Diary of Thomas D. Tennery when in the Mexican American War

The Battle of Cerro Gordo.
Color lithograph by Carl Nebel, 1851
The University of Texas at Arlington Library
Special Collections
 

From "The Mexican War Diary of Thomas D. Tennery"

Copyright 1970

Edited by Dr. D.E. Livingston-Little

University of Oklahoma Press

Used with permission.

1846

June 29. Left home and went to Shelbyville, Ill.

June 30. Left Shelbyville in company with Levi Hite, Theophilus Jonson, James Inman, James Henry, James Perryman and Samuel Cary, who volunteered his services to take us to Alton. We camped about seventeen miles southwest of Shelbyville and the Greenville    road.

July 1. On the road at sunrise, we passed today through beautiful prairie crossing occasionally bodies or points of timber. About eleven o’ clock we fell in with Hinton, he pressed us to stop at his house, while he prepared to go with us his son, who was in Captain Thomas’s company of Fayette County. According there are eight of us together now; we passed through Greenville this evening and camped at Captain Wileys’.

July 2. We struck our tent under the old oak where we lay last night, and got on the way a little after sunrise, passed through Amity, which is nine miles west of Greenville. After we left Amity we traveled though some handsome prairie, of rich undulating plains on which are a great many rich and beautiful farms. About nine, miles west of Amity on the road is a singular place, it consists of a layer of stone about four feet square on top and two thick, placed two or three inches apart; these lines are parallel cutting each other at right angles; this platform of stone extends under the banks of the bottom (which is nine or ten rods wide) to an unknown extent. These stones are a species of hard sand stone and must have been placed there by the hand of man. At twelve o’ clock we passed Marine, to the left of the Alton road about a quarter of a mile. This evening we reached the great American bottom and traveled in it about six miles until we reached the rising ground where we camped in the woods by a little bank, one mile and a half from Alton.

July 3. Drove into the upper Alton here for the first time we got a view of the camp. What emotions thrill the heart at the sight of a military camp to which one expected or wished to be attached; all the vain glory of war will rush on to the mind; in an instant we take the turn, our minds are at home with sister, brother or tender parents; we half wish ourselves there. We soon found there was no difficulty in getting into Colonel Baker’s regiment, to whom we had letters of introduction, for which we feel grateful to some of the distinguished citizens of Shelbyville. Six of us joined company E. Capitan Newcombe from De Witt County; Then we went down to lower Alton to see Capitan Freeman’s company of Shelby County. Here we found the Shelby boys in fine case. Jonson was taken dangerously sick here, we left him in the care of Peter McNeil and Henry to take care of him until tomorrow.

July 4. This morning we rose in our tents at the beat of reveille for the first time, obtained leave of the Capitan this morning; went down to lower Alton, found Jonson better. Cary and Hinton left for home this morning with the team. Alton is situated on the river, it has a broken hilly site, and is abundantly supplied with limestone for building material. There are a goodly number of springs in this vicinity, one called the spring cave, about a quarter of a mile up a branch from Alton, runs out of a cave, about seventy-five yards in the bank where the cave terminates there is a waterfall, which keeps up a constant noise. Received orders this evening to march down to ship for Jefferson barracks, so after packing the baggage our men with the leave of the Capitan went by Capitan Freeman’s camp to get Jonson, whom we found able to walk down to town. After bidding our acquaintances goodbye we joined our regiment in town this was about dust; here we stood on the bank until about twelve o’clock waiting for boats.

July 5. Near one this morning the boats came to the wharf, we got aboard and sailed for the barracks, which we reached about six o’clock. The barracks are about twelve miles below saint Louis, on the river bluff about fifty feet above the water. It is built of limestone, and in the for of a hollow square containing about three acres with the end to the river open, the width is about one half the length. The buildings in the west end are two story, without the cellars, also the houses on the ends of the side rows next to the river; the three enclosed sides have alleys or pass ways in the center of them, the rooms for common soldiers are one story high without the cellar, which makes them two on the outside. There are porches on each side of the buildings, those on the outside having their floors about nine feet above the ground which gives them a healthy appearance. The hospital is a large two story brick building about one hundred yards north of the guard house, which is about four yards north of the north crossway passage; off north east of the guard house is the market house, still further out is the residence and garden of Col. Davenport, who is the present commander of the barracks. The river rubs the east side of his east garden. The commissary house is down on the river bank east of the south line of the barracks; still down the riverbank Five or six rods from it are the stables; west of the stables are the pastures about two hundred yards west of the south line of the barracks is the store, out south of it is the post office and three or four hundred yards west of the barracks is the church, besides there are other buildings scattered about too numerous to mention.

July 6. Nothing of importance, drill fours a day.

July 7. A great deal of complaining about rations and bread.

July 8. Almost everyone complaining about diarrhea.

July 10. Strong talk with some deserting.

July 11. This evening we witnessed the burial of a brother volunteer. He belonged to Co. I. His body was borne to the grave on a bier cover with the barracks flag, accompanied by the whole company, and band of the garrison. Two of his brothers stood by his grave. Who could stand by and not feel for those affectionate brothers, bereaved of one dear to them; oh how it will rend their hearts to let their families know of this sad event.

July 12. This is the Sabbath day, No drill. We spent the time reading, picking blackberries, walking or sitting in the shade.

July 13. Capitan Page, who had his jaw shot away in the battle of the 5^th of May was buried here this evening. He died on his way to this place yesterday morning at three o’clock aboard the Steamboat Missouri. The funeral was a grand but solemn scene. The regiment paraded and marched in platoon, until the head of the column reached the road, then wheeled to the left and halted at the church. We, being not well went on and stepped into the church, where the corpse lay, before the chaplain who was making some appropriate remarks to the congregation, and commending his wife and children to the friend of the widow, and father of the orphans. After prayer the coffin was carried and placed in the hearse. At this moment the sun was sinking beneath the western horizon and encircled by golden edged clouds, the wind blew gently from the north waving the colors toward the graveyard. The band of music accompanied the hearse to the grave playing a funeral air, followed by the regiment when the music ceased all halted, the pall-bearers approached the hearse, bore the body to it’s long home, three volleys blazed over the open grave, breaking the death like silence, and illuminating the approaching dusk. A few of us filled the grave and left him to sleep until _______ no more and the trumpet shall again call forth. Again the grave yard receives the body of another man as it’s lawful heir, he was a regular who died of insanity for a few days pass we have seen enough to impress on our minds the prediction “dust thou art, and until dust shalt thou return”.

July 15. This morning two deserters fetched in; how bad they must feel after disgracing themselves. Orders to join the army of general Taylor on the Rio Grande.

July 16. General Crohern commenced the inspection of regiment, and inspected two companies, and they received payment; all in fine humor this evening.

July 17. No inspections or pay today.

July 18. Col. Churchill commenced the inspection again; inspected, sworn in, paid off 42 dollars each; finished paying about midnight. Inman and I got in an omnibus this morning and road up to St. Louis then walked out five miles west to his his uncles where we had a pleasant time. We went to the sulfur springs, this rises in a branch bottom about one hundred and fifty yards wide. The water tastes strong of sulfur. Here is a grog shop, tenpin alley and everything necessary to dispensation; through there is a beautiful growth of small timber, here, making a pleasant shade, carpeted with bluegrass. Also went to the coal mines, they consist of a bed of coal, three of four feet thick and from one or two, to forty or fifty under ground, this difference is owing to the unevenness of the ground. Some places the miners work straight under the banks; others sink holes down to the coal, which they lift with windlasses worked by horse power.

July 19^x. Returned to St. Louis and stayed until evening, got in a hack went back to the barracks.

July 21. On guard for first time.

July 22. Inman gone to St. Louis to get our uniform. Henry at the hospital Perryman on guard. While we have order to prepare to go on board steamboats tomorrow. Accordingly we pack up our baggage and send it on.

July 23. The regiment got aboard the steamboats Sultant and Eclipse. Our company got aboard the Former with 4 other companies. Both the boats sailed to St. Louis where we stayed until 7 o’clock pm then left for New Orleans.

July 24. Got up this morning the boat puffing it’s way down the river, passing some high bluffs on the right. This evening we pass the mouth of the Kaskaskia.

July 25. We passed the grand tower today. This celebrated tower is nothing more than a sugar-loaf shaped rock, that rises off the water close to the Missouri shore and is a portion of the bluff, that has withstood the current of the river. It is covered with a small growth of timber. Above this a little, on the Illinois side is two rocks like the former but larger, they are called the devil’s bake-oven; still above this is the Fountain Bluff. This bluff and the one on the Missouri side must, to all appearances been joined together at one time, forming one of the most stupendous cascades that ever fell down a precipice.

July 26. Got to the mouth of the Ohio this morning landed at Cairo, freighted on come lead. Bid goodbye to Illinois.

July 27. Landed at Memphis about twelve; Here are the Eclipse and a boat load of Colonel Forman’s troops. Across the river is camped a regiment of Tennessee cavalry.

July 28. Past Vicksburg last night and Natchez today here the boys fetched me some fresh figs and peaches.

July 29. Landed at the lower part of Orleans about twelve o’clock. We quarter upstairs in a large warehouse. The Eclipse landed about ten this evening. I am nearly well of the ague, which I had to come on me just after we got to the lower Mississippi.

July 30. The troops came off the Eclipse this morning. This evening companies A. B. C. E. and G. got aboard this ship the Sea Lion.

July 31. The other companies, H. excepted are getting aboard two other small vessels. Evening all aboard fast to a towboat gliding down the river, pass the old battle ground, cheers from Col. Forman’s troops who are quartered here. I had almost forgot to remark that Capt. McConkey received an accidental wound in his thigh. This was a ball from a pistol in the hands of H. C. McReynolds his first lieutenant.

August 1. We came out of the south-west pass. The gulf spreads away to the south with ships lying here and there at anchor, or moving out or in lashing to tow boats. We busy ourselves by looking out on the gulf or climbing among the rigging of the vessel. The mouth of the pass embanked on each side by mold or loam of river mud extends a long way into the gulf. Here are a great many porpoises plunging about in the fresh water. After towing us out about twenty miles further in the gulf, the boat left us. Here the salt water begins to mix with the river water, making blue places on it. Out on the west of the pass is a lighthouse.

August 2. Nothing but blue water and sky in view, except a few sails in sight, and an occasional shark playing around the ship; the longest we saw was nine or ten feet.

August 3. Almost no wind. The boys amuse themselves watching the fish, especially a little kind that rises out of the water and sails along in the air three or four rods. These flying fish are about four inches long and rise in flocks; they fly by means of two long fins on their back.

August 4. Clear this morning with scattering clouds. This evening there is appearance of a storm; about three o’clock there was a waterspout in the west. This singular phenomenon appeared like a column of water to reach the clouds. It appeared about the thickness of a large ship mast, this faded away gradually.

August 5. Squalls of wind with rain.

August 6. We are in sight of sandbanks west of us and sailed along them all day. The curiosity excited by the deep has subsided and we long to be on shore where seasickness will cease. About sundown the ship tacked off to east to clear the bar.

August 7. Last night a little squall of wind and rain struck the ship which made those sleeping on deck tumble down the hatchway at a fearful rate one over another, some crawling off on all fours. One poor fellow rolled off the cabin and got badly hurt. The fright over, an opposite feeling is sure to follow, in excitement we gave way to immoderate laughter. We are still sailing along the reef with a headwind.

August 8.  How amusing it is to one who can keep calm in excited multitude, when all wish to be heard and none know the cause; except all wish to be on shore. Still sailing along the bar.

August 9. Anchored this morning in sight of shore, all are in high spirits, the Col. Has gone on shore to get towboats. Twelve o’ clock, all is hurry and bustle and moving of baggage. We got on shore at dusk off the steamship, which ferried us to shore. How the feelings change when one first steps on shore from his first voyage at sea. He treads the earth with a light heart, and feels he has escaped a hundred dangers. The earth appears more lovely, the air more pure, and the stars, planets and moon appear more bright. In fact when the mind is satisfied all of nature is lovely. After considering our present situation, the mind turns to home. We see our friends in the family group, sitting by the fireside, our place is vacant, a sister’s or a brother’s half broken sigh bespeaks their feelings. How gladly we would resign the campaign to be there, yes in the family circle where after the toils of the day were over and the stars begin to appear one by one we sat on father’s knee with a twin sized brother and learned their names; or ranged in the class in the morning to hear a chapter from the word of God; or after a hard days schooling witnessed the smiles of a pious mother as she turned her eyes to father and said my boys are learning to read the Bible. But why should we treasure up these things in the minds? They are gone to return no more.

August 10. After a night’s rest, on shore we got our baggage divided, tents up and examined the shore, picked up shells and waded out gathered oysters, bathed I the gulf, visited friends; dress parade, a few words of advice from the Colonel.

August 11. We occupied our leisure time by bathing, exploring the coast in search of shells or wading. This evening this company received orders to go up the Rio Grande tomorrow, to clear off the encampment for the regiment.

August 12. A hard rain last night. All is hurry in our company this morning. As soon as breakfast was over we packed our clothing in the knapsacks for the first time, and left tents and provisions in care of Sergeant Kinson. All that were able took up the line of march with packs on back for the river traveled down the coast about two miles where we crossed a bay or inlet by wading close to the breakers; then marched west about eight miles through low sandy plain, sometimes mud and water interspersed with ridges four or five feet high covered with small growth of brush called chaparral eight or ten feet high. Here we come to the river; this stream is full to the top of the channel, in places and the boats on the water look at a distance like as if they were on the open prairie. We traveled up the river some distance turned to the right to a chaparral ridge where we began to clear off the camp ground; we have to use water which has to be carried a quarter of a mile.

August 13. Here are camped seven or eight thousand troops from different states; though everyone seems to have connections in each state, and it is amusing to see friends meet. Let those who are vain or ignorant enough to, talk of a disunion in the Unites States, be silent forever, when they consider the ties of kindred and the feelings existing from Maine to Rio Grande, and from Florida to Oregon. The regiment came out today. No baggage arrived yet.

August 14. We slept last night in the open air without tents. The baggage is at the mouth of the river. Three teams came up this evening with some provisions and cooking utensils. There are prickly pairs growing in abundance about his place, also cayenne peppers. It would be proper to remark all the bushes are thorny; there are crabs, lizards, spiders, ants and frogs in abundance here.

August 15. Nothing today of importance. The baggage came up on a steamboat; the commissary stores are still behind. Everyone appears cheerful and happy, and there is many a merry laugh or cheerful song wafted on the pleasant breeze.

August 16^th. I awoke this morning to pains in the bowels, but after stirring a little got better. Just after dinner I was taken with vomiting and cramps in the bowels which made me very sick, but I had all the attention required. Ye everlasting powers forbid that I should be so ungrateful to ever forget the kind care and attention bestowed upon me by my messmates. No commissary stores have come yet.

August 17^th. We are all well today, nothing of importance occurred today.

August 18^th. The Edger Co. boys came up today; they have been behind ever since we left New Orleans. The commissary stores came up today.

August 19^th. We went out today and gathered quantities of cayenne peppers, which grow spontaneous in the chaparral groves on a vine that runs up of a thorny bush and weeds in abundance.

August 20^th. Nothing of importance.

August 21^st. There has been no rain since we came to this place, but there has generally been cool breezes blowing off the gulf, and flying clouds.

August 22^nd. The mind of man is always on the march, first forward the about face counter march, wheeling and maneuvering at will like it’s divine author, it never sleeps, no wonder then we are lying here without anything to amuse us, we have a great deal of camp news.

August 23^rd. This day is Sunday, and no doubt there is many a mind turned to home in their imagination they see friends in the church bending before a throne of grace, invoking the eternal for prosperity of the nation and out return in safety.

August 24^th. We have had a shower of rain this morning; the ground is wet which makes it hard drilling. About nine o’ clock a prairie wolf was started up the river and came down past the Indiana troops, and Col. Forman’s regiment where it received some kicks and blows, not being used to such treatment he stopped to look at the crowd a few rods in front but seeing some horses and all rushing bawling at him, he was taken with a leaving; three or four horsemen followed him two or three miles but gave up the chase.

August 25^th. Jerry McPherson of this company died last night. He was a fine young man, who _______ left his home in as fine spirits as any one. But alas we have to leave him beneath the sandy turf of the chaparral grove. By him lie some of the Kentucky troops. There are interred in this vicinity a great many men from the states, and a funeral or two take place everyday. We should expect deaths to take place in an army like this, almost constantly, and be prepared for the worst at a moments warning.

August 26^th. Past a review at five o’ clock PM. The commissary bought and butchered three beeves, this was an interesting sight to many of us as the Mexicans who had been hired by the drover lassoed them; this is done by a rope that a horseman holds in a large coil, with one end fast to the pommel of the saddle and the other with a noose, hurled round and thrown over the head and horns, then he dashes spurs to his horse and guides him in another direction until he jerks down the beef of stops his horse if he does not succeed the first time he wraps the rope about its legs and tries to again until he throws and holds it until the butcher cuts its throat.

August 27^th. We had a hard rain today about twelve o’ clock and it remains cloudy all evening.

August 28^th. This has been a cloudy day. Theophilus Jonson has the mumps they are going through the regiment at this time and are tolerable bad this damp hot weather.

August 29^th. Inman lost his purse containing twenty-five dollars in gold and five cents in silver, with some papers. It is thought that it was taken by some low bred pickpockets while he was in a crowd looking at some men who were performing some theatrical trick in Company A. but he appears not to care much and no doubt feels bitter by degrees, self respect real content, than the conscience of the condemned down-cast imp who stole it.

August 30^th. We had a hard rain last night and this morning the ground is very wet. But the sky faired off about seven or eight o’ clock. We cut and piled about three acres of brush adjoining our camp on the north today. There was another brother soldier buried, he belonged to Co. C. He lies beneath this chaparral grove; with prickly pears growing his grave above.

August 31^st. Company C. lost another man today at four o’ clock, the funeral was at nine PM. Just as the procession arrived at the grave, our attention was drawn by the noise of a riot in the Georgian troops; as the notice of the battle continued to rage, as soon as the funeral volleys were fired Colonel Baker took men and went down to the river, but left orders for companies A. and G. to form and come on. When he got there he found the riot was in the upper part of the boat. The lieutenant colonel invited him to come on and help him put a step to it. Accordingly he went on up accompanied by Cap. Hirt and some others who were drawn by the noise, as soon as he got up he began to call on them to cease fighting. No sooner was his manly voice heard to raise above the noise of the melee than one of the captains of the fighting parties rushed at him with drawn sword in his hand which put baker under the necessity of warding off the blow, with his scabbard and drawing his sword at the same time; but he defended himself and cut his antagonist across the mouth and would no doubt have felled him to the floor, had not one of his men rushed up and shot the Colonel in the neck. Captain Hirt it is said played a musket which he happened to have in his hand like a giant; in the mean time, Lieutenant Aglesby who was commanding the funeral squad succeeded in getting behind Oglesby’s men and were bayoneting those who attempted to come up. At his moment Captains Jones and Roberts attempted to lead up their men but Captain Roberts being struck on the shoulder with a bayonet while on the stair one man cried out I have a ball in my gun shall I use it? “Yes”, was the reply. He stepped two paces out of ranks raised his gun to his face and blazed away, down fell the man who was defending the stairs and his companions disappeared. At this someone stepped forward and said “If you please do not bring the Illinois troops on here and kill all the men for the fuss is about stopped now”. Thus the firmness and hard fighting of the twenty or at most thirty men of Col. Baker saved his life by jumping overboard on the land side; one Miles Brainard grabbed his sword  soon as he was shot and defended him until he made the leap, then followed him, the rest were ordered down. So the grit and courage of thirty men stormed a riot, where two companies were engaged. By the time it was over three regiments were on the ground, in front of the boats with ball and cartride in their guns. They placed guards around the boat and kept part of one company that the funeral detail found preparing their guns and arrested, when they first got there and placed under arrest. There were two companies on the boat that were on the bow or ________ that had no hand in the row from first to last. And Colonel Baker has found the proverb true; “he who meddleth with strife is like one that taketh a dog by the ears”. In doing what he thought to be his duty he was badly wounded and got eleven more wounded, one mortally, he was shot through the bowels, by a ball and two shot. Commissary Post was shot at the same time in the breast, but it is only a slight flesh wound; the men behaved well.

Sept. 1^st. We do not know how many of the Georgians were slain; last night but one was found this morning on board; he was the man who was shot at the head of the stairs, it is thought that the slain were thrown overboard. Captain Newcombe went through the boat just after the fray and saw several dead on the floor, and could hear the blood scrush under the carpet from one of the boats to the other; and a man belonging to one of the companies on deck, says he was present at roll call and at least twenty-five were slain or missing. They were marched out without arms this morning and were ordered to be put in irons and the officer of one company under arrest and put them on the corvette again and sent them up the river. The Lieutenant-colonel’s name is Real. The man who was mortally wounded died and was buried this evening. Captain McConkey came up this evening and is nearly well.

Sept. 2^nd. Nothing occurred of importance.

Sept. 3rd. We were inspected today.

Sept. 4^th. A great deal of talk of getting discharged and sent home.

Sept. 5^th. Nothing today of importance, but camp news and all the places in America camp is the greatest for news. Every man being accustomed to form and spend his opinion on all subjects, and still takes the liberty to tell all he hears and sometimes what he thinks for truth. 

Sept. 6^th. One Mr. Smith died last night of Co. H. He is the first of that company lost. Colonel Baker has gone up the river, with several other officers of this regiment. Just after dusk a boat came down the river with some Texas Rangers aboard, and landed on the opposite side. 

Sept. 7^th. We had a hard shower of rain last night, and this is a cloudy wet morning. There was a rather novel circumstance occurred this morning. A flock of quail settled in the encampment the most of them were caught by soldiers they are the same species as live in Illinois. This evening we walked out north of the encampment to the point of this ridge, and it is truly a place for a post; we can hear the loud but distant roar of the gulf; the howl of the solitary prairie wolf, the croaking of frogs of various kinds and the chirping of hundreds of insects, mingled with splashing water in the overgrown bottom by toads, crabs and waterfowl; while to the south is the long line of encampments illuminated by a thousand candles, while the hum and noise roar like the roar of the distant gulf, and the retiring clouds still give out their distant flashes of light; add to this the groan of a distant steamer, the silver light of the rising moon the bright sheets of water with the almost viewless groves behind them, with the clam fresh air and the blue heavens bespangled with millions of gems of light. Contemplating scenes like this the mind is lost in reverie and when consciousness returns we find our bodies chilled and our bodies wet and our locks wet with the dews of the night, which makes us return to the tent and wrap ourselves in the arms of restorative sleep. 

Sept. 8^th. Issac Richards died last light at two o’ clock. He was an excellent young man about five feet four inches with heavy brows and thin black mustache and thin curly whiskers on the back part of cheeks, with a quick voice and ready wit, with a smiling countenance and a kind of little trick which kept the company in mirth and gave him the nickname of “Short” and Goody”. Though universally beloved by all who knew him and deplored by the company we have to consign him to the grave to be forgotten by all his friends but those dear to him by the laws of nature. 

Sept. 9^th. Nothing today of note, but company F. has lost a young man who it is said was the favorite child of his father, alas, what tears of contrition will flow for those who die in the army without a mother, wife or sister to smooth the pillow or close their eyes in death and weep over their bier; but their friends when they get the sad tidings should sustain the loss with a Christian fortitude knowing that they died in the service of their country surrounded by their fellow soldiers who did all in their power for them.  

Sept. 10^th. Again I have to record the death of two more soldiers one of this company Calvin Payne who died at daybreak this morning, he was a good man the other was of Co. K. they were buried within a few minutes of each other, we have to lay the dead in the vault without coffin or box, for boards or planks cannot be found in this place. 

Sept. 11^th. Three companies went up the river today of this regiment we will all go up within a few miles of Matamoras as fast as we can get conveyance. 

Sept. 12^th. Three more companies started up river this evening in which ours was included, and commissary Hite and I are all that are left of the company. 

Sept. 13^th. This morning the Sabbath sun rose upon the encampment something like it used to on our peaceful home for us; there are but four companies of the regiment here, all is comparatively still and but few laughs or loud words are heard to rise on the encampment. Autumn here resembles the same season in Illinois. This has been a clear day, with faint sunshine and cool air stirring and an occasional floating cloud. Company K. started up this evening on board the “Warren”. 

Sept. 14^th. Ungrateful is he who does not feel lonely and dejected when he sees a village or neighborhood deserted where he has resided for a length of time; such are our feelings at present, for we have been here a month and have grown familiar with the place, and attached to our shade trees, but as fast as the men leave the Indian men come and cut them down. Co. H. left this afternoon, and before all of their tents were moved off the ground the shade were prostrated. The day corresponds with our feelings since twelve o’clock the southern half of the horizon has been covered with a black cloud from which we can hear muttering thunder.

Sept. 15^th. We are anxiously waiting for a boat to take us up the river, but our surprise this evening by the “Big Hatchy”, which we expected to go up on, stopping here without orders to take any of us, consequently we have to report to the quarter-master at Brazos that he may send a boat with orders to take us which will detain us a day or two longer.

Sept. 16^th. To-day Mr. Hite rode up the river to see the country and was much pleased with the trip though he found nothing but sandy ridges and wet over grown prairie inhabited by wolves, armadillos and a large species of hare, besides cranes and countless numbers of the heron kind; also a species of eagle like the bald eagle but not so large.

Sept. 17^th. I had a ride this morning and evening; went out and gathered crabs, we caught them in water where it was shoemouth deep, and boiled them in the messpan and eat them for supper. The steamboat “Exchange” landed here this evening to take us up tomorrow.

Sept. 18^th. This morning we moved the baggage to the river and sent the teams and horses over to go by land; got aboard and left at twelve o’clock, for Camp Paterson. We soon passed Beretee which is three miles above the old camp ground, on the Mexican side of the river. This town is situated on a ridge close to the river and consists of a dozen or two miserable huts or houses made of sticks placed in the ground picket fashion and daubed with mud, and covered with coarse grass or palmetto. The ridges have asses and a few horned cattle grazing on them; some miles above, we come to the tilled land here we saw a good many patched of corn, which is ripe and dry, fenced by sticks stuck in the ground or brush piled along in rows. We landed to wood this evening at a farm where there is corn growing. It is in silk and tassel at present. The wood is chaparral cut and corded at two dollars a cord by the Mexicans; they have plenty of cattle, but the houses are quite indifferent.

Sept. 19^th. We awoke on board this morning at the camp got ashore and found that three men had died since the regiment had came here. This is a level place covered with chaparral and small brush with a good many farms, or small patches of cleared and inclosed land where the inhabitants live. They are a mixed race of people of Spanish Indian and Negro; their language is a dulterated Spanish. They appear to know but a little about agriculture or the peaceful arts, and live chiefly by their herds of horses and cattle; they make bread by boiling corn soft and rolling it between a cast roller and board until they form a paste or dough fit for the oven.

Sept. 20^th. Sunday, clear and pleasant, four companies ordered to Camargo, they got aboard the Colonel Cross and left a little after dark. Another funeral today. General Shields left for Wool’s division this evening.

Sept. 21^st. Rainy and wet. This encampment being in a level place of loam bottom it is very muddy and disagreeable getting about. James Perryman is sick this evening, which leaves but three of us to do anything as Henry and Inman have been unwell for several days.

Sept. 22^nd. Autumnal equinox, a fair day, we have been out walking and are well pleased with the country, the air being perfumed flowers, the morning glory, lily, and a large weed with red blossoms like the hollyhock grow spontaneously in abundance here. And various others such as the fall flowers and vines, weeds and grasses not known in Illinois. The caster bean grows beautifully along the river banks, without cultivation.

Sept. 23^rd. The ground is drying off which makes it pleasant getting about again; it is rather warm in the daytime and cool at nights.

Sept. 24^th. We packed up this evening and all that were able started for Matamoras and left the sick to come up on a boat with the tents and baggage. Not being accustomed to it the marching was very fatiguing to us. The road runs up the river through a level country thickly settled crossing several swamps and one through which we waded in water above the knees, at last we reached town after marching nine or ten miles; our shoulders are chafed knees weak and tongues most parched with thirst. Quartered in large brick buildings.

Sept. 25^th. We awoke this morning after a nights sleep in the famed and long wished for city, the city of Matamoras. This is a well laid out town, with the street running parallel cutting each other at right angles. But the squares are not well improved, a great any of them being used as gardens or orchards fenced by posts or sticks set in the ground wrapped or woven with brush. The buildings in the main part of town are built of brick, one or two stories high, the orchards consist or figs, peaches, oranges and so forth. The common or poorer houses are built or unburned brick, poles set in the ground and dabbed with mud and reeds tied together and set on end. From the second-class houses to the lowest class, all are covered with weeds, palmetto and grass, cane and so forth. The sides walks are paved with brick but the main part of the street are muddy with puddle holes every here and there. The roofs of the good buildings are generally flat after the eastern or Asiatic fashion. The arts are in a low state; Oxen are worked by a yoke fastened on the head, tied beneath the horns. The most common way of hauling about the home is on carts with wooden wheels, the most of the wood and hay consumed in this placed is packed in on asses, mules or horses and it is not uncommon to see a little old jack or mule driven through the street with nearly a cord of wood lashed on it’s back or a hundred or so of hay.

Sept. 26^th. The Big Hatchee came up last night bringing up the commissary stores and the sick with the two companies of the third regiment which were left there. So we left town and marched out northwest of it and camped about four hundred yards from the river on a bayou. This is a beautiful green carpeted with bluegrass. Down below about five hundred yards is Fort Parrdas. It is built in a circular form containing about and acre; the wall is dirt or clay thrown up eight or nine feet high, mounted with cannon, and a deep ditch twelve or fourteen feet deep around the outside; it is occupied by soldiers at present. South of the encampment are farms interspersed with lakes swamps and ponds. There are a great many lakes or ponds about Matamoras, this division of the army is ordered to stay here; accordingly we expect the men at Camargo will return to this place.

Sept. 27. A beautiful cool Sunday morning, about fifteen of us went up to the town with Lieutenant Howard to the catholic church; this is built of brick and would be a splendid edifice if it were finished. When I entered this place of public worship the priest was standing up preaching in the pulpit; his gray hairs, strong persuasive voice, and venerable appearance with the stillness of the place struck us with reverential awe and devotion, the preaching over the priest kneeling to the images and the lamps burning, the ministering garments appeared absurd to us but we could not censure a form because it did not concur with our preconceived opinions of religion. The shops are all open and business appears to be going on the same as any other day of the week. There was a man buried this evening of Company A. he died in camp this morning.

Sept. 28^th. These are beautiful autumn, Indian-summer like days cool nights but no frost. This morning a hare was scared up somewhere about the encampment, it ran through here once or twice to the great diversion and amusement of the men, it was larger than any I ever saw in Illinois.

Sept. 29^th. A steamboat came down from Carmargo today and reported Taylor had taken Monterey on the twenty fourth after a three day siege. That the Mexican commander capitulated on condition he should march his troops away with all of their small arms and twenty one rounds of cartridge, also that the armistice should continue twenty eight days.

Sept. 30^th. I was at the hospital today. It presents quite a sorrowful aspect; there are some five or six different places where they are kept, these though large and spacious are crowded with sick from all parts of the Union. There are not beds or mattresses enough for the sick consequently a great many have to lay on the brick floor, without anything but a blanket underneath them. The care taken of them is according to the nurses disposition.

Oct. 1^st. We were paraded at nine o’clock this evening marched out formed a regiment, and told that the citizens apprehended an attack from the Mexicans who, it was reported, had been seen in the vicinity by the rangers.

Oct. 2^nd. Various tales in camp, the most prevalent in that Carlos is not far from this place, with a body of cavalry; two companies went to town to help guard tonight.

Oct. 3^rd. Official orders are received at this place and Forts Paradise and Brown to fire twenty six rounds of cannon each in honor of the united states, on account on the surrender of Monterey.

Oct. 4^th.  Sunday. We attended the catholic church marched  up to town, and climbed up ladders to the top of the house in which is Col. Clark stationed, and lay all night. The roof is flat and sideling made by sheeting over the upper joists and covering the whole with brick.

Oct. 5^th. Awoke this morning from our sleep between brick and blanket. This is the top of the house which is said to have been the head quarters of the Mexicans when they were here. It is on the west side of the square in front of the Catholic Church adjoining are large squares enclosed by brick walls twelve or fourteen feet high, in these are oranges, figs and so forth.  

Oct. 6^th. Orders today to march to Camargo tomorrow. 

Oct. 7^th. The wagons came to this place last night in two days from the mouth. We expect to go up in a few days. 

Oct. 8^th. Orders this evening to be ready to march in the morning. 

Oct. 9^th. At eight o’ clock the wagons commenced loading our baggage for Camargo. We started at twelve, marched to town, dismissed ten minutes, than paraded, divided into three divisions each to accompany a train of wagons; marched about four miles south, camped in a swampy place for the sake of water. 

Oct. 10^th. Up before day break ready to march by sunup took the road in a westerly direction being one hundred and twenty-five wagons drawn by five mules making a troop about one mile long; about twelve we halted at a pond, and prepared and ate dinner. Again we took up the line of march through a swamp one mile long half leg deep. Then on the hard road we came to a prairie, this beautiful level plain with large herds of cattle and horses grazing on it. Here the mules became frightened and run away, two wagons ran out one or two miles nobody hurt or wagons broken. Here three soldiers shot at a flock of wild geese and killed one. Halted after marching eighteen miles. Early this day someone killed a rattlesnake snake six feet long, four inches in diameter, thirteen rattles and a button and left it in the road. 

Oct. 11^th. We got an early start, traveled on a level road, passing through some beautiful prairies and chaparral alternately. Early in the day we saw a large gray forest wolf just afterwards a great many horses pestered the teamsters very much, running and trying to break through the train; after traveling twenty miles we camped where a Spaniard lived, here we had to use water out of a well a Mexican drew it with a rope tied to the pommel of his saddle running on a swivel over the well attached to a large leather bucket thus by walking the horse backward and forward he drew the water. 

Oct. 13^th. Last night a yellow boy in the service of the suttler in the train was stabbed in the back by a Mexican. We started a little after sunup and traveled about a mile in a straight wide cut road, as soon as we left this we struck a ridge up to this place we have not seen any raising ground since we left Matamoras. About eleven we passed over a bed of limestone two roads wide; this is the first native stone we have seen since we landed on this side of the gulf. We camped early this evening at a pond made by an embankment, made in a half circle to dam up a wet weather run; here the Mexicans live more scattering than usual. 

Oct. 14^th. Again we stopped early at some Mexican farm; here the boys got some watermelon and roasting ears at a bit a dozen, pond water to use but better than common; the country has been undulating today the is considerable to a hill off to the right of us, the Mexicans have and Indian slave here he is a stout good looking fellow a prisoner of war I suppose. 

Oct. 15^th. This morning we traveled though the chaparral about two hours, Captain Hirt shot a small species of eagle, it resembled the bald eagle a little, but with a tail more like a falcon, it is about three feet wide from one point of the wing to the other. They are very plenty in this country. We have come to a stony hilly country, we camped at an American farm and got some soft corn again; we have stinking pond water to use as the Mexicans make use of all the time. 

Oct. 16^th.  Again on the road early, traveling through hilly country, crossed a dry run or two and some bottom places in which the water had dried away and left the ground white with salt, we soon got in sight of Camargo. We can see nothing to distinguish it but the steeple of a church; at length we have passed through town, it is an indifferent looking place and stands on the east side of the San Juan; we camped with our troops.

Oct. 17^th. This encampment is a dusty place close to the river; the wind blowing makes it very uncomfortable. Mr. Hite found some of his acquaintances, from his native place, in the Ohio regiment. In fact their colonel is one of his old playmates.  

Oct. 18^th. Camargo is on the east side of the San Juan river, three miles above it’s junction with the Rio Grande; in the center it has some good houses but the larger portion is almost all miserable hovels, built of unburned brick of posts set in the ground and plastered with mud, with out floors. Such is the city of Camargo in the midst of a fertile country with two crops of corn growing in one season. And cotton of the finest quality; yams and sweet potatoes almost without cultivation and melons and pumpkins & etc. in abundance. Besides peaches, figs, oranges, lemons and quinces, and with an everlasting stock range lasting all summer and winter. 

Oct. 20^th. A cold cloudy morning, the third and fourth regiments are camped together, consequently we put out guards together. 

Oct. 21^st. The Mexican in this vicinity have large flocks of goats the flesh of which they eat. They are mostly large white goats. Still cloudy and cool. 

Oct. 22^nd. Jonson is taking the measles. Captain Newcombe came up today also Commissary Post and several of this regiment who were left at Matamoras. 

Oct. 23^rd. Dry and dusty with light dew at night. The corn in this vicinity is in the roasting ear. 

Oct. 24^th. A burying today, one of Co. F. The king of terrors still reigns without a rival save the blood of Jesus. 

Oct. 25^th. Inspection of arms no drill today. A strong south wind which makes the sand and dust very disagreeable; the more so as Inman and Jonson both have the measles. 

Oct. 26^th. Still a high wind and dust, uncomfortable in the extreme. 

Oct. 27^th. Jonson was very sick last night, his case is considered a doubtful one by the physician. Warm sunny day. 

Oct. 28^th. As we have to up all times of these nights we can hear the yelping of hundreds of prairie wolves in every direction, even in the very suburbs of the town. Wolves, dogs and the crowing of cocks all forming a mingled noise not uncommon in the western villages of America. 

Oct. 29^th. Near two o’ clock this morning the second tent to the right of where Jonson is sick took fire from a candle and burnt out the end before the inmate awoke, fortunately there was no air stirring. A cloudy morning. 

Oct. 30^th. Cloudy and cool of a morning but clear windy and dusty through the great part of the day. 

Oct. 31^st. Inspection by the US officer today, this forenoon had been cloudy but clear in the afternoon. No indications of frost yet, the herbs and vines continue to bloom as though it were June or July. Though they are mostly of the yellow and white species which would denote the later part of the season in out latitude. 

Nov. 1^st. Sunday morning cloudy and cool and a misting of rain, the clouds vanish about ten o’ clock leaving it a warm and sunny day. This evening Captain Jones, Robert and Oglesby came back from Monterey. There is a light moon, to night it is pleasant and the troops appear gay notwithstanding that from one to five are buried a day from the two regiments. 

Nov. 2^nd. Cool and misty morning and a hot sunny day. At six PM William Wallace of this company died, he was a noble young man and loved and reverenced by all. This evening one of the most ridiculous circumstances occurred that I ever saw; two young men of Co. B. fell out and walked out to the graveyard to settle their dispute in the old vulgar fashion of fists and skull, almost immediately over they departed comrades. They were arrested before either of them were hurt badly. 

Nov. 3^rd. Buried Wallace this morning. Felling unwell I walked out for exercise and recreation. The town cemetery attracted my attention it is directly east of the church three or four hundred yards from the town, containing one forth of an acre enclosed by a brick wall six feet high with an arch over the gate on top of which is a cross. The inside of this place is a disgusting place to look upon, in the center is a stile of brick with a cross on top with several skulls piled about the foot of it; besides various small crosses standing or leaning over the graves. All over this yard or depot for the dead, are human bones. In one corner are the ashes of some one of distinction enclosed in brick.

Nov. 4^th. We had a hard shower of rain this morning though the dry sandy ground dried it up almost immediately. This is a cool pleasant moonlight night.

Nov. 5^th. These cool mornings make the fog rise off of the river, which obscured the sun until eight or nine o’clock this A.M.

Nov. 6^th. Nothing of importance. The river glides along as smooth as ever, and the washer-women and children are strewn along it the whole length of the town, as usual rubbing away from dawn until dark.

Nov. 7^th. Camp-news, talk of going to Tampico.

Nov. 8^th. At four o’clock this morning Theophilus Jonson died. We lamented his death though not so much as we would if he had not despaired of his recovery a week ago, and witnessed his sufferings; which we have no reason to believe death has changed to joy. Inman is still weakly; this is a dusty windy day.

Nov. 9^th. Still dull, but warm sunshine in the day time and cool nights. The mesquites are shedding their leaves and most of the weeds have become hard and coarse. The gourds, watermelon and pumpkin vines are still growing as fresh as ever.

Nov. 10^th. I went out to cut wood today; we get fuel there three miles south-east of town by cutting mesquite. We got some soft corn; at some fields where we were they were cutting corn, but roasting ears are getting scarce, though we saw some corn just getting in silk and tassel. Lots of asses.

Nov. 11^th. Ambrose Henry died this morning the funeral was at half past nine, his death was caused by measles; he and Jonson were buried in coffins, the first we could get since coming to Mexico. Henry was a general favorite in the company, not a word was said in the procession, the solemn movements bespoke sorrowful hearts; we smoothed the mound and returned to the quarters, but the countenance of every one was changed, the stern soldier who a moment before stood round the open grave of their companion, with sad countenances and heavy faces, had acquired cheerful appearances and jokes went around as lively as if death had never been with us. Such is the effect of war. A soldier becomes the football of passion; from grief to mirth or ambition, his life regarded as public property, as nothing, he is prepared to meet death or danger at any time and in any form.

Nov. 12^th. “Swift are the feet of restless time, Hastening man to another clime”.

Nov. 13^th.  From day to day we have drill in the morning and evening, with cooking and eating between times. Our occupation is without variation.

Nov. 14^th. Orders to rub up our arms. David Bebee of this company dies this morning. We think he died the death of the righteous as he appeared not fear going; behind the curtain he was a young man of good disposition.

Nov. 15^th. This is a windy day and the dust is constantly flying about to annoy us in every form; we have to eat, cook, stand, sit, sleep and drill amid clouds of dust, and sand. A dry clear day.

Nov. 16^th. Half of this month gone. We paraded this evening in uniform, marched to town formed in the square, went through the manual, then marched out to the third infantry and was well pleased with their appearance. Dress parade with music.

Nov. 17^th. Another disagreeable day. Orders to march to Matamoras by water, consequently will leave as soon as we can get conveyance.

Nov. 18^th. Cloudy morning. Their was a storm of wind and rain that came up very sudden this morning, while we had the tents down (this being Wednesday the day for cleaning the encampment), that cause a good deal of confusion and trouble to pitch them again. The air became cool very sudden as quick as ever I saw in Illinois; the men are shivering about the fires, but in fine spirits, hoping their health will get better. Evening, a good fresh breeze from the North.

Nov. 19^th. Last night was almost cool enough to frost, these mornings are cold but the days are sultry except when the wind blows or the sun obscured by clouds.

Nov. 20^th. The third regiment of Illinois Volunteers commenced drawing their pay today; they are shipping for Matamoras as fast as boats can take them.

Nov. 21^st. We expect to leave this place in a few days, which we do not regret as it is a dull place. The town appears to have decayed from former note or greatness. Everything appears dull, the houses, the inhabitants little above savages and without energy or business or any importance going on. This appears to be cause by the want of commerce, with the indolence of the inhabitance and perhaps the want of a settled government that will secure property. But to bring about this change the country most be inhabited by a different race of people. The Spanish and Indian do no make a race of people with patriotism and candor enough to support a republic, much less to form, sustain and establish one out of the present deranged fabric called the Republic of Mexico.

Nov. 22^nd. There was a noise in the outskirts of town last night four pistols were fired; them the noise of fighting succeeded. The guard was paraded and went to learn the cause; they found two men of one third regiment drunk, who stated that they had been attacked by some Mexicans and fired their pistols to raise the alarm, that one of their number was missing, they supposed killed by the Mexicans. This morning the man was found lying in an alley, he had been stabbed in the side, ran there and laid there until discovered this morning, his wound we fear is mortal. Today we saw the corpse of a boy who had died of the measles, they are very fatal at present among the Mexican children, who have caught them from the soldiers, their funeral rights are Catholic.

Nov. 23^rd. Cloudy this morning with the appearance of rain; at noon clear warm windy and hot. Last night the man died who was stabbed the night previous. Last night there were two indifferent unoccupied houses burnt in town. This has been one of the most uncomfortable days I ever saw on account of wind and dust. There is orders for several of the companies to be ready to march at 4 o’clock in the morning with one day’s provisions.

Nov. 24^th. Two more huts burnt last night. The men marched this morning at the appointed time. One Evans in Cap. Bishop’s company reported to headquarters yesterday evening that he has seen some sixty Mexicans and horses in a body five miles from here at a pond. But when the troops got there this morning they had turned to about thirty rangers.

Nov. 25^th. A light frost last night, high wind this evening.

Nov. 26^th. Nothing of importance.

Nov. 27^th. Commenced paying this regiment.

Nov. 28^th. Companies D. E. F. and B. paid four months wages and got on the Troy after dark.

Nov. 29^th. Started for Matamoras, lodged on a sand bar at two o’clock great many waded out to lighten the boat, got off, went down river, wooded, lay all night, the boys shot thirteen turkeys and some geese by moonlight.

Nov. 30^th. Left the shore at day light, the corvette passed us at nine while on a bar; Col. Baker got aboard of her, and we passed her again a half mile below on a bar. After encountering various difficulties, we tied up on the north side of the river; some of us went hunting on the other side of the river, but those on the side of the river where the boat lay shot five or six beves yesterday. Two men were left by getting on shore to hunt, when she stopped to fix her rudder. Tied up at night a few mile above Old Rimosa.

Dec. 1^st. Put off from shore at day light as usual, this is a warm rainy morning with purple clouds with golden edge stretching far way to the left of the sunrise while he ascends the eastern horizon dimly shining, throwing an orange light above us. The wind increased to a perfect gale, the boat struggles on while countless flocks of wild geese start from the sand bars along the shore. Here and there a few prairie wolves growling along the bank. Landed at Binoso at four o’clock staid for wind to fall. Binoso is situated on the south side of river a quarter of a mile from it and sixty from Matamoras. It stands on a hill and has a neat appearance with good houses.

Dec. 2^nd. On the river early, but soon got a bar, stayed about six hours. Turkeys have been seen very plenty on the shore this morning, and several of the boys went hunting, killed several turkey, one hog and a goose or two. On the Texas side three hundred yards from the shore stands  a cabin in which the boys found a box containing knives, forks and dishes and other delf for the table. There also found augers a hatchet, and other implements of American manufacture; besides books in Spanish, English and etc, there was stain on the wall like blood, and we supposed they had been murdered in the forepart of the summer. After getting supper then went down a mile or so landed again on the Texas side went hunting again shot a dozen or two turkey three coons and some grouse or chickens.

Dec. 3^rd. Started at four o’clock passed down the river winding around the bends of the river we scared up thousands of wild geese, saw turkey in abundance, flocks of cranes, prairie wolves and plenty of cattle and horses. Landed at Matamoras at five P.M. Went to town drank, made merry return to the boat found that several had dipped too deep in strong drink, sailed about nine o’clock. Here Perryman was left he and Skidmoore of this company were taken out on patrol with the others to gather up stragglers, and did not get back in time to get back on board.

Dec. 4^th. Landed at the mouth at daylight, it is a cloudy showery morning we cooked breakfast on shore, got off the boat with the baggage at ten o’clock. This is a pleasant place with balmy sea-air, boast, ships and various craft passing up or down the river, to Brazos Point Isabel every now and then.

Dec. 5^th. James Henry’s birthday. This is a fair beautiful day. Colonel Baker passed through her on his way to Washington. We have plenty of fresh fish here. Inman takes them out of the river with line and hook. There is a good deal of business going on, building and etc.

Dec. 6^th. After breakfast this morning we prepared to return to Matamoras, we got on the Whitesville at twelve o’clock, left the shore passed up the river looking out on the flat swampy shore on each side of the river at the water foul. Four or five miles above the mouth we saw a large snake swimming across the river it was seven or at feet long and looked like rattle snake. This is not strange as the air is war and pleasant so much so that we bathed in the gulf while on the coast, soon past the old camp ground which looks very desolate as all the shades are gone and nothing present but the bleak hill where once stood the tangled thicket thousands of voices but they are gone and nothing remains there but two solitary companies and they will leave in a few days. We left Barta on the left stopped a few miles above it.

Dec. 7^th. Left the shore early, nothing of importance occurred until two or three in the evening when the wind commenced blowing to hard for the boat to run; she tied up on the Texas side where is a beautiful grove of palamento trees carpeted with green grass. Here some of the boys went hunting and walked up to Matamoras, we landed there at seven or eight o’clock.

Dec. 8^th. Got the baggage on shore early this morning pitched our tents with the regiment, it is northeast of Matamoras opposite Fort Brown south of the river on a flat bottom that has been over flowed in the recent inundation between here and town is a large pond of beautiful water, between the camp and the river is a battery or small fort built in a circular form to the height of eight or nine feet ditched around the outside; it was built by the Mexicans in the defense of the place from it they annoyed Maj. Brown.

Dec. 9^th. This is a cool airy morning, we resumed the drill as usual. We buried one out of the third regiment, he formally belonged to Co. B. but was discharged on account of his health; he died in a few hours after getting aboard the boat to sail for the mouth. Lieut. McNeil attended the funeral with some of his company.

Dec. 10^th. Very cool morning, we were ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to march at twenty four hour warning; we are to take one tent to eight men, three camp kettles to a company the rest of the baggage is to be sent around to Tampico by water. We are ordered to prepare for a review at nine A.M. this and the third regiment and third Ohio; also Tennessee cavalry to be reviewed, before the quarters of the third regiment Illinois Vol. At twelve o’clock tomorrow.

Dec. 11^th. Past the review in compliance to the orders of yesterday. The four regiments made a grand appearance, the cavalry looked splendid, the horses are far superior to the Mexican breed and are in fine shape. There are a great many of the troops corned this evening.

Dec. 12^th. This morning the steamboat Troy passed up the river carrying some regular troops mostly new recruits from the States.

Dec. 13^th. This is a rainy day but warm and pleasant.

Dec. 14^th. All is hurry and bustle and confusion this morning as it is the appointed time to march; while packing up Cowel of this company and one Davis of company C, had a fight which we consider no credit to either of them, we packed up in compliance to orders by joining with four other; W, Lowry, W. Whelis, W. Reny and T. Hutchens, for Inman being in bad health we had to leave him behind with several others to go around by water, so after loading the baggage in wagons and camped at night six miles from town and stacked our arms in the square _________, ten minutes. At the beat of the drums we assumed our places in the line took up the line of march, accompanied by the third regiment and some of the cavalry with the wagons and camped at night six miles from town beside a lake. This is a beautiful place for and encampment being set with fine grass studded over with clumps of bushes like a close set peach orchard carpeted with bluegrass and the lake or pond spread out on one side with bushes growing every here and there, out of the silver sheet of water which reflected a thousand stars while the croaking of frogs completed the music of the scene lullabied every soldier to sleep.

Dec. 15^th. Awoke this morning at beat of reveille and commenced getting breakfast, this is a very pleasant morning, the fog and smoke hangs over the camp with a gloomy appearance but all is life, joy and merriment with the soldiers. Breakfast over, we paraded for the road, in the meantime the third regiment put into the lake, whooping like so many Indians this soon ceased and the splashing over the water rattled like a summer breeze sweeping over a field of green corn; but we had not longer to listen for ere they had got far our front was in we crossed this lake it being half leg deep and a quarter of a mile wide, then stopped to put on our shoes for most of the men had drawn them off preparatory to the wade; then we took up the march through the chaparral on a dim road and traveled about six miles; there are holes in the ground like sink-holes made in the ground by water running under ground, they are from one to three feet deep after marching six miles we came to a creek or small river called the Rio Del Tiger, this is a running stream but very low at present; after marching near four miles we came to a prairie or wet plain here we turned to the left and traveled two miles then cross an outlet of a pond and camped between it and the above named stream; within the last two we killed two large black snakes this encampment is located on a beautiful rise of ground the prairie spread far away to the west, interspersed with ponds while countless numbers of mules, horses and cattle may be seen grazing on it; there is no scarcity of waterfowl here neither. The stream is about two hundred yards east of the encampment.

Dec. 16^th. This is another beautiful day, the men appear in fine spirits good health and lively; we cleared off a parade ground and prepared sinkers as if attending to stay for some time, there was a large blue colored snake killed today between this and the creek it appeared harmless there being no poisonous fangs in it’s mouth it was about three inches in diameter through the body and six feet long.

Dec. 17^th. Nothing today more than is common, the Mexicans brought some mustangs into sale; they sale ponies from six to ten dollars a piece.

Dec. 18^th. Mr. Hite and Molby went back to Matamoras to lay in some provisions or notions preparatory to the march. The fore part of this day has been vary warm but there is an uncommon cool evening of temperature being very sudden. James Perryman is unwell this evening with the diarrhea, this compliant has been running on him ever since he left Camargo.

Dec. 19^th. Hite and Molby return this evening bringing the unwelcome news that Job Clifton was dead. He died the next day after left. His brother deeply morns his loss, alas this is not all but there is a widow at home where ties were stronger than brother, sister, father or mother. Such are the chances of fate in and a soldier should always be prepared for death or life without a moment warning.

Dec. 20^th. This is the Sabbath, no drill. There are a great many Mexicans about the camp, running horses over the parade ground. There are some packs of oranges for sale a mile south of here they were fetched there on mules by Mexican traders from the interior.

Dec. 21^st.  A fair day after a cool night. This evening we paraded as usual for drill, but marched down the stream to where the Matamoras road crosses it with the intention of meeting General Patterson but he did not arrive; at dark two pieces of artillery came up with some wagons that stopped on the other side of the river.

Dec. 22^nd. Beautiful morning the wagons continued to come in all day at twelve o’clock it commenced raining and rained about two hours. Patterson arrived in company with the cavalry while it was raining. After the rain we moved our tents to the creek bank to get out of the mud and water which was over two or three inches deep. On the river are encamped some out of every company almost in the regiment. This is a beautiful night as the clouds are retiring to the south, leaving the northern horizon dotted over with millions of silver gems. The air is warm enough to be comfortable. The stream glides silently along shaded with bushes and enlivened by the croaking of frogs. The men standing around the fires drying themselves in the meantime repeating old stories and shaking their sides at the same time; the impudent but cowardly prairie wolf chattering two or three hundred yards from us; all in sweet confusion sought the shade.

Dec. 23^rd. Colonel Forman’s regiment started from this place with part of the cavalry and artillery. We are to start in the morning being one day in the rear.

Dec. 24^th. During the roll of reveille we arose, and commenced preparing breakfast and packing knapsacks and so forth at eight o’clock we paraded ready to march. The adjutant announced Mr. Hite sergeant quarter-master in place of Wenters discharged and delivered the regiment to the major and we started in a southern direction varying to the south after marching about a mile we came to a prairie. After marching about twelve mile we halted at a ranch between two ponds, a part of the cavalry is here. The third regiment lay here last night.

Dec. 25^th. Early this morning we rose and prepared to start soon after sunrise. Soon the long line of cavalry lead off then the wagons next came our motley troops some horsebacks others straggling out of their companies still behind us were the largest portion of the wagons and the guard brought up the rear; our line lay through open prairie on which were hundred of wild horses or rather shy mustangs claimed by the Mexicans. After marching about four or five miles we came to some sloughy or low places in which are ponds and puddles of water salty as brine, in these are crabs of enormous size, around these ponds there is crystallined salt two or three inches deep as transparent as ice. After marching about twelve miles we halted opened on the left the road and got some muddy water, then left and marched about as far again and halted at a place called Santa Teres this is a ranch of some note; we get water from pools made in the branch by digging whole in the ground three or four yards across and as many deep to hold water in a dry time, the ground in this encampment is rough and uneven; this has been a Christmas long to be remembered as we have marched about twenty four miles and are very tired.

Dec. 26^th. Fatiguing has been this day’s march. We left the encampment early as usual, and marched through a level prairie with large Heards or horses grazing on it; about nine o’clock we came in site of the mountains far away to the southwest, they appear bluer than the sky in summer. A red deer ran through between two companies about noon. We passed a pond on the left of the road. All the water that we passed today, even it was not fit to drink as there was a dead mustang in it, in addition to being thick with mud. We met some Mexicans with mules packed with oranges they relieved us very much, they cost us a six and a fourth cent a piece, no language can describe this day’s as it really was, we marched nearly 30 miles without water for man or beast, at night we can get only half a pint of muddy water each, and have to lay on the bare ground, without tents for supper we have some roasting ears to eat, quite a novelty to Illinoisians at this time of year. The price is six and one fourth for three. We have come to a broken land, the water is drawn from a well.

Dec. 27^th. Great as was the day’s march we have nine miles to march before breakfast this morning. We got up and started without orders, very unusual; he chose or rather as he could in about five miles we can to where some of the cavalry were encamped at some ranches in a valley or low place where there is plenty of water in wells, until we came insight of San Fernando it is on a raise close to a river of the same name, this town has a handsome appearance being built mostly of limestone and the walls plastered with cement, there is plenty of sour oranges growing in this place, the gardens are enclosed with stone. The towns cemetery is east of it, and enclosed by a stone wall nine feet high with door or gate ways in each side at the east side of the center is a square in the wall which bares the same proportion to the lot as a fire place does to a square room at the entrance of which is placed on each side paintings after the catholic fashion. There are crosses on the wall every eight or ten feet apart. There are a few tombs in this place plastered with cement but the most common way is to burry without coffins and pack the dirt in hard on the corpse; in digging the grave they dig up a great many skeletons, in the southeast corner is a large pile of bones of all sizes, every where that a hole is left in the side of the wall there are placed skulls facing to the front some of them are fresh dug up appearing if they had not been long dead. In this place are two vaults under a stone arch about nine feet high supported by four pillars these stand at the corners the arch crossing in the middle; leaving this we went through the town into the river, this stream has a swift running current of cool water we encamped south of town in a bottom.

Dec. 28^th. Half of the brigade crossed the river in the morning and the other in the morning; the bank on the opposite side being very steep, it was very hard to get up the wagons, we waded in the stream, being knee deep as we started. A little Mexican stole wagon tongues and was caught and was made to carry them over the river to the new encampment where a sergeant and two privates were to give him two kicks which they did.

Dec. 29^th. In the morning before day we were arose early with the intention of starting at daylight which we did marching south over a stony road with hills in view on every direction; after marching twenty one miles or so we came to this river or large creek and crossed it, the water is cracking the banks or sand where it dries being impregnated with saline.

Dec. 30^th. Journeying is always fatiguing, we found ourselves on the road early as usual advancing over a rough way, crossing a deep ravine about nine o’clock. There is a lofty range of mountains far to the left, about five in the afternoon I left the road on the right and went down in a low place and killed a wild turkey, finally after marching twenty three miles we halted at a branch where this plenty of water running from springs; two or three wagons turned over with the last three miles, several mules gave out today.

Dec. 31^st. Queen of the night had not hid behind the western hills are the reveille called the sleeping soldiers to duty we started as soon as it was light marching on a dry level road about four miles, this is almost a water level in various places there are dry ponds at the brink of this there is a spring coming out of the bank near the top and falling into the wide spread valley to the depth of one hundred feet from this bluff we can see the village of San Yanda, at a distance of site miles this village lies on the North-east side of the river or mountain stream and a quarter of a mile from it, the town is a fine little village for Mexico and contains a church burying ground and so forth but is worthy of note on the account of a stone damn across the above named stream; this damn is built of stone to the height of seven feet with an apron below this and ten stone braces besides strong buttments on each side is to water the town there being a small canal running from the pond through the town all the town. The damn is built of rough stone but plastered with cement and paved and erected that I think that it far exceeds anything of the kind I ever saw before. We crossed the river a little below the damn and camped on the bank.

1847

Jan. 1^st. Long as a year appears in the future we can look back to the last new year as if it had been yesterday. What a change has taken place in the last short year we all can now see the coming long years and to us may never be. Traveled about ten miles and camped at a well with a cistern of stone work at it twenty by eighteen square feet and a trough running from it for a stock with  wall between them; the hole is cemented of plastered complete with lime that shows a masters skill in masonry. The water has formally been raised with a hole in the cistern by animal power.

Jan. 2^nd. Moving early as usual over some of the stoniest roads I ever saw. There is some tall mountains to the right after twenty miles march we came to a two story house built of stone and plastered fresh that gave it a fine appearance, part of the house is old and appears if it had stood for centuries. Near to this place is a creek called San Antone the stream runs in a deep ravine there is cypress and ash growing along the edge of the water, the first scene in this country.

Jan. 2^nd. (repeated for unknown reason) With a good deal of work we crossed the stream and pitched our tents. One of Co. K. killed a peccary, a kind of hog peculiar to America. It is said at the above named house the emperor Iturbide was slain.

Jan. 3^rd. Night had not been succeeded by daylight, until one hundred of the regiment was detailed to help the remaining part of the train over the river. After marching three miles we came to the San Antonio River a broad beautiful swift stream, knee deep on the riffles. On the banks large willows and cypress are growing. In a quarter of a mile we came to a village of poor appearance. Near night some one killed two turkeys. They are quite plentiful and tame. After dark we came to the camp, after crossing the creek at the end of seven leagues march.

Jan. 4^th. On the road one hour before day, passed through a small village with a large looking church marched twenty miles and arrived at Victory which is near the mountains. This is a good looking town, to be on the plazio with a stream running round the east side. We camped below the town in a corn field.

Jan. 5^th. Past a cool night in camp, frost on the fine straw this morning. There are beautiful green parrots flying about here. There are more than two thousand soldiers in this vicinity. Taylor and Quitman’s division being here. General Taylor visited our encampment this evening he is a heavy set, corpulent and old looking man.

Jan. 6^th. Round the south and east of this place are hills. Out south is a small one which I ascended today, and over looked the whole country. We can see the creek winding around the town, with patches of green corn or sugar cane here and there; also the beautiful stone wall around the grave yard, the different encampments and ranches up and down the stream.

Jan. 7^th. A squall of wind struck the encampment last night, it blew over nearly all the tents. There is ice a quarter of an inch thick in the water vessels this morning.

Jan. 8^th. There were some of the boys out hunting today, and found some snow under a shrub, three or four miles south of here. Several deer have been brought in. Ice again on the water vessels this morning. Celebrated the day by marching out and firing one round of blank cartridges.

Jan. 9^th. Up as usual this morning. Struck tents at eleven to march to General Quitman’s brigade, to which we are attached for the remaining part of the campaign. Paraded at eleven o’clock, and started, passed through the town. The west side is the best part of the place. After marching one mile from town we passed a stone wall five feet high on the right of the road. This is the encampment for our brigade. The fence above named more than a mile long, runs between the enclosure of a rich planter and the road, the creek runs through these possessions, and there are ditches running all over the plantation where ever needed full of fresh cool running water.

Jan. 10^th. Valuable as the Sabbath is, we have to clean up the encampment today, this we finished at ten o’clock. We went down to the sugar cane this grows in rows two feet apart with ridges eighteen inches high between them. The cane tassels in this country which it seldom does in the states. There is a large sugar manfactory on this farm. This is a very cold day for this country.

Jan. 11^th. West of us on top of the mountain there are some clouds which look like fog rising from the river. This is another cool day. Nothing of importance going on today.

Jan 12. Nothing today, no drill or parade. Warmer than yesterday 

Jan. 13. .Just after sunrise, Lieutenant Murphy,7 Corporal Davis, Cowell  and myself started for the mountains. After crossing the sugar farm and passing along a path about a mile in length, we began to ride up the ridges. Just as we began to climb we saw a flock of turkeys in a ravine. Davis shot at one and Cornell flashed at another. We resumed our journey, a constant ascent upward and still upward. At length we halted to rest and could look back to the plain below, to see numerous plantations here and there and the creek where it left the mountains, with its various wanderings for miles along the plain. Also another [stream runs] four or five miles to the south, which forms a junction with this one several miles below, and the different sized improvements. The town and all the streets, alleys, etc., in fact, all the country can be seen like a map. Again we started; our path continued to increase in steepness, over rocks, sometimes supporting ourselves by holding to bushes or clinging to crags of the rocks. We gained the top of a narrow ridge, where had we fallen we should not have stopped short of several hundred feet. Leaving the ridge we passed across the head of a hollow, two or three rods deep, and again began to climb steeps, more difficult than ever. At length we began to reach the top region. Here is growing a species of oak which looks like burr-oak, they are about eighteen inches through on an average, and thirty feet high. When on top we sat down and ate dinner of biscuit and sugar. We can see peaks still higher, to the northwest, and far to the east across the plain there are mountains, a peak of which is higher than any in this vicinity.8 After finishing our meal we started to return, the Lieutenant and Davis the same way we went up. Cornell and myself coming down a hollow, this we found more difficult than the other way, as we had to climb down many places where we were in imminent danger of loosing our hold and being dashed to pieces, hundreds of feet below. After encountering many difficulties, we again got back to encampment, after dark, hungry and tired but satisfied with the trip.

Jan 14. Lieutenant Ross came up today from Matamoras with the provision train, bringing dispatches from General Scott, who is at Matamoras, also letters belonging to this regiment from the States. This is a warm pleasant day. A riot between Co. F and Mexicans.

Jan. 15^. Orders to march in the morning. Duck John of Co. A killed a panther and brought in its tail. Dress parade at 4 P.M.

Jan. 16.  Reveille at four. Started soon after, we marched into town, halted while the dragoons and artillery passed us, then started and marched through the Plaza, out at the south side of town across the branch, then along a dry bed. A mile or so out we passed or rather crossed a rill of good cold water and a pond to the left of the road. After marching fifteen miles on a level road with larger timber than usual on each side of it, we came to this place. Here is a beautiful little brook, with plenty of trout, gurgling from rock to rock, as it flows from the mountains to the gulf. Along its banks are growing sycamores, pecans and gum with all other sorts of timber common along streams in this country.

Jan. 17. 0ur road lies through a level country with ridges here and there and an occasional ravine with water. Co. C's wagon broke down today. We have come fifteen miles today on an easterly course, and are camped on a small brook, with the mountain several miles to the south.

Jan. 18. We marched in front of the brigade today, along a level road with ridges on the side; we stopped close to a hill on the left of the road. The general and staff went up on it to look back at the troops. We came to a branch11 close to the above named ridge, and halted to stay for the night. I went up the ridge; it appears to be level or nearly so, back west and overlooks the valley. There is a beautiful stretch of grass along the branch four or five hundred yards from it. There are no ranches or habitations near.

Jan. 19. This is a chilly, lonesome morning. We marched southeast along a level dusty road until we came to a small village fifteen miles from the camp. One mile back we passed over a damp piece of road, everywhere else being dry and dusty. On the other side of town is a large bold running stream, which we crossed and traveled down six miles. In about three miles we met contractor Biglow. He was wounded in the leg. He was attacked by some Mexicans, while returning from Pillow's division, but outran them by having a good horse.

Jan. 20. In about a mile after we left camp, we crossed the river Polto. There is a ranch on this side. The river is a swift running stream and has flood marks forty feet high. On this side the river is a level ridge covered with large beautiful palm trees. We passed about eleven miles of beautiful green grass with palm trees forty feet high. Leaving this we came to an old building of stone one story high, built of stone and two hundred feet long. Just after leaving this we crossed a branch and followed the road for about seven miles over rolling country, covered with a species of timber like pecan. We are encamped on a branch where there is larger timber than usual and prickly pears with red blooms.

Jan. 21. We left the encampment early and marched nine miles, and came to a town with a large Plaza and church with steeple, and statues in front. Leaving this we marched eleven miles more and camped at a branch close to a village. This day's march has been over a beautiful country with ridges of mountains far to the left. Early this morning we saw a spike or rock far to the fore. When we came several miles nearer we discovered it was far to the right of the road. This peak is quite a curiosity. It stands on a high hill, and appears to be about a hundred yards thick and twice as high; from the top of the hill it appears to be rock with crags and fissures from top to bottom, and appears to be a part of the ancient pillars of time that has withstood convulsions of the earth until the once high mountains around it have been shaken down and become a level plain, for there are many traces of earthquakes in this country.

Jan. 22. Left the encampment, our company with "I" being rear guard. We marched about six miles over beautiful rolling prairie with chaparral here and there. About eleven o'clock a few Mexican travellers caught up with us. They were very much frightened, and stated that there were Mexican soldiers behind us. At this information, a few horsemen rode back and saw some mounted men, who Bed at their approach. In about two hours we came to a large ranch. Here is a pond saved by a dam. At this place the rolls were called, and there are two men missing, one by the name of Thomas Rudder out of Co. I, the other from the Baltimore battalion. Traveled sixteen miles. The pillar of rock which we passed yesterday is still in sight, and appears of a different shape as we are on another side.

Jan. 23. We marched sixteen miles today mostly over broken land, with ridges in view far to the right and left of the road. The road lay mostly through chaparral, and on a dead hollow stub about twenty feet high, we saw an animal of the lizard kind of a dirty black color, about three feet long. At the camp of the twentieth we saw one dead; the fire had run over it. It was about the same size, and had teeth something like an alligator. The cavalry went back this morning, and found one man dead that answered the description of Rudder, two leagues from this place; he had been shot through the breast and stabbed twice. We are encamped at some ranches close to a pond at present.

Jan. 24. Some of the soldiers of a Georgia regiment got some mescal or Mexican whiskey from the ranches last night; they are very merry today. The road is pretty much the same as yesterday, but more rolling and prairie. The men amuse themselves by gathering pods of a sort of fruit that grows on a briery flag and sucking the juice from it. There are many things for a naturalist to study in this country, both animal and vegetable. There are prickly pears of every variety growing from the tops of the mountains to the lowest levels, out of rocks, without earth or scarcely a crack for the root, or on top of the grass covered roofs, and I saw one of the broad kind growing out of a live standing palm tree. There are also grasses of a coarse thick bladed kind, red and green, growing in little tufts upon the branches of the bushes something as mistletoe does, though the roots grow round the limbs instead of in them, consequently the grass must take all of its nourishment from the atmosphere using the roots only as supports. And various kinds of timber for which I have no name. We saw green corn today in silk and tassel a few miles from this place. Marched eighteen miles today and came to the encampment at Elmeto. This is a fine looking place and contains a church. There is a lake or bay that runs from here to the gulf. It is very shallow and has many islands and green spots in it.

Jan. 25. Cloudy this morning. Left the camp and marched about three miles and camped again on the lakeshore. This little march has been through woods with trees larger than usual. We passed a burning coal pit, and saw where two more had been burned, the first thing of the kind we have seen in Mexico. There is live oak and many other kinds of timber growing here with long branches and short trunks, forming dark tangled thickets. There is a kind of wood growing here with vine like trunks or roots growing round other trees to the top, then united into a body out of which grows branches; thus they form an unnatural top to many large trees.

Jan. 26.  Another cloudy morning, but a warm sultry day. When the sun came out warm about nine o'clock, an alligator about five feet long crawled up out of a bunch of grass and some of the men snapped a pistol at it, which made it take to the water again. There have been several Mexicans with canoes or large dugouts, loaded with bread, sweet potatoes and spirits for sale. Down below here on this side of the lake, there is plenty of soft white limestone, bedded two or three feet deep, overgrown with timber. There is a small farm a half-mile below with corn waist high and sweet potatoes growing among it; they run all over the ground, with roots all along the vines. There are also lettuce, onions and tomatoes growing here, the first we have seen in the country. We heard that Lieut. Post18 is at Tampico and all the men except Inman are well. 

Jan. 27. Mr. Hite went to town. After breakfast I went down to the other brigade. The road layover uneven ground of groves and swamps. They are encamped in a field; there is a grocery in a good house at this place. Two hundred yards below this encampment is a banyan tree with about fifty trunks, the bark is white and smooth but soft, and when cut it oozes out a milk colored sap. After looking at this, I, with two more men went to see another, it stands a mile further off and is twice as large as the other. These trees have a leaf like an orange, and tender branches without thorns. In going to the above named tree, we traveled along several ponds on the banks of which lay plenty of periwinkles an inch and a half long and large in proportion, of a dark color. Along this path close to the large banyan we saw a large track, I supposed it to be the trail of a bear. In a dry pond close to that place one of the men shot at a large deer. Mr. Hite has returned and informed us that he saw Lieut. Post and all the men are with him save Inman, he was left at the point [Isabel] in the hospital. 

Jan. 28.  Struck our tents at sunrise and started for Tampico. In about a mile, after passing the encampment of Pillow's brigade, our road layover deep sand, on each side of which is one dark thicket for four miles. Then we came to uneven or broken land, spread over with scattered ranches and large timber. After marching three miles more we camped in an old field on the right of the road. In the fields along this road, patches of green corn and sugar cane are growing, the corn is in tassel. 

Jan. 29. Got leave of the captain and went to town. It is built on a high point that extends out into the bay. The buildings are of stone, and are mostly covered with tiling. The streets are paved with stone and have a healthy appearance. The market is very good being supplied with almost every variety of vegetable grown in the temperate or torrid zone. After looking round through the city we came round by the camp of Lieutenant Post and the boys, they came out with us to camp. 

Jan. 30. This camp is on a ridge that extends out to the west of the road and overlooks an arm of the bay that extends from town to a great distance southwest of this place. In fact all the lowlands in this vicinity are subject to overflow, and the hills for many leagues back appear to have been built by the boisterous waves of the Gulf, as they are formed of fossil shells and sand mingled with gravel or soft limestone. As I said, this encampment overlooks the bay; that is, we can look across the widespread bay far to the west, with its green groves and rushes in all their loveliness. 

Jan. 31. A cloudy day with broken clouds floating about and a few drops of rain. 

Feb 1. This was a cloudy morning but faired off about twelve. Almost all the trees are green, and the birds are hopping from branch to branch in search for food or frolicksome pastime, while their beautiful chattering notes lend much to the day, and call men's minds to behold their beautiful plumage. The first or most noted is the green parrot, with yellow head and red shoulders. This bird is a third larger than the pigeon and is constantly flying from place to place in company with each other. Connubial love seems to be very strong with these birds, as they always fly in pairs, though they sometimes associate several pairs together, for the sake of sociability. Next is the jay or a large black bird with a yellow beak and the habits of the jay, though it is larger than a blackbird. It has the shape and voice of the jay and a white breast. Third there is a little green parakeet, beside the red bird, and a yellow kind with black shoulders; also the mocking, the cow blackbird, thrush and wren besides several other kinds. They call the attention of the curious, render a subject for study to the naturalist, and display the beauties of nature, and the wisdom of its author who gave them instinct to retire from heat or cold, changing their residence from clime to clime, over lakes and seas, and rearing their young at the best and most convenient season of the year for food and protection. 

Feb 2. Another beautiful day added to the many that we have passed in this country; just after dark there are clouds in the west with lightning. 

Feb 3. Near to twelve o'clock some Mexicans came and informed General Shields that there were robbers on the road a few miles back of this place. He detailed thirty men and went to ascertain if it were the fact. When he got nearly to the place, being a little ways in front of the guard, he sent the Mexicans ahead to see if they would be attacked. When the robbers halted them and were about to commence pillaging, Shields made his appearance. They fled into the chaparral before the detail came up. Then the general sent some in search of them, others to paths where he thought they would be most likely to pass, and orders for four hundred men, two hundred from each regiment to guard the road and search the woods, but we could not find them. A guard was then placed by the way to detect them if possible. 

Feb . 0ur arms were inspected by Shields and aide. Company drill at nine A.M. and regimental at four P.M.

Feb . The sick that were left at Matamoros are coming in. Dr. Cass and several others came out from town. Col. Baker and Moore landed at town. Moore has come to camp since dark. [Private] William Clifton is the only one of this company that has come; he is fresh and hearty. 

Feb . Colonel Baker came out from town this morning. The meeting with him and Moore both is joy for the regiment. Baker has brought clothing for the regiment. The third regiment boys have been making a new kind of sport, for me, by shaving and greasing a pig, then letting it go for the one that catches it to keep. But among the joy we have reasons for grief, for again the doleful death march has sounded in our ears. This is the funeral of Henry Maury of Co. I. A shower of rain last night. 

Feb 7. This day has been employed in drawing and distributing clothing to the men. 

Feb 8. This day has been taken up like yesterday. 

Feb 9. A warm cloudy morning, policing or cleaning quarters. Just after dark there were clouds in the south that emitted lightning. 

Feb 10. A cool windy day. At this time I am suffering with a toothache. I attribute it to cold. Alas there is another of our soldiers left the stage of action, one Wallace, a brother to Lieutenant [William] Wallace, that died at Camargo of Co. B. He was buried by the side of Maury. There they lay like warriors taking their rest, no more to be roused by the reveille or to suffer on the toilsome march of this life's journey, or their pulse to beat high in ambition's path nor to run low at the approach of Lethe's shadow. But they lie and sweetly sleep beneath the shade of the groves where leaves are always green and flowers fresh, where the howling gulf will lullaby their ashes, while her waves heave and winds waft our vessels from clime to clime. 

Feb 11. Still cool and cloudy. Henry and I walked out east of the encampment and saw limes and lemons under some trees that stood in a row in an old uncultivated field. There is a great deal of open land around here that has been cultivated but is now grown up in small growth timber. 

Feb 12. Rained all last night. Lieut. Murphy, Private McDeed and myself went out from the camp, and got two chickens and six eggs for which we paid seventy-five cents.

Coming back we saw an animal about the size of a grey fox of a brown color. This evening I went out to get wood and fetched in a stump which I put on the fire, and there came from under the bark of it a green snake, four feet long and only as thick as my finger, it was active and, when irritated, vicious, but I do not think poisonous. 

Feb 13. Cloudy, pleasant day. 

Feb 14. Belford of this Company died at the hospital. This being Valentine's day no doubt the young folks at home are employing it in making love, or visiting, receiving company, and making merry, which we think is the duty of all nature to enjoy the time as well as possible, and stick to virtue.  

Feb 15. This morning great roaring of cannons in Tampico. We were amazed at things of this kind; we heard of making a parade ground as if we were to stay here some time. We buried Owen Belford this evening. The corpse being brought and placed in the quarters, the musicians collected and the escort ready. As we raised the coffin the music began the dead march, followed by the firing party, then the pallbearers, followed by the company. Thus Private Owen Belford is recorded as having died at Tampico on we proceeded to the open grave, lowered the coffin, fired the farewell, filled the grave and raised a mound and left.

Feb 16. Damp morning, drilled by Gen. Shields, nearly all day. A large mail came in but nothing for me, which I am out of humor about. Captain Rolstand's Co. went to town to bury Capt. Morris, who died yesterday.  

Feb 17. I was on guard last night; it was about as cool as June in Illinois. The fireflies were floating about in the air, emitting their electric flashes. The sun arose clear and beautiful to dispel the dews. A warm beautiful day.  

Feb 18. Hard thunder in the south last night. We were drilled by Gen. Shields' aide.

Feb 19. Passed a review before Twiggs28 today. Many of the troops are preparing to embark to Vera Cruz.  

Feb 20. Received two months' pay.  

Feb 21. Commenced raining about ten o'clock and continued until near three this morning. This is a warm day. The rain last night was accompanied with lightning and loud thunder.  

Feb 22. Five of this company went to town. On the right of the road about two hundred yards from it, in the encampment cleared off by Twiggs' division, stand two or three mounds ten to fifteen feet high, as monuments of that once numerous race that spread over this continent, who lived, reigned and passed away, without leaving any traces of history, except those numerous mounds containing a few bones and rude earthenware, to prove they ever existed.

Feb 23.-Nothing of importance. 

Feb 24.- This has been a cold day. I am very unwell. 

Feb 25.-1 went to the hospital and received a dose of calomel. Another man was buried out of the third regiment, which makes two from that and three from this that lie moldering in their mother earth at this encampment. We received orders to march close to town day after tomorrow, to be ready to embark.

Feb 26.-A fog rose from the lake just after daylight that obscured the rising sun, but before eight it fell in small drops leaving the sky clear. This night there is a great deal of fiddling and dancing, playing cards, drinking and making merry, in hopes of starting from here in the morning.

Feb 27.-We left the encampment without the hurry that usually has accompanied us and marched to town and came through it to the square; here we halted and rested. It is said the regiment made the best appearance of any regiment of volunteers in Tampico. We marched out of town on the northeast and crossed the bridge and en- camped here among the other troops.

Feb. 28.- The last of the winter, and every thing in market from soft corn to the tenderest -.Mustered in.    

March 1.-A light shower of rain last night. The troops have been shipping aboard vessels, and going to the mouth as fast as possible all day.

March 2.-Continued preparations to embark.

March 3.-1 went out to the old Mexican fort, that stands on a point of the bluff one mile northwest from camp, and which formerly commanded the river from town to the mouth. It has once been a strong place, but now is in ruins, yet the roofless white walls make an imposing appearance at a distance. Just a few rods beyond the fort were some of the cavalry digging a grave for one of their companions, which is an easy job as the earth from nine or ten inches down consists of soft limestone. Leaving them, I went on back west until I came to a small Mexican arbor which had been built for lime. In this was a cavalryman, filling a haversack with lime. I asked him where to get water and he showed me a ditch in the bottom that led through the swamp to the pond north of town. Here in the swamp sunning themselves were several animals which look like coons but are more slender and have larger tails. On my approach they ran into a tree at the root. After drinking, I went back upon the highland and pursued my walk on the road that led back towards the interior. There is a thick growth of brush on each side of the road with an occasional banyan that rears its shady top far above the common growth like the mansion of some prince and his subjects. I turned in to one of these and found that there had been a house under it with a garden or park around: the house or shed was gone and nothing remains but the clear spot with the tree standing in the center. Up among the boughs was a platform made of sticks covered with palmetto and grass. The day being excessively hot I thought this an inviting place to rest, and the main trunk being leaning, roped with vinelike roots or small stems, I was soon stretched out in the shady top of a tree that overlooked the town, bay, river and encampments, while beneath was a yard several rods in circumference, with bushes around so thick that it appeared as if it were fenced in by a wall ten feet high, it was covered with flowering vines, among which were many pretty little singing birds. After reposing here a while I returned to camp.

March 4.-Warm and sunny. [Regiment] on dress parade.

March 5.-A large mail; I received a letter. 

March 6.-Marched to town at twelve o'clock, ready to embark; lay in the Plaza all night without fire or any way to cook. At seven the band came to the flagstaff in the center of the square and played until nine o'clock.

March 7.-At eight o'clock we got into a small boat and rowed out to a small steamship which started to carry us over the bar. After running two hundred yards the boiler became injured so that she had to stop to repair; this took two hours. In the meantime the steamer Orleans passed us with three companies of this regiment aboard, also another steamboat that was ferrying some companies of our regiment to the ship. After mending the boiler, our vessel went on to the mouth, which is about six miles. There we saw the Sheron of Bath, our intended vessel, tossing her tall masts to and fro, with the steamboat lashed to her, while the men were passing in long boats from the steamer to the ship. We were soon over the bar amid the rolling billows, which tossed us from side to side. The ship attempted to fasten but missed, rounded and succeeded. Here commenced a scene hitherto unwitnessed by me, for the men were nearly all seasick, vomiting and heaving. No way to get aboard except by climbing up the side of the ship, which is a great deal higher than the boat, this all did without a single accident; the baggage was then drawn up by ropes. Then amid spewing, and seeking for bunks ended this day's scenes.

March 8.-Lay all day without unfurling the sails. We occupied our time in arranging our berths and suffering the processes of sea-sickness.

March 9.-Between three and four o'clock, a ship loaded with troops unfurled her sails and passed us. We gave them three cheers which she returned with waving caps and three swelling shouts that drowned the roar of the breakers. Our sailors quickly spread the canvass and then shot off to the eastward.

March 10.- The fore part of the day we sailed with a light breeze, and in the evening with a light gale in a southerly direction.

March 11.-A fair pleasant morning with a head wind which makes the skipper steer to the east. There are two or three vessels to be seen far ahead of us.

March 12.-Last night I was on guard and the sky was fair; the yards squared and the ship driving southward be- fore a gentle stern wind, this increased to a gale, the dotted firmament was obscured by clouds. The gale drove our craft through the waves like a war horse with foam and fire flung around his breast. During the course of the night we passed several vessels, after daylight the wind subsided and the vessel rolled from side to side all day, still sailing southward.

March 13.- This is a warm day and we are sailing along the coast south of Vera Cruz. Late in the evening there came on a violent storm of wind and we put out to sea as fast as possible.

March 14.-A very blustery, stormy day.

March 15.- The wind blew almost as strong as yesterday. We are sailing about so as to creep as near to shore as possible. There is an occasional flock of flying fish to be seen, they seem to startup and sail off from one wave to the other.

March 16.-Our ship is still sailing amidst a heavy gale, and plowing amid the waves. Today we are lashing down our bunks, knocking up our heads amid our joy, revelry, song and merry-making to while away the tedious hours.

March 17.-The storm has sunk away to a modest breeze and we are sailing along the coast, against a head wind in sight of shore.

March 18.-Sailed all day with a fair wind, anchored at dark in the little harbor of [ Sacrificios ] .Here are forty-one or two transports. Just before we let loose the anchor, an officer came aboard from one of the ships and said that Taylor had fought and defeated Santa Anna near Saltillo, that there had been some firing from the castle at our men that had killed several while at a battery. The men are in the best of spirits as if they were going to a ball.

March 19.-Set sail about ten o'clock and ran down among the shipping and anchored at dark; the castle has been firing all day.

March 20.- This morning the small boats came along- side the ship and we got ashore as fast as possible; this is three or four miles south of town. Here is the chief landing place of our army, and here are all the military stores. The town is surrounded from shore to shore which cuts off all communications with the interior. After forming on the beach, we marched out to our position in the line. This is about two miles from the landing, over black sand hills and hollows, overgrown with chaparral. We are stationed south- west of town on a narrow road that is scarcely wide enough for a wagon to pass.

March 21.-A false alarm last night. Some of us went back to the beach this morning to get provisions, and learned that the shipping had been injured a little by the storm last night, that a French vessel which ran the blockade and lay under the castle attempted to escape out to sea and was captured by the Spitfire, that both got aground on the reef while returning. The enemy has been firing bombs and ball ever since we came, but without injury to us. The town appeared to be on fire twice today.

March 22.-Some of our men went out to kill beef today, they brought in some very good for this country. General Worth's battery opened on the town this evening with bombs, and kept up the firing all night.

March 23 .-Captain Vinton of the artillery was killed by a cannon ball last night. This regiment was ordered to march to Patterson's battery to work from four this evening to four in the morning. So we paraded, started and marched back as far as the railroad, which is half way to the beach; there we turned to the left and parallel with the railroad within five hundred yards of town. This battery has been erected without the enemy knowing it, being secured from their sight by chaparral bushes.

March 24.-At four o'clock this morning we left the battery, completed all except _______. Our first round is on the way a few minutes after daylight, the enemy opened on our battery which was doing great damage to their fortress. Four of our men hit and killed at the guns, several wounded; there is a constant cannonading kept up day and night.

March 25.-Still the cannons and bombs continue to roar. There was an order for our regiment to march out on the road about two miles west to engage some Mexicans, who were reported to be there. We started at four P.M., marched about four miles and met some men fetching in some beef. They said they had seen a number of (Mexican] cavalry and went back to show us the place. When we got there no enemy was to be seen. Some went to hunt beef, and the rest started back to camp, where we arrived a good deal after dark. Those that went to hunt beef came in a little while afterwards, and stated that they saw a few men on a hill, whom they supposed to be Mexicans. As we went out, there was some sharp firing off to the left which is said to have been an engagement between the dragoons and the enemy. Near eleven, there was an alarm caused by firing toward town.

March 26.-Last night when we came back to camp, the cannon had ceased their roar, on account of a truce, but commenced about one this morning and continued until six. The enemy did not return the fire, but again asked for a truce which is still continued.

March 27.- The night has passed without any noise or disturbance; everything is still and quiet which makes us feel a degree of cheerfulness that none with a pure heart could experience while the work of death was going on; the day has passed over with quietude. The town has surrendered.

March 28.- There was a light sprinkle of rain last night. We understood the town has surrendered on condition that we take possession of the town and castle with all of the artillery, arms and public stores, and that we are to hold the same until redeemed by the Mexican government. The prisoners [are] to be let go on condition that they shall serve no more in the present war, unless exchanged or re- leased by our government from the present engagement. This has been a clear still day but cool. A flock or two of brants passed over to the northward this morning.

March 29.- The Mexican army marched out of town and stacked their arms in the presence of our army. This was at nine o'clock A.M. It was truly a solemn scene. They passed through the south gate and stacked their arms on the plain near the railroad, about half a mile from town. Our troops took position and hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the town and the castle.

March 30.-Several of the boys have been to town; they have brought out some scopets [Escopetas] and old swords, which I suppose they intend shall be great trophies when they get home.

March 31.-We left our position in the chaparral, and marched across close to the battery. We are encamped between the cemetery, and back of a beautiful green level surrounded by sand hills. 

April 1.-Finished moving our baggage. Lieutenant Wheat,S6 of the Tennessee cavalry, is raising a company of cavalry for [service] during the war. Several of this company have joined; today they elected their officers.

April 2.-We have heard this evening that General Quit- man, on his way to Alvarado, met some of the enemy's forces on the twenty-first and defeated them.

April 3.-It is reported that Colonel Harney's37 men have taken two [Mexican] lieutenants and thirteen privates, somewhere near here today.

April 4.-Clear, warm, calm day.

April 5.-At dress parade, orders were read that on our march to the interior, we should reduce our baggage to the least possible amount. A great deal of thundering and lightning in the west after nightfall.

April 6.-1 went to the city today. It is a close solid built place, but appears very old and exhibits signs of former greatness. At this time it is on the decline. The church on the Plaza is a very large, venerable, old, time-stained, storm-beaten building, but the interior has a clean, neat appearance and is well stored with images and artificial flowers. The walls of the city are built chiefly of coral and brick, cemented with lime. In passing through this place an un- accountable feeling will steal almost over one, and his mind is taken back to the days of the Montezuma, the landing of Cortez, his conquests and overthrow of the government, the long tyrannical reign of the Spaniards, the cruelty displayed by those professing Christians, and finally the revolution and liberation of the country .Also the distracted government afterwards, which can never be otherwise while connected with their religion and a prey to priestcraft. At every turn and angle as posts, these seem to tell a tale of woe and misery for upwards of three hundred years. The mind is brought down to the present time and inevitably inquires what shall be the result of the present war, or who and how shall it be governed when ended. But it is vain to try to look into the book of fate until the leaves are turned. The streets are filthy and have a bad smell, the town presents a mass of old partly ruined buildings with heaps of rubbish here and there knocked down by the recent bombardment. Add to this the wall of the city with its many forts and batteries still mounted with guns and mortars and it makes quite an interesting place.

April 7.-0n parade this evening, orders were read that we should march on the ninth.

April 8.-Moved all the extra baggage to town to be stored until we return.

April 9.- We loaded up the baggage and paraded, then stacked arms until our brigade passed, then took arms and marched to the walls of the city and turned around close to the railroad depot, where we stopped for two hours until all the baggage wagons passed, then started and left the city, marching west with the beach to the right of the gulf; here we halted and stacked arms and our company was ordered to stay as guards to protect a train of wagons that was to come out of the city. This detained us until four; then we started but got on very slow on account of the wagons being overloaded. At night we stopped and lay with the wagons.

April 10.- The train geared up and tried to start, but found they could not get along, then unloaded and went back to town to try for stronger teams. We stayed to guard the stuff. About nine a team came up and stated that the same teams were coming back again.

April 11.- The wagons came early as usual and commenced loading, but an order came for us to go on and join the regiment. Accordingly we started and after marching about three miles came to a prairie with plenty of horned cattle grazing on it. After marching seven or eight miles we came to a ranch; near it we saw a dead soldier, laying under some bushes by the side of the road. There are soldiers straggling which shows bad discipline in their corps. There are splendid culverts and bridges on this road. After traveling eighteen miles we camped at a bridge with Cos. B, C, and G, and also the train; it had overtaken us.

April 12.-Left the camp at four o'clock and marched twelve miles over a rough country and stopped at a bridge over a small river that runs a northeast course toward the gulf. The bridge is one of the grandest pieces of masonry, being built of stone and plastered with lime cement. The arches are large and high, supported on strong pillars. Upon a point that overlooks the whole country is a small fort; it is one of the strongest positions in the world but abandoned at this time. On this side is a small barracks and some fine houses, one especially, near the top of the hill, very fine compared with anything we have seen in this country .We left this place at three 0' clock, and marched thirteen miles mostly over a level country and came to camp. It is in a bottom between two small streams.

April 13.- We learned that yesterday when the front guard came here they had a skirmish with some of the enemy, but soon made them vanish. General Twiggs' division went on a few miles and found the enemy had fortified positions in some hills that commanded the road, so after exchanging a few shots they came back to wait until all the brigades came up. This day has passed off without anything of importance occurring. By going up on a high hill close to this place, we can see the flag and fortifications of the enemy, our whole army spread out in this peaceful valley, the three gorgeous bridges over as many mountain streams that come leaping from rock to rock and unite a little ways below on their way to the gulf, which can still be seen in the distance.

April 14.-This morning two or three of the third regiment went to a watering place a mile or so above here and found some Mexican soldiers at a ranch. They all escaped but one whom they took prisoner. He was armed with a sword and in uniform. Today we were down below here about a mile to a spring and small dripping cave, the water pours down from the rocks twenty or thirty feet high. There are a great many spars or stone substances like icicles formed by water, suspended from the upper part of the cave, some of which extend to the bottom. It has the appearance of water falling from a precipice and freezing, but the spars are not transparent and look dark like stained limestone. General Scott came up this evening with a company of dragoons from Vera Cruz.

April 15.-General Shields, Colonel Baker and Major Harris with twenty of us went out this morning to reconnoiter the position of the enemy; so we went up on a ridge that runs parallel to the one they occupy, and about seven or eight hundred yards from it, where we could see the line and breast works of the enemy, and a small fort on a high hill. We could see the soldiers all about the hill and at work. They fired a few guns at us but without injury, and our men fired three guns at some of them down in a hollow. Afterwards they fired a cannon at us; this made us more cautious. Then we went farther and saw a body of cavalry far to the left. When we came back we learned that Captain Jones of Co. Chad been out with a party of men, that a few Mexicans had surprised them, so that they left the captain who was trying to halt his men. Then he fell in with four or five of Co. H. They fired on the advancing enemy, one in the act of aiming at the captain, this made them vanish. A little blood was found on the ground occupied by the Mexicans but no men. After we came in two men were trying to draw the load from a gun, when it fired. The load went through the breast of the one that held the ramrod, while the rod went through the neck and lodged in it, of a man passing behind him. Mack Rees, the one that was shot through the breast died almost instantly, but Williams, the one wounded in the neck, is still alive. There is thunder and lightning and rain this evening from the west.

April 16.-0ne of the second regiment of Tennessee volunteers was out in the woods this morning and got shot through the foot, whether by accident or the enemy we cannot tell. Also some of the same regiment went about four miles down the stream to hunt beef. Two or three left the rest; afterwards the main body heard the report of guns and went to the place and found one of their comrades wounded with seven balls. He was past speaking; his gun and cartridge box were gone. They brought him in but he died soon afterwards. An escort went out with the butchers about seven miles, where they killed several wagon loads of beef. Here they had a skirmish and two of the cavalry were wounded, one in the foot, the other in the thigh. Several men came up this evening from the bridge thirteen miles back, where Worth lay last night.

April 17.- Twiggs' brigade started out toward the line of the enemy at day break. About ten or eleven we heard the firing of cannon and musketry; directly we received orders to fill our canteens and have haversacks ready to move at a moment's warning. As soon as we were ready, we started out along the National road, occasionally meeting some of the boys with prisoners, or a soldier with a bleeding arm or hand. After marching about four miles we turned off the road to the right, along a new cut way. Here we passed about two hundred men drawing a large gun across a hollow. From this on we kept passing men until we got where the wounded men were. This was a shocking sight to see, men mangled in every form, some with their limbs amputated. The cannon balls were whistling over our heads occasionally. We stopped at the side of a hill which the riflemen had taken. This was the battle of today. The Mexican boys were great but they retired in good order. After dark we succeeded in getting the large gun on top of the hill and two or three small ones.

April 18.-Just at daylight this morning, some of the boys came out from Plan del Rio, with breakfast which they had been sent back for. We learned from them that a party hunting yesterday was attacked at a spring and Moses Shelton, of Co. D, was killed, one more was wounded. The grape soon began to fall among us but without injury. The order was to fall in, so we started, the third regiment in front, ours next, the New York in the rear. Our path lay along the hollow and was soon exposed to the view of the enemy on the high hill, which caused cannon shot to roar above our heads and batter the rocks in the hollow to our right. After traveling this way a while, we were ordered to file right and move up the opposite steep at double quick, here Lieutenant Gowden fell and orderly Hanchy was wounded. The grape rattled like hail when we gained the level ground; we bore to the left along a narrow path at double quick in single file. In passing along this path we saw a splendid scene. The infantry under Twiggs was charging the hill; the steepness rendered the progress slow. but they moved on steady. firing and loading at will. with a firmness that never can be excelled. while red flame seemed constantly to blaze along the lines of the enemy. which were supported by their cannon. A burst of admiration broke from our troop in three cheers that for a moment stunned the roar of the battle. At this time the front companies of our regiment came in view of the batteries, by the path opening into the field. we got before ( i.e.. in front) when we ran up the hill. Here the batteries opened up on us. We Banked to the right. and fell on the enemy at some ranches where they had their military stores and hospitals. This is on the road. Here we had all kinds of fighting; Lieutenant [Richard] Murphy. Private [Joshua E.] Jackson. [Leroy] Thomby and myself were wounded of our company. Jackson in the head. Lieut. in the lower part of the body, both mortal. Thomby just over the hip; myself through both legs. A part of our regiment and a part of the Yorkers, Twiggs and the cavalry charged ( pursued) them within four miles of Jalapa. General Pillow's brigade had attacked in front. Twiggs on the left and Shields in the rear of the enemy. Twiggs and Shields succeeded in routing the enemy. Pillow's division was driven back in the first attempt to charge, but General [ R. Diaz de ] La Vega, seeing all was lost, and that he would soon be attacked in the rear. surrendered to him. Where Pillow's men attacked it was impossible ever to make a successful charge. This place is called Cerro Gordo. When I was wounded I called Perryman who took care of [ me] the balance of the day.

April 19.-I lay last night at a ranch. where a great many of the wounded had been taken, among the rest Thomby and Jackson. The lieutenant was carried down to Plan del Rio last night. The army is constantly going by. The prisoners taken yesterday were turned loose today and went to Jalapa unarmed. La Vega escaped; he would not take the oath to serve no more during the present war. Those of our company that were here went on except [Sergeant Absolom ] Hamilton and [Corporal Isaiah] Davenport, left to attend the sick.

April 20.-Jackson appears quite peart today, we all think we are mending. The Mexican hospital is across the way from us and they keep up a groaning. Our men are moving the baggage and stores of provisions captured from this place to Jalapa.

April 21.-A man died this morning, and Lieutenant Murphy at Plan del Rio. Joshua E. Jackson died about eleven o'clock.

April 22.- The men are destroying the Mexican magazines and collecting their scattered arms and breaking them up.

April 23.-Men are passing to and fro all the time, a great many on their way to Jalapa. Mexicans poking about, and buzzards floating over the battle field or preying on the carcasses of the dead. Some Mexicans passed here today with fat hogs, driving them to Vera Cruz. They gave the cook a very fine one for us.

April 24.- The Mexicans have been passing along towards Vera Cruz today with pack mules and some cars carried between mules. Our troops furnished wagons and the Mexicans have moved their wounded to Jalapa.

April 25.-A train came from Jalapa to move us. There was one of the Tennessee troops burned his hand very badly today. It was only yesterday he burned the other one; now I suppose he will quit playing with fire and powder, at least until his hands get well.

April 26.-Breakfast over this morning, we were loaded into wagons and started. The road being paved, we were jostled almost to death. The greater part of the way the road is a gentle ascent; on each side is various scenery, sometime plains, then ranges of hills or an isolated cone that appears like some stupendous rock thrown by nature in sportive play to mock the puny art of man. On each side are green bushes, many of which are in bloom. Within about eight miles of Jalapa we passed Santa Anna's hacienda or farm house; this is off the road to the left. From there we occasionally passed a ranch, with patches of bananas, also peach trees with peaches on them as large as quail eggs, besides fruit of various other kinds. Along the road are some good stone fences. We got to Jalapa about sundown, and are quartered upstairs in a room connected with a church.

April 27.-Awoke this morning after laying on our hard pads and suffering with our irritated wounds, and annoyed by the bells of the city .This is a cool cloudy day. The rest of the wounded came in this evening. Many of them had to be carried in litters; this was very fatiguing to the men. We learned from the men that a regular, helping to carry a litter, swore last night when they stopped, that before he would carry another day, he would kill himself; so this morning about an hour before they got ready to start, he loaded his gun, took off his shoes and socks, lent on the muzzle of the gun, pulled the trigger with his big toe and blew the load through him. Despondency ended his life.

April 28.-[Private Joseph] Thorp of Co. G died this morning, the second one of the company who has died from the battle. Captain Newcom came up yesterday with Seargs. [William] Lowry, [John Vinson] Vincent and Pratt Sawyer, who had been left at Point Isabel. Men are dying in the hospital almost constantly. We moved out of the small room that we occupied, and got into a large spacious one on the ground floor, the windows look out on part of the town and the hills beyond. There was a shower of rain today; these thunder showers occur almost every day. William Clifton came up. Uriah Davenport of Co. I is expected to die of lockjaw. He was wounded in the foot but did not attend to it, and stayed at the camp until yesterday.

April 29.-Sergeant Davenport of Co. I died. Some of the third regiment went out yesterday. They were attacked and layout all night. One of them was killed this morning, two or three companies went out and had a skirmish; they killed two Mexican soldiers. One of the New Yorkers was brought in this evening but almost done [beaten] to death, supposed to be done by some soldiers or bad men belonging to the army.

May 1.-Sergeant Allen of Co. E of this regiment died last night. His thigh was broken in the battle of Cerro Gordo on the eighteenth of April.

May 2.-General Patterson visited the hospital today, and enquired after our condition.

May 3.-A great many of the third and fourth regiment boys have obtained furloughs and have hired to the quartermaster to drive mules to Vera Cruz, or wagons as the case may be. They engage until the sixth of June. Some of them started yesterday for Vera Cruz. Lieutenant Moby started home.

May 4.-[Private Henry] Billsboro of Co. G was brought in this evening, beaten almost to death. He left with the train that started yesterday, got behind, two Mexicans at- tacked him, he snapped his gun at one of them. They fell to work and would have killed him had it not been for some dragoons that came up.

May 5.-Depau [Private James Depew] of Co. B, got a wound in his left arm, but [ doctors] could not find what went with the bullet until this morning, when it came out I of the same hole it went in. They say one regiment is to start home tomorrow, and Major Harris42 was inquiring who would be able to go along with them. 

May 6.- This is the day fixed upon for our troops to start home; the whole fore-part of the day is spent in visiting US and preparing to go, for the greater part of our wounded is i to go with the regiment. At length the parting moment ar. ) rived. We bid farewell with mingled emotions, after having j been with them nearly a year, and knowing that they were about to return to their friends which calls up our warmest ~ emotions, and kindles the desire to go with them. There is , five of our company left at this place, Lowry, Thorn by, and ; myself, also [Corporal] William Kenney to tend us. There Iare but five or six others of the regiment left. .

May 7.- This morning I can walk around the room a little and look out of the windows to the south which opens on a j part of the city occupied by pleasant gardens, filled with almost every variety of vegetables and fruits, with pools of .J clear water, with here and there a fine house presenting an ; appearance of comfort and ease seldom to be met with. Still i beyond them are fields of barley, maize, etc., until the hills : rise up in bold relief, extending to the mountains which : terminate where Orizaba rises to the very distant clouds and is often seen above them. This peak is northwest of this place distant about thirty miles, and rises in a cone-like shape. Its top, and a good ways down from its summit, is covered with eternal snow, which gives it a sublime and picturesque appearance. The high mountains still extend to the west but not quite so high.

May 8.- The hospital was inspected by Dr. Bite and some other physicians.

May 9.- Yesterday and today are long to be remembered as the era [ anniversary ] when open hostilities between Mexico and our government began.

May 10.- The boys brought in some cherries and gave me some; they are of the black kind and taste the same as in the states. A few of the regulars brought in a soldier not able to speak or help himself, besides they had let him get so nasty he was covered with fly blows. Here they left him without any attendance, such meanness is often seen among the regulars.

May 11.-A man died in this room today.

May 12.-General Scott visited the hospital, familiarly enquiring of each patient concerning his health, disease and to what corps he belonged and so forth.

May 13.-Lieutenant Janson died last night. His sufferings were great. There has been no rain since the sixth of this month.

May 14.-There is a large train of wagons coming from Vera Cruz. One man died in the ward this evening; four or five die every day in the hospital.

May 15.-Nothing more than usual. Nine or ten are buried and as fast as they are taken out others are brought in.

May 16.-As it is Sunday, there is a very full market. Captain Mason of the rifle regiment was buried this evening. He was buried at the English graveyard a quarter of a mile south of this place. The funeral procession was a fine and solemn one.

May 17.- The singing birds hail the dawn of day with their warbling choir, the rising sun gilds the east with a flood of golden light, and the dark mountains reared up in the west, their figures glittering with snow make a grand and pleasing appearance. About one o'clock there was thunder and a pattering of rain; afterward there was plenty of snow to be seen on the mountains west of here.

May 18.-A beautiful clear day until evening; then the west became cloudy, the thunder rolled through the skies. The foggy clouds gathered on the mountains and had the whitish appearance of snow clouds in our northern winters. The stormy wind and clouds played over us in fitful gusts, while the fresh, pleasant cool air passed through the streets.

May 19.-Fair morning and cloudy evening as usual. Five soldiers were tied up and whipped this evening in public market. No doubt they were guilty of the crime alleged against them and received their just deserts. But still it chills one's blood to see free born Americans tied up and whipped like dogs, in a market yard in a foreign land.

May 20.-At one o'clock this evening a South Carolina volunteer died in this room. We have had a hard rain, the . first since the sixth.

May 21.-Several deaths but nothing more than usual. Cloudy but no rain.

May 22.- There is talk of a train starting to Vera Cruz in a few days. We are in a peck of trouble [worried] for fear we will not get to go with it. A hard shower this evening.

May 23.-Sunday. The market is crowded with all kinds of vegetables. The day has passed off without rain.

May 24.- We reported ourselves to Captain Whiting for conveyance to Vera Cruz. There is a company of cavalry arrived here this evening from Vera Cruz. We expect to leave this place Wednesday .

May 25.-Nothing of importance. A great many expecting to go away tomorrow. Just after dark, there was a splendid procession of the priests with burning candles in their hands. to be seen in the streets escorted by our officers and soldiers.

May 26.-A great many disappointed as to starting home. I among the rest. After a wagon being sent and us getting in we had to unload and stay. Cass started without any of the fourth regiment except Kenney of our Co. and Jenkins of Co. B who were both able to take care of themselves. There are about one hundred discharged men starting home with seven or eight wagons.

May 27.-I have had a walk today out to the cotton factory; it is about a quarter of a mile from here. It is owned by an Englishman and worked by water power. The stream is a small branch in a deep ravine that commences at the road that goes out toward Orizaba. here where the road crosses. the water falls about thirty feet. then the pond extends to the dam. It is about thirty feet high. built of stone cemented together with waterproof lime. This is a splendid work; the factory buildings are connected with it. and built of the same material. From the factory we can see the whole town, as it is built on a site inclined to the south, and a high hill which is north, and the mountains west, with many ranches and farms on its side, among its elevated valleys. The scene is one of nature's grandest.

May 28.- The street that runs west from the gate of this monastery leads out towards the mountains, goes past the slaughter house at the farther edge of town. There is an old ruined church out here, the yard of which is used by us as a graveyard. I witnessed the burial of three men there today, all in one grave. There is coffee growing here in the gardens, it grows on a small shrub, which looks very much like the black haw, from eight to ten feet high: the berry contains two grains, and grows on the twigs like clusters of plums.

May 29.-How it is I cannot say, but as sure as one is confined to a room after being sick or wounded, so sure they will spend sleepless nights. This is the case of many of us. Last night I got up and went out in the yard. The moon shone bright; all was still except the sentinel, the silent measured tread of his moving shadow still showed that he was on duty. The police or city watch would occasionally pass along in the shade of the houses. But all else was still, not a dog moved his tongue, every leaf was at rest, the dark mountains in the west shone like a threatening cloud whose desire it was to wrap this city of reposing beauty in stormy darkness, yet strange as it may appear, the snowy peaks of Orizaba showed in the distance like a beam of light, a star of hope on a tower of nature's own erection, completing the grandeur of the night scenery. Nothing of importance today.

May 30.- The market yard is full of all kinds of vegetables. A great many of the marketeers are Indians or full-blood aborigines, they wear coarse woolen garments of a bluish color. All the produce is packed in, and often the natives are to be seen with a sack on their backs containing a child, besides the produce designed for market. They carry the load by a strap across the head fastened to the load.

May 31 .-Cool, pleasant and airy. Thornby died at 9:50 P.M. He had borne his illness with a fortitude and patience, worthy of the most exalted praise and exhibited in his disposition a noble character. In all his sickness he has never complained or fretted, but submitted to fate with the most sublime fortitude.

June 1.-Cool and rain in the afternoon. 

June 2.-[Private] William Morris of Co. K died last night. He was wounded in the battle of Cerro Gordo, and had his leg amputated, but after his wounds had healed, he took the fever and died after suffering so much.

June 3.-As this is Corpus Christi Day, there are a great many in church. The market is over-crowded, there is a great deal of talk among the soldiers [and] among the rest that this town is in imminent danger of recapture by Mexican robbers or rather liars.

June 4.- I was down at the washing place. It is where the stream runs through under the bridge and falls at the head of the factory pond. This contrivance is the greatest for washing I ever saw, the water runs through a pipe of cement; on each side of this are square holes eighteen inches apart and the same in width. These holes are full of water; the spaces are inclined alike, and are used as washboards. Along the sides of the pipes are gutters that run off the suds and so forth. This is covered and built of stone and cement. There are to be seen nearly a hundred women at all times of the day washing, which they do the best and fastest I ever saw. They spread the white garments on the grass in the sunshine, and throw water on them until they are white to perfection. Besides this there are other washing places in town of the same construction.

June 5.-A man by the name of Plunkett died in this room today. He belonged to the second regiment of Tennessee volunteers, and had his arm amputated because of a wound, but it got well though he suffered a great deal from other causes.

June 6.-Sabbath. I went to church. This is a splendid edifice. The people are on their knees the greater part of the time during services. There are but a few seats in the church; the congregation worship standing or kneeling. The church is grand and finely ornamented inside. In time of service, they keep more than one hundred candles burning. A great deal of talk about a train starting home or to Vera Cruz.

June 7.-A train came from Perote. A wagon load [of dead men] was hauled to the grave; this occurs every day. Plunkett among the rest.

June 8.-We started home at two o'clock P.M. after great exertion on Captain Davis' part to get wagons for us. We had to leave Todd. There are eleven of us Illinois boys, of the fourth regiment along and one of the third. We came out about eight miles and lay at an old deserted building. There are about one hundred and forty of us. No language can describe our feelings on this occasion. We are starting home after being twelve months absent. I am just out of a  hospital, where we have been confined six weeks, and everyday witnessed the death of one or more of our countrymen and we have to leave behind some of our dearest friends. Coming out of the hospital all looks green and fresh, the pleasant air peculiar to this country fans us. We are leaving the tall mountains behind. Before us is a descending plane, dipping toward the gulf, all covered with everlasting green, except where Orizaba rears its snow white top toward the heavens, while clouds with gilded edges streak its breast. 

June 10.-We awoke this morning just before day, by an alarm raised on account of the discovery of some brush placed on the bridge, its object evidently to bother the teams. We moved up to the barracks, and waited until day. Then we could discover nothing of the enemy, so we threw the brush out of the way and started across. While on the bridge the enemy made its appearance on the right bluff and commenced a brisk fire with escopettes and muskets, which killed two men, a wagon master and one more. Sergeant Lowry was crossing the bridge at the time; he stopped with two others and returned their fire. He tumbled one down the precipice, then six lancers came on the other end of the bridge; he shot twice and brought one of them down. In the meantime we got up the hill on this side as fast as possible, when they contented themselves by watching us on their horses. We moved on to the ranch this side (expecting an attack every moment). Here we found about one thousand of General Cadwalader's men. They informed us that they left Vera Cruz, four days since, that they had four skirmishes and lost several men and about thirty wagons on the way; most of the fighting had been in the vicinity of the next bridge. They had sent back for some field pieces. Just at night six hundred came up with some mountain howitzers; they had seen a body of cavalry at some distance from the road.

June 11.-A thunder shower in the fore part of last night. We can see the Mexicans on the hills in every direction this morning. Near eleven o'clock they commenced firing from the hills in front. Their balls fell among our men without injury; a few of our men went up and ran them off. We started at eight and came on to the next bridge, six miles, and watered. For miles on each side of this are broken wagons, thrown away provisions, etc. About sundown we met some cavalry. We travelled until about ten and got here to the long bridge. Here are two companies going up with some wagons.

June 12.-Started in the morning and came to Santa Fe, halted a few minutes and came to Vera Cruz, and got aboard the steamer Galveston. 

June 14.-Lay still all day, loading on coal to burn in crossing. Have drawn no provisions yet. 

June 15.-A thunder shower last night. It is reported that , General Cadwalader's men were attacked in crossing the National bridge on the evening of the eleventh, and lost some thirty in killed and wounded. We finished loading coal, and started at four P.M. How rejoiced the heart at leaving this country, where we have endured hardships, been exposed in battles, been in hospitals, and seen death, misery and suffering in every shape and form. Suffered from tyranny practiced, had the right of American soldiers trampled on by their own officers. Besides we are leaving a sickly country to return to our own peaceful homes. Yet we have the dangers of the sea to pass. The setting sun throws back a flood of orange light as he sinks behind the tall Cordilleras, which appears to rise out of the deep blue sea far to the west. Around us all is still and calm except the current of air produced by the motion of the boat, while her black smoke from the funnels, points like a finger of scorn at Vera Cruz in the rear, that city of woe and misery.

June 16.-Calm day, nothing doing, blue sea, sailing lively.

June 17.-Cloudy and stormy. The rolls and swells tossing the boat from side to side. Occasionally a beautiful flying fish will rise from a wave and skim over the water like a swallow, now dipping, then up again, then into its native element and seen no more.

June 18.-Fair day but rough sea.

June 19.-Fair morning. There are many smooth places, or roads, left on the water by passing craft. We keep a sharp lookout for land, but can only see a few sail. About ten o'clock we met the ship John Garrow bound for Liverpool, that came out of New Orleans on Wednesday and reckoned it one hundred miles from the mouth of the river; we entered it and now are running up it.

June 20.-When I awoke, we were sailing up past the lower part of New Orleans. We landed in Lafayette. Took lodgings at Mrs. Bell's near engine [Company] NO.2.

June 22.-Went to the paymaster's office at commercial exchange; part of us received pay. The second Ohio regiment is here, and one regiment of Missouri Cavalry. I saw Captain Julien of the Ohio regiment, paying as [fast as] possible. Got our pay, went aboard the steamer Hancock, sailed at six P.M. All the boats are crowded with troops returning home.

June 23.-Riding on the river with constantly changing scene, passing boats, etc. Passed Baton Rouge today.

June 24.-Passed Vicksburg racing with the Whiteville. Rain at eleven 0' clock.

June 25.-Huntsville passed us; a hard rain. 

June 26.-Passed Memphis.

June 27.-Near three o'clock P.M. we arrived at Cairo, Ill. 

June 28.-At one, landed at St. Louis and stopped at the Virginia house.

June 29.-Got into a market wagon and crossed over onto Illinois, put up at -house, -came out about thirty miles.

June 30.-Got to Salem.

July 1 .-Hired a young man to take me home.  

See Also:

http://www.dmwv.org/honoring/cgordo.htm