Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/282

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276
NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR.

plain, and formed into line of battle—so all soldiers on the ramparts. Our officers are seen going from one post to another, saying to the men, "The Mexicans are coming; we will surely have a big fight now."

Twelve o'clock to-night.—No attack yet. Oh, we wish they would not fool us so much!

Wednesday, September 8, 1847.—This morning we all looked for the Mexican army, but could not see them, they having moved from their position of last evening. At noon we learned that Gen. Rea, with his force of three thousand men, passed through this city last night, then countermarched back to, no doubt, Amozoquco, there to wait for the up train, which is now overdue.

In the afternoon three marines were put in the guard-house for being drunk and disorderly. They belong to Major Twigg's command, and were left here sick in the hospital.

This evening it is rumored that hostilities have again commenced in the city of Mexico.

Thursday, September 9, 1847-—This morning there is great excitement in the city—being All Feasts Day. The citizens had a grand parade. They marched through the principal streets, carrying banners, lighted candles and crosses, headed by a Catholic priest in full popery dress. They were accompanied by several fine bands of music—in fact, I saw more Mexicans to-day than I ever saw here at one time. They all behaved themselves well, and everything passed off quietly, and when the parade passed near our quarters. Gov. Childs ordered us all up on the ramparts of Quartel San Jose, to show ourselves in a body, to show these Mexicans that there are still a few Yankees left in and about Puebla City.

In the afternoon several extra papers were published in this city, giving an account of the great feast day and praising the large parade, also about Gen. Santa Anna, accusing him of cobardio (cowardice) at or before the city of Mexico-—accusing Santa Anna of selling the battles to Gen. Scott. Yes, Yankee blood bought and paid dearly for all the battles fought in the