 New Orleans will be very much decreased. 
 
 Not a line yet from my wife — as there has been no 
 mail direct from New Orleans since my arrival, none 
 could have arrived. And yet it is hard that just at 
 this time when I am so anxious to get a letter, the 
 mail should be so much behind. To-morrow will, I 
 hope, bring us a vessel from New Orleans with the 
 mail. Dr. Cuyler says that he hears from his wife 
 more regularly than any one else here, because he has 
 his letters sent under cover to Col. T. F. Hunt, Deputy 
 
28 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Q. M. Genl., New Orleans. Mrs. C. pays the postage 
 to New Orleans and Col. H. forwards them. Do try 
 this plan; it may, and I hope will succeed with us. 
 With a good Postmaster in New Orleans, there would 
 be no use for any other than the ordinary direction 
 on the letter, but he, it is said, has some inattentive 
 persons in the office. 
 
 We heard from the interior to-day, that about six 
 hundred Mexicans were defeated near the Paso del 
 Norte by four hundred of Genl. Kearney's troops. 
 This you probably heard a week ago, as it is said to 
 have taken place more than a month ago. We hear not 
 a word about the doings of the Mexican Congress — their 
 not acting precipitately augurs that they consider the 
 question of peace or war one on which they will 
 reflect — that they have not met with the determina- 
 tion to prosecute it at all hazards. Nothing from 
 Genl. Scott. An escort was sent down this morning 
 with pack mules to Col. De Russy's command — they 
 will join us in about four days. 
 
 The band of the 4th Arty, is now playing your old 
 favorite " Love not " — some musicians with the very in- 
 struments to which we have listened together. What 
 emotions throng to my heart — God grant that we may 
 again enjoy — and now they are playing "Oft in the 
 Stilly Night" — I can write no more till they have fin- 
 ished. I think I can safely promise that this war being 
 over, nothing save the most imperious necessity will ever 
 separate me from my family except for short periods. 
 
 Before closing, I may as well give you a little insight 
 into my household arrangements. Behold me then 
 seated before the old Company desk in my parlor of 
 24 by 16 feet — the walls about 30 ft. high and 2 ft. 
 thick, the piazza in front paved with marble. 
 
In Mexico 29 
 
 Having described my parlor, I will enter no further into 
 details about my drawing-room and bedroom, than to 
 say that exactly the same description verbatim et litera- 
 tim will answer for them. I am still messing with Doc- 
 tors Harney and Cuyler one square from my Quarters. 
 In a day or two we intend changing to a Frenchman 
 who is said to keep a better table. I have not yet found 
 a servant, though Dr. C. told me to-day of one who 
 would go with me. Derr is attending to my few wants 
 now — we get on very well. 
 
 I must invite some friends to assist in eating the fine 
 jar of oysters you made me bring. I opened my Mess 
 chest to-day and found them in excellent order. I 
 omitted mentioning in my last letters that the married 
 men are well — indeed there are none but slight cases of 
 indisposition in the Compy. The houses here have no 
 fireplaces — the Mexicans you find sleeping under the 
 piazzas, or in the open square every night, having 
 merely wrapped themselves up in their blankets which 
 they always wear, using their hats as pillows and at the 
 same time covers to their heads. 
 
 I omitted stating the other day that I had seen 
 Maj. Buchanan; he commands the Baltimore Vols., 
 who, they do say here, behaved most cowardly at 
 Monterey; their Commander, Col. Watson — a brave 
 man — was sixty yards ahead of his men when he fell. 
 As I must put this letter in the mail to-night, I must 
 now close. Give my love to all the family. 
 
 No. 3. Tampico, Feb. 4th. 
 
 Is it not too tantalizing, that a vessel has just arrived 
 
 from New Orleans in seven days without having brought 
 
 the mail. Not even a newspaper did the stupid dolt 
 
 bring. He deserves not to hear from his family for a 
 
30 An Artillery Officer 
 
 year. And to think that he might have brought me 
 news from you as late as the 15th of last month! That 
 is indeed a long time back, but still how delighted I 
 should be to hear from you as late as that. I really 
 am so much out of patience that I cannot write. But 
 as I cannot omit writing a single evening whilst I can 
 do so, you must make all excuses for me this evening. 
 
 This day has been neariy barren of rumors and reports 
 — the newsmongers seem to have exhausted all their 
 powers of invention during the last two days. To-day I 
 have been in company with some of the distinguished 
 of the battle of Monterey, and am sorry to say that their 
 want of modesty detracted very much from my estima- 
 tion of their deeds. No one admires courage more than 
 I do, but I always regret to hear the hero trumpeting his 
 own fame — however weak the blast may be, it had 
 better been left for other lungs to swell the strain. 
 
 All agree, however, in representing Genl. Taylor as 
 perfectly cool and collected during the fight — they say 
 that he exposed himself unnecessarily — that he was 
 frequently in the advance when he might have left the 
 duty of reconnoitring to others. The Genl. preferred 
 perhaps to look with his own eyes. Ampudia is repre- 
 sented as both drunkard and coward. 
 
 The band, it must be the 3rd, is now playing that 
 medley you remember — "Some Love to Roam," "Love 
 not," etc. They play better than I ever heard them. 
 I can scarcely 'think it is our band, and yet in some parts 
 the instruments sound very much like those of the 
 3rd did in olden times at Fort Moultrie. Now they 
 play the old American Museum tune. How well do I 
 remember the many evenings you have heard those 
 notes when we were so happy together. Memory is to 
 me a very great blessing — with some sad thoughts, 
 
In Mexico 31 
 
 she presents me many bright and happy ones. These 
 continue through Hfe to present to me occasionally the 
 panorama of Hfe's acts, and of my mind's thoughts and 
 hopes. Good-night. I can write no more to-night. 
 
 Feb. 5th. A mail from New Orleans, but bringing no 
 letter from you — to-morrow it is said that we are to have 
 a large mail left behind somewhere with later dates 
 than those brought to-day. Then assuredly I shall hear 
 from you — I shall indulge at all events in that sweet 
 hope till the mail comes. I hear that Genl. Scott is 
 to be here next week. On reflecting upon what may 
 be the state of affairs at Vera Cruz I do not see why 
 it may not be better to remain where we are until we 
 can get a battery of heavy battering guns, a siege train 
 — as it may be that we shall have good uses for it. 
 
 The newspapers, months ago, stated that our friend 
 Capt. Huger was to sail about the 1st of Jany. with one 
 hundred men well instructed in the management of 
 mortars and heavy howitzers, which he was to bring 
 with him. He may perhaps be now to the south of us. 
 No one can tell who is to remain as Governor of Tam- 
 pico. As Col. Gates had the honor of landing the first 
 detachments of troops here, it may be his ill fortune, 
 but we hope that the 3rd will not be kept with him. 
 As yesterday was pay day for the Compy. I have been 
 pretty busy to-day settling accounts, sending off checks, 
 etc. By the bye, I think it will probably be advisable 
 for me to send some of my surplus funds to you. The 
 amount will not be so large as to endanger your safety 
 in keeping it — nor have I any very great fears of your 
 becoming purse proud in consequence of its possession. 
 
 Entre nous, I saw a letter of Genl. Worth's to-day, 
 dated Nov. 23rd extolling Genl. Taylor in the highest 
 
32 An Artillery Officer 
 
 manner. I have no doubt of Genl. T's richly deserving 
 the encomium and hope Genl. W. may not, from a fit 
 of passion, alter his opinions. That Genl. Scott will 
 place Worth in every position where distinction can 
 be won, I am sure, and I fear that this partiality may 
 not be acceptable to others in the Army who will wish 
 to share honors with the gallant — I presume we may 
 now say — Major General. I find that I am encroaching 
 on to-morrow's sheet. God bless you and keep you 
 in happiness and in health. 
 
 Feb. 6th. Another night and day have passed since 
 we have talked together, and no mail has come with a 
 letter from home — where you two are, is my heart's 
 home. Dr. Cuyler and myself have talked so much 
 to-day of our family feelings, as to make me, I fear, 
 a very poor correspondent for my to-night's letter. 
 
 Monday, Feb. 8th, g 130 a.m. 
 
 Rumors have been received from several sources dur- 
 ing yesterday and the day before, that the Mexicans were 
 surrounding the Command of Col. De Russy, which I 
 mentioned in my last letter as having been wrecked 
 about thirty-five miles to the southward yesterday 
 morning. Lt. Magruder was sent down to see what the 
 Command was doing. After his departure reports were 
 received to the effect that Col. De Russy was attacked 
 by Genl. Coss and 980 men, and that Capt. Brooks, sent 
 to him with supplies, was also engaged — that the attack 
 commenced on the 4th and that so great was the dis- 
 parity of the force (Col. De Russy having very few 
 muskets, and no flints) that there was every probability 
 that they had been captured or cut off by the Mexicans. 
 
 Genl. Patterson about sunset last evening ordered two 
 
In Mexico 33 
 
 Companies to embark. Col. Gates placed me in com- 
 mand of the Companies selected and directed me to re- 
 port to Genl. Patterson for orders. I called on him and 
 received orders to proceed in an armed schooner down 
 the coast to reconnoitre the position occupied by Col. 
 De Russy, to afford him and the troops sent to his 
 relief every assistance if they can be found — assuming, 
 when I join them, the command of the Arty. Compys. (4). 
 If I find no persons where the vessel was wrecked, I am 
 to examine the ground to see if an engagement has taken 
 place — then to proceed south to a small town, Tamagua, 
 near the Islands, where our forces are to concentrate. 
 
 We met on the bar this morning the steamboat 
 which took Lt. Magruder down, and attempted to 
 communicate with it, but failing to do so, and knowing 
 how important it was that we should not go off on a 
 wild goose chase, I determined to recross the bar, and 
 dispatch an officer to Genl. Patterson, to mention the 
 state of facts, and to ask his instructions. We are in 
 fact better inside the bar than being at sea, as 
 the wind is dead ahead and we should be drifted by 
 the strong current to the north here. I expect the 
 officer back in an hour — when I think it probable we 
 shall be ordered to return to Tampico. 
 
 My Compy. was not selected because of its con- 
 taining so large a number of recruits. Poor fellows, 
 many of them appeared very anxious to go. I will here 
 stop until the return of Lt. Beckwith — the officer sent. 
 Our cousin Lt. Anderson commands one of the Compys., 
 and Lt. Wyse the other one on board this vessel — which 
 is the schooner Ella now under the charge of Midship- 
 man Smith. Midshipman Maury is with him. The 
 two companies muster about 140 men — enough to whip 
 500 Mexicans in fair fight. 
 
34 An Artillery Officer 
 
 My own Quarters in Tampico, 8: 30 p.m. 
 
 As I expected, Genl. Patterson sent orders for me to 
 return with my Command ; on arriving I immediately 
 reported to him at his Quarters, and gave him my 
 reasons ; he approved of my course and directed me to 
 order the companies to their quarters. 
 
 The Genl.'s statement of the events reported to him 
 by the officer who came up from Col. De Russy's troops 
 is this. On Thursday Genl. Coss summoned Col. 
 De R. to surrender — to the second note the Col. replied 
 that he wanted till 9 o'clock the next morning to con- 
 sider the demand. Night soon came on and early 
 in the night the Col. took up the line of march leaving 
 his tents standing, with candles burning in them. By 
 daylight the next morning he had marched about twenty 
 miles. He then met Lt. Miller with his party, and a 
 few miles farther he received the Compys. under Lt. 
 Magruder which were landed from the steamboat we 
 met this morning on the Bar. He then felt himself 
 so secure that he determined to report his position to 
 Genl. Patterson who he thought might send him 
 reinforcements sufficient to authorize his attacking 
 Genl. Coss. This Genl. Patterson declines doing, as 
 from the nature of the country the chances are that 
 Genl. Coss would escape without the possibility of being 
 caught by our troops. Col. De Russy has been ordered 
 to join our forces. This ends this expedition. 
 
 We expect soon to sail for Vera Cruz as we hear this 
 evening that transports are arriving at Brazos from New 
 Orleans. Those ordered to this place may be soon ex- 
 pected. An officer of the Navy arrived this evening four 
 days from Vera Cruz — he reports that there are only 4000 
 troops in the City. You will see, I fear, before this 
 reaches you, an account of my having been sent out oa 
 
In Mexico 35 
 
 what will be called undoubtedly a perilous expedi- 
 tion. You have all the facts above and will learn how 
 to appreciate such reports. Editors must of course 
 manufacture interesting paragraphs for their papers. 
 
 Tuesday night, Feb. 9th. 
 
 Col. De Russy and his Command arrived this after- 
 noon. Nothing was seen of Genl. Coss after Col. De R. 's 
 leaving his camp. No mail yet from New Orleans — it 
 does seem that we are never to get a mail. Whilst I 
 was absent the other day I looked forward to my return 
 to Tampico with the greatest pleasure, because I 
 hoped, till I was almost certain, that there would be a 
 mail — that I should find a letter from you. You will 
 nearly have received my first letters from this place 
 and I have not received one of the many letters which 
 I know you have written. It is too bad. 
 
 We hear a rumor to-day that Genl. Santa Anna is 
 marching all his forces to crush Genl. Taylor. It may 
 be true but I do not credit the report. If he makes 
 the attempt, although Genl. Taylor has not many 
 Regulars with him, he will prove a very ugly customer, 
 and again if he moves with all his forces to Monterey, 
 he leaves the road to San Luis and the City of Mexico 
 open to one part of the Army, and even success against 
 Genl. Taylor — ^hardly a supposable thing — will not atone 
 for the injury we shall inflict on him by cutting him 
 off from the Capital, and our obtaining and securing 
 possession of the tablelands, the garden of Mexico,^ 
 where alone an Army can be subsisted in the Republic. 
 
 Genl. Scott, who is still at the Brazos, will soon be 
 informed of this movement of Santa Anna if it be made, 
 and will at once give Genl. Taylor such additional re- 
 inforcements as to secure him in his possession. We 
 
36 An Artillery Officer 
 
 must not suffer any reverses in this war. Not a man 
 must be surrendered to the Mexicans. Fortunate was 
 it for us that an ex-Army officer was in command of 
 the wrecked Louisianians, as a raw volunteer would have 
 been very likely to have surrendered under similar cir- 
 cumstances — at least he would not have thought of es- 
 caping by a ruse. How foolish Genl. Coss must have 
 felt on approaching the empty tents! 
 
 I was introduced this afternoon to Col. Jackson of the 
 Georgia troops. He is said to be one of the best of the 
 Volunteer Officers in the Army. Col. Baker, member 
 of Congress from' Illinois, was pointed out last night 
 to me — I saw him seated in a crowd — he looked like a 
 regular electioneering hero. I did not think so highly 
 of his speech in Congress, just before his leaving 
 Washington, as many of his Volunteer friends do. 
 Regular vote-asking — praising the Volunteers to the 
 skies. Nearly all the Volunteers are encamped on a 
 very extensive plain just below the City where they 
 have room enough to drill. It is a level piece of land, 
 overflowed in the Spring, extending about two miles 
 along the river bank, and from a quarter to a mile broad. 
 Having obtained some few articles of clothing for the 
 "G's, " I am just beginning to take them out of the 
 yard. To-day I marched them down to the plain, 
 where I gave them a good drill. 
 
 Extremely desirous of not missing the mail, I will now 
 close begging to be remembered most affectionately to 
 Genl. C. and all at home. That our Heavenly Father 
 will secure your present and eternal happiness and 
 soon restore me to you is my constant prayer. 
 
 No. 4. Tampico, Feb. 10, 1847. 
 No boat can come, nor can any boat go, during the 
 
In Mexico 37 
 
 time when the "Northers" are blowing here, and vessels 
 that are at anchor outside the bar, at the mouth of the 
 river, have frequently to get under sail in so great a 
 hurry that they have not time to raise their anchors. 
 These high winds do not generally continue, the 
 residents say, longer than the middle of this month. 
 
 No news has been received to-day from any quarter. 
 I saw Col. De Russy to-day, but had no time for con- 
 versation with him ; he looks very well. The Mississippi 
 troops, reported to be suffering very severely from a 
 malignant dysentery, who were off the bar yesterday, 
 must have been blown to sea by the storm. 
 
 I shall send you by mail a No. of the Tampico 
 Sentinel. It is conducted by one of the Editors Lums- 
 den, of the New Orleans Picayune. You will find men- 
 tion made of some movements alluded to in my letters, 
 and full accounts of some particulars to which I have 
 not alluded. In fact the Editor has to make the most 
 of the few incidents which happen in our midst, where 
 nothing is done but "drill" and look out for the mail. 
 
 To-day I have been engaged as President of a Court 
 trying some soldiers. The big Sergeant, as you used 
 to call him, was before us. He could not resist temp- 
 tation and took one more than the authorized frolic. 
 I overlooked the first frolic all, or nearly all, had on 
 landing. I find my military frock so warm that I am 
 getting another drap-d'-ete one made. A franco- 
 espagnol mulatto promises to make me one that will fit 
 me well. 
 
 My old friend Dr. Harney was quite unwell last 
 night; he feels better to-day, but I fear he may have a 
 very bad time — a severe fit of sickness. The Dr. has 
 reached that period of life when the constitution has 
 frequently a severe struggle with the arch enemy. Dr. 
 
38 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Wright says that if the Dr. survives this attack the 
 chances are that he will be in feeble health for about a 
 year, and that then he will enjoy a green old age. 
 The Drs. are making arrangements to establish a Mess, 
 and Dr. Harney insists upon my living with them as a 
 guest. I told him that he must let me pay my portion 
 of the Mess bill, and that I would join them with 
 pleasure. 
 
 Genl. Scott will not, I presume, allow us to mess 
 here much longer. What would I not give to know 
 that at this moment you were well. With how much 
 more alacrity and zeal could I attend to my duties, 
 had I but that knowledge daily ! My men, even, must 
 find me much changed, and I expect wish you were 
 here as I am much more rigid with them than I was at 
 Tampa. God grant that this ill-fated war may soon 
 be closed and that I may again see my wife. Good- 
 night. 
 
 Feb. nth. 
 
 The wind has abated, but the waves are so high that 
 boats can neither come in nor go out. I fear that 
 there will be no possible chance of a mail's coming in 
 before Sunday. If one comes I must certainly hear 
 from you. Major Whiting found a letter here from 
 Mrs. W. — she writes, he tells me, in fine spirits. The 
 Major will soon break down — his Command are in 
 tents — ^he is quartered in town. 
 
 I went to the Coiurt House for the first time this 
 morning to hear Col. Baker of Illinois, M. C, and Col. 
 Jackson of Savannah. Col. B. is acting as Prosecuting 
 Attorney, and Col. J. appears for the prisoner — an 
 American arraigned for the murder of another Ameri- 
 can. The Georgia gentleman is not sufficiently cool 
 
In Mexico 39 
 
 for his antagonist, who is very calm, and a much abler 
 man in debate. The Court is composed of three Amer- 
 ican citizens, and has been organized by the order of 
 Genl. Shields whilst in command here for the trial of 
 all civil and criminal offences. I am not sufficiently 
 conversant with the "custom of war in like cases," con- 
 sequently am not quite certain if the Comdg. Genl. is 
 vested properly with any authority to constitute 
 Courts, appoint judges, etc. The question may be 
 brought before Congress. I do not think, if they find 
 the man guilty, they can venture to hang him. The 
 Court must feel morally certain that they are legally 
 authorized to act, or in case of the reverse, they would 
 be guilty of murder were they to have the man hung. 
 It is now cold enough for a fire — if it continues as cold 
 to-morrow, I must piurchase an earthen pot, and have 
 a charcoal fire in my quarters. We have a report to- 
 day that Santa Anna has been declared Dictator. This 
 can hardly be true as the people are already disaffected, 
 it is said, towards him and he is too shrewd to risk 
 popularity of so high-handed a measure. Having en- 
 croached on my to-morrow's page, I will now bid you 
 good-night. 
 
 Friday night, 12th. 
 To-day the weather has been uncomfortably cold — 
 sufficiently so to make sitting by a fire very comfortable. 
 I have spent the greater part of the afternoon with 
 my friends the Doctors, where there is the only fire- 
 place I have seen in Tampico. This cold weather 
 reconciles me to my position in the City. I have, 
 ever since my arrival, been urging the Adjt. to 
 induce Genl. Shields to send me into one of the camps. 
 Last night and to-day I feel exceedingly grateful for 
 
40 An Artillery Officer 
 
 the privilege of being in comfortable quarters, and 
 subscribe that what is, is for the best, is very good 
 doctrine. 
 
 We hear to-day of the capture of Capt. Cassius M. 
 Clay and his Company of Cavalry by the Mexicans. 
 Capt. Clay had seventy, the Mexicans were said to 
 have been 1 500 strong. The newspapers will doubtless 
 give you more particulars than we have now, as it 
 reaches us through the Mexican papers. Per contra, our 
 troops to-day have captured 500 head of cattle. They 
 are still greatly in our debt, and we will soon, we hope, 
 balance the account. 
 
 The august Court of Tampico, Chief Justice Capers, 
 ex-Sutler 8th Infy., and Associate Justice Lumsden of 
 the Picayune are engaged in trying a Mexican for 
 the murder of the American mentioned in my yester- 
 day's letter. The American first arraigned for the 
 murder is to be tried as an accessory to the murder 
 if the Mexican is convicted, as it is said that he got the 
 Mexican to kill him. Col. Baker appeared as pro- 
 secutor in the case of the Mexican, and the jury 
 (probably the first one impanelled in Mexico) will, I 
 think, find the man guilty. The jury is composed of 
 American citizens. I am sorry they did not give him 
 a jury consisting in part of his own countrymen. It 
 would have a better appearance. It would have been 
 well to have associated one of the Alcaldes with our 
 Judges. The Mexicans were watching the trial with 
 great interest. 
 
 To-morrow we are to commence Messing. Dr. 
 Harney and I are to look in at the market occasionally 
 to see that the servants do not cheat us too much in 
 the prices. The Dr. is much better, but says that he 
 will take another dose of calomel to-night. 
 
In Mexico 41 
 
 My letter No. 3, was, I am told, sent on board a 
 vessel which went down to the mouth of the river this 
 morning. I fear, however, that the bar has been too 
 rough for any vessel to go out, and that it will be de- 
 layed one day longer in reaching you. I think I shall 
 venture some more Treasury Notes in this letter. I 
 may be robbed some day or night when I am out of my 
 Quarters, and the chances of their being lost in being 
 sent by letter are so few that I think it best to send 
 them. Others I find are doing the same thing. Were 
 I certain that Col. Andrews or any other Paymaster 
 is to remain at Charleston, I would send on my pay 
 accounts, as the safest way of sending funds; but Col. 
 Andrews may by this time be under orders for the Army. 
 
 Good-night. 
 
 Saturday, 13th. 
 
 Another long, long day and no mail. A vessel 
 came in from Baltimore, but brings us nothing 
 later than papers to the 19th Jany. We are indeed out 
 of the U. S. Tampa Bay we used to consider far enough 
 out of the U. S. — so far out that the mail was exceedingly 
 irregular, but this is rather worse. To be sure I was 
 not quite so deeply interested in the arrivals of the mail 
 there as I am here. 
 
 To-night there is every appearance of a Norther; 
 should it come on to-morrow, we may not have a mail 
 for three days. I will however indulge in the hope that 
 we shall be made happy on to-morrow by hearing good 
 news from our families. How truly will it be a day of 
 rejoicing to me if I receive one of your letters telling 
 me of your safe arrival at the Refuge^ and saying that 
 
 ' Genl. Clinch's plantation. General Clinch's wife's father, John 
 Houstoun Mackintosh, owned Ft. George Island, near the mouth of 
 
42 An Artillery Officer 
 
 you were well and in good spirits about me. I shall do 
 admirably well if I can only hear from you now and then 
 and know that you are well. 
 
 Sunday night. 
 
 Thank God the mail brought me to-day a letter 
 from you. It was your letter from the Withlacoochee 
 bearing the Tampa Bay postmark of Jany. 19th. I had 
 hoped to receive a letter from you after your arrival at 
 the Refuge. But I am thankful, very thankful, for this 
 one. The few words you wrote about yourself present 
 in the strongest light what I knew would be your suf- 
 ferings. I pray Heaven that you may have been saved 
 from sickness and great suffering — which your grief 
 and exhaustion were so well calculated to produce. 
 
 Dr. Cuyler received by this mail letters from his wife, 
 dated 31st Jany. Assuredly I must receive two letters 
 from you by the next mail. I received by a gentleman 
 from Brazos a letter from Genl. Scott, which I intended 
 enclosing to Father, but as I may have good use for it 
 here, it will be better for me to send an epitome of its 
 contents, which will show how wisely Genl. Scott had 
 made his arrangements, with how great forethought 
 he acted, and how cruelly his plans have been thwarted 
 by delays. 
 
 The Secretary of War on Genl. Scott's requisition 
 ordered in Dec. ten large transports to be sent in 
 ballast ; nothing has been heard of them. Genl. Jesup 
 went on the 3rd Jany. to New Orleans to take up ships, 
 etc. On the 22nd he had chartered almost enough for 
 
 the St. John's River, Florida. During the Spanish troubles Mr. Mack- 
 intosh removed his family and slaves to a tract of land on the St. 
 Mary's River, Georgia, and called the new home the " Refuge." This 
 tract was a grant from the Crown to his mother's father. Sir Patrick 
 Houstoun, President of His Majesty's Council of Georgia. 
 
In Mexico 43 
 
 8000 men and 1200 Arty, and Cavalry horses. They 
 were to have left New Orleans on the 24th ; but the time 
 necessary to make extra water casks, the sailors striving 
 for higher wages, and finally a fog which lasted for one 
 week have so delayed them that only one had reached 
 the Brazos on the nth inst. Of the heavy supplies 
 of Ord. and Ordnance Stores ordered, only a small 
 part has been heard of. Was ever such ill fortune! 
 
 The Genl. will leave Brazos as soon as the transports 
 or most of them come up. He will stop here only a day 
 or two and will hasten to Lobos, etc. We must make an 
 attack on Vera Cruz in a few weeks, or abandon it 
 until Oct. or Nov. Healthy portions may be found 
 in the interior, sufficiently near to haul our supplies 
 from this place. Col. Bankhead arrived to-day — he 
 looks very well — we, or at least many, think that he 
 will be the Milty. Governor of this place instead of 
 Col. Gates. I think this will be entirely as Col. 
 Bankhead wishes — he is an old friend and favorite of 
 Genl. Scott's. Gates is neither the one nor the other. 
 As I must reserve some space for another day's memo- 
 randa I will now close. 
 
 Monday night, 15th. 
 
 I have just been informed that a mail will be closed 
 early to-night to go in the morning. As it is uncertain 
 when another one will be sent, and as I am determined 
 that you shall have a chance of hearing from me by 
 every mail, I have determined though there be no stir- 
 ring incidents to season my epistle, to close and send 
 this letter. 
 
 This day has given us no news. Col. Bankhead 
 assumed command of the Regt. to-day without taking 
 command of the City. This looks a little like a dis- 
 
44 An Artillery Officer 
 
 inclination on his part to interfere with Col. Gates 
 in his Gubernatorial capacity. Genl. Scott will pro- 
 bably leave the selection of the Officer to be left in 
 command here to Genl. Patterson. I hope that Genl. 
 Scott will take all the Regulars with him leaving some 
 1500 Volunteers here. 
 
 A ship is reported off the Bar this evening; whether it 
 be one of the delayed transports or one of the ships 
 containing the Mississippi or the New York Volun- 
 teers, we know not. I did not mention among the 
 other items of Genl. Scott's bad luck, the fact that 
 the Mississippi Volunteers, which were ordered to the 
 Brazos for Genl. Taylor's Division of the Army, have 
 come down here! Genl. S. is now doubtless expecting 
 them at the Brazos. 
 
 Major Kirby is to join Genl. Scott as he passes this 
 place. Whether he will be with him merely as the 
 Senior Paymaster- General or that he is to serve in some 
 other capacity on the Staff, I know not. Kirby, if 
 he be sincerely attached (which I hope is the case) to 
 Genl. Scott, will be a very good adviser. He is a 
 prudent man, and prudence is always a virtue in the 
 Staff of a man like Genl. Scott, whose indignation, 
 though justly excited, may sometimes lead him. to 
 express himself too harshly. Maj. Van Buren is with 
 the Genl. I don't think much of him as an adviser. 
 You know the Major however as well as I do; a very 
 amiable gentleman. I hope that Capt. De Hart may 
 be in the General's Staff. He has a very rough and 
 unpleasantly independent way of speaking sometimes 
 to the Genl., and this frequently vexes him: but his 
 business habits, his acquaintance with details, and his 
 attachment to the Genl. render him a very valuable 
 man to him. Genl. Scott should now have men around 
 
In Mexico 45 
 
 him who will at the risk of incurring for a time his 
 displeasure, speak the truth fully and freely to him. 
 His magnanimity will always cause him to make 
 promptly the Amende honorable when he has been 
 vexed by a person's not agreeing with him, and he 
 will esteem them all the more for it. Of one thing I 
 am certain, as I said in a former letter — one Campaign 
 with this Army will give Genl. Scott a popularity 
 which he has not at present. The Army has been 
 lying idle here so long, that the croakers are busily 
 at work; a little active service will send this gentry 
 into their dens again. 
 
 No. 5. Tampico, 
 Tuesday, i6th. 
 
 I mailed a letter to you in a very great hurry, and 
 hear this evening that the mail was not sent, and what 
 is more vexatious that none will be sent to-morrow. 
 I shall however commence and continue this, as though 
 the other were off, and may probably send both under 
 one envelope should no mail leave before I finish this. 
 
 Col. Bankhead assumed command to-day, and the 
 first act of his administration was to order his prede- 
 cessor into Camp with our two companies ; so that this 
 is probably the last letter I shall write you from quar- 
 ters in Tampico. I do not know the position of the 
 site selected for our Camp, but hear that it is a pleas- 
 ant and healthy one. We shall be about three quarters 
 of a mile from where I am now quartered. The Camp 
 will be composed of the three Companies of the 3rd 
 Arty, now here, viz. — "G" Co. and the Companies 
 commanded by Lieutenants Steptoe and Wyse. 
 
 The probabilities are in favor of our being moved 
 again in a few days, as we learn that the transports are 
 rendezvousing rapidly at the Lobos Islands, a vessel 
 
46 An Artillery Officer 
 
 which arrived this afternoon reports fifteen large ships 
 at anchor there, and that she met four others on her 
 way up. The inference is then certainly fair, that 
 those ordered to this place may very soon arrive. 
 
 The important point now discussed is what troops 
 are to remain. The general impression seems to be 
 that Col. Gates is to be left. Nous verrons. 
 
 Among the rumors of the day, credited by some 
 knowing ones, is an old one revived; that the com- 
 mandant at Vera Cruz has received instructions from 
 Santa Anna to evacuate the place, on the arrival 
 before it of our Army, as was done here. This comes 
 from a Mexican lady of this place, I would not be 
 astonished if it was done, if we go there with a heavy 
 battery (without which we ought not to approach 
 the place) and a well organized force. 
 
 Genl. Scott, I am confident, feels the full importance 
 of entire success, and will not nm the risk of a failure. 
 His enemies are on the watch; his friends are keenly 
 and sensitively alive and will leave nothing unat- 
 tempted in their power to ensure success. 
 
 Tattoo call has just beat; and it is time for me to 
 visit the Theatre. I have, I believe, omitted telling you 
 that among the duties of the Officer of the Day, are those 
 of going to the Theatre, the Fandangoes, and all places 
 of amusement. Such a collection as I saw at the only 
 Fandango I have attended you can not conceive of — 
 from the Vol. Colonel to the drunken private soldier 
 and the black Mexicanesses — I soon became disgusted, 
 but had to remain for fear of a row, to close it. The 
 Theatre is filled with noisy Volunteers some of whom 
 are taken away from their frolics there every night 
 and given a place on the floor of our filthy guardhouse. 
 At all places of amusement are found sentinels with 
 
GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT 
 
In Mexico 47 
 
 their fixed bayonets; they are even on the ballroom 
 floor. And this is necessary to keep our free and 
 independent citizens in order! Good-night, it will be so 
 late when I return, that I can write no more to-night. 
 
 Wednesday night, 17th. 
 
 I am now writing from camp, having vacated my 
 quarters in town at 4.30 this evening. Mr. Wyse came 
 in when I had finished the last sentence to talk about 
 the chance of our remaining here. It seems that the 
 question has been discussed to-day, and he says that 
 Col. Gates and our two companies will form a portion 
 of the garrison. Genl. Scott may change the arrange- 
 ments entered into by the gentlemen here. I shall 
 therefore give myself very little trouble about the 
 affair. 
 
 I saw to-day Genl. Twiggs's Brigade drilling on the 
 plain near our camp. I never saw so many Regulars 
 together: there were about 1400 men; of the Rifles, 
 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th Infantry. They made a very 
 respectable display; the day was intensely warm and 
 two or three of the men fainted in the ranks. 
 
 Of rumors we have a full budget — one, that Genl. 
 Taylor has had a fight with and whipped Genl. Santa 
 Anna; a second report says that Santa Anna can not 
 raise money to organize an Army, and that Vera Cruz 
 will certainly be abandoned on our approach. Nous 
 verrons. As I am not yet well arranged for writing, 
 I will here finish — wishing you good-night ; the discord- 
 ance of two camps beating tattoo at the same time 
 makes not a very pleasant music. 
 
 Thursday, Feb. i8th. 
 We are now comfortably fixed in our Camp which 
 
48 An Artillery Officer 
 
 has been well and thoroughly policed. I find that I 
 am too far from my own Mess in town to continue a 
 member of it; I shall therefore organize a Mess to- 
 morrow in camp. I brought, you know, all the furni- 
 ture, etc., necessary for this purpose. Finding, how- 
 ever, that my pewter is not quite genteel enough for a 
 Tampico Mess, where we greatly profess gentility, I 
 went to the heavy expense of 75 cts. for a china bowl 
 and plate. The pattern is a very pretty one, as you 
 may see some day from the fragments. I have not 
 succeeded in finding any curiosities or rarities which 
 I thought worth procuring and keeping for you. 
 
 When in town this morning, I called to see Maj. 
 McCall, Genl. Patterson's Adjt. Genl., in consequence 
 of Mr. Wyse's conversation with me last night, and 
 asked him whether the designation of the companies 
 to remain here was made by him or by Genl. Scott's 
 Adjt. Genl. He said that Genl. Scott would designate 
 the garrison. Thus falls to the ground the castles 
 which our knowing ones have been building for their 
 friends during the last few days. 
 
 We had a report this morning that Capt. Huger was 
 off the bar to-day. I could not trace the report to a 
 reliable source, though I thought it might well be so. 
 He must have been under orders in Dec. or Jany. ; and 
 should have arrived before this time. Genl. Scott 
 will be here at 7.30 to-morrow. 
 
 Why does not Congress act on the Army Bills; the 
 President's earnest recommendations have not been 
 acquiesced in. It is highly important that Genl. 
 Scott should have the ten Regiments of Regulars so 
 strongly recommended by the Secretary of War, at 
 the earliest moment, and yet, at our latest advices 
 from Washington, they were gravely discussing the 
 
In Mexico 49 
 
 question of giving Volunteers in place of Regulars. 
 Had Congress been serious in desiring to prosecute the 
 War vigorously, they would have passed the Bill pro- 
 posed, or some other for increasing the Army, in the 
 first two weeks of its Session, and some of the Regts. 
 might have been now in the field. Now the passage 
 of any Bill augmenting the Army can do no good until 
 next winter. Our armies are not sufficiently strong 
 for invasion; we may occupy the seaport towns and 
 healthy positions near them, but can not throw our 
 forces far into the interior. 
 
 I learn to-day from a very reliable source that there 
 is much bitter feeling between the Volunteer Generals. 
 I fear that this feeling may be extended by them 
 towards Genl. Scott, who comes to an army, I am 
 sorry to say it, strongly prejudiced against him. Bragg 
 in the Arty, and Lt. Don Carlos Buell in the Infy., or, 
 at least, Genl. Scott's action in their cases, have had 
 much weight in producing this feeling. You can 
 readily conceive the anxiety I feel on this account. 
 I am apprehensive that the prejudice is so strong as 
 to mislead many honorable men, who can not give 
 his acts a fair trial. Once in a campaign and in a 
 glorious action, and all must be, will be, right — envy 
 and malice will [not] then be so powerful to injure as 
 now, and the very men who now dare to speak slight- 
 ingly, and disrespectfully of him, will be loudest and 
 most fulsome in his adulation. 
 
 I hear to-night that a mail from New Orleans will 
 leave early in the morning, and as I am not now so 
 near the Post Office as when in town, I will not be 
 able to spoil this letter by cross writing. Mr. Wyse 
 promised to call for my letter after tattoo, and as the 
 call has beat, I must now close. 
 
50 An Artillery Officer 
 
 No. 6. In Camp, Tampico 
 Sat., Feb. 20th. 
 
 Thank God I have at last received letters from you. 
 Yours of the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 29th, Jany. were 
 received yesterday morning. With what gratitude do 
 I thank our Heavenly Father for having restored you 
 to health. And you have suffered so severely, my poor 
 wife. What wou d have become of you had you been 
 among strangers, worn out by worrying about me? 
 Now I feel that you are surrounded by those whose 
 love and affection will anticipate all your wishes, 
 whose devotion encircles you with care and atten- 
 tions which strangers would never think of, and 
 which in the sick room are so much needed, so highly 
 appreciated. Is it not true that in this case all was 
 ordered for the best? I will not ask you to thank 
 all the family, the attentions of each of whom 
 have been so warmly dwelt upon in your letters — this 
 would be too cold and formal. But I do thank God 
 for having given us relations with hearts so warm and 
 so true. 
 
 I will not attempt to state the feelings which per- 
 vaded my heart when I read your most, most welcome 
 letters. How often did I have to stop reading — some 
 sentiment of yours brought you before me so plainly, 
 and yet so far are we separated, and so much un- 
 certainty is there about the time of our meeting again. 
 God will, I know, continue to protect and bless you. 
 
 As my scribble on the side of No. 5 indicated, Genl. 
 Scott was that night off the bar, and arrived yesterday 
 morning. He was received and escorted to his quar- 
 ters by four companies of Arty. ; Capt. Wm. McKenzie, 
 Commander, Capt. A. Compy., the right Compy. 
 The Genl. looked, on arriving, somewhat worried; 
 
In Mexico 5i 
 
 he went off this afternoon, I think, in better spirits. 
 He issued yesterday his Orders naming his Staff 
 Officers, and declaring Martial Law to prevail wherever 
 any part of the Army might be. I send a copy of the 
 newspaper containing them. 
 
 I met many of my old friends — Major Smith, Engin- 
 eers Col. Totten, Capt. C, F. Smith, Capt. Joe Johnson, 
 Lt. Scott, A. D. C, Capt. Swartwout, A.D.C. Williams, 
 etc., etc., etc. All are in fine spirits. I have not 
 mentioned my old friend Capt. Huger, who dined with 
 me to-day on "Armadillo" and other nice dishes. 
 He has brought out the heavy Ordnance, the arrival 
 of which has been so anxiously hoped for. Col. Gates 
 will remain here with one compy. of Arty, and 1200 
 Volunteers. Col. De Russy has been ordered to 
 remain with the Louisiana Volunteers; this is a bitter 
 pill for them to swallow. I saw very little of Genl. 
 Scott; knowing how busy he would be, I purposely 
 avoided going near him. He enquired most affec- 
 tionately about Father and the family; says that the 
 Genl. owes him two letters. I wish you would 
 ask Father to write to him, directing to the care of 
 Col. Hunt, who will forward it. Having largely tres- 
 passed on my to-morrow's pages, I will now bid you 
 good-night. God bless you. 
 
 Sunday, 21st. 
 The Norther which raged last night with considerable 
 force, must have carried Genl. Scott down to Lobes 
 early to-day ; he is, I suppose, safely anchored there to- 
 night. Last night reminded me of some of the stormy 
 nights we had at Tampa Bay. Luckily the Sentinels 
 of our Camp are not far from each other, and it did 
 not take me long to visit them. I took advantage 
 
52 An Artillery Officer 
 
 of a lull, and paid my visit rapidly between two showers. 
 To-night the wind is pretty high, but there is no rain. 
 
 I have this evening distressed Lt. Judd by telling 
 him that I intended applying for him to join my 
 Compy. He has just succeeded in having Lt. Step- 
 toe's Compy. organized as a Compy. of Foot Artillery, 
 and it will go hard with him to have to leave it, but 
 I must now have all the officers who properly belong to 
 it, if I can get them. Col. Gates said this evening 
 that he would order him to the Compy., but he may 
 change his mind to-morrow. 
 
 An English gentleman of high character informed 
 us last night that he had received advices from Mexico 
 to the 13th inst. stating that a bearer of dispatches 
 had been sent by our Govt, to the Mexican; the nature 
 of the communication was not known. It is said 
 that the bearer of the dispatches is a Mexican, who 
 has been during the last year in some official cor- 
 respondence with our Secy, of State, and who has 
 constantly taken the groimd that a peace might be 
 honorably adjusted by the two Govts. News from San 
 Luis Potosi to the 7th was also received by Mr. White- 
 head, which represents that Santa Anna has advanced 
 50 leagues towards Genl. Taylor and that he had then 
 halted, having learned that the Genl. was stronger than 
 he believed him to be. Information also states that the 
 Mexican Congress has informed Santa Anna that no 
 money can be raised for him, that he must subsist his 
 army as best he can. Before this reaches you, you 
 will have heard whether these rumors are confirmed. 
 
 Genl. Twiggs's Brigade will commence embarking 
 as soon as the bar becomes quiet enough for them to 
 cross. It will be succeeded by the other troops as 
 rapidly as they can be got off. A large steamboat 
 
In Mexico 53 
 
 was reported off the bar this afternoon; it is supposed 
 to be the Alabama from New Orleans. She has 
 probably run out to sea again ; and will, I hope, return 
 to-morrow, and give us a mail with later news from my 
 wife. I must leave a little space for to-morrow on this 
 side. That our Heavenly Father may protect and 
 guard you, and soon restore me to you is my earnest, 
 my constant prayer. Good-night. The Taps have 
 just been given. 
 
 Monday, 22nd. 
 
 Washington's Birthday. I am, with my company, 
 in the City to-day guarding the City. Col. Bankhead 
 showed me the order of Genl. Patterson directing the 
 Arty, companies to be embarked next after Genl. 
 Twiggs's Brigade, which will, I suppose, commence its 
 removal to-morrow. The steamer reported off the 
 bar yesterday has not yet come in. She is thought to 
 be the Alabama. 
 
 Of news we have nothing to-day. I am seated in 
 Dr. Harney's parlor, with the Dr. in front of me on 
 the sofa. Lt. Beckwith, 3rd. Arty., is on my left, and 
 Lt. Van Vliet is walking across the room; — as they 
 are talking I find that I shall have to defer my writing 
 till I can steal a more favorable moment, when I shall 
 resume and finish to-night, and mail will go to-morrow. 
 
 9.30 P.M., Monday. 
 I had intended writing you a good long letter, but 
 as Officer of the Day, I shall have so much to do that 
 I shall have to content myself with this letter with 
 a slight addition to it. It will be useless for me to 
 keep it out of the Post Office to-night for the chance of 
 the mail's not going off until the afternoon of to-morrow, 
 
54 An Artillery Officer 
 
 as I learn that I am named as Judge Advocate and 
 Recorder to a Military Commission to try a Mexican 
 Spy to-morrow. 
 
 This is the first Board organized under Genl. Scott's 
 order declaring Martial Law. The Commission is 
 composed of Col. Bankhead, Col. Gates, Col. Campbell, 
 Tenn. Vols., Lt. Col. Belton, and another Vol. Officer. I 
 regret exceedingly being placed on the Commission, 
 as it is a question which will attract much attention, 
 and should be managed by an officer of much more 
 experience and talents than myself. Capt. De Hart 
 should have been sent here to act on the Court. 
 
 I do not think that the Prosecuting Officer will be 
 able to sustain the charge, as I can not conceive the 
 necessity for the Mexican General having sent a spy 
 to this city, whose inhabitants are in daily communica- 
 tion with their friends in the Army and elsewhere. Again 
 it may be apprehended that if he be found guilty and 
 executed under our sentence, the Mexicans may cause 
 Lt. Rodgers of the Navy, a prisoner in Vera Cruz, 
 to share the same fate. Joaquim Nogales, our pris- 
 oner, is said to be a Sergeant in Genl. Urea's part 
 of the Army, and was apprehended by Major Morris, 
 who prefers the Charges. 
 
 I shall not be able to send you by this mail the copy 
 of Genl. Scott's order which I intended sending. You 
 will find a copy in the next newspaper which I send. 
 Maj. McCall has just sent me word that he wants 
 to see me, and I must go over. — I have just returned ; 
 he gave me the order detailing the Military Com- 
 mission and the charges against Nogales. They are 
 hardly strong enough to convict him of being a spy. 
 I must study the case. Good-night, may our Heavenly 
 Father bless you. 
 
In Mexico 55 
 
 No. 7. Tampico. 
 Wednesday, Feb. 24. 
 
 As I was engaged yesterday on the first "Military 
 Commission," I did not feel like writing at night, and 
 retired at early candle light. This morning I received 
 orders to prepare my Compy. for embarkation, and 
 as I have much to think of and to arrange to-night, 
 as we embark early to-morrow, I fear that my last 
 letter from Tampico must necessarily be a short one. 
 
 Before commencing my daily narrative of events, 
 rumors, etc., since the close of my last, I may as well 
 tell how near I was being kept here by Col. Gates. My 
 last mentioned that the Col. was to remain here with 
 one Compy. of his Regt. This decision was made 
 the day Genl. Scott left. That morning, Adjt. Austine 
 informed me that Col. G. had selected me. I immedi- 
 ately went to his Quarters and asked him if that was so. 
 He answered me in the affirmative, said that he had 
 been treated with great discourtesy in being separated 
 from his Regt., and that, saying divers complimentary 
 things, he had selected me to remain with him. I 
 stated that, from the relations which had always 
 existed between us, I knew that he would not mis- 
 understand me, when I informed him that I would 
 appeal from his decision; that as the ranking officer 
 of those in command of Companies of the 3rd Regt. 
 here, I claimed that I was entitled to be first sent on 
 armed service. He said that there would be no 
 misunderstanding between us. 
 
 I left him, and had barely seated myself to write my 
 appeal, when Col. Bankhead's orderly came in and 
 said that Col. B. wished to see me, at his Quarters. 
 I went, when he informed me that it was strange that 
 Col. Gates had misunderstood him: that he had in- 
 
56 An Artillery Officer 
 
 formed him as plainly as he could speak the English 
 language that he, Col. B. would, to prevent any heart- 
 burnings between him and his officers, make the 
 selection. He then said, that next to the officers of 
 his own Regt., he would rather have me with him than 
 any one else. And wound up by stating that he would 
 not make the selection till Genl. Scott left. 
 
 Immediately on Genl. Scott's leaving, he informed 
 Mr. Wyse that his Compy. would remain. Col. 
 Bankhead told Col. Gates subsequently, that Genl. 
 Scott had said that he wanted me in the trenches 
 with him. 
 
 So much for being too popular. I have made a very 
 narrow escape. There is so much in the preceding 
 which would not be written to any one else but yourself, 
 as it looks exceedingly like egotism, that I hope you 
 will not read or let it be read by any one. 
 
 The Company is to embark in a very fine sailer with 
 accommodations for about thirty men more than the 
 company musters. I have to leave "Ruh" in the 
 Hospital here. He was shot accidentally in the calf 
 of his leg, by a revolver in the hands of one of Mr. 
 Wyse's Compy. and will not be able to go with us. 
 I must have him sent on to join me as soon as he gets 
 sufficiently well. Mr. Judd has managed to keep 
 from joining the Compy., as he prefers remaining 
 with' Mr. Steptoe whose Compy. he managed to have 
 converted into a battery of Foot Artillery. But I 
 think, as he has not been transferred from the Compy. 
 I will get him back as soon as I get to Genl. Scott's 
 Headquarters. 
 
 And now about the grand "Military Commission" 
 which met yesterday to try the spy. On the assembling 
 of the Court, after a few remarks, the names of the 
 
In Mexico 57 
 
 members were called, when, before the prisoner was 
 brought in, I presented the question as to our com- 
 petency to try a spy, and stated that we were debarred 
 from doing so by Genl. Scott's order, and by the Rules 
 and Articles of War, which declare that spies shall be 
 tried by Genl. Courts-Martial. The question was put 
 — the objection sustained — when I wrote a letter com- 
 municating the fact to Genl. Patterson; the moment 
 I explained the grounds of our decision, he stated that 
 we were right, and informed me that he would have an 
 order issued dissolving the Commission. Thus was I 
 relieved from a most im welcome and troublesome task. 
 The fates are decidedly in my favor — I ask pardon, I 
 am no fatalist, even in jest, and firmly believe that the 
 Great God orders all events. He speaks to us whether 
 in the gentle zephyr or in the raging storm. 
 
 Adjutant Austine goes with us. Col. Gates was 
 quite angry when Mr. A. told him he must go; but 
 afterwards consented. The Col. keeps the band; we 
 take the Colors, and the Adjt., Col. Childs, and Capt. 
 Vinton will be with us. 
 
 We have rumors again that a messenger has been 
 sent to the Mexican Govt, with an offer to take north 
 of a line running through Matamoros, to embrace a 
 part of California, Santa Fe, etc. ; and that we will give 
 her twenty millions from which the claims of our 
 citizens on her Govt, are to be discounted. These 
 terms do not appear to me very liberal. Whether the 
 Mexicans will accept, no one knows. I believe that 
 the Govt, at Washington would do any honorable 
 thing — may be that word is too short — to prevent 
 Genl. Scott from conquering a peace. We will see. 
 
 Friend Derr and I get on very well together. He 
 goes on guard with me when I am Officer of the Day, 
 
58 An Artillery Officer 
 
 and does not therefore miss any of his duties. I will 
 reserve a little space for to-morrow morning, when, if 
 possible, I will add a few words more. Good-night, 
 my wife. Good-night. 
 
 February 25th. 
 My Compy. is now on board, and I am waiting for 
 the return of the lighter to go on board. Col. Belton 
 and Lt. Andrews are the only officers who go in the 
 same vessel. The wind is now ahead, and it seems 
 doubtful whether we shall leave to-night or not; it is 
 now 2.30 o'clock. Genl. Patterson will, it is said, 
 leave the day after to-morrow in the steamboat Ala- 
 bama. For safety and the chance of making snug 
 harbors I prefer our little schooner, the Regina Hill. I 
 intended sending another trio of drafts, but as I am 
 separated from my baggage, I cannot. 
 
 No. 8. Tampico, 
 
 February 27th, Saturday. 
 It appears now, my wife, that my last, very hurried 
 letter might have been finished at my leisure. A 
 Norther was brewing as we went on board, and yester- 
 day morning the breakers were so high on the bar that 
 no vessels went out. The wind is now lulling and it is 
 probable that the gallant little barque will sail to- 
 morrow. I very innocently came up to see my friends 
 the Doctors on Thursday night, as I thought a night on 
 shore would be better for me than one on board, but 
 they refused to let me return, and here I am separated 
 from the Company by a cold. They have given me no 
 medicine but one dose of magnesia; but say that I 
 shall not expose myself by imnecessarily accompanying 
 the command in a small vessel without medical atten- 
 
In Mexico 59 
 
 dance, when they can take me with them in the steamer 
 Alabama, which, leaving to-morrow, or the next day, 
 will reach Lobos before the Regina Hill. 
 
 My cough is less violent than when I left the vessel. 
 You know that generally I am very little affected by 
 colds, recovering frequently from those that are very 
 severe in one night. I have no pains or aches, simply 
 a cough, and hope that with a change of weather I 
 shall be again well enough to rejoin and go down with 
 the Compy. I have a piece of news for you. 
 
 Did I not mention in one of my first letters that Mrs. 
 Gates had been invited by Mrs. Chase (the lady who 
 first raised our flag) to come on? She is now here. I 
 have not seen her, but intend, if to-morrow is a mild day, 
 to call on her. Her arrival will, I hope, make our Col. 
 better satisfied with his position here. She had, I hear, 
 some difficulties to contend with, in getting here. The 
 Col. will, I suppose, tell the whole story when I see him. 
 
 Mr. Wyse called to see me this afternoon; he seems 
 very well contented, and talks about his Company's 
 being mounted. It is very well that all men are not 
 constituted alike. I feel very certain that with all 
 my attachment to my profession, I would have re- 
 signed and gone to Vera Cruz as a Volunteer, rather 
 than to have remained here. I am glad, however, 
 that I was not put to the trial. 
 
 8 P.M. Mr. Judd has just left, having called to see 
 me. He expects to start to-morrow or the next day. 
 
 Before I stop I will take you a walk through the 
 market. In the first place you see the "Flag of our 
 Country^ " ; it is placed on a platform intended to receive 
 a statue of Genl. Santa Anna. The house is the guard- 
 house; the square is paved with stones. Let us com- 
 mence with the people farthest from the river. I have 
 
60 An Artillery Officer 
 
 marked the line i . ^ Here you see tables and people — 
 soldiers and others — drinking coffee and chocolate with 
 cakes and bread. The coffee is kept hot in large tin 
 urns with charcoal burning under them. You ask 
 me what that Mexican woman is doing there, turning 
 a stick between the palms of her hands as she stoops 
 over that earthen pot on the fire. She is making 
 a cup of chocolate for some one. She will pour some 
 out, then put it on the fire and turn her stick in it 
 again, and then pour more out ; now she puts a piece of 
 sponge cake into the saucer, and hands it to that man ; 
 he pays her sixpence for it, and she smiles as pleasantly 
 as if he had made her a present. 
 
 A little farther on you see a pile of curious-shaped 
 earthen pots; they are used for cooking, some are 
 for meats and vegetables, others for chocolate, and 
 others are water jars. Next you see several straw hats ; 
 they are worn by the people of the country ; the prices 
 are from 25 cts. apiece to $1.50. That man is selling 
 coarse Mexican blankets and some common cotton 
 goods. 
 
 Now we will commence with the next line; here you 
 see no tables, the articles are either in open boxes 
 slightly raised on one side, on coarse matting, or upon 
 the pavement. The first box contains a large dried 
 black pepper; this is the sweet pepper; next are green 
 peppers, bird's-eye peppers, the true cayenne, and 
 another kind somewhat larger. There are black 
 beans, the favorite bean, about the size of our garden 
 pea; next the large kidney, then the common pea; 
 then a small flat bean much used with rice, a box of 
 which comes next; take care that you don't tread 
 upon that fine large lettuce or upon those egg-plants. 
 
 ' A diagram was enclosed in letter. 
 
In Mexico 6i 
 
 But what is that man doing? See, he has a kind of 
 bag, which seems filled with moss, and he is taking 
 something out of it and opening the moss which is made 
 into a kind of ball ; they are eggs which he has brought 
 to market on the back of a donkey. Each ball holds 
 an egg carefully wrapped. See, there is another man 
 who is opening com shucks in which he has fastened 
 his eggs. 
 
 Most of them in this and the next line have nearly 
 the same things; here is a vegetable something like 
 the egg-plant in its form, but that it is flattened; it has 
 a deep crease at one end, and a piece projecting out like 
 a tongue ; the plant has small points on it which do not 
 stick you; this plant is cooked like the egg-plant, but 
 I think it is much better. I have tried to get the seed, 
 but was told that the fruit itself was planted, and that 
 the part looking like a tongue will grow into a vine 
 on which some fifty or sixty of these will grow. I will 
 try to take one to Father. That pretty red bird you see 
 there is the pink curlew- its feathers are beautiful; 
 you must have some to make a fan; he asks 12}/^ cts. 
 for it and says it is good to eat. It is not very good. 
 That basket-looking coop made of corn-stalks holds 
 chickens. Ducks and turkeys you see here. That 
 man has sugar cane and plantains for sale; the next 
 one bananas, $1.00 for a bunch of green ones; we won't 
 give it — we may find some ripe ones farther on. 
 
 But come, we must make haste, and return home; we 
 have not the time to see all the things this morning 
 and will glance along as we run through these lanes of 
 market people near the river. In the boats are very 
 fine fish; look at those turtles with supple twigs tied 
 around their bodies between their shells and their 
 legs, so that they can't move their legs; there is corn, 
 
62 An Artillery Officer 
 
 rice, dried corn, coarse salt, Mexican soap, raisins, 
 onions, gariic, cabbage, mint, parsley in small bundles, 
 cigaritos (small paper cigars smoked by ladies! as 
 well as gentlemen) ; the most beautiful white lard you 
 ever saw; sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes; tomatoes, 
 some very small — the wild tomatoes — others red like 
 our common ones, and some of a very rich yellow; 
 radishes, green peas — see those long strips piled up on 
 those cow hides — that is jerked beef. 
 
 Look at that donkey, see his tail trimmed. He 
 has naturally, the poor creature, very little hair on it. 
 On his back you see four layers or steps of bottles. 
 That is a common drink of the country made of cane 
 juice. There goes another donkey carrying water; he 
 has four kegs; when the man stops to sell his load, he 
 places a wide leather strap over the eyes of his donkey ; 
 this keeps the animal quiet and still — a pair of leather 
 spectacles. But here we are at home. We may take 
 another walk through the market in Vera Cruz. 
 
 1.30, Sunday morning, Feb. 28th. 
 
 I have heard that Genl. Worth is off the mouth of the 
 River, and that a mail has been received at the office. 
 I will nm down to see if I cannot get a letter from 
 you, — 3.15. Thank God the mail did bring me two 
 letters from my wife. 
 
 My letters, which you will have received long ere this, 
 will have removed all cause of uneasiness about the 
 imcertainty of my arrival here, and subsequent letters 
 will have informed you how well I have been taken 
 care of since my arrival. Place your confidence, and 
 place it freely and fully, in Almighty God who has 
 always been more careful of me than I have deser^^ed, 
 and you will then feel that all will go right. Repine 
 
In Mexico 63 
 
 not that He has separated us for a while; He knows 
 what is best; we can not look wisely ahead for a single 
 hour. The end will convince us of His foresight, our 
 shortsightedness; His wisdom, our folly. 
 
 You express apprehensions about your letters, that 
 I may never receive them. I think I have them all: 
 Jany. 7, 14, 21, 29; Feby. 4 and 12. In your letter of 
 the 4th of Feby. you say that it is your fifth; such you 
 see my table of letters received makes it. You ask 
 whether it is worth while for you to send the Intelligencer; 
 scarcely, because I see from the loose manner in which 
 business is transacted here in the Post Office, that any 
 person can go in and help himself to any papers he 
 chooses. I hear from my friends who read papers, 
 all the news. I do not feel much like reading. 
 
 I have just heard that Genl. Patterson has notified 
 the gentlemen who are to accompany him that the 
 Alabama will leave at 9 o'clock in the morning. The 
 Regina is still at the mouth of the River, and I think 
 it probable that I may leave the Alabama and get on 
 board with the rest of the "G's." 
 
 Dr. Cuyler received a letter from Mrs. Cuyler as late 
 as the 13th. She writes that she had heard from Miss 
 Johanna Wade that the Major had been ordered to 
 Tampico. Col. Gates will, I presume, detain the Major 
 with his Compy. at this place — he will meet his brother- 
 in-law, Major Buchanan, here in command of the 
 Baltimore troops. 
 
 The Army Bill I see has passed; it may help me a 
 little. I am very much pleased with the synopsis you 
 give of your newspaper readings. I learn from it many 
 things which I had not before heard. 
 
 You must not write me such long letters — one page 
 telling me that all are well and that you are walking 
 
64 An Artillery Officer 
 
 about and getting strong again, would give all the 
 pleasure I can receive from any letters, and particularly 
 when I know that the effort necessary to write those 
 long letters tires you. Let me urge you by all the 
 love you bear me, and I know its weight and its 
 worth, to take care of yourself. Look at events which 
 have passed. Do you not see how groundless were a 
 thousand fears which have harassed and worried your 
 life out? The imcertainty of the departure of our 
 mails, though I have put you on your guard against 
 it, has caused you, I know, many bitter hours of anxiety 
 and uneasiness. This letter I leave under a promise 
 from the Postmaster that it will go the day after to- 
 morrow. It may, however, remain here a week. When 
 I shall have another opportunity of sending a letter 
 off, no one can tell. That Genl. Scott will have his 
 letters as frequently as practicable, I know, but he 
 may not care about reporting until he has executed 
 something to make a report about. I shall reserve 
 my vacant space for a talk with you to-night and 
 to-morrow morning. 
 
 7.30. Major Capers came in soon after I had finished 
 the above; he is as big, consequential and important 
 as man can well be; he said that he had been down 
 to see Genl. Worth who had sent for him. The Genl. 
 was on the Steamer Edith at the mouth of the River. 
 I was sorry to hear that the Genl. looks badly; he is 
 said to be in fine spirits, says that of course we shall 
 whip the Mexicans at Vera Cruz, does n't believe any 
 of the rumors we hear about Genl. Taylor's likelihood 
 of being defeated by Santa Anna. 
 
 Dr. Wright received a letter to-day from an officer 
 serving under Genl. Taylor, who writes that Genl. T. 
 had advanced ten leagues from Saltillo on the road 
 
In Mexico 65 
 
 towards San Luis, and that the report there was that 
 Santa Anna had withdrawn his forces from San Luis 
 and intended opposing the landing of our Army at 
 Vera Cruz. The next thing we shall probably hear of 
 Santa Anna, will be an attack made on some place he 
 may hope to surprise. 
 
 You must not allow yourself to be worried by the 
 thousand reports with which the papers will now be 
 filled. Every paper must have some items of interest 
 to publish about the Army at Vera Cruz. Show any- 
 thing you may see to your Father, and he will tell 
 you how much credit may be attached to it. 
 
 We shall not be able to disembark the Army much 
 earlier than the 15th of March, so that you can not 
 hear any thing certain from its operations sooner 
 than about the last of March or 1st of April. I must 
 save the other side for to-morrow. Good-night. 
 
 Monday morning, Feb. 29th, 9 a.m. 
 The wagon has just come for our baggage, and 
 I must bid you farewell. Rumor reports that an at- 
 tack was recently made by 2000 Cavalry on one of 
 Genl. Taylor's posts, and that the Mexicans lost four 
 hundred men; the attack was said to have been made 
 at night. 
 
 No. I. Steamship "Alabama," 
 
 Off Anton Lizards. 
 
 March 5, 1847. 
 Anchored at last, I resume my correspondence. 
 The date of my last letter I do not remember. The 
 little vessel with my Compy. crossed the bar at 
 Tampico, Siuiday, 28th ult. As the Doctors, in 
 consequence of my having a cold, refused to let me go 
 on board with the Compy. I was perforce compelled 
 
66 An Artillery Officer 
 
 to come on board this ship. Genl. Patterson with his 
 Staff were fellow-passengers. One Regt. of Tenn. 
 Foot, and Capt. Walker's Compy. 6th U. S. Infy. are 
 also on board. 
 
 We got on board Monday the 1st inst., crossed the 
 bar the next morning, and getting under weigh about 
 midnight, reached the Lobos Islands early the next 
 day, where orders were received to proceed South. 
 Genl. Scott had already left Lobos. Yesterday we lay 
 to for about eight hours in a Norther and arrived at our 
 anchorage here about lO o'clock this morning. Genl. 
 Scott came in about two hours afterwards, and at the 
 suggestion of Col. Campbell commanding the Tenn. 
 Regt. he was greeted with three hearty cheers as he 
 passed us. 
 
 We are about thirteen or eighteen miles south of 
 Vera Cruz. There are at this time, 5.30 P.M., sixty- 
 four ships, etc., at anchor in sight; the vessel with 
 "G" Co. has not yet arrived, but as the wind is fair, 
 I presume she and nearly all the others that are due 
 will be in to-morrow. Genl. Worth has just entered 
 our stateroom; I must stop to shake hands with him. 
 Genl. W. looks badly; his old woimd has given him 
 a good deal of pain within the last month. 
 
 I heard yesterday that the Genl. thinks that he will 
 be killed in this attack. I cannot think that a man 
 who has so bravely passed through so many dangers 
 as Genl. W. would give expression to such feelings, 
 even if he entertained them. 
 
 Glorious news has just been received from Genl. 
 Taylor's Army. The news comes pretty direct. A 
 British Man-of-War which communicated this morn- 
 ing with Vera Cruz, on coming out gave the last Mexi- 
 can papers to some of our Naval Officers — in one of 
 
GENERAL TAYLOR 
 
In Mexico 67 
 
 these papers was Genl. Santa Anna's report to his 
 Govt. He states that he fought Genl. Taylor on the 
 22nd of Feby. at Aguanueva, not far from Saltillo, 
 and again the fight was resumed on the 23rd. That 
 he, Genl. Santa Anna, having lost in killed and wounded 
 1000 men, found it necessary to fall back to "Incarna- 
 tion," whence, after having taken care of his sick 
 and procured provisions, he would again advance to 
 attack Genl. Taylor whose loss he estimates as 2000. 
 
 This paper also mentions that there had been fighting 
 for three days in the City of Mexico in consequence 
 of the attempt to raise money by forced loans from 
 the Clergy. This is certainly most glorious news, 
 and coming as it does from the Mexicans, we may 
 fairly infer that it has not been colored too strongly 
 in our favor. Genl. Taylor has then whipped their 
 great man! This news will have a fine effect on our 
 troops; all are even more anxious than ever to be led 
 to the attack. 
 
 The news from Vera Cruz is that there are about 
 3000 Regulars, and a little over 2000 irregulars. Our 
 troops will be, including 200 marines, about 13,000. 
 The result no one can doubt. Genl. Scott will not 
 make his attack in such a manner as unnecessarily to 
 sacrifice life. If possible, he will take the place without 
 the loss of a man. 
 
 I have a Voltmteer captain who wishes to accompany 
 me. He is a gentleman who raised a fine company 
 in Uniontown, Pa. which the Secy, of War could 
 not receive, as the Regt. from Pa. had been filled up 
 before the Capt. went to Washington. Determined to 
 be in the fight himself, as soon as he found that his 
 Compy. was refused, he started for the Seat of War, 
 and is now here. I shall go with him to Genl. Scott 
 
68 
 
 An Artillery Officer 
 
 to-morrow and request that his wishes may be complied 
 with. 
 
 Capt. Austine has declined an offer he received to-day 
 of the position of Lt. Col. or Major, in the ist Regt. 
 Pa. troops, both these positions being vacated by the 
 sickness of those officers. He says that he prefers 
 being with me to going into the field with that Regt. 
 He is full of zeal and will be of assistance in inspiring 
 my Germans with a determination to go ahead. 
 
 Our anchorage is, I hear this evening, eighteen 
 miles by land from Vera Cruz, and fifteen miles by water. 
 If we land here, we shall have to cross a small river 
 about two hundred yards wide; on the way up, there 
 is a mill where the stream can easily be waded which 
 will make our march somewhat longer. The Naval 
 Officers say that no opposition will be made to our 
 landing. As I wish to reserve some space for to- 
 morrow after my interview with Genl. Scott, I will 
 now close by wishing you good-night. That God our 
 Heavenly Father may guard and protect you is my 
 earnest prayer. Good-night. 
 
 Saturday, March 6th. 
 
 The Regina Hill bearing Col. Belton and "G" 
 Co. has not yet arrived. I do hope they will arrive 
 to-day, as a rumor says that we are to land to-morrow, 
 and it would be hard, after all my endeavors to get 
 this Compy. into active service, if they should now 
 miss this opportunity for distinction! Genl. Pat- 
 terson told me last night that if the Compy. did 
 not arrive, he would be very happy to have me with 
 him. This would not suit me. 
 
 I called this morning at Genl. Hd. Qrs., but Genl. 
 Scott had gone off on a reconnoitring party. All his 
 
In Mexico 69 
 
 Milty. family went with lim. I saw my old friends 
 Capt. C. F. Smith and Ccpt. Vinton. I heard a bad 
 translation of Genl. Santa Anna's report. He states 
 Genl. Taylor's force at between eight and nine thou- 
 sand men. He has nearly doubled the General's force, 
 which could not have exceeded six thousand. The 
 action took place at Buena Vista, a strong position 
 about six miles from Saltillo. He says that he thinks 
 of falling back the following morning (24th) as he has 
 not a piece of bread or a poimd of rice for his sick. 
 
 We have received no mail since we came down. We 
 hope that we may have one to-day as the last Norther 
 ought to have brought us down on its swift wings, 
 vessels from New Orleans. The next mail ought to 
 bring me letters from you as late as the loth Feby. 
 I am very anxious to hear that you are well enough 
 to be walking about, and that you have made some 
 arrangement which will remedy some of the many 
 inconveniences which Elizabeth's leaving you has 
 given. I must now stop writing, as I see that Col. 
 Ward Burnett, New York Regt., has entered the cabin. 
 I shall take up my pen again as soon as the recon- 
 noitring party returns, as I can then state with some 
 certainty when the landing is to take place. 
 
 Monday, 8th. 
 
 The reconnoitring party went so close to the Castle 
 on the 6th as to draw a fire from the Mexican battery ; 
 no harm was done. Yesterday Col. Belton arrived 
 with "G" Co., and I was so much occupied that I 
 could not write. We are now momentarily expecting 
 a steamer to take us to Sacrificios where the landing 
 of the troops is to take place. 
 
 The 3rd Arty, with a company of Sappers and Miners 
 
70 An Artillery Officer 
 
 constitute the Reserve cf Genl. Worth's Brigade, 
 which leads. It is not anticipated that any resistance 
 will be made to our landing. I have confidence in the 
 protection of our Heavenly Father who has thus far 
 protected me with the most fatherly care. This 
 letter may not be sent imtil after the engagement, 
 in which case I hope to accompany it with another. 
 
 Monday night. 
 
 As no movement was made to-day, in consequence 
 partly of an expectation that a ''Norther" would 
 interfere with it, I have the pleasure of continuing 
 my nightly conversation with you. Genl. Worth's 
 Brigade has been increased to-day by the addition 
 of about one hundred and eighty Marines, who under 
 Capt. Edson form part of the Brigade Reserve under 
 Lt. Col. Belton, which as ordered will consist of three 
 Compys. 3rd Arty., Capt. Vinton's, Capt. Anderson's; 
 Lt. Col. Childs under command of Capt. Taylor, Sappers 
 and Miners, Capt. Swift, and the Marines, amounting 
 in all to about four hundred and twenty men. As 
 the barometers indicate the approach of a "Norther," 
 it is probable that no move will be made to-morrow. 
 
 Lt. Judd has arrived with a part of Lt. Steptoe's 
 battery. He reports the arrival of Genl. Jesup at 
 Tampico in the Steamer New Orleans. We are daily, 
 indeed hourly, expecting her arrival here with a mail. 
 Capt. F. Taylor is here with a battery of the 1st Arty. 
 Lt. Col. Duncan is to arrive. The expected Norther 
 will bring, we hope, all the absent vessels. 
 
 All who are here are impatient to make the attack, 
 as many dread being detained here during the next 
 month, when they apprehend greater danger from the 
 yellow fever than from the balls of the Mexicans. 
 
In Mexico 7i 
 
 The yellow fever commences in Vera Cruz about the 
 15th of April, so we have five weeks for operations 
 before a necessity will exist for our moving into the 
 interior. 
 
 The mountains are occasionally plainly visible from 
 our present anchorage. The peak of Orizaba towers 
 proudly 17,500 and some odd feet above us. We can 
 move to delightful and healthy positions among the 
 mountains. Such will undoubtedly be our destina- 
 tion as soon as we take Vera Cruz. I am anxious 
 to get through this affair as I know that you will 
 imagine thousands of dangers which never existed, and 
 nothing but the certainty that the City is ours will 
 relieve your anxiety. 
 
 This will, I hope, be the last war I shall take an active 
 part in. I think after the declaration of peace, I may 
 safely promise that I will go ^'a-soldiering" no more. 
 I think that no more absurd scheme could be invented 
 for settling national difficulties than the one we are 
 now engaged in — killing each other to find out who 
 is in the right! 
 
 I enjoyed this evening the singing of our Germans; 
 they sang several of the songs we used to listen to at 
 Tampa Bay. God grant that not many months may 
 elapse before we shall enjoy together our pleasures 
 again. 
 
 I have not received a line from either of my own 
 family. Indeed, I have not written to any one but 
 my dear Mother. I have devoted every spare hour 
 of my evenings to writing to you and have indeed felt 
 very little like writing to any one else. I feel that you 
 are entitled to all the time I can take from my duties, 
 and indeed I do not feel that I ought to retire to my 
 bed without having first held my converse with you. 
 
72 An Artillery Officer 
 
 As I shall want to add something more to-morrow, I 
 shall bid you good-night. 
 
 Tuesday, 9th, sunrise. The signals for sailing are up. 
 We shall commence transferring our men to the trans- 
 port which is to convey us up immediately. Good-bye. 
 May God Almighty bless and preserve you. 
 
 No. I. Camp near Vera Cruz. 
 
 March 12, 1847. 
 
 I have this moment (sunrise) arrived in Camp, and 
 hear that a mail is to leave this morning. I fear that 
 I am too late for it, but shall scribble a few lines in 
 the hope that my good luck may not fail me in getting 
 my letter off. My last letter informed you that we 
 were on the eve of landing. 
 
 The landing was effected without any attempt to 
 prevent or molest us. That night a little skirmishing 
 occurred, by which the Mexicans had, a French Naval 
 Officer reports, twenty men woimded, — one or two 
 of our men are said to have been hit by spent balls. 
 The result of the next day's skirmishing resulted in 
 killing six Mexicans. 
 
 Yesterday, Lt. Col. Dickison of the S. C. Vol. 
 was wounded in the breast, Capt. Alburtis, 2nd Infy., 
 killed, and a private of the Rifles killed, a Lt. of the 
 Rifles and seven privates are said to have been killed 
 — per contra seventeen Mexicans were killed. The 
 City is now completely invested (surrounded by 
 our troops) and I presume that some of our mortars 
 will be in position to-morrow, when they will begin 
 to feel the horrors of a siege. 
 
 Why the Mexicans did not meet us on the beach 
 
In Mexico 73 
 
 when they might have annoyed and cut us up most 
 unmercifully, is most unaccoimtable. They act very 
 foolishly, throwing shot and shells at small bodies of 
 men at distances so great as to make the chances 
 of their hitting us almost nothing. 
 
 I am in excellent health, and in good spirits, as 
 Genl. Scott has an army of about 14,000 who are in 
 good tone for serving. All are zealous and anxious 
 to close the siege. 'T is true that all our heavy Ord- 
 nance has not yet arrived, but still we have enough 
 to bring them to terms before the sickly season com- 
 miences. 
 
 No. 2. March 13th, 1847. 
 
 The scrawl sent, or rather written on the nth, will I 
 presume be received by the mail which takes this. My 
 note book presents nothing worthy of being recorded; 
 I shall therefore have very little to say of Army matters. 
 Our tents and boxes are landing to-day, so that we 
 shall soon be able to make ourselves as comfortable 
 as the circumstances of a siege will permit of our 
 being. Night before last I was, as I think my last note 
 mentioned, on duty with about one hundred and forty 
 men to assist Capt. Vinton in the event of his being 
 attacked. I passed, of course, a sleepless night, but 
 was afforded no opportunity of distinguishing myself. 
 
 To show how inaccurate Camp reports are, I will 
 here correct one which I propagated in my last 
 letter, and which had come direct from two of Genl. 
 Worth's staff. 'T is not true that a Lieut, of Rifles 
 and seven privates were killed, nor is it true that 
 seventeen Mexicans were killed. 
 
 To-day we hear that the large thirteen-inch mortar, 
 with the firing of which they have been amusing them- 
 
74 An Artillery Officer 
 
 selves, has burst, and we also hear that eight hundred 
 men passed through our lines last night and entered 
 the City; these men were from Jalapa. I give but 
 little credit to both of these rumors. 
 
 I will, to ease your mind in relation to the Military 
 prowess and skill of these people, say more of our 
 operations than I had intended. Had they planted a 
 battery on the beach where they must have thought we 
 intended landing, they might, with the unimportant 
 loss of their cannon, have killed and drowned a thousand 
 of our men. 
 
 As it was, the landing was a most thrilling and excit- 
 ing affair; it was effected in about seventy large surf 
 boats containing from fifty to eighty men. The ships 
 and steamers which brought us up from Anton Lizards, 
 with the vessels of war, American, English, French, 
 and Spanish, formed a fine background to the picture; 
 the surf boats were drawn up in line, the first attached 
 to the Steamer Princeton, the others successively to 
 each other; the commands were given to wheel to the 
 right and advance. 
 
 I suppose that every man on board these boats 
 expected to be fired upon as we approached the shore; 
 the first boat landed, and such a shout was raised 
 throughout the whole line as never was heard before 
 on these shores. Why they made no attempt to 
 oppose our landing, no one can tell. And since we 
 have landed they have kept up a pretty constant 
 round of firing; scarcely a quarter of an hour passes 
 without our hearing the noise of the firing and flight 
 of a harmless shot or shell, nearly all of them falling 
 far short of our fines. At night, too, we frequently 
 hear their escopettes or large guns, injuring us in no 
 other way than by rousing us from our slumbers or by 
 
In Mexico 75 
 
 causing us to get up and stand by our Arms for a 
 quarter of an hour or so. Thus have they, in not 
 attacking us when we landed (a work necessarily always 
 accomplished with great confusion) and in the useless 
 daily waste of powder, shewn a great absence of Mili- 
 tary skill. 
 
 To-day an attempt will be made to land our heavy 
 Ordnance. One battery will probably be sent to Capt. 
 Vinton whose position is about three quarters of a 
 mile from the town. Yesterday the aqueduct which 
 supplies the City with water was tapped by the Compy. 
 of Sappers and Miners; this may distress them very 
 much. We do not know, however, what resources 
 they may have or what supply they may have in 
 their cisterns. 
 
 Capt. Vinton being on detached service, places me 
 in the position of Acting Major of this battalion as 
 I find, on comparing my date with that of his appoint- 
 ment, that I rank him. This may separate me from 
 my Compy., but as the battalion is small it is hardly 
 worth while to place me on duty as field officer. 
 
 Our sutlers have not yet arrived, so that we are now 
 living on the commissary stores, or have to pay the 
 prices asked by the sharpers who follow us. This 
 morning I priced a iew luxuries as follows : Irish potatoes 
 $6.00 a barrel, sheep $5.00 apiece, and pigs $2.50. 
 You may readily suppose that we cannot indulge 
 frequently in such expensive luxuries. I find every- 
 body here, many of my old friends whom I have not 
 seen for very many years. 
 
 I saw Genl. Scott a few moments since; he gave 
 me a very hearty shake of the hand, but as it is mail day, 
 I did not stop to see him. As you always feel an 
 interest in the "G's" I am glad that I can give a 
 
76 An Artillery Officer 
 
 favorable report of them. Our old friend Derr takes 
 most fatherly and affectionate care of me. He fre- 
 quently comes to me with a nice piece of pork or bacon 
 which he has put aside for me, and every morning and 
 evening brings me a cup of coffee or tea. The married 
 men are all well — indeed there is only one man in the 
 Compy. who is on the sick report. 
 
 The Steamer McKimm arrived yesterday without 
 a mail. This is really too trying. 'T is not often 
 we have opportimities of hearing, but that the vessels 
 which arrive do not bring in letters is too bad. I 
 must soon receive your letters. I know that several 
 are on the way for me. I hear our men criticising our 
 Nav}^ as they say that a ship has just entered the 
 harbor of Vera Cruz having evaded the blocking 
 squadron. 
 
 The weather to-day is very pleasant, and from the 
 appearance of the skies, I think we may hope for a 
 continuance of it. As soon as I get my tent, which 
 will be to-day I think, I shall resume, as far as my camp 
 duties will permit, my daily talks with you. That 
 mode of writing is much the most satisfactory one to 
 me, as when I lie down at night I feel much better 
 satisfied with myself than when I have not written. 
 
 Tell Father that the sight of our Army on the beach, 
 the morning after we landed, before we had dispersed 
 to take our positions around the City, was a glorious 
 one — about ten thousand men under arms, and most 
 of them in motion. We have now about fourteen thou- 
 sand men, as our numbers have been daily increased. 
 Some of our troops are not up yet. 
 
 Saturday, March 13th. 
 I feel at home, almost, with my pen in hand, seated 
 
In Mexico n 
 
 in my tent commencing one of my regular talks with 
 you. My company baggage was received this evening, 
 and I am seated for the first time in my own tent. 
 
 Captain Austen of the Pa. Volunteers who, I men- 
 tioned, wanted to serve with me, returned to camp to- 
 day. He accompanied us, the day after we landed, to our 
 position immediately in front of our present encamp- 
 ment, and was so unwell as to be compelled to return 
 to the steamer. I learn from him that he is a regular 
 correspondent of the New Orleans Delta, and of the 
 Baltimore Sun. He tells me that in his last letter 
 to the Delta, he mentioned that I was well. This 
 information was most kindly meant for you, but he 
 did not know where you were, or he would have had 
 a copy sent to you. I am sorry that he mentioned my 
 name at all as the custom of recording everybody's 
 deeds has become so common, that it is almost more 
 creditable not to be among the distinguished. 
 
 Col. Totten has been reconnoitring to-day, and has 
 decided, I presume, to place several mortars at Cap- 
 tain Vinton's position on the sea beach. I would 
 attempt a sketch of our encampment, but for two 
 reasons; firstly, that I am pretty certain the news- 
 papers will present you with an authentic map of the 
 encampment of the besieging army of Vera Cruz, and 
 secondly, that my talent in that line is so well known 
 to you, that I am convinced you will readily excuse 
 me for not making the attempt. 
 
 I have just returned from Tattoo; we are very 
 military here: all the officers attend roll-calls, and as I 
 expect the enemy will be alarmed again to-night, and 
 commence firing, which will call us up, I shall very 
 soon retire. Unless I can get a good night's rest, I 
 shall be worth very little, and we have advanced so 
 
78 An Artillery Officer 
 
 far, that we may be called to our work at any time. 
 Derr has just brought me a cup of coffee: the kind 
 creature knew that I had had none for supper. Good- 
 night, good-night. 
 
 Sunday night, March 14th. 
 
 The investment of the City being complete, an 
 advance was ordered this morning, from each brigade. 
 The companies were ordered to drive the Mexicans 
 and their pickets into the City. The advanced de- 
 tachments are this evening within about seven 
 hundred yards of the City. 
 
 Genl. Scott sent an answer this morning to the 
 French and Spanish Consuls who made some appli- 
 cation to him, probably in relation to protection. 
 The Genl.'s answer is said to have been equivalent to 
 this: "As far as posssible you shall be protected, 
 but when the batteries open on the town, I can give 
 you no assurance that you or your property may not be 
 injured ; you had better leave the City ; I will give you 
 a safe guard to enable you to do so." There has been 
 but little activity in the firing to-day. 
 
 A Norther has been raging all day, and a detach- 
 ment of two thousand two hundred men has been 
 sent towards Anton Lizards to look after a ship, 
 reported to be ashore, with Lt. Col. Duncan's battery 
 on board. It is now so late, my tent having been 
 full, till after Tattoo, of Naval officers kept on shore 
 by this storm, that I will bid you good-night. To- 
 morrow night, I hope that I shall be master of my own 
 time. Good-night. 
 
 Monday, 15th. 
 As it is blowing very violently to-night, I hope that 
 
In Mexico 7^ 
 
 no one will interrupt me. Yesterday, we had a very 
 respectable blow, which lulled after midnight, and this 
 morning, though there was a cloudy horizon, I enjoyed 
 a most magnificent view of the peak of Orizaba. I will 
 not attempt a description of its glorious beauty; 
 towering among the clouds with its rosy peak re- 
 flecting the rays of the sun — which was invisible to us — 
 rising as it did, behind dense clouds, with its sides 
 concealed from view by broken masses of clouds 
 resting on them, it formed a glorious and majestic 
 object. Would that we could have enjoyed the sight 
 of it together, but I do not want you to come here to 
 partake of this enjoyment. We will be well contented 
 to participate the delight of seeing more unpretending 
 scenery in our own dear land. I hope that among the 
 thousands congregated here, there may be some with 
 a sufficiency of our friend Weir's talent to paint the 
 landscape presented to our view this morning. We 
 are now witnesses to the truth of the saying, that 
 when the Orizaba is plainly seen, you may be sure 
 that the Norther is close at hand. The wind com- 
 menced freshening about nine this morning, and 
 soon became a gale which is now sweeping the sand so 
 rapidly through our Camp as to make it very difficult 
 to find our way from one tent to another. Our only 
 chance of comparative comfort is either to remain at 
 home with closed tent, or to move with handker- 
 chiefs closely drawn over the head. 
 
 A vessel got on the breakers in attempting to run 
 into our anchorage at Lizards; she will, I fear, if this 
 Norther does not soon abate, be a total wreck. Col. 
 Harney is said to be on board with some three or 
 four companies of the 2nd Dragoons. Our friends 
 in Vera Cruz have been throwing a few shells at us 
 
8o 
 
 An Artillery Officer 
 
 to-day, some coming, accidentally, rather nearer than 
 was comfortable. 
 
 Last night, a mail was intercepted; the letters say 
 that there is a scanty supply of provisions which will 
 last but a short time. Addresses in bad English were 
 also taken at the same time, cahing on the Volunteers 
 to desert, promising them rich lands, in healthy regions, 
 where the best tropical fruits grow, etc. This morning 
 a courier was taken who was the bearer of a 
 despatch from the City Authorities to the Governor 
 of this state, complaining that no aid had been fur- 
 nished, stating their condition, the scarcity of pro- 
 visions, etc. They are, in fact, so completely surrounded 
 by our troops, that it must be a dangerous thing 
 for even individuals to enter or leave the City. 
 
 Genl. Scott has decided, I suspect, not to commence 
 firing upon the City, but to open his batteries on the 
 Castle. He does this, knowing that if the Castle 
 be brought to terms, the City falls as a matter of 
 course, and that we will then be masters of the City, 
 without the dreadful effusion of the blood of women 
 and children, which must ensue from a bombardment of 
 the City. This is just like him, ever instigated by the 
 most humane and generous feelings. I have been in- 
 terrupted, and must now bid you good-night. God 
 preserve you. 
 
 Tuesday, i6th. 
 The day has passed, without the occurrence, as far 
 as I have heard, of any things of note. A few Volun- 
 teers, who strayed some miles out of our lines report that 
 they were fired on by some hundred Infy. and about two 
 hundred Cavalry. They are supposed to be troops from 
 Alvarado who desire to enter the City. Whether they 
 
O rt 
 
 E 
 
In Mexico Si 
 
 will attempt to force an entrance, and on finding how 
 closely the City is invested, will abandon the attempt, 
 the occurrences of the night will prove. 
 
 This morning among some prisoners taken, one 
 dropped a club near one of our guard fires, which on 
 examination was found to contain a letter from a man 
 in Vera Cruz, to a brother in Puebla, underrating our 
 numbers, and stating that if any assistance was to be 
 given, it should be done at once, as the supply of 
 provisions was small. This club was very cunningly 
 devised, for a mail club. A hole had been bored in 
 the centre, the letter introduced, a plug of the same 
 wood driven in, and then the stick sawed off through 
 the plug. The fact is, I presume, that the poor fami- 
 lies are already feeling the horrors of a siege, and are 
 eagerly looking around for succor. Would that the 
 siege was over! 
 
 I fear that all Genl. Scott's foresight will not be 
 able to guard against, and prevent the perpetration 
 of most shocking acts of brutality in the taking of the 
 City. I shall exert my powers to the utmost to aid 
 him in stopping such unchristian and brutal acts. 
 
 Major G. just stopped at my tent and asked to 
 whom I was writing, and said he would return as he 
 wanted to send a message to Genl. Clinch, whom, 
 he says, "You know I adore very much." He has 
 now gone to his tent, to see whether his command is 
 under arms to go out to-night or not. Capt. Vinton 
 designs attempting to take a Cavalry Vidette which 
 has been for some nights in his neighborhood, and 
 three companies have been ordered out to assist. 
 This is the duty Maj. G. thinks he may have to be 
 occupied in to-night. The Maj. has not, I am sorry 
 to say, become a teetotaler. He has been drinking 
 
82 An Artillery Officer 
 
 very deeply before coming down. I shall try and keep 
 him from throwing himself away, as he is too gallant 
 and noble-minded to be permitted to destroy himself. 
 
 Fearing that we may be kept awake by alarms 
 through the night, I will now retire, praying that God 
 may give you that peace of mind and happiness 
 enjoyed by good Christians. Good-night. 
 
 Wednesday, 17th. 
 
 The mail, thank God, brought this evening your 
 letter of the eighteenth Feb. The mail preceding 
 your letter had brought you news from Tampico 
 up to the day we arrived there. Your next mail 
 must have given you at least two letters from me. 
 I know now how miserable you must have been made 
 by each arrival of a mail bringing nothing from me. 
 You have, however, since that time, imless the Post 
 Office has played you false, received some letters. 
 Every succeeding mail must have given you one and 
 generally two letters. You must not, my wife, be 
 uneasy if you do not receive letters by every mail. 
 For although I shall write by every opportimity, still 
 you must recollect that the vessels carrying them may 
 be several days on the passage. We were, be it re- 
 membered (I am sure you always will), twenty-two 
 days from Tampa to Tampico. Again, letters may 
 remain some time in New Orleans, and a mail may well 
 be missed at Savannah. All of these might keep you 
 from receiving my letters for two or three mails. 
 This will try you severely, my wife, but it is best 
 to look at the worst shade of the picture. 
 
 I think that I shall close this letter to-night, for the 
 chance of a vessel's going to-morrow, as I know that 
 until you hear of Vera Cruz being taken, you will not 
 
In Mexico ^3 
 
 have one moment's peace. But, with such an Army 
 as we have and against such an enemy, the chances are 
 that after one hour's firing of our Mortars, the City 
 will raise the white flag. This leads, of course, at once, 
 to a capitulation. Genl. Scott will be as liberal to- 
 wards the Vera Cruzians as his duty to his own Govt, 
 will permit. 
 
 You write that the ten Regt. Bill has passed, and 
 ask if I am not going to be promoted. My wife, you 
 have forgotten the provision of the bill requiring 
 the President to make the selections of Cols., Lt. Cols., 
 and Majors during the session of Congress. Those 
 of us who are here could not possibly through our own 
 agency have exerted the least influence in procuring 
 advancement, as all the appointments must have been 
 made before our letters could have reached Wash- 
 ington, and perhaps before they might have reached 
 New Orleans. 
 
 No minor appointment would I, of course, agree to 
 take. I would not give up my Captaincy in my Regt. 
 for anything below a Lt. Colonelcy or a Majority in 
 one of the new Regts. From the decided hostility 
 evinced by President Polk to the Army, and his eager 
 desire to secure political influence in his appointments, 
 I have no -doubt that all the exertions which might 
 have been made by my friends would have been disre- 
 garded. The President in his appointments for the 
 Rifle Regt. when gratitude towards gallant men, who 
 by their valor had saved his administration, demanded 
 some recognition, spoke as plainly to the Army as 
 actions could speak, stating that we need expect 
 nothing from him. For myself, I am becoming pretty 
 thoroughly disgusted with the way in which the Army 
 is treated, and care very little about remaining in it 
 
84 An Artillery Officer 
 
 after the close of this war. This disgust is felt by very 
 many, some of whom will undoubtedly resign as soon 
 as peace is declared. God grant that the happy tidings 
 may soon be heard in our land. 
 
 Everything has been pretty quiet about the lines 
 to-day. A few shells and shots have been thrown, 
 but no one has, I think, been injured. The storm so 
 far abated to-day as to permit us to resume the landing 
 of oiu- Mortars and guns ; ten of the former are now on 
 the beach. To-morrow, I hope, will place us in 
 possession of fifteen or twenty more — and then a few 
 days only will be required to place them in position. 
 That want of food would soon compel the [City and 
 Castle to surrender (?)] is a very general camp impres- 
 sion ; but on this point, as well as on all others relating 
 to the siege, Genl. Scott's information is much more 
 accurate than ours. I have just heard that another 
 mail is here. I will reserve the rest of this space for 
 to-morrow, as I may hear from you again. 
 
 Tuesday, i8th. 
 I have just received orders to go out with our Bat- 
 talion to establish a Mortar Battery and will not be 
 able to write any more to-night. 
 
 March 19th. 
 
 We were out engaged in making a battery for Mortars 
 all night, returning into Camp at half -past four o'clock. 
 We worked without being discovered. I threw the 
 first shovelful of earth in breaking ground for the attack 
 on Vera Cruz! I think, from their firing to-day, 
 that they have discovered our work, as they have fired 
 over a hundred shot and shell since ten o'clock. 
 
 Lieut. Hill has just informed me that the Massa- 
 
In Mexico 85 
 
 chusetts will go to New Orleans to-morrow. I must, 
 as he is waiting to take charge of this letter for me, 
 now close. May God Almighty protect and guard my 
 wife. Be of good cheer, I shall continue, as punc- 
 tually as practicable, my daily letters, and hope to 
 give you good news. Love to Father and the family. 
 
 No. 3. March 19th. 
 
 Having deposited No. 2 in the Post Office this 
 afternoon I now commence our evening's chat, with 
 No. 3, though to say the truth I feel so stupid that 
 I shall prove very sorry company. As it will be 
 impolite for me either to go to sleep, or to evince great 
 stupidity, it will be well for me at once to excuse myself 
 by stating why I cannot act better. 
 
 Last afternoon, at the request of Genl. Worth, I 
 accompanied a party of officers on a visit to the out- 
 posts, the Genl. stating that our command was destined 
 for the advance pickets to-morrow night. On my 
 return, I flattered myself with the hope of having a 
 comfortable sleep, as the enemy had been very quiet 
 through the day, having thrown very few shot or 
 shell. 
 
 Our Camp (3rd Arty.), I may as well here state, is 
 south of Vera Cruz, say two and a half miles off, and 
 having a high sand hill sixty or eighty feet high be- 
 tween us and the City, forming an excellent protection. 
 We are just at its base, in a little triangle having 
 smaller sand hills on the two other sides. My hopes 
 of having a quiet night were, however, doomed to be 
 sadly wrecked. 
 
 We had just finished oiu* frugal evening meal when 
 we heard the well known clatter of the sword of the 
 Staff Officer, who usually brings orders to the Camp. 
 
86 
 
 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Col. Belton's call for Mr. Austine soon followed, and 
 we were informed that two hundred men were required 
 from our Camp, to report immediately to Col. Totten 
 on the beach, the men to have their arms slung, with 
 one half dozen cartridges in their pockets, "G" Co. 
 was soon ready. 
 
 We marched to the Engineer depot where the men 
 were furnished with picks, spades, and axes, each man 
 having two of different kinds of these articles. A 
 young Engineer was our pilot and we silently took 
 up our line of march in single file. 
 
 The night was very favorable for our obtaining our 
 position unperceived, the night being dark, with a mist 
 amounting almost to a gentle drizzling rain. We lost 
 our way and approached to within five or six hundred 
 yards from the City, where we could hear the voices 
 of the sentinels and men in the town very distinctly. 
 Our young Engineer took some two or three men and 
 searched for the position we were to occupy; after an 
 hour's absence he returned and led us on. We found 
 Capt. Lee and Lt. Smith expecting us. The men were 
 at once ordered into the area enclosed by the cords 
 marking the outlines of the battery and set to work 
 cutting away the brush or digging and throwing the 
 earth into an embankment designed as a protection 
 against the balls of the Castle and town for those who 
 will man the battery to be placed there. /, of course, 
 threw out the first spadeful. 
 
 With occasional relieves from some forty Marines, 
 the men of "G" Co. worked till about half -past three, 
 when the relieving Engineers came. Our men then 
 placed their working tools in order on the ground, 
 and resuming their Arms we quietly retraced our way to 
 Camp, where we arrived a little before five, not having 
 
In Mexico ^7 
 
 been honored with a shot or shell from Castle, City, 
 or even from a stray rancher o. 
 
 We met the men who were to relieve us, on our way 
 down. They must have reached their work about the 
 time we reached Camp. We left the work in such a 
 state as to protect them pretty effectually from the shot 
 of the enemy. They have not, however, succeeded in 
 accomplishing their tour of duty (twelve hours) un- 
 perceived and unsaluted, as the enemy have been 
 firing at their embankment ever since about eleven 
 this morning when they were probably first noticed. 
 
 Our party commenced two works about one hundred 
 yards apart and three quarters of a mile from the town. 
 Capt. Edson was at the other work. To-night I pre- 
 sume the relieving party will take up timber to make 
 a platform for the mortar beds to rest upon, and to- 
 morrow night I suppose the mortars with the shells 
 will be put in place. 
 
 We hear this evening that another ship has arrived 
 with Ordnance; I hope that she brings about twenty 
 mortars, as we can use that number to great advantage. 
 We hear also from a captured Mexican that there has 
 been 2l pronunciamiento m Mexico (the City) declaring 
 that those who made the war might fight it. Doubtful. 
 
 Now as you know that I am no sleeper in the day, 
 am I not excusable for being stupid? Tattoo is now 
 beating and I must attend. I attend with my officers 
 all roll-calls now, as we are in the presence of the enemy. 
 Just returned; as the town is quiet, I hope they will 
 let me have a quiet night, though they may attempt 
 annoying our working parties; if so it will annoy me 
 more than I wish. 
 
 March 20th. 
 
 How vain are our hopes, some of them. Instead 
 
88 An Artillery Officer 
 
 of being permitted to pass my night quietly in my 
 tent as I hoped, I was on picket all night with the 
 Compy. I had just composed myself for sleep when 
 I heard a few musketry shot from some of the outer 
 pickets ; this was soon followed by the generate when I 
 was quickly at the head of the Compy. After the 
 expiration of some fifteen minutes a staff officer gal- 
 loped up to where Col. Belton was standing and directed 
 him by order of Genl. Worth to detach a Compy. of 
 his command for outlying picket service. It being 
 my turn for service I was soon en route and took post 
 for the night. Not an enemy, or anything a sane man 
 could have taken to be one, was seen. During the 
 night there was some firing by the camp pickets, but 
 the cowardly fears of the sentinels caused them. 
 
 To-night our battalion goes out as the advance 
 pickets, but, as the Navy is going to amuse the town 
 during the night by throwing shot and shells, I pre- 
 sume that we shall have very little to excite us. The 
 object of the Navy's firing to-night is to withdraw 
 the attention of the Military in the City from our 
 batteries, which it is intended to arm during the 
 night. 
 
 Ten more mortars have arrived so that we shall 
 now have an armament which will authorize us to 
 open our batteries with every prospect of success 
 upon the town. Yesterday they threw, as counted 
 by one of the officers, one hundred and seventy- 
 four shot and shells, and not a single man was hurt. 
 One man, as he was stooping at his work, lost from 
 a shot his suspenders, which were in a kind of knot 
 at his back. Two Mexicans were killed by the pick- 
 ets of the 2nd Brigade, in an attempt to pass through 
 our lines from town. 
 
In Mexico 89 
 
 Our Army in the line of investment, extends about 
 seven miles. You may imagine how difficult it is 
 for any person to state the daily events which take 
 place in the Army. The health of the Compy. with 
 very few and trifling exceptions, is good. All the 
 married men are well, except Corp. Devit who has 
 had a slight touch of ague ; he is, however, nearly fit for 
 duty. 
 
 My health, with the exception of the cold which 
 separated me from the Compy. at Tampico, has been 
 better than it was when I was at Tampa Bay. In my 
 tent I have more comforts than almost any one I have 
 seen in camp. And I have india-rubber cloth and my 
 old cloak which protect me from the dews of night, 
 and keep me warm enough when I am on detailed 
 service from our Camp. 
 
 When we go out on duty, we leave a few men to 
 guard the Camp, and leave everything standing. Each 
 officer and man takes with him in his haversack 
 provisions to last him his time of service. Old Derr I 
 sometimes take, but not always, as he is frequently 
 more serviceable in taking care of my things than in 
 accompanying us. As yet we have only been enjoying 
 the comforts of the soldiers' rations, but as the Sutlers 
 are now arriving, we shall soon be supplied with 
 anything we want. 
 
 As I spoiled the last letter by crossing, I think I 
 shall not cross this one, but continue it by taking an- 
 other sheet. This method presents, too, this advantage, 
 that as soon as I hear that a vessel is about to sail, 
 I can at once despatch the sheet or sheets which I have 
 finished. Every few days I thus have a letter on 
 hand for the mail. I shall now make some preparation 
 for going out to-night. Good-bye, etc., etc. 
 
90 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Sunday, 21st. 
 Tattoo. You see by my closing lines that I did not 
 intend crossing this letter, but as I hear that the 
 Princeton leaves the Squadron to-morrow for the 
 United States, I must, at the risk of giving you a little 
 guessing, add a few lines. We have just returned 
 from our tour of advanced picket duty. We had a 
 quiet night as the enemy made no attempt to harass us. 
 The platforms for the Mortar batteries were laid for 
 six mortars to-day. The mortars will be taken to 
 their positions to-night, and probably to-morrow we 
 may commence firing. I do not think the City can 
 stand many days' firing, and would not be surprised were 
 my next letter addressed to you from the City of Vera 
 Cruz. Good-night. May God guard and protect you. 
 
 Tuesday morning, 23rd. 
 The Engineer has just told me that six mortars 
 were placed in position last night. 
 
 No. I. Besieging Camp, Vera Cruz, Mex. 
 
 March 23rd. 
 Again has my plan of writing a little to you each 
 day been interfered with. Yesterday morning I 
 went into the trenches and took charge of one of the 
 Mortar batteries. We remained on duty twenty-four 
 hours, and as we were engaged every minute of that 
 time either in firing, or in something connected with 
 that duty, I had neither opportimity nor time for 
 writing. The operations are now rapidly advancing; 
 a new battery of heavy guns under Naval Officers 
 was opened this morning. 
 
 'This letter "No. i" of March 23d appears to be No. 4 of the 
 series written from the Camp near Vera Cruz. 
 
 I 
 
In Mexico 91 
 
 To-morrow morning a heavy battery of twenty- 
 four pounders and of eight-inch howitzers (six pieces 
 in all) will be opened. In addition to what we are 
 using, eighteen Mortars arrived yesterday. These, when 
 in position, will give us twenty-eight Mortars which, 
 with the batteries of heavy guns above alluded to, 
 must soon compel the City to surrender. 
 
 In my last letter I think that I mentioned that 
 Genl. Scott had summoned the City to surrender, and 
 that a civil negative was returned. Our Mortars 
 commenced firing the moment that answer was received, 
 and have continued the fire night and day. We have 
 no means of ascertaining the amount of injury in- 
 flicted on the City, but I fear that the destruction of 
 life must be very great. 
 
 It really goes to my heart to be compelled to do 
 my duty when I know that every shot either injures 
 or seriously distresses the poor inoffensive women and 
 children, who have neither part nor lot in the War. 
 On our side the loss in numbers is trifling. 
 
 I regret that I have to announce the death of an 
 Officer of the 3rd whom you saw at Charleston. 
 Capt. Vinton was killed by an eight-inch howitzer, 
 which appeared to have struck him on the side of his 
 head, and to have rolled along down his face and 
 breast. So near was the force of the shell spent, that 
 the skin on his side face was not broken. 
 
 I make my men protect themselves carefully in the 
 battery and have had not an injury of any seriousness 
 among them. Sergt. Foster will be excused from duty 
 for a few days in consequence of a slight cut made by 
 the fragments of a shell. In my own case, I look with 
 confidence to the protecting care of our Heavenly 
 Father who has shielded us both in many dangers. 
 
9^ An Artillery Officer 
 
 I hope that my next letter will inform you that Vera 
 Cruz with its celebrated Castle is in our possession. 
 The moment we are Masters here, I presume that we 
 shall be marched into the interior to some healthy 
 position. Genl. Scott suggested that, the day of the 
 summons. I was dining with him on that day; the 
 summons was sent by Capt. Johnston, Topographical 
 iingmeers. 
 
 Great enthusiasm prevails throughout the Army, and 
 all cheerfully perform the duties required of them, 
 ihe Companies are sometimes on duty three days 
 m succession, as was the case with "G" Co last week 
 but there was no grumbling. And, although they were 
 on duty all day yesterday and last night, there was no 
 exhibition of dissatisfaction when I mentioned that 
 they would be on the same duty to-morrow. An 
 
 Army with such feelings will never fHnch from the 
 
 performance of any duty. 
 
 I shall leave the remainder of this sheet for this 
 
 evening s news, as I hope to have a half hour to myself. 
 
 m which I shall resume, for this evening at least, my 
 
 delightful night's chat with you. 
 
 Evening. 
 Nothing of interest to communicate to-night. I 
 have just returned from a visit to Col. Totten, the 
 Chief Engineer, to see his map of the City.' Lt. 
 Scammon has kindly furnished me with a copy in- 
 dicating the points of most interest to us in our opera- 
 tions. I sincerely hope that a few days firing will show 
 them the inutiHty of longer delaying the surrender, and 
 that the taking of this, connected with Genl. Taylor's 
 glorious whipping of Santa Anna, will have a favorable 
 effect in tending to an early termination of this un- 
 
 il 
 
o ^ 
 
 B 
 
In Mexico 93 
 
 fortiinate War. I think that killing people is a very 
 poor way of settling National grievances. 
 
 I hope that we shall stay long enough in Vera Cruz 
 for me to procure you a few articles of Spanish brass, 
 etc., which I will send by some vessel returning to the 
 United States. Genl. Scott told me to-day that this 
 letter must be sent to his quarters early to-morrow ; I 
 will therefore not run the risk of keeping it open till the 
 morning, as I might not have time to close and direct it, 
 before leaving camp. I shall therefore be compelled 
 to make a short letter of it, and give it to Yawn to-night ; 
 he will be left in camp to-morrow, with instructions 
 for him to take it to Genl. Scott's Hd. Qrs. soon after 
 breakfast. 
 
 You must not worry yourself by the idea that this 
 constant work is wearing me down; my health is ex- 
 cellent; the only thing I have to complain of is that 
 having lost the plug from one of my teeth it annoys 
 me by feeling sore. Thus you see that I have 
 a personal interest in inducing the Vera Cruzians to 
 let us enter their inhospitable gates. I shall expect 
 to be blessed with a series of letters from you on re- 
 turning from this tour of duty. Give my best love 
 to Father and all the family. 
 
 No. 5. Besieging Camp near Vera Cruz. 
 March 27, 1847. 
 "Te Deum Laudamus." Commissioners were asked 
 for by the Mexicans yesterday, and from the suspen- 
 sion of the firing this morning, the inference may fairly 
 be drawn that terms are now being discussed for the 
 surrender of Vera Cruz. But as this is a most im- 
 portant event in our Army affairs, and as yesterday 
 was an important and interesting date in our own, it 
 
94 An Artillery Officer 
 
 may be best for me to give as distinctly as I can trace 
 them, the incidents connected with my last day's 
 tour of duty in the batteries. 
 
 The morning of the 25th, leaving camp at four A.m., 
 we reached the batteries in about a quarter of an hour; 
 in a few moments we opened our fires on the devoted 
 City. My position was in Battery No. i where I had 
 been on the 23rd. Finding that there was a pretty 
 good supply of ammunition, I soon accelerated the 
 rapidity of my fires, till we threw a shell from the 
 battery every minute, giving them twenty shells an 
 hour from each of my three pieces. The Mexican 
 batteries for a short time paid particular attention 
 to us, but finding that they were also under a heavy 
 fire from the other batteries of our line, they were 
 compelled to make a more equitable distribution of 
 their favors and we were soon left to the enjoyment 
 of only our share of their shells. 
 
 Sometime in the afternoon, perhaps between four 
 and five, I observed a white flag approaching the 
 Mexican battery nearest to our lines. I instantly 
 suspended the fire of my battery, and sent word to the 
 commanders of the other batteries to do the same. 
 The flag approached, a shot was fired over the heads 
 of the party bearing it (an officer, interpreter, and 
 sergeant) and a white flag rapidly run up and down at 
 the battery; the flag again approached, another shot 
 was thrown over the party, which halted for a minute 
 or two, and again approached; another shot brought 
 the party to a full halt, when in a few minutes a party 
 of three Mexicans was seen approaching our flag. 
 A poHte salutation informed us that the conference had 
 commenced. It lasted but for a few moments, when 
 the parries separated and returned. 
 
In Mexico 95 
 
 Our flag, it appears, was an answer from Genl. Scott 
 to an application received the day before from the Con- 
 suls requesting that they might be permitted with their 
 families to leave the City, and that this permission 
 might be extended to the women and children. Genl. 
 Scott's answer is said to have been a negative. 
 
 The excitement at the battery when the Mexicans 
 fired the second and third shot over our flag was in- 
 tense. They were anxious for me to open my fires upon 
 that battery, but knowing that the language of the 
 shot was simply, "Don't advance," I declined doing so. 
 Col. Belton came up a short time afterwards, when I 
 reported to him my reasons for discontinuing the fire; 
 this was approved by him, and also by Col. Bankhead 
 our " Chief of Artillery. " 
 
 About nightfall I was ordered not to fire until the 
 Mexican batteries opened their fires, and then to return 
 it vigorously. This order was, however, limited to 
 the time of the completion of some work on which 
 the Engineers were employed. Finding at twenty 
 minutes past two on the morning of the 26th that 
 everything was ready, I gave the signal by firing one 
 of the mortars at the Castle of San Juan d'Ulua. The 
 thundering boom of this piece was soon answered 
 by our whole line; in about twenty minutes I heard 
 the notes of a bugle in the City; it discontinued and 
 was again repeated. I told Col. Belton that it was a 
 signal I was not famiUar with, and that I supposed it 
 might be a "parley." On hearing the same notes a third 
 time I was authorized to cease firing. This was done 
 in the expectation of the flag of truce being sent to one 
 of our batteries. A picket was advanced to receive 
 him, but as no one approached, after a silence of 
 about half an hour, we resumed and continued our 
 
96 An Artillery Officer 
 
 firing till we were relieved at five o'clock yesterday 
 morning. 
 
 On our way home we were overtaken by the severest 
 Norther I have experienced; on coming into camp, 
 blinded with dust, we found many of the tents down. 
 Mine still stands, a wreck, the fly torn to pieces and 
 the tent torn nearly through along the ridge pole. 
 
 Yesterday morning very eariy, a Mexican came to 
 Genl. Scott's tent with a note from the officer second 
 in command (stating that Genl. Morales was sick) 
 asking the appointment of Commissioners to make 
 arrangements for the surrender of the City. Genl. 
 Scott replied that he had already named Commis- 
 sioners (Genl. Worth, Genl. Pillow, and Col. Totten). 
 To this Genl. Morales replied by stating that he had 
 appointed Commissioners to meet ours to enter into 
 arrangements for the surrender of the City and Fort. 
 The Commissioners met and disagreed; it is said that 
 the instructions given to the Mexican Commissioners 
 authorized them to assent to the surrender, the troops 
 to march out with colors flying, taking their Arms, etc. 
 This was of course, declined by ours, and they sepa- 
 rated with the understanding that if the white flag 
 was not raised at six o'clock this morning, our firing 
 would be resumed. 
 
 No firing has yet taken place, the Commissioners are 
 now^ in the City, and the white flag is occasionally 
 passing and repassing, coming, I presume, to Genl. 
 Scott for specific instructions on the points raised 
 during the discussion of the terms. 
 
 I omitted mentioning in the proper place that the 
 Mexican batteries did return our fires yesterday 
 morning; thus has the 3rd the honor of being on 
 duty when the parley was sounded, and (if this dis- 
 
In Mexico 97 
 
 cussion leads to a surrender) when the last gun was 
 fired from their batteries. 
 
 I commenced this letter, intending to send it by the 
 Pnnceton. but as I leam that a mail is being made 
 
 may delay till the termination of the discussion which 
 
 Tl M '"""n T ^°' ^ "^^^ °' '""• I *i"k I =hall send 
 
 It to New Orleans. 
 
 Genl. Scott deserves, and I hope will receive, all credit 
 with h.s countrymen for the almost bloodless triumph 
 
 mavlad'f " '^ ''^ ^""^"'«^- ""^ ^-' '^atThi^ 
 war wnf ^ ^"1 ^"f ngement by which this unfortunate 
 war wJl be closed. The Navy have suffered very 
 everely at their battery; during their first day's fire! 
 they lost four sailors, and on the second day, Mid- 
 shipman Shubrick and one sailor were killed and two 
 were wounded. 
 
 In a skirmish on the 25th we lost a few men-the 
 numbers I do not know. But all our loss is very little 
 compared with those of the other battles whici have 
 taken place during the war, much less than any one 
 could reasonably have expected. The Mexicans have 
 fired with great accuracy, but our men have been well 
 protec ed >.«y, by the position of our camp, Ind 
 secondly, by the parapets, etc., formed for the protection 
 of our batteries. 
 
 We have peculiar reasons for remembering the 26th- 
 let us then unite with all our hearts in thanks to ou; 
 Heavenly Father for so glorious an addition to our 
 reasons for thankful rejoicings at the return of that day 
 I have been thus far shielded from danger by His hand 
 and pray that He may soon return me to my darting 
 family, to leave them no more. ^ 
 
 A quarter past one p.m. The Commissioners have 
 
.$8 An Artillery Officer 
 
 not yet retumed.and as I am fearful that I may miss the 
 mail, I think that I had better close my letter and 
 maU it at once. A mail may go without my bemg 
 informed of it. The rumor now is that Genl. Scott 
 has, in consideration of the value of the acquisition 
 of the Castle San Juan, etc., consented to permit the 
 soldiers to go into the interior as pnsoners of War. 
 
 No 6 Camp Washington, near Vera Cruz, Mex. 
 
 March 27th. 
 
 No 5 has been sent to the Post Office to take its chance 
 for a mail to New Orleans; this will, I think, go by the 
 Princeton which will bear Genl. Scott's despatches^ 
 I have this moment returned from Genl. Scott s Hd. 
 Qrs where I learned that the position of the negotiation 
 is this The Mexican proposition was that the Othcers 
 and men were to march out with arms and equipments, 
 with colors flying, to go into the interior to some 
 designated point, the citizen soldiery not to be mo- 
 fested for the part they had taken in the War.the citizens 
 to be protected in their personal property, their religion 
 not to be interfered with, that in the event of hostilities 
 being resumed, the women and children to be permitted 
 to leave the City, etc. 
 
 Genl. Scott declined their first proposition and de- 
 mands that the officers and men should be surrendered as 
 prisoners of War, the officers to be paroled, and finally 
 consented, that the men instead of being sent to the 
 United States, might be sent into the mtenor on a 
 pledge from their officers that they should not serve 
 during the War; of course he assented to the request 
 about private property and not interfenng w.th 
 the religion of the people; to the request about the 
 
In Mexico 99 
 
 women and children leaving the City, if hostilities were 
 resumed, he gave a prompt denial. 
 
 The details of the affair will be drawn up by the 
 Commissioners under the instructions of the Genl., 
 which are very particular, and you will soon see them 
 in all the papers, as the Editors of the Picayune are 
 here collecting everything that takes place. 
 
 As I mentioned in my letter No. 5, General Morales 
 resigned, turning over the command to Genl. Jose 
 Juan de Landero. Genl. Landero now states that 
 Genl. Morales did not place him in command of the 
 Castle of "Ulua" and that its commander is not 
 responsible to him. The Commissioners express an 
 apprehension that the Castle may not consent to the 
 terms agreed upon, and one of them had, at the last 
 advices, gone to the Castle to ascertain whether he could 
 not bring the garrison to consent to the terms proposed. 
 The difficulty appears to be this, that, though we 
 have inflicted most serious destruction on the City, 
 the soldiery has, as yet, suffered very little, and they 
 fear that it may be thought that they ought to have 
 suffered more before surrendering. We are now well 
 prepared for commencing operations against the Castle, 
 as, the City being ours, we can turn all of our guns 
 against it. One of Col. Bomford's Columbiads has 
 been received, and it will be found a very formidable 
 addition to otir Armament. 
 
 I think that I am not too sanguine when I assert 
 it as my opinion that this celebrated Castle will fall 
 in about one week's firing. Genl. Scott will probably 
 keep the soldiers here until our forces make one or 
 two marches into the interior. But I will make no 
 further speculations as I may to-morrow be able to 
 give you an epitome of the treaty. 
 
100 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Luckily I have not been sent to the batteries to-day 
 and am not under orders for to-morrow, so that I shall 
 get a good night's rest, make up for the loss of sleep 
 this siege has caused me. Good-night, may our 
 Heavenly Father watch over and protect you. 
 
 Sunday morning, 28th. 
 
 I learn this morning that the Articles of Capitulation 
 have been signed and approved, and that the Princeton 
 will leave early this morning with Genl. Scott's de- 
 spatches. This event is a glorious one for oiu" arms, 
 and has been effected principally by Arty. ; indeed not 
 a musket has been fired against the City; some skir- 
 mishes have taken place with a few lancers and other 
 troops hanging around the outskirts of our Camp. I 
 shall now take my letter to Genl. Scott's Camp where I 
 may learn some facts which may be of interest. 
 
 Genl. Scott is so much engaged that I have not 
 approached him. The Articles have been signed, the 
 troops are to evacuate the City and Castle to-morrow 
 morning at ten o'clock, to lay down their arms, the Of- 
 ficers retaining their side arms, to be paroled, pledging 
 themselves that neither they nor their men shall serve 
 again during the War, unless exchanged, the Officers 
 to retain their private baggage, the Castle, Town, and 
 Forts surrendered with all their armament and public 
 stores, the private property of the citizens to be re- 
 spected, etc. 
 
 We are this morning very much disgusted with Com- 
 modore Perry, who, after the terms of the Capitulation 
 had been agreed upon and signed, wrote a presumptuous 
 note to Genl. Scott, demanding the right to affix his 
 name to that paper. Genl. Scott has deemed proper to 
 admit him to sign it as a matter of courtesy. The fact 
 
In Mexico loi 
 
 of his signature being affixed will be taken as proof 
 positive that he was of material assistance in reducing 
 the City, when the fact is, that since he came, but 
 little has been done. The Naval battery was estab- 
 lished by the orders of Commodore Conner, and Com- 
 modore Perry's first official communication to Genl. 
 Scott declared that he could not supply their batteries 
 with powder. 
 
 Commodore Conner and all under him exerted them- 
 selves to the uttermost to assist, but they could, from 
 the circumstances of the case, etc., do but little more 
 than give us the all-important aid of their sailors. For 
 all this, Genl. Scott will in his Order give them full 
 credit. I would have a greater right to demand my 
 name to be affixed because I commanded a battery 
 during the siege, than Commodore Perry for what he 
 has done since his arrival ! 
 
 No. I. Juan d'Ulua, Mex. 
 
 Tuesday, March 30, 1847. 
 
 My cousin, Lt. Anderson brought me this morning 
 your letters of the 26th Feby. and 5th of March. 
 Thanks be to God for his care and protection of my 
 treasure. This information that you were well, gave 
 me much greater true pleasure than any I have ex- 
 perienced for a long time. I find that I must again 
 give you a hurried letter, as I learn that a vessel is 
 to sail to-morrow morning for the United States. I 
 shall therefore give you a few of the details of the 
 closing events of the last two days ; which will explain 
 why I have changed the No. and heading of my letter, 
 or, why I am here. 
 
 The 28th inst. we received orders directing Genl. 
 Worth, with his Brigade, to receive the arms of the 
 
102 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Mexicans at ten a.m. That night, for the last time, 
 I hope, in this war, I was at one of the batteries. 
 The next morning about sunrise, Lt. Austine came to 
 my command, and directed me to retiun to Camp, as 
 my Compy. was one of those designated to garrison 
 the Castle of San Juan d'Ulua. I immediately re- 
 paired to Camp, and at half -past eight marched with 
 the rest of the Brigade to a large plain, taking our 
 position, the right of our line about one half a mile 
 from the main gates of the City, near the road to the 
 City of Mexico. 
 
 The Brigade of Genl. Patterson's Division was 
 facing us and say a quarter of a mile. We had been 
 on the plain but a short time when we heard the 
 Mexican bugle, and soon afterwards a salute to their 
 flag, which was lowered at Castle and Forts. Next 
 was heard the music of approaching bands, and was 
 seen the head of their columns. 
 
 The interesting period was now near when I was to 
 see a large Army lay dow^n its arms at the feet of its 
 conquerors. After much passing on the part of our 
 gallant Genl. and his Aids, and infinite confusion on the 
 part of our Col., we were put in march, with several 
 other companies (destined to garrison the surrendered 
 Castle and Forts) towards the City gate — meeting 
 and passing close by the advancing prisoners of 
 war. 
 
 I will not attempt to describe their troops ; they wore 
 dresses of various colors, blue, red, and white predom- 
 inating ; none of the companies looked to me like well 
 drilled troops; they were, however, a conquered army, 
 and, of coiirse, could not have felt or exhibited much of 
 the haughty pride of the soldier. Again I may as 
 well confess that I did not look at them critically or 
 
In Mexico 103 
 
 closely, as I was afraid they might detect something 
 of triumph in my countenance, when I thought them 
 so humiliated by their surrender that none should 
 have been exhibited, though we could not help feeling 
 it. 
 
 But upon entering the City, having passed about 
 five thousand of the Mexican Army before we reachej/* 
 the walls, all feelings of pride were gone when I wit- 
 nessed the awful evidences of the deadly work of our 
 destructive shells; not a step was taken that we did 
 not see or stumble over the ruins we had made; in 
 many of the houses shells had fallen, and burst, blowing 
 everything within them to ruins. The police had 
 been entirely neglected, and the smell of the filth was 
 very offensive. 
 
 Occasionally we saw men, women, and children 
 standing in the doorways or looking from the windows 
 upon our rapidly advancing troops ; there was no scowl 
 or frown, but on the contrary no smiles welcomed us; 
 the countenance bore more of sadness and sorrow than 
 of anger. I saw but little of the City; my eye rested 
 only on the ruins, and it was with feelings of relief 
 I reached the end of the City, where we foimd boats 
 ready to convey our command to this place. A few 
 minutes landed us on this formidable work. 
 
 A Salute was fired, and the Stars and Stripes raised. 
 I then felt that we were in an American Castle. Soon 
 afterwards / fired a second Salute to the ''Princeton,'" as 
 she passed us on her way home ; this salute was joyfully 
 given, as she bears two or three letters to my wife 
 informing her of the capture of City and Castle, and 
 of God's having preserved my life through the dangers 
 of the siege. 
 
 To-day we have received orders that for the present 
 
104 An Artillery Officer 
 
 the three companies of the 3rd Arty, under Col. 
 Belton, are to compose the garrison of this place. 
 I shall therefore have ample leisure to study this work. 
 We find the quarters excessively filthy; they will not 
 answer for our men; we shall have to construct tem- 
 porary quarters on top of the present quarters which 
 are not sufficiently ventilated. 
 
 The troops in the Castle are said to have lost but one 
 man who was killed by the bursting of a shell thrown 
 from one of the mortars of the battery. I commanded 
 the last day of our firing. We were dealing de- 
 struction so heavily on the town that I thought I would 
 see if I could wake the Castle, hence the unauthorized 
 shell which killed this poor man. 
 
 Of the casualties in the City, I am afraid to enquire; 
 most heart-rending scenes undoubtedly occurred. The 
 British Consul lost a daughter about fifteen years 
 old, killed by the bursting of a shell. The Consul 
 does not blame any one but himself as he says he should 
 have left the City when Genl. Scott gave them pass- 
 ports to do so. 
 
 To-morrow, or as soon as transportation can be 
 procured, Genl. Twiggs will advance to the National 
 Bridge, thirty miles distant on the road to Mexico. 
 Jalapa is, I presume, to be the place where the Army 
 will take summer quarters. It is represented as 
 enjoying a delightful climate, perfectly healthy, and 
 sixty or seventy-five miles from this place. I hope 
 that as my good luck has, with the blessing of God, thus 
 far prevailed, I may not now have a change and be 
 settled down here during the summer months. I have 
 no great dread of the yellow fever, but do not wish 
 to be separated from the Army when something may 
 be done. The 3rd has had the good fortune to have 
 
In Mexico i^S 
 
 been at the batteries more than half the time the firing 
 lasted. 
 
 / had the honor of firing with " G" Co. and a compy. of 
 the 2nd Arty, the first two Salutes ever given by the U. S. 
 troops in this justly celebrated work. The United States 
 in getting possession of this work, gets many very valu- 
 able guns, and a large quantity of Ord. Stores. Many 
 of the large gims are old Spanish pieces of the 17th 
 Century filled with curious devices and inscriptions. 
 The brass contained in the bronze of which they 
 are made, is of itself valuable. Here are also fine 
 EngHsh, French, and American pieces, some bear- 
 ing the well-known stamp W. P. F., West Point 
 Foundry. 
 
 As Col. Belton is to take this letter to town, and as 
 the boat has just been reported ready, I mus 
 Give my love to Father, Mother, and the girls. 
 
 Before I close, let me beg you not to defer 
 till the last day. 'T is the worry of writing s« ig a 
 letter that gives you pains in your back. Do n ake 
 writing so much a matter of business; write r lore 
 than one page at a time and close it on mail d Try 
 this and resolve not to break your rule of on< ^e a 
 day, and all will be well. 
 
 No. 2. Ulua, Vera Cruz, Mexico. 
 
 Thursday, April ist. 
 Presuming that I may consider myself as at home 
 for a few days at least in this "Fortaleza, " I com- 
 mence my daily chat with you on my largest paper. 
 The other day I wrote so hurriedly, that I merely 
 thanked you for your letters, but my answer like 
 most purporting to be such, did not give a reply to i. 
 single one of your queries. Some of them are very 
 
io6 An Artillery Officer 
 
 hard to answer, but still I will give the best I can. 
 Before commencing, let me say that I found a sweet 
 little violet in the letter, which I have placed among 
 my treasures. 
 
 I have said nothing about your joining me, because 
 everything has been and still continues uncertain. 
 I could not write for you to come on, even if ordered 
 to remain at a given place, because the very next 
 day might order me to a remote part of the Country. 
 What effect the glorious taking of Vera Cruz and of 
 this place will have on the question of peace or war, 
 we cannot tell. 
 
 Some of the Mexican officers who were received as 
 
 prisoners of war on the 24th inst. said that it would 
 
 protnct the war. They probably spoke from the effect 
 
 ly mortified feelings. Could Genl. Scott now 
 
 led to enter into correspondence with the Govt. 
 
 hope for the best results; a few months might 
 
 the. tore me to your side. Let us hope for the best. 
 
 At "o is, however, exceedingly crippled; her great 
 Gerl he who was to rouse the slumbering energies 
 
 of i Vation, the Army's Hero, Santa Anna, has 
 beer' 3aten by Genl. Taylor, and here we are in 
 peat ^able possession of her strongest tower of defence. 
 
 The value of the armament of this Fortress, and of 
 the defences of the City is enormous. One hundred 
 and forty good guns are in this place, many of them 
 fine iron guns cast at the West Point Foundry, most 
 of them good bronze Spanish and French pieces, 
 which are very valuable. We find but a scanty supph 
 of provisions, but powder, ball, shells and guns, 
 howitzers or Columbiads, and mortars in the greatest 
 abundance. 
 
 We learn from citizens of Vera Cruz that they had 
 
>tTiM 
 
 S/»Lvnr^ Ai^WA.. 
 
 GENERAL SANTA ANNA 
 
 From a lithograph 
 
In Mexico ^^7 
 
 no idea that we were engaged in erecting our batteries 
 till a short time before we opened our fires. The ex- 
 pectation was that we would take the place by a storm- 
 ing party; everything was well prepared for this, 
 every street had its barricades, and most of the houses 
 had sandbags at the doors and windows, and on the 
 roofs. We should have met with very heavy losses 
 had we not approached the town as we did. This 
 fortress was also prepared for an assault, as the direct 
 passage along every part of the work ^is cut up^by 
 piles of sandbags forming what we call " traverses. 
 
 My promise to get you to me or for me to take myself 
 to you, will, you may be assured, be performed as soon 
 as either can with propriety be done. 
 
 Your suspicions about Corp. H^nnel's jaundice 
 
 being yellow fever, were fortunately groundless, as a 
 
 day or two after reaching Tampico he was quite 
 
 restored. To your appeal for me to urge matters 
 
 with my friends to gain me promotion, my last letter 
 
 from camp, and since then the indecent conduct of 
 
 Mr'^ Polk has given a full answer. 'The President or 
 
 his advisers resorted to a practical lie to reward some 
 
 of their pets. The law of Congress declares that the 
 
 President is authorized to appoint an additional 
 
 Major to each Regt., *'who shall be taken from the 
 
 Captains of the Army," and what does he do but 
 
 send to the Senate a man's name for a Captaincy m 
 
 the Army, and probably the very next meeting of the 
 
 Senate, nominates this individual as Major. Such 
 
 conduct is, I think, disgraceful. 
 
 Major Geo. Talcott received in the same envelope his 
 commissions as Capt. and Major. Could I do so with 
 honor, I would resign to-morrow rather than hold 
 a commission under an administration which has, 
 
io8 An Artillery Officer 
 
 from the first day of its existence, shewn that it used 
 all means to destroy the pride and trample on the 
 rights of the Army particularly when that army has 
 by its gallant deeds plucked its drowning honors 
 from the deep. I cannot think with patience of the 
 gross acts of injustice practised towards some gallant 
 men in the Army. 
 
 Look at the case of my friend, Charles F. Smith. He 
 has been foremost in every battle in which he has been 
 engaged, and he has been in all save Genl. Taylor's last, 
 and he has not even received the notice of an empty 
 brevet. A man known and admired by all the Army 
 for his well-tried courage, his cool self-possession in 
 danger, and his high military attainments, and over this 
 man's head are placed a score of men whose sole 
 recommendation is that they or their friends have 
 proved faithful in their worship of the President's 
 party. Enough, enough. 
 
 It appears from letters received in camp from Maj. 
 Bliss and some others in Genl. Taylor's army that the 
 Illinois and Arkansas Volunteers ran like sheep from 
 Genl. T.'s battle-field. Poor Lincoln received his 
 death wound in trying to rally one of the Regts. 
 Lt. Col. H. Clay, it is said, was deserted after he had 
 been wounded, and was lanced by the Mexicans. 
 And still Genl. Taylor does not in his despatches 
 consign the cowards to merited infamy. This looks 
 very much like a squint at the Presidency. 
 
 A quarter past eight P.M. Col. Belton, Adjt. Austine, 
 and some others of our officers have returned from 
 town; they have sought to ascertain whether we are 
 to remain here, or to accompany the Army into the 
 interior. Their impression is that not more than one 
 Compy. will be left, that this Fortaleza and the armed 
 
In Mexico 109 
 
 works in the City will be dismantled and the guarding 
 of this place be left mostly to the Navy. Should this 
 be true, I have a chance of spending the summer at 
 Jalapa, celebrated for its healthfulness, etc. 
 
 Capt. Wade has been kept by Col. Gates, at Tampico. 
 Capt. Wayne is here, as small as ever. The illustrious 
 patron keeps away from my company. The promotion 
 of Bvt. Capt. Taylor and Lt. Steptoe to fill the vacancies 
 of Bvt. Col. Childs, made Additional Major, ist Arty., 
 and Capt. Vinton, killed at his battery, will give the 
 patron command of the Compy. he is now serving 
 with, which is the Compy. about whose fate your 
 letter expresses solicitude. 
 
 Derr is still my right-hand man, and as kindly atten- 
 tive as he can be. I approve your suggestion about 
 Lassie and will thank you to ask Father to dispose of 
 her; he may make his own bargain. Her pedigree 
 which is before me, written by the Editor of the Spirit 
 of the Times, is, Lassie by Gohanna out of Isabella 
 by Sir Charles, her dam by American Eagle, g.g. dam 
 by Independence, g.g.g. dam by Jim Crack, g.g. g.g. 
 dam by Impd. Sharke out of a thoroughbred mare. 
 American Eagle by Impd. Spread Eagle, dam by Im. 
 Sharke, g. dam Atalanta by Lyndsay's Arabian, g.g. 
 dam Impd. Kitty Fisher. (See Turf Register, vol. 2, 
 page 622.) For Independence (grandson of Mary 
 Randolph and Annetta) see Turf Register, ditto for 
 Jim Crack's pedigree in full. This is horse learning 
 enough for you. I send her pedigree in full, because 
 any one who wants blood will find that of Lassie as 
 pure and good as any stock in the Country. I shall 
 dislike parting from her, but I know it is best. 
 
 Maj. Whiting, I hear, leaves Mexico for the United 
 States; he is not able to stand a summer's campaign 
 
1 10 An Artillery Officer 
 
 here. You know, though, how weakly he is. I have 
 not heard of Mrs. Hawkins, but she woiild perhaps 
 do a good wife's part by joining her husband 
 
 April 2nd. 
 
 Having written at such length yesterday, I shall 
 write only a few lines to you to-night. News from the 
 City of Mexico informs us that they are there engaged 
 in a struggle, of the Peace party under Herrera and the 
 Priesthood with Santa Anna, and Gomez Farias heading 
 the War party. It is said that the parties have been 
 fighting for three or four days in the streets. 
 
 The Army which surrendered to us on the 29th have 
 in the progress into the interior committed all kinds of 
 disgraceful excesses laying the country waste by pillage 
 and fire as they passed in. 
 
 The expedition to Alvarado under Genl. Quitman 
 met with no resistance; indeed I learn this evening 
 that a deputation was received by Genl. Scott from the 
 authorities there, a short time after the departure of 
 the expedition, offering to surrender to the Army and 
 Genl. Scott. An expedition of about one thousand 
 men left this morning for some little place, Antigua, 
 some fourteen miles hence, where there are said to be 
 seven hundred Mexican soldiers. Could we now ad- 
 vance, the chances are that we might march direct upon 
 Mexico without having to fire a gun before reaching 
 that place. Rumor says that Genl. Taylor is advancing 
 to San Luis; doubtful. Col. Riley, another visitor to 
 Ulua, sends message to his dear friend the General 
 [Clinch]. Time for retiring, will bid you good-night. 
 
 April 3rd. 
 I commenced crossing No. 2 but recollecting that 
 
GENERAL WILLIAM JENKINS WORTH 
 
 From an engraving by J. Sartain, after a daguerreotype 
 
In Mexico m 
 
 you had but one mail a week, and that a series of letters 
 had been sent but a few days since, I thought it would 
 be better to give you a letter which could be read, 
 without that difficulty always existing with badly 
 written and crossed letters. 
 
 As our Fortaleza is separated from Hd. Qrs. by one 
 half mile of water, I can only give you the rumors 
 which float to us from the City; many of them are, 
 subsequently to our first hearing them, found to be 
 incorrect; such as are important I will always try and 
 give you the last and true version of, but the minor 
 ones are not worth re-mentioning. 
 
 I find by orders received yesterday, that we (the 
 3rd Arty.) are brigaded with the 2nd Arty, and 4th 
 Infy., the brigade commanded by Col. Bankhead. 
 This promises that we may accompany the Army into 
 the Country, as it makes it Col. B.'s interest to keep 
 us with him, and he has much influence at Hd. Qrs. 
 Major Genl. W. G. Worth has issued his order dividing 
 his old Brigade into two Brigades, he commanding 
 them as a Division so that we belong now to the ist 
 Brigade, ist Division. 
 
 I shall, if I can obtain a copy, send by this mail 
 the first number of the American Eagle published at 
 Vera Cruz. It gives a different version to the news 
 from the City of Mexico from that written yesterday 
 by me; this may be correction No. i of the Camp 
 rumors. Genl. Santa Anna is there stated to have 
 joined the Priests' party, and opposed Gomez Farias. 
 This gives us a President versus his Vice-president. 
 
 Sunday morning, April 4th. 
 I was prevented by a succession of visitors from 
 writing more than the above note yesterday and must 
 
112 An Artillery Officer 
 
 write as rapidly as I can till breakfast, as the steamer 
 Edith leaves this morning, I hear, for the United States 
 and I must have my letter mailed in time. 
 
 The news from Mexico is reported to be, that Santa 
 Anna has placed himself in the governmental seat, 
 but that, both parties are for prosecuting the war 
 (correction No. 2). 
 
 Genl. Scott thinks, I was told yesterday, that tjie 
 difficulties between the two Governments will be 
 arranged in a few months. Genl. Worth, as you will 
 see by this paper, sent by this mail, is Governor of 
 Vera Cruz and this place. He is exerting himself to 
 clean the city, having pressed into the police service 
 some two hundred Mexican laborers. He feeds them 
 well, and they, I fancy, do not overwork themselves. 
 Confidence seems gradually gaining ground, shops 
 which were closed for the first three or four days 
 are now opened. 
 
 If the Vols, were at home we could so govern our 
 soldiers as to check outrages now hourly committed. 
 Capt. Marshall states that as he was walking in the 
 streets night before last, he saw just ahead of him 
 a man with a musket and before he reached him, the 
 scamp struck a Mexican with the butt of his musket and 
 knocked him down. This is a slight enormity compared 
 with some that have been com.mitted. A Milty. Com- 
 mission has been instituted by Genl. Scott to try all 
 cases which can not legally be brought before Courts- 
 Martial, and I hope that Genl. S. will have every 
 convicted culprit pimished as fully as the court and law 
 direct. 
 
 Major Wade's Compy. has been ordered from 
 Tampico to join the Regt. here. Unless Col. Gates 
 can offer very weighty arguments against its being 
 
In Mexico 113 
 
 withdrawn from that place, I presume that we shall 
 enjoy the pleasure of seeing the Major here. Col. 
 Gates seems very anxious to increase his regulars, as 
 he has detained two compys. of Infy. who accidently 
 touched at Tampico on their way here. 
 
 I have omitted mentioning that this grand army 
 is honored by the presence of a lady, and who do you 
 suppose her to be — no less a personage than Mrs. 
 
 . She visited oin- Fortaleza the day we took 
 
 possession, but I did not beg an introduction. She 
 remained on board ship during the siege; where she 
 is now, I do not know. I presume that she intends 
 accompanying us to Mexico. Could she hear the re- 
 marks made about the indecency and indelicacy of 
 her husband's having allowed her to come, I am sure 
 that her ears would burn. 
 
 I am sorry that Duncan has set his heart upon enter- 
 ing the service at this time. Those of us now in, are 
 thinking seriously of getting out, so that the new ins 
 stand a chance of good promotion. The recent pro- 
 motions will place me the third captain in the Regt. 
 Capts. Burke and Wade are the two above me. 
 
 As we are soon to go into Summer quarters, I must 
 put you on your guard about listening to or rather 
 believing the ten thousand reports you will hear and 
 see about the health of our troops. I find that letter 
 writers who are with us write lies, either through 
 ignorance, inattention, or design. I will inform you 
 if there be any unusual degree of sickness in our Army. 
 Should I be taken sick, you may be pretty well assured 
 of my being sent out of the country, as no useless 
 mouths are wanted with an army which will have to 
 draw its supplies as far into the interior as we are 
 going. 
 
114 An Artillery Officer 
 
 You enquire about our friend Major Whitney; he 
 has gone home; he stayed through the siege, and was 
 sent off the day before yesterday. It is well that he 
 should return; he was present at the siege and capture of 
 Vera Cruz, and as this will be regarded as the great 
 feat of our war, he returns now satisfied and will find 
 in the incidents of the siege anecdotes enough for 
 repetition for the last days of his hfe, rapidly, I fear, 
 drawing to a close. 
 
 Our friend Austine has been for some time anxious 
 to give up his Adjutancy, if he could get anything 
 better. He applied on receiving the recent law giving 
 a Rgtl. Q. M. to each Regt., for that appointment 
 to our Regt. but Lt. Col. Belton, who assumes that he 
 has authority to appoint, gave the appointment to 
 Lt. Van Vliet (gone to New Orleans sick) on the ground 
 assumed by the President towards the Army, in not 
 giving appointments in new Regts. to officers of the 
 Army, "that Lt. Austine was already well provided 
 for." 
 
 Capt. Taylor, who desires to be remembered, has just 
 informed me that the letters are to be sent to the 
 Edith, and that the boat is to go very soon. I must 
 therefore close. That God may bless and guard you is 
 my earnest prayer. 
 
 When shall we spend our sweet Sundays together? 
 How different this day from what it was when we were 
 together. 
 
 No. I. Camp Surrender, Vera Cruz, Mexico. 
 
 April 5th. 
 
 Again in Camp, and very much I assure you, 
 to my own gratification. I had been a little ap- 
 prehensive that it might be m^^ fate to be among 
 
In Mexico 115 
 
 those to be left behind, and was delighted to re- 
 ceive orders to leave the pleasant quarters of the 
 Fortaleza de Ulua, where, though we revelled not in 
 the Halls of the Montezumas, we had the honor of 
 being bitten by day and night by fleas which might 
 have legitimately descended from the Conquerors of 
 this Country. Defend me from a summer residence 
 in the justly celebrated Ulua! I would, I am certain, 
 be very unwilling to rank among its conquerors again, 
 were a residence there a necessary consequence. I am 
 sure that I would gladly vote for its re-delivery, in prefer- 
 ence to remaining there, I mean. Tell Father, no 
 disparagement to Florida when I say that Ulua can 
 beat her and give her odds, in producing fleas and mos- 
 quitoes. I must send a phial of them to the National 
 Museum at Washington to be placed among our 
 trophies. Stay, I need not do it, the flag and articles 
 to be forwarded will carry the breed. 
 
 I have just returned from reporting my arrival in 
 Camp to Col. Bankhead, our new Brigade (2nd Arty., 
 3rd Arty., and 4th Infy.) Commander, and am sorry to 
 find that in consequence of his not getting on well with 
 our new Division Commander, Major Genl. Worth, he is 
 soon to leave for the United States. The order states 
 that in consequence of his health and distinguished 
 services in the trenches he has been selected to convey 
 to the President the Flags, etc., captured in the City 
 and Castle. Col. B. is a selfish man, but is always a gen- 
 tleman ; I am sorry to lose him, though I know that he 
 is too infirm to accompany us into the interior. 
 
 I also learn that the Edith for which I wrote so 
 hurriedly, day before yesterday, has not yet gone, 
 and that she will leave to-morrow, hence this hurried 
 scrawl in place of one of my old-fashioned family 
 
ii6 An Artillery Officer 
 
 talks. Having reached Camp about twelve, I dined 
 with Cousin Sam, and enjoyed the best dinner I have 
 had since I landed — bean soup, rice, tomatoes, sweet 
 potatoes, green peppers as a salad with the tomatoes. 
 
 At the Castle we have had fresh beef twice, but 
 really, the taste was such that I was not certain it 
 might not have been a spare cut from the rump of 
 some poor donkey killed by one of our shells during 
 the siege. Last night, hunger and the novelty of 
 seeing fresh meat made me relish a piece, but this 
 morning, I could not go it, like a second bad egg; I 
 left the enjoyment to those who liked it. I am told 
 that by sending to market early, we can purchase 
 vegetables, etc. I think that one of our men must 
 wake to-morrow Men matinee! 
 
 I met Dr. Cuyler in the City as I passed through it, 
 and was told that he was to do duty with the 3rd. Dr. 
 Potter is now our Surgeon; he is, I find, a great favorite 
 with some of the 2nd, with whom he has been serving; 
 they are both, I believe, good surgeons, and we shall 
 be lucky in having either. By the bye, I met young 
 Dr. Steiner in the City; he had an army cap and in- 
 formed me that he was on duty with the 4th Arty. 
 
 I find that much has been done to cleanse the City 
 since I first passed through it. The sandbags have 
 been taken down, and some of the filth removed, but 
 much yet remains undone ; you see many piles of rub- 
 bish, with here and there fragments of the murderous 
 shells. Doubtful of the proper name of this Camp, I 
 have given it a name, descriptive of its locality, as it 
 embraces the ground occupied by our troops on the 
 29th, when the enemy laid down their arms. 
 
 No one pretends to guess the day of our departure ; 
 the fact is that our knowing ones have been so com- 
 
In Mexico ii7 
 
 pletely found amiss in their speculations that they 
 cease to be regarded as prophets. 
 
 I this moment hear a mocking-bird warbling his 
 sweet notes; the Band of the 2nd is practising, and 
 this sweet bird seems answering to some notes he loves. 
 How many, many miles do those notes bear my thoughts, 
 my wishes, from this dull camp. How delightful and 
 still how tinged with sadness those thoughts! They 
 tell of home, of a beloved wife, but yet of a home that 
 I do not enjoy with her. Sing on, sweet bird, there 
 is joy mingled with the sadness of your song. I may 
 soon be as free as you are and return on wings of love 
 to my own mate. Why not? The storm is now over 
 and we may expect a calm. Gentle Peace will soon, 
 I hope, spread her healing wings over this distracted 
 country, and will send us hopping glad to our homes 
 again. 
 
 Having reduced my baggage to nearly the campaign 
 allowance, you must expect nothing but scrawls from 
 me henceforth. My Compy. desk has been deposited 
 with some other, etc., in the Castle. I now write on 
 the top of my little hand trunk placed on the old camp 
 bedstead. My seat is the campstool which was 
 broken in our march to Tampa Bay. These three 
 articles with my dressing-gown and large pillow have 
 been great comforts I assure you. I shall be sorry 
 when I have to leave any of them behind. 'T is said 
 that we are to have very limited means of transporta- 
 tion when we leave for Jalapa. I must manage to 
 have my favorites taken by my friends, los medicos, 
 whose means of transportation are very liberal in all 
 well-appointed armies. 
 
 Heigho, an order has just been handed me stating 
 that in consequence of the limited means of transpor- 
 
ii8 An Artillery Officer 
 
 tation all Compy. and Regt. Books must be left. I fear 
 that some of my good friends will have to stay behind. 
 N'importe, they were in the Siege; they have had 
 glory enough to make all stay-at-home, small trunks, 
 bedsteads, and chairs blush for their lack of spirit in 
 not having gone into the field at their Country's call! 
 Who can conceive what thrilling stories these said 
 articles of furniture may attempt telling you some 
 of these days when they are in the mood ? 
 
 I must stop cross writing here or you will make 
 nothing of the whole letter. As Col. B. proposes 
 leaving in a few days, he will probably be the bearer of 
 my next despatches? 
 
 No. 2. Camp near Vera Cruz, Mexico. 
 
 April 5th. 
 Though a letter was written and sent to be mailed 
 since my arrival in camp to-day, I must have my even- 
 ing's chat with you before I retire. My conscience 
 has reproached me, too, with my ingratitude in having 
 omitted in my list of comforts, my mosquito bar (the 
 daily admiration of Derr), my coarse towels, and dress- 
 ing-gown. Two luxuries I shall have to part with, my 
 white wash basin and pitcher; these I can replace, 
 however, at Jalapa. The others are home tokens 
 containing either your work or executed under your 
 directions. An order requiring my separation from 
 them would be met with a very ill grace. 
 
 April 6th. 
 
 I had written the first four lines last night, when 
 
 Capt. Taylor and Lt. Thomas came to my tent, and 
 
 talked nonsense till my candle was burnt into the socket ; 
 
 having, unfortunately, no other, I could not write a 
 
In Mexico ii9 
 
 word more and was compelled to go to bed. The only- 
 piece of information communicated was, that we were 
 authorized to send and receive letters free of postage. 
 This is not much of a boon to me, as the postage on 
 my letters is always most freely given. 
 
 This morning I, being for the first time where I 
 could indulge that extravagance, tried a little market- 
 ing; here are some of the items: sweet potatoes, about 
 the medium size, 6^ cents apiece, turnips as large 
 as two fists 123/2 cents, tomatoes 2 cents apiece, 
 something between a cabbage and a lettuce 63^ cents 
 ahead. Everything is very high. Claret $14 a dozen; 
 this is a luxury rather too expensive to be indulged in, 
 when the necessaries of life are so high. Bacon 18 34 
 cents per pound, etc. However, things will either be 
 lower, or we will, when we get into the health region 
 of the country, get so healthy and so stout as to be 
 able to do without them, as we can then eat anything. 
 
 No news from the interior on which any reliance 
 can be placed. Col. Kinney, who seems to know every- 
 thing, told me this morning that peace was not talked 
 of in the country around this place, that Santa Anna 
 was approaching the coast with a large army, I cannot 
 think that he has so soon forgotten the thrashing Genl. 
 Taylor gave him at Buena Vista, and am not inclined 
 to think that he is willing to measure his strength with 
 the army. 
 
 I am still highly gratified at my change from Garrison 
 to Camp; my men are in better spirits than they were: 
 here I can hear them cracking jokes and indulging in 
 merry laughter, in the Castle they looked like convicts. 
 No castles for me. I have to-day another newspaper 
 for you, the second number of the American Eagle, con- 
 taining some of Genl. Scott's correspondence relative 
 
120 An Artillery Officer 
 
 to the surrender. The paper is badly printed. This 
 press will, I presume, follow us into the interior, so that 
 you will probably receive all the numbers of it. Whether 
 the paper established at Tampico still exists I know 
 not. I had thought of having it sent to you regularly, 
 but when I can write regularly, even if I can send a 
 letter but once a week, there will be but little left un- 
 communicated. 
 
 Yesterday, as the papers state, was a hot day, but 
 not hotter than I have experienced in the United 
 States. Col. Belton is still in the Castle. I expected 
 him and the remainingCompy.of thisRegt. this morning, 
 but his Excellency dislikes relinquishing his Governor- 
 ship. No news yet of Major Wade's arrival; it should 
 be a severe disappointment to him, if he is kept from 
 advancing to Jalapa with us. 
 
 Now that I am here, for the last time in my life I 
 trust, I am anxious to see as much of the country 
 as I can, and would therefore be pleased, if it can be 
 done without interfering with my leaving this land as 
 soon as possible, to go as far as the City of Mexico. 
 I hope that the land bounty will give us good results 
 for our winter operations, and that the President will 
 increase the Volunteers to a force so respectable in 
 numbers as to sweep over the whole country. I will 
 now bid you a good-morning, as I must examine and 
 send ofE my quarterly papers. Bonjour. 
 
 After tattoo. I cannot retire, without having a 
 little chat with you. My old friend, Capt. Wall, 
 arrived to-day and has been sitting with me and talking 
 over army, and former-day affairs. He takes com- 
 mand of the Compy. now commanded by Lt. Steptoe, 
 who will, I suppose, be promoted to Capt. Vinton's 
 Company. 
 
In Mexico 121 
 
 Some of the Alvarado expedition have returned; 
 they report having found plenty of cannon-batteries 
 abandoned. It seems that a midshipman was ordered 
 to precede the fleet, with orders to blockade the town. 
 But on getting in sight of the place, he took it into 
 his head that he would try the range of his gun ; having 
 fired a few shots, a boat pulled out from town offering a 
 surrender. He ran in, found the batteries abandoned, 
 took possession, and, having succeeded so admirably, 
 he ascended the river some twenty miles to another 
 town, where he met with no resistance. The Great 
 Fleet and Army now arrives, and Commander Perry 
 finds all done. The Midshipman, Mr. Hunter, he has 
 placed under arrest for disobedience of orders, he having 
 been sent to blockade, not to take the place. I am sorry 
 that the Navy will not have "Alvarado" to add to 
 their list of conquered towns. The capture of this 
 place draws after it, almost as a matter of course, the 
 surrender of all the other towns along the coast. 
 
 April 7th. 
 I have just returned from Col. Bankhead's tent ; he 
 is very desirous of getting off, and has gone to the City 
 to ascertain if a vessel will sail to-day. He will em- 
 brace the earliest opportunity and will either sail 
 for New Orleans or New York. If he goes to New 
 Orleans, I will ask him to take charge of this letter. 
 But otherwise I will keep it and add another sheet or 
 two before sending it off. Genl. Twiggs is under 
 orders to advance to-morrow with his Brigade. Genl. 
 Quitman will follow with the 3rd, and we close the 
 march with the ist Brigade. The transportation is 
 thus far Hmited to one wagon for two companies. 
 I hope that by the time we march, the Quartermasters' 
 
122 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Dept. may succeed in increasing their means, so as to 
 be a little more liberal with us. 
 
 A mail arrived, I hear, in the Massachusetts, last 
 evening. I must send a man. Yawn, to enquire. I have 
 sent him, and hope in a half hour, to enjoy the delightful 
 pleasure of reading a letter from you. God grant 
 that I may receive good news from my wife. As 
 my married men may not be very punctual in writing 
 to their wives, it is time for me to make a report to 
 enable you to comply with your promises to their 
 wives. Corp. Devit, Privates Cramer and Howard 
 are all slightly indisposed ; nothing more, I think, than 
 chills and fever. Many of the men are on the sick 
 report to-day. This is always the case with new 
 recruits; they invariably, after an arduous tour of duty, 
 will be found on the sick report for some days. And 
 in that Castle, the men were prevented by fleas and 
 mosquitoes from sleeping. 
 
 Capt. Backus, 4th Infy., relieved Capt. Vinton's 
 Compy. yesterday, so that we have the remnant of 
 the 3rd Arty, again encamped together. Genl. Worth 
 stopped a moment yesterday as he passed, and in- 
 formed me that Mrs. Sprague had given him another 
 granddaughter. The Genl. looks in better spirits 
 since the reception of his Major General's commission. 
 I have not had the pleasure of seeing Genl. Twiggs; 
 he is too cunning to permit Genl. W. to outgeneral him. 
 I fancy that Twiggs's friends will succeed in getting a 
 brevet for him, bearing the same date, or an older one 
 than Gen. W. I must wait till Yawn returns. 
 
 Afternoon. Yawn returned without bringing me 
 a letter. Perhaps I ought not to have expected one, 
 as my dates were later than Dr. Cuyler's from Savan- 
 nah, but, whenever I hear that a mail has come, 
 
In Mexico 123 
 
 without reflection that, as you have but one mail 
 per week, I cannot receive them oftener, I think that 
 I must have a letter or two from you in that mail. 
 
 The order for the commencement of our march 
 into the interior is issued. Genl. Twiggs starts 
 to-morrow with the 2nd Division. Genl. Patterson 
 follows the next day with two Brigades of Vols. He 
 leaves one brigade of Vols, and the Tennessee dismounted 
 Cavalry until the arrival of their horses. Genl. 
 Twiggs and Genl. Patterson will each have forty-five 
 wagons for their commands. Every man takes forty 
 rounds of ammunition and five days' rations of hard 
 bread, and bacon and pork (cooked) for two days. As 
 this order omits all mention of us, I presume that 
 we stand fast till some of their wagons going with 
 their Divisions return, when we shall move honored 
 with the presence of our gallant General. 
 
 I thought till this morning that my old friend. Dr. 
 Harney, was to remain, but Dr. Porter now tells me 
 that he thinks that he. Dr. P., will have to remain, as 
 Dr. H. thinks the mountain air necessary for his health. 
 The Dr. has not been well since he has been in this 
 country. I am afraid that he is breaking down. If 
 Dr. Porter leaves the 3rd Arty. I presume that Dr. 
 Cuyler, who has been medical purveyor till recently, 
 will take charge of us. Dr. Wright may remain ; Dr. 
 Porter says he is half inclined to do so. 
 
 Poor Col. Bankhead has relinquished command, 
 and is to sail home to-morrow, with the cannon and 
 flags. Genl. Scott sends, I think, twelve beautiful 
 bronze cannon. One I selected for West Point. I do 
 hope it will be sent there; its date is 1685, "Le Mor- 
 dicant" beautifully chased, etc. Col. B.'s departure 
 places our Brigade under the command of Col. G , -)h 
 
124 An Artillery Officer 
 
 — th. Infy., a man deservedly unpopular with his 
 officers, notoriously setting a bad immoral example 
 to his juniors. Genl. Scott, whom I have not seen since 
 the surrender, looked very well when I last saw him. 
 
 If to-morrow be not too excessively hot, I propose 
 going into the City for a short time. I have very 
 little curiosity. Many have spoken of the marks of ruin 
 they have seen, of the vast amount of public stores, 
 etc., to be seen, but I care for none of these things. 
 If I could find any little mementoes and had a favorable 
 opportunity of sending them to you I wotild move as 
 briskly about it as any of them. 
 
 I heard this morning that Major Talcott had been 
 importuning Col. Bankhead to make special mention 
 of his services in the trenches. I would cut my tongue 
 out before I would allow it to commit so great an act 
 of indelicacy. Col. B. will not, I hope, do it. He has 
 already been induced to insert the names of two Top. 
 Engineers, who were at one of the Batteries, mentioned 
 because they volunteered, not because they did as 
 much or more than others. The fact is, that at the 
 Batteries there was but little room for individual dis- 
 tinction. I will now lay this down for to-night. 
 
 Night. Capt. De Hart came in at dusk, and has just 
 left ; it is now too late for me to add much to my letter. 
 I find from the Capt. that the Govt, patronized him 
 in the publication of his work on Courts-Martial, by 
 taking one hundred copies! Col. Bankhead is to leave 
 in the morning, but at what hour I cannot learn. Lt. 
 Andrews will go to the City in the morning, and I will, 
 unless I hear that the Col. sails either late in the day 
 or not until the next day, give him this letter. Good- 
 night. May God bless and protect you. Bonsoir. 
 
In Mexico 125 
 
 April 8th. 
 A friend waits for my letter. I must close it for fear 
 of missing this mail. Nothing new, Genl. Twiggs is 
 moving. Good-night. Love to Father and all the 
 family. 
 
 No. 3. Camp near Vera Cruz, Mex. 
 
 April 8, 1847. Night. 
 
 My letter closed this morning. I hope was in time 
 for the mail, though I am a little apprehensive that 
 my old friend. Col. Bankhead, left too early. The 
 least delay on the part of the gentleman entrusted 
 with it must have caused it to miss a mail. I do not, 
 however, attach as much importance to my letters now 
 being too late for mails, as I know that your heart 
 has been relieved of a heavy load by the reception 
 of my letters announcing the progress and termination 
 of the siege. 
 
 During the Siege, or at any time previous, and 
 subsequent to my arrival, when I knew how important 
 it was that you should hear from me regularly and 
 frequently, I regarded the chance of missing a mail 
 as a very serious affair. Now, you should have 
 nothing on your mind to worry about. I am about 
 leaving the seaboard to go to a place as notoriously 
 healthy as any in the world. Even had I been or- 
 dered to remain here, I think by prudence I might 
 have remained and got through the summer safely. 
 I have not attempted a description of Vera Cruz be- 
 cause really I have seen nothing of it. A detail as 
 member of a Genl. Court-Martial will take me there 
 to-morrow and many consecutive days : so that I shall 
 perforce learn something of it, and will give you such 
 
126 An Artillery Officer 
 
 sketches as I think interesting. I had intended writing 
 a good long letter to-night, but was interrupted by the 
 arrival of Major Graham and two other gentlemen 
 who spent the evening with me. I must now close, 
 as the night is far advanced. 
 
 Note. The Genl. Court-Martial has been ordered 
 .to meet in our Camp. 
 
 April 9th. 
 
 Reasonably good news from Washington, as the 
 President has, in his benevolence, condescended to 
 give to friend Capt. Charles P. Smith', two brevets. 
 He is now a Bvt. Lt. Col., a very slight reward for 
 his many gallant acts. 
 
 I have been so long engaged in Court-Martial 
 duties to-day, having finished the trial of three officers 
 (for not very serious breaches of discipline), that I 
 feel very little like writing and will retire very soon, 
 hoping that we may not be so much pressed to-morrow, 
 as I shall then make a respectable addition to my letter. 
 I fear however that the visit contemplated in the first 
 part of this letter must be deferred till our return from 
 Jalapa, as I think we have cases enough to be tried 
 to engage us during the time we are to remain here. 
 
 Before closing, to shew you the variety we have in 
 our reports, I will give you yesterday's and to-day's 
 reports. Yesterday, Jalapa and Puebla de los Angeles 
 declared their independence of the Central Govt, and 
 have determined to treat for peace. To-day, Santa 
 Anna is at the Flat Mountain between Jalapa and 
 Puebla with an army. Good-night, and may God 
 bless you. 
 
 April loth. Saturday Night. 
 
 Hearing this morning that a steamboat was to leave 
 
In Mexico 127 
 
 for New Orleans to-day, and not having time to finish 
 my letter, I enclosed and forwarded this morning's 
 paper. On the Court-Martial we have made great 
 progress to-day, as we concluded the cases of the two 
 officers who were to make their defences this morning, 
 and tried twelve soldiers; most of them plead guilty 
 and their cases were so simple as to leave no room 
 for consideration or doubt. 
 
 This afternoon I strolled into town for an hour, 
 but by the time I searched the part where the fashion- 
 able shops are, it had become so dark that I could 
 not see. I did not see anything curious or rare in 
 the shops I was in, and what I priced was extravagantly 
 high. They are determined to make us pay dearly for 
 our whistle. I do not blame them; it will absorb all 
 the profits of their stores for years, to repair the damage 
 we have done them. Never, never do I wish to be one 
 of a besieging army again. And faith, I have no great 
 desire to be one of the army besieged ! 
 
 Though much has been done to cleanse the streets, 
 they are yet filthy. Our Surgeons are busy estab- 
 lishing a general hospital here. The Army moves 
 with so little transportation, that we have to leave 
 our sick behind. Dr. Porter says that he will send 
 them to their companies by the earliest opportunities 
 after we leave. In some of the companies in camp, 
 there is a good deal of sickness — some of the cases have 
 proved fatal. Thus far we have had no dangerous 
 cases; all of my men will, I am convinced, recover as 
 soon as I can get them into the mountainous region. 
 
 I have heard no camp news about Santa Anna 
 since yesterday. To-morrow, we should hear from 
 Genl. Twiggs's Brigade; we certainly shall if he hears 
 of an opposing or a threatening force. 
 
128 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Bvt. Major Backus, commanding Ulua, has, by the 
 working of some fifty Mexicans, succeeded in making 
 it a much cleaner and more habitable place than it was 
 when we were in it, but, bless him, he will be unable to 
 remove either the fleas or the bedbugs ; the latter, I find, 
 colonized very extensively in my bedding, whilst we 
 were there. I think of sending some of these Ulua curi- 
 osities to Washington. To-morrow being Sunday I will, 
 if the day be not too warm and I can conveniently 
 leave camp, go to one of the churches in the City. 
 Good-night. 
 
 Sunday, nth. Morning. 
 
 Yesterday a negro fellow was hung for a heinous 
 offence, having been tried and sentenced by a Milty. 
 Commission, composed exclusively of Vol. officers. 
 The man was a servant to a Vol. officer. This morning 
 two Mexicans are found, one dead and the other 
 nearly so. This devilish deed was undoubtedly per- 
 petrated by some scoundrels among the Volunteers 
 as a repayment for the loss of the negro. I sincerely 
 hope the perpetrators of this act may be brought to 
 punishment. 
 
 The morning is so warm that I have no intention 
 of attempting my visit to church in town to-day. 
 I have therefore gone through with an hour Sunday 
 routine of readings (reading my part distinctly and 
 your part silently), and after a loll of an hour am now 
 ready for the duties of the day. 
 
 In town yesterday I met one of Genl. Worth's 
 A. D. C.s who said that Genl. Worth spoke of our 
 Commands moving to-day or to-morrow, as there 
 are not one quarter wagons enough here to move with 
 the limitation of baggage already imposed. I do not 
 
In Mexico 129 
 
 think it possible for us to march. I doubt if we can 
 leave earlier than the 15th inst. One Brigade of 
 Vols, and one Regt. still remain; they should march 
 before we do, as they belong to a Division already 
 on the road. 
 
 The Doctor has just sent six of "G" Co. to the Genl. 
 Hospital in the City. Cramer (the husband of the 
 pretty woman who came with the recruits) is the only 
 married man among them. His wife has, I believe, 
 left Tampa Bay, with Mrs. Hannel and Mrs. Devit, 
 for-Tampico. I advised Howard to tell his wife to 
 remain where she is. Women are, as I anticipated, 
 a great plague to their Captains in the field. So 
 little transportation is allowed, that if permitted to 
 accompany the troops they must purchase or steal 
 some poor horse or ass to carry their baggage, A 
 woman with one child can thus get on tolerably well, 
 but when they have more, they soon find it impossible 
 to move in that way, and are left or sent back by some 
 return train to some large depot. 
 
 No mail yet. I fear that some of yoiu" letters are 
 lost, as I hear that one of the vessels wrecked on the 
 beach near oiu" first camp, on the 26th March, con- 
 tained a large mail. Lt. Thomas has stopped in to 
 inform me that Major Wade has arrived. 1 hope that 
 the change from Tampico to this place will be agreeable 
 to the Major. I do not think that he will take a very 
 violent liking to our Lt. Col. who is occasionally as 
 unamiable as he sometimes shews himself in the com- 
 pany of his amiable spouse. 
 
 The addition of the Major's Compy. to our little 
 battalion is very acceptable, as we were too small to 
 be respectable in so large a command. I will now 
 make my bow until this afternoon. 
 
130 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Night. Major Wade has arrived; his Compy. has 
 taken its position in our Camp. Lt. Johnson is with 
 him ; he looks very well, and will, I hope, continue to 
 think himself so. The order is out and been received 
 by us, for our march to-morrow. The order designates 
 twelve for the hour of march, so I presume that we will 
 not make more than nine or ten miles. 
 
 I hear that Genl. Twiggs sends word back that Genl. 
 Santa Anna is fortifying himself at some position this 
 side of Jalapa. I can scarcely credit the opinion that 
 he seriously intends giving us a fair, good fight. If he 
 be there, it may be with the view of making a show of 
 defence and then entering into terms with us. God 
 grant that this may be the case, as blood enough has cer- 
 tainly been shed to satisfy the honor of both Nations, 
 and a treaty formed at an early date would restore the 
 most of us to our families very early this fall, and per- 
 haps some Companies would be sent home at once. 
 
 Report says that Santa Anna has his cabinet with 
 him, and that Genl. Labrega is also there. Why his 
 Cabinet is there would be a question worthy of con- 
 sideration were it certainly true. 
 
 The afternoons are sufficiently pleasant; as at St. 
 Augustine the hottest part of the day is in the morning, 
 say from seven till nine; after these hours by keeping 
 out of the sun the temperature is very agreeably 
 pleasant. 
 
 Genl. Scott will, I presume, either accompany us 
 to-morrow, or follow us the next day. On every 
 account it is highly important that we should move 
 towards the mountains. One reason that we get 
 off earlier than I anticipated is that over two hundred 
 mules arrived to-day, thus giving us unexpected 
 addition to our means for transportation, and again 
 
In Mexico 131 
 
 our Division moves before some of the Vols, left here 
 by Genl. Patterson's Division. 
 
 I omitted mentioning the arrival of Capt. Winder, 
 who landed this evening with his Compy. of twenty- 
 eight men. He finds a detachment of recruits from 
 which he will, I hope, fill his Compy. I have not 
 seen him — indeed our Army covers so much ground that 
 I do not attempt visiting any one. We meet our 
 friends occasionally on duty, or I see them as they pass 
 my tent going to, or returning from town. 
 
 As I may have an opportunity of finishing this 
 sheet to-morrow before the hour of starting, when there 
 may be something of interest to add, I will only en- 
 croach further by bidding you good-night. I must look 
 to a judicious reduction of my baggage. The allowance 
 is, however, more liberal than was anticipated, as one 
 wagon is allowed to each Company. 
 
 April 12th. At night. 
 
 We are now reduced to our travelling allowance of 
 tents, etc. Our Camp presents a singularly scattered 
 appearance, each camp, where two hoiurs since there 
 was a full allowance of wall and common tents, now 
 formed with only three small tents. Our baggage 
 will soon follow. So large an army requires a very 
 large train for the transportation of its ordinary 
 supplies. I have retained as many of my comforts as 
 I could reasonably, seeing how little accommodation 
 was allowed for the men. My camp bed, mosquito 
 bar, and trunk, with the morning gown, old cloak, and 
 big boots go with me. My library is not very large — 
 my two Sunday books and one Vol. of Tactics con- 
 stitute all. 
 
 Thank God I have received a letter from you dated 
 
132 An Artillery Officer 
 
 March I2th. But, my wife, you imagine a thousand 
 dangers, and our Heavenly Father leads me unharmed 
 through all to which I am really exposed. I think after 
 having received news of our almost bloodless victory 
 here, that you cannot but place entire confidence in 
 that God who has so constantly heaped his blessings 
 on both of us. 
 
 Look around us and see how many are, though labor- 
 ing under heavy afflictions, bearing up cheerfully 
 under circumstances which would seem to leave them 
 no room for hope. They are frequently rewarded 
 for their great faith in this world, and look, with as- 
 surance to their better rew^ard hereafter. I would 
 not have you conceal your feelings from me; on the 
 contrary, I feel happier in knowing that you describe 
 your feelings as they really are, than I would be to 
 detect your attempt to conceal them. Think of all 
 that has really passed, see how many dangers your 
 love has conjured up, and despond no more. 
 
 To-morrow we leave for a healthy region, where all 
 the invalids will rapidly recover. Be not uneasy at 
 paragraphs you may read in the papers about the 
 Army. You may not hear from me as frequently 
 as you have hitherto, but I shall write by every op- 
 portunity. And now be of good cheer, and rely 
 upon our Heavenly Father. We make a very early 
 start to-morrow, and I must close to-night. That 
 God will continue to guard and bless you I sincerely 
 pray. 
 
 13th, four- thirty A.M. Packed and ready for a start. 
 Genl. Twiggs writes word that he thinks he will reach 
 Jalapa — this shows that there is not much to be appre- 
 hended from the expected opposition. Good morning. 
 
 Mr. Thomas and Maj. Graham beg to be remembered. 
 
In Mexico 133 
 
 No. 5. ' Camp about sixteen miles from 
 La Puente Nacional, 
 
 April 14th. 
 
 I believe that my No. (5) is correct, the last I 
 wrote the morning of our departure from Vera 
 Cruz. Yesterday (our first day's march) was a very 
 severe one. Leaving about half past five A.M. we 
 marched along the beach, say about two and a half miles, 
 and then turning perpendicularly to the left marched 
 through heavy sand hills, a deep hot road, about three 
 and a half miles to our first watering place. The day, or 
 rather that period of it in which we executed the latter 
 part of our march, was excessively close and hot. 
 
 The country was a succession of cups of sand; the 
 only redeeming thing about this part of the march, 
 was that we heard the sweet, sometimes plaintive, 
 sometimes cheerful notes of the birds in the recesses 
 of the glades. Here we halted sometimes, but the 
 men had become so much exhausted that by the time 
 we reached our encamping ground, say eighteen miles 
 from Santa Cruz, nearly one half of the men were 
 absent. Some soon came up, but at tattoo, many 
 had not yet arrived. To-day in consequence of the dis- 
 ordered state of the Command, we have only marched 
 nine miles. Enough of this march for the present. 
 
 I acknowledge, with cheerful gratitude to God, the 
 receipt of your letter of the i8th. The letter is in 
 much better spirits than its predecessor and cheered 
 me greatly, I assure you. I wish your letters to 
 indicate exactly your feelings, and I can then know 
 how you really are. You distress me much more by 
 an attempt to conceal what I know full well you feel, 
 than a full and frank disclosure does. 
 
 ' No. 4 is missing. 
 
134 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Our camp is surrounded by some of the most beauti- 
 ful flowers I ever saw. I send in this a few Hlac flowers 
 growing on a large vine which overhangs my tent. 
 I have collected some seed. The favorite of our 
 Florida home grows here in great variety, but I do not 
 find any as sweet as those (opopanax) you used to 
 collect at Tampa Bay. 
 
 The road to-day has been hilly, the hollows however 
 not rich; we passed Genl. Santa Anna's residence 
 about three miles back, a fine field of corn was growing 
 near it. I merely had a glimpse of the house — a large 
 white one with tiled roof. His Excellency owns the 
 country on both sides the road from about nine miles 
 this side Vera Cruz to the City of Jalapa; he owns a 
 good deal of bad land. 
 
 We learned from some persons returning from Genl. 
 Twiggs's Brigade, that he intended attacking Genl. 
 Santa Anna at nine o'clock this morning. I expect that 
 he will think better of it and wait for us to come up. 
 Major Genl. Patterson has not yet come up, Genl. Pillow 
 is with Genl. T. They may decide upon making 
 a bold stroke for glory before we reach them. Genl. 
 Scott who has gone ahead of us will probably reach 
 the advance early to-morrow, when the decision will 
 be made by him. I have this moment finished my 
 dinner and tea. The twilight is so short here that 
 I must close as it is now nearly dark. We start at 
 early dawn in the morning. Good-night. 
 
 Camp about i6 miles from La Puente Nacional. 
 
 El Plan del Rio. 
 
 April 15th. 
 Twenty minutes to five p.m. An early start with 
 a well-conducted march brought us to our present 
 
In Mexico , i35 
 
 camp, at the National Bridge, before twelve o'clock. 
 The Brigade would have advanced farther, but as no 
 water could be obtained until we reached Genl. Twiggs's 
 camp, sixteen miles, and as Lt. Col. Duncan stated that 
 his horses could not go so far without water after a 
 morning's march, it was determined to halt here. 
 
 17th. Thus far had I written day before yesterday, 
 when I went to visit an old fortification intended to 
 command the approaches to the bridge. The fort is 
 an old one on a high hill, the side towards the river 
 and our camp is inaccessible, the other side pretty 
 well defended by musketry fires. This place we learn 
 had been furnished with eight pieces of Arty, which 
 were withdrawn the day before Genl. Twiggs left for 
 Jalapa. The scenery at the bridge is beautiful, com- 
 bining enough of the grand to make it interesting to 
 all classes of admirers of scenery. The bridge is like 
 all of the Spanish works of art constructed during their 
 stay in this country, well executed and on a magni- 
 ficent scale. 
 
 At tattoo. The Brigade received orders to march at 
 one A.M. this morning. Reveille was beat at twelve 
 and the men were formed at the appointed time. 
 After some time, a Staff Officer came up with directions 
 to allow the men to take what rest they could. Every- 
 thing being packed, very little rest was taken. 
 
 At half-past four yesterday afternoon we took up 
 our camp to march six miles to camp. We marched 
 that distance, and were told whilst continuing our 
 march, that as we could not get to water, the Com- 
 mand must march to the camp of Generals Twiggs 
 and Pillow. We had a most fatiguing march, night 
 marches are necessarily so, but this was rendered par- 
 
136 An Artillery Officer 
 
 ticularly so from the officers and men having been de- 
 prived of their rest the preceding night, and from the 
 fact of their not having filled their canteens for a 
 long march. 
 
 We arrived here, say eighteen miles, at twenty 
 minutes to two this morning. At eight this morning 
 a command was sent to occupy a hill which commands 
 some of the enemy's batteries. The hill was foimd 
 occupied by the enemy, but they were driven from it 
 by Col. Harney; three officers were wounded — Major 
 Sumner, 2nd Dragoons, slightly in the head, Lt. Maury 
 left arm with bones broken below the elbow, Lt. May 
 and another officer are also woimded. 
 
 To-morrow morning we are imder orders to advance. 
 As our men will have, I hope, a good night's rest, I 
 feel confident of their doing good duty. I shall write 
 you the earliest moment, if by the continued blessing 
 of God, my life be spared. I place as ever all my trust 
 in Him who has thus far saved me in numberless dan- 
 gers. As I must be fresh I will now retire to rest, 
 praying our Heavenly Father to protect and guard 
 my wife and that He will soon receive you into the 
 little select flock constituting His church elect upon 
 this earth. The name of oiu: camp is "Camp near 
 El Plan del Rio." 
 
 FoRTALEZA Nacional de San Carlos de Perote. 
 Thursday, April 22nd. 
 
 Since the preceding was written I have been so con- 
 stantly and sometimes so fatiguingly engaged that I 
 did not have an opportunity of sending my letter 
 immediately after the fight of the eighteenth, and this 
 is the first mail of the departure of which we have been 
 
In Mexico i37 
 
 notified, and now I shall be so pressed for time that I 
 shall have but half an opportunity of scribbling a few 
 lines. 
 
 The newspapers will, I fear, long since have informed 
 you of the heavy losses sustained by us at the battle 
 of Cerro Gordo. The number of killed and wounded 
 is probably not far from 500. One of my young 
 friends, Lt. Dana, 7th Infy., is, I fear, dangerously 
 wounded, I was not in the engagement, as by some 
 mismanagement we were delayed, and work intended 
 for us was done by the 2nd and 7th Infys. The enemy 
 was completely routed, leaving in our possession thirty- 
 five pieces of cannon, about 6000 prisoners, small arms 
 and ammunition of all kinds in the greatest abundance. 
 
 The position occupied by the enemy was a very 
 strong one. I may say that had we moved along the 
 road to the attack, their position could not have been 
 carried by our forces ; but Genl. Scott, by judiciously 
 turning the flank of their main batteries, and carrying 
 by assault a high battery in the rear, which commanded 
 their advanced works, saved the lives of our men and 
 conquered. 
 
 These works were carried, and the battle over by 
 half-past ten. The enemy ran in such disorder as 
 to leave behind and on the road all their muskets and 
 even their eatables. Had Genl. Scott's orders been 
 complied with, not one of the enemy would have 
 escaped. 
 
 We are now in the celebrated Castle of Perote where 
 Genl. Santa Anna and other patriots have been oc- 
 casionally confined. We shall remain a few days 
 before advancing. Every soldier had left this place, 
 though it is a very strong one. Let us unite in thanking 
 God with all our hearts for His continued protec- 
 
138 An Artillery Officer 
 
 tion. I must close as it is so dark that I can scarcely 
 see. 
 
 No. 6. Fortress of Perote. 
 
 Friday, April 23rd. 
 
 I closed my letter so hurriedly last evening, that 
 I fear some portions of it were illegible, if not un- 
 intelligible. I think that in this, I will go back, and 
 take you over the parts of our road so unceremon- 
 iously run over. I mentioned, I think, that Genl. 
 Twiggs's Division was ordered to take a height which 
 had been found unoccupied by the enemy, and one 
 which commanded one or two of the batteries of the 
 enemy. 
 
 The enemy, it seems, discovered their mistake in 
 not having fortified this hill, and were found by the 
 Division in large force upon it. It was gallantly 
 carried by Col. Harney, with some loss on our side, 
 and it is now reported, a loss of 174 on the part of 
 the enemy. 
 
 This was the engagement of the 17th which Santa 
 Anna has the impudence to claim as a victory. The 
 1st Brigade received orders on the evening of the 17th 
 to march at early dawn on the morning of the i8th 
 (Sunday, I am sorry to say). Our Brigade, 2nd and 
 3rd Arty, and 4th Infy. were ordered to support the 
 attack on the enemy's battery. 
 
 The road from Battery No. i to No. 3, is cut out of 
 the solid rock. The bank on the left side of the road 
 in the rear of this part of it is too steep in many places 
 for a man to go down to the water's edge; the little 
 stream runs nearly parallel to the road. This may 
 give you some faint idea of the ground, etc. As I was 
 so busily occupied the day of, and the day subsequent 
 
In Mexico ^39 
 
 to the engagement, that I could not inspect the posi- 
 tions, I have been compelled to rely for my sketch 
 on the information of others. The sketch is perhaps 
 wrong in some points, but may on the whole be regarded 
 as sufficiently accurate for a non-military reader. 
 
 We left our Camp early the morning of the 1 8th 
 and halted when the head of our column had reached 
 the ranch C, for the Vols, under Genl. Pillow to come 
 up. They halted a moment near us, when Col. Haskell 
 of Tenn. gave his men a spirited address. They then 
 filed, by heads of companies, into the woods and we 
 resumed our advance, a portion of Lt. Col. Duncan's 
 Battery in front of us. We turned off the main road 
 to our right at D, and had proceeded but a short dis- 
 tance when we heard sharp musketry firing on our left; 
 this was Pillow's Brigade engaged with the enemy. 
 
 This Brigade fell back, and Genl. Pillow sent a staff 
 officer to Genl. Scott to request that some Regulars 
 be sent to him. He is a brave man and was deeply 
 mortified ; he was wounded. 
 
 In a short time the road became so rough and steep 
 that we were delayed more than half an hour in taking 
 two of the guns up a steep hill in the road. Hear- 
 ing cannon firing in our front and it being found that 
 Duncan's battery could not be taken forward in time 
 for us to participate in the fight, we were ordered to 
 the front. 
 
 The enemy now discovered us and threw a few shot 
 and shell at us. No one was injured. Staff Officers 
 now galloped back and called on us to advance, as we 
 were very much wanted. Now commenced the most 
 fatiguing work I ever had. The fire become very 
 lively in every direction, and we had to gain our 
 position on the hill where Battery No. 5 was situated. 
 
HO An Artillery Officer 
 
 With men exhausted by the heat and exertion of run- 
 ning, we struck the base of the hill, our troops calling 
 for us to advance and the Mexicans calling on their 
 side for reinforcements. 
 
 Before we reached the top our colors were flying 
 on the flag staff, the hill had been taken. Duncan's 
 Battery had kept us out of the battle. The Brigade 
 under Genl. Shields had divided, a few were with him 
 in his attack on field Battery No. 6, where he was 
 mortally wounded by a grape shot, gallantly leading; 
 his men then fell back and received a second discharge 
 from the Battery before they advanced again. 
 
 The troops in Batteries Nos. 2 and 3 were now sum- 
 moned to surrender; they asked for the appointment 
 of commissioners and for time. They were told that if 
 they did not surrender in ten minutes, the attack 
 would be made on their Battery. We had now our 
 forces in Battery No. 5, whose fire turned on them 
 would soon have silenced them. They surrendered 
 five Generals and about 5000 men. 
 
 Genl. Santa Anna's equipage, and about $30,000 
 in his chest, were found in or near his tent; his 
 carriage was also found, he having left the battle- 
 field early that morning or the night before. An 
 immense supply of ammunition for Artillery and small 
 Arms was found in caverns, etc., near the batteries. 
 The field was strewn with the dying and the dead. 
 The hill of Battery No. 5 presented many horrid sights — 
 I never want to see such again. Our men gave the 
 poor devils what water they could spare from their 
 nearly exhausted canteens. Our Surgeons amputated 
 the arms and legs of some of the wounded. 
 
 The action was over by half-past ten o'clock. The 
 remainder of the day was employed in pursuit, and in 
 
In Mexico 141 
 
 collecting the wounded. We slept that night near the 
 base of the high hill No. 5, the Compy. in the road, 
 and your humble servant with the Adjt. in his tent, 
 pitched on the right of the road at the spot marked 
 by a dot. o 
 
 Early the next day we resumed the advance, halted 
 about twelve near Genl, Santa Anna's residence — that 
 is, one of his residences, called "Encerro. " An Officer 
 was stationed here by Genl. Patterson or Twiggs 
 to protect the property. We marched about 12 miles 
 farther and made a late and uncomfortable encamp- 
 ment. 
 
 The next day we reached the beautiful and celebrated 
 City of Jalapa (only think of it, nearly all the jalap 
 used as medicine is taken from this place) . Marched 
 our dirty and wearied troops through as if we designed 
 making a display, halted in the outskirts of the City 
 till three p.m., when we again took up our line of march 
 leaving the 2nd Div. in that City. 
 
 We encamped that night near a large cotton factory ; 
 the night was intensely cold, ice formed in our basins. 
 
 Off again the next morning early, road ascending and 
 rough ; about eleven we came to a village at the entrance 
 of a pass which they had commenced fortifying, but 
 seized by the panic spread by the runaways from the 
 battle of Cerro Gordo, they had abandoned it, leaving 
 seven or eight pieces of cannon on the ground. This 
 would have been an ugly pass, as it was in the midst 
 of the lava of an old volcano, exceedingly rough and 
 sharp ; its rough jagged points would have impeded the 
 advance of our troops and kept us under their fire. 
 
 Passing over this volcanic road, we soon found 
 ourselves in the region of the pine. The scenery was 
 exceedingly grand and picturesque. Encamped that 
 
142 An Artillery Officer 
 
 night at Las Vegas, water excellent, night cold. The 
 next day we entered this celebrated work early 
 in the day, the troops having hastily abandoned it the 
 preceding day. We are now in the region of the cedar. 
 
 Perote, Mex. 
 April 26, 1847. 
 As this is merely a note to inform you of our leaving 
 this place this morning I do not number it with my 
 regular series. I have a letter nearly finished in my 
 trunk which I packed thinking I would have an opportun- 
 ity of mailing it from our point of destination, but as a 
 mail may leave here to-day or to-morrow, I regret not 
 having kept that letter out, and closing it here. The 
 drum has just beat for the assembling of the 1st 
 Brigade. To-day we march about eleven miles, to- 
 morrow thirteen, on the road to Puebla, then we await 
 further orders. Genl. Scott is expected here to-day. 
 The news from the Capital told by the diligence yes- 
 terday is cheering. Everybody was panic-struck by 
 the reception of the news of the battle of the i8th. 
 Genl. Santa Anna had not been heard from; those 
 formerly most "loud for War," now talk of peace. I 
 must now close. May God Almighty bless and protect 
 you. 
 
 No. 6 continued. The preceding sheet I had written 
 and it had been packed away in my trunk, when I 
 penned so hastily a note to you from Perote this morn- 
 ing. I now write in my tent at our Camp about eight 
 miles on the road towards Puebla. We must not, 
 however, leave Perote without devoting a few lines to 
 remarks upon the country between Jalapa and Perote 
 and also to its celebrated Castle. 
 
In Mexico H3 
 
 Until we reached Jalapa we saw very little to interest 
 the land speculator. At Jalapa everything indicates 
 a richer, better soil ; the land is well situated also for 
 cultivation. You see here along the roadside as well 
 built stone fences as the Yankees boast of. The 
 houses, too, are better built. The climate also seems, 
 and is reputed to be, delightful. 
 
 A rapid ascent, however, soon brings you into a region 
 rather cool to be pleasant to those who come up rapidly 
 from the hot lands of Vera Cruz. The land is rich, 
 both in approaching the volcanic stream mentioned 
 in the preceding part of this letter and after leaving 
 it. The scenery is beautiful, regularly-sloped hills 
 rise on every side, and in the distance may be seen the 
 snow-covered peak of Orizaba; the intervening valley 
 as deep rich soil as to be found anywhere; corn, oats, 
 barley, rye grow well here, peaches and cherries were 
 seen; with them you see the Agave Americana and 
 other plants we see as curiosities. 
 
 At Jalapa the coffee bush grows. When you reach 
 the plain of Perote, the soil is evidently less rich and 
 shews sand and clay. The town of Perote has, as 
 far as I can ascertain in marching through one of its 
 streets, very few respectable-looking houses. 
 
 The Fortaleza, or Castle as it is called, is situated 
 on a plain, about half a mile from town. The main 
 work is a square, surrounded by a large square, the 
 angles of which are bastioned, the whole having a 
 ditch around it. The walls of the inner work which 
 form the exterior walls of the quarters are three feet 
 thick. This place has been at various times the prison 
 of some of Mexico's greatest men. The turn of the 
 political wheel has taken them from the palace to this 
 prison. There were confined the Texan prisoners. 
 
144 An Artillery Officer 
 
 In the Chapel we found the tomb of Mexico's first 
 President, Genl. Victoria. Generals Morales and Lan- 
 dero who commanded at Vera Cruz were released 
 from a confinement ordered by Genl. Santa Anna, by 
 the evacuation of this place by the Mexican troops. 
 "Genl. Landero had a conversation of about an hour's 
 -" length with Genl. Worth since we came here. He 
 wished to know what our Govt, desired. He says 
 that Santa Anna has allied himself with the sans- 
 culottes, that the better instructed class desire peace, 
 that if the United States do not press too hard upon 
 them, and can only save Mexican honor, that all may 
 yet be well. He says that the last battle has been 
 fought. It is now becoming dark so rapidly that I 
 must close. God bless my wife, etc., etc. 
 
 April 28th. Tepayahualco. Our Brigade is accom- 
 panied by Duncan's Battery and Lt. Col. Smith's 
 Battalion of Light Troops; we are twenty-five leagues 
 (say fifty-five miles) from Puebla, where we are, I 
 presume, to take up summer quarters, that is if we do 
 not go on to Mexico. For really our being here is 
 so unexpected to me, that I know not where we are to 
 stop. Our orders are to remain here until further 
 orders. 
 
 I can not speak positively of the whereabouts of 
 Genl. Scott, or of the other Divisions. One Compy. 
 of our Division with two pieces of Arty, under Lt. 
 H. Brown, were left at our Camp of yesterday, the 
 remainder of our Division was left under Genl. Worth 
 at Perote. 
 
 Genl. Scott was expected to reach Perote the day 
 after we left. I suppose that the whole Army will 
 gradually come on. They may halt at Perote and at 
 
In Mexico i45 
 
 some other places for the coming up of our train with 
 provisions, and also to secure and obtain supplies from 
 the country. Thus far everything we obtain is paid 
 for liberally, probably at higher prices than the usual 
 ones of the country; this is however mere conjecture. 
 This I do know, that individually we pay enormously 
 for everything we purchase. 
 
 ¥/e are now, and have been for the last forty 
 miles, in a volcanic country. On every side you see 
 the uneven and jagged peaks of old volcanoes, or pass 
 along the side or over the beds formed by the lava. 
 These volcanoes have not been extinguished long 
 enough for the lava to become sufficiently decomposed 
 to support vegetation, and consequently we rarely see 
 any approach to a tree. 
 
 The cactus here and there encroaches up the jagged 
 side of some mountain. We are beyond the growth 
 of cedar. Orizaba still shews us his white head. I 
 hope that our soldiers will, if permitted to rest here 
 a few days, get well. So sudden has been our transition 
 from the burning sands of Vera Cruz to the cold region, 
 and this change has been accompanied by so much 
 and continued exertion, and with so great a loss of 
 sleep, that our Command has been sadly reduced. 
 Ten of "G" Co. are on the sick report to-day, none 
 seriously sick. Most of these cases have been in fact 
 produced by a cause I have not enumerated, viz., 
 daily change of the kind of water drunk. 
 
 You must not be astonished at not receiving letters 
 from me as regularly as you see statements of our 
 movements published in the papers. Look at things 
 as they now are; you may see weekly accounts of 
 Genl. Scott's being with the Army at such a date ; now, 
 when he sends his mails we know not. Again express 
 
146 An Artillery Officer 
 
 men are sent back, I understand, without escorts, 
 and I think we shall soon hear of some being killed. 
 I fear that in that way we shall find our correspondence 
 sadly interfered with. 
 
 If the Mexicans have any gallantry, and that they 
 have has long been their boast, they will send all 
 except public letters to some place whence oiu- expresses 
 may again take them. Though I do not know when this 
 letter can go, I shall close it now and send it to Genl. 
 Hd. Qrs. whence they will send it by the first man who 
 returns to Perote. Then again it will wait for a chance. 
 
 I have not mentioned who our Brigade Commander 
 was — it is Col. Garland, 4th Infy. Of our Battalion 
 Commander I have become heartily tired. He is 
 eternally cross, snapping and snarling at everybody 
 and at everything. He has been messing with me, 
 but I gave notice to-day that the mess was broken up. 
 I will have my meals undisturbed by ill temper. Every- 
 body is disgusted with him. Pity it is too, as when he 
 chooses he can be an elegant gentleman. 
 
 Friend Lt. Col. W. W. Graham, nth Infy., is with 
 us. He pays me a short visit nearly every day. 
 Our young friend Thomas has a very ugly cough. I 
 had one touch of fever and ague, but two doses of 
 quinine mastered it, and I am now feeling as bright 
 as usual. 
 
 Santa Anna has not gone to the Capital. 'T is said 
 that he is with a handful of troops at Orizaba. Mexico 
 has no Army. May it please God to end this war, 
 and to restore me to my own beloved family. 
 
 No. 7. Tepayahualco, April 29th. Morning. 
 Your sweet letter was received last night after I 
 had closed and sent to Hd. Qrs. my letter No 6. I 
 
In Mexico H7 
 
 cannot allow the return to Perote of an express from our 
 Camp without acknowledging its receipt and thanking 
 you most sincerely for so charming a letter. And so 
 you wonder whether I thought of you on the 26th of 
 March? My answer you have ere this received. 
 
 I pray to God that your mind may have retained the 
 sweet tranquillity which was beaming on it when you 
 wrote, and that you have not been unnerved by the 
 numerous rumors with which the papers must have 
 been filled about the battle of Cerro Gordo — a battle 
 more valuable in its results than any which has been 
 yet fought in Mexico. 
 
 I do not feel like underrating, nor do I intend to 
 underrate, Genl. Taylor's glorious victories, but they 
 differ from Genl. Scott's at Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo 
 in this: in Genl. T.'s actions, but few unconditional 
 surrenders of prisoners have been made. By both of 
 Genl. Scott's about 17,000 Mexicans have been bound 
 not to take further part in the War. Indeed, by the 
 surrender of their Arms, they have been incapacitated 
 from so doing. 
 
 We hear that Genl. Santa Anna could raise a large 
 army of the young men of the country, but that he 
 cannot obtain Arms for them. We shall soon find 
 out what Mexico intends doing; at present panic 
 pervades every place. Whether it will rouse the people 
 to great exertions, or cause them more wisely to turn 
 their thoughts to sweet peace, no one can tell. 
 
 The policy pursued by Genl. Scott is, I think, pro- 
 ducing a favorable result on the common people. 
 Nothing has been forcibly taken. I think that as 
 far as I can see the laboring Mexicans care very little 
 about the War, and that, by a continuance of this 
 course, after a few months they will feel more secure 
 
148 An Artillery Officer 
 
 in their persons and property than they have ever 
 been under their own authorities. 
 
 I fear that there are occasional violations of Genl. 
 Scott's orders, on the part of the Volunteers, and in 
 a small way, on the part of the Regulars, but all these 
 combined amount to much less than they have been 
 compelled to bear from their own soldiery. 
 
 To-day we shall receive a supply of fifteen days* rations 
 in wagons from Vera Cruz ; this neighborhood can furnish 
 our large force with very little of any kind of provisions. 
 We have passed over a very rich belt of land, and 
 are now where there appear to be no large farms. 
 
 The little market in this village contains very little. 
 I went on a foraging party this morning, and the 
 amount of my purchases was one pork's backbone, 
 twenty-five cents, and eight eggs, twenty-five cents. 
 For an old hen, its monster master wanted me to pay 
 seventy-five cents. I give you these as samples of 
 the prices. Occasionally you can get mutton, and a 
 few prematurely ripe tomatoes. When we get to 
 Puebla, we shall again be in the land of plenty. I shall 
 expect to fatten rapidly. The great article of Mexican 
 cookery is the black bean. Frijoli and red peppers 
 grow everywhere. 
 
 I am sorry to tell you that an application has been 
 made by Lt. Thomas for orders to leave Mexico on 
 account of his health. He has a very distressing cough, 
 is unfit for duty, and, if he remains here, will, I think, 
 be useless for a long time. Capt. Taylor has, also 
 applied for the same indulgence: he is incapable of 
 marching, from varicose veins. The 3rd cannot now 
 muster an officer for duty with the companies here. 
 Where all our officers are, 't is hard to find out — some 
 are with the northern portion of the invading Army. 
 
In Mexico H9 
 
 April 29th. Evening. 
 
 I received this evening your letter of the first, 
 full of apprehensions and alarm. You did not 
 express yourself as freely as you did in some of 
 your previous letters, and I regret it because I know- 
 that you would have felt more comforted and resigned 
 after having done so. I know what your state of 
 mind was, but thank God, the agony is now over, 
 and you have since felt how sweet it is to put your 
 trust in "Him who alone can save." 
 
 I had intended keeping this, and writing a long letter, 
 adding something to it daily, but the reception of two 
 letters in two days is an event which deserves special 
 
 notice and a prompt reply. Friend is, I regret 
 
 to say, on a little frolic to-day. I must give him a war 
 talk to-morrow; he is just beginning, I fear, a long 
 spree. A word from Father in this out of the way part 
 of the world would control him greatly. He thinks 
 all the world of his old General. 
 
 One of our officers returns to Perote to-morrow; 
 I shall send this letter by him, hoping that it may be 
 rapidly forwarded to you. Fearing that the express 
 may leave too early for me to add to my letter, I shall 
 close it to-night. My eyes are not strong enough to 
 write well by the light of a Mexican tallow candle, 
 which is all we can get here. 
 
 No news of an advance. We are as quiet here among 
 these people as if we were old friends. How thoughtful 
 of you to keep my old Mother informed of her stray 
 son. Thank you. I ought to write to the family, 
 but, when I take up my pen, it seems that the lines 
 must be addressed to you. 
 
150 An Artillery Officer 
 
 No. 8. Tepeyahualco, Mex. 
 
 May, I, '47. 
 
 Word has just been sent me that a mail would 
 leave in half an hour so that I shall have time to write 
 you a very few lines. Of news there is nothing, except 
 that this morning a messenger from the British Minister 
 at Mexico passed through this place. He says that 
 the Mexican Congress is divided equally, one half 
 for making and the other for opposing a peace. He 
 says that there will be no more fighting, that there 
 are no troops at Puebla, and that in the City no 
 resistance will be made. God grant that we may soon 
 have peace and that his predictions about no more 
 fighting may be verified. 
 
 Genl. Scott has not come up, indeed we have no 
 news from the rear. The climate is here so cold, 
 particularly at night, as to be most unpleasant. 
 Yesterday, as I informed you, one of our officers was 
 sent back to Perote on duty ; he will be up to-morrow, 
 and will bring us information from Hd. Qrs. I am 
 tired of remaining in this miserable place. Nothing 
 is raised here, that I can see, but the Maguey plant, 
 from which pulque, the cider of the country, is obtained. 
 Everything is brought on the backs of donkeys. 
 
 To-morrow, Sunday, is the great market day. We 
 shall see what the neighbors will bring in for our money. 
 These people are the veriest Jews I have ever met. 
 Regarding us as enemies 't is natural that they should 
 make us pay dearly for everything, but it seems to me 
 that our commanders, on arriving at a town, should 
 demand from the Alcalde the customary prices, and 
 arrange a tariff accordingly. 
 
 Orizaba is in distinct view. I do wish you could 
 enjoy with me some of the grand views we oc- 
 
In Mexico 151 
 
 casionally have on our marches. Not a day passes 
 that I do not regret that I have not cultivated the little 
 talent I have for sketching. Fearing that the mail 
 may go suddenly, I must now close. 
 
 Tepeyahualco, Mexico. 
 
 May 1st. 
 
 (The priest spells this word Tepe.) The note sent 
 off this morning was written so hurriedly that you see 
 that I do not count it as one of my letters. That 
 yours of the 1st April about the desponding tone of 
 which I wrote in mine (number 6) should have been 
 written at that time is not at all surprising, as you 
 had just heard of the immense loss of life attending 
 Genl. Taylor's great battle at Buena Vista. But the 
 reports of Genl. Scott's victories at Vera Cruz and 
 Cerro Gordo will, long ere you receive this, shew 
 you that matters are managed here differently. 
 
 There is not a better soldier or braver man than 
 Genl. Z. Taylor, and he will gain victories, but those 
 who fight under him must incur with their Genl., 
 who is nearly always in the front of the battle (where 
 he should not be), the full dangers of an open direct 
 attack. Genl. Scott has his battle-fields well reconnoi- 
 tred, and avails himself of all the advantages which sci- 
 ence or skill may suggest. Maj. Wade, whose tent is next 
 to mine, has come in and commenced talking to me so 
 that I have to stop writing for to-night. Good-night. 
 
 Sunday, May 2nd. 1 1 o'clock. 
 I have just finished my morning's readings in 
 which I always try to make myself think you take 
 your part, and resume my pleasant labor of writing to 
 you. 'T is a labor of love. 
 
152 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Genl. Scott has, we hear, ordered two of the new 
 Regiments to join our Army; the nth Infy. is one; 
 which the other is, I have not heard. I would Hke 
 very much to have Duncan in our Brigade, but the 
 chances are that the 13th has been ordered to Point 
 Isabel; if so, he will be with Genl. Taylor, an excellent 
 friend of Father's. Lt. Andrews states that at Perote, 
 whence he returned yesterday, there are no rumors 
 about our advance; indeed, it is there said that Genl. 
 Worth has received orders from Genl. Scott to make 
 no movement until he receives orders. 
 
 Genl. Santa Anna, report says, is trying to organize 
 an Army at Orizaba which is said to be a very pretty 
 village in a fertile region of country. We may be 
 ordered to take summer quarters there, instead of at 
 Puebla. I should prefer the latter place as it is a large 
 city and one where our men might be made more 
 comfortable than in a smaller place. Here, the 
 majority of the population (evidently nearly full- 
 blooded Indians) live in houses made by driving a 
 few posts in the ground and thatching the sides and 
 tops with a species of palm-leaf. Some few live in houses 
 built of rough stones forming very thick walls, plastered 
 inside and outside, having tiled roofs; the best floors 
 are formed of large bricks about fifteen inches square, 
 or made firm and hard with a kind of cement. The 
 buildings are of one story ; those I have been in, have 
 very little furniture, and that of the rudest kind ; around 
 the walls you find almost invariably, pictures of saints, 
 occasionally a painting, generally coarse, colored 
 engravings. 
 
 The other morning I was offered, seemingly as a 
 great treat, one of their dishes, a little pork cut in 
 fine pieces, rolled in commeal dough, and boiled^ 
 
In Mexico 153 
 
 well covered by a com shuck. It tasted pretty well, 
 and I answered their enquiries by telling them it was 
 muy bueno. Perhaps I went to market this morning 
 too early. I saw nothing there but some chickens, 
 a few eggs (three cents apiece), and onions one cent 
 apiece. 
 
 I hear that our Brigade Commander saw Lt. Johnson 
 (you saw him at Ft. Moultrie) going to church this 
 morning and that he expressed dissatisfaction at his 
 going alone^fears that officers may be murdered in 
 church! What next? Lt. Thomas is not improving; 
 indeed, I think that if he be not sent off very soon, that 
 he will die ; he is a very sick man, and has never been 
 well since he had an attack of brain fever at Monterey. 
 He ought to have left the country then, but could not 
 be induced to do so. I will now put away this letter 
 till after dinner. 
 
 Having mentioned that I would stop writing till 
 after dinner, I may as well state what our dinner 
 was, particularly as it was a very respectable dinner and 
 very well cooked for a camp. First course, vermicelli 
 soup, rice; second, midlings and greens, and fricassee 
 (beef, bacon, and onions), pickles; third course, Mame 
 pear and musk melon, sauce, sherry wine and sugar. 
 The melon was a present. Thus you see that I am 
 not starving here. The we composing our Mess 
 embraces Wade and myself. Lt. Thomas is a third, 
 but is too sick to join us at table. Here is where we 
 live; the area is surrounded by a rough stone wall 
 about twelve feet high; it was formerly a room, but 
 the rafters and roof having decayed, it is now exposed 
 to the light of the stars ; the floor is of cement. 
 
 Genl. Scott's order for the troops to hold them- 
 selves in readiness to advance as soon as our expected 
 
154 An Artillery Officer 
 
 supply train reaches Jalapa with provisions from Vera 
 Cruz, was received this morning. He says that as 
 it will soon be impossible to keep up the communication 
 with Vera Cruz, it will be necessary for the Army to 
 look to the country for its means of subsistence. He 
 therefore urges the necessity of conciliation and kind 
 treatment towards the countrymen. States that 
 nothing must be taken from them without payment 
 being made, denounces those who act differently, 
 as enemies of their Country, etc. So I presume that 
 we shall soon leave this place. This all of us will re- 
 joice at, as the water is so bad here that our sick 
 lists are daily increasing. If this be a fair sample 
 of the water in volcanic countries, I prefer al- 
 most any other. The parade drum is now beat- 
 ing, so that I must stop again, resuming, if I can, to- 
 night. 
 
 Monday, May 3rd. 
 
 Lt. Totten, son of Col. Totten, Engineers, one of 
 the new appointments, has just joined us. He came 
 up the day before yesterday from Vera Cruz. I 
 am sorry to learn that Genl. Scott was indisposed, 
 when he, Lt. T., passed through Jalapa. He says 
 that the Genl. was writing when he called to see 
 him but that he had been suffering from chills and 
 fever. This is certainly, to persons coming from 
 the seacoast, a sickly climate. The people of the 
 country look well and hearty, but our sick list is 
 still increasing daily. 
 
 Lt. T. informs me that some companies of the new 
 Regts. had already arrived at Vera Cruz, that there 
 were many cases of dysentery among the men, as with 
 us, but no yellow fever. Col. Wilson is, I believe, a 
 
In Mexico i55 
 
 very good police officer, and will do all in his power 
 to keep the City clean. 
 
 I omitted mentioning that my right bower, Derr, 
 had been unwell ; he is now nearly well and will, I hope, 
 continue so. Old Wilson is with us — he was unwilling 
 to be left behind. Most of the "G's" left in the 
 Hospital at Vera Cruz are now, I learn by a note from 
 Dr. Porter, on their way to join me. I regret not 
 finding Cramer's name among them. As he is a handy 
 man and pretty good clerk. Dr. P. may have kept 
 him, though well enough to'^have been sent with 
 the rest. I hope, for the sake of his poor wife, 
 that my surmise may be correct. Capt. Lee, Engi- 
 neers, thinks that we shall leave this place in a few 
 days. 
 
 Our Surgeons have urged Genl. Worth in the strong- 
 est manner to remove the troops from here as soon 
 as possible. Genl. Worth still remains at Perote, and 
 as such representations have been made to him about 
 our unhealthiness, I fancy we shall not see him until 
 we are to resume our advance. 
 
 At Perote the Ord. Officers are engaged in breaking 
 up the small arms found in the Castle and in collecting 
 and preparing the powder for transportation. The 
 number of muskets collected at Cerro Gordo and at 
 Perote must have been very great. As they were of 
 no use to us, it was perhaps wise to order them to be 
 destroyed. 
 
 Mr. Thomas says that he feels somewhat better to- 
 day. Dr. Satterlee came to see him yesterday; 
 he says that he is not dangerously ill, but that if his 
 disease be not soon checked he will become so. An 
 answer to his application to be ordered to the United 
 States may be received to-morrow. 
 
156 An Artillery Officer 
 
 May 4th. 
 
 The return train which has, I learn, just arrived is to 
 take a mail back, and I regret most deeply to say 
 that we have been notified that it will be our last 
 opportunity for some time for writing home. I hope 
 that this will not be so, but at present it has the sanc- 
 tion of the highest in authority here, as our Brigade 
 Commander told one of our officers this morning that 
 after this mail was despatched, it would be along 
 time before another would be sent. Should you there- 
 fore fail to receive letters as regularly as you have 
 hitherto, you will know the cause and not be uneasy. 
 
 We expect to leave for Puebla in two or three days, 
 and no resistance will be made. The inhabitants, we 
 hear, are preparing for our reception — cleaning and 
 whitewashing their barracks, baking bread, etc. I hope 
 that when the citizens of Mexico find our army es- 
 tablished in our summer quarters there, they will 
 feel the inutility of resistance, and to save themselves 
 the disgrace of having to surrender their Capital, they 
 will make peace. God grant that this may be soon 
 accomplished; of one thing you may be well assured, 
 that I will eagerly embrace every opportunity of 
 writing to you. 
 
 We are now so far in, that I presume if peace be made 
 soon after we reach Puebla, we can hardly hope to be 
 able to leave the country until late in the Fall ; so that 
 I must make up my mind to abandon all idea and hope 
 of seeing you for many a weary month. 
 
 Seven of the men left at Vera Cruz arrived this 
 morning. I am sorry to learn from them that Cramer 
 was very sick when they left. There had been no 
 cases of yellow fever in the Hospital where my men 
 were. I was afraid that our Doctor would send some 
 
In Mexico i57 
 
 of the Company to the Hospital at Perote or Jalapa. 
 
 I have been overlooking your letters and find that 
 commencing with the one of Jany. 7th I have them 
 for each week to the 1st of April. Can it be that after 
 one or two mails more we are to be cut off from our 
 communication with Vera Cruz, and to be deprived 
 of the invaluable blessing of hearing from our families? 
 I cannot think that Genl. Scott will not, soon after 
 reaching Puebla, make some arrangement for receiving 
 and forwarding mails. 
 
 Mr. Thomas, who since he has had a hope of leaving 
 the country has gradually improved, will leave to- 
 morrow morning. Capt. Taylor will probably start 
 with him. They do not know whether they will be 
 allowed to go directly to the United States or have 
 to stop at Perote or Jalapa. Perote, except the 
 superiority of its water, is not much better than this 
 place. I envy the gentlemen the happiness which 
 awaits them on their return home, but would dislike 
 to be sent there on account of ill-health. 
 
 I send in this letter some seed of the most beautiful 
 yellow tomato I ever saw. We may have the same 
 kind in the United States, but I have never seen them. 
 I have several other kinds of seed, but as some of them 
 cannot well be sent in letters I have them stowed away 
 in the top of my old trunk. The com is, in this region, 
 very small in its grain, which is very long. There is 
 a very pretty variety of small black com, some of which 
 I will bring home. Barley is cultivated here in 
 greater abimdance than any of the small grains; the 
 grain and straw is the principal food for horses. I may 
 not have time in the morning to write any more; if 
 I can I will cross-write a little, and will therefore close 
 my letter now. 
 
158 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Do not be over-anxious at not hearing from me; 
 believe no newspaper stories from the Army. I 
 cannot resist giving you here one or two instances of 
 misstatements to shew you how much we who are 
 in the Army are deceived by false statements. Genl. 
 Shields and Lt. Dana have both been reported dead — 
 information positive — the last news is that they are 
 both at Jalapa and with favorable chances of recovery. 
 Fortunately, I did not write to Lt. Dana's mother, as 
 I was near doing. Placing with me your whole 
 confidence in God, let us hope that it may soon be 
 His pleasure to restore me in good health to you. 
 
 May 5th. Before breakfast. The express goes early 
 this morning, so that I shall barely have time to bid 
 you good-morning. Dr. Satterlee has decided that 
 Capt. Taylor is not to go. Lt. Thomas leaves with 
 the express. Good-bye, etc. Shall write to my dear 
 Mother by this mail. 
 
 No. 9. Tepeyahualco, Mexico. 
 
 Wednesday, May 5th. 
 Although I wrote this morning, and warned you 
 that I might not have an opportunity again of soon 
 forwarding a letter to you, I cannot refrain from 
 pursuing my old and pleasant task of writing to you. 
 This day one month ago, I left Vera Cruz. One 
 month before that, I reached Anton Lizards. What 
 important events have taken place since the last men- 
 tioned dates ! How different might have been my fate, 
 but for the all-sustaining power and mercy of God ! I 
 pray that I may become daily more and more fervently 
 thankful for His mercies, and may feel my entire 
 dependence on Him more fully than I have hitherto. 
 
In Mexico i59 
 
 Preparations are being made here for the reception 
 of the remainder of the Army, but I have not heard 
 that any information had been received as to the time 
 they might be expected. I presume that as the ac- 
 commodations are very insufficient here, even for our 
 present force (about 1500 men) we shall advance 
 as soon as another portion of the Army arrives. As 
 Puebla is a large city, containing between sixty and 
 seventy thousand inhabitants, I suppose the Army, 
 or the larger portion of it, will make a display by 
 entering it in one body. 
 
 We hear that a large mail is on its way, but why it 
 does not come as rapidly as rumor, which reports its 
 slow movement, I cannot tell. I hope it will soon 
 arrive, as I am very anxious to hear from you. Your 
 next letter will give me news of you up to the eighth 
 of April and may perhaps inform me when you will 
 leave for Habersham. I fear that I may have changed 
 the direction of my letters too soon. But anxious that 
 a letter should reach Clarkesville about the time you 
 did, I changed my direction, hoping to give you an 
 agreeable surprise. 
 
 I have just seen Genl. Scott's order, dated Japala, 
 May 3rd, announcing that Genl. Patterson's Division 
 was to commence its march by brigade on the next 
 day. Genl. Worth also announces to his Division 
 that it is to resume the march in the advance of the 
 Army. 
 
 His order alludes to the cowardly conduct of the 
 Mexicans in assassinating some of our men, perhaps 
 some stragglers on our marches. Our men frequently 
 lag behind the column, sometimes through fatigue, at 
 other times for the purpose of pilfering or drinking. 
 I am not at all astonished at their being murdered. 
 
i6o An Artillery Officer 
 
 From the tenor of these orders I presume we shall 
 leave here on the 7th, and I have not the least idea 
 of seeing a soldier enemy between this and Puebla. 
 
 The Mexican Congress have, it is said, already- 
 adopted resolutions as to what they will do when our 
 Army marches to their Capital. Poor deluded Nation — 
 the people are not fit for self-government, and we are, 
 perhaps, instruments intended to open this country to 
 the world and finally to establish enlightened and free 
 government in it. Education must first be spread 
 among the masses, who are now ignorant and idle. 
 
 That our Army will be followed by active and en- 
 terprising men, who will remain in the Country, I 
 do not doubt. They will give a stimulus which will 
 finally produce good results and effect great changes 
 in the people and Country. God grant that 7 may soon 
 complete my task in this great work, and be restored 
 to my native land and my own beloved fireside. 
 
 I have been listening this afternoon to the band 
 of the 4th Infy. (now under command of Lt. Col. 
 W. W. Graham, nth Infy.) and am better pleased 
 with its music than with that of any of the bands 
 with the Army. The former leader of the 4th Arty. 
 Band, Bloomfield, is at his first station, the recruiting 
 depot. New York Harbor. Since his departure, that 
 Band has deteriorated very much. I must now bid 
 you good-night. Bonsoir. 
 
 Thursday, May 6th. Early this morning, four French 
 gentlemen arrived from Puebla. They report that 
 no opposition will be made, that the inhabitants of 
 Puebla expect us, and do not know what to think about 
 our not going on. They do not appear to be men of 
 consequence, but may be intended to learn what o\ir 
 
In Mexico i^i 
 
 expectations and plans are. They speak of going to 
 Jalapa, and say that a pledge given by Genl. Scott 
 to the Church Party will have a good effect, that the 
 War Party are circulating reports that we are inimical 
 to their Church, and that we will not respect their 
 persons, or protect them in their rights and property. 
 As this pledge is no more than the Genl. has already 
 given, there will be no difficulty on that point. 
 
 The Mexican Congress is still in session and it is 
 said to be issuing commissions to Guerrilla officers. 
 If they commence that species of warfare, and wage 
 it in the cruel manner their relations did in Spain, we 
 shall be compelled to adopt a mode of warfare totally 
 abhorrent to our feelings and wishes. God grant that 
 I may never be engaged in so conducting a war as to 
 be compelled to give no quarter, to take no prisoners. 
 I do not believe that the Mexicans will attempt a 
 game in which they are so certain of being the heaviest 
 losers. 
 
 No mail yet. No news to-day from Genl. Hd. 
 Qrs., though we all expect orders this evening to be 
 ready for our forward move to-morrow or the next 
 day. Although our men have crowded the sick 
 lists since we arrived, the time here has not been lost, 
 as by our daily drills we are getting our raw soldiers into 
 some semblance of military men. "G" Co. is now 
 on paper loo strong, but I rarely have more than 60 
 on duty. 
 
 No case here of serious sickness, but cases sufficiently 
 important to render it necessary for them to be excused 
 from duty. What has become of my old friend Capt. 
 Burke? The last heard of him was that he was re- 
 cruiting his Compy, in North Carolina. 
 
 The provision of the Bill passed by the last Con- 
 
i62 An Artillery Officer 
 
 gress, granting one hundred and sixty acres of land 
 to all who serve during the war, must, I think, have 
 soon presented him with enough recruits to fill his 
 Compy. If he has succeeded in completing his Compy. 
 I suppose we shall soon have him with us. We will 
 then have in our little Battalion the three senior 
 Captains of the Regt. 
 
 My joumeyings are all plain matter of fact joggings 
 on. We start early in the morning, and after a certain 
 number of halts, stop at some designated spot, where 
 we make ourselves as comfortable as we can for the 
 night. As it is now near Retreat, I will close for to- 
 night. 
 
 Friday, May 7th. 4 p.m. A Command of two Com- 
 panies of Infy. and one of Dragoons was sent forward 
 this morning on the Puebla road, some fifteen miles, to 
 bring an Alcalde, or some of his subjects, to task for 
 preventing the inhabitants around his town from bring- 
 ing provisions to our troops here. This move will, I 
 presume, be totally unexpected, and his being brought 
 down and probably sent to Perote may have a good 
 effect. Our paying the Mexicans liberally for what 
 they bring will induce them to come, our punishing 
 those who prevent them, will shew them that we know 
 and feel our strength, and that it will be exerted when 
 necessity demands it. 
 
 The Command will not return till sometime to- 
 morrow. No mail and no positive information about 
 one. Col. Garland received, I hear, a letter from Genl. 
 Worth last night informing him that we were not to 
 advance as soon as had been anticipated. What 
 important or unimportant events have caused this 
 delay is left to prolific conjecture. 
 
In Mexico 163 
 
 It is amusing to hear the various reasons assigned 
 for everything, the object of which is not understood. 
 Some surmise that the express, whose passing my last 
 letter announced, had important communications 
 from the British Minister for Genl. Scott, etc. I care 
 very little what takes place, so that a peace be soon 
 honorably secured. 
 
 I have said very little of the temperature and ap- 
 parent climate of this place. The climate is not unlike 
 that where you are (Habersham'). Exposed to the 
 sun during the day, between nine and four it is very 
 warm, uncomfortably so, and at night it is sufficiently 
 cold to require at least two good blankets as covering. 
 How our poor men are to sleep out exposed, as they must 
 be on the march from this place to Puebla, to the chilly 
 night wind without tents and some of them without 
 blankets, I cannot imagine, without their being made 
 sick. 
 
 At Major Wade's request, as he said it would gratify 
 his wife very much, I wrote her a note the other day, 
 informing her that we were messing together, and 
 that we had promised to take care of each other. 
 She is, you remember, a sister of Bvt. Major Robert 
 C. Buchanan, and is said to be a remarkably fine 
 woman. The Major will not, I fear, return home so 
 as to be present at his daughter's marriage. He is 
 an excellent-hearted, and one of the most liberal men 
 we have with us. 
 
 I much prefer living as we now do, to being in the large 
 Mess I had when we arrived. Now we are sociable. 
 Then our Commander worried me at every meal by 
 some display of petulance, or by uttering some ill- 
 
 ' Genl. Clinch's seat in the northern part of Georgia in the moun- 
 tains. 
 
1^4 An Artillery Officer 
 
 natured or ungentlemanly remark. He now enjoys 
 his solitary meal alone. The Adjt. eats with one of 
 the Compy. officers. 
 
 The market people are becoming much more rea- 
 sonable in their prices; we now buy a dozen eggs for 
 eighteen and three quarters cents, occasionally five 
 cents for a pie ; onions, sixteen for six and one quarter 
 cents, and bananas, seven for six and one quarter cents. 
 Chickens half grown, eighteen and three quarters 
 cents each. These prices will do very well. The fresh 
 meats we get are generally hog and sheep — the hogs 
 always skinned — most funny-looking things they are 
 with their jackets off. In this region, we scarcely ever 
 see a cow. 
 
 I must now go out and take a look at the drill; 
 our men get enough of it, two hours before dinner, and 
 two in the afternoon. Our Regt. is the only one in 
 the Brigade whose companies have to drill in the 
 morning. 
 
 Saturday, May 8th. 
 
 Anniversary of the battle of Palo Alto, the beginning 
 of the War. Poor Mexico, what has she not lost during 
 the past year ! The progress of oiu* Arms has been as- 
 tonishing. The Companies sent out yesterday have 
 returned. They found within twelve miles of us a very 
 fertile valley, where an abundance of grain, mutton, and 
 pork can be obtained for our troops. 
 
 A fine village, San Juan de los Llanos, was visited. 
 There they found marks of refined civilization — ice- 
 cream, champagne, and nice candies. Barley and 
 com are extensively cultivated there. 
 
 The Prefeto had escaped; he is the man who is 
 responsible to the Govt, and was the man the Command 
 
In Mexico 165 
 
 went after. The Alcalde professed friendship, and 
 promised to send provisions in. 
 
 One man, the rich man of the valley, was stubborn 
 and surly. The Officer in command told him that we 
 wanted supplies, and that he would be paid well for 
 them if he would bring them in, but that if he did not 
 send or bring his grain, etc., in to-day, that a Command 
 would be sent for them, and that no remuneration 
 would be made to him. He promised to send in what 
 he had. 
 
 Genl. Scott's order directing the discharge of the 
 Volunteers whose terms of service are about expiring 
 was received this morning. Major Genl. Patterson 
 returns to the United States with them. He is com- 
 plimented. Brig. Genl. Quitman, Mississippi, remains 
 in command of four Regiments of Volunteers of the 
 last levy. The 6th Regt. of Infy. will join us this 
 evening. Whether this indicates an advance, we 
 know not. 
 
 Major, I ask pardon, Lt. Col. Graham has just 
 informed me that the express was to leave immediately 
 for Perote. Fearing that I may lose the chance of 
 this mail, and be thus thrown back for several days, 
 I will now close. 
 
 No. lo, Tepeyahualco. 
 
 Saturday, May 8, 1847. 
 No. 9 was despatched this morning. I hope it may 
 be sent rapidly to its destination. 
 
 Soon after it was mailed. Col. Garland, our Brigade 
 Commander, paid me a visit and shewed me an order 
 from Genl. Worth directing him to send a Compy. of 
 the 3rd Arty, back to Perote, to constitute part of its 
 garrison and also a letter from the Genl. A. D. C. sug- 
 
i66 An Artillery Officer 
 
 gesting that Capt. Robert Anderson would be a proper 
 person to send, ist, "for his peculiar fitness," etc. , etc. I 
 immediately told the Col. that I appreciated the com- 
 pliment very highly, but I was convinced that the 
 climate of Perote would not suit me, and that I thought 
 Dr. Satterlee, our Senior Brigadier Surgeon, would so 
 decide. We immediately went to see the Dr. who 
 promptly said no, it would not do to send me there. 
 
 My friend the Dr. has thus saved me from being 
 incarcerated in that Castle for the summer. I cannot 
 bear the place — it reminds me of a penitentiary, and 
 the rooms even were very uncomfortable to my feel- 
 ings during my stay there. A regular fever and ague 
 place. Capt. Taylor was then ordered, and he has 
 already left with his Company. 
 
 I am desirous of going as far into the interior as 
 any one goes. But as our Battalion is reduced to 
 three companies I fear we may be broken up to garri- 
 son different places along the road. The 6th Infy. 
 will arrive here this evening, the remainder of the 
 1st Division will stop to-night at San Antonio, be- 
 tween Perote and this place; to-morrow Genl. Worth 
 is to arrive and we are to resume the march the next 
 day, the loth. 
 
 We hear nothing of our long-talked-of mail, but hope 
 that it may come with a large train. Genl. Scott's order 
 mentions it as being on its way from Vera Cruz. 
 
 By the bye, I think I did not mention that a train 
 bringing up about $500,000, was attacked the other 
 day at Santa Fe, the first watering place this side 
 of Vera Cruz. The rancher os followed the train about 
 three miles, but were finally driven off. Supplies 
 have been sent in to-day from San Juan de los Llanos. 
 From the representations given of that place, it seems 
 
In Mexico 167 
 
 to me unfortunate that we did not send a command 
 there soon after our arrival here; it might have added 
 much to our comforts in the eating Hne. 
 
 I dined to-day at Brigade Hd. Qrs. and will, to shew 
 you that their bill of fare was not much better than we 
 have, tell you what our dinner was. Chicken soup 
 with rice, pretty good ; loaf corn bread (a rarity and 
 treat) and wheat bread; second course: roast turkey, 
 stuffed, plenty of onions — turkey not quite done — rice. 
 Dessert, pineapple. I confess to two things that we 
 cannot place on the table : claret wine and a fine glass 
 of sherry, in drinking which we did not forget the 
 battle of Palo Alto. 
 
 Genl. Quitman, we hear, has been promoted to a 
 Major Generalcy, and is the only one of our recent 
 Brigadiers who is to remain in Mexico. Generals Pillow 
 and Shields, both wounded, will, I presume, soon return 
 as heroes to their homes. No news from Puebla or 
 Mexico to-day. 
 
 Sunday, May 9th. 
 
 The order is out for our march to-morrow. The 
 Brigade takes the lead, with the Compy. of Dragoons 
 under Capt. Sibley, Lt. Col. Duncan's Battery of 
 Arty, and the train of Heavy Ordnance — one battering 
 train; on the day following, the other Brigade of this 
 Division. The remainder of the Army will, I presume, 
 follow in the same order. 
 
 Genl. Scott must certainly soon establish some regu- 
 larity in the means of transportation and transmitting 
 intelligence to and from home. I have amused myself 
 to-day in reading the newspaper accounts of our 
 landing at, and investing Vera Cruz. The enemy's 
 fortifications, possession of which was taken by our 
 
i68 An Artillery Officer 
 
 troops the day we landed, must have been Chateaux en 
 Espagne, Hterally Castles in the air, for we never 
 heard of them before. 
 
 My letters will appear tame, compared with the 
 graphic accounts of our famous letter- writers. I wish 
 that those gentlemen would stick to their desks at 
 home. The Savannah papers appear determined to 
 make heroes of all her sons ; it will tax the ingenuity 
 of their editors to raise the Navy as high as the 
 paragraphs we have seen indicate their desire to do. 
 
 I presume that you have read Genl. Scott's report 
 of the capture of Vera Cruz and also of the battle 
 of Cerro Gordo; we shall not see them till returned 
 to the Army by the United States papers. The 
 Genl. has not sent us his order on the victory of Cerro 
 Gordo. I do not know why he delays; he must, ere 
 this, have received returns and reports from the Com- 
 manders of Divisions and Brigades, furnishing materials 
 for an order. 
 
 Genl. Worth has not arrived yet, but he will, I 
 presume, certainly come up this evening. We start 
 to-morrow with five days' rations, two days' cooked, in 
 the men's haversacks. Another of the men left at 
 Vera Cruz came up to-day. I am sorry to hear him 
 say that he does not think that three of those who 
 were left behind will ever join the Comp3^ again. 
 This campaign has been a very trying one on the poor 
 soldier. The sick report of our Battalion for this 
 morning was about sixt3^ I have had one man sent 
 back to the Hospital at Perote, and regret it as I 
 think he will not be much improved by the change. 
 
 We have not heard of or from Mr. Thomas since 
 he left us; he will continue to improve so long as he 
 flatters himself with the hope that he is to leave the 
 
In Mexico 169 
 
 country, and so great an influence do I think his 
 imagination exercises over his disease, that I am satis- 
 fied, if he were stopped at Perote by a denial of his ap- 
 plication that we should soon hear of his being a very 
 sick man. 
 
 To-day we have had no drills, a decided improvement 
 on the doings of last Sunday, when no respect was shewn 
 for the day. We ought to be very particular here, 
 as we have been represented as opposed to the religion of 
 the Country, and being determined to put the priest- 
 hood down. 
 
 Genl. Scott has ordered a spirit of conciliation to 
 be practised, and among other things, we should seem 
 to evince respect for the Sabbath. I hope, without 
 very urgent necessity, we shall have no more drills 
 on Sunday. Hoping that I may have an opportunity 
 of writing a few words before we leave to-morrow, 
 I shall now close. 
 
 Monday, May loth, seven o'clock. 
 
 Yours of 9th April was received yesterday. Thank 
 God your anxiety was relieved by the next mail, as 
 by letters from Savannah I find that Lt. Van Vliet, 
 who was at the siege, arrived there on the 14th. But 
 you must try to put your confidence more entirely on 
 the merciful Father who has so constantly guarded 
 us from every danger. 'T is He who rules the storm 
 and governs its course to subserve His own wise 
 purposes. 
 
 I will not have time to write a long letter this morning, 
 as we start at eight, and all are now busy loading 
 the wagons. 
 
 We will reach Puebla in about four days. No 
 information of any hostile force on or near the road. 
 
170 An Artillery Officer 
 
 No. II. PuEBLA, Mexico. 
 May 15th, twenty minutes past one p.m. 
 
 I have this moment washed the dust of the road 
 from my face and hands, after having made our 
 entree into the City early this morning. We were 
 kept in the Plaza waiting for the selection of our 
 quarters for about three hours. We are now quartered 
 not far from the centre of Puebla, in an old barrack. 
 So much better, however, than we have been accustomed 
 to in Tepeyahualco, that we consider them reasonably 
 good. Major Wade and myself have again taken a 
 room together — this I agreed to rather than to incon- 
 venience all the young officers by my selecting a 
 separate room. 
 
 This is a beautiful City, well built; some of the 
 squares or blocks must have cost immense sums. 
 The Cathedral is a very large building, very massive, 
 but not of as beautiful or good a style as some of the 
 churches. I may, however, before saying anything 
 more about the City, take up the narrative of my 
 march from the day of our leaving Tepeyahualco, 
 the date of my last letter, loth inst. 
 
 That night we encamped at Virreyes, ten miles; 
 the nth we marched about thirteen miles, and en- 
 camped at a horridly dirty hacienda, called Santa 
 Anna. We had, however, passed a very pretty little 
 church at Ojo de Agua — the country improving in 
 fertility and losing somewhat of its volcanic traces. 
 Very contradictory reports of the enem^y on the 12th. 
 Passed about midday Nopolucan, the place where the 
 road running from Vera Cruz to Mexico intersects 
 the road we came. 
 
 The Padre met Genl. Worth before reaching the 
 City, and was very kind and full of friendly pro- 
 
PWl'IM'U-"t'KTlW!-» 
 
 • : ^1^ «} 
 
 
In Mexico in 
 
 fessions whilst we were there. He requested that 
 the soldiers might be permitted to walk through the 
 church. It has a great deal of gilding, filled with 
 paintings; some of them, I would judge, making al- 
 lowance for a miserably bad light in which they are 
 seen, are very good. In one room, removed from the 
 main body of the church by a side door, I saw a repre- 
 sentation of our Saviour lying dead in a bed; the 
 coverlid was said to be more than two hundred years 
 old, well worn, worked with silk figures, flowers, etc. 
 The whole affair did not produce a favorable effect 
 on our minds. There was nothing pleasant either 
 in the design or execution of any part of it. 
 
 Encamped this night at the Hacienda de Piiial 
 where we were joined by the 2nd Brigade, under 
 Col. Clarke. Rumors of Santa Anna's having gone 
 to Puebla. Twenty pickets posted around Camp, the 
 soldiers informed that the enemy "are said to be 
 near," and that they must sleep on their arms. To 
 cap the climax, and to render a false alarm inevitable, 
 an issue of grog was made after tattoo. About two 
 in the morning, the whole Army turned out, because 
 some of the men on guard fired at jackasses or some- 
 thing else — drink the cause. 
 
 The valley of Nopolucan is very rich, presenting a beau- 
 tiful appearance, the fields divided by hedges of Maguey. 
 
 13th. Marched through a romantic country, the first 
 part of our route much broken, reached Amozoc, about 
 fourteen miles, early in the afternoon. No one knows 
 anything positive about Santa Anna. Men informed 
 that we are to remain here one day, for the arrival 
 of Genl. Quitman, and to enable them to clean and 
 brush up. A quiet undisturbed night. 
 
172 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Sunday, i6th. Soon after breakfast, whilst the men 
 were busy cleaning belts, guns, etc., we were startled 
 by hearing the long roll. All were soon under arms, 
 when we heard that the enemy was coming down from 
 Puebla. They were seen filing along the base of a 
 hill about three quarters of a mile to the right of 
 the town, their line extending as far as the configuration 
 of the country permitted us to see, say a mile. Troops, 
 Arty,, Cavalry, and Infantry were immediately dis- 
 patched to attack them. Couriers were instantly sent 
 to inform Genl. Quitman of their presence — he was 
 known by Genl. W. to be within four miles of the City. 
 
 Reports stated that the Mexican troops, as seen, 
 amounted to about 5000 Cavalry. The Ord., Arty., and 
 Col. Smith's light Battalion were stationed in the 
 public Plaza, to guard it, and to remain there in reserve. 
 
 Firing of cannon was soon heard, and in a moment 
 the men stationed on the house tops proclaimed, by 
 a shout, that the Mexicans were running in every 
 direction. Having but parts of two Companies of 
 Cavalry with us, we could not avail ourselves of that, 
 the only species of troops useful in picking up the 
 retreating enemy, so that they got off with the loss 
 of such men as were killed by our Arty. The Infy. 
 brought in six prisoners, one of them an ill-looking 
 Padre. We had not a man either killed or wounded 
 by the enemy, who passed by the town towards the 
 direction we came from. Genl. Quitman saw them, 
 but as soon as he showed preparations of arrangements 
 for a fight, they bore off. 
 
 Genl. Worth questioned the prisoners and learned 
 that Genl. Santa Anna was with the Mexican troops. 
 The loss of the enemy in killed was reported to be 
 sixteen — ^it may have been much larger. 
 
In Mexico i73 
 
 The troops were dismissed about twelve o'clock 
 with orders for our Brigade to be ready for a march 
 at three o'clock. We had scarcely finished a hasty 
 meal at half past eleven when we were summoned to 
 our Arms, and after a little delay, were told that we were 
 not to march for one hour, and that the Command 
 must be prepared for a night march. Left the City 
 about the appointed time, and marched about a mile 
 and a half; encamped under orders that we would 
 start between eight and ten o'clock. 
 
 Symptoms of rain shewing themselves very plainly, 
 Maj. W. and I had a small tent pitched, A few min- 
 utes afterwards, a heavy storm came on. During 
 the rain, a Staff Officer rode up, stating that the move- 
 ment was postponed till three a.m. As the Major 
 and myself were about composing ourselves to sleep, 
 we heard our even-tempered Colonel say "that he 
 wished to God that he had his tent pitched." We 
 then determined that we would ask him to come 
 in with us. The invitation was immediately accepted, 
 and he slept there till word came that it was nearly 
 three o'clock and that we were to march at a quarter 
 past. He didn't say "thankee" but "moseyed" off. 
 
 I then went to Hd. Qrs. where I saw five genteel- 
 looking Mexicans, who Col. Garland told me were a 
 deputation from Puebla. Whilst there, a note was 
 received from Genl. W. stating that in consequence of 
 the darkness of the night the troops would not leave 
 Amozoc till daylight. Word was now sent to our 
 Command that we would march at daylight. 
 
 We left in the morning of the 15th at half -past five. 
 I have been thus minute, to let you into the secrets of 
 one night of a campaign, and to shew you how inno- 
 cently sleep may be killed. 
 
174 An Artillery Officer 
 
 After divers halts along the road, we made our 
 entrance into this City about noon yesterday. Nearly 
 all of its eighty thousand inhabitants must have shown 
 themselves either along the sides of the streets, or 
 in and upon the houses. It reminded me of a New 
 York crowd on some celebration day — turning the New 
 Yorkers into some resemblance to Florida Indians. 
 
 Having brought you into this City, I will not attempt 
 any description of it at this time. I am not only 
 desirous of seeing something of it first, but am appre- 
 hensive, if I delay sending this letter to Hd. Qrs. 
 that a courier may be despatched to Genl. Scott 
 without it. I shall only therefore now add, that I 
 am in a room by myself, and that I visited the grandest 
 church this morning I ever saw — the same whose front 
 and external appearance I mentioned as not pleasing 
 me much. Genl. Santa Anna is said to be at St. 
 Martin, about nine leagues (thirty miles) from here, 
 on the road to Mexico. An election for President 
 took place yesterday; we do not know the result. 
 
 No. 12. PUEBLA DE LOS AnGELES. 
 
 May 17, 1847. 
 
 I fear that our correspondence cannot be continued 
 with the punctuality which has attended it thus far. 
 Should any of my letters fall into the hands of His 
 Excellency Genl. Santa Anna or any of his officers, 
 I hope that they will do me the favor of forwarding 
 them to you. My letters can be of no possible service 
 to them, as I, from my position, am debarred from all 
 knowledge of the secret plans (if they have any) of 
 our Commanders. No. 11 was sent to Hd. Qrs. 
 yesterday, and is, I hope, well on its way. 
 
 I have been strolling round the City but have seen 
 
In Mexico i75 
 
 very little of its beauties. The style of building of the 
 houses and of the churches is entirely different from 
 anything I have seen. The people too, the lower class 
 particularly, remind me, as I see them around the 
 fountains, of the old pictures of the Egyptians. I 
 cannot say much for the beauty of their Rebeccas, 
 for as yet I have not seen a tolerably handsome face. 
 
 Genl. Worth called, with the Commanders of 
 Regiments and Corps, on the Bishop this morning. 
 They were very affably received; the Bishop professed 
 that he wished to see kindly courtesies felt and ex- 
 changed between his flock and ourselves. He re- 
 turned the call in about an hour. 
 
 Lt. Austine says that he never saw such splendor 
 as was in everything connected with the Bishop's 
 Palace; the walls were filled with the choicest paint- 
 ings. The Bishop, a very old Spaniard, apparently 
 eighty or ninety, mentioned that he was in New York 
 in 1825. If he and his clerical brethren desire, they 
 can bring about a peace. God grant that wisdom and 
 not passion may prevail in their meditations on this 
 subject, and that they may ere long deserve and 
 receive the blessings of all good Christians for accom- 
 plishing this desirable result. 
 
 The priests must know that if the war continues 
 much longer, there will be great danger of their churches 
 being reduced to the level of other denominations, 
 which will be called into existence to satisfy the wants of 
 tens of thousands of foreigners who will be attracted 
 from every part of Europe by the reports of the richness 
 of their lands, the deHghtful temperature of their 
 climate, presenting to the palate every delicacy of the 
 most favored climes. 
 
 If the War be soon terminated, and the United 
 
176 An Artillery Officer 
 
 States will not, I presume, though in actual possession 
 of all the seaports and of the largest and best portions 
 of their country, ask for a peace which will not save 
 Mexican honor, she can soon resume the ordinary- 
 functions of her Govt, and if she prefers, again close 
 her doors to foreigners. As I shall probably spin out 
 this letter to a more than usual length, I will not 
 attempt any description of churches or City, till I 
 have had more than a mere glance at them. ^^^-^ have 
 not heard from Genl. Scott since our arrival. Report 
 says that an express despatched by him to Genl. 
 Worth has been cut off. I think it quite probable, 
 as there is great danger, even in times of peace, in 
 travelling along the route we came. 
 
 I may have something to say about manufactures be- 
 fore closing this letter, as Puebla is called by some 
 the Lowell of Mexico. 
 
 May i8th. 
 
 In walking through the streets this morning, I saw 
 many boys and women exposing for sale Genl. Scott's 
 address to the Mexican people. Presuming that all these 
 papers are as responsible as our papers, I will merely 
 state that he tells them truths in such a simple style, 
 in relation to the manner in which the people and Army 
 have been misled, and shamefully abandoned by their 
 Govt, and generals, that it will do much good. For- 
 eigners here speak highly in its favor. The General 
 tells them that he is going to Mexico, etc., etc. 
 
 I find that each day in going out, I am losing the 
 impression of novelty, which the first sight of the City 
 made on me. I had therefore better communicate 
 this impression before it wears off. It may present 
 some views I might not otherwise give. 
 
mil iiiiiiii iiiiiiiiii'iiiiiiii nil'' '"^"*rTW|r^p^^||M"MIIw 
 
 .^ ^, .^ 
 
 IS,. 
 
In Mexico ^n 
 
 The streets are broad with sidewalks of flat stones, 
 the centre paved with round stones. As you enter 
 either of the principal streets, the first thing that attracts 
 you as novel is a row of tin pipes (several to each 
 house) projecting some three or four feet from the upper 
 part of the walls of the houses; these are to throw the 
 water into the streets, which are thus policed by every 
 rain. Each window is closed by an iron grating, 
 projecting sufficiently into the street to enable the 
 senoritas to stand, or sit, and command a view of the 
 street. The upper story has a corresponding balcony 
 nearly all filled with flowers. 
 
 The walls, instead of presenting the sameness of ours 
 with the red bricks uniformly placed, present all 
 kinds of bright lined mathematical figures; the man 
 of wealth shows a front formed of pieces of porcelain 
 (generally with the figures), presenting a very hand- 
 some appearance; his neighbor, probably not quite 
 as rich, has here and there pieces of porcelain forming 
 detached figures, whilst another has his house painted 
 to look like the old-fashioned calicoes. Not far off 
 you see one painted in rectangles. 
 
 Some of the dwelling houses must have cost immense 
 sums. The room in which I now write has its walls 
 rudely but not unhandsomely painted to the height 
 of five feet from the rough brick floor. If you can 
 make anything of this attempt, ' it is more than I can. 
 The ceiling is formed of two arches intersecting each 
 other, an ellipse, a circular one, with a wreath of the 
 annexed figure running up and over the two arches. 
 
 Though ashamed of my previous attempts, I must go 
 one step farther in letting you know something more of 
 my room, which is about fourteen by eighteen feet. This 
 
 ' A sketch was enclosed in letter. 
 
178 An Artillery Officer 
 
 table is also my mess table and my washstand. I have 
 not much furniture to boast of; for washing I have 
 an old tin basin, and an earthen bowl, the latter about 
 eighteen inches across, an old brass candlestick (from 
 home) with an enormous candle in it eighteen inches 
 high, and an inch in diameter, a Mexican knapsack 
 and a haversack, a canteen. Grandfather's tickler, which 
 I have had covered with canvas to keep it from 
 being broken; a pail, tumbler, and piece of Mexican 
 matting complete my sum total of furniture, etc. 
 
 We find the marketing abundant and reasonable; 
 of fruits there are fine watermelons, muskmelons of 
 various kinds, apples (small), pears (not very good), 
 apricots, plums (indifferent), oranges, lemons, limes, 
 bananas (excellent, eight for six and a quarter cents), 
 Mamaias (not certain about that spelling), and others 
 I have forgotten. Of vegetables, tomatoes, onions, 
 cabbage, lettuce, radishes, parsnips, potatoes— Irish 
 and sweet (both large), parsley, com, and peas, etc., 
 beans of any number. Chickens, turkeys, and eggs are 
 also abundant. As I think I have written enough of 
 nonsense for one day, I will now close for to-night. 
 
 19th. Everything is as quiet about the City as 
 if we were at home. It will not do to allow our men 
 to walk about the streets singly or unarmed. The 
 General's orders are very positive and correct; no 
 soldiers are permitted to go out of their garrison 
 yards in less numbers than six and under the charge 
 of a non-commissioned officer, all to have their arms. 
 One fourth of our men are constantly under arms. 
 The Genl. is reported to have been very courteous in 
 permitting about eighty of Santa Anna's Cavalry to 
 enter the City yesterday. 
 
In Mexico 179 
 
 Nothing would delight me more, save ending the 
 war and restoring me to my family, than to see this 
 war civilized, to witness interchange of civilities be- 
 tween the forces whenever they are not engaged in 
 battle. At Cerro Gordo it was delightful to see our 
 officers and men giving food and drink to the wounded, 
 and doing all in their power to smooth the hard pillow 
 of the dying. I noticed many of such acts which test 
 both the valor and kind-heartedness of our Army. 
 
 The Mexican officers seemed to have forgotten 
 that the field was strewn with their dying and dead, 
 and left all to us. In civilized warfare actions are 
 sometimes suspended to enable the contending armies 
 to take care of their wounded and to bury their dead. 
 The Mexican soldier is not regarded or taken care of 
 as ours are. 
 
 I have been out shopping a little to-day, getting 
 a few articles for the Compy. and for myself; the prices 
 of hardware are enormously high — fifty cents apiece 
 for the Britannia forks and spoons, three dollars for an 
 old-fashioned coffee mill, and a dollar and a half for 
 a kitchen iron dipper, smallest-sized box of matches 
 three cents. 
 
 I may as well say something about the dress of the 
 common people ; the ladies have not become sufficiently 
 well accustomed to the presence of the barbarians to 
 shew themselves. The men wear jackets, pantaloons 
 of buckskin, blue cloth of any kind or of velvet, fitting 
 tight around the waist and open on the outer seam 
 from the hip bone down, ornamented with buttons, 
 or lace, embroidery, etc., the inside lined, and shewing 
 under them the full leg of what is, I suppose, another 
 pair of pants but not open at the seam ; this under-gar- 
 ment is invariably white. Over the shoulders, and 
 
i8o An Artillery Officer 
 
 generally thrown over the left shoulder as a cloak, 
 they wear the universal blanket. 
 
 Their hats have very broad brims and almost 
 invariably ornaments at the side, a band or two of 
 silver lace where we wear the hat band, and sometimes 
 lace around the circumference of the brim. On horse- 
 back, their legs are protected by a large piece of skin 
 or leather, attached in front of the stirrup leather, 
 which covers the leg perfectly. The foot is doubly 
 protected, first by the huge wooden stirrup, secondly by 
 a thick flap of leather which is fastened to the upper 
 part of the stirrup. 
 
 The common women wear the chemise (I suppose) 
 and over it fastened around the waist some petti- 
 coats, the outer one either entirely of some fancy 
 colored material, or, at all events, the lower part, 
 from the first swell of the hip downwards, will be found 
 colored. Over their heads, breasts, and shoulders, 
 you again see the blankets, or ribosa which is worn 
 by all who can afford it. These are placed on the 
 crown of the head (sometimes fastened to the hair 
 by a pin) crossed so as to meet about the chin, and the 
 ends sometimes thrown over the left shoulder, as the 
 blanket or cloak is worn by the men. 
 
 I saw a child carried by her mother, this morning, 
 in a manner I never saw before. The woman had a 
 basket full of some marketing, which was supported 
 by her blanket, tied so as to form a kind of bag, the 
 ends of the blanket tied together, and pressing on her 
 forehead; between the basket and her blanket bag 
 were seen divers kinds of vegetables, and under her 
 left arm, its head (back downwards) dangling about 
 the mother's hip, and one of its little feet seemingly 
 holding to her dress behind was carried her little 
 
In Mexico i^i 
 
 Indian child. It was certainly a novel way of carrying 
 a child. 
 
 You see them frequently carried here as the Indians 
 do theirs in Florida, in blankets on the back. In fact 
 the common people here resemble our Indians so strongly 
 in their habits, it would be easy for them to assimilate 
 at once. Education would make them good citizens. 
 Ignorance keeps them serfs. Enough for to-day, 
 bonsoir. 
 
 May 20th. I spent about an hour in the Cathedral, 
 hoping when I left home that I might, on my return, 
 be able to give you some description of the building 
 and of its decorations. But without drawings it were 
 perhaps better to say nothing, or, at all events, to speak 
 in very general terms. In this interior chapel I saw 
 no one, the other day during Mass, except the priests 
 and children who were engaged in chanting. 
 
 The outer sides of this chapel are filled with paint- 
 ings, some apparently very valuable; and it also has 
 two little altars. The effect is grand beyond descrip- 
 tion, though you see much gold, silver, and gilding, 
 still it is all in such grand style that you do not enter- 
 tain the least feeling, such as I mentioned I entertained 
 in seeing the Church ornaments at Nopolucan. 
 
 Every altar (except two) has around it pictures 
 of various sizes, some not very good, but many very 
 well executed. O how I wish that you could walk 
 with me and enjoy the glorious beauty of this Cathedral. 
 I feel that it would help to make me a better man. 
 But behold, I am on my eighth page; I fear that if 
 I do not reduce my daily scale of writing, the express, 
 when he goes, will not carry my bulky epistle. I must 
 now close for to-day. 
 
i82 An Artillery Officer 
 
 May 2 1 St. I have made a few corrections and addi- 
 tions to the sketch of the Cathedral, which I visited 
 to-day for the purpose of verifying my work of yester- 
 day. I shall add very little more, as I cannot describe 
 it in terms to make you see, or delight in, its grandeur. 
 
 The arches forming the ceiling spring from sixty-four 
 enormous stone pillars, arranged in groups of four, 
 some of which are designated by (*) in the drawings;^ 
 along the side walls are seen corresponding sections, 
 presenting one whole pillar and the two halves, from 
 which spring the arches connecting with the walls. 
 In another part of this same pile of buildings, we entered 
 to-day two chapels, each containing three altars, one 
 shewing the neatest and most beautiful rich altar-piece 
 I have seen. It looks like rich chased gold. Enough! 
 
 No news from Genl. Scott ; the rumor I heard yester- 
 day that he was at Tepeyahualco, has not been con- 
 firmed to-day. Yesterday, a very heavy seizure of 
 tobacco was made ; it is worth several thousand dollars. 
 Here, the Govt, monopolizes the tobacco trade. The 
 rainy season seems to have commenced here, as we 
 have rain every afternoon or night. I do hope that 
 Genl. Twiggs's Division is provided with tents; if the 
 men are not inside some kind of shelter at night, 
 they must suffer very much. 
 
 Saturday, May 22nd. No mail, no rumor that a 
 mail is on its way to us — nothing from Genl. Scott 
 — in fact, we are without news from any part of the 
 world. Even from Mexico, the Capital of this Republic, 
 we hear nothing. So long as I could hear from you with 
 the least degree of regularity, my mind was quieted 
 from mail to mail, in hopes that the next mail would 
 
 ' Sketches were enclosed in the letter. 
 
In Mexico 183 
 
 give me good news of you, but now, when I look 
 forward to a long summer in which I may hear from 
 you very seldom if at all, it requires more philosophy 
 than is now at my command to bear it. 
 
 I will yet hope that Genl. Scott will, when he arrives, 
 devise some secure means for ensuring the regular and 
 safe carriage of our letters. Thus far I have been much 
 disappointed in not having received at least one mail 
 since our arrival. 
 
 The Diligence came in to-day from Vera Cruz; 
 it was robbed by some of the rancheros, or in other 
 words, by some of the old established robbers, who 
 now design legalizing their rascality by claiming 
 to belong to the Mexican Guerrillas. The report 
 that Genl. Scott was at Tepeyahualco two days ago, 
 is contradicted by the passengers of the Diligence, 
 who say that he was at Jalapa when they passed through. 
 No one knows who tells the lie, rumor No. i or No. 2. 
 
 Cannon and musketry firing were said by Lt. Judd 
 to have been distinctly heard this morning. To- 
 morrow I presume that, if such is the fact, I shall 
 let you know its cause. Out Dictionary hunting to- 
 day; found a pocket edition of Nugent, old and much 
 worn, for which the sum of five dollars was modestly 
 asked. I need not say that the book was left on the 
 table whence it was taken to be handed to me. 
 
 I finished to-day reading the Prairie Bird. I do 
 not know whether you read it. Whether it was 
 because it was the only book in our language which 
 I could get, or that the work has intrinsic merit, I 
 know not, but I was very much interested in it. Those 
 who know anything of the localities described, might 
 criticise the pigeon-like flight of his characters from 
 one part of the country to another, but his characters 
 
i84 An Artillery Officer 
 
 of War Eagle, Winnegund, Ethelston, and Prairie 
 Bird are certainly well drawn. He has, too, interwoven 
 in a tale of fiction much true knowledge of Indian 
 character, and many anecdotes illustrative of their 
 habits, etc. 
 
 Dr. Holden and I think of taking lessons in Spanish 
 if we can find a good and reasonable instructor. I 
 find that I can ask for many things, but I could not 
 attempt to ask or answer questions in conversation. 
 Our little friend, Capt. Brooks, is very useful in in- 
 terpreting, as he reads and speaks the Spanish language 
 very well. 
 
 I must now lay this sheet by till to-morrow when 
 I may have to thank you for another letter. God grant 
 that it may be so. To His care and protection do my 
 prayers ever consign you. Good-day. 
 
 Sunday, May 23rd. I fear that in my anxiety to 
 give you multum in parvo, I may render my letter so 
 nearly illegible as to destroy my object. Really, 
 sometimes when I think of our position, so far into 
 the interior of the enemy's country, and with so small 
 a force, though I have not the least apprehension 
 about our being able to keep our ground, still I cannot 
 see how our communications can be kept up with our 
 seaports. Would that Genl. Scott were here, he 
 would soon solve all my difficulties. 
 
 We attended, by invitation. High Mass this morning 
 in the Cathedral. The ceremonies were more showy 
 then I ever saw in the United States, as the number 
 of priests and attendants was larger than our Catholic 
 communities could get together, and their dresses were 
 also much more costly than we see in the United 
 States. The three officiating priests wore the richest 
 
In Mexico 185 
 
 garment (I know not its name) over their backs and 
 shoulders I ever saw; it looked like gold cloth. The 
 music was very fine, not so sweetly pleasant to the 
 ear as the vespers, as we heard them sung in St. Peter's 
 Church in New York. You remember the time. 
 
 To-day during a part of the Mass, the voices were 
 accompanied by orchestral music, some violins, a 
 bass viol, and two or three wind instruments. This 
 gave us delightful music. Not a female voice was 
 in the choir — a great defect, as the voices of the boys 
 have not the sweetness of those of females. Next 
 Sunday, being Trinity, I presume that we shall be 
 again invited. Nothing new, no word from General 
 Scott. Good-night, God bless you. 
 
 Monday, 24th. Some of the quick-eared report 
 musketry and firing having been heard again this 
 morning, but no one believes it. Genl. Worth re- 
 ceived a dispatch from Genl. Scott yesterday, in which 
 he stated that he would leave Jalapa on the 23rd 
 (yesterday). He may be expected here in about 
 six days. 
 
 We have this morning a rumor that Genl. Bustamante 
 is raising an army of 13,000 men in the City of Mexico, 
 and that another Genl. is to join him with 9,000 men 
 from the tierras calientes, the country beyond the 
 mountains. Others say that old Genl. Bravo is 
 marching down with an Army of 50,000 men. We do 
 not believe any of these reports and feel confident of 
 beating any Army Mexico can bring against us. 
 
 One thing I observe to-day which gives me great 
 pleasure, viz., the ladies are making their appearance 
 in the streets. This shows that confidence is being 
 established. For the first four or five days after our 
 
186 An Artillery Officer 
 
 arrival, not a lady was seen in the streets, private 
 carriages were not seen, but few females shewed them- 
 selves at the windows. To-day we see very genteel 
 equipages and ladies and gentlemen taking drives. 
 I hope that in a short time the Pueblans will find that 
 we are not as barbarous as we have been represented, 
 and learn to regard us as good friends. 
 
 No one can tell us where Genl. Santa Anna is. I 
 have been reading Thompson 's Recollections of Mexico y 
 in which he gives many instances of Santa Anna's 
 generosity and other good qualities. I expect from 
 the tenor of some severe articles recently published 
 against him, that he will soon be again compelled to 
 leave his country, for whose Independence he has 
 fought in many an action. 
 
 I find that I am forgetting that I ought to restrict 
 myself in my writing as I am running off into dis- 
 sertations which had better be contracted or 
 omitted. When I take up my pen to write to you, 
 I instinctively write every thought as it enters my 
 mind. This you see by my erratic style. But of this 
 you are ever well assured, that you always fill the 
 heart and soul of your own devoted husband. 
 
 Tuesday, 25th. No letters. No Genl. Scott. 111- 
 tongued rumor even goes so far as to say that when 
 the Genl. arrives, no mail will be brought, as no mail 
 has been received at Vera Cruz for one month. I will 
 not believe the story — ^it cannot be true. 
 
 I had written thus far, when Maj. Wade, Dr. 
 Holden, Lts. Judd and Austine came in ; they have just 
 left, giving me a late bed hour. I have nothing new 
 to communicate. The reports about Bustamante's 
 raising an Army in Mexico is contradicted to-day; it 
 
In Mexico 187 
 
 is now reported that Santa Anna was enthusiastically 
 received in Mexico, that he is to be the next President, 
 that he is organizing an Army and preparing the City 
 [or defence. I do not believe this tale — it is too im- 
 probable. The Genl. who lost the battle of Cerro 
 [^ordo cannot be received with enthusiasm in the 
 [Capital. 
 
 I must not close my letter without telling you of 
 Dur visit to one of the Churches this morning where 
 the railing and enclosure of the main Altar was orna- 
 mented with flowers and evergreens in pots ; the effect 
 tvas very pretty. The idea struck me as an original 
 and very charming one. The padre of that Church 
 must be a good man. That God may keep my wife 
 inder His especial care is my prayer . 
 
 May 26th. I have just returned from a walk with 
 the Doctor, and was informed that an Express was to 
 [eave in the morning. As Col. Belton has sent his 
 [etters off (without asking for our letters), I know 
 fiot but I may be foiled in my attempt at getting 
 this into the mail. But I will leave no proper means 
 [or doing so untried. 
 
 Among the other curious sights here, I see the tails 
 D mules put up in leather bags or pockets. The 
 harness is made with these pockets to keep their 
 tails from interfering with the driver's lines, of which 
 there are none, as the driver rides on one of each pair 
 Di mules. 
 
 No. 13. PUEBLA. 
 
 May 28, 1847. 
 No. 12 was, I find, taken yesterday morning by a 
 Mexican gentleman who has started for Vera Cruz. 
 
i88 An Artillery Officer 
 
 He has my warmest thanks for his offer to take letters, 
 and if, by his agency, you succeed in getting mine, 
 I shall be under everlasting obligations to at least one 
 of these will he enemies. I was prevented from writing 
 last evening, by a visit, from an early till a late hour, 
 of nearly all the officers of our little garrison. 
 
 Lt. Johnson was, I thought, last week about relapsing 
 into the state in which he was represented to have 
 been at St. Augustine — so nervous that he could at- 
 tend to no duty. But something fortunately occurred, 
 which roused him from his lethargy, in which I hope 
 he will not again indulge. 
 
 In speaking of the City, no mention has, I believe, 
 been made of the Alameda. This is a large lot ar- 
 ranged for the afternoon walks and drives of the 
 citizens of Puebla. A double row of trees, mostly 
 willows, shades the principal drive around its four 
 sides; from this, several walks lead to fountains in the 
 interior; some of these have " jets-d'eau, " in others the 
 water merely bubbles, or wells up. 
 
 All these walks and fountains are shaded by trees, 
 among which I saw a tree resembling very closely 
 my horror, the Lombardy poplar, but I was told it 
 was a species of willow. Hedges of roses, sweet peas, 
 marguerites (with here and there a dahlia) and pinks, 
 surround and intersect this beautiful spot. Of roses 
 I never before saw such a profusion. 
 
 All the flowers are the same we have in our gardens ; 
 not an uncommon one did I see. Looking at the 
 flowers and trees, we might, had it not been for the 
 operations of jond memory, have imagined ourselves 
 in our own beloved land. But the delusion would 
 have soon been dispelled by the constant presence 
 at the fountains of some of the water-carriers. The 
 

In Mexico 189 
 
 earthen jars here used are, I suspect, the exact 
 pattern of those used by the Israelites. Though 
 not famous for sketching, let's try.' Each carrier 
 has two of these jars, holding, I think, ten gallons; 
 one is carried in front, the strap crossing the man's 
 neck, and the other behind, the strap over the upper 
 part of the forehead. 
 
 Major Wade saw one of these carriers, who had just 
 filled his jars and started from the fountain in front 
 of our quarters, and was so unfortunate as to have 
 both of them fall, and of course break to pieces. 
 The poor fellow stood muttering something and crossed 
 himself repeatedly, gazing at his loss. This is mentioned 
 as an instance of their adherence to the forms of their 
 religion. 
 
 I have frequently been in sight of the public Plaza, 
 where the market is held, at the hour of the officiating 
 priest's elevating the Host in the Cathedral. It is 
 announced by the striking of a particular bell; at 
 this sound, every Mexican throws himself on his knees 
 and there remains till another signal gives notice 
 that the ceremony is over, when they immediately 
 resume their business. I have seen the market-place 
 filled with buyers and sellers, all on their knees, and 
 the Mexicans in the streets near by leading to the 
 square, also kneeling. 
 
 In other parts of the City, at the sound of this bell 
 all uncover. This last they invariably do whenever 
 they pass the door of a church (and they are very 
 numerous) or a priest. The respect they pay to their 
 religion is wonderful, and to me a very pleasing sight. 
 
 Genl. Scott has arrived; he came in this morning, 
 with an Escort of Cavalry and Mounted Rifles. I 
 
 ' A sketch was enclosed in letter. 
 
190 An Artillery Officer 
 
 have not seen him, but shall call on him to-morrow. 
 Lt. Judd states that he heard we were to advance, 
 leaving a force here of two thousand men. I have 
 most unlimited confidence in the judgment and dis- 
 cretion of the Genl. and will blindly pin my faith to 
 any of his decisions. You know that in my journaliz- 
 ing, I give you sometimes daily rumors which are 
 subsequently corrected by others which I give; this 
 may be the case with the above rumor. 
 
 Thus far had I written when my room was filled 
 with officers who have just left me. It is now good 
 bed time, and, as I have already given you a long letter 
 for one day's writing, I will now bid you good-night. 
 
 Saturday night, 29th. I called to see Genl. Scott 
 this morning and was deHghted to learn that a mail 
 was coming up with Genl. Twiggs ; he has arrived with 
 his Division, but we have not been informed when 
 or where the mail will be opened. The Genl. does not 
 look very well; he is, I presume, merely suffering 
 from the fatigue of a rapid march. 
 
 Most of my Army friends have arrived with him. 
 My friend, Capt. Irwin, is, I am delighted to see, looking 
 better than when we parted at Vera Cruz. Capt. 
 Wayne mentioned that he had a letter from Mrs. 
 W. dated the 24th April. I hope that my good news 
 from you will be of as late a date. 
 
 I am sorry to hear that there is every probability 
 that my first letter from this place has been taken, as 
 General Scott has never received Genl. Worth's report 
 of our entering this place, forwarded by the same 
 express. I am now writing in the fond, and, I fear, 
 foolish hope, that I may ere long have a safe opportun- 
 ity for sending this letter. During this long, long 
 
In Mexico 191 
 
 summer I fear that we shall scarcely hear from each 
 other. What would I not give, if the two Nations 
 would like sensible people agree at once upon some 
 honorable terms of peace. 
 
 We have, by the General's Staff, been favored with 
 papers from the United States, announcing the reception 
 of the news of the battle of Cerro Gordo. I have not 
 read any of the accounts, but have no doubt they, 
 as is generally the case, deviate widely from the truth. 
 I hope that Capt. R, Lee, U. S. Engineers, will write 
 a Military Memoir on that battle, accompanying it 
 with correct topographical maps, indicating the posi- 
 tion of the batteries, and showing the varied positions 
 of the troops during the battle. The accurate 
 description of that battle would place the science 
 of our Army distinctly and most creditably before 
 European Military readers. 
 
 Capt. Swift's death, though not unexpected, has 
 filled the hearts of his friends, and all who knew him 
 were such, with feelings of grief. He was an excellent 
 man, and a most valuable officer. You saw him at 
 West Point. Capt. Mason, of the Rifles, who lost 
 a leg at Cerro Gordo, has, I am sorry to say, died from 
 his wound. He was a favorite also with his acquaint- 
 ances. Our friend Lt. Col. Bragg rises rapidly in the 
 Military world. Genl. Taylor's encomium on him, in 
 his report of his last battle, is good for another brevet ; 
 this will place our young Capt. among the Brevet 
 Lt. Colonels. Enough for to-night. 
 
 Sunday night, 30th May. I had just closed my 
 eyes last night, when I was roused by a tap at the door, 
 and was told that there was a letter for me. My 
 heart told me that it was from you. It was yours of 
 
192 An Artillery Officer 
 
 the 20th. Its reception has relieved my mind of a 
 heavy weight, as it tells me that your heart is at rest 
 in relation to Vera Cruz. About Cerro Gordo you 
 cannot have been kept long in suspense. 
 
 But, my wife, you are stark mad and crazy about my 
 name's not being mentioned, or my not having been 
 brevetted. A Capt. of the line of the Army has the 
 least possible chance of being mentioned among the 
 distinguished, however distinguished his conduct may 
 be. 
 
 The reason why, is a very simple one. As he is 
 part of a Command, whether Regt. or Battalion, 
 whatever is done by the Regt. or Battalion, is placed 
 to the credit of its commander. It is only by a cap- 
 tain's being detached with his Compy. on some special 
 service that he has a chance to distinguish himself. 
 Hence the advantage of an officer's commanding a 
 Battery, etc. Dispel this idea from your mind, and 
 regard me as returning plain Capt. Anderson, however 
 well and zealously I may perform my duties. 
 
 If I should be brevetted, it will be luck. Genl. 
 Scott, though my best friend, cannot designate me, 
 unless I am reported to him — the ill-will or ill-temper 
 of the Regtl. Commander might not, even under a 
 highly favorable case, give him an opportunity of 
 so doing. Let this not worry you. I hope that as 
 long as I remain in service, I shall continue so to act 
 as to command the favorable opinion of all those 
 with whom I serve; as to gaining brevets, that is a 
 lottery in which there are many blanks to the prize; 
 though all the candidates pay the same price — most 
 gallant deeds — but few are lucky enough to draw the 
 prize. 
 
 I dined with Genl. S. to-day, and am sorry to say 
 
In Mexico i93 
 
 that he was compelled to take quinine. I had hoped 
 that he would recover without more medicine, though 
 I knew by my own case how long a time it required 
 for me to recover from my Perote chill. The Genl. 
 has been as kind and affectionate as ever to me, and 
 begs me to call whenever I can. But knowing how 
 little time he has to spare to friendly intercourse, 
 I cannot intrude often on him. He made many kind 
 inquiries about the family. I hope Father has written 
 to him. 
 
 I was in the Cathedral at Mass this morning. Trinity 
 Sunday. The pillars through the body of the church 
 as well as those against the walls, were entirely covered 
 with rich damask velvet. The music was much more 
 delightful than it was last Sunday. It was sublime. 
 Genl. S. was there with his Staff. I regret that I did 
 not understand the sermon, as I was pleased with 
 the manner and voice of the preacher. Enough for 
 to-night. 
 
 May 31st. Capt. De Hart took supper with us and 
 remained until after Tattoo, so that I shall write you 
 only a few lines to-night. Your letter advises that 
 henceforth I ought to direct my letters to Clarkesville ; 
 I fear that my having changed too soon my directions 
 to that place may have caused you much uneasiness. 
 My previous letters have given my reasons for my 
 having done so. 
 
 News of great (it may be) importance came last 
 night from Mexico, that Santa Anna, to heal the pohtical 
 and personal dissensions in the parties of Mexico, has 
 determined to sacrifice himself, and has declared that 
 he will not accept the Presidency. Who will be the 
 President seems to be very uncertain. Generals Bravo 
 
194 An Artillery Officer 
 
 and Valencia have command of the Mexican Armies, 
 the one at the Capital, the other in San Luis. 
 
 Of Genl. Taylor's movements we know nothing. 
 Our placid Lt. Col. has been named by Genl. Worth 
 as his successor in the Milty. and Civil Governorship 
 of this City. A worse selection could not have been 
 made. 
 
 This looks a little like the 3rd's being intended as 
 part of the garrison of this Post. I shall exert all my 
 ingenuity to prevent my being left. I am exceedingly 
 desirous on many accounts to go as far into the Country 
 as any one. Nous verrons. 
 
 Friend Capt. Knowlton sent me a package of New 
 York papers; if I can find a safe opportunity I must 
 return him my thanks. My anxiety that you should 
 hear from me will cause me to embrace every oppor- 
 tunity of sending a letter whether it be considered 
 safe or not; if any one reaches you it is a point gained. 
 
 June 1st. Nothing new to-day. In fact, as I am 
 Officer of the Day, I have not been outside of our 
 quarters. I have read Genl. Santa Anna's resignation 
 of the Presidency ; the latter part is as pretty a piece of 
 egotism as I have met with for a long time. 
 
 Yesterday the Municipal authorities of this City 
 retired from their offices. Genl. Worth has, in the 
 exercise of his authority as Governor, directed an elec- 
 tion to be held to fill their places and has ordered those 
 officials to return to their duties till their places are 
 filled. I have not been to see Genl. Scott since Sunday, 
 but must call to-morrow to enquire how he is. 
 
 My wife, you have either mistaken the purport 
 of one of the sentences in a letter from Vera Cruz, or 
 it states what I did not mean. I did not receive the 
 
In Mexico i95 
 
 white flag whilst in the trenches; the parley (as we 
 believed it to be) was sounded and the firing suspended 
 for the bearer of the flag to approach, but as we had 
 no bugle to answer their call, we missed the opportunity 
 of receiving the flag, which without the enemy's 
 firing another shot, went to Genl. Scott early the next 
 morning, that is, the same morning we were relieved 
 in the trenches. 
 
 Col. Bankhead's report, giving only the names of 
 the oflicers who were in the trenches the first day, has, 
 I hear, been published; his excuse for not mentioning 
 all was, that he had forgotten the names of the others — 
 a pretty excuse to be sure, as it could have been so 
 easily rectified. He promised to make a fuller report 
 on reaching Washington when he would name all the 
 commanders of the batteries. Enough of Vera Cruz, 
 and enough, I must say, for to-night. 
 
 Tuesday, June 2nd. As Major Wade was absent 
 from the garrison all the morning I could not go out 
 till late this afternoon. My first visit was to Maj. 
 Kirby, and whilst he was engaged in business, I went 
 into another room to see Capt. Myers. The Capt. 
 has, by a fall, I fear, injured himself so that he will walk 
 lame for the rest of his life; the knee-pan seems to be 
 detached from its proper position. 
 
 The Major and I sallied out sight-seeing and we 
 saw what were great curiosities to me, viz., figures of 
 Mexican Indians made of prepared linen; the counte- 
 nances were very expressive. One was a group of three 
 figures — a drunken man, his neck too limber to support 
 his head; next is his mother perfectly enraged at him, 
 and intent upon administering chastisement on her 
 foolishly good-humored son, which she is prevented 
 
196 An Artillery Officer 
 
 from doing by her daughter-in-law who holds her 
 arm. 
 
 A second group is an Alcalde, administering a lecture 
 to a man whose wife is in tears on the other side of 
 the Alcalde, who is seated between the other figures 
 who are standing. Should we ever have peace I must 
 bring you some of the curiosities of these singular 
 people — many of them I shall have to abandon an 
 attempt to carry, from the difficulty of packing them 
 safely for so long a journey. 
 
 Col. Pierce Butler informed me this afternoon that 
 one of his Captains was about returning home, and 
 that if I would send any letters to his quarters he would 
 with pleasure give them in charge of his Captain. 
 I thanked him from the bottom of my heart and will 
 hand this letter to him. 
 
 Thus far no means have been devised to secure 
 the safe transmission of our letters, and we catch 
 eagerly at any opportunity which seems to offer a 
 chance delivery of them. We may get another mail 
 by some nine hundred recruits who are expected from 
 the United States via Vera Cruz, but with that excep- 
 tion, we see no prospect of any other, till the President 
 sends us an addition to our small but invincible band. 
 
 Had we 30,000 men and Genl. Taylor 20,000, the War 
 might soon be closed. Our Govt, should remember 
 and act vigorously upon the advice given by Father' 
 to it before the breaking out of the Florida War. I 
 must leave a little clear space for to-morrow. 
 
 Genl. Scott's Office, June 3rd. Being on guard at 
 the General's Hd. Qrs., I must close my letter to-night 
 for the mail which leaves to-morrow, without being 
 
 'Genl. Clinch. 
 
In Mexico i97 
 
 able to add as much to it as I had designed. As Capt. 
 Huger and some others are waiting to avail them- 
 selves of the candle-light which I am using, courtesy 
 and fellow-feeling prompt me to close at as short a time 
 as possible. 
 
 I have no other news to give. Col. B. has left 
 our quarters, much to our satisfaction, and taken 
 up his abode in a comer of the Palace. Col. Butler 
 has again urged me to confide my letter to his "Cap- 
 tain," who hopes to raise a party at Jalapa sufficiently 
 large to march with safety to Vera Cruz. We shall 
 have in a few days an addition of 2000 men to our 
 present command in addition to those you see mentioned 
 as coming from the United States. 
 
 No. 14. PUEBLA. 
 
 June 4th. Friday night. 
 
 Although very tired and sleepy from my necessary 
 wakefulness last night, I cannot retire without having 
 a little chat with you. All were disappointed in not 
 witnessing yesterday the great ceremonies usually per- 
 formed in Catholic communities on that, Corpus Christi, 
 day. Fearful that they might be insulted by our 
 soldiery, they hmited themselves in the observance 
 of their ceremonies to the walls of their churches. 
 
 Many years have passed since I saw these ceremonies, 
 and I regret very much, from my recollection of what 
 I then witnessed in Bogota, South America that the 
 grand procession was not made in all its splendor through 
 the streets here. The streets through which the pro- 
 cession passed were hung with the richest cloths and 
 satins. Everybody, priests and laity, was dressed as 
 splendidly as their own, or the means of their friends 
 would enable them. The consecrated wafer, the Host, 
 
198 An Artillery Officer 
 
 was carried from church to church and then returned 
 to the Cathedral. 
 
 Yesterday, I was told that the ceremonies in the 
 Cathedral where the Host was taken round, were not 
 remarkably imposing. I heard this morning, that 
 had the assurances made to the Clergy night before 
 last, that they would neither be insulted nor molested 
 in any way by our men, been given the night before, 
 the procession would have taken place, but after the 
 notices there was not time for the necessary prepara- 
 tions. 
 
 The rumor of to-day is that the Mexican Congress 
 have declined accepting Santa Anna's resignation. 
 They are determined to thrust the Presidency upon him. 
 One thing looks unpromising for the Mexican Nation 
 in this, that it seems they look to him and him alone, 
 it may be said, for their salvation from our power. 
 From the reputation Santa Anna purchased by his 
 bravery, zeal, and skill in their internal broils, the Mexi- 
 cans ought to regard him as one of their greatest men. 
 
 In his controversies with the Texans and his battles 
 with us, the splendor of his star has been somewhat 
 tarnished. He may now make desperate efforts to 
 regain his lost brilliancy. Nous verrons. He has a 
 very prudent, brave, and skilful adversary to cope 
 with. Enough for to-night. 
 
 Saturday night, June 5th, Rumor says that Santa 
 Anna insists upon his resignation being accepted, and 
 that he has asked for his passports to enable him to leave 
 the country. As I have a long report to make to-night 
 to present to Genl. Worth in the morning, in relation 
 to the case of a Mexican sabred by a soldier, I must be 
 very brief. I am on duty to-day, as Division Officer 
 
In Mexico 199 
 
 of the Day, having been thus honored in consequence 
 of my being placed on duty, as Acting Major of the 
 Regt. ! ! ! A great honor, Acting Major to three 
 companies. To-morrow I will make amends for this 
 brevity. 
 
 Sunday night, June 6th. As soon as I heard of the 
 arrival of the mail this afternoon, I hastened to the 
 Quartermaster's office and was there presented with 
 a letter from the Pennsylvanian who was with me at 
 Vera Cruz. You may judge of my disappointment ! 
 
 My friend. Dr. Cuyler, has just sent me a most 
 welcome contribution — your letter of the 26th April. 
 To-night I can do no more than thank you for it. 
 
 Monday night, June 7th. Let me now give answers 
 to certain queries in your last letter. Our arrange- 
 ment in Genl. Worth's Divison is permanent, and 
 would only be altered by a re-organization of the 
 Command, or by our being left in garrison. You need 
 not send your letters under cover to Col. Hunt — if 
 directed to me as "belonging to the Army" under 
 Genl. Scott in Mexico they will come safely. Our 
 friend Lt. Brown is here with Capt. Wells' Co., the 
 one formerly commanded by Lt. Steptoe. He left me 
 a few minutes since; his manner is always kind and 
 affectionate. He always enquires about you. 
 
 Two officers are now attached temporarily to "G" 
 Co., Lt. Andrews and Lt. Shields; the former performs 
 the duties of Asst. Q. M. and Asst. Commissary of Sub- 
 sistence, the latter, who attends to Compy. duty, 
 has applied to be permanently attached to the Compy. 
 Our cousin, Lt. A., speaks in very high terms of Lt. S. 
 and says that he is a gentleman. Lt. A.'s wife is with 
 
200 An Artillery Officer 
 
 her father's family on Governor's Island ; they have no 
 child, having been unfortunate. 
 
 I am rejoiced that your dear grandmother is well 
 again after her dangerous attack. Of our friend Lt. 
 -y- Sherman we have not heard, except through the news- 
 paper which announces his arrival in CaHfornia. 
 
 Tuesday 8th. I hear that when the Regts., etc., now 
 ^^/e under orders for our Army reach us, oiu: force will 
 amount to twenty thousand men. Had it been half 
 that on our arrival here, we might have been long 
 since in the City of Mexico, and that without having 
 to shed another drop of blood. Report says that Genl. 
 Bravo is now raising an army of 35,000 men, and 
 that the Mexicans are fortifying some points on the 
 road. We have had so many Mexican stories about 
 their positions, strength, etc., that I pay no attention 
 to any that I hear. 
 
 Yesterday the Brigade was inspected by the In- 
 spector General, Col. Hitchcock, and made a very 
 respectable display for troops in the field. Genl. 
 Worth speaks of commencing Division drills next 
 week. With his energy and thorough knowledge, 
 we will soon bear the palm from all competitors. 
 Genl. Twiggs, not understanding evolutions of the 
 Line himself, cannot instruct others. I may do him 
 an injustice; my remark is based upon what I have 
 heard. I never saw him drilling. 
 
 I suppose it certain that we will not leave this place 
 till our reinforcements arrive. We are now strong 
 enough to whip any army the Mexicans can raise. 
 You remember Lt. Johnson. He had not, before the 
 arrival of the last mail, received a line from his wife 
 since he left her, and that mail brought him information 
 
In Mexico 201 
 
 of the loss of his little boy. As he is a Christian, he 
 bears it well. Feeling confident that his child is now 
 a happy angel in the presence of God, he grieves not 
 for it. He says that preceding letters, giving an ac- 
 count of the illness, etc., must have been miscarried, as 
 his wife writes of it as an event some time past. He 
 says that her letter is what it ought to be — that she 
 is very pious, and sets him a good example. "We all 
 sympathize very sincerely with him. 
 
 A letter from Tampico informs us that Mrs. Gates 
 has presented the Col. with a little Mexican daughter. 
 It has raised him a couple of inches higher. Capt. 
 Burke is under orders for our Army; he ought to be 
 at Vera Cruz now, as his orders are dated April 27th. 
 Think of the Capt. as Commander of the 3rd ! 
 
 Among the oddities of the Mexicans, I have not 
 mentioned that small pieces of soap are current coin, 
 instead of the smallest copper coin, clico, worth half a 
 cent. In market I frequently see the soap given as 
 change. 
 
 Wednesday, 9th. A little fatigued from a day's hard 
 work. I was congratulating myself about 9 o'clock 
 this morning that I would have a quiet day in which 
 I could write a few letters to Larz and to two or three 
 others to whom letters are due, when my designs 
 were suddenly crushed by an order to march the Regt. 
 to the exercise ground and there to drill at battalion 
 drill till Col. Garland's arrival. Major Wade was 
 absent on Court-Martial, so that I had to play Colonel. 
 
 I had been drilling but a few minutes when Genl. 
 Worth and the Inspector Genl. Hitchcock showed 
 themselves among the spectators. The remaining 
 Regiments of the Brigade soon came on the ground, 
 
202 An Artillery Officer 
 
 and we took our positions in Line. Col. Garland now 
 took command and kept us on the field until half past 
 one o'clock — a pretty good day's work. 
 
 On Saturday the Division will be reviewed, man- 
 oeuvred by Genl. Worth. We are already cautioned 
 to take our canteens filled with water and lunch in the 
 haversacks; we shall have no child's play then. Of 
 news we have not heard a word to-day. To-morrow 
 we may, probably, hear from Genl. Child's Command 
 mentioned in my last letter. 
 
 Mr. N. P. Trist, the special and most Extraordinary 
 Minister of President Polk, is in the city. I have not 
 heard him mentioned. Everybody thinks he is here 
 on a fool's errand, and that he had better go home as 
 soon as possible. 
 
 By the way, I was very much astonished at meeting 
 our Tampa Bay Sutler in the streets here a day or 
 two since. He left his wife at Tampa, and has come 
 out to see if he can collect some money due him by 
 some of the 8th Infy. Companies. I asked him 
 if he had sold the articles left by me with him. He 
 said that he sold nearly everything at excellent prices, 
 and that he had directed Mr. Ferris to sell the remainder 
 at auction on some court day, and to remit you the 
 amount. 
 
 Poor Mr. Clark has, I fear, come on a wild goose 
 chase, as no one knows when the men will be paid off. 
 The Captains of Companies are generally anxious that 
 the men should not be paid whilst in a large city, as 
 drunkenness and broils will take place, and we shall 
 have Mexican soldiers murdered. 
 
 What do you think of an American Theatrical 
 Company opening in the City of Puebla!! I saw to- 
 day a notice that the Theatre would be opened in a 
 
In Mexico 203 
 
 day or two by Messrs. Wells and Hart. Enough for 
 to-night. 
 
 June loth. I have been here so long that I feel 
 that I have seen enough of the people to describe some 
 of their peculiarities. They exhibit a greater fondness 
 for children than any people I ever saw. I do not 
 think you can point out any article used by grown 
 persons of which I can not shew you its miniature 
 among the playthings. Of dolls — wax, wood, and 
 rag — there are thousands, from the very smallest 
 to our common sizes. The Indians bring in the 
 rudest and most ludicrous representations of animals 
 you can conceive of. Of saint and of soldier you may 
 purchase a collection not very flattering to the vanity 
 of either. 
 
 In preserves (this word does not embrace the in- 
 finite variety of articles prepared with sugar we find 
 here), the Spanish people, I presume, excel all other 
 people. The common sponge-cake sold in the streets 
 is generally excellent; then you find figs, dates, and 
 various kinds of rinds, exceedingly well preserved; 
 again you find other sweetmeats, of which milk is a 
 component part. Their candied fruit is very good. 
 I hope that on our return I may find transportation 
 for a box or two of these articles for you. 
 
 The toys and dukes are exhibited for sale under the 
 arcades of the large houses separated by streets from 
 the Plaza where the market is held. The market is 
 to strangers a great curiosity, being held in a large 
 open square. On examining closely you will find that 
 in the seeming disorder and confusion there is much 
 method. 
 
 Along the outer side of the square, and indeed oui- 
 
204 An Artillery Officer 
 
 side of the square, and encroaching on the sidewalks, 
 you find Mexican crockery, plates, dishes, cups, bowls, 
 water jars, baskets (willow) of sizes from large, three 
 and a half feet in diameter, flat ones, to those three 
 inches in diameter, and matting from coarse to quite 
 pretty. 
 
 The first row inside is com, spread out in large 
 piles on matting; next to this you find onions, large 
 and white as snow, tomatoes, generally of the wild 
 kind, green and about an inch in diameter, and some 
 coarse kind of greens, parsley, etc. 
 
 Next are some women who have their charcoal 
 furnaces at work cooking and selling various Mexican 
 stews, etc.; here you may buy from this girl, who 
 removes a dirty cloth from the top of the basket near 
 her, tortillas made of com soaked in lime mashed 
 by a roller on a large flat stone prepared for that pur- 
 pose, and then baked. She is too dirty, or at all 
 events the cloth which keeps her tortillas hot is too 
 dirty — let us pass on. 
 
 On the next row among the onions, cabbages, 
 tomatoes, large and small (I have not seen any of the 
 beautiful golden tomatoes here), radishes (very large, 
 and good), turnips, squashes, peas, carrots, you may 
 perchance see some of your old acquaintances, but so 
 disguised that you will scarce recognize them; those 
 shining sleek objects are sweet potatoes, boiled and 
 sweetened by some sugaring process, and those crooked^ 
 mammoth pods, six and eight inches long, are said 
 to be ochre. I have not seen an uncooked one in market. 
 
 In the next row, you find fruits, baskets of pears, 
 mostly green, indifferent peaches, apples and cherries, 
 Mamaias in abundance, small apricots, sapotes both 
 green and blue (neither good for anything), alligator 
 

In Mexico 205 
 
 pear, and, for a rarity, here is a woman who has some 
 mushrooms. 
 
 Under that awning, you find oranges, limes, musk- 
 melons, watermelons (six cents a slice), goat's cheese, 
 eggs, chocolate makers, coarse wooden spoons, etc., 
 and pears and apricots which you can buy cheaper 
 from the market women farther back. 
 
 Passing a little higher up in this row, and around 
 the fountain in the centre of the square, you find cook- 
 ing utensils, earthen and iron, and near by, the chickens, 
 turkeys, and pigeons. Those piles of white chalky- 
 looking substance are lime, used in cooking, etc. On 
 Thursday, the great market day, you find piles of beans 
 of all colors and sizes. Flowers are also seen frequently 
 in Market — pinks appear to be favorites. I have 
 omitted bananas and plantains, cocoanuts and pine- 
 apples. The cocoanut is very fine, but I think the 
 plantain the best fruit I have seen. I have also omitted 
 the fruit of the cactus, two kinds, green and purple. 
 Peppers abound always. These are in little piles 
 on matting — the women sitting by them in a way 
 peculiarly Mexican, on their legs doubled under them ; 
 all sit in that way. 
 
 Friday, nth. I am truly thankful that there is a 
 prospect of our having another mail. Genl, T., I hear, 
 received information from Genl. Childs to-day, that 
 Genl. Cadwalader was on his way from Vera Cruz, 
 and that he would come up with him. Genl. Cad- 
 walader must certainly bring a mail, and that mail 
 must certainly bring a letter from you. When this 
 poor scrawl is to start on it's way to you I cannot say. 
 As yet, I see not the glimmer of a chance. 
 
 Genl. Santa Anna, finding that the Mexican Congress 
 
2o6 An Artillery Officer 
 
 kept his resignation under consideration four days, 
 and that they did not promptly urge him to remain in 
 power, on the end of this month withdraws his resig- 
 nation. The plea he gives is twofold; first, that the 
 American Army may be expected to advance on the 
 Capital at any moment, and that it would endanger 
 the Country for us to do so, whilst the Congress is either 
 organizing a new Govt, or before the new President has 
 had time to make necessary arrangements for defence; 
 secondly, that he has received from all sides the most 
 urgent entreaties to remain in power, etc., etc. The 
 document, his resignation, and the reports of his con- 
 duct at Cerro Gordo and Amozoc have done him no good. 
 They have lowered him very much in my estimation. 
 
 To-morrow is to be Genl. Worth's big day. He is to 
 inspect, review, and drill our Division. I saw him 
 this afternoon, and told him that I had heard of better 
 ground — he said that it was better, but not so public. 
 So he flatters himself that we will make a good show. 
 I hope that he may not be disappointed. I will write 
 the result. As we have to rise very early to-morrow 
 to prepare, I must retire to bed early, and will now 
 take my leave for the night. 
 
 Saturday evening, I2th. Om field day, as the EngHsh 
 call it, is passed. The Division made very pretty 
 display, while halted. But I cannot say much that 
 is favorable for their marching — but allowance must 
 be made; how can it be otherwise, with troops who 
 have never been properly instructed. Muskets placed 
 in their hands as soon as they join the Compy., and 
 probably placed on guard the next week, these men at 
 once fancy that they are soldiers, and that they know 
 everything about their duties. Such a course would 
 
In Mexico 207 
 
 ruin any recruits. The crowd of spectators was very 
 large, embracing, I was glad to hear, some of the best 
 families of the City ; among them was the Lt. Gov. of 
 this State. Genl. Worth did not inspect and he kept 
 us out but a short time. This was in consequence of 
 his not feeling well enough to take the Division through 
 many manoeuvres. 
 
 I see by some of the papers received by the last mail, 
 that Duncan's' Regt. is not among those ordered to 
 join Genl. Scott's Army. Duncan will therefore be 
 with your brave old Zach. Where he is, or what he 
 is doing, I know not. I presume that they are much 
 better informed upon these points in the Cities of Mexico 
 and Washington, than we are here. 
 
 I have not, I think, told you of the fate of my letter 
 No. II. It was given to a Mexican who has been at- 
 tached to Genl. Worth for several months; this man 
 returned last week very much emaciated, the Genl. 
 says, and reports that he was taken prisoner, carried 
 to some place off the main road, and that he secreted 
 the mail where no one could get it. He was thought- 
 ful enough to return to the Genl. a letter he had written 
 to Mrs. W. Now, how my trusty Mexican could 
 abstract that letter from the others without his being 
 seen, I cannot conceive, unless he was very badly 
 guarded, in which case he might have escaped sooner. 
 At all events No. ii is destined to remain in Mexico. 
 
 I do not remember any incidents of much interest 
 contained in that letter, but the foolish Donquixotish 
 march of Santa Anna to the neighborhood of Amozoc 
 the day we lay there (15th May) and his retreat back 
 again. With the usual mendacity of his reports, 
 he says that he bantered us to fight in the open field 
 
 ' Mrs. Anderson's brother. 
 
208 An Artillery Officer 
 
 which we declined. What fools he must take Mexicans 
 to be — they know that he had a large body of Cavalry, 
 and as we had only two squadrons, if he had desired 
 an engagement, he must have attacked our Infantry. 
 He took precious good care to keep out of the way of 
 our Infy. and his Cavalry rapidly dispersed on receiving 
 a few shells in their midst from Col. Duncan's Battery. 
 The less his biographers say of "Amozoc" the better 
 for his Milty. reputation. His coming down was a 
 silly and immilitary proceeding. 
 
 Another statement he makes is also false — that a 
 train of two hundred wagons was coming towards 
 Amozoc with a very light escort, and that it was his 
 intention to cut it off, but the train, instead of marching 
 at the usual hour, broke up its last camp very early 
 in the night, and thus got into a secure position before 
 he reached them. No train of wagons came up but 
 the one accompanying Genl. Quitman's Brigade, which 
 was amply strong to have whipped the General's 
 Cavalry. But enough of correction — I am not engaged 
 in writing a history of the War, but merely make these 
 corrections, to let you see how untrue will be the Mexi- 
 can Official documents on this War. 
 
 I hope that our historians will give us the truth, 
 even were it to make us feel a little sore — but thus far, 
 we have nothing to fear. Our course has been plain — 
 very few acts have been committed, even by the Vol- 
 unteers, which have required and received chastisement. 
 But I am devoting too much space to my evening's 
 speculations and must now bid you good-night. 
 
 Sunday, 13th. 
 My kind friend Major Wade, having nothing to do, 
 has been polite enough to devote all the evening to me. 
 
In Mexico 209 
 
 and leaves me now at an hour so late that I am de- 
 prived of the pleasure of a long chat with you to-night. 
 
 I have not been in the City to-day, and have, besides 
 attending to my proper duties, written letters ; one to 
 Larz partly on business, one to Mr. Austen, another to a 
 Mr. OHphant, both of Uniontown, Pa. Mr. A.'s 
 letter to me was full of thanks for my "kind attentions " 
 to him at Vera Cruz, and urging me to pay him a visit 
 with my family. Mr. OHphant wrote to ask me whether 
 Mr. A. had been with me at the siege, and in what 
 capacity he served. 
 
 The news is to-day that a party of 3000 horsemen have 
 gone on the road towards Vera Cruz for the purpose 
 of proctiring subsistence and also to intercept the 
 train of wagons, sent from this place a week since. 
 They will catch a tartar. 
 
 The Mexican papers publish a letter from Mrs. 
 Col. Childs to her husband which contains some 
 political remarks which her husband would rather not 
 see in print. She speaks of President Polk and says 
 that his course is driving many of his old friends to 
 the support of Genl. Taylor. This letter was taken 
 
 from the saddle-bags of a Col. who was 
 
 coming on as a bearer of despatches, and who rode with 
 the advance guard, instead of remaining with the main 
 body of his escort. I hope that he had none of your 
 letters. I shall know in a few days. The Mexican 
 paper states that they have a large bimdle of letters. 
 The vandals should send all private letters to the 
 Army — no civilized soldiery should violate the sanctity 
 of family correspondence. At Cerro Gordo I saw a 
 letter addressed to Genl. Santa Anna, the seal of which 
 had not been broken. Enough for to-night. May 
 God continue to protect and guard you. 
 
210 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Monday, 14th. 
 
 My birthday. How can I better commence this 
 day's letter than by thanking our Heavenly Father 
 for all His mercies towards me and mine, and 
 praying Him that He may continue to guard 
 and protect us, and long before another year passes, || 
 that it may please Him to unite us together. What * 
 would I not give to have had you with me to-day! 
 This afternoon, I accidentally went to my old 
 friend's, Capt. Irwin, and there found another class- 
 mate, Capt. Huger, and a party. Some one mentioned 
 that it was my birthday, and my good friend, contrary 
 to my entreaties, brought out a bottle of good old 
 Madeira, to drink to my health. And as far as friend- 
 ship could go, all was well and happy. 
 
 But what was this to me, when I thought of those 
 who were far, far away. This is peculiarly to me 
 a day for home thoughts and home feelings. Think 
 not, my wife, that those thoughts make me feel sad and 
 lonely. That it is in a measure so, is true; but still 
 it is not a sadness without a light of pleasure. Hope 
 tells me that we cannot be much longer separated, and 
 that then my joy will be so great that I will count as 
 nothing all the little discomforts, etc., during our separa- 
 tion. God grant that I may very soon be restored to 
 you. As I shall probably close this letter to-morrow, 
 that it may be ready for any mail that may go out, 
 and that I may commence another, I shall close for 
 to-night. No news from the Mexican Army to-day — 
 the fact is they can't keep up an Army. 
 
 Tuesday, 15th. 
 The report alluded to in my scribblings of the 
 14th has been contradicted, and then re-asserted. 
 
In Mexico 211 
 
 To-day 't is said that Genl. Valencia has a rabble of 
 badly armed and undisciplined men in the City of 
 Mexico awaiting us, about 16,000 — that their boasted 
 fortifications along the route will be easily mastered. 
 
 My opinion about reports taken even to Hd. Qrs. 
 is that they are frequently carried by men out of em- 
 ployment, who hope by their pretended assiduity and 
 zeal to secure employment in some capacity with the 
 Army. Other reports are doubtless fabricated in 
 the Mexican Camp and sent out to produce an effect 
 on their countrymen, or to attempt to deceive us. 
 I therefore rarely think it necessary to report the rumors 
 of the day, and then hear, a day or two after I have 
 heard them, the latest news from Mexico, or from the 
 Mexican Army. 
 
 I am rejoiced that I can say that I now daily witness the 
 verification of my prediction about the change of feeling 
 which Genl. Scott's course would work in the Army. 
 I hear every day the strongest expressions of admira- 
 tion and implicit confidence expressed towards, and in 
 him, by men who a few short weeks since received a 
 toast alluding to his gallant services during the last 
 war with chilling coldness. 
 
 Dr. Tripler, who has just left me, says that he 
 heard Genl. Twiggs (not notorious for speaking well 
 of his superiors) say that he considered Genl. S. one of 
 the greatest generals of the age, that Genl. Taylor 
 ought not to be mentioned in the same day with him. 
 
 I am thus particular in dwelling on this subject 
 because I know how much pleasure and satisfaction 
 these facts will give you. Father knows the Genl. 
 as well, indeed much better than I do, and he will not 
 be astonished that at every battle, and by every 
 important movement, he gains warm friends. 
 
212 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Genl. Worth is, I am sorry to say, not well. He 
 looks very badly, and told me this morning that he 
 had no appetite, and coiild scarcely bear the sight of 
 food. Wlien we get into active motion again, the 
 Genl. will brighten up again, but were we to remain 
 inactive, he would, I fear, soon break do\vTi. 
 
 Genl. Cadwalader and Genl. Shields will be up in a 
 few days. I do not see what can be done with Genl. 
 Shields— should he be sufficiently restored— as it 
 seems to me that his commission as an officer of the 
 Army expired with the term of service of the Volun- 
 teers who were called out last year. 
 
 I do not see as much of some of the Vols, as I ought, 
 and as woiild be agreeable to me. But on returning 
 from our morning drills, I feel so tired, that I generally, 
 instead of visiting after dinner, indulge in a siesta. 
 
 Col. Butler has been remarkably kind in making 
 frequent calls, and I have been to see him but once. 
 I will call to-morrow to see him. He informs me that 
 Genl. Butler was most anxious to have me with him, 
 but I am almost certain that I mentioned this subject 
 in a previous letter. 
 
 The Editors have followed us to this place, and 
 issued on the 12th inst. the first number of Aiiierican 
 Star— No. 2. If anything of interest should be treated 
 of in the papers, I will send them. This first number is 
 filled with an order pubHshing the Military laws passed 
 by the last Congress, and by late news from the United 
 States, and would furnish you with not one line of 
 interesting reading. 
 
 An anecdote is told of Genl. Scott which should be 
 mentioned. As he was coming to this place with an 
 escort of only four Companies of Cavalry, the advance 
 guard sent a messenger to report to the Genl. that the 
 
In Mexico 213 
 
 Mexicans were approaching in large force. The Genl. 
 was, when the messenger came up, engaged in con- 
 versation with some officers, and simply directed the 
 messenger to report to Col. Harney. Those present 
 say that he evinced not the least concern, and having 
 sent the man to the Commanding Officer, he resumed 
 his conversation as if nothing had occurred. 
 
 And now in fact No. 14 must be closed. No. 15 will 
 be commenced to-morrow, and will, I fear, be finished 
 also before this goes. 
 
 June 1 8th. I have just heard that a mail will be 
 sent to-morrow. Nothing of much interest since the 
 last date of this letter. No. 15 is not sufficiently 
 advanced to commence its journey. 
 
 No. 15. PuEBLA, Mex. 
 
 Wednesday, June 16, 1847. ' 
 
 This has been an interesting rumor-day. We hear 
 that Col. Mcintosh, on his way up with seven hundred 
 men, was repeatedly attacked, and that at the National 
 Bridge, affairs were so serious, that he halted and sent 
 back to Genl. Cadwalader, whom he was preceding, 
 for reinforcements. The two commands, Cadwal- 
 ader's and Mcintosh's, would arrive last night, report 
 says, at Jalapa. 
 
 If the report, of Col. M.'s being compelled to wait 
 for relief, be true, I fear it will raise the spirits of the 
 guerrilla parties, and will cause us a great deal of annoy- 
 ance. It is said, too, that the Mexicans have become 
 so daring in Vera Cruz, that they take mules from the 
 pens. Col. Wilson should give them one or two shells 
 from the Castle, if the City authorities do not put a 
 stop to such proceedings. 
 
I 
 
 214 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Last night, too, was not to be devoid of interest. 
 One Alcalde deserted, taking with him half the City- 
 guard. These are small affairs, and will have no effect 
 on our Military operations. Genl. Scott strikes at higher 
 game, and will not harass his troops by sending out 
 marauding parties. He will, I presume, quietly and 
 steadily make his preparations, and, at the proper 
 moment, strike a blow at the great City. 
 
 I give you all the rumors reported to me. I have not 
 sifted them to find out how little of truth there is in 
 them. Subsequent parts of this letter will tell how well 
 the false and the true are blended together. 
 
 Last night, just as I had finished No. 14, I received a 
 long note from Lt. Judd, requesting my approval of 
 an accompanying application for a transfer to Bragg's 
 Compy. I retiu-ned the application with a polite 
 note, wishing him distinction, etc., and declining to 
 have anything to do with it. Although I do not care 
 about having him in the Compy., he has, as I think, 
 been so long engaged in various schemes to keep away 
 from it, that his transfer shall come without my sanc- 
 tion, if he get it at all. 
 
 I saw our "innocent friend," Lt. Hall, to-day. He 
 does not look in good health. I enquired about his 
 mother, from whom, he tells me, he has not heard 
 for a long time. 
 
 I have looked in nearly all the principal stores in 
 Puebla, and I cannot find a fine Mexican blanket as 
 small as I wish. If I cannot get one in the City 
 of Mexico, you shall have a large one I bought 
 a day or two since. It is a very neat pattern, much 
 prettier than the gaudy ones I frequently see here. 
 
 In describing the dress of the Mexicans, I find, by 
 further observation, I have not noticed one style of 
 
In Mexico 215 
 
 female attire worn by some of the "tortilla" sellers, 
 who, instead of wearing petticoats, wrap around their 
 waists a piece of blanket, which sometimes appears to 
 be scant of going once and a half around them. Their 
 black hair is passed in a coil around the largest part of 
 the head, and is frequently interwoven with red cotton. 
 I have not seen a bonnet in Puebla — all, rich and poor, 
 wear shawls, or ribosas on the head. 
 
 Of beggars, this place has a large supply, and they are 
 the most importimate scamps I ever saw. Some repeat 
 something like a petition urging the gift of alms for 
 some Saint's sake, which they commence before you 
 get to them, and continue with after you pass. 
 Others are silent, and merely extend the hand. There 
 are very few who cannot support themselves, were they 
 inclined to do anything, but they find it easier to beg 
 than to labor for the little money they need to purchase 
 what will clothe and feed them. 
 
 Thursday, 1 7th. The correction of yesterday's rumor 
 is — that Col. Mcintosh's command has dwindled from 
 seven to three hundred. It seems that he, instead of 
 being kept at bay by the enemy, drove them back 
 every time — that a few of his men were wounded and 
 that he lost a few mules. He parked his train and 
 sent back for reinforcements, because he did not know 
 what force might be brought against him. 
 
 Genl. Scott is reported, by Mr. Judd, to have said 
 to-day, that he had promised some of the gentlemen 
 another fight, but that as the news to-day was more 
 favorable, he was afraid there would not be another. 
 
 We had another Brigade drill to-day, under Col. 
 Garland. Major Wade not being very well, threw the 
 command of the Regt. on me again. About a mile and 
 
2i6 An Artillery Officer 
 
 a half from the City, we have a very good open space for 
 our manoeuvres. To-day, at the time we were there, 
 Lt. Col. Duncan's Battery and Genl. Twiggs's Division 
 were on the same plain. 
 
 Genl. Worth complains a good deal. He has not 
 been well since he has joined our Army. With his 
 imprudence in eating, and in improperly exposing 
 himself, I see but little chance of his getting well. We 
 are very much in want of his instruction. He has 
 only been in the field in command of his Division once. 
 Genl. Twiggs drills his Division six days in the week. 
 Good-night. 
 
 Friday 1 8th. Two very interesting visitors have been 
 in my room all the evening, and have just left me. 
 Their conversation has been so animated, that now 
 that they have left, so strong a reaction has taken 
 place, that I am almost ready to fall asleep with the 
 pen in my hand. No news of consequence to-day. 
 
 I read this afternoon an address to the Mexican 
 Nation by "An officer of the United States Army" 
 (Col. Hitchcock) which some think will produce good 
 results. He traces, in a very simple and clear manner, 
 the origin of the independence of Texas — shews that 
 it was actually achieved by Texans themselves, that 
 the cause of our citizens' taking such lively and active 
 interest in the difficulties between Mexico and Texas 
 was the cruel and inhuman butchery of Col. Fannin's 
 party, who surrendered under a promise that they 
 should be sent to the United States. 
 
 States that Texas had been independent of Mexico 
 for the period of ten years, when the United States 
 acknowledged her independence, which we had pre- 
 viously refused to acknowledge. That Texas, being 
 
In Mexico 217 
 
 independent, had a right to act as she pleased on the 
 question of Annexation, and that we had a right to 
 receive her. 
 
 Throws the origin of the War on the Mexicans, in 
 their actual attack on Genl. Taylor. Traces the pro- 
 gress of the War, and in giving their reverses, very 
 modestly points out the great disparity of our num- 
 bers, and gives instances of the false reports of Santa 
 Anna. 
 
 States our anxiety for peace, and in contradiction 
 of our hostility to their rehgion, states that our Comdg. 
 Genl. lost an accomplished and lovely daughter who 
 died in a Convent, receiving all the rights of the Catho- 
 lic religion, and asks whether he can be inimical to 
 that Church, etc., etc. 
 
 I will send you one of the papers containing this 
 address and hope you may receive it, as, in my synopsis, 
 I have omitted several important points. I would 
 have left out a few sentences, but, as a whole, I hope 
 good results may spring from it. 
 
 I saw the Genl. a moment this morning; he was very 
 kind, but so much engaged that I sat only a moment 
 with him. 
 
 Saturday 19th. I was startled this afternoon, by 
 an annunciation by one of the officers that a mail was 
 to be sent to Vera Cruz. No. 14 was rapidly closed, 
 after adding a line or two of this day's date, and I 
 hurried down to the Post Office with it. Much to my 
 regret the Postmaster knew nothing of the mail's 
 reported leaving. I then went to Genl. Hd. Qrs. and 
 there ascertained that there was no prospect of a 
 mail's being sent for an indefinite period. My poor 
 letter now rests quietly amid the leaves of my old 
 
2i8 An Artillery Officer 
 
 portefeuille : and I, with scarce a hope of your seeing 
 for many long months my daily scribblings, return, 
 because it makes me happier to do so, to my evening 
 chat with you. 
 
 To-day I have been trying a Mexican pony, which, 
 if he had pleased me, the Quarter-Master's Dept. would 
 have paid for — I being entitled to a horse, as Acting 
 Major. I did not like him, — indeed, I do not fancy the 
 gait of any of these horses. They are ridden with very 
 severe bits, which, by Httle more than the pressure of 
 the little finger on the rein, will bring the horse upon 
 his haunches from a gallop. As the Mexicans use 
 enormous spurs, between them and the bit, the horse 
 moves as if ready at any moment to come to a dead 
 halt, producing a kind of gait perfectly enchanting to 
 the Mexican dandy. 
 
 No news to-day from any quarter. Last evening 
 orders were sent to all our commands, that patrols 
 should be kept out constantly during the night. This 
 is intended to pick up our men who may remain out 
 of their quarters. One, a Volunteer, was murdered 
 last night. He had no right to be out at night. These 
 patrols may also catch any re-enforcements who 
 desire to join the Alcalde. I wonder if he was not 
 driven away by being compelled to transact business 
 with our Lt. Col. If he treated him as uncivilly and 
 insultingly as he did some of our Regt. whilst under 
 his dynasty — he will not conciliate a single Mexican 
 who transacts business with him. 
 
 My Sub-Lt. Andrews has just left me. I was glad to 
 see him, as he is unwell and feels homesick and lonely. 
 His disease, jaundice, always prostrates the energy 
 and spirits of a man. The whole Army seems to be 
 acclimating, as the sick lists of all our commands are 
 
In Mexico 219 
 
 large — that of "G" Co. is slowly, I hope permanently, 
 decreasing. 
 
 Sunday, June 20th. Another week has passed, and 
 God has been pleased to return me to my Sunday 
 evening's chat with you, in the enjoyment of excellent 
 health. My impHcit confidence in Him renders me 
 much less dissatisfied with my lot than I would 
 otherwise be. I feel and thank Him for it daily, that 
 He guards and protects my treasures — that that pro- 
 tection is as certain and continued during my absence 
 as whilst I am with you. May our hearts be ever full 
 of gratitude and thanks to Him, and may He soon 
 lead us into His fold. I did not go to church to-day, 
 though I ought to have gone this afternoon, as there 
 was preaching at Genl. Hd. Qrs. by a Chaplain appointed 
 to the 8th Regt. Infy. under the last law. 
 
 Army reports are to-day important, and in some 
 instances conflicting; for instance, one report states 
 that Genl. Taylor has been captured by Genl. Bravo, 
 near Saltillo; another, that having withdrawn all his 
 force from the upper part of the Rio Grande, he is 
 now with his Army at Brazos Santiago — his destination, 
 probably. Vera Cruz. The first report is not credited 
 by any American, and probably by no Mexican of 
 common -sense ; the latter may be partly true. We 
 want all the force we can get; the larger the strength 
 of our Army, the more important will be the results 
 of our operations and the sooner will a peace be made. 
 
 Another rumor says that Genl. Urea arrived last night 
 at Nopolucan (about forty-five miles hence) on his way 
 to meet Genl. Cadwalader and Lt. Col. Childs. He is 
 said to have 5000 men, Infy. and Cavalry, with two 
 pieces of Arty. 'T is also said that we have lost another 
 
220 An Artillery Officer 
 
 mail and that Mr. N. P. Trist has been writing infor- 
 mally to the British Minister in Mexico, and that he is 
 now about communicating officially with him. I may 
 even think with some little patience of his acts, if 
 they lead to an honorable peace — though I shall always 
 entertain and express my opinion of the wrong done to 
 Genl. Scott in this affair, of a Special Minister being 
 with an Army in the field, the Genl. being at its head. 
 Have I not given you Army rumors enough for one 
 day? I think so, and I shall therefore omit some of 
 smaller calibre which have been thrown into our midst. 
 As my letters will probably, by the time they are sent 
 off, fill a good-sized octavo, I think I must write less 
 daily than has been my habit. Good-night. 
 
 Monday, 21st. Our soldiers, under the influence of 
 liquor, forget they are in an enemy's city, occasionally 
 stay out of their quarters all night, and are found in 
 the morning either killed or badly wounded — the latter 
 is the case with one of the Germans who joined me at 
 Tampa Bay. I hope it may prove a good lesson to 
 the other men. 
 
 The Mexicans have been tampering with our soldiers. 
 A Milty. Commission is in session to-day investigating 
 the case of a German and a Mexican, who are accused of 
 enticing our men to desert. The German is stated to 
 have been a Capt. in the Mexican Army at Cerro 
 Gordo and was arrested by a Sergeant of the 8 th 
 Infy., who had been told by some privates that the 
 German had given them handbills printed in German, 
 addressed to the Germans in our Army, and urging 
 them to desert with their horses and arms. If the fact 
 be proved and he is condemned by the Court, he dies. 
 
 Yesterday, Genl. Alvares appeared in the plain, 
 
In Mexico 221 
 
 some miles from the City, with a large body of Cavalry. 
 We are so poor in Cavalry, that we can use that Arm 
 for few other purposes than reconnoissances and in 
 pursuit after battle. We cannot send out a force to 
 meet one of any respectability. Where we are with 
 such an Army as we ought to have, say of 20,000, we 
 should have about 2000 excellent Cavalry. 
 
 I paid Col. Butler, South Carolina, a visit yesterday 
 afternoon; he introduced again the subject of Genl. 
 W. O. Butler's conversation with him relative to my 
 joining him; he is very much worried that the Adjt. 
 Genl. did not make me the offer. I cannot see why 
 Genl. Jones did not. I fear that Genl. Butler will 
 think that I received his request, and that I have 
 treated him discourteously in not having, at least, 
 thanked him for the honor he did me by having made 
 me so kind an offer. If I knew where he was, I should 
 at once, that is to say, by the first mail, write to him. 
 
 Genl. Scott with Col. Hitchcock and one of his 
 Aide-de-Camps came in whilst we were at the Colonel's. 
 The Genl. is pretty well, but says he is dying for want 
 of exercise. 
 
 Yesterday a party of eight gamblers went about 
 fourteen miles into the country to buy mules; this 
 morning two returned wounded, and reported that they 
 were attacked by about eighty Mexican soldiers and 
 that the others they supposed were killed, or taken 
 prisoners. Their going so far with so few men, was 
 an act of suicidal madness and folly. 
 
 I drilled the Regt. this morning. Major W. went out 
 as a looker-on. He says that he has not drilled a 
 battalion for twenty years and that he is too nervous 
 to undertake it now. I am anxious for him to take 
 command, as comments will be made if he does not. 
 
222 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Certainly, Genl. Cadwalader will arrive in two days 
 and then I shall hear from you. God grant that you 
 will continue to cheer me with a continuation of good 
 news. Good-night. 
 
 Tuesday, 22nd. Blessings come and rest upon the 
 head of our Genl.! I heard this afternoon, confi- 
 dentially (of course I may tell you), that the Genl. is 
 about making arrangements for having our mails 
 carried and brought. He is, I hear, afraid that he 
 will have to pay more than may be agreeable to the 
 Govt. But it cannot be that to save a few thousands a 
 month, our Govt, would be willing to have all commun- 
 ication with our Army cut off. Certain it is that no 
 one who has relatives or friends in our Army, will ob- 
 ject to any sum Genl. Scott may find himself com- 
 pelled to pay. Humanity demands this measure, as 
 peace may be declared without our Imowing anything 
 of it. 
 
 Genl. C. has not arrived. The Milty. Commission 
 have sent their proceedings to Genl. Scott in the case 
 of the German but the Genl. has not acted on them. 
 We have had no rumors of any consequence to-day. 
 In your letter after you receive this, I wish you to send 
 me the size of your hand and foot, as I may find some 
 gloves, etc., in Mexico, that would be curiosities. The 
 gold embroidery of Puebla is richer and more beautiful 
 than any I ever saw, but it is said that the embroidery 
 of the City of Mexico surpasses this. 
 
 As the Pay Dept. will probably have no more funds, 
 whilst we are in this country, than to supply us only 
 occasionally with a month's pay, I may be compelled 
 to be more economical than I otherwise would be. 
 But I intend, as far as my means may permit, to bring 
 
In Mexico 223 
 
 you specimens of curiosity and of interest from this 
 country. 
 
 Do urge the American peace party to receive with 
 warm hearts the first whisperings of peace from these 
 deluded people, who seem not to think that each month 
 adds to our strength and weakens theirs. Every emi- 
 grant who follows our Army comes as no friend of Span- 
 ish supremacy in this Country. I have a faint hope 
 that in my letter to-morrow night, I may thank you 
 for a letter, or letters. I will at all events retire with 
 that delightful expectation. Good-night, God bless 
 and protect you. 
 
 Wednesday, 23rd. Vain hope — no mail — no news of 
 the approach of Genl. Cadwalader. A command has 
 been sent to meet him, and to bring the mail, but it 
 has not returned. To-day I have been pretty con- 
 stantly engaged in attending to my duties of Division 
 Officer of the Day, an honor to which I am elevated 
 by my useless assignment as Acting Major. I left my 
 quarters at nine this morning to report to Genl. Worth ; 
 from his quarters, I proceeded on horseback to visit 
 the different regiments and guards of the Division, 
 and did not return till about two. 
 
 This is very different from the daily routine of duty 
 I used to attend to at Tampa Bay. At eight I visit 
 such parts of the Command as I think proper. But 
 instead of being Officer of the Day every other day, I 
 am here every tenth day. 
 
 One of the Guerrilla captains was recognized and 
 taken in the City to-day. It would have been well 
 if he had been shot in the act of being taken, but I do 
 not see that we can do otherwise with the legalized 
 robber than to keep him in prison. I have no doubt 
 
224 An Artillery Officer 
 
 that the City is daily visited by these men. But they 
 can do but little more than gratify their curiosity by 
 these visits, as our guards are so strong and our troops 
 so well posted that they will not attempt to commit 
 any depredations on our property or persons. 
 
 Lt. Judd has been transferred toSriggs's Compy. — 
 thus have the "G.'s" lost his valuable services for 
 ever. I shall probably get Lt. Burton in his place. 
 As Lt. B. is in California I am not likely to see him for 
 a long time; this I do not regret, as Lt. Shields, the 
 2nd Lieut, of the Compy., is efficient and active. 
 
 The men are now nearly all well — the poor little 
 drummer boy is, and has been for several days, very 
 ill. He is better to-day than he was yesterday, and 
 will, I hope, recover. The wounded man is also doing 
 well; his injuries were not very grievous. Good-night, 
 etc. 
 
 Thursday, 24th. This is the anniversary of the birth 
 of one of my brothers. 'T is a great day with the Catho- 
 lics — birthday of John the Baptist — and especially 
 charming to children. Nearly all the boys I have seen 
 in the streets to-day are attired as officers or soldiers — 
 hats, caps, coats, flags (Mexican and a few American), 
 wooden guns, pikes, and swords are found everywhere 
 on the little strutting heroes. It is delightful to see 
 the joy of the little ones. How you would enjoy 
 seeing them ! 
 
 This morning a note was received from Genl. Crit- 
 tenden, stating that he had met with serious opposition 
 all the way from Vera Cruz, and that he would leave 
 Perote this day. He cannot reach us sooner than the 
 29th or 30th. The note gave no particulars; it was 
 written on a very small piece of paper, and was brought 
 
In Mexico 225 
 
 by a Mexican, concealed In some part of his dress. 
 We are nearly as much in doubt as before. We do 
 not know whether he has lost any of his men, whether 
 he brings a mail. And, on a very important point, 
 we also long for information, whether he brings a very 
 large sum of money. 
 
 The Pay Dept., instead of using its funds in paying 
 the men, is letting the Commissary and Quartermaster's 
 Depts. use them in procuring food for man and beast. 
 Genl. Worth is, I am happy to say, much better than 
 he was when I mentioned him a few days ago. He 
 says that one or two days in the saddle will make him 
 as well as ever. Something may have occurred this 
 morning, peculiarly agreeable to him — he is a man of 
 powerful impulses. 
 
 To-morrow I will be engaged in some serious matters, 
 I presume, as I am a member of a Council of War to 
 convene early in the morning. Capt. W. C. De Hart 
 is our Recorder — we could not have a better. Lt. 
 Col. Garland is the President, Capt. F. Taylor is a 
 member. I do not know of what number the Council 
 is composed, as I have not been furnished with the 
 order. More of this hereafter. 
 
 Since I have recovered from the Perote chill, I find 
 the temperature here very agreeable. The night is 
 cool enough to sleep under a blanket and in the day- 
 time you are but little incommoded by the heat of 
 the sun, and you always find it pleasantly cool, either 
 in the shade of the street or in the house. 
 
 It rains now daily, either between three and five 
 P.M. or at night. The Mexicans tell me that the rainy 
 season continues till October. But this is spoken of 
 as the rainy month. The muskmelons have disap- 
 peared from the market; I find nothing new but a 
 
226 An Artillery Officer 
 
 fruit called mango, which I have not tasted. Good- 
 night. 
 
 Friday, 25th. The Council of War, Col. Clarke (in 
 place of Col. Gariand, sick), Bvt. Lt. Col. C. F. Smith, 
 Maj. Bainbridge, Captains Anderson and F. Taylor, 
 were in session this morning. The case before us is 
 that of a Mexican attempting to get one of our men to 
 desert. The evidence does not seem, thus far, to be 
 conclusive. 
 
 The session of another Court near us has been of 
 greater interest than our own. A Coiut of Inquiry, 
 composed of Maj. Genl. Quitman, Brig. Generals 
 Twiggs and Persifer Smith, met this morning on the 
 application of Bvt. Maj. Genl. Worth to investigate 
 his conduct in some particulars of his command here, 
 for which he had been censured by his old patron and 
 most steadfast friend, Genl. Scott. As we were 
 necessarily engaged in our own duties, I was not in the 
 Court of Inquiry long enough to hear the points of 
 the case; but, from some of Genl. Worth's remarks, 
 I infer that Genl. Scott disapproved of certain Articles 
 of Agreement with the City Authorities imder which 
 Genl. Scott thinks we entered this City, by which the 
 cases of some Mexicans were tried before their ovm 
 authorities for murdering a soldier. 
 
 Genl. Scott having, in his order declaring Martial 
 Law to govern in all the places occupied by our troops 
 in Mexico, decided that all similar cases should come 
 before MiHtary Commissions. These Articles of Agree- 
 ment, if sanctioned by Genl. W., necessarily and of 
 course rescinded Genl. Scott's orders. 
 
 Another case is, I hear, of more recent occurrence. 
 While I was Officer oj the Day on the 14th inst. an Irish- 
 
In Mexico 227 
 
 man came into our quarters to warn us against allowing 
 our men to buy articles from the Mexican women, who 
 have their little market in front of our quarters, stating 
 that he had been informed by a very respectable Mexi- 
 can lady, that the women put something poisonous 
 in what they cooked. 
 
 I did not credit the story, as none of our men had com- 
 plained of being made sick, and I had never seen any of 
 the women selling any cooked articles to the soldiers — 
 and again the whole story seemed improbable, that a 
 parcel of poor women, trying to make a little money 
 by selling their fruits, etc., should make such an attempt, 
 the detection of which would be certain and easy and 
 the punishment of which must be so severe. Of so 
 little consequence did I think the man's story that I 
 did not allude to it in reporting to Genl. Worth the 
 next morning — thinking it unnecessary to trouble him 
 with an idle tale. 
 
 Three days after, we received a circular from Genl. 
 W. stating that he had received information from a 
 source entitled to full credit, that certain Mexicans 
 were mixing poison with the food sold to our soldiers, 
 and urging the sdldiers to confine themselves to their 
 rations and not to purchase any articles of food from 
 the Mexicans. 
 
 Two or three days after the receipt of this circular, 
 an order came from Genl. Worth, stating that in obedi- 
 ence to instructions from the Genl. in Chief all copies 
 of his previous circular should be withdrawn and re- 
 turned to his office. This is, I believe, Article of In- 
 vestigation No. 2. How many others there are, or 
 whether I am right in the above, I do not now posi- 
 tively know. But I will give you further particulars as 
 I learn them. 
 
228 An Artillery Officer 
 
 This difficulty is deeply to be regretted, but that 
 Genl. Scott is right in the matter, I do not doubt. 
 The Mexicans may try to make capital of it, but they 
 will find, that though Genl. W. may be disposed to 
 kick at the traces, he will draw like a true horse when 
 work is to be done. Enough for to-night. Good-night. 
 God be with you. 
 
 Saturday, the 26th. We finished the Mexican's case 
 to-day. In the Court of Inquiry, I hear that Genl. 
 Worth proposed a question, which after deliberation the 
 Court refused to put to the witness. The Genl. then 
 stated he had no further questions, whereupon the Court 
 adjourned till nine to-morrow. Major Kirby says that 
 there is so much bitterness between the parties that 
 this split is for ever. All regret, deeply regret it. 
 
 No news from Mexico. Though for the last two or 
 three days we have had rumors here that Mr. N. P. 
 Trist is in correspondence with Mexican Commis- 
 sioners; doubtful. 
 
 Genl. S. received a letter from Genl. Cadwalader 
 informing him that he had received instructions from 
 Genl. Pillow to remain at Perote till Genl. Pillow's 
 arrival — the reasons for these instructions, Genl. P. 
 states, "he cannot now give." Thus is the arrival of 
 Genl. Cadwalader with the long desired mail indefi- 
 nitely postponed. We are truly imfortunate, and have 
 only one source of consolation in this affair, which is, 
 that Genl. Pillow may bring us a later mail from the 
 United States than Genl. Cadwalader has. 
 
 I ought to receive a letter from you up to the 20th 
 of May informing me of your arrival and domestica- 
 tion in your summer quarters. I feel some anxiety 
 to hear what arrangements your Grandmother makes 
 
In Mexico 229 
 
 for the summer, who is to remain with her, etc. Your 
 letters will have answered all my surmises long before 
 you receive this. 
 
 The weather here is very pleasant for us who are 
 housed, but with these daily or nightly rains, must 
 be exceedingly disagreeable for those who are in tents. 
 
 Sunday, 27th. I sat two or three hours this after- 
 noon with my most kind friend Genl. S. and though the 
 news communicated to me was strictly confidential, 
 you may without breach of confidence be made my 
 confidante of the heads of it. The Secy. Br. Legation 
 left here night before last. Mr. N. P. Trist has entered 
 upon his duties as Commissioner — his letter has been 
 received by the Govt. Congress is not now in session, 
 but Genl. Santa Anna is attempting to reassemble 
 them in order to refer the question to them. 
 
 He has expressed himself in favor of having a Com- 
 missioner appointed to meet Mr. Trist but will not assume 
 (indeed he is expressly forbidden by an Act of Congress 
 to do so) the responsibility of making such appointment. 
 Mr. Trist having forwarded in a proper letter the docu- 
 ments presenting him in his official capacity, Genl. S. 
 immediately acknowledges their receipt, and recog- 
 nizing him as deputed with high powers states that 
 he is willing to confer with Mr. Trist, either by writing 
 or orally, on all questions entrusted to him. Of course 
 imtil this offer is disposed of, or at all events, for a reason- 
 able time, we are fast here. God in His infinite wisdom 
 incline the hearts of both Nations to peace. With what 
 gratitude shall I receive the joyful news that the war 
 is over, and that orders are out for my return to my 
 blessed home. lam not, however, sanguine; a com- 
 menced negotiation does not necessarily end in peace. 
 
230 An Artillery Officer 
 
 I hope that the United States will be generous and 
 liberal in her terms — she may well be so. Much care 
 must be taken to soothe Mexican pride, which has been 
 sorely wounded. We should be, we can be magnani- 
 mous, without our motives being misunderstood. I 
 also read Genl. S.'s reply to a very impertinent letter 
 from Mr. T. (alluded to in a previous letter) ; it is cruelly 
 severe — I do not see how Mr. T. can ever look the 
 Genl. in the face. He closes by telling him never 
 again to dare to write to him in that manner, etc. 
 
 The proceedings of our Council in the Mexican's 
 case are published — he was acquitted. To-morrow, we 
 have a Belgian before us — the proof will, I fear, be 
 very direct, in his case — persuading to desert and 
 offering to buy all horses, arms, etc., which might be 
 brought by deserters. This letter will probably tell 
 the result of his trial. 
 
 No information of the South Carolinian (Capt. 
 Kirshaw) who took charge of No. 13, sent on the 4th 
 inst. You may have received it by this time. I pray 
 God that the day may soon come when we may at last 
 have regular mails giving good news from home. 
 Good-night, etc., etc. 
 
 Monday, 28th. I hear to-day that the mail which 
 left on the 4th is on its way back to us. How deeply 
 do I regret this, as I know that you will be exceedingly 
 anxious and uneasy at not hearing from me. You 
 will not be able, I know, to banish your apprehensions. 
 
 Here I am in excellent health, and almost free from 
 the annoyances of the rumors of war, and yet I cannot 
 get a letter to you, nor can I receive one from you as 
 soon as it ought to come. But as yet they do come, and 
 I am most truly grateful for that blessing. 
 
In Mexico 231 
 
 We did not commence the trial of the Belgian this 
 morning, but propose taking his case up to-morrow. 
 I have been amused to-day in listening to the various 
 rumors about the negotiations. Everybody seems to 
 believe that something is in the wind, and all are so 
 deeply interested that it seems cruel to withhold light 
 from them, when I find them standing in the dark — 
 but I cannot say a word which will let them think I 
 know anything about the true state of facts. 
 
 The Court of Inquiry in Genl. Worth's case ad- 
 journed this morning. Their opinion has not yet 
 been published. With our mail of the 4th inst. went 
 Genl. Scott's application to be relieved from the com- 
 mand of this Army. As it is rumored that we are 
 to receive large re-inforcements and a large remittance 
 of money, the Genl. may think proper to suspend his 
 application for the present. He has good cause of 
 complaint. 
 
 Tuesday, 29th. We tried the Belgian to-day. We 
 meet again to-morrow morning but hope that we may 
 not have to take up a new case. I omitted to mention 
 the fate of the two, German and Mexican, tried before 
 the first Council: the German was condemned to be 
 shot, but Genl. Scott, on the recommendation of the 
 majority of the Court, founded on a belief of the partial 
 insanity of the man, remitted the sentence. The 
 Mexican was acquitted. 
 
 I have heard nothing more of the mail arrangement. 
 'T is said that a large train will be sent to Vera Cruz 
 soon after the arrival of Genl. Pillow. Rumor states 
 to-day that the Mexican Congress is in session. I hope 
 that this may be true, though I expected that a longer 
 time would be necessary to reassemble them. 
 
232 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Genl. S. told me that he had received very kind 
 messages from Mr. and Mrs. Bankhead, the Br. Minis- 
 ter and his wife. The Secy, of Legation seemed to 
 feel, on the questions of our relations with Mexico, 
 more like an American than an Englishman. Genl. 
 S. also received a very kind and compHmentary letter 
 from the Commander of the British fleet off Vera Cruz, 
 and from a son of Sir Robert Peel, on board one of the 
 vessels. The fact is, that when anything great and 
 glorious is effected by our Arms, John Bull cannot 
 help feeling that we are flesh of his flesh; jealousy, for 
 the moment, is conquered by pride. 
 
 We find here some Englishmen, but, as far as I know, 
 they claim to be American citizens, having first stopped 
 in the United States. The drummer boy is better — 
 the Dr. thinks that he will recover. Good-night, 
 good-night. May Angels watch and guard your sleep. 
 
 Wednesday, June 30th. Nothing of interest to-day. 
 The courier of the Br. Minister passed through to-day 
 on his bi-weekly trip to Vera Cruz, but I did not hear 
 of his having brought any news. The Council of War 
 met, and no other case being presented, adjourned. 
 
 To enable you to see me as I now live, I will give you 
 a detail of one day's doings; here, we are little more 
 than machines — one is a fair sample of all. Rising at 
 reveille, I take my usual time and means for preparing 
 for breakfast. As soon as I complete my toilette, 
 about half -past six, I leave my room, and walk for half 
 an hour till breakfast, which consists ordinarily of 
 toast, coffee, and eggs (eighteen and three quarters or 
 twenty-five cents per dozen), butter (one dollar per lb.), 
 hogshead cheese (fifty cents per lb.), Bologna sausage 
 (fifty cents per lb.), or soused pigs' feet are sometimes 
 
In Mexico 233 
 
 added. The first three of the last articles — decided 
 luxuries. 
 
 For drills or other duties, I go out at nine o'clock, 
 returning to dinner which is generally about one o'clock. 
 It consists of soup, a small piece of salt or fresh meat, 
 cabbage, rice or squash, and a salad of lettuce, tomatoes, 
 and onions. I omitted to mention a bad habit I am 
 contracting by order of my Dr., that of taking a toddy 
 about eleven o'clock. 
 
 After dinner, I take the Tactics, and generally awaken 
 from a pleasant nap about three o'clock. Before 
 throwing myself on my old camp bed, I usually eat 
 a pear, peach, a few apricots, or a little of some of their 
 numerous dulces. I have now some peaches, and what 
 I think are crab-apples, prepared differently from any 
 I ever saw with us; they are dry and well flavored; 
 they seem to have been preserved and then dried. 
 
 Afternoon drill takes place at four, but as this is 
 Compy. or Squad drill, I have nothing to do vrith it. 
 At five, Major Wade generally proposes a stroll, when 
 we go through the market, and do what shopping our 
 messing requires. We thus pass an hour or so, and 
 return, taking coffee (tea) at candle-light. Our tea 
 is frugal, a cup of coffee, toast, and a taste of hogshead 
 cheese, sausage, and butter. I take a little milk after 
 my coffee. I then retire to my room, and after a few 
 moments, seat myself at my table to chat with you. 
 
 This I continue until I think I have used as much 
 space as can be spared for that day's letter, when I 
 return my letter to my old trunk and sit down to the 
 study, till bed time, of the only Milty. work I have, a 
 treatise on La petite guerre, translated into French from 
 the German of Decker ; or if I have found any Spanish 
 proclamations, etc., I borrow a dictionary and read 
 
234 An Artillery Officer 
 
 them, and then to bed, when I always say our evening 
 prayers, and a special one for you and my return to 
 you. Good-night. 
 
 Thursday, July 1st. Reports somewhat important 
 came to-day. One is that three Commissioners, Genl. 
 Tomel, ex-Secy. War, at the head, were appointed to 
 confer with Mr. Trist; another that the troops at 
 Atlixco under Genl. Alvares and Canalize have dis- 
 persed, broken up in a row in consequence of a quarrel 
 between these Generals. 
 
 Genl. Scott received this morning, a letter from Genl. 
 Cadwalader stating that Genl. Pillow had not arrived 
 at Perote on the 29th. Genl. C. writes that Genl. 
 Pillow has about 1600 men with him, Infy. he thinks. 
 As Genl. Pillow left Jalapa on the 25th he should have 
 reached Perote on the day of Genl. Cadwalader's 
 report. I cannot indulge sanguinely yet in the hope 
 of peace being soon proclaimed. Were the idea once 
 to take full possession of my soul, its failure of accom- 
 plishment would be a very severe trial of all my philo- 
 sophy. I will therefore try and await patiently the 
 progress of the Negotiation, hoping tranquilly that it 
 may lead to peace. 
 
 Received this afternoon a visit from Capt. Danl. 
 Ruggles, U. S. A., who requested information about the 
 positions and deeds of "G" Co. during the siege of 
 Vera Cruz : he told me that he was engaged on a History 
 of the War, and that he intended being very particular 
 and minute in the detail of the operations of the siege. 
 I have copied for Adjt. Austine some incidents and 
 dates from my note-book. His work will not be as 
 valuable or interesting as Capt. De Hart's — if he writes 
 one. Adjt. Austine has just left my room, having sat 
 
In Mexico 235 
 
 pretty late with me, obtaining information for Capt. 
 Ruggles. I will now retire, leaving a little comer for 
 to-morrow's news. Good-night. 
 
 July 2nd. Friend Kirby called to see me this fore- 
 noon. I regret to hear that Mr. Trist is seriously sick, 
 so much so, that he can attend to no business. This 
 is very unfortunate, just at this time when he was 
 about entering upon his delicate and important duties. 
 Mr. T. has no funds, it appears, contrary to our expec- 
 tation. Genl. S. has offered to place $250,000 in the 
 City of Mexico, in twenty-four hours, subject to 
 Mr. T.'s order. 
 
 News comes from Mexico, that they learn by way of 
 New Orleans that Genl. Scott has been ordered to sus- 
 pend all further Military operations till the arrival of 
 his successor. Can it be possible that Genl. Pillow is 
 to be that successor, that the fate of our gallant Army, 
 the honor of our Nation is to be taken from the safe 
 guardianship of our great Genl. and intrusted to him 
 or to any other untried man! I cannot believe it. 
 The President may send Genl. Pillow (his neighbor, 
 friend, and partner) as one of the Commissioners — that 
 would be honor enough. I cannot think any higher 
 can be intended. I must close No. 15 and let it wait 
 for a mail, commencing No. 16 to-morrow. 
 
 No. 16. PUEBLA. 
 
 Saturday, July 3, 1847. 
 Rank, sometimes, presents its possessor advantages 
 the subordinates cannot secure. I feel this to-day in 
 all its force. Genl. Worth availed himself of his 
 position, in getting a letter or two taken by the 
 British Courier to Vera Cruz; we knew nothing of 
 
236 An Artillery Officer 
 
 the possibility of such a thing being done, till the 
 day too late. Per contra, I hear that the opinion of 
 the Court of Inquiry has been published at Division 
 and Brigade Headquarters, and that it bears very 
 heavily on Genl. Worth, censuring him for the conces- 
 sions made to the City Authorities on our entry here, 
 inasmuch as some of the provisions were in contradic- 
 tion of, and actually repealed, Genl. Scott's order, and 
 also finding him at fault in issuing his anti-poison 
 Circular. 
 
 I reported to the Genl. this morning as Div. Officer 
 of the Day, but did not take a seat, as I was afraid he 
 might allude to the subject. I would rather not con- 
 verse at all about the matters of investigation, at all 
 events, I would prefer postponing it imtil the rough 
 edge has well worn down. 
 
 Some Mexicans report that there is great commotion 
 and trouble in the City of Mexico; but, whether it 
 be favorable or unfavorable in its results to the cause 
 of peace, we must wait a day or two before we can 
 learn. 
 
 The newsboys are now crying through town a sheet 
 containing (i) the letter of the Mexican Secy, of 
 Foreign Affairs, transmitting it to the Secretaries of 
 Congress; (2) Mr. Secretary Buchanan's letter inform- 
 ing the Mexican Govt, of the appointment of Mr. Trist 
 as Commissioner with full powers to conclude a treaty 
 of peace ; and also (3) the Mexican Secretary's letter to 
 Mr. Buchanan, acknowledging the receipt of his letter. 
 
 As the American newspapers will have these letters 
 at least as soon as you receive this, it will be useless 
 for me to give even a synopsis of their contents. Mr. 
 Buchanan's letter, the first part of it particularly, is 
 written in good temper and with ability ; the Mexican 
 
 i 
 
In Mexico 237 
 
 letters evince no bad feeling. The affair, upon the 
 whole, I think bears a favorable aspect. I have not 
 heard to-day from Mr. Trist. The mail is expected to- 
 morrow. 
 
 I hear that the troops may be here on Monday — 
 which we keep as the 4th. A National Salute to be 
 fired at twelve, all the troops being under arms, and 
 at eight P.M. a rocket to be thrown up for each of our 
 States. Query: Will they give us rockets for each of 
 the Mexican States we have annexed? 
 
 The sentence of our "Council of War" has been 
 published — the Belgian is to be imprisoned in the 
 Castle of Perote, during the continuance of the war 
 between the United States and Mexico, to pay to the 
 treasury of the United States $300, not being released 
 till this fine be paid. So that you see the result of 
 OUT deliberations places no spot of blood on my soul. 
 Our friend is throwing himself to the dogs as fast as he 
 can. I have spoken to him, but 't is useless — my taking 
 him to task would lose me his friendship, and result in 
 no good. I deeply, most deeply, regret it; there is 
 nothing I would not do to stop him in his downhill 
 career. 
 
 Simday, July 4th. The anniversary of our glorious 
 independence. Many, very many years must pass 
 before the common people, the public of this miscalled 
 Republic, will be sufficiently enlightened to enjoy the 
 blessings of independence. Unfortunately, all attempts 
 to better their condition, instead of being nursed into 
 activity in the schoolhouse, and rendered effective at 
 the polls, are christened by the bloody sword. 
 
 This day is not unimportant in my little history, 
 as, six months ago, I crossed the bar leading from Tampa 
 
238 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Bay, our last happy home. Will Echo tell whether the 
 expiration of another six will find us united? God 
 grant that the action of the Mexican Congress may be 
 of such character as to bring peace among its other 
 blessings. 
 
 The day has passed off pretty well, at least I have 
 heard of no casualties among our soldiers. The news 
 from Vera Cruz this morning is highly important — as 
 we heard of the landing there of Maj. Genl. F. Pierce, 
 with 2000 men, and that he is to be followed by 6000 
 more. These additions to our forces will give us a 
 respectable Army, such as we should have had to 
 commence our march into the interior — not large 
 enough, however, if the Mexican Congress should 
 decline our offer of peace. We must, in that 
 unfortunate event, act with most decided energy, and 
 exercise all our skill. 
 
 I have not seen Genl. Scott since the receipt of this 
 news, which I learned this morning from Genl. Worth. 
 I would go to see him this evening, were it not both 
 damp and chilly. To-night, I must also make up for 
 the last night's loss of sleep. 
 
 Genl. W. stated that he heard Mr. Trist's situation 
 was more than critical. No news from the Capital 
 to-day, and worst of all, no mail in. Would it not be 
 too bad if the arrival of Genl. Pierce should still 
 longer delay Genl. Cadwalader! I will still, though 
 it would seem hoping against hope, try and hope to- 
 morrow will bring letters from you. Good-night. 
 
 Tuesday, July 6th. A slight chill succeeded by some 
 fever kept me in bed all day yesterday, and prevented 
 my writing to you last night. A letter was received 
 yesterday from Vera Cruz informing us that Genl. 
 
In Mexico 239 
 
 Pierce was encamped near there with 2500 men, that 
 he would march in a day or two. My friend Maj. 
 Gait comes with him. Rumor says that the bands of 
 guerrillas along the road have fallen out with their 
 chiefs, whom they want to hang, and that their quarrels 
 will probably disperse them. 
 
 From Mexico, we have no news. A day or two 
 should give us important items as Congress may be 
 now in session, and their decision in answer to the 
 application of our Govt, will probably be made very 
 soon after their meeting. The news of the landing of 
 Genl. P. and of the expected arrival of other troops 
 may quicken their deliberations. 
 
 'T is a pity that so many of our countrymen have 
 passed through Vera Cruz and the imhealthy region 
 thence to Jalapa at this season; I fear that we shall 
 lose many of the men. Although I have had no chill 
 or fever to-day, yet having been up nearly all day, I 
 feel a little weakened by yesterday's attack, and 
 think I had better retire early. I will then wish you 
 good-night, praying God to guard and guide you. 
 
 Wednesday, 7th. This, which I expected would be 
 my sick day, has passed without my having had a 
 return of my chill, so that I hope that I may con- 
 sider myself well. My friends have been very kind. 
 Capt. R. Lee called yesterday, and to-day my old 
 friends, Maj. Irwin, Col. Smith, Maj. Tumbull, Dr. 
 Lawson, etc. — have all, with others, called to see 
 how I was. Dr. Tripler, who does not belong to 
 our Division, happened to call the day I was taken 
 sick, and as our Dr. was not then in, I asked Dr. T. 
 to prescribe for me, and thus became his patient; he 
 has been very attentive. I hope I may have an 
 
240 An Artillery Officer 
 
 opportunity of shewing my friends that I never forget 
 kindnesses. 
 
 Genl. Pillow is in the City with the mail, which will 
 be delivered early in the morning, when we shall have 
 a new Commander, an old acquaintance, Capt. Martin 
 Burke. 
 
 Our present Commander is too mild, and his kind- 
 ness and forbearance are imposed upon by the young 
 officers. The Capt. will, I think, keep a little tighter 
 rein. 
 
 From Mexico, we have news; it is surmised that the 
 true original peace party wish to prevent Santa Anna 
 from having anything to do with making the treaty. 
 They hope that some event may occur which will put 
 him down. He is now having the Army under his 
 influence, and holding the strong places in and near the 
 City, too powerful for them. His friends are resolved 
 not to have the ballot-boxes opened until September or 
 the new President inaugurated until December, until 
 which time they intend he shall have the power in 
 his own hands. If they fail in their designs, Santa 
 Anna's fall will be certain and perhaps terminate 
 fatally for him, as he has many very bitter enemies. 
 A few days may unravel these new knotty points. 
 
 Mr. Trist called to see Genl. Scott yesterday; his 
 case is considered critical, as he has some affection of 
 the lungs, and this climate is decidedly unfavorable to 
 all persons with weak lungs. 
 
 Derr has just come in to tell me that McDonough 
 has come. I am rejoiced to see him (he has just left 
 me) as he was left sick, and I was afraid that he would 
 never join us again. You do not know how attentive 
 and kind Derr was to me in my little sickness — had I 
 been his own son his manner could not have been 
 
In Mexico 241 
 
 kinder. He was very highly flattered with the messages 
 in your last letter. I cannot write any more till I 
 receive your letters. God grant that they bring me 
 good news from you. Good-night. 
 
 Thursday morning, 8th. A thousand, thousand 
 thanks to God, and blessings on you for your letters of 
 the 7th, nth, and 21st May. I regret to hear of the 
 severe attack of poor Grandmother. I only took up 
 my pen to make my early acknowledgments of your 
 letters. 
 
 The troops arrived this morning, so that now we 
 have our new Commander. Lt. Thomas, who returned 
 sick from Tepeyahualco to Jalapa, also came up ; he is 
 looking pretty well but has not recovered his strength. 
 Maj. Buchanan is with Genl. Pillow; whether he will 
 rem.ain with him as A.D.C. or rejoin his Regt., I do 
 not think he has yet determined. Col. Andrews of the 
 Voltigeurs is here. Four Compys. of Lt. Col. W. W. 
 Graham's Regt. also arrived. I had a good opportu- 
 nity, two days since, of speaking to my old friend, 
 and could not avoid making a last attempt. I fear it 
 will do no good. 
 
 I am very anxious to hear from you again, as I feel 
 very great anxiety about Father, who was, when you 
 wrote, I fear, far from being well. Poor old grandmother, 
 from so many and such violent attacks, so rapidly 
 succeeding, will not, I fear, last much longer. 
 
 You ask my opinion about your paying my family 
 a visit. I wish exceedingly that you would do so. 
 But you will hardly be able to do it now, as, long before 
 this letter reaches you (indeed it is perhaps at this 
 moment too late), Maj. Sanders will have returned. 
 He was as good a person as you could have seen to 
 
242 An Artillery Officer 
 
 make you understand all about the positions of the 
 batteries, etc., at Vera Cruz. I do not doubt that if 
 he returned to Savannah in the boat with you, that his 
 conversation interested Father very much. I hope he 
 did so for your sake, as your agitation, you state, 
 prevented your understanding much of his first con- 
 versation. He might have made everything more 
 intelligible by a little sketch. 
 
 From what Genl. Pillow told me to-day, I think it 
 is probable that Duncan's Regt. may be ordered here. 
 I shall most joyfully welcome him though I am still 
 sorry that he chose the profession of arms. He might 
 have done much better. But we must now stimulate 
 him to render himself accomplished and distinguished 
 as a soldier. 
 
 I heard to-day, confidentially, that Genl. Scott had 
 not received any order from the President compli- 
 mentary to the troops and himself, but that the 
 Secretary had written a very severe letter. How 
 dare he address in terms other than courteous and 
 approbatory (and what is his approbation in such a 
 case) a man so far his superior in every respect! I 
 hope that there is some mistake in this matter ; if so I 
 will gladly make the amende honorable, for I have always 
 had a regard for the Secretary. Enough for one night. 
 
 Friday, 9th. Feeling a little chilly this evening, in 
 consequence of a change of weather, I shall not write 
 much. In speaking of this place, I have not mentioned 
 that these changes are not uncommon. The wind 
 shifting round to the W. and SW. brings chills on its 
 wings from the eternal snows which cover the tops of 
 Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, which are plainly in 
 sight in that direction. 
 

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 HHHHH''' 
 
 jgiEH 
 
 
 wm^wk 
 
 bHP^'^^BB ^^i ■ ,^^^B 
 
 
 f }t,| 
 
 
 Id 
 
 f . 
 
 ^ili 
 
 
 |W 
 
 "*^^tl 
 
 
 to'-'0i- 
 
 " HI 
 
 immL^'-^'^C 
 
 : ^^' ll 
 
 ^f^TJS^a 
 
 im.3 
 
 i|. 
 
 
 m^- ■■ 
 
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 '^Pifl 
 
 Ura 
 
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In Mexico 243 
 
 The snow-capped mountains are visible from this 
 place — the two above mentioned — and in the distance, 
 towards the East, lies our old friend Orizaba, whose 
 familiar outline is plainly visible at an early hour of a 
 cloudless morning. As we stand on our drill ground, 
 we see at the left of Popocatepetl, the renowned pyramid 
 of Cholula, where a Catholic Chapel now stands, on 
 the spot where, probably, the Indians had their temples 
 in which thousands of human beings were sacrificed. 
 
 Cholula was, in the days of Cortez, a magnificent 
 city; not a trace of the ancient city now remains. 
 You there find ruins of a large Spanish City, built since 
 the destruction of that of the Indians. 
 
 In the old Cholula, Cortez, in consequence of dis- 
 covering a plot to cut his army to pieces, inflicted most 
 exemplary and savage punishment on its poor inhabi- 
 tants. In their temples they had large cages full of 
 men and women whom they were fattening to sacrifice 
 or to eat. The ruins of the renowned City of Tlascala 
 lie to the right of our road to Mexico. I should like 
 very much to visit both these cities, but fear that I 
 shall not be able to do so. 
 
 Rumor states that Genl. Santa Anna has ordered all 
 the troops and all the arms to the City of Mexico — 
 he may fear a pronunciamiento {a declaration against 
 him, preceding a revolutionary movement), and is perhaps 
 preparing to put it down by the strong arm of power. 
 
 I have been engaged all day in preparing my quarterly 
 papers for the functionaries at Washington, but when 
 or how will they go? Had I not been thus busily 
 engaged, I would have called to see the Genl. 'Tis 
 too bad, he did not receive a line from his family. It 
 will distress me, knowing this, to meet him. 
 
 Rain, rain, rain — this is indeed the rainy seasoru 
 
 k 
 
244 An Artillery Officer 
 
 It is now raining for the third spell within the last 
 twenty-four hours. I feel so uncomfortable (you 
 know our rooms have no glass windows, with their 
 conveniences and comforts) that I must retire. 
 
 Sunday, nth. As I was a little apprehensive, when 
 the above was written, I had last night a regular chill, 
 and remained in bed all day yesterday, having taken 
 twenty grains of quinine in the morning. To-day I 
 have been up since about eight o'clock, taking two 
 grain pills every two hours, and feel so well now that 
 I hope I may have no return of the chill. 
 
 I heard to-day through Dr. Cuyler of your having 
 passed through Savannah. Mrs. Locke was kind 
 enough to send me word that she had seen you and that 
 you were looking well. The Dr. also said that you had 
 passed through Charleston. I hope to receive at least 
 one letter from you, by the train which accompanies 
 Genl. Pierce. 
 
 For the past two days the City has been filled with 
 rumors from Mexico. I have not been well enough 
 to go to Genl. Hd. Qrs., where I will learn the truth. 
 The general impression, however, is, that we are to 
 have a fight, and a very severe one. 
 
 Some think, that on our approach, Santa Anna's 
 enemies will compel him to come to terms, or others 
 think that they will take advantage of our presence to 
 attempt to remove him from his usurped office. So 
 strangely do these people act, that I pretend to form 
 no idea of what they will do. Half of the time they 
 leave undone things they ought to have done. Certain 
 it is that messengers have arrived from Mexico, yester- 
 day and the day before. 
 
 The Mexican Congress have not yet succeeded in 
 
In Mexico 245 
 
 getting a quorum. I will not commence another page 
 to-night, but close by a good-night — good-night. 
 
 Monday, 12th. A most unwelcome visitor this morn- 
 ing, in a threatened chill. Dr. Tripler happened to be 
 sitting by me, and checked it by giving me quinine 
 and making me take a pretty good grog of "Catalan," 
 being well covered in bed. As it was not succeeded by 
 fever, I shall not count it a chill. 
 
 Dr. Cuyler was kind enough to send me the latest 
 Savannah Georgian. In that of the 28th of May, I 
 see the arrival on the 27th of Mrs. Anderson, and maid, 
 and the rest of your family party. This relieves my 
 apprehensions about Father's health, which might not, 
 I feared, permit of his going on in that trip of the boat. 
 I put down your arrival in Clarkesville about the ist 
 of June, and feel certain that Genl. Pierce will bring 
 me a letter from you dated at Clarkesville. 
 
 Capt. Johnson Lee started with a flag of truce for the 
 City of Mexico this morning; what his mission is, I 
 know not ; some say that he bears a message relative 
 to the prisoners now in that City, viz., Maj. Gaines 
 and his party. No organization has yet taken place of 
 their Congress. 
 
 To-morrow, our Brigade goes back, probably as far 
 as Nopolucan, on a foraging expedition, it is said. This 
 attack of chills keeps me here, as the Dr. will not 
 permit me to go. Were the march towards Mexico, I 
 would regret separation from the Command very much, 
 but as they go over the beaten ground, and when they 
 will only see a few guerrillas, who will avoid them, I 
 do not care very much about it. They will be absent 
 five days, and will probably return about the time 
 Genl. Pierce comes up. 
 
246 An Artillery Officer 
 
 The impression gains ground daily that we shall 
 advance very soon after we receive the augmentation 
 of our force. We may find near Mexico about twenty 
 thousand men — we shall have about half that number. 
 Lieut. Johnston is now busy hanging up his pictures 
 (Catholic) in my room preparatory to his going in the 
 morning, so I will bid good-night. 
 
 Tuesday, 13th. No chill to-day, and feeling pretty 
 well to-night; if I escape to-morrow night, I shall 
 again hope it is broken. The Command left this morn- 
 ing under Capt. Burke, Col. Garland commanding 
 the Brigade. I fear that they had an unpleasant 
 afternoon, as we had a very heavy rain about three 
 o'clock. I called this morning to see Genl. Scott, but 
 as he was engaged with Mr. Trist, I did not go to his 
 room, but sat a few moments with his Staff. Genl. 
 Scott reviews our Army on the 15th, 17th, and 19th 
 inst. and report says that we are to leave on the 21st. 
 Hardly as soon, I think. 
 
 Genl. Scott has so entirely won the confidence of 
 the Army by the prudence and bravery which com- 
 bine so beautifully in his character, that they, like 
 myself, will, when he orders us to advance, determine 
 at once that 't is the time to do so. That he is well 
 informed of every measure of any importance I am 
 confident, and he will not order an advance until he 
 is well assured that it is necessary and important for 
 us to do so. Never were the interests of a country 
 in the keeping of a safer chief. 
 
 There are some reasons, and of importance too, why 
 we should remain here till the rainy season is over, 
 and all these the Genl. well knows, and has deliberately 
 weighed. We shall have a very fatiguing march, and 
 
In Mexico 247 
 
 one atttended with great suffering and succeeded by a 
 great deal of sickness. 
 
 We have not heard what Division will take the lead. 
 Genl. Twiggs pretends to be very desirous of leading — 
 saying that it is his turn as we were in the advance from 
 Jalapa — but here no one expected to meet with resist- 
 ance. But why speculate upon a question the decision 
 of which will in all probability be given either in this 
 or a letter you will receive by the same mail? I am 
 sorry that Capt. Saunders did not go to Savannah on 
 the boat with you as I fear you did not see him but 
 once. Good-night, etc. 
 
 Wednesday, July 14th. I passed the night and this 
 day very comfortably, no chill. This morning I called 
 to see Genl. Scott, and found him so busily engaged 
 writing that I did not sit down; he was very affec- 
 tionate. Capt. Lee did not go with a flag of truce to 
 Mexico, "escorted by two Compys. of Dragoons." 
 Capt. Kearney, with his Compy., went as an escort 
 to a flag of truce borne by Capt. Symmes, U.S. Navy. 
 He returned this evening ; with what news I will report 
 to-morrow evening. Finding that I have been so 
 grossly deceived in the report, so positively asserted by 
 many, of Capt. Lee's mission to the City, I will be a 
 little more cautious in crediting camp stories than I 
 have been. 
 
 I find that preparations are making in the different 
 staff corps of the Army for an advance, which all seem 
 to think will be made in this month. I am exceedingly 
 desirous of hearing what report Capt. Kearney makes of 
 the state of the roads. I fear that we shall find them 
 very heavy, or at all events they will be rendered so 
 before one half of our long train passes over them. 
 
248 An Artillery Officer 
 
 I hear that a private express is about starting for 
 Vera Cruz. I will enquire to-morrow about the pro- 
 babilities in favor of, and against its reaching that 
 place, and if the chances are favorable, I will despatch 
 one or more of the volumes on hand. No one, who 
 has not been situated similarly to ourselves, can 
 conceive of the blessings they enjoy in the liixury of 
 regular daily, or even weekly mails. I hope that I 
 may never again be placed out of hearing of the "Post- 
 boy's horn." 
 
 On meeting an officer of the 2nd Arty, to-day, I 
 learn that many of their officers were as unfortunate 
 as myself in being left by their Regt. in consequence 
 of indisposition. Among the number I regret naming 
 Capt. De Hart and Cousin Samuel ; the former has been 
 ill, the latter too unwell to accompany his Regt., but 
 not confined seriously. I have not mentioned poor 
 Saffern the drummer boy's case for several days ; he is 
 slowly recovering. 
 
 Lt. Judd is more of an invalid than any of the officers 
 of your acquaintance. He has been unwell for several 
 weeks and now looks very badly — I fear that he will be 
 an invalid for several weeks. He appears to have one 
 of those lingering, undecided kinds of fever, a species 
 of typhoid. Capt. Wall of the 3rd is severely afflicted 
 with an ugly cough, which may lead to something 
 worse. When we reach Mexico we shall have time to 
 recruit — the climate will prove more congenial to us, I 
 hope, than that of this place. 
 
 I have not told you that Derr is now my cook; he 
 is highly delighted at every meal by the praises I be- 
 stow on his skill. The fact is, he looks to me for 
 instruction, and I am not entirely disinterested in the 
 bestowal of encomiums on our cooking. 
 
In Mexico 249 
 
 Thursday, 15th. I saw the Genl. this morning, 
 returning from the review of the 2nd Twiggs Division. 
 He looked remarkably well. In consequence of the 
 absence of our Brigadier, the review of the ist Division 
 will take place on Monday; the Division of Vols., 
 Genl. Pillow, will be on the 17th. 
 
 Capt. Kearney went as far as Rio Frio, twelve 
 leagues (say thirty miles) from Mexico. He then 
 overtook (having dispatched an Indian after him to 
 check his progress) Genl. Canalize, who was hastening, 
 with about seventy Dragoons, towards Mexico, to 
 announce, undoubtedly, the approach of the whole 
 American Army. Genl. Canalizo received the General's 
 despatches, and would not allow either of our Officers 
 to convey them to the City. Capt. Kearney, I learn, 
 reports that the road is not in a bad state, and that there 
 are no obstructions on it. 
 
 The Mexican Congress is reported to be in session — 
 a quorum having been finally obtained. We may soon 
 learn their determination. God grant that it may 
 be pacific — though I fear that it will not be. If they 
 reject our overtures I think that we shall advance upon, 
 and probably, after a bloody struggle, take the City, 
 there to remain till fall, or for further advices and 
 reinforcements from the United States. 
 
 This being the great market day, I walked through 
 the City this morning, and find a few changes since I 
 last mentioned visiting it. The peaches and pears are 
 much improved, some of them are quite good — there 
 is a very large pear, very juicy, which I never saw in 
 the United States and which I shall attempt to intro- 
 duce. The seed of a large snowy white onion I wish 
 also to procure. Pineapples and oranges were more 
 abundant to-day than they have been for some weeks. 
 
250 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Of the infinite variety of beans, I have already secured 
 several. 
 
 I experimented to-day by putting some of the 
 young leaves of one of the varieties of the cactus in 
 my soup ; it is a tolerably good substitute for the ochre. 
 There were some fine large citron, and a few figs in 
 market, the first I have seen. Green corn has occasion- 
 ally been seen for the past three weeks, it is small with 
 black grains. Snap beans and green peas I must not 
 omit, nor squashes, etc. 
 
 Of their curiosities, I have not mentioned, I think, 
 one among the horse-trappings; it is a piece of heavy 
 leather running back from the saddle, and fitting the 
 form of the horse hangs about half way down his 
 thighs ; the lower part is cut into seven strips, the ends 
 of which are ornamented with chains, or pieces of iron ; 
 the whole surface of the leather is pressed or stamped 
 and variously ornamented. 
 
 The Spanish carriage is a very heav>" thing hung by 
 strong leather straps, which pass over heavy wooden 
 braces, about two feet above the axletrees; the fore 
 wheels about one third as large as the hind ones — they 
 are drawn by two mules in the City, but when travel- 
 ling you sometimes see three or four hitched abreast 
 before the two "wheel-mules" and again two more in 
 the lead. Each set of mules has generally its driver; 
 the traces are generally rope made of twisted raw hide. 
 
 As I am describing, I must not forget an "Arriero" 
 who serenades us twice a week with his drove of mules, 
 each of which has around its neck one large and two 
 smaller- sized bells, giving the most discordant sounds 
 bells ever gave. 
 
 These men are the greatest packers in the world — 
 these poor animals look like pigmies under the immense 
 
In Mexico 251 
 
 loads they bear. The common Mexican is nearly the 
 equal, however, of his patient ass, as he carries weights 
 we would never dream of placing on the backs of our 
 slaves. Their mode of carrying burthens I described 
 in a letter from Tampico, — a strap over the forehead ; 
 the women place the strap over the upper part of the 
 chest. 
 
 Saturday, 17th. Last night I'dined with Col. Butler, 
 S.C., and returned at so late an hour that I did not 
 think it prudent to sit up later. When I received an 
 invitation in the morning, I thought it was to make 
 one of a little party, which would separate at an early 
 hour, or I would have taken my evening's chat with you 
 before going, and was very much surprised to find a 
 long table arranged for a regular dinner party. Genl. 
 Scott was invited, but did not attend. 
 
 Among my friends at the table I mention Maj. 
 Smith, Engineers, Dr. Lawson, Capts. Irwin and Huger, 
 Capts. Screven and Myers. We had a very pleasant 
 party, having a respectable sitting of five hours — eating 
 and drinking was interspersed with songs and toasts. 
 Genl. Clinch was enthusiastically toasted, also Genl. 
 Scott. The evening passed as pleasantly as it could 
 with those who were far from wife, children, and home. 
 The supper or dinner was a plain one — turkeys, chickens, 
 ham, rice, com bread, chicken salad, sardines, fruit, 
 pie, oranges, peanuts, cacahuate, sherry and claret 
 wines, with a bottle of brandy, and I believe I have 
 named the articles on the table. But as we have been 
 sufficiently long at the table, let us leave it, and come 
 to the details of to-day. 
 
 By appointment of last night, I breakfasted with Lt. 
 Col. Dickerson, S. C, and about eight o'clock started 
 
25^ An Artillery Officer 
 
 with a party of S. C. Officers for Cholula. After a ride 
 of about one hour and a half, as pleasant as a ride on a 
 sorry scrub of a horse pennitted, we rode to the top of 
 the celebrated pyramid of Cholula. 
 
 Humboldt (according to Thompson) states the base 
 of this pyramid to be 1440 feet (square), its height 177 
 feet, and the area of the top to be 45,210 square feet. 
 You see distinctly the separations of the strata of the 
 large earthen calves (sunburnt bricks, Thompson calls 
 them) of which it was built, and find in them an infinite 
 number of pieces of broken earthen ware. 
 
 Grotesque, rudely fonned stone images are found in 
 the plain; some of them I wall try to procure to take 
 home. The view of the church, which crowns the 
 pyramid, as you approach it, at about the distance of a 
 mile from it, is very fine ; on the left you see the snow- 
 covered peak of the highest mountain in Mexico, 
 Popocatepetl, and the background to the church and 
 pyramid is the mountain of Iztaccihuatl. 
 
 The view from the top of this church is exceedingly 
 beautiful — on every side extends a very rich plain, 
 regularly laid out in fields now under cultivation in 
 corn, which is in various stages, from the tender stock 
 to that now in roasting ears ; the eye tracing through the 
 plain the meandering course of a small river rimning 
 between us and Puebla; whilst in the distance, on one 
 side you see the lofty steeples of the Cathedral of 
 Puebla, the Church of Guadalupe, the hill beyond it 
 like a watch tower, and a little to the right rises 
 Alalinche, where stood the Capital of the Republic of 
 Tlascala, which, Cortes says, contained five hundred 
 thousand freeholders. 
 
 Smaller and nameless (as far as I know) mountains 
 form the limits to your view in other directions, till 
 
U^^ V 
 
 
 
 
 
 ",)!-%.> Jit' 
 
 ■ f i 
 
 I 
 
 
 !l - ^' ^ 
 
 
 ^or 
 
In Mexico 253 
 
 you cast your eyes towards the snowy moimtains 
 above mentioned, where around the base of the pyramid 
 on that side stand the immense ruins of the large 
 City of Cholula built by the Spaniards. Among the 
 huge walls still standing, you see several churches, some 
 now open for worship, others closed. The City covered 
 more ground than Puebla now does. 
 
 The present City of Cholula is close to the base of 
 the pyramid, and is not seen till you rise the hill formed 
 by the cutting of the road through the base of the 
 pyramid. Beyond the ruins, and much nearer than the 
 mountains, projects a volcanic mountain, the crater 
 of which is distinctly marked. 
 
 Would that I could give you such a description as 
 would present these views plainly to your mind's eye — 
 you would be delighted — but I cannot. The pyramid 
 is ascended by a good road which winds along two sides 
 of its faces, to the top ; the sides are now closely covered 
 with bushes and small shrubs. 
 
 I brought two specimens of Indian embroidery 
 from the Chiu-ch of the Pyramid — rude enough, but 
 they will be interesting as being made there by an 
 Indian woman. 
 
 On my retiun I found Capt. Burke in Barracks with 
 his Command. By the bye, Maj. Harvey Brown, who 
 commanded the Escort (4th Arty.), to-day requested 
 to be particularly remembered to Mrs. Clinch, your 
 father, and yourself. 
 
 News to-day from Mexico is of great importance. 
 Genl. Santa Anna's Govt, is pursuing vigorous measures 
 towards some of his Generals. Genl. Ampudia has 
 been sent under an escort to Cuemavaca; Genl. Al- 
 monte has been ordered to march to Tulancingo in 
 twenty-foiu" hours, and has been refused the assistance 
 
254 An Artillery Officer 
 
 necessary for the journey, and Genl. Avista has been 
 violently carried to the fortress of Acapulco. Enough 
 for to-night. Good-night. 
 
 Sunday, i8th. No news to-day — but a rumor that 
 Genl. Pierce left, or was to have left Vera Cruz on 
 last Wednesday. Mr. Hargous, an American merchant, 
 who has been residing several years in this country, 
 offers to bet any amount of money that peace will be 
 proclaimed in two months. I wish, in this case, that 
 my losing a few hundred dollars would secure that 
 result, and I would most willingly lose a year's pay to 
 secure so great a gain. What Mr. Hargous founds 
 his hopes upon, I know not, but I fear that he is too 
 sanguine. 
 
 Among the sights of yesterday, I did not include the 
 Mexican ploughman. The plough is a simple block, 
 shod with iron, terminating in a point, having a single 
 handle which the man holds with his right hand, his 
 left hand guiding and urging his two oxen by means of 
 a goad, a long reed, having an iron spike four or five 
 inches long on its small end. I also saw a party of 
 Mexicans spading up some ground; the spade is made 
 of wood, the blade having merely a border of iron. 
 Everything here is of fashions centuries old. The mules 
 are generally hitched, or rather harnessed to the carts 
 as our oxen are, supporting the weight of the tongue by 
 means of a bar and collars or bows. 
 
 I went this morning to see some of my sick friends. 
 I found Lt. Anderson quite indisposed, several others 
 of the 2nd Arty, are more or less unwell. Capt. De Hart 
 has been taken to the house occupied by Genl. Worth — 
 he will there be closely and well attended by Dr. Satter- 
 lee. 
 
I 
 
 In Mexico 255 
 
 I have not mentioned my own health, it is because I 
 have had no more chills to report ; to-morrow morning, 
 will be seven days since my last attempt to have one; 
 if I escape it then, I shall feel pretty safe. I have a 
 grand appetite, and am ready to eat my allowance at 
 every meal, but I must restrain, as I am convinced that 
 we do not require here as much food as is necessary in 
 colder climates. I met the two Doctors Steiner day 
 before yesterday — the older has been very ill, but 
 is now convalescing; they came up with Genl. Pillow's 
 Command. 
 
 Yesterday, I had the pleasure of Dr. Suter's company 
 on my return from Cholula. He is very well; his 
 last letters from Mrs. Suter were from Washington, 
 where she was with his father's family — the Doctor's 
 son, Charley, had consented to go with her. I did not 
 ask the Dr. but presume that she is on her way to her 
 mother's. 
 
 Howard has just told me that an express expected to 
 start in a short time for Vera Cruz, so that I will write 
 a short note — they take none others — to-morrow, merely 
 to tell you that I am well. My regular series I will 
 retain till I find a sure and safe conveyance. You 
 would have (could I now send what I have written) 
 enough reading for a month, as I find I cannot follow 
 the rule I prescribed for myself, of writing a jew lines 
 every night. I will, at all events, close for this night, 
 praying that God may continue the guard and guide 
 of my wife. Good-night. 
 
 Monday, 19th. I wrote a note to you very hastily 
 this morning, to take its chance by an express, when 
 one goes. Under the fear, I may say expectation, of 
 its being intercepted by the Mexicans, it was filled with 
 
256 An Artillery Officer 
 
 commonplace expressions. I am unwilling that they 
 should read in it anything they could laugh and jeer 
 over. This writing to you, every night, ruins my style 
 as an ordinary letter writer, for now I make no attempt 
 at condensation, writing whatever occurs to me, and 
 not digesting the sentences. To a wife, this is perhaps 
 excusable, but not so with any one else. 
 
 Genl. Scott reviewed our Division to-day — I did not 
 attend, because this being the seventh day since my 
 chill, I was advised by the Dr. not to go out. As I 
 anticipated, the Division did not make as fine a dis- 
 play as Genl. Twiggs's did. Our Genl. has not had 
 us in the field as frequently as he ought. 
 
 Two rumors from Mexico to-day — one that they are 
 fighting in the City, where a pronunciamiento has been 
 made against Santa Anna, and the other that the 
 Congress has adjourned, having given Santa Anna 
 power to make a treaty. A day or two will enlighten 
 us as to the credibility either report is entitled to. 
 
 I may mention, though, that we are endeavoring to 
 organize a monthly express to Vera Cruz, the men to 
 take a certain number of letters, each written on half 
 a sheet of fine paper. As soon as the arrangement is 
 made, I shall, without discontinuing this series, com- 
 mence a new one. I fear that in my attempt to get a 
 great deal on my half sheet, I may compel you to put 
 spectacles on, to decipher my writing. 
 
 I called to see Dr. Harney this morning, and was 
 pleased to see him looking well. His slight wound 
 gives him some trouble, and will do so for a long time ; 
 the ball struck one of the bones just above the ankle 
 joint. His general health appears to be perfectly 
 restored. He advises me to take a pill of quinine daily ; 
 I followed his advice to-day, and it has passed without 
 
In Mexico 257 
 
 a chill. Mr. Judd still looks badly, but slowly improves, 
 I think. The drummer boy is nearly well. 
 
 Tuesday, 20th, after tattoo. I have just sent to Genl. 
 Worth's Hd. Qrs. another letter to take its chance by 
 an express, which starts to-night. Good luck attend 
 our messenger; we know that the chances are against 
 us, but still, should only one in twenty reach you, I 
 shall be richly repaid by learning that you have again 
 heard from me. Regarding that letter as part of my 
 evening's talk with you, I shall say but a few words more. 
 
 Report tells to-day, that Santa Anna has appointed 
 Commissioners — Nous verrons. The Q. M. has at last 
 furnished me with a horse; he is very showy, but too 
 high-spirited for an Officer whose duties at drill take 
 him among the soldiers. I shall have to exchange him 
 for another. I called at Genl. Scott's Quarters to see 
 Capt. De Hart; he is there, instead of being at Genl. 
 Worth's; he looks very badly, but is convalescent. 
 Good-night, and happy dreams to you. 
 
 Wednesday, 21st. Thus far, no chill. To-day I 
 have accomplished a duty to which I should have 
 attended some days ago, that of making some calls on 
 my brother Kentuckians — Capt. Pope, Rifles, was the 
 only one at home. He was formerly a lawyer of 
 Louisville, who found it more agreeable to spend his 
 time pleasantly with his friends than to attend to the 
 dry business of the Court rooms, and consequently his 
 clients looked elsewhere for a business man. 
 
 Captain is, I am sorry to say it, under arrest, 
 
 and will be arraigned for trial to-morrow morning, 
 charged with indulging too freely and frequently in 
 the social glass, and in some instances when on duty. 
 
258 An Artillery Officer 
 
 I fear that his case is a very bad one. I will attend his 
 trial for the sake of his father, whom I esteem most 
 dearly. His counsel is Lt. Col. Tom Moore, 2nd 
 Dragoons. 
 
 I called on Col. Andrews of the Voltigeurs; he is, I 
 fancy, sorry that he left his comfortable berth in Wash- 
 ington for this service. In his Regt. there is one 
 Kentucky Capt. whose family I know, and I think 
 that I know him, Capt. Churchill; he was on drill. 
 I then called on Col. Butler, and some other South 
 Carolina Vols. Thus, you see that I have accomplished 
 a good deal. 
 
 Every person is on the qui vive this afternoon, as 
 it is expected, with what reason I do not hear, that we 
 either move in two days, or not until the fall. Capt. 
 R. Lee, Engineers, expressed his fears last evening that 
 he would not have an opportunity of visiting the City 
 of Mexico. He is no idle prattler, and speaks not 
 without reflection. 
 
 No. 17. PuEBLA, Mexico. 
 
 Thursday, July 22, '47. 
 
 I went to the Court room this morning, and was 
 very much pleased to learn that Genl. Scott had per- 
 mitted the charges against Capt. to be with- 
 drawn. I hope the clemency now shewn him may 
 not be without good results. 
 
 A flag came to Genl. Scott this morning, from Mexico, 
 in answer to his application, or demand, for the return 
 of certain prisoners. The Genl. told me that the an- 
 swer was favorable, that it is written in good temper. 
 
 I had a long talk with friend Kirby this morning — 
 he thinks that chances are decidedly in favor of peace, 
 that they are nearly equal to nine out of ten against 
 
In Mexico 259 
 
 it. He is not apt to jump to strange or wrong conclu- 
 sions ; he is indeed very cautious, usually, in the expres- 
 sion of his opinion, and, knowing from the Genl. 
 himself that the data on which the Major formed his 
 opinion were obtained from the Genl., this opinion has 
 great weight with me. But still I cannot indulge the 
 delightful hope of peace, even when presented from such 
 a source. I can place no confidence in the doings of 
 this Govt, or of their constituted authorities. 
 
 To one opinion of the Major's I do fully consent, 
 which is that if the Mexicans do not now consent to, 
 and conclude, a treaty of peace, that the war must 
 continue for a long and indefinite period. We cannot 
 again offer the olive branch. Two rude rejections 
 will bar us from making another. 
 
 Certain it is, that, as yet, neither Congress nor Santa 
 Anna have answered Mr. Trist's letter. The officer 
 who bore the flag embraced one of the General's aids, 
 drank to peace, and called him his "friend." All 
 this may well be diplomatique. 
 
 We must soon advance, if the Govt, comes to no 
 decision or to an unfavorable one on Secy. Buchanan's 
 proposal, submitted through Mr. Trist, proposing that 
 Commissioners be appointed to confer with Mr. T. 
 on the terms of a treaty. To-morrow, or the next 
 day, we may hear something interesting from the 
 City. No news of Genl. Pierce's march. Good-night. 
 
 Friday, 23rd. Genl. S. told me confidentially, to- 
 day, that there was a slight prospect of the opening of 
 negotiations with the Mexican Govt. The facts are 
 these. Genl. S. A., as you know, sent Mr. Buchanan's 
 letter to Congress; this body resolved to play a game 
 of shuttlecock with the President: returned it to him 
 
260 An Artillery Officer 
 
 stating that, by the Constitution, the initiatory steps 
 in the consideration of treaties were assigned to the 
 Executive. 
 
 Genl. Santa Anna's rejoinder has been received, in 
 which he informs the Congress that he does not require 
 any instructions from them in relation to his duties, 
 that he did not send the letter to them for any further 
 action on their part than for them to rescind the re- 
 solution passed at the close of their last Session, declar- 
 ing any Mexican a traitor to his country who would 
 listen to, or receive any proposals of peace; that he 
 knows by the Constitution of 1824 this duty was im- 
 posed on the Executive. He tells them that the ques- 
 tion now presented for the consideration of the Mexicans 
 should be solemnly and wisely deliberated upon, and 
 that it should be answered either affirmatively or 
 negatively. It is said to be the best paper he has 
 issued. 
 
 Some of the Members of Congress, alarmed probably 
 at the dilemma in which they have placed themselves, 
 have left the City. Santa Anna is preparing, in the 
 event of Congress* adjourning without rescinding 
 their unconstitutional resolution, to have a pronun- 
 ciamiento declaring himself Dictator. The Army is 
 not yet ready for this; but it is thought that he will, 
 soon, as he has placed Congress so decidedly in the 
 wrong, seize the supreme power. A few days more 
 and all these schemes must work out results either 
 favorable to, or destructive of Santa Anna, Genl. 
 Santa Anna's order of the 19th inst. was received here 
 to-day. He orders that the firing of a cannon in the 
 place d'armes will be the signal of the approach of the 
 troops, that at this all the bands shall play, and that 
 all the military shall retire to their Quarters, and there 
 
In Mexico 261 
 
 await instructions; no one to leave except on service, 
 no carriages to pass through the streets, no horseman 
 to be in the streets unless the military on duty, no 
 one to leave the gates of the City, but women who may 
 have brought in coal or provisions, all the shops to 
 be closed, but those of the provision markets and where 
 bread is sold. He prefaces this decree by a strong 
 abuse of us, and an exhortation to the Mexican Army 
 to restore the lost lustre of their Military fame, etc. 
 To-morrow I dine with the General. 
 
 Saturday, 24th. We had to-day a true Yankee dish, 
 one I did not expect to see so far in the interior of Mex- 
 ico — codfish and the usual accompaniments. Though 
 there were meats and fowl on the table, all were good 
 Yankees enough to take no meat after the soup — mak- 
 ing a simple but good dinner. 
 
 Capt. N ^ of Phila., ex-member of Congress, 
 
 was present. He is just recovering from a severe fit 
 of illness. His mind is as weak as his body. He was 
 strongly disposed to deliver us a Congressional discourse 
 upon every subject introduced — one of those men, 
 who, when they begin to talk, cast their eyes around 
 to catch the eyes of others, and to force attention from 
 as many as possible to their remarks. I am very fond 
 of modesty, and never allow such orators of the table 
 or room to entrap me, if I can decently avoid it. 
 
 Genl. Scott confidently expects news of great interest 
 from Mexico in two or three days. Mr. Trist has 
 requested the Genl. to delay our advance, at least until 
 Genl. Pierce arrives, as he thinks something favorable 
 to peace may occur in that time. 
 
 As I occasionally mention incidents which are strange 
 and new, I will here allude to one which attracted my 
 
 -)r &Lc^oO.-. /Vcyl^ 
 
262 An Artillery Officer 
 
 attention this morning. I was lying down, and hearing 
 the occasional tinkle of a little bell, I went to the win- 
 dow to see what it was. I there saw two common 
 Mexicans at their little market, in front of my window, 
 one having on his back a box three by two feet, the 
 double door of which was opened and presented, turned 
 as he rang his bell, towards the market women; as it 
 was thus presented to each group, they advanced 
 towards it, and, bending forward, kissed an artificial 
 flower in front of the glass, or the glass itself. The duty 
 of the second Mexican was to open and close the door, 
 and to receive the contributions given by nearly every 
 one, the fruit and vegetables, tortillas (cakes made of 
 Indian com) in his basket, and the money in a small 
 tin box having a slit in the top. 
 
 The large box had an image of an angel with an 
 infant by his side — the sides of the interior of the box 
 ornamented with flowers. Every one gives something; 
 one three onions, another a pear, another a banana, 
 etc., and the tortilla sellers gave each one of their 
 small flat cakes. 
 
 I have frequently heard this bell about eight at night, 
 but did not know what it was rung for. The little 
 tin money box I have frequently seen offered to the 
 market people to kiss — mothers invariably raising 
 their children up to kiss it also. It has a painting of 
 the Virgin or some favorite saint of the church to which 
 it belongs, and always gathers a few clakos (one and 
 a half cents) from these poor Indians. 
 
 I think I have told you that the tortillas were made 
 of Indian com, soaked in lime water to remove the skin, 
 and then ground by rubbing it by a long stone roller, 
 or pin, on a small flat iron stone resembling a table. 
 This appears to be the Mexican mill; the woman 
 
- 1 lllljj ^j*'^ 
 
In Mexico 263 
 
 sits, having the slope towards her, and with the pin 
 in her hands, she mashes the grain, keeping it 
 moist till she forms a fine paste, which is baked in 
 an earthen dish, placed on charcoal burning in an 
 earthen furnace — all Mexican utensils for cooking, 
 carrying, or holding water, etc., are made of an excel- 
 lent earthen ware. 
 
 Their spoons are either rudely made of wood, or 
 part of a calabash, and frequently I see them using 
 the tortilla as a spoon, bending it so as to hold a small 
 quantity of their broths or stews, which are the ways 
 they generally cook their food, in which they use red 
 pepper very freely. I must confess that I have had 
 no desire to eat what they prepare. I see daily exhibited 
 by the market women scenes disgustingly filthy. 
 
 Sunday, 25th. 
 
 Another Sabbath, and all uncertainty about our 
 movements. As late as four p.m. yesterday, Genl. S. 
 was doubtful whether we would advance. I called at 
 his Quarters this afternoon, but he was at church, and 
 I did not see him. Capt. Myers' clerk told me that the 
 Quartermasters had received orders to have every- 
 thing ready for the advance of the Army in four 
 days. 
 
 We will not, I am confident, leave this City until 
 the arrival, or near approach of Genl. Pierce, and he 
 will not arrive, supposing him to have left on the i6th 
 as reported, before the ist or 5th of August. It may 
 well be, that Genl. Scott and Mr. Trist have received 
 intelUgence of the state of parties in the Capital, [such] 
 as to make it expedient, or necessary, for us to approach 
 it. A few more days of doubt, and all will probably be 
 certainty — no half-way measures, either peace or a war 
 
264 An Artillery Officer 
 
 changed, in its character, from that which we have been 
 conducting upon the most civilized principles. 
 
 Genl. Pierce may, however, bring instructions from 
 the Home Govt, altering all the schemes and plans we 
 have been dreaming over in our quiescent state. 
 
 Capt. De Hart spent the day with us ; he is improving, 
 but as has been the case with all who have been pro- 
 strated by disease in this Country, it will be some weeks 
 before he will be sufficiently well to attend to duty. 
 I saw Lt. Anderson out yesterday. Genl. Worth looks 
 badly again. The sick list of our Army is now slightly 
 above 2000 — a very considerable and important change 
 in the strength of our force, where we are, at least, in 
 need of all our bayonets. The spirit of our troops is, 
 however, most excellent, and they will deserve success. 
 
 Lt. Judd has just left our Quarters, and has, I am 
 pleased to hear, improved sufficiently to enable him 
 to take his seat at table. 
 
 Howard tells me that my letter of the i8th was 
 dispatched last night ; success attend it. I will not com- 
 mence another sheet this evening. Good-night. 
 
 Monday, 26th. 
 Most unreasonable and ill-timed kindness in two 
 sets of visitors has made it so late before I could take 
 my seat to converse with you, that I shall soon be com- 
 pelled to make my bow, very soon. From orders 
 issued to the different departments of the Staff, it is 
 certainly intended that we shall leave this City as soon 
 as Genl. Pierce gets within a few days' march of it — 
 that is, the leading Division will start, to be followed 
 by the others in successive days, so timed that Genl. 
 Pierce will reach here the day before the last Division 
 will start. 
 
In Mexico 265 
 
 If we have a fight near the City, it will probably be 
 the great battle of the Mexican War. Pride to save 
 their Capital from our grasp, a desire to revenge 
 their repeated disastrous defeats, will urge them to 
 exert their powers to the utmost. 
 
 Our soldiery, flushed with victory, will, I am con- 
 vinced, do more than mere duty calls for. Could they 
 for one moment doubt of success, they must see that as 
 we are situated, victory must be ours — a drawn battle 
 even will not suffice. We must, we, with the blessing 
 of God, will conquer. 
 
 Genl. Scott heard yesterday that the Mexican Con- 
 gress would do nothing— it is not expected that they 
 will answer Santa Anna's last message to them, in which 
 he gives them a lecture in relation to their course in 
 instructing him in his duties. 
 
 The news from Hd. Qrs. is still favorable — every- 
 thing promises fair. If the Mexican Congress does 
 not ruin our prospects, we may yet be home before 
 winter. 
 
 Tuesday, 27th. 
 
 So great is the uncertainty as to Genl. Pierce's 
 whereabouts, etc., so numerous the reports about his 
 being harassed in his advance, that Genl. S. sent a 
 Brigade, Genl. Persifer Smith's, with Duncan's Battery, 
 and a squadron of Cavalry to commimicate with him. 
 
 Genl. S. is one of the most prudent commanders I 
 ever served under. Instead of wearing his troops out 
 by issuing orders for them to hold themselves in readi- 
 ness, on the circulation of every report about the 
 enemy's approach, he has each case examined by some 
 persons whom he can trust, and thus quietly exposes 
 the falsity, or verifies the truth, of the rumor. 
 
 I 
 
266 An Artillery Oflficer 
 
 I heard him, a few days since, on Col. Hitchcock's 
 mentioning a report that has been made of the arrival 
 of some troops at Atlixco, say that he must get the 
 Capt. of his Bandits to enquire into it — that twenty 
 false reports might be made about the enemy, and that 
 if we failed to enquire into the twenty-first, which 
 afterwards proved true, as military men we would 
 richly deserve censure. 
 
 We have in our pay a Compy. of Mexicans who are 
 called the Forty Thieves ; they are, I expect some of the 
 gentlemen robbers Thompson mentions. They were 
 asked, the other day, if they would not be afraid of 
 being murdered by their countrymen for acting with 
 us, after we left the Country, and their Captain's 
 answer was: "That is our business, we will take care 
 of ourselves." They are very useful in getting in- 
 formation, etc., and are used individually or collect- 
 ively, as their services are required. The Capt. says 
 he can increase his band to 1500 or 2000, if a greater 
 number be wanted than he now has. 
 
 This afternoon, I went with Lt. Johnson to an "Old 
 Curiosity Shop," where I purchased a Catholic Bible, 
 1742 A.D., for Brother William. Mr. J. purchased a 
 similar one for himself; he says that it is a present 
 which William will prize very highly. Do not think 
 that my old mania of purchasing books and pictures 
 has again beset me — you would admire the cool non- 
 chalance with which I examine choice old books, etc., 
 which can be purchased very cheap here, and cannot 
 be procured in the United States. I must, on leaving 
 this Country, purchase some curiosities for you. 
 
 A party leaves the City at seven in the morning, 
 to visit Cholula, but, as I have been there, I will 
 remain, so that Capt. Burke may go. Since the pay- 
 
In Mexico 267 
 
 ments were made, our sick list has increased; we have 
 now 2200 on the sick report. 
 
 One word about the customs of the Country, before 
 stopping. The market and common women address 
 us as nifto (child) ; whether this is a term of endearment 
 or not, I cannot say. I did not understand them as 
 calling me so, until I found it was usually done. You 
 refuse to give the price asked, and walk off, when you 
 are frequently called back by that word, to take the 
 article at your own price. Good-night. 
 
 Wednesday, 28th. 
 
 Unfortunately, I have been placed on a Court of 
 Enquiry, demanded by Col. Riley, who avers that 
 injustice has been, done his Brigade in Genl. Twiggs's 
 report, and in those of some of the sub-commanders 
 in Genl. Twiggs's Division. 
 
 I fear that the personal feelings of Col. Harney have 
 become interested in this matter, as he claims the 
 storming and carrying of the height called by us Cerro 
 Gordo, by Santa Anna, Telegraph Hill — whereas 
 Riley states that his Command charged the hill in re- 
 verse, at the same time Harney charged it in front; 
 both may be right, and I hope that this may be so 
 decided by the evidence. 
 
 The other points are easily established, or contra- 
 dicted; one is that Genl. Twiggs gives to Col. Baker, 
 111. Vols., the credit of taking a Battery Col. Riley 
 avers was won by his own Regt. His Court are Maj. 
 Genl. Pillow, Brig. Genl. Cadwalader, Col. Clarke, 5th 
 Infy., and Capt. Anderson, Recorder. 
 
 I care very little about the labor of writing as much 
 as I will have to do, did I not fear that it will materially 
 interfere with my evenings' conversations with you. 
 
268 An Artillery Officer 
 
 No one who is not as regular in his habits as I am can 
 conceive of the pleasure with which I nightly resume 
 my daily scrawls to you. 
 
 I have advised many of my friends who are home- 
 sick, and, to kill time, resort to rather expensive 
 habits, to pursue the same plan, assuring them that 
 they would soon derive benefit and gratification from 
 it. It brings me, as it were, near to and in communion 
 regularly with you, before retiring to bed. Writing to 
 you is always, when I am well and not prevented by 
 urgent business, the last work of the day, and is gener- 
 ally finished on retiring for the night. 
 
 I may be so much exhausted by my duties as Re- 
 corder of this Court, as to shorten our discourses very 
 considerably. This may be advantageous, as I find 
 that I write now a great deal about nothing. Not a 
 report in them to-day from Mexico. 
 
 Thursday, 29th. 
 Though the time for retiring has passed, and I 
 have not yet finished my labors, I must have a 
 short chat. I am happy to report that the misun- 
 derstanding between Colonels Harney and Riley is, I 
 think, from the testimony of to-day, likely to be 
 solved by the Court in a manner probably grateful 
 to the feelings of both. Col. Riley's report alludes to 
 carrying a crest of the Telegraph Hill, lower than the 
 principal crest carried by Col. Harney, not at all the 
 same point, but at some distance from it. And again 
 it appears that Col. Riley's Command took three guns 
 of one of the enemy's Batteries simultaneously with the 
 carrying of two of the same Battery (but at a distance 
 of some sixty yards) by some Vols, to whom Genl. 
 Twiggs ascribes the credit of taking the Battery. 
 
In Mexico 269 
 
 Should there be no conflicting evidence, we shall 
 soon finish, and I shall rejoice at there being no just 
 grounds for finding serious fault with either Harney's 
 or Riley's reports. 
 
 I dined with the Genl. to-day, no news. A messen- 
 ger is to be despatched towards Mexico to-morrow, 
 with what communication I know not. 
 
 Friday, 30th. 
 
 The Court has proceeded very well to-day. Why 
 other evidence is desired unless it be intended to collect 
 under oath material for a history of the battles, I know 
 not. I see the points made by Col. Riley already 
 clearly settled by the evidence. I fear that we may be 
 drawn into other matters. I must keep a good lookout 
 to guard against this. 
 
 It would seem from the rumors from Mexico, that the 
 prospect of peace which began to lighten up a few days 
 since, has disappeared, and that over the lovely land- 
 scape we thought we could get a glimpse of, now hangs 
 the dark and threatening cloud of War. 
 
 The Mexican Congress of the 13th inst. sent what 
 they called their ultimatum, on the question of peace 
 or war, which we received in print to-day. This must 
 be the paper alluded to in my date of the 24th inst. 
 It is quite learned in constitutional law; they char- 
 acterize our invasion as the most unjust of all aggres- 
 sions, and say, "The people are resolved not to 
 consent to an ignominious treaty, which will secure to 
 our neighbors the possession of usurped territory and 
 with it the dominion of the Continent, closing at the 
 same time our political life in such manner that we 
 shall not deserve even the compassion of other people ; — 
 that the Congress has always resisted everything 
 
270 An Artillery Officer 
 
 which seemed to open the door of peace, which would 
 now be, in every way, disgraceful, and has not omitted 
 zeal or precaution to prevent even the remotest danger 
 of that disaster." 
 
 Pretty strong language — but the very men who 
 adopted that language by a vote of fifty-two to twenty- 
 two, might the next day consent to a treaty of peace. 
 Heavy bribes would, I have no doubt, if our Govt, 
 would stoop so low as to offer them, buy a majority 
 of these patriots. I wish I could witness the regenera- 
 tion of the Mexicans proper. But alas, they bend their 
 necks to the yoke of the Spanish dons, without thinking 
 of their miserably degraded state. It will take a 
 century to rouse them from their torpor, and to make 
 them feel that they are free — 't is mockery to speak of 
 Mexico as a Republic. The common laborers of the 
 Country are slaves more lost in every point of view 
 than our negroes; these arc the men who would be 
 among the voters. Alas, alas! Having finished my 
 homily, I will bid you good-night, as you must be 
 sleepy after reading it. 
 
 Saturday night, July 31st. 
 I cannot retire without saying a few, they must be a 
 very few, words, as I have been busily engaged, to- 
 night, in bringing up my papers, so that I may have 
 a hoHday to-morrow. I fear we shall be engaged a 
 day or two longer, as Col. Riley insists upon intro- 
 ducing a good deal of unimportant matter, and it is 
 hard to check him. Genl. Scott visited Cholula to-day. 
 Genl. Pierce has been heard from; he was at Jalapa. 
 
 Sunday, August ist. 
 Another month has passed, and another Sabbath 
 
In Mexico 271 
 
 has come, finding me by the mercy of God still sensible 
 of His great mercies. 
 
 The news from Mexico, as derived from the papers, 
 is not in the least degree favorable to peace. On the 
 27th they mention Genl. Santa Anna consulting his 
 principal officers as to the question whether our pro- 
 positions relative to effecting peace ought to be con- 
 sidered or not; placing their Govt, at once "in a position 
 the most hostile." Genl. Valencia asked permission 
 "to take 12,000 men and dislodge Genl. Scott from 
 Puebla. " What a pity the Council did not let him 
 come! The middle of the month will probably decide 
 how much the gallant Genl. can accomplish in con- 
 tending with our Army. 
 
 'T is strange that Santa Anna, if he has any thoughts 
 of peace, propounded the alternative of peace or war 
 to his Army Officers. They, of course, desire the War 
 to continue — little care they for their bleeding soldiery, 
 their nearly exhausted Treasury, if they can be kept 
 in office and well paid; the latter they will attend to 
 themselves. 
 
 The laborers, the merchants, the men of wealth, and 
 lastly, but not the least interesting in my eyes, the 
 poor and oppressed peasantry may one and all ardently 
 desire to taste again the sweets of peace, but long 
 will be the time ere their wishes are gratified, if Genl. 
 Santa Anna and his Army are to decide when the War 
 is to end. 
 
 The more I think of our position, so far into the 
 enemy's country, operating against them with Armies 
 on so many points, and with forces so exceedingly 
 small; when the results accomplished by them are 
 considered, and thus far, without a serious reverse, I 
 begin to liken our position to that of some of the 
 
 I 
 
'^1^ An Artillery Officer 
 
 Armies whose exploits are recorded in the Bible, and 
 hope that our operations are blessed by God, whose 
 instruments we may be, to effect some wise scheme of 
 His providence. 
 
 Why is this Nation now so stubborn? Never was 
 a war conducted before in a manner so little abhorrent 
 to all man's finer feelings. We have been now in this 
 large City since May 15th, with a soldiery gathered 
 from many Nations, many of them undisciplined, and 
 yet, I will venture the assertion, without fear of con- 
 tradiction, that, in no City of the same size, either in 
 our own blessed Coimtry or in any other, is private 
 property, or are private rights, more secure and better 
 guarded than here. 
 
 And our Courts, before which all offences of a nature 
 in the least serious, against persons, property, or good 
 morals, pretty surely come, will show that they have 
 not been engaged in trying higher offences. Not an 
 instance, I am certain, has been elicited, or brought 
 to light, of one of our soldiers killing a Mexican. 
 
 And since pay day, though we have many men 
 daily drunk in the streets, and they are frequently 
 insulting, only one case of a man's being killed in the 
 street has occurred — and that might have been by some 
 of his comrades. 'Tis truly wonderful, I cannot 
 understand it. 
 
 We hear of the movement of no more troops. Can it 
 be that the Govt, thinks that Genl. Scott can conquer 
 all Mexico with 8500 men; for we cannot leave this 
 place with a larger force even after being joined by 
 Genl. Pierce, as a heavy garrison must be left here 
 with our sick. 
 
 Genl. S. has written another bitter, truth- telling 
 letter to the Secy, of War, giving vent to his just 
 
In Mexico 273 
 
 indignation in terms that will excite strong feelings 
 among the little men in Washington. He asks no 
 favor. Enough for to-night. God be with you. 
 
 Monday night, August 2nd. 
 Only one word, for really I am so tired of writing 
 that I cannot write. We had an afternoon session to- 
 day, and though the Court give me no additional time 
 to bring up proceedings, I am determined they shall 
 find all right when we meet. Not a word of news, but 
 that Midshipman Rogers, so long in the hands of the 
 Mexicans, is now here. What news he brings, I know 
 not. I hope that we shall finish in one day more, to 
 enable me to resume my chat with you. Good-night. 
 
 Tuesday, August 3rd. 
 
 Thank God, I have received letters from you. They 
 tell of your apprehensions about me. Oh, my wife, 
 how full is my heart of gratitude to our Heavenly 
 Father. He stayed, and, I hope, has dissipated, your 
 burning fever, and over me He has always His pro- 
 tecting shield. What can we do without Him? Oh! 
 let us never cease to praise His holy name. 
 
 The mail came in very unexpectedly bringing me 
 your letters of the loth, i8th, and 20th, the latter 
 giving me news to the 24th. I can write no more to- 
 night. That Almighty God will continue to guard 
 and protect you is my earnest prayer, and ever with 
 me, an abiding, a soothing, happy hope and belief. 
 Good-night. 
 
 Wednesday, 4th. 
 Having finished the proceedings of our Court, I 
 took them to Genl. Scott, and, on his invitation. 
 
^. 
 
 274 An Artillery Officer 
 
 remained to sup with him. Supper was followed, about 
 ten o'clock, by some hot whiskey punch. I knew that 
 the punch would be excellent, and the company was 
 good; my most esteemed host, Genl. Quitinda (a 
 gentleman), Cadwalader (whom your Father knows), 
 Mr. Trist, Captains Huger and Drum, and Maj. Kirby 
 and I remained till punch time. 
 
 The Army is to commence its advance upon Mexico 
 this week. Genl. Pierce will arrive early the 6th -nst. 
 Major Gaines arrived this evening, having effected 
 his escape from the enemy. Good-night. 
 
 Thursday, 5th. 
 
 The order for our advance is issued. Genl. Twiggs's 
 Division marches Saturday, 7th; Quitman's Sunday; 
 Worth's Monday; and Pillow's Tuesday, loth, Col. 
 Childs remaining here as Governor, and Capt. De Hart, 
 just convalescent, as Lt. Governor. Every Officer and 
 man incapable of performing three days' march, to be 
 left, and organized into Companies, Regiments, etc., as 
 they may be reported fit for garrison duty; the per- 
 manent garrison is not yet named. 
 
 This order, will, I presume, send our very amiable 
 Lt. Col. to us again. God knows what the result of 
 this movement may be. The Govt, has left us without 
 funds, and our Staff Depts. are deeply in debt. In 
 Mexico it is said that drafts on New York, etc., can be 
 readily converted into cash. We must then perforce 
 go there, and raise the wind, though we may have to 
 pass through a heavy storm ere we can get at the cash. 
 
 Lt. Thom, Genl. Pierce's A.D.C., says that they 
 received information, after their being some days in 
 march, that six vessels had arrived at Vera Cruz, sub- 
 sequent to their departure, so that we may soon have 
 
In Mexico 275 
 
 another re-enforcement. Genl. P. brings us about 
 2500, including 300 Marines — the latter are very- 
 acceptable, as they are always good troops. 
 
 I fear that two of my notes to you have been lost, as 
 I learn that two carriers, taking letters to Vera Cruz, 
 have been taken, one hung, and the other's throat 
 cut. I will continue to try all who venture, as one may 
 be lucky enough to escape, and thus give you a line 
 from me. 
 
 Lt. Welch, 3rd Arty., will join to-morrow, with some 
 recruits of Capt. Bunker's Compy. Lt. Thom tells 
 us that my old friend Maj. Gait looks badly. I shall 
 be most happy to take him by the hand, and regret 
 that he comes not in good health, as his merry laugh is 
 refreshing. We have not many good laughers among us 
 now; thoughts of home, and the dreadful uncertainty 
 of when we shall return to all we love on earth, are 
 silvering many a head. God's will be done. He knows 
 best all things. 
 
 Father is right about ; he came into Genl. S.'s 
 
 Quarters last night, fully two- thirds drunk. I was 
 vexed and mortified to death. 
 
 Friday, 6th. 
 
 Genl. Pierce arrived with his Command, and I am 
 happy in being able to say that friend Major Gait looks 
 better than I expected to see him. I called, this after- 
 noon, to see some of the Marines. Their Commander, 
 Lt. Col. Watson, I knew some years since at Ports- 
 mouth, N. H., and two of the Captains, Reynolds and 
 Baker, are former acquaintances. I hoped that they 
 would be assigned to our Division but they have been 
 attached to Genl. Quitman's Brigade. 
 
 Ours is, I believe, now the strongest Brigade in the 
 
276 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Army, — it would therefore have been unreasonable 
 to have added to our strength. 
 
 By the bye, I heard to-day that Genl. Worth had 
 written to Genl. Scott a half apologetic letter, upon 
 which Genl. Scott, as he always does, jumped over all 
 that had passed, and they are again reconciled. I hope 
 it may be sincere, but Genl. W. is a little too impatient 
 of control by his old Milty. Commander, who taught 
 him the alphabet of war, and has taken him through all 
 the classes, even to the highest in that school. 
 
 We have another report from Mexico. That Valen- 
 cia has fortified his position at Guadalupe, and declared 
 against Santa Anna. That cannot be true — the enemy 
 is too near the door to render justifiable such a step. 
 All agree in the opinion that if we have a battle, it will 
 be a hard fought one. 
 
 Lt. Welch called this afternoon and delivered me 
 your letter from Savannah dated May 29th. Among 
 the newcomers, I see a son of Col. De Russey's. You 
 saw him once or twice, I think, at West Point. Dis- 
 missal and rejection from the Military Academy have 
 proved very fortunate events for several young men, 
 who are placed far above the heads of their more 
 fortunate classmates, "who were fools enough to 
 graduate." One man is Col. whose classmates are 
 second Lieuts., and some of them very low down in 
 that grade. Oh ! the sweets, the beauties of democracy. 
 West Point is too aristocratic to have any attention 
 paid to laws intended to protect the rights of those 
 who plod through that institution. But thank God, 
 every battlefield attests the steady valor of her pupils: 
 there has been no faltering, no wavering among them. 
 Though I have in my previous letters written enough 
 about the sights of Puebla, I ought not to leave it 
 
In Mexico 277 
 
 without saying something about the night market. 
 Many scenes are worthy of Mr. Weir's pencil — those 
 beautiful and rich contrasts of light and shade we so 
 often admired in looking at our campfires. The 
 principal market presents a more variegated view than 
 does the little one in front of my window. 
 
 I will say a few words about our house scene. Directly 
 in front of my window is the stall of two women who 
 sell all kinds of fruit, disposed in piles or pieces of mat- 
 ting. This stall is covered with long shingles, and is 
 closed behind by a piece of matting, but open on the 
 sides and in front; the two are seated back, near a 
 blazing fire of lightwood, giving a picturesque effect, 
 as you see customers approach, and by change of 
 position see them now in strong light, now mostly 
 in deep shade. 
 
 Next you find a different and the most ordinary, 
 kind of stall, — it is a piece of matting fastened upon the 
 top of a stake, by being tied to the ends of five or more 
 cross-pieces, the pole sticking into a hole a few inches 
 deep. These look, at a distance, like the umbrella 
 we see on the old china plates; the arrangement for 
 light is different here from the other, as he has a tripod 
 about three feet high, with a blazing torch of light- 
 wood on top, and the effect of the light from this is 
 very fine; in the next you may perhaps see a 
 candle, but this looks too poor by the side of its 
 neighbors. 
 
 The groups around these stalls, the figures passing 
 in front of them, with now and then one suddenly 
 em_erging from, or disappearing into the darkness of 
 the background, with the effect of light on the piles 
 of fruits, varying in colors from the snowy white of the 
 onion to the yellow of the orange, or the dark hue of 
 
^7^ An Artillery Officer 
 
 the sapote, form rich pictures. But bless me, I must 
 close! Good-night. God guard you. 
 
 Saturday, 7th. 
 
 Genl. Twiggs has moved with his Division — the head 
 of his column marched about ten miles, the rear, not 
 more than half that distance. I presume that the 
 object will be to accomplish the day's march before the 
 rain commences, which is usually after three o'clock. 
 Short marches will therefore be made all the way. 
 
 The Genl. is very much worried to-day, at a report 
 from Col. Childs , the newly appointed Civil and Milty. 
 Governor , remonstrating against the inadequacy of the 
 garrison proposed to be left here — the first Regt. Penna. 
 Vols, and two Companies of Regulars, with the sick and 
 all who are unable to perform three days' march, 
 would, Genl. S. thought, afford a sufficient protection. 
 What he will decide upon, I know not, but he is 
 very uneasy. 
 
 He dines to-day with Genl. Pierce, at Genl. 
 Worth's. I was with him from his dinner hour, dining 
 there, till he went out to dinner. Genl. P. introduced 
 the Col. and Officers of the 9th New England Regt. 
 to the Genl. They presented some fine faces and heads 
 among the group. 
 
 Genl. S. hopes, that instead of the Governor's chair, 
 your Father will consent to be run for the Senate. I 
 told him of the position in which Father is now placed — 
 that he would be told by the Whigs, "If you do not 
 run for Governor, we shall lose the State elections and 
 consequently the United States Senator — you run, we 
 carry everything — and this election is all important to us 
 and our party. ' ' Strong points these may be, in Father's 
 opinion ; and if so, as a politician, he cannot refuse. 
 
In Mexico 279 
 
 Maj. Wade is worried to death by a letter he re- 
 ceived the other day from his wife; he has alluded to 
 it several times, but I never ask any questions, parti- 
 cularly about family affairs, and again, I am tired of 
 throwing away counsel and advice, and have resolved 
 henceforth to be very discreet if I can. 
 
 Our Lt. Col. assumed the command of the Regt. this 
 afternoon — this cuts short the reign of Capt. Burke. 
 Capt. Kendrick of the 2nd Arty, is to remain here. I 
 regret that exceedingly, as the Capt. is very anxious 
 to go on, and he would collect a mass of matter of the 
 geology, etc., of the Country between this place and 
 Mexico and in the suburbs of the City, which would 
 be valuable. 
 
 I will now retire. I intend devoting to-morrow 
 to finishing this and some other letters I have com- 
 menced. No. 18 will then give the beginning of our 
 advance to the Capital. 
 
 Sunday, 8th. 
 
 We have received our orders to march at 6 o'clock 
 in the morning; to prepare for that start, our reveille is 
 to be beat at j o'clock. Why three hours are required 
 to prepare for starting, I could never yet see. The men 
 would march much better by not being aroused so 
 unnecessarily early. 
 
 I had intended, when I finished writing last 
 night, to have devoted some two or three hours of 
 to-day to writing, but I have had enough to occupy 
 me, attending to Compy. and private matters. I 
 saw Col. Childs in the City this morning, riding through 
 one of its streets with half a dozen Dragoons as an 
 escort. He is capable of making as much out of a 
 trifle as any man I ever saw. He must be a good 
 
280 An Artillery Officer 
 
 soldier, or he never could have gained the reputation 
 he had in the Army. 
 
 I leave thirteen men, invalids, here, but many of them 
 are capable of performing light garrison duty. All 
 the married men are well, and accompany me. Of poor 
 Cramer, left sick at Vera Cruz, I have not heard for a 
 very long time. I feel very uneasy about him. Suffem, 
 the drummer, is rapidly improving, but is yet too weak 
 to march with the Compy. to-morrow. Poor little 
 fellow, he is very anxious to go on. 
 
 One of the young Georgia officers dined with us to- 
 day — Lt. Forsyth ; he is not very brisk in his appearance. 
 He is from Macon, I think he said. We hear that 
 other troops are at Vera Cruz. Can Duncan be among 
 those? We hope that the most dangerous part of the 
 yellow fever season has passed. Genl. Pierce, I think, 
 did not lose a man by the vomit, after he got into 
 Camp. 
 
 I will now close this letter, the last from Puebla, 
 commencing another the first evening I have leisure. 
 I leave Puebla with some regret, as I have had many 
 delightful chats with you and have had several of your 
 letters, in my snug room here. That our Heavenly 
 Father will, in his wisdom, so order events as soon to 
 restore me to you, and that He will continue to pour 
 upon us His choicest blessings, crowning, in each of us, 
 all with pure faith in Him, is my earnest and constant 
 prayer. 
 
 No. i8. Rio Prieto (Black River). 
 
 Monday, August 9th. 
 Four leagues (eleven miles) on the road to Mexico. 
 We are, at last, off for the far famed City of Mexico. 
 Our march has been a very unpleasant one, in conse- 
 
In Mexico 281 
 
 quence of having eyes, nose, mouth, and ears filled with 
 dust; luckily for us, the day's march was so short, 
 that we reached our bivouac by 12 o'clock. 
 
 To let you into some of the discomforts sometimes 
 resulting from want of rank, or rank not well defined, 
 I will give you an anecdote, the principal sufferers by 
 which are Major Wade and myself. The Major and 
 Capt. A. were both, during the absence of Col. Beltonfrom 
 the Regiment, assigned to duty as Field Officers. Lt. 
 Col. B. having reported for duty with the Regt. relieved 
 Capt. Burke from its command, and gives us as the 
 orders now stand, four Field Officers, one per Compy. 
 
 Anticipating something of what has happened, I 
 took command of the Compy. the day before Col. 
 Belton joined. Yesterday, when we were having our 
 mess furniture packed, Major W. asked if I could take 
 the mess articles in "G" Co. wagon. I told him I 
 feared it would be impossible, as the wagon would be 
 very full, but I would have as many articles carried as 
 was possible. 
 
 I accordingly this morning had one of the boxes put 
 in my wagon, and after we were out of the City, Den- 
 astonished me by saying that the box containing all 
 our provisions, tea, coffee, and most of the cooking 
 articles and table furniture was left behind. 
 
 It seems that the Major made a fruitless attempt to 
 have it placed in the field staff wagon. Not being in 
 command of the Compy. he could not order it to be 
 put with the Company's property. Thus has the Major 
 verified the truth of the fable of the ass between two 
 bales of hay. 
 
 My position is pretty good, as friend Derr will easily 
 manage to supply me with coffee from the Compy,, and 
 my old soup-digester is in the box that came. I am 
 
-^^- An Artillery Officer 
 
 glad it is safe. Wo have sent bade, and in a da}' or two 
 tlie error ^^■ill have boon rootifiod. 
 
 Genl. Scott and StaA' arc probably now with the 
 advance, as he left yesterday morning with Gonl. 
 Quitman's Di\'ision — intending to leave it, under an 
 escort of Cavalry, and overtake Genl. Twiggs. 
 
 The dust was so very unpleasant to-day that I could 
 not enjoy the scener5\ One road, sufficiently undu- 
 lating for good marching, passed through an almost 
 continued succession of com fields, from that reccix-ing 
 its first, and perhaps only ploughing, to that in which 
 the com is ripe, and acres of beans. The two snowy 
 mountains, so often mentioned in my letters from 
 Puebla, are on the left and in front of us. As we 
 advance, the old crater near the top of Popocatepetl 
 begins to shew its ragged lip distinctl}'.' \Miy can 
 I not sketch? Twould give anything for a good dagiior- 
 reot^-pe apparatus, which would enable me to present 
 you with accurate representations of scenes which 
 please me here. 
 
 I was going to say that I never would again go into 
 foreign parts, without having one, but \Wth my present 
 feelings, I willingly ask you to terminate that sentence, 
 as the little grammarian would say, with a full stop 
 after the word "parts." Several Mexicans accom- 
 panied us and I noticed that they ate the stock of the 
 com as we do the sugar cane. 
 
 The men have stood the march pretty well. I 
 started Derr on the pon}- placed at my disposal by 
 Major W., but the poor fellow could n't stand it longer 
 than about four miles, when I saw him leading him, 
 saying that he was tired of riding. 
 
 We bivouac on a road, leading perpendicularly to 
 
 » A sketcli was enclosed in letter. 
 
I V. 
 
 o r. 
 
In Mexico 283 
 
 the right from the main road, just giving room for the 
 Officers' tents, and a passway between them and the 
 stacks of arms, a broad ditch separating us, on either 
 side, from a corn field in which our men, in despite of 
 orders, will collect some fine roasting ears for their 
 supper. Enough for one night's journal. Good-night, 
 etc., etc. 
 
 San Martin el Grande, about eleven miles from 
 Rio Prieto. 
 
 Tuesday, loth. 
 
 After another dusty march, not quite so bad 
 as yesterday, because of our not having as much wind, 
 we reached this place at half -past twelve. The country, 
 to be more particular, the land along the road, is very 
 rich, the corn being higher and of richer growth than 
 any I have seen in Mexico. The com fields extend for 
 miles along the road, which passes through them, 
 separated by a ditch, the earth of which forms on the 
 corn field side a tolerably steep embankment. The 
 divisions between the fields appear to be mere lanes, 
 or wide roads. 
 
 You see at the distance of a mile from the road, as 
 you approach San Martin, a small piece enclosed by a 
 post and rail fence, nearly the only one I have seen in 
 this Country, and in the suburbs the fields of pepper and 
 beans are enclosed by a fence of clay — unbumt brick, 
 I suppose the book-makers would call it. I saw some 
 Mexicans repairing a dam; this is secured by large 
 pieces of sod, placed on each other, the grassy side up, 
 rammed or beaten down by a large maul. You would 
 have been amused to see them work — one man digs 
 the sod, using for this a Mexican spade of wood, shod 
 with iron; another man carries the sods on his back. 
 
284 An Artillery Officer 
 
 using for this purpose the strap passing over his shoulders, 
 as so often described. 
 
 In one field, I counted twenty-three ploughs at 
 work, each drawn by two oxen, managed by means of 
 the long goad, described in my letter about Cholula. 
 By the bye, we see along the road constantly, pieces of 
 pottery, giving the land the appearance of having been 
 a huge potter's yard, "d /a Trollope." 
 
 About two hours after we halted, all were called to 
 arms by the beating of the generate. A few lancers, 
 it is said, were seen on some eminence around the town, 
 which caused this stampede, as such false alarms are 
 called; all expect another to-night. We are very 
 unfortunate, as we have more in our Division than they 
 have in either of the others. The love plant and the 
 four o'clocks, with the morning glory, we saw apparently 
 growing wild. 
 
 The first view, just as day was dawning this morning, 
 of the top of Popocatepetl was more beautiful than any 
 I have had. As you chanced to look in its direction, 
 your attention might be caught by an exceedingly 
 delicate white pyramid in the heavens; as the eye 
 rests on it, it gradually assumes a more distinct and 
 better marked outline and finally, at sunrise, the snow- 
 clad mountain stands perfectly defined before you. 
 
 Early in the morning the snow is tinted with a beauti- 
 ful tint of light blue. But the mountain, as first seen, 
 just as the earliest rays of the rising sun kiss it, had to 
 me the appearance of a dream : I can express the effect 
 on me in no better manner. I wish I could so describe 
 it to Mr. Weir, as to have it painted. 'T is said that 
 the Indians called this mountain the "Blazing Star." 
 As we must prepare for a stampede, I will now retire. 
 Good-night, etc., etc. 
 
In Mexico 285 
 
 Chalco, Friday, 13th. 
 
 We were agreeably disappointed, in not being dis- 
 turbed in our rest, what little the fleas did not deprive 
 us of, at San Martin. That day's march was not very 
 interesting — a few miles of the rich plain was passed, 
 and we commenced the gradual ascent of the mountains 
 separating the plains of Puebla, etc., from that of 
 Mexico. 
 
 The road was pretty good for a mountain one; 
 pine and oak, with an occasional undergrowth of 
 laurel and two or three kinds of trees that I did not 
 recognize as American friends, skirted our course. 
 Coarse sandstone and pudding-stone with pieces of 
 volcanic origin, were all I noticed in mineralogy. 
 
 At ten or eleven miles we crossed the bridge of Tema- 
 lucan, and about four o'clock in a cold rain halted seven 
 or eight miles further at Rio Frio, where I passed a very 
 uncomfortable night. Yesterday morning, we started 
 about six o'clock to halt, as we were informed, at the 
 Venta de Cordova, a march of only eleven miles. 
 
 The country, this day, was much more broken than 
 that passed over yesterday — a few miles this side of 
 Rio Frio, we passed under several hills, where the 
 Mexicans had completed, or commenced batteries, to 
 defend the road. Had they made a stand there, we 
 should have lost several of our brave troops, but the 
 Mexicans must have lost their batteries. 
 
 At ten o'clock precisely, by my watch, on reaching 
 the top of a little hill, my eyes caught the first view of 
 the valley of Mexico. There it lay, as seen through the 
 narrow opening made by the road, in the overhanging 
 trees; a quiet landscape, having in the foreground a 
 sheet of water; the portion of the valley visible blending 
 itself imperceptibly in distant mountains, which could 
 
286 An Artillery Officer 
 
 scarcely be distinguished, the day being at that moment 
 cloudy, with a gentle mist from the clouds which 
 rested on their sides. 
 
 Every turn of the road now opened to us a new or 
 more extensive view in which the pictures were formed ; 
 every variety of green that could be formed by the 
 varied light and shade of passing clouds and by real 
 difference of shade, with mountains here, nearly in 
 the foreground, there, in the distance, and beyond, 
 limiting the view; and lake, in this part, almost un- 
 distinguishable from the grass and slime, which nearly 
 covered it, to the clear water, in which the shadows 
 of the passing clouds were visible; the picture studded 
 with haciendas, some traced out by their huge mud 
 walls enclosing immense courtyards, like fortifications, 
 villages with churches, etc., presented views which 
 were charming to those who hoped that there lay the 
 City, from which they must return to their beloved 
 homes. 
 
 Indeed, independent of everything, the scenery was 
 beautiful. The descent was rapid and the view of 
 our Division, which could be seen distinctly by looking 
 ahead and in rear (we were near the rear), as it wound 
 its way down compactly and rapidly, was the most 
 beautiful panoramic picture I ever saw; our wagon 
 train extended two or three miles, and could be seen 
 with their white tops passing through the trees which 
 shaded the road. 
 
 Everything from the Rio Frio to the Venta de 
 Cordova was wild, not a trace of a house was visible ; 
 this day's march and that of yesterday, however, 
 told us too plainly that man with all his worst 
 passions had been there — the cross, here, of large 
 pieces of wood, with the name of the murderer's victim, 
 
In Mexico 287 
 
 the year of his death, and an appeal to the passer-by 
 to utter a prayer for the benefit of his soul; there, of 
 two simple sticks, or a single one with the branches 
 forming that holy emblem, marks the place of murder. 
 In some places, a little kind of altar, scooped out of 
 the rock, had the cross and name rudely cut. 
 
 The timber on the roadside was the same as that 
 seen on the day before, but some of the oaks and pines 
 were about three feet in diameter — the pines beautifully 
 straight; on this side of the mountain we. saw cedar 
 in abundance. Along the route grew beautiful flowers, 
 some of which would form valuable additions to our 
 garden flowers. 
 
 We are now in a dirty village at the head of Lake 
 Chalco, whose name it bears. The lake, or rather the 
 slime covered water of the lake, is within two hundred 
 yards of the shoemaker's shop we inhabit. The market- 
 ing is brought in canoes, which drawing little water are 
 paddled through the slime and weeds. 
 
 Genl. Scott, who is on the main road leading between 
 Lakes Chalco and Texcoco, paid Genl. Worth a visit 
 this morning. He is in fine spirits, and has his en- 
 gineers engaged to-day in reconnoitring the approaches, 
 between those lakes, to the City. He hopes to succeed 
 in turning Penon Grande with its strong batteries, 
 keeping its garrison in check by holding near it a strong 
 force and reaching the suburbs of the City without the 
 immense sacrifice the storming of that hill now sur- 
 rounded by a sheet of water would cost us. 
 
 Genl. Worth has been directed to reconnoitre the 
 road leading from our position around Lake Chalco to 
 the rear of the City. The reconnoissance being com- 
 pleted, the Genl. will decide on his plan of attack and 
 our Division will lead. We are collecting boats and 
 
288 An Artillery Officer 
 
 timber to be used as may be deemed advisable. If 
 necessary, the City may be approached by water from 
 this and from several other points. An order has this 
 moment been received, asking for the number of boat- 
 builders and caulkers in our Division. 
 
 Genl. Pillow arrived this afternoon, with his Com- 
 mand, which is now in this place and in some haciendas 
 near us. We shall soon have stirring times, in which, 
 I fear, I shall not be able to keep up my daily conver- 
 sations with you. Last night I did not write because 
 of my being directed by our Dr. to change my quarters 
 from those selected to dryer ones, making it late before 
 I was fixed. The night before was too damp and cold 
 for me to open my escritoire. But I will not now tire 
 you by too long a talk. Good-night. 
 
 Saturday, 14th. 
 
 Last was a memorable night; we had been in bed 
 just long enough to get comfortably into the first nap, 
 when we were roused by Dr. Satterlee's entering and 
 directing our Surgeon to go about five miles into the 
 country where he would find Lt. Hamilton, an acting 
 aid-de-camp of Genl. Scott's, badly wounded. The Dr. 
 kept us awake some time before he got off, and returned 
 in about an hour, having met the Infy. sent out with 
 Lt. H. returning; by the Comdg. officer of which he 
 was informed that Lt. H. was well taken care of in 
 a hacienda, and under the care of a French doctor who 
 was there, and that he was too sick to be moved. 
 
 Two wounded men were soon brought for the Doc- 
 tor's attention, and as we were separated from the 
 hospital by only a thin partition, balmy sleep paid us 
 a very unsatisfactory and short visit, before reveille 
 was beat. 
 
In Mexico 289 
 
 Lt. Hamilton is now here, having been brought in 
 on a Htter. Dr. Holden says that he is in no immediate 
 danger; last night he had a very profuse hemorrhage, 
 and his life was despaired of. He started about twelve 
 yesterday with an escort of Dragoons and Infantry, 
 to bring a gentleman named Robinson into town, who 
 is said to be well acquainted with the routes leading to 
 Mexico. ' 
 
 The Infy. halted in a small village, from which they 
 were enabled to watch, from an eminence, the advance 
 of the Cavalry, which proceeded with Lt. Hamilton. 
 The Cavalry had not proceeded far before they were 
 surrounded by a body of Lancers, say about two hund- 
 red, who made furious charges on them — the contest, 
 though very unequal, was well maintained by our 
 men, numbering about seventy, for half an hour, when 
 the enemy retreated. 
 
 The Infy. soon joined the Cavalry, — Lt. Hamilton 
 was found badly speared, one Dragoon killed, another 
 mortally wounded, and one of the officers of the native 
 Spy Compy. slightly wounded. Six of the Mexicans 
 were killed. I fear that Lt. H. may not survive, as 
 his lungs are thought to be woimded. He is a very 
 gentlemanly Officer. 
 
 Lt. Col. Duncan returned from a reconnoitring party 
 this afternoon along the left shore of Lake Chalco; his 
 report is, I learn, favorable, representing the road as 
 perfectly practicable half way to the City, as far as he 
 went. 
 
 The Engineers also finished their reconnoissances on 
 the other roads, those between the Lakes Texcoco and 
 Chalco. They were permitted by the Mexicans to 
 pass aroimd the Penon, at about three hundred yards 
 distance from it, without being fired upon. Another 
 
290 An Artillery Officer 
 
 party advanced as far as the town of Mexicalsingo ; 
 the road to within three hundred yards of that place, 
 was clear of any obstructions, then, it was considerably 
 narrowed, and was completely swept by the guns of 
 several batteries. 
 
 To-morrow I expect to see Genl. Scott's order for 
 our advance. I marched on guard this morning with 
 the Compy. but, in consequence of a very great change 
 in the weather, a cold, ugly rain, the Dr. advised my 
 being retired. I have therefore turned over the guard 
 to the subaltern on duty with me, and am now in my 
 Quarters. I the more willingly acquiesce in this, as I 
 am convinced were I exposed to-night, I would have 
 another attack of chills and fever, which would keep me 
 from the coming fight. Good-night. 
 
 Sunday morning, 15th. 
 Orders have just been received, half -past eleven, that 
 we are to start at three this afternoon — our Division, 
 followed, I presume, by the others, approach Mexico 
 by the road which has Lake Chalco on its right. We 
 therefore strike the Capital in rear. Ft. Chapultepec 
 will then be our first point of attack. I hope that I 
 may have daily some opportunity of adding a few lines 
 to this letter. I go on with a full and unwavering 
 faith in the mercy and kindness of our Heavenly Father. 
 He will do what is best for us. May He bless and pre- 
 serve you. Good-day. 
 
 San Garggorio, Monday evening, i6th. 
 
 We left Chalco yesterday in a little sprinkle, but with 
 
 every prospect of a heavy rain; we were, however, 
 
 agreeably disappointed, as we reached our encamping 
 
 ground, Tetelco, and passed the night without rain. 
 
In Mexico 291 
 
 This morning's march, a short one, say of eight miles, 
 was quietly made, as no enemy was seen, and no 
 obstructions met with. 
 
 Genl. Scott, who did not leave Chalco till this 
 morning, has arrived in our Camp. We halt, after 
 our short march, to enable the new Divisions to come 
 up. We are now about twelve miles from Mexico, and 
 may have something to do to-morrow. Good-night. 
 
 Tete de Pont, three and one half miles from 
 Mexico. 
 
 August 24, 1847. 
 
 The last great battle has, I hope, been fought in 
 this ill fated Country. Our Army is now quietly await- 
 ing the result of the labors of the Commissioners who are 
 now occupied in their labors. The mail, which takes 
 this, will, I think, give the news of what they accom- 
 plish. I am so far from Hd. Qrs., about five miles, that 
 I really know nothing of what is being done there; 
 I only know that there is a suspension of hostilities, 
 and that the Army is now employed in securing am- 
 munition taken in large quantities from the enemy, in 
 attending to the wounded, and in preparations for any 
 work they may be called on to perform. 
 
 First, as to myself — you will be as deeply mortified 
 as I was, at learning that I was not engaged in any of 
 the series of actions which placed us in our present 
 victorious positions. 
 
 I started on horseback with the Compy. on the morn- 
 ing of the 20th, having been seriously indisposed for 
 several days, and met Dr. Satterlee, who told me that 
 I could not go, that the road leading to the position we 
 were to occupy was impassable for horses, and it was 
 nonsense for me to think of attempting to go on foot. 
 
292 An Artillery Officer 
 
 I told him how great my amviety was to be in the fight ; 
 he said that he did not think we would have a fight, 
 that we were to be placed in position to await events. I 
 then remarked that I would see Dr. Holden. He agreed 
 with me that I might attempt to go on. We advanced 
 about a mile or two, when Dr. Holden came up, and 
 told me that Dr. Satterlee told him that he ought 
 to order me back, that I could not go on with the 
 troops. 
 
 Feeling very badly, and hoping that there would be 
 no fight, thus was I compelled to separate myself 
 from the Regt. I halted, taking my faithful man Derr 
 with me to San Antonio, the Genl. Hd. Qrs., and threw 
 myself on my friend Capt. Irvin's bed, feeling wretch- 
 edly enough. My kind friends, Drs. Harney and 
 Lawson, soon came to see me and to have my wants 
 supplied. 
 
 At night, Genl. Scott and his Staff returned, from 
 whom I learned the brilHant events of the day's work. 
 Genl. Scott was in fine spirits, and I congratulated him 
 from the bottom of my heart. He was for a Httle time 
 much affected, and spoke in most affectionate terms of 
 Father. He makes me take my meals and a cot in 
 his room. The next day, finding that my Regt. was to 
 advance with the rest of the Army, and almost hoping 
 that there would be another battle, I determined at all 
 risks to join my Compy. and — me void, I hope with a 
 heart ready for any service, but much chastened by 
 the accounts received of the suffering of the dying and 
 wounded on the battlefield, and of those who have 
 since been placed under the knives of the surgeons. 
 
 The newspapers will give you fuller and better ac- 
 coimts than I can, but I will give you an imperfect 
 sketch. The Army left Puebla in successive Divisions 
 
In Mexico 293 
 
 on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and loth days of this month, was 
 placed in quarters and in bivouacs on the plain of Mex- 
 ico on the 14th inst. On the afternoon of the 13th, Lt. 
 S. Hamilton, aid-de-camp to Genl. Scott, was lanced 
 near Chalco, the then position of the 1st Division. 
 
 The 2nd Division was on the main road leading to 
 Mexico, which the Engineers had been reconnoitring. 
 Genl. Scott, after full reconnoissances, determined to 
 approach the City by the road leading along Lakes 
 Chalco and Xochimilco, and the ist Division leading the 
 advance started from Chalco on Sunday afternoon, 
 15th inst. 
 
 By short marches, we approached, seeing nothing 
 of the enemy till the morning of the 17th when he 
 shewed himself in small parties along the eminences 
 skirting the road; from these positions he was soon 
 driven by oui skirmishers. One man of our Division 
 was wounded. We halted that night in San Augustin. 
 
 Early the next morning, i8th, a field work having 
 been discovered on the road to Mexico, we were ordered 
 forward, our Brigade leading, all expecting and anxious 
 for a fight. We advanced, say a mile, when we were 
 halted, and had been there about half an hour when 
 we heard that Capt. Thornton, 2nd Dragoons, had 
 been killed while covering a party of oiu" Engineers 
 reconnoitring the work we expected to take, San 
 Antonio. 
 
 A diagonal movement, across a field towards a haci- 
 enda on the right, showed the knowing ones that the 
 work was not then to be attacked in front. The Divi- 
 sion was kept under arms, and parties of Engineers 
 despatched in various directions, to ascertain if the 
 work could not be turned. The reports were not made 
 till night, when it was found that the work was too 
 
294 An Artillery Officer 
 
 strong for a front attack, but that there was a trail 
 which might be rendered practicable for Infy. leading 
 to its flank. 
 
 Our troops remained on wet ground and under a 
 succession of heavy showers of rain during most of 
 this day. We bivouacked at night in the hacienda. 
 The next day, 19th, the army awaited the arrival of 
 the Divisions of Twiggs and Quitman, reported near, 
 and the further reconnoissances of our Engineers. 
 
 Towards afternoon. Pillow was ordered to cover a 
 road-making party, engaged in opening a road leading 
 farther to the left than the one we were on. A fire 
 was soon opened on this party, from a strong field-work, 
 contrarios, occupied by the enemy. It was actively 
 sustained till night without any result. Early the 
 morning of the 20th this work was carried by Genl. 
 P. Smith (Rifles) and our gallant friend Col. Riley. 
 
 This attack not having been made at as early an 
 hour as was anticipated, our Brigade was ordered to the 
 support of the troops designated for the attack. On 
 our approach, the firing had already ceased, the work 
 having been taken. I was ordered back. 
 
 The Brigade soon received orders to countermarch, 
 and advancing rapidly up the road, from which we 
 had turned off on the i8th, found the enemy, having 
 abandoned their work, in retreat. Quick pursuit was 
 given, and the first intimation given of proximity to 
 another work was the reception of a fire of grape from 
 its guns. The Division was ordered to turn into a 
 com field on the right of the road, and to storm the 
 work. 
 
 Our Regt., the storming party nearest the road, ad- 
 vanced under a galling fire of grape and musketry, to 
 the edge of the com field, when the number of men in 
 
In Mexico 295 
 
 advance was deemed entirely inadequate to assault 
 the strong field-work, then seen about lOO yards in 
 front of them. 
 
 It had two four-pound guns, two heavy pieces, one an 
 18 pounder, and its parapets lined by perhaps 2500 men. 
 In this field, and near the edge of it, our loss was very 
 severe. ''G" Co. lost its Orderly Sergt. Brown (an 
 invaluable soldier, who received two mortal wounds) 
 and three privates; Porter, the Artificer, slightly 
 wounded, and seven privates, wounded, none I hope 
 severely. My loss was greater in proportion to my 
 strength than either of the other Companies. 
 
 Major Wade was the only Officer of our Regt. 
 wounded, a ball passed through the fleshy part of his 
 leg — the calf. We have to mourn the death of many 
 brave friends; Captains Capron and Burke (of Tampa 
 Bay Memory), the two youngest Capts. in the 1st Arty., 
 were shot dead. In this, I hear I was misinformed; 
 Capt. C. lived about half an hour. Capt. B. was first 
 shot through the hand, fainted, and as he was being 
 borne off the field, was killed by another ball. Poor 
 Mrs. Capron and her children, it makes my heart bleed 
 to think of them. Capt. P. Butler, S. C, fell at the 
 head of his Regt. which had faltered imder a deadly 
 fire. Capt. W. Anderson, 2nd. Infy., was mortally 
 wounded. 
 
 I have not time to mention the gallant actions fought 
 by the other Divisions. Four distinct and hard con- 
 tested works were carried that day. In the work taken 
 by our Division, and in which in the morning there 
 were 5000 men, I am now writing. It is the strongest 
 field of fortification I ever saw. 
 
 Col. Butler was the highest officer in rank who fell. 
 Col. Ward Burnett, N. Y. Regt., was wounded Aug. 20th 
 
296 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Col. Burnett had the lockjaw for two weeks, and 
 is now out on his crutches. Capt. P. Kearney, 1st 
 Dragoons, lost his left arm; it has been amputated 
 above the shoulder. 
 
 The papers will give exceedingly interesting and full 
 details of all the incidents of the day. For ourselves, 
 let us unite in thanks to our Heavenly Father for our 
 preservation. For His own good purpose I have been 
 thwarted in one of my heartfelt wishes. He knows 
 best. 
 
 I must now send this to Hd. Qrs. as an express will 
 certainly be despatched the moment the Commissioners 
 report. That God will continue to guard and preserve 
 you, and soon restore me to you, is my sincere prayer. 
 Be not alarmed about me, it is only a touch of the old 
 Florida complaint, produced by exposure to wet, and 
 sleeping in wet clothes. A few days' rest will soon 
 restore me. 
 
 Tacubaya, Friday, Aug. 27th. 
 
 This poor letter was sent and returned with a state- 
 ment that there was no mail, and that it was uncertain 
 when one would be sent. I shall, however, finish it 
 as one of my regular series, and send it by the first 
 opportunity. 
 
 Lieut. Johnson of our Regt. says that he must go 
 to the United States with the first escort. On the 
 morning of the 25th my long threatened touch of fever 
 and chill visited me. It was produced undoubtedly 
 by the dampness of the position in which we were 
 bivouacked. Yesterday morning, we were marched to 
 this place, where, having a comfortable room, I shall 
 get well, as I can now take care of myself. 
 
 Last night we were under orders to be prepared with 
 
In Mexico 297 
 
 sixty rounds of cartridges for a night attack, but the 
 storm blew over. It is said to have been caused by 
 the conduct of the Mexicans in not permitting our 
 wagons to enter the City for suppHes, as agreed upon 
 by the terms of the Armistice. Just as night ap- 
 proached, however, Genl. Santa Anna sent a communi- 
 cation to Genl. S. that Commissioners had been 
 appointed who would meet Mr. Trist this day. The 
 meeting, I presume, took place, as Mr. Trist passed 
 out of town with an Escort about the appointed 
 time. 
 
 So I hope the good work of peace-making has been 
 commenced. 'T is reported that our wagoners were 
 fired upon to-day and that Santa Anna's troops fired 
 at the mob who did it. They appear sore under the 
 gentle thrashing they have received and have not per- 
 haps had enough to keep them quiet. 
 
 Lt. Judd, who has improved very much since I 
 last mentioned him, informs me that Genl. Quitm.an 
 intends returning to the United States. He came 
 out not to make political capital, but to fight, and 
 is, I presume, disheartened at not being engaged 
 in the last battles. He is, perhaps, the best of the 
 appointments, and I shall regret his leaving us; he 
 is a gentleman; his successor may, by accident, be 
 one. 
 
 Poor Lt. Irvin, shot through the neck, just in front 
 of the jugular vein, is, I fear, too badly wounded to 
 recover. Of the Armistice I say nothing special, as 
 the newspapers will present you with a copy, perhaps, 
 some time before you receive this, as I do not doubt 
 that Mr. Kendall sent some days ago his report of the 
 battle, and as soon as concluded, a copy of the Articles 
 of the Armistice. 
 
298 An Artillery Officer 
 
 If report be true, and in this case I cannot doubt it, 
 the 3rd Arty, has been cruelly treated by Genl. Worth 
 and Col. Garland. Col. Belton gave a full report, 
 giving in detail all the operations of the 20th as far 
 as the 3rd was an actor, and spoke in high terms of 
 the conduct of some, perhaps all the Officers; this 
 report was returned, with instructions. 
 
 Col. G. stated from Genl. W. that all should be 
 omitted but the simple fact that at such an hour the 
 Regt. entered the field-work, and 't is said that no 
 mention is made of an Officer of the 3rd, that its Com- 
 mander even is not named. ' 'T is too strange, almost, 
 to be true. 
 
 Col. B. is very blamable for altering his report, if 
 he did so, to suit the fancy or whim of his superior. 
 He is, however. Commissioner to see the terms of the 
 Armistice complied with, and cares very little for the 
 Regiment. 
 
 The order given to the Regt. on that day to storm a 
 work which had not been reconnoitred, can hardly 
 be sustained before military men, and caused the loss 
 of many of our best soldiers. Alas, alas, what is fame, 
 what is glory? 'Tis but the soldier's dream. It haunts 
 him in his slumbers, and shortens the long weary night 
 with its pleasing apparition, but after passing through 
 the maddening excitement of the morrow's battle, all 
 his hopes are crushed by the envy, prejudice, or folly 
 of those whose duty it is to protect and advance him, 
 and he finds a Staff Officer who did Hterally nothing 
 praised for high gallantry. 
 
 I think I had better lay down my pen for to-night 
 as I cannot now write with patience on the subject I 
 
 ' Capt. Anderson was, be it remembered, not in this battle, or these 
 remarks would not have been made. 
 
In Mexico 299 
 
 have touched. Making a few remarks about the 
 wounded, I will close for the night. 
 
 Lt. Hamilton is doing very well. Major Wade is 
 also rapidly improving; in ten days more, I hope he 
 will be walking about. Lt. Kearney is also doing as 
 well as could be hoped for. And now, my wife, accept 
 my best prayers and wishes that we may soon meet, 
 not to be again separated till the great summons calls 
 us, after a happy and contented life here, to a better 
 existence in Heaven. 
 
 28th. I have just learned that the courier of the 
 British Minister will take this, and hasten to enclose it. 
 
 No. 19. Tacubaya, Mexico. 
 
 August 28, 1847. 
 
 I hastily finished and attempted to despatch by the 
 messenger of the British Minister, who leaves to-morrow 
 morning, a supplement to No. i8, but I fear that the 
 letter was sent too late, as I hear that the packages 
 were made up this morning, before I learned that he 
 would take letters for our officers. This mischance, if it 
 prove one, I shall regret most deeply, as I am certain 
 that many of my friends will mourn my death instead 
 of Capt. J. W. Anderson, 2nd Infy. You will see the 
 name correctly reported in the Picayune, as I requested 
 Mr. Kendall to be particular in his report. 
 
 Poor Lt. Irvin, whose case was mentioned in my last 
 letter, died yesterday and was buried to-day. He was 
 a fine gallant soldier. Major Wade and Capt. Kearney, 
 both of whom I saw to-day, are doing well. Our loss 
 in the actions of the 20th collectively, called the Battle 
 of Mexico, as it extended to the gates of the City 
 (Capt. Kearney being shot when fifty or seventy yards 
 
300 An Artillery Officer 
 
 from its wall), amounts in killed and wounded to 1052, 
 (I think exactly) nearly one seventh of those engaged, 
 as I do not suppose that there were as many as 8000 
 in the fight. 
 
 The loss of the enemy must exceed 5000, as the 
 ground was in places thickly strewn with their dead 
 and wounded men. What a sacrifice of life! God 
 grant that Victory may be crowned with Peace. We 
 cannot stand many such victories. 
 
 The impression in high quarters is, that a treaty 
 will be concluded, and then for home, never, no never, 
 to leave my beloved land to fight again in foreign 
 lands. 
 
 Our soldiers and Army followers are behaving badly, 
 robbing and insulting the Mexicans; this has caused 
 the assembling of a Milty. Commission, of which I am 
 Judge Advocate, which is to meet from time to time 
 as cases may occur. 
 
 No attention is given to the fact of my having been 
 Recorder to the Court of Inquiry, which closed its 
 proceedings in Capt. Riley's case just before we left 
 Puebla. Genl. Worth said he wanted me, and presto, 
 detail was overlooked, and out came the order. So long 
 as there is a hope of our having peace and being per- 
 mitted soon to return home, I am willing to do, double, 
 all duty. Home, how simple the word, and yet how 
 much does it carry to, or excite in, the heart of one who, 
 for long and tedious months, has thought years might 
 elapse ere he could see his home. God grant that this 
 may prove no fond dream, but a sweet reality. I do 
 not permit myself, even now, to indulge too sanguinely 
 in the hope that peace may be made, as some contre- 
 temps, the folly and obstinacy of the Mexican Con- 
 gress, an outbreak in the City — something may happen 
 
In Mexico 301 
 
 which would break off negotiations and plunge us again 
 into uncertainty, and active, bloody war. Mexico 
 is at our mercy, and falls into our hands soon after the 
 firing of the first gun, and woe, woe to the City if our 
 Army enter it, after a bloody resistance. I dare not 
 think of it. The sight of a sacked City either maddens 
 the brain, or breaks the heart of a sensitive person. 
 Enough for to-night. God keep me from ever wit- 
 nessing, or being an actor in such scenes. 
 
 Sunday, August 29th. 
 
 Our Commission met this morning in compliance with 
 our order, but adjourned over till to-morrow morning, 
 when we meet in the Cortina Palace. In Madame 
 Calderon's pleasant book on Mexico, you may remem- 
 ber her speaking of this family, this house and its fine 
 collection of paintings. I shall take occasion to examine 
 the paintings. As yet, though I have seen some thou- 
 sands of paintings in the Churches in this Country, I 
 have not seen one that I would call a great work. I 
 am anxious to visit the City, where I presume some of 
 the best paintings may be seen. 
 
 I have not heard what progress Mr. Trist is making 
 in his treaty-making, but was told by Capt. Scott, of 
 the General's Staff, this morning that everything was 
 going on well. 
 
 Whilst impressions are fresh on my mind, I may as 
 well state the differences I observe between the Mexicans 
 this side the mountains and those at Puebla. The race 
 is larger than those I saw beyond the mountains. Their 
 features, too, differ very considerably; — the face is per- 
 haps longer, with higher forehead, and cheek bones less 
 projecting, the complexion is lighter. 
 
 It may be wrong to generalize imtil I see masses in 
 
302 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Mexico, as I did at Puebla. This being a small place, 
 we see but few ; the women are not handsome, perhaps 
 better looking than the Pueblans. Less use is made 
 of earthen ware than at Puebla; here, copper vessels 
 tinned are apparently in quite general use in the 
 kitchens. 
 
 The water-carriers do not use the Egyptian vessels 
 I attempted to describe in one of my letters, but one 
 of a pitcher-like form, with one handle — two are sus- 
 pended from the end of a stick, which is supported on 
 the shoulders. ^ If these pitchers do not balance well, 
 't is because I am not accustomed to carrying them, 
 because that is the way; they are frequently steadied 
 by the hands being placed against the handles, that 
 you may imagine. 
 
 Whether the descendants of the Aztecs are as re- 
 markable for their sobriety as are their transmontane 
 brothers, I am not prepared to say. 
 
 In our market here we have oranges, pineapples, 
 bananas, limes, pears, apples, and peaches. The vege- 
 tables are the same I have mentioned as being in the 
 Puebla market. I purchased a fine head of cauliflower 
 this morning. 
 
 The scamps have raised the prices on us; in small 
 places they always do — in Mexico we could purchase 
 marketing much cheaper. I did not mention that at 
 Chalco we had the guava in market and in Puebla, just 
 before we left, I saw a few beets. 
 
 Monday, August 30th. 
 This. has been quite a busy day; the trial before 
 our Commission and bringing up our proceedings 
 engaged me till nearly dark, and then, in consequence 
 
 ' A sketch was enclosed in letter. 
 
In Mexico 303 
 
 of Sergt. Brown's death, as there was no one who 
 understood anything about the papers for muster to- 
 morrow, I was compelled to take hold of them. 
 
 I will not omit, however, having a chat with you, 
 which must be short, as I have to prepare a charge 
 against a man whom I shall take before the Commis- 
 sion for trial to-morrow. 
 
 I saw Mr. Trist, this morning; he appears to be in 
 very good spirits in relation to his duties and progress 
 in them. Herrara, the head of the Mexican Commis- 
 sioners, formerly President for a short period, is con- 
 sidered the most honest and honorable of their public 
 men. His being on the Commission augurs well, I 
 think. There may be some shuffling in the Congress, 
 which may prevent its ratification. Nous verrons. 
 
 The view from the highest point of this City is 
 magnificent : the great City of Mexico, with Ft. Chapul- 
 tepec in the foreground, on the left of the picture, and 
 beyond and around the City, a highly cultivated plain 
 interspersed with lake and mountain, or intersected 
 by turbulent little mountain rivers; the whole sur- 
 rounded by mountains, among which, in fair weather, 
 we still see our old friends, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, 
 presents a view well worthy of the artist's pencil. 
 
 In the plain, among other trees, we see lines or 
 avenues of trees resembHng somewhat our Lombardy 
 poplars, but which, whether from the vastness of the 
 plain or the background of lofty mountains, are, 
 however, unlike the barrenness of our broomstick tree, 
 and really produce a pleasing effect in the landscape. 
 Good-night. 
 
 Tuesday, August 31st. 
 The last day of this year's summer has gone — will 
 
304 An Artillery Officer 
 
 the ensuing fall months be more quiet than, or as tur- 
 bulent as, those that have just passed away, or will 
 they return me to my beloved family? Would that 
 I could command an affirmative answer to the latter 
 query. All at Hd. Qrs. seem to think that the last 
 battle has been fought. I hope that they may not be 
 deceived. From our Court-room, I stole off for a few 
 minutes to see some of the pictures in the Palace. I 
 only examined rapidly a few that are in a bedroom. 
 One, a very sweet face, is a young lady asleep — modem, 
 but very prettily colored. An old painting comes next, 
 representing a Spanish lady, of the age perhaps of 
 Isabella, very well executed, a valuable painting. 
 The remarkably fine large head in front of you as you 
 turn your back to the light, is modem; the keys in his 
 hand designate St. Peter. This is a good picture, but 
 does not present to my mind the characteristic expres- 
 sion of the features of the great Apostle. 
 
 But your eye, I see, wanders to, and is now fixed 
 admiringly upon, that sweet picture in the comer on 
 your left. It is a lovable picture, modem, but charm- 
 ing. A young mother kissing and oh, so sweetly 
 kissed by her infant. 'T is the waking moming kiss. 
 The mother is partially raised in bed, and holds her 
 child, who has just waked, in her arms. (I correct 
 here, the mother, in her night-dress, leans over her 
 infant, as if raising her from her crib.) The little hand 
 which seeks for the fountain of nourishment, shews 
 that the little angel thinks of something besides the 
 loving kiss she takes and gives. How I wish you 
 could see this picture. There are many others in the 
 house, but this is, I fancy, to be my favorite. If I 
 can get a good daguerreotypist here, I will endeavor 
 to bring you a view of this charming work. Both 
 
In Mexico 305 
 
 faces are beautiful; easy and graceful is every attitude 
 of each. 
 
 I find that I did an injustice to Genl. Worth in my 
 remark about the returning of Col. Belton's report, — 
 he only wished Col. Belton to omit the tactical part 
 of the report, and desired him to mention all Officers 
 who had particularly distinguished themselves. Col. 
 B. got in a pet, and struck out all mention of the 
 Officers. 
 
 September 8th. 
 Though I am now engaged on another sheet to com- 
 plete No. 19, I will send this as it is, reserving the 
 other part for another opportunity. Yesterday, I 
 sent a letter by Mr. Kendall's express. I have this 
 morning heard that Genl. Quitman and Lt. Welsh are 
 to leave to-morrow morning for the United States and 
 have determined to trust my budget to them. The 
 chances are that they will go safely through — I pray 
 to God that they may — for their lives are of value to 
 our Coimtry. I must now close, as 't is time to send 
 the messenger off. Nos. 14 to 19 inclusive are sent 
 in three packages. 
 
 Sunday, September 26th. 
 I close this to send by the Minister's Express. 
 
 Wednesday, September ist. 
 I am so completely wearied with my day's writing 
 (as Judge Advocate of a Military Commission) that I 
 can only give you my blessing, and say good-night. 
 
 Thursday, September 2nd. 
 The Commission, fortunately for me, adjourned this 
 
3o6 An Artillery Officer 
 
 morning, to give the prisoner, a Mexican, time to get 
 his witnesses. I have thus had a day of rest, and am, 
 thank God, quite fresh again. Cases multiply in 
 about the proportion of those we try, so that we have 
 a prospect of having occupation as long as we remain. 
 Indeed, Genl. Worth told me that he intended keeping 
 lis as a permanent Court. One advantage may be 
 derived from my being on this duty, as it will prevent 
 my being put on other duty which would expose me 
 to the changes of weather, the very thing now to be 
 avoided. 
 
 I was so much fatigued yesterday, that I did not 
 mention my morning's visit to Count Cortina's picture 
 rooms; there are six, I think. It is the most valuable 
 collection I ever saw. I was disappointed in two which 
 were called Murillo's: two mothers with infants; they 
 did not strike me as very remarkable. There are 
 several in the collection, by painters imknown, I pre- 
 fer to these two. The subjects are so numerous that 
 I cannot attempt naming them, much less to describe 
 what I think are their beauties. I passed rapidly, too 
 rapidly, through the rooms, knowing that I had a 
 great deal of writing to be finished by nine this morning. 
 And again, I hope to enjoy again and again, the pleasure 
 of entering those rooms. I went again to see the mother 
 and infant; as a work of art, it has superiors in the 
 collection, but not one seemed to me so sweet, so lovely. 
 There is a playful, roguish archness in the darling, as 
 it steals to uncover the mother's breast, inexpressibly 
 sweet. The Count is said to be the richest man in 
 Mexico ; his heirs would not miss the picture, were he 
 to give it to me. 
 
 At the General's Quarters this morning, I again heard 
 that Mr. Trist was in fine spirits as to his prospects, I 
 
In Mexico 307 
 
 hope that he is not a sanguine man. I wrote hastily to 
 you this afternoon, the letter to go by Mr. Kendall's 
 express. I am anxious that you should receive it, or 
 the one sent on the 29th ult. May you get one or 
 both, as your mind will then be relieved. 
 
 September 3rd. 
 I was about taking my seat at my table, after dinner 
 to-day, to bring up my day's proceedings, when Lt. 
 Andrews came in, and said that Genl. Quitman and Lt. 
 Welch, were to start to-morrow morning for the United 
 States, and that if I would get my letters ready in fifteen 
 or twenty minutes, he would send them down. Busi- 
 ness was readily laid aside, and all my old talks, from 
 No. 14 to 19 inclusive, were folded, sealed and directed 
 by the time appointed. I had barely time to add a 
 few lines to the first part of this No. 19. To Mother, 
 I was very anxious to write, but the notice was too 
 short. I hear since our letters were sent, that Genl. 
 Quitman will not leave to-morrow ; if so, I may still add 
 another letter to your already large stock, and also 
 write one to my Mother. This has been a very busy 
 day with me, and as it is now late, and I feel much 
 exhausted, I must to bed, and now good-night. 
 
 Saturday, September 4th. 
 Our Commission, like a Christian, a reasonable body 
 of men, adjourned over till Monday, so that to-morrow 
 I shall be necessarily engaged only a small part of the 
 day. I have just returned from Genl. Scott, with 
 whom I dined. He shewed me his report; it is long, 
 but will be read with great interest by all Americans, 
 as he gives a clear and vivid sketch of the events of 
 the 20th. 
 
3o8 An Artillery Officer 
 
 My poor Regiment is not, I think, named in the 
 Report, not that it did not perform its duty, but be- 
 cause it performed no brilliant achievement ; it was not 
 the foremost in entering field-work before which so 
 many of our brave men fell. I should have been 
 mortified to death had I been with the Regt. and could 
 not have carved some bauble of honor. They may be 
 baubles, but they are welcome, and, generally, dearly 
 bought prizes to us. And though no one knows more 
 truly than the soldier how many blanks there are in 
 the wheel of Fortune, to one prize, still, like the gam- 
 bler, he ventures o'er and o'er, even health and life 
 itself, to win that prize. 
 
 The commencement and some of the concluding 
 paragraphs of the General's report (that of the 20th) 
 are beautifully and forcibly worded. The sub-reports I 
 have not read, but I have no doubt that every one who 
 made a report looked more particularly to elevating 
 self on the ladder, than to doing justice to those who were 
 under his command. 
 
 Genl. Shields and Genl. P. Smith distinguished 
 themselves greatly on that day. Genl. Smith stands 
 as high with the Army for good sense and military 
 qualifications as perhaps any man of his rank with us. 
 Mr. Trist, who lives with the Genl., appeared in good 
 spirits to-day. I asked him, however, no questions 
 about his duties, or what I so much desire to know, 
 what he thinks of the prospects of peace. This state 
 of uncertainty must ere long come to an end, as the 
 points in dispute cannot certainly occupy reasonable 
 men longer than a couple of weeks more — and that 
 time, to regard it as intervening between this period 
 and that when we may know when we are to go home, 
 appears an age. Good-night. 
 
In Mexico 309 
 
 Sunday, September 5th. 
 I feel so wretchedly, to-night, that were it not Sun- 
 day I do not think that I could say even a few words 
 to you. We fancy that very important and interesting 
 events are taking place in the City to-day. Heavy 
 firing we think we heard, and continued, too, for some 
 time. If this be so, Santa Anna must have been en- 
 gaged in quelling some pronunciamiento. He is so 
 shrewd that it is probable that he foresaw and was 
 prepared. In that case if his Army prove faithful, he 
 will place himself more firmly in power, in consequence 
 of the riot. If his Army participated in the disaffection, 
 he will certainly be hurled from his high, but usurped, 
 position. To-morrow we shall know whether our 
 speculations and imaginations are true or not, and I 
 hope that I shall then feel well enough to write to you. 
 May God keep you both in health and happiness. 
 
 Monday, September 6th. 
 
 Only a word or two to-night. For really I am so 
 much out of spirits at this continuance of my indispo- 
 sition, at the very time I may desire to have all my 
 energies. The Mexicans are acting in bad faith to- 
 day, and I learn that Genl. Scott has sent word to 
 Santa Anna that unless an apology be sent to-morrow 
 for the violation of the truce to-day, our batteries will 
 open to-morrow at 12 m. 
 
 The troops in Ft. Chapultepec have been seen at 
 work at its defences to-day, in clear violation of the 
 Articles of the truce. All of our woimded and sick are 
 now being moved to what is called the Palace, a building 
 belonging, I think, to Genl. Santa Anna. 
 
 Chill and fever again this morning! Is this not too 
 hard? I take a dose to-night which will, I hope, get 
 
310 An Artillery Officer 
 
 everything right by Wednesday, and we shall scarcely 
 have any heavy work before that day. Our troops lie, 
 to-night, ready to move at a moment's warning. I must 
 be in the next fight. 
 
 Tuesday, September 7th, three p.m. 
 
 We have been ready for the last three hours to move 
 at a moment's warning. The truce was broken yester- 
 day, by the Mexicans, and this morning, Genl. Santa 
 Anna, I hear, wrote and sent a very impertinent 
 "buncombe" letter to the Genl. Their troops, at all 
 events, commenced moving out of the City early this 
 morning, and are now drawn up in line of battle with 
 their left resting on Ft. Chapultepec. Genl. Scott and 
 Staff are engaged in reconnoitring his position, so that not 
 many hours can elapse before we have another battle. 
 
 What Santa Anna expects to gain by the great loss 
 of blood which must flow in such an event, I cannot 
 conceive, unless it be that the numbers of the Mexicans 
 are so greatly over the handful of men our Govt, has 
 sent here as its Army, that he can well give us a few 
 battles, five to one, and knows that in this way we 
 must soon be annihilated. 
 
 So constantly has victory perched on our banners 
 under every disadvantage and with every odds against 
 us, that we may well hope and believe that God is 
 fighting our battles with us, or rather for us. 
 
 Whilst midway of the last sentence, we were called 
 out by the cry that "the Mexicans are coming," but 
 soon finding that it was a false alarm, we returned to 
 our quarters. I begin now to doubt whether we will 
 have a fight to-night, or not. Perhaps we may make 
 a night attack, perhaps the battle will be fought to- 
 morrow. 
 
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In Mexico 3ii 
 
 Should God spare my life, I will resume this letter 
 the earliest moment after victory. That He may con- 
 tinue to guard and guide you in your path to Heaven I 
 humbly pray. 
 
 Mexico, September 22nd. 
 
 This day two weeks ago since I was wounded. Oh, 
 how devotedly I should offer thanks to our Heavenly 
 Father for His preservation of my life on that dreadful 
 day. The papers will give you full details of our losses 
 in killed and wounded, I will now, as I cannot write 
 much at a time, confine my remarks to what will be 
 most interesting to you. 
 
 Leaving our Quarters about half -past two A.M., 8th 
 Sept., we, after being kept a long time in the streets of 
 Tacubaya, reached our position in front of the building 
 called the Foundry, and better known as "El MoHno 
 del Rey," our men were ordered to lie down on the 
 road, so as to conceal themselves from the observation 
 of the troops in Ft. Chapultepec. We remained there 
 until a few discharges had been made by our Arty, when, 
 just before sunrise, we were ordered to advance. 
 
 The firing of musketry and cannon was at this time 
 very severe on our left. We approached and when 
 within about two hundred yards of the Foundry, we 
 were received with an aAArful shower of grape and 
 musketry, the column was ordered to halt, and the 
 men ordered to shelter themselves against the wall on 
 our right, the angle here making a shoulder which 
 partially protected our troops. 
 
 This rough sketch* may help me a little. The line 
 at the right and top, marked "a-a-a-" is where the 
 troops took shelter from the fire of the enemy, who 
 
 • A diagram was enclosed in letter. 
 
312 An Artillery Officer 
 
 lined the housetop in every part. When we had re- 
 mained a short time there, two of Capt. Drum's guns 
 were unlimbered and, seeing that there were few men 
 at the first, which they were bringing up by hand, I, 
 more for example's sake than anything else, assisted 
 at it. This gun was placed in position, and commenced 
 firing. I then stepped a few paces back, and observing 
 that the men were slow in bringing the other gun for- 
 ward, I took hold of the trail, which I left as soon as it 
 was in position, and when I saw men enough at it to 
 manage it. 
 
 I then hurried towards the Regt., which was then 
 some paces in the rear, when I felt a severe blow against 
 my right shoulder; it was like the blow from the ball 
 in a leaded cane ; — I supposed that it was a spent ball 
 which had hit me, and fallen to the ground — another 
 step and I felt a tingling pricking sensation in my left 
 arm. I, without raising my hand or giving any intima- 
 tion of being wounded, regained my Command, and on 
 my remarking to some Officer that I believed I had been 
 touched by a spent ball, was told that there was blood 
 on my cloak. In a few minutes, I heard some one call 
 out, "Come on, they are abandoning their battery." 
 I stepped out and saw Lt. Prince, 4th Infy., in the road, 
 waving his hand (the 4th and 6th Regts. Infy. were 
 in front or advance of us). I immediately called out 
 "Forward 3rd Arty.," and rushed forward. Lt. Prince 
 was shot down while he was calling out. I found myself 
 under the enclosure of the Foundry, the enemy still 
 lining its walls. 
 
 My wound giving me much pain, had now rendered 
 me a little less vigorous than I was, and I was joined 
 by Lt. Andrews and Capt. Ayres and went forward. 
 Mr. Andrews begged me to send for more men, as the 
 
In Mexico 313 
 
 Mexicans were in too great force for us to enter the 
 passageway marked (X), the enemy being in consider- 
 able numbers in the enclosure (d) and on the walls 
 around it. Getting a half dozen men more, I went 
 forward and entered the enclosure imder a pretty 
 galling fire. As I passed through the passageway, a 
 ball grazed my right leg, grazing the bone outside 
 about three inches below the knee. 
 
 We had tolerably warm work in retaining possession 
 of this place, and in killing and driving the enemy from 
 it. He made repeated attempts to dislodge us, but, 
 thanks to God, did not succeed. In about two hours 
 officers came in with re-enforcements, who ranked me, 
 and then all the fighting, responsibility, and excitement 
 being over, and my wound becoming stiff, I realized 
 that I felt discomfort from my wound. A drink of 
 spirits from a soldier's canteen revived me, but in a 
 few minutes I fell. 
 
 In a half hour I was on my way to my quarters, Lt. 
 Andrews kindly accompanying me. Dr. Harney soon 
 came to see me and told me that the ball was in me but 
 would do no harm. Without probing the wound, or 
 allowing anything to be done to give me pain, he 
 ordered a poultice of bread and milk, or water to be 
 applied. I am now using the same kind. My wound 
 is about three inches below the point of the shoulder, 
 and the ball. Dr. Steiner (who probed the woimd for 
 me to-day) thinks, is under the knot of muscles under 
 my arm. The hits on my left arm are from slugs or 
 buckshot and though they leave a mark, are nothing. 
 The Doctors say that I must have been shot by some 
 Mexican above me ; if so, it must have been as I faced 
 to the left at the trail of the second gun and the man 
 must have been on the wall at the angle "c." 
 
314 An Artillery Officer 
 
 On the nth I was taken in my "old camp bed-cot," 
 to Mixcoac where I was kindly received by Lt. Cald- 
 well, U. S. Marines, and remained with him, Dr. 
 Harney coming to see me two or three times each day, 
 till the 1 8th when I came to this City, my cot being 
 placed as it stands in an Ambulance. 
 
 I remained that night in Genl. Tomel's house, used 
 as a Hospital for the Officers of the 1st Division, and 
 the next day came to the Qrs. I now occupy, — a room 
 in Genl. Valentia's house. My house mates are Major 
 Wade, whose wound is doing well, Capt. Huger and 
 his three Ordnance Subalterns. 
 
 The battle of the 13th of course I missed. My old 
 cloak (which I wore on the 8th thinking I would have a 
 chill that day, having had one on the 6th) bears the 
 marks of service. Thanks be to Almighty God for my 
 preservation; the fire was more severe than I ever 
 thought it could be in battle. For a few moments I 
 was apprehensive that we must either be cut down or 
 driven back, but God gave us the victory. The 
 enemy's forces more than quintupled ours. Poor Lt. 
 Col. Graham fell, gallantly cheering his men on. I 
 have written too much and will stop for to-day. 
 
 Thursday, September 23rd. 
 I find that my letter to you from Tacubaya which I 
 endeavored to have sent by the Br. Courier, did not 
 go. Most deeply do I regret this, as I fear the one 
 which was taken two or three days ago has been 
 captured by some of the guerrilla bands that infest 
 every part of the road to Vera Cruz. The City has 
 been quiet since I entered it. But an order of Genl. 
 Scott's, published yesterday, informs us that there is 
 a conspiracy headed by some cowardly officers and 
 

In Mexico 315 
 
 false priests to assassinate our brave little Army. The 
 principal conspirator is said to be an Irish priest, 
 named McNamara, who has been tampering with our 
 soldiers, offering them lands in California if they desert, 
 etc., etc. I hope, if the evidence is conclusive against 
 him, that he will be hung. 
 
 Santa Anna, the night he fled, opened the prison 
 doors, letting loose the scoundrels who were under- 
 going their just punishment for murder, robbery, and 
 other crimes. These are some of the tools he designed 
 to be used in this conspiracy. The Genl. enjoins 
 vigilance on officers and men, and will doubtless take 
 all possible means to detect and stifle this vile plot. 
 I cannot but think that we are here to carry out some 
 great scheme of Providence, and that God will inter- 
 pose his powerful arm in our defence and protection. 
 We hear that Genl. Patterson brings from Brazos 
 about 4000 men. Having written as much as I ought, 
 Iwill here stop. 
 
 Friday, 24th. 
 
 Dr. Steiner has changed my dressing, having given 
 me a simple layer of lint, kept in place by thin strips 
 of adhesive plaster. He says that the wound has a 
 healthy appearance and that it is doing well. 
 
 To-day I have been shopping, intending to procure 
 some engravings for you, representing the manners and 
 customs of the Indians of the Country. I succeeded 
 in getting only three, and fear that I will not be able 
 to procure any more. I amuse myself walking a short 
 distance down the street, looking at their stores, some 
 of which excel, in the richness of their goods, anything 
 I ever saw in the United States. But such prices! 
 A man who furnishes his house here as many of them 
 are furnished, must be rich indeed. 
 
3i6 An Artillery Officer 
 
 I saw Genl. Bravo's saddle to-day, the seat worked 
 with gold and with much rich ornamental work about 
 it; it cost the genteel sum of five hundred dollars. I 
 have not visited the market or any of the public build- 
 ings, but hope in a week to be well enough to wear my 
 coat, when I will take my time in examining the curi- 
 osities of the City. Good-night. 
 
 No. 20. Mexico, October i, 1847. 
 
 Thanks be to God, for so far having restored me to 
 health as to enable me to resume my nightly conver- 
 sations with my wife. Will the letters despatched by 
 the Br. Minister's Express on the 28th ult. and the 
 note sent this morning by private express reach you? 
 I hope they, or at least one of them may, for I know 
 the interest, the almost burning anxiety which you 
 will feel, till you have it from my own hand that I 
 am safe. 
 
 My woimd is now nearly well; the new skin com- 
 menced forming over its edges yesterday. Yesterday, 
 too, was the first day that I have been able to shave 
 myself; the task was executed, I assure you, with a 
 thankful heart, and almost boyish delight, but the 
 day previous was not quite so delightful a day to me, 
 as I had my old enemy, a chill, succeeded by a most 
 burning and long continued fever. Under Dr. Steiner's 
 prescriptions (he comes and dresses my wound daily), 
 I took eleven pills yesterday and this morning, and I 
 have missed the chill to-day. I presume that I shall 
 have to take quinine for a long time. 
 
 This attack has delayed my moving to Genl. Scott's 
 Quarters. I shall go to-morrow should nothing occur 
 to prevent it. 
 
 To-day I sent for Sergt. Robinson, who was very ac- 
 
In Mexico 317 
 
 tive in procuring additional men for us when we first 
 entered tlie Foundry on the 8th Sept., and thanked 
 him for his valuable services. He seemed highly- 
 gratified at what I said to him. On the 8th I recom- 
 mended for promotion to a Corporalcy, one of the 
 privates of "G" Co. whose conduct was reported to me 
 as having been very gallant; Capt. Burke handsomely 
 acceded to my recommendation, and he was appointed 
 on the field of battle. My poor Company is cruelly 
 cut up; I shall resume its command with melancholy 
 feelings. Leaving Vera Cruz with nearly a hundred 
 in its ranks, I shall now find its privates reduced by 
 death and absentees in the hospitals, to less than 
 thirty. I feel that I have written enough for to-night. 
 Good-night. 
 
 Sunday, 3rd. 
 Yesterday, I moved to Genl. Hd. Qrs. where I am 
 now very comfortably at home. Mr. Trist is the only 
 fellow-Hver with the Genl. Thinking yesterday, that, 
 as I was coming here, I would spruce up a little, I had 
 my suspenders put on, and wore them all day. Last 
 night I suffered for my folly, their pressure on the 
 muscles just below the point of the shoulder giving 
 me an imeasy stiffness and heaviness of my shoulder 
 all night. Dr. Steiner says he never knew a similar 
 wound to heal as well and rapidly as mine has. He says 
 that had the ball penetrated perpendicularly at the 
 point where it struck, I must certainly either have lost 
 my life instantly, or that amputation must have been 
 made at the shoulder joint. It was deflected from its 
 course, turning down the arm, by the muscles. Every 
 day's reflection convinces me more and more of the 
 vastness of my obligation to God, for having preserved 
 
3i8 An Artillery Officer 
 
 my life on that dark and most bloody day. Oh, that 
 my gratitude may effect a salutary change in my cold 
 and sinful heart. 
 
 To-day, I am wearing my old comfort, the morning 
 gown, properly, with the right arm in its sleeve — the 
 first day I have done so; I am still compelled to wear 
 my night-shirts, as they only are sufficiently large for 
 me to put on and off with any comfort, and to enable 
 the Dr. to dress my wound. I have now been using 
 simple salve on the lint four days. Dr. Steiner is very 
 attentive. I am not sure whether I mentioned that 
 my valet was wounded the same day I was. He was 
 wounded in the breast, the ball grazing the breast bone, 
 and passing horizontally out about three inches from 
 the first hole where it entered. I have kept him with 
 me, though, until I moved here, I have had another 
 man with me, a young soldier, named Hart,^ who has 
 been exceedingly kind and attentive. I shall miss his 
 services much, as he is much smarter and quicker than 
 my firm friend Derr. 
 
 Yesterday at a quarter to eight a.m. we experienced 
 the severest earthquake I ever felt. The house shook 
 and undulated so sea-like as to make many persons 
 sea-sick. The Mexicans threw themselves on their 
 knees, and so remained till all was again still. Old 
 Popocatepetl must have been thinking of paying us a 
 prank, reminding us that his volcanic fires are not ex- 
 tinct. The gentleman, now Prussian Minister to 
 Washington, found its fires active enough to throw 
 stones nearly to the top of the crater, when he visited 
 its edges some ten years ago. 
 
 Rumor states to-day that Genl. Taylor is marching 
 
 ^ Hart was taken down by my mother to Ft. Sumter, remained 
 with my father, and hoisted the Flag after it was shot down. 
 
In Mexico 319 
 
 towards San Luis Potosi. The Genl. discredits the 
 report. Enough writing for to-day. 
 
 Monday, 4th. 
 
 Still doing well — rested well last night. Not until 
 yesterday did I learn that Genl. Scott had made applica- 
 tion about the igth or 21st of last November, for me to 
 be appointed Asst. Adjt. Genl. with the rank of Major, 
 to enable him to select me as Chief of his Staff; my name 
 was sent in with two others, Capts. De Hart and Vinton. 
 As if to show him that his desires and rights should 
 both be disregarded, neither was appointed, and thus 
 has the Genl. had thrown upon himself a vast quantity 
 of labor which would have been confided to an exper- 
 ienced Staff Officer. Never before was a Genl. com- 
 manding an Army on the Field, he the highest Officer 
 of the Army, refused, in any other service, the right of 
 selection of his Chief of Staff. 'T is too contemptible. 
 If the people of the United States do not see through, 
 and visit with just indignation, the conduct pursued 
 by the War Dept. towards Genl. S. ever since he left 
 the United States, they are not fit to be ruled by, or 
 to have honest men in office. 
 
 No news to-day from any point. Col. Hitchcock 
 did me the honor to read to me last night, requesting 
 my suggestion of any alteration that might occur to 
 me, a proposed introduction to a number of letters, 
 written in this City the night of the 20th Aug., and 
 giving their comments on the operations of that day. 
 The Colonel's introduction is, like everything from his 
 pen, well written. If he decides upon its publication, 
 I shall take care of a copy for home. 
 
 Genls. P. and W. have given the Genl. infinite dis- 
 tress, by inaccuracies in their reports, assuming to 
 
320 An Artillery Officer 
 
 themselves the giving of Orders and the execution of 
 Movements upon the field of battle, distinctly directed 
 by the Genl. The selfish vanity of some men leads 
 their memory entirely astray; vanity and ingratitude 
 together have destroyed high merits in others. Good- 
 evening. 
 
 Wednesday, 6th. 
 
 Genl. S. gave me a duty to execute last afternoon, 
 which prevented my continuing my letter. I am to- 
 day doing well. This morning Lt. Hamilton and I 
 walked to the Museum courtyard, where we saw the 
 justly celebrated equestrian statue of Charles IV. It 
 is colossal, cast in bronze by a Mexican artist, named 
 Tolsa. I admire neither the expression of the rider, 
 nor the form of his horse, but the perfectness of so 
 huge a casting is wonderful and the effect is very fine. 
 I prefer it to our marble Washington by Greenough. 
 
 Brantz Myer's work, which I saw for the first time 
 to-day, presents a very fair engraving of this statue, 
 and gives a pretty good critique on the fat Mexican 
 horse, evidently too fat for any other than a very slow 
 and short ride. In the beauty and variety of the wax 
 figures of the City, so highly praised by foreigners, I 
 am thus far, much disappointed. At Puebla I could 
 have formed a better and more interesting collection. 
 But when, or how I am to get them home, are questions 
 which, not being able to answer as yet, keep me from 
 making such purchases. 
 
 Last night, for appearance' sake, being in a parlor 
 through which Mr. Trist and his visitors have to pass, 
 I indulged in sheets, with which I have just provided 
 myself. The declaration will appear strange, but 't is 
 true ; so long have I been accustomed to our common 
 
In Mexico 321 
 
 camp bed covering, that it was a sacrifice of comfort 
 to appearance. We know nothing certain about Santa 
 Anna. He will probably, if he has not already done so, 
 leave Col. Childs and go towards the Coast; if so, you 
 will hear of him before we do. The Mexicans who bring 
 reports are such consummate liars that if they tell 
 the truth, 't is by mistake. 
 
 Night before last, we were visited by another earth- 
 quake, indeed by two, 't is said a slight one before ten, 
 and a tolerably severe one a quarter before twelve. I 
 dreamt, or thought in my sleep, that there was one, 
 but it did not awaken me. 
 
 The so much talked of rainy season is said to be 
 nearly over; soon after the heavens brighten in the 
 fall, the vomito takes its departure, and then come 
 the Northers. I hope that the Northers will bring us 
 heavy arrivals of troops at Vera Cruz, open the com- 
 munication with the United States and give us letters. 
 
 Here the Genl. came in, and asked me to join him 
 in a walk. I have been with him fifteen minutes and 
 left him to finish his walk. The pressure of the cloak 
 upon my shoulder prevents my wearing it a longer 
 time with any comfort. I have purchased a very light 
 sword, which I carry as a cane and as a means of de- 
 fence. My old sword is too heavy for me now to use. 
 To-morrow, a gentleman leaves this city for Puebla. 
 He may go further; if so, I will ask a favor of him — 
 one letter will not be much additional to his baggage. 
 Enough for to-day. 
 
 Thursday, 7th. 
 The gentleman messenger has gone, I believe, but I 
 did not succeed in sending a line. News reached the 
 City last evening, that Santa Anna left Puebla on the 
 
322 An Artillery Officer 
 
 morning of the 2nd on his way south ; whether he looks 
 for prey or safety, no one knows. Many of his troops 
 had deserted at Puebla and those still pretending to 
 stand by their colors are said to be rather rabble than 
 soldier-like in their conduct. 
 
 To-day we hear that detachments from Vera Cruz 
 are en route, that one is on the southern road at Orizaba. 
 'T is a pity that the other two (three are said to be 
 marching up) had not united. It would be unfortu- 
 nate were either detachment to meet with the slightest 
 reverse ; it would be magnified into an immense victory, 
 and might fan the flame of military ardor which all 
 good friends of peace and order in Mexico hope may 
 soon be extinguished. 
 
 The condition of the Mexican officers, taken pris- 
 oners by us, is truly lamentable. Many of them, some 
 of rank as high as Lt. Colonels, have told our officers 
 that they were without money, and could obtain not 
 a cent from their countrymen. They have been in 
 many cases assisted by their enemies. Some appre- 
 hensions are entertained about the safety of the letters 
 sent by the last express. If my letters by him are 
 intercepted, I think I may despond of getting a Hne 
 to you. 
 
 I hope that in your next letter you will tell me when 
 Father proposes to take up his line of march home- 
 wards. I am half inclined to change the direction of 
 all letters I may send after the 20th of this month, 
 so as to place those that may reach the United States 
 after the loth of Nov. in the Camden Post Office. I 
 feel anxious to hear how you have passed the summer ; 
 what a crowd of news my heart yearns for! About 
 your kind and excellent Grandmother's health, I 
 feel great anxiety. I can scarcely think after the 
 
In Mexico 323 
 
 severe attacks she had just prior to my last news from 
 her, she can have survived through the summer. She 
 is, however, blessed with a glorious constitution, and 
 may have recovered to live many years longer. 
 
 Who will dare to read the decisions and will of God, 
 under whose displeasure the strong man falls in a mo- 
 ment, whilst, at His good will, the invalid is raised to 
 health and a happy long life? The shades of evening 
 are rapidly darkening my paper, and as I have already 
 written as much as I ought to, I shall close with a 
 God bless you. 
 
 Friday, October 8th. 
 
 This day one month ago, came off the f oiilly murderous 
 tragedy of "El Molino del Rey," a day, an event I can 
 never forget. Praised be God that I live to remember 
 His mercy alone preserved me ; may it prove to be for 
 a good end! The rainy season, now that we are "re- 
 velling in the Halls," seems to have begun anew, as we 
 have had rain daily for nearly a week. Most fortunate 
 was it for our poor soldiers that it did not pay us daily 
 visits whilst in march for, and operating against this 
 City and its dependencies. 
 
 I have heard one or two newspaper slips read to-day 
 from home papers. The Sun of New York is abusive, 
 vulgarly abusive of Genl. S. These slips belong to an 
 Editor of a Mexican paper. I will try and get a perusal 
 of them. A rumor is current in the City that Genl. 
 Santa Anna's guard of Cavalry is rapidly deserting, 
 that he directed or had four of them shot, and that 
 their companions mutinied, and that he narrowly 
 escaped. Mrs. Santa Anna has gone, *t is said, to 
 Orizaba. If the above rumor be true, the sooner his 
 Excellency, "El bien merito," leaves the Country the 
 
324 An Artillery Officer 
 
 better. The people have no sympathy with him, and 
 his only dependence is the Army. 
 
 I did not mention the duty Genl. S. gave me the 
 other day ; 't is to collect and arrange all the information 
 I can, relative to the Zodiacal or Calendrical Stone of 
 the Ancient Mexicans. He thinks somewhat of taking 
 it to Washington, if the Mexicans do not make peace 
 with us. 
 
 Though my wound, the Dr. assures me, is healing 
 very well, I recover so very slowly that I begin to fear 
 that a long time will elapse before I can have the good 
 use of my shoulder. A little feeling of heaviness or pain 
 about the shoulder always indicates when the muscles 
 have had exercise enough. I cannot but obey the 
 warning; therefore now my adieu. 
 
 Saturday, 9th. 
 
 A captain from Santa Anna's Army reported to the 
 Inspector Genl. of our Army, this morning, that he, Genl. 
 S. A., went to El Piiial from Puebla, with 5000 men; 
 that he commenced fortifying there, but, that on learn- 
 ing that Genl. Patterson was on his way up with 
 3500 men, he abandoned that position, informed the 
 Officers that he was going to Oajaca, and offered all who 
 desired them, passports. This man says that so many 
 applied for them, that Santa Anna soon declined giving 
 any ; that the Army is without pay, and entirely disor- 
 ganized, 700 men having deserted since they left Puebla. 
 This Captain shewed his passport, and says that he left 
 the Army on last Monday, 5th inst. How much of this 
 is true time will shew. I believe no Mexican story. All 
 these public men seem to make a virtue of lying, in 
 all statements having any bearing upon us. 
 
 Our wounded are generally doing well. I fear that 
 
In Mexico 325 
 
 we shall lose three Lieuts.: Shackelford and Daniels, 
 2nd Arty., and Lieut. Bacon, 6th Infy. All three are 
 very low, and but slight hopes are entertained of their 
 recovery. Genl. S. is still engaged upon his report 
 of the battles of the 12th and 13th September. He was 
 delayed by waiting for the Division Reports, and is 
 compelled to write a lengthy report, in order to set 
 transactions in a true light, which are misrepresented in 
 some two of the Division Reports. The affair of the 
 8th, more deadly and requiring more nerve than almost 
 any portion of the other battles, is not dwelt upon, 
 because 't is an affair that, though reflecting high credit 
 on the troops, if truly criticised will not do as much 
 for the Milty. reputation of a certain Commander 
 and some of his Staff. That Commander is not 
 Genl. Scott. We hear nothing from Queretaro, the 
 seat of the nominal Mexican Govt. Enough. Good- 
 evening. 
 
 Monday, nth. 
 Report says to-day, that over three thousand Amer- 
 ican soldiers have arrived at Puebla, and that the 
 Mexican troops abandoned, thereupon, that City. I 
 presume that they (our troops) will not come any 
 farther, as there are now as many troops here as will be 
 necessary ; the Army that has won, can surely keep the 
 City. I am delighted to hear of the approach of re- 
 enforcements, as I look to them for letters, and also as 
 being the means of, ere long, opening, and keeping 
 open, the road to Vera Cruz. With the troops en route 
 may be expected some Officers who have been on the 
 recruiting service. Many of the woimded have hoped 
 to be ordered home in their places. I fear that most of 
 them will be disappointed, as from an expression used 
 
326 An Artillery Officer 
 
 by the Genl. a day or two since, I think he will send 
 very few, if any, home. 
 
 I read to-day, with infinite disgust, Genl. Worth's 
 report of the battle of Molino del Rey; he mingles, in a 
 single paragraph, the names of Officers who distin- 
 guished themselves greatly by gallantry and zeal, and 
 those who were not remarked for more than an ordinary 
 discharge of their duty. In the 3rd he mentions every 
 Officer on the field but one, and to my knowledge, he 
 deserved to be named equally as much as two who 
 were. He makes Lt. Col. Duncan his hero; the Di- 
 vision do not, in this case, confirm his decree — not that 
 Duncan was not brave, but, as he had charge of the 
 Arty., we know that a longer continuance of its fires 
 that morning, before the advance of the Infy., would 
 have saved many valuable lives. 
 
 Our force on the 8th including everybody engaged, 
 was 3251 against a Mexican force Genl. Worth reports 
 at 14,000. We lost, killed 116, including 9 Officers; 
 wounded 665 (49 Officers included); missing 18, total 
 of losses 799!! being very near one man out of every 
 Jour. May I not call that a murderous affair? On 
 the 19th and 20th Aug. our force engaged was 8497, 
 of whom 137 (14 officers included) were killed; 877 
 (62 officers included) wounded, and 38 were missing; 
 a total of 1052. On the 12, 13, and 14th September 
 7180 were engaged: killed 130 (including 10 officers), 
 and wounded 703 (68 officers included), and missing 29: 
 making a total of 862. Grand total in killed, woimded, 
 and missing since we reached this basin 2713!! 
 
 Tuesday, October 12th. 
 On looking at an old chart (1762) of the coast, from 
 Pensacola, East and West, for many miles, I find some 
 
In Mexico 327 
 
 remarkable differences in the spelling of several of the 
 places, etc., showing how much we have modernized 
 the original names : San Miguel de Panzacola, Movila, 
 Pascagula, B. S. Luis, Pontchartvin, La Baliza, 
 Misissippi — the latter may have been spelt incorrectly 
 on the chart. 
 
 Yesterday's report about the arrival of troops at or 
 very near Puebla is believed here. A member of the 
 Mexican Congress, now on his way to Queretaro, says 
 that he wants us to annihilate their Army, that this 
 being done, the friends of good government will be able 
 to establish and maintain that great desideratum. If 
 they cannot keep the Army down now they may as well 
 abandon all idea of Republican Government. I am 
 too much fatigued to write more. Adieu. 
 
 Saturday, October i6th. 
 
 As the Spy Company goes down this evening with 
 despatches, I thought of sending this letter by it, but 
 am in doubt, even as I write, whether to do so or not. 
 As this one has no special news, but embraces a great 
 portion of the time since I was wounded, I think I 
 will trust it. The Genl. sends a copy of his reports 
 by this express — he sent another 4 days ago. I find 
 that, though Col. Garland and Capt. Burke mention 
 my conduct on the 8th Sept. in terms very compli- 
 mentary, and too flattering, my friend Col. Belton 
 does not name me in his report. I know the man too 
 well, and he thinks by his petty mahce he can punish 
 me for it. Thank God, the testimony of a good con- 
 science and the approbation of my brother officers, 
 witness to my bearing, more than make amends for 
 his silence. 
 
 My arm is improving slowly in strength. I hope 
 
328 An Artillery Officer 
 
 that in a week or ten days I will be well enough to 
 return to duty. Lts. Shackelford, 2nd Arty., and Bacon, 
 6th Infy., with Asst. Surgeon Roberts (of Georgia) were 
 buried two mornings since. Lt. Daniels, 2nd Arty., is 
 very much reduced, but hopes are entertained for his 
 recovery. I am now wearing an old mixed cotton 
 coat I purchased at Tampico. My uniform presses 
 too heavily on my shoulder; I found, much to my de- 
 light on the 13th inst., that I could wear this coat; up 
 to that time I had worn my dressing-gown. I have not 
 seen Major Wade for several days, but hear that he is 
 doing well. Col. Burnett, N. Y. Regt., came to see 
 Genl. Scott to-day. His case is a most wonderful one ; 
 shot through the leg, he had the lockjaw for nearly 
 three weeks. 
 
 I may as well say a word or two about this great 
 City, in the appearance of which I have been greatly 
 disappointed. Its Cathedral, market, and the general 
 effect of the appearance of the houses as you pass 
 through the streets, all compare unfavorably with 
 their similars in the "City of the Angels." Perhaps, 
 as I am still too much of an invalid to walk much about 
 the City, I should not express an opinion till I see 
 the whole of it. I will give another opinion without 
 hesitation, adverse to this, if I am hereafter better 
 pleased with the City than I am now. 
 
 We know not whether Duncan is with the troops said 
 to have reached Puebla, or not. They will probably 
 remain there, as we have as many here as we want. 
 
 That our Heavenly Father will ever continue to 
 guard and guide you is the earnest prayer of your own 
 husband, and with all His blessings, I hope He will 
 soon enable us to thank Him for restoring me to my 
 beloved family. 
 
In Mexico 329 
 
 No. 21. Mexico, October 14th. 
 
 Casa del El Senor Loreti Vivanca de Moran, Calle 
 Espirito Santo. Such I find to be the title of the 
 owner of the house in which I now write. Spanish 
 and Mexican houses have been so frequently described, 
 indeed you may see some of their style of building in 
 New Orleans, that I shall say but a few words about 
 this. It has two courts ; steps leading a few feet from 
 the wall to your right, lead you by an entresol, reserved 
 for the servants, to the second or upper story where 
 the rooms for the family are; directly in front as you 
 reach the last step, you see the door of a Httle ante- 
 chamber, which you approach through an open balcony, 
 having on your right a double row of geraniums, roses, 
 lilies, hydrangias, violets, etc., in large and handsome 
 painted earthen pots, the upper row projecting above 
 the top of the iron railing of the balcony. On your 
 left, the wall is covered with canvas, handsomely 
 painted to represent niches, containing vases filled 
 with beautiful flowers, having in the background views 
 of country and city. The antechamber, has on your 
 left a neat bookcase, of inlaid wood, and in different 
 places around the wall you find a half dozen cases of 
 glass filled with birds (prepared) of Mexico. 
 
 Passing through this room you enter, through a 
 double glass door, the parlor, a room about 36 by 16 
 feet; the walls and ceilings are very tastefully painted. 
 In front of you stands against the wall a long mirror 
 with gilded frame, on your left is a long piano. 
 The walls are hung with handsome French engravings; 
 from the centre of the ceiling hangs a huge bronze 
 chandelier, and of course a French clock is to be found 
 on a side stand. 
 
 But if you are fatigued, I advise you to be seated 
 
330 An Artillery Officer 
 
 upon one of the three luxuriant straw-colored sofas 
 with blue silk stripes, now as well as the room full of 
 chairs so carefully covered with their linen chemises. 
 Two large double glass doors lead on to the little 
 platform which runs the length of this room with its 
 iron balustrade, and enables you to have a view of this 
 City of immense wealth, and indescribable misery and 
 poverty. 
 
 A door in the middle of the right hand wall (as you 
 enter) leads into the Genl.'s bedroom, which, as it has 
 no Mexican furniture in it except chairs, tables, and a 
 glass doored armoire, I will not describe. This room 
 has two doors, one in the same wall as the door through 
 which you enter, and to your right leads into an ex- 
 ceedingly comfortable room for bathing, washing, etc. 
 The door near this one and on its left, leads into Mr. 
 Trist's room, next to which is the room I occupy, which 
 I must try to draw. * 
 
 Friday, 15th. 
 I was called off to join the Genl. in a walk and finished 
 my house talk to-day. I thought after commencing 
 that I would describe with greater minuteness than I 
 at first deemed necessary ; it has so many conveniences, 
 that I may say more at some other time — closing now, 
 as it is about our time for walking, by saying that all the 
 walls of the rooms are covered with canvas painted 
 very neatly above and below, and that all the sofas 
 and chairs in my room have on their covers of brown 
 linen. I omitted mentioning that the curtains, very 
 large and full, in the parlor are beautifully and heavily 
 worked with thread lace; they are white, and have a 
 blue top piece, with gilded head piece. Good-evening, 
 
 ' A sketch was enclosed in letter. 
 
In Mexico 33r 
 
 Sunday, October 17th. 
 Yesterday I wrote a little in No. 20, despatched by 
 our robber band. I pray that that letter may reach you ; 
 it will show you that you have no cause for uneasiness, 
 as I tell you there of my daily improvement. I have 
 just returned from a stroll, and am so much fatigued 
 that I shall now close. To-day I have thanked God 
 for His preservation; may He long continue to bless 
 us with the light of His countenance and soon restore 
 me to you. 
 
 Monday, i8th. 
 
 I have this moment heard that a gentleman, Mr. 
 Sandoff, starts for Vera Cruz to-morrow morning, and 
 that he will take a few letters. I shall, therefore, 
 hastily finish this letter. I was interrupted here by a 
 conversation which occurred between Genl. Scott and 
 a wounded Capt., one who has lost his right arm. The 
 Capt. desired to know whether there was a chance of 
 his being permitted to leave the Country. The Genl. . 
 laid down the principle he intends pursuing, without 
 deviation, he says, for friend or foe — viz.: to permit 
 no Officer to leave the Army unless an Army Surgeon 
 (in whom he has confidence) shall certify that the 
 Officer will not be fit for service for three months. 
 This decision is, though, entirely proper, as we have 
 very few Officers present with the Companies. 
 
 God grant that ere very long something may bring 
 us to a peace. But this hope is almost entirely re- 
 moved by what was told Genl. S. a few days since, by 
 a member of Congress (the second one who advanced 
 this opinion) that there was a very respectable party 
 in this Country opposed to our leaving this Country. 
 They fear, that as soon as we leave their imfortunate 
 
332 An Artillery Officer 
 
 Country, the Military will again usurp all authority and 
 curse them, as hitherto, with their arbitrary and un- 
 just acts. Now although this is very flattering to us, 
 as Soldiers and Christians, still it presents a gloomy 
 picture of the future to us. 
 
 When will the friends of good order and civil govern- 
 ment feel themselves sufficiently strong to walk without 
 our sustaining help in the cause of self-government? 
 Not until the yeomanry — the voters — are sufficiently 
 educated and informed to understand and practise 
 their rights, and so debased are they that it must take 
 years — many long years — before this result, so necessary 
 and desirable, can be effected. The home question 
 then bears upon the soul — are we to be kept here as 
 guardians of a people who acknowledge themselves 
 incompetent of self-government? 
 
 Genl. Scott, you will see, has submitted to the con- 
 sideration of the Govt, three propositions, one of which 
 he thinks the Govt, must adopt. As you will soon see 
 this in print, I will now merely state that two of the 
 plans keep us in the Country till Mexico sues for 
 peace, and that the third places our Army on the line 
 of boundary selected by our Govt. 
 
 The man who took down two letters for you last 
 month has returned, and I thus know that they reached 
 Vera Cruz in safety. You may know how delighted 
 I am at this; I think, as the gentleman who takes this 
 is a Mexican, with whom our people will not have 
 any questioning, other than perhaps to see his passport 
 (rather saje guard from Genl. S.), that this will soon 
 reach you. News from below informs us that a large 
 mail must be at Puebla. When we shall get our letters 
 here is exceedingly doubtful, as Genl. Scott says no- 
 thing about sending down for it. What would I not 
 
In Mexico 333 
 
 give for your letters ; not a line from you of a later date 
 than the 24th June. And how many things have oc- 
 curred since, of which you regularly informed me. 
 
 Indeed, indeed, my wife, though I write no more 
 about resigning — if I can get out of this Country, I 
 cannot return to the Army whilst this administration 
 holds the reins of power. The news of every appoint- 
 ment shows us their prosecution of a plan to insult 
 and break down the spirits of our Regular Army Offi- 
 cers, many of whom have applied for promotion in 
 new regiments and their respectful requests have been 
 scornfully treated with silent contempt. Thank God 
 my pride has not received that blow from them ! The 
 troops now en route have been ordered to garrison 
 some new posts intermediate between this place and 
 Vera Cruz. Genl. Patterson is permitted to select 
 Puebla as his Hd. Qrs., but many think as the command 
 there will not be equal to his rank, that he prefers to 
 come to this place. 
 
 The papers received by the Br. Consul show that 
 you have heard of our entrance into the City. But 
 I fear that you have not heard of my lucky escape and 
 that your fears represented things in the worst light. 
 You have by this time received assurances under my 
 own hand, which must have set your heart at rest. 
 How signally, how kindly have I been guarded; let us 
 never forget to thank God, day and night, for His con- 
 stant protection of our little flock. My heart, my 
 confidence in Him, whispers to me that your letters, 
 so long and ardently expected and hoped for, will show 
 that His care has been for you. 
 
 I have been scribbling as hurriedly as possible evei 
 since this letter (I mean to-day's portion) was com- 
 menced, as the young gentleman who volunteered to 
 
•^v 
 
 334 An Artillery Officer 
 
 have it taken went hurriedly off to ascertain when the 
 letters must be sent and I have been momentarily 
 expecting his return. I hope that he may not have 
 become so much interested in a dinner party as to 
 make him forget my poor letter. It would be almost 
 an unpardonable offence. I must now close, however, 
 as it is the General's walking time, and the shades of 
 evening, now setting in, show that I have but a few 
 minutes more of dayhght; the twilight is here, so near 
 the equator, very short. May God continue to guard 
 you and keep our hearts filled with religious thankful- 
 ness and gratitude for all His mercies and goodness to 
 us. 
 
 No. 22. EspiRiTU Santo, Mexico, 
 
 Wednesday, October 20, 1847. 
 
 No. 21 was hurriedly finished and despatched yes- 
 terday morning by Mr. Linder, a gentleman, friend of 
 one of the young gentlemen of the General's Staff, who 
 went down in company with the Br. Minister. That 
 letter is, I suppose, certain of reaching Vera Cruz 
 safely, and I hope that my wife will soon receive it. 
 I almost regret not having directed it to Jeffersonton, 
 as a long passage would, perhaps, place it there about 
 the time of your return. Here there seems to be no 
 other change in season than what is produced by the 
 rain. 
 
 I stepped this morning into the house just left by 
 the Br. Minister to see how his articles sold at auction. 
 I find the people "here as big fools as they are with us, 
 paying more for things than they could buy them for in 
 stores. I thought of buying two little pieces of plate, 
 but they soon jumped over my limit. Most of the 
 purchasers were foreigners, English and French. 
 
In Mexico 335 
 
 No news to-day from the seat of Govt. Santa Anna 
 has, finding he could gain no laurels on the road, 
 started on his return to the seat of Genl. Govt, and 
 issued an edict, pronouncing against Pena y Pena on 
 whom his resignation threw the robes of office, and 
 reassuming the office of President. This is certainly 
 the most inconsistent and servile people in the world; 
 they allow that man to play upon them as he pleases. 
 
 Until they feel more of the spirit of freedom, and even 
 of manhood, than they do now, they are only fit to be 
 governed by tyrants. I very much fear that the 
 impossibility of forming and maintaining a good, stable 
 Govt, will keep us here for an indefinite time. I 
 however never allow myself to despair, as I have ever 
 foimd things finally (and frequently sooner than I had 
 hoped) to be as I hoped and desired. Poor Capt. 
 McKenzie, 2nd Arty., was buried this afternoon; he had 
 an attack of the pleurisy, I think, and persisted in 
 doctoring himself. 
 
 Friday, October 22nd. 
 
 Genl. Scott last night decided that a train of wagons 
 were to go to Vera Cruz, leaving this place in five or 
 six days. Oh, that I could go with it — but under the 
 circumstances in which we are here, that would, I 
 suppose, be entirely out of the question. It would be 
 unkind in me to make an application after the strong 
 manner in which the Genl. has laid down his principles 
 relative to Officers leaving the Country. 
 
 To-day I have been out with Derr, trying to make up 
 a little box. I have purchased several trifles which I 
 thought might amuse you, but I could have pleased 
 myself much better at Puebla. I hope to find some- 
 thing for you, but at present, in consequence of the 
 
336 An Artillery Officer 
 
 long continuance of our War and blockade, their stock 
 of foreign goods is very much reduced, and of domestic 
 articles the Mexicans produce none of any value. 
 Derr is a most honest and warmly attached m.an. 
 His wound is, I am glad to say, entirely well. 
 
 Many of the cases of Officers, whose limbs have been 
 amputated, have not taken so favorable a turn within a 
 few days as their previous condition warranted us in 
 hoping for. I scribble away, but my heart is in my 
 mouth. I can think of nothing but the train that is 
 going down and of the hearts that will be gladdened 
 by the return of friends and relatives, in some cases 
 husbands and fathers. My time may come sooner than 
 I dare hope. God grant it. But I almost despair. 
 
 Some one will go whom you will see and they will 
 tell you all about me. Do not despond, my wife. 
 We shall, I hope, soon meet again, never more to be 
 separated; I am "tired of War's Alarms," and dis- 
 gusted the more and more perfectly as I hear of the 
 appointments made at Washington over us. The Army 
 will soon not be, it hardly is now, a place for gentle- 
 men. Enough for to-day. Bonsoir. 
 
 Sunday, October 24th. 
 Can it be that / shall be the bearer of this letter? 
 I will not even yet indulge the delightful thought. 
 Lt. Lay told me this morning that Genl. Scott had 
 directed his Acting Adjt. Genl. to order me to the 
 United States. / have not applied. The Genl. has, in 
 his many conversations with me, spoken so warmly 
 about everybody's wanting to go home, that I made up 
 my mind to remain here. Dr. Steiner told me yester- 
 day morning, in the presence of Lt. Hamilton, that I 
 ought to go to the United States ; that it would be much 
 
In Mexico 337 
 
 longer than three months before my arm would be 
 well, and that I would not be fit for duty. Lt. H. 
 mentioned this conversation to the Genl. who told Lt. 
 H. to say to me that if I wished it, I should go. This 
 morning Dr. Steiner told me that he would give me a 
 certificate, that I would not be fit for duty in three 
 months. But I have not even hinted to the Genl. 
 that I desired to go, except in general remarks before 
 the pubHcation of his order. I am therefore rejoiced 
 that, if I go, it will be from no application of my 
 own. 
 
 A strange incident has just occurred. The Genl. had 
 just taken his seat in his bedroom on returning from 
 church, when a Mexican entered it with a confused air, 
 and asked in French and in a loud tone if he was Genl. 
 Scott. The Genl. immediately sprang up, approached 
 him, and asked him in a bold tone how he dared enter 
 his bedroom. The man became intimidated and the 
 Genl. ordered him out. It appears from his question- 
 ings of the guard below, that he was seeking Genl. 
 Smith, who struck one of his companions for rudely, 
 and in a blackguard's manner, blocking the sidewalk 
 as the Genl. and his friends went to, or returned from 
 church, this afternoon. 
 
 But am I so soon to see my own beloved? God 
 grant that this so great happiness may be in store for 
 me. I will indulge a little in the hope. Good-day. 
 
 No. 22. Mexico, October 27, 1847. 
 Dearest Wife, 
 
 Words cannot express the gratitude to God I enjoy 
 in saying to you that to-morrow I leave Mexico to 
 rejoin you. This little note will be sent by the Br. 
 Courier, and though he leaves a day after we do, he will 
 
338 An Artillery Officer 
 
 reach Vera Cruz a week or ten days before us. A 
 large train of wagons go down, and our march will 
 necessarily be slow. Major Wade and Lt. Welsh also 
 leave this Country. Genl. Scott most kindly ordered 
 me out without my making an application. He wishes 
 me to commence duties on the recruiting service as soon 
 as I am sufficiently well to do so. You must not expect 
 me imtil about the 20th of November, as I may be 
 detained some days in Vera Cruz, and then have a 
 tedious passage to New Orleans. Remember the te- 
 dious trip I made from Tampa Bay to Tampico. 
 
 I was anxious to take Derr with me, but fear that I 
 will not be permitted to do so. He had set his heart 
 on it, but he has so far recovered that he cannot go 
 out with the invalids. My arm, or rather my shoulder, 
 is still very stiff and unmanageable, but a little home 
 nursing with quiet will, by the blessing of God, bring 
 everything right again. The newspapers will, I think it 
 quite probable, announce oiu: coming, as two Generals 
 go out — Generals Quitman and Shields — and other 
 friends will certainly herald their approach. They are 
 both brave and honorable men. Genl. Pillow's inordi- 
 nate vanity has so inflated him as to disgust every- 
 body. I must not omit mention of your old friends — Lts. 
 Judd and Thomas (the smaller) go to Vera Cruz on 
 their way to join Genl. Taylor's Army, as the Compy. 
 to which they belong is there. Lt. Brown remains 
 here — he is very well and deservedly a favorite with all 
 who know him. 
 
 October 28th. 
 The Express of the Br. Minister is now in Mr. Trist's 
 room, having come for the letters. I must therefore 
 close. The roads are so muddy that we cannot leave 
 
In Mexico 339 
 
 for two or three days. That God may bless you, is 
 the earnest prayer of your own devoted 
 
 Robert Anderson. 
 
 City of Mexico, 
 
 October 24, 1847. 
 I certify on honor, that Captain Robert Anderson 
 of the 3rd Artillery has been under my professional 
 charge for the last month, from a gun-shot wound in 
 the right shoulder, received at the battle of Molino 
 del Rey, and that, in my opinion, he will not recover 
 the use of his right arm (it being now completely 
 disabled) for at least two or three months to come. 
 
 (signed) H, H. Steiner, 
 
 Asst. Surgeon, U. S. A, 
 
H^fkd'i 
 

 
 
 
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