This afternoon, Gen. Thomas Marshall's train arrived in the city of Mexico, bringing over three thousand troops and a large train and mail from Vera Cruz. The General says that Col. D. H. Miles will be here in a few days with thirteen hundred troops, and the largest train that ever left Vera Cruz. The report of meeting with a disastrous defeat or repulse at Santa Fe, is all a hoax. Col. Miles, having fallen back one mile to a well posted position, and in doing so was compelled to leave two wagons sticking in the road behind him, which of course fell into the hands of the Mexicans, which caused a great huzza in the enemy's ranks.
In the evening I noticed most all of our regiment who went to the city this morning are returning home in time for dress parade. Some of the men were well loaded with luxurious vegetables, and some showed up a little tipsy.
Saturday, January 22, 1848.—This morning again nearly half of our regiment, rigged up fit to kill, preparing for the grand masquerade ball, which is to take place to-night at the Teatra de Nacional (or Santa Anna), in the city.
At noon I noticed some of our officers were going to the city, and by their appearance it looks as if they also were going to the masquerade ball, which are as numerous here as they are at New Orleans.
This afternoon, John Newman and myself went into the manzan pomor (apple yard) and were surprised to see the manzan (apple) so near ripe. They are not as large as our apples in the States.
This evening there was a slim dress-parade on account of our men attending the masquerade ball.
Sunday, January 21, 1848.—This day being Sunday, John Newman, Henry Rosco, of our company, and myself got permission from Lieut. Aquilla Haines to go to the city. We, of course, took the new American line of coaches. I seated myself on top with the driver, with whom I had a pleasant chat. He is an American, and hails from New York. He came to Mexico about ten years ago with a lot of Troy, N. Y.,
