Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48/Chapter 1
NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR.
CHAPTER I.
Friday, December 11, 1846.—To-day, after we arrived at Lewistown, Pa., Louis Bymaster and myself, also of that town, came to the conclusion to enlist in a soldier company to serve in the United States Army during the Mexican war. Mr. Bymaster wanted to join some dragoon company but I preferred the volunteer infantry. He then said that he, Bymaster, would follow me, and concluded to join the company now on our boat and go and stick together, if we lived, during the Mexican war.
Saturday, December 12, 1846.—This morning after we arrived at Huntingdon, Bymaster and myself had fully made up our minds to enlist in Capt. William F. Small's Co. C, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve during the war with Mexico, unless sooner discharged.
We mentioned our intention of enlistment to Mr. Bently (a member of the company), who took us into the cabin and introduced us to the Captain as new recruits. The Captain shook hands, and expressed himself highly pleased that we had made up our minds to join his company, and he hoped that we would never have occasion to regret it. The roll-book was then laid upon the table, after which we signed it. The Captain then again shook hands, congratulated us in a neat and well appropriate speech stating of our destination and prospect of triumphant victories in Mexico. Lieut. Aquilla Haines, who also was present, shook hands and said that he knew from our motive and activity on board of the boat that we would make good soldiers, and as long as we obey orders, as soldiers should do, we will find no better officer in the regiment. We then left the cabin of the boat and followed our usual occupation on the boat until we arrived at Hollidaysburg. During the day I informed my brother Frederick, who was also employed on the same boat, of what I had done and of my future destination. He seemed to be much surprised, and all he said was, well, I suppose you know your own business best, and all I can wish you is that you may keep your health, good luck, and a safe and triumphant return home again. The company of soldiers we have thus joined are entirely strangers to us, and we to them, they (with the exception of a delegation of eight men from Little York, who enrolled themselves at Harrisburg,) hailing from the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Louis Bymaster and myself are both from Lewistown, Pa., and will no doubt feel a little shyness for a while, but I hope before long, and particularly when we get into camp, we may be well acquainted and pleased with our choice.
Sunday, December 13, 1846.—This morning about 7 o'clock we arrived at Hollidaysburg, Pa., and for the first time took breakfast with the soldier company at Mr. Reynold's hotel. After breakfast I went back to the boat "Mary" to take a final good-bye of my brother and friends, and addressed them in these words, "Friends, I have enlisted and signed the United States muster roll to serve during the war with Mexico, and that I will not flinch or desert from it. Nay; I will go forward with the company, let the consequences be what they may, and fight for the good old State of Pennsylvania as long as my two arms swing." (Cheers.) "Again, I will state that you can all rest assured that I will not dishonor the old Keystone State. Nay, I will ever stand by its colors as long as there is breath of life within me." (Cheers.) After this I shook hands with all my friends, and instructed my brother Frederick about my private affairs. I then joined our company, took the cars and ascended the Allegheny mountains, up five plains and five down. When we arrived at the top of the first plain, I looked back on the magnificent scene. The valley dotted with farm houses, the foaming and rapid Little Juniata river below us, presented a glorious view to the delighted eye. After the cars were attached to the engine and started, I, with the wave of my hand, bade good-bye to the "Mary," early scenes and exploits on and along the Juniata river. We arrived at Johnstown, Pa., about 4 o'clock, P. M., and by the invitation of the citizens we partook of a good supper.
History tells us that Johnstown was called after Joseph Johns, a pushing, enterprising and liberal German citizen, who was also one of the first settlers in this section of the country. It is a lively little town, and I find that there is a great trade and business transacted here in trans-shipment of goods. After supper we left Johnstown on a canal boat, chartered to take the company to Pittsburgh. We have plenty of good straw to lay upon, and are passing our time first rate; some are singing our national songs, some are playing cards, and others are trying to sleep
Monday, December 14, 1846.—This morning, about 8 o'clock, we arrived at the beautiful little town called Blairsville. The citizens met us with drums and fifes, and escorted the company to the main square. Here we were divided into squads, and then taken to different hotels and private houses to breakfast. After doing justice to the free gift, we then strolled about town, finding it well laid out, and a fine bridge across the river named Conemaugh. The people are very clever and intelligent. The town was named after John Blair, one of the early pioneers of this section of the country.
The drums beat, we were ordered on board, and left Blairsville with three hearty cheers from the citizens on shore. On our way we passed Liverpool, Saltsburg, Lockport, and Leechburg. Saltsburg is an old village; it got its name from the salt works, which are plenty, and seemed to be in full operation. Leechburg is named after David Leech, one of the most enterprising citizens in Pennsylvania. He is the head man of the forwarding and commission line of David Leech & Sons. They have a line of canal boats and cars running between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. I had the pleasure of seeing the old gentleman, and he looks like a jolly, goodhearted man. During the day we mingled and conversed with the different members of the company, and we found them to be a social and jolly set of men, and expressed themselves well pleased with our coming into their company. We also called upon the Little York delegation, so called on account of their hailing from Little York, Pa. They are a fine set of young men, jocular and mirthful in manner, full of talk and wit. They wanted Bymaster and I to join their mess after we arrived at the camp-ground, New Orleans, but we made no promise. To-day being fine most of the company were walking on the tow-path, going into the beer and ginger-bread. Our journey to-day has been a weary one; nothing could be seen but rocks and hills surrounding us on every side. This evening the weather is growing colder, and I find our boat has a hard time in fighting its way through the ice. To-night our soldiers are wrapping themselves tightly up in their blankets and straw beds, and snoring.
Tuesday, December 15, 1846.—This morning after a cold night's journey we arrived at Freeport, here we got off the boat and formed into line on the tow-path, and then divided into squads, and were then taken to different private houses to breakfast, which was a good one, being one of the old fashion—buckwheat cakes, sausages and rye coffee.
After breakfast I viewed the village and found it to be a lively little place situated on the right bank of the Allegheny river; below it is a splendid aqueduct across a small stream called Buffalo creek. I also noticed different salt works in full force, and the people, like all along the route, are remarkably clever.
At 8 o'clock we were again ordered on board and left Freeport and passed the towns of Warren and Sharpsburg. Sharpsburg seems to be a flourishing town, and from what I can see there seems to be a great deal of business done. The people look like hardworking, enterprising and thrifty people. The scenery from here to Pittsburgh is beautiful. About noon we arrived in the city of Pittsburgh, and some of our men who never had been in Pittsburgh before were perfectly disgusted at the idea of staying in such a smoky city. After we got on shore and formed into line we marched to the wharf where we quartered in one of the large warehouses. This has dissatisfied and discouraged many of the soldiers; having no stoves or any place to make a fire. The weather being very cold makes it still more unpleasant for the boys. In the evening some of our members left the quarters and went to the hotels and boarding houses to get something to eat and a comfortable night's lodging. Myself having never been raised with a silver spoon in my mouth, and for the last six years having been used to lying on hard bunks and rough living, don't mind this kind of rough usage, and all these growlers will have to get over their fancy idea of living and get used to the hardships of soldier-life and living. To-night I had a chat with the Yorkers and they are laughing their fist full about these city fellows finding fault about our quarters and rations; they will all get used to it before the war with Mexico is over. I bet they will.
The following are the names of the Little York delegation: Peter Ahl, Henry Alburtus Welsh, Jacob Banner, William Eurick, Thomas Zeigle, Samuel Stair, Robert Patterson, William Patterson.
Wednesday, December 16, 1846.—This morning after we had something to eat, Bymaster, Welsh, Newman and myself promenaded through the principal streets of Pittsburgh, also to the packet boat landing, here we find that nearly all the soldiers belonging to the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers had arrived, which makes the streets full of soldiers. The ladies, and particularly the factory girls, seemed to be very sociable and talkative. They swell around the soldiers as if they were in love with them; they talk in a pitiful tone of the dangerous risk in time of war, and particularly in a foreign land to fight. About noon we returned to our quarters, when we were told to form into line, after which we marched to the American Hotel, where we partook of a splendid dinner served up at the company's expense, and after doing justice to the good eatables on the table we departed in broken ranks highly pleased with the food and also delighted with the proceedings. In the afternoon we walked along the wharves on the Ohio river side and found it to be one of the greatest business marts that I ever saw, it beats Philadelphia. Steamboats and canal boats were all busy in loading and reloading merchandise for the Western and Eastern markets.
In the evening a party of us soldiers visited the theatre, which was well attended by citizens and soldiers; when the play was about half over in rushes a party of rowdies and half drunken soldiers, going by the name of "Killers," of the district of Moyamensing, Philadelphia, belonging to Co. D, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, rushing in past the doorkeeper, entered the theatre, whooping and yelling like so many wild Indians. The police attempted to put them out when they cried out "Go in, Killers!" "Go in, Killers!" which caused a regular row, fighting and knocking one another down; finally quiet was again restored and the play went on without any more disturbance. In this row one of our members, named William Mullon, (not McMullin,) accidentally had his head badly cut in several places, and after the theatre was over we returned to our quarters and turned into our bunks.
Thursday, December 17, 1846.—This morning we received orders for all the soldiers to be in their quarters at 8 o'clock, sharp, which orders were obeyed. After we were all in, the Officer of the Day placed a guard at the front door with strict orders not to let any one of the soldiers out. At 10 o'clock, A. M., we were formed into line and then marched to some kind of a barrack; here we were ordered to halt until our names were called, when we were mustered into the United States service by Dr. King, a jolly old fellow, who made some mirthful and joking remarks to nearly every one he mustered.
After we were all mustered we were again ordered into line and marched back to our quarters, here we were addressed by Capt. Small, in a good and well appropriate speech, which was much admired and applauded by the company. Capt. Small I find is a ready off-hand speaker, full of wit, intellect and talent, as well as very active in his motions. We were then again dismissed and at liberty for the day. In the afternoon eight of us soldiers went over to Allegheny City and visited the large manufactories, and I assure you we had a good deal of fun and sport with the factory girls, and I would judge by their movements that some of the girls were in love with some of our soldiers; I said to one of the girls, that I thought it was a bad time to fall in love with the soldiers now, for remember Johnny is enlisted for the war with Mexico, and God knows whether he will live to return to his love. Many of these girls gave us their address, and we promised them that if we lived to return from the war to call upon them as they will be much pleased to see us and listen to the tales of the Mexican War. After shaking hands and k we left and visited several other large manufactories; at dusk we returned to our quarters, where we found our company busy in preparing tickets for to-morrow's election. Our company is, of course, solid for Capt. Small for Colonel of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; Samuel W. Black, of Pittsburgh, for Lieut.-Colonel, and Francis L. Bowman, of Wilkesbarre, for Major. To-night a party of rowdy soldiers holloaed and hurrahed for Wynkoop, of Pottsville, for Colonel. To-morrow will tell who is who. Good-night.
Friday, December 18, 1846.—This morning the soldiers were nearly all up by daylight getting themselves ready for the election for field officers of our regiment.
Our company, (C) will try their utmost efforts to elect Capt. William F. Small to the rank of Colonel of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and if not elected, that Captain and his friends are willing to submit to the majority.
At 10 o'clock, A. M., the election polls were opened, and generally, like at all other elections, fighting and knocking one another down was the order of the day. Some of our company fought like bull dogs if anyone said aught against Capt. Small. The row was kept up by the different parties concerned nearly the whole day.
In the evening at 6 o'clock the polls were closed, and there was a good deal of excitement going on while the votes were counted off, and everything appeared to look favorable for the election of Capt. Wm. F. Small to the Colonelship. This was the opinion of the majority of the officers, as well as the soldiers, who seemed to know something, but to our sad disappointment, when the official returns were read off it resulted in the choice of Francis M. Wynkoop, of Pottsville, for Colonel; Samuel W. Black, of Pittsburgh, for Lieut.-Colonel; Francis L. Bowman, of Wilkesbarre, Major; and Alexander Brown, of Philadelphia, appointed Adjutant of the regiment. The election of Wynkoop and Bowman causes great rejoicing among the country soldiers. About 10 o'clock this evening the officers elected were serenaded and made speeches suitable for the times, and Capt. Small was also called upon and said that he was not disheartened on account of his defeat, that he felt proud of the complimentary votes he received, and that he was going with his company and help to fight the battles in 
Co. C, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Mexico; and he urged every soldier who voted for him to rally and to stick to the officers elected. (Great applause.)
The night was mostly spent in drinking, fighting, and walking and yelling around the streets of Pittsburgh, in fact, there was no use for anyone to go to sleep.
Saturday, December 19, 1846.—This morning I noticed several of our company and others having black eyes and cut heads, all from the election yesterday.
After we had our breakfast a party of us soldiers devoted our time to visiting several steamboats to ascertain which ones are chartered to take the soldiers to New Orleans, but failed to find anything out. So we left and visited the Pittsburgh Penitentiary and several other public buildings, such as the Western University, Court House, and the Western Theological Seminary in Allegheny City; from here is some of the most picturesque scenery in and around the immediate country.
At noon we returned to our quarters, and at 2 o'clock, p.m., we received orders to march to the American House to be paid off. Each soldier received twenty-one dollars, with a deduction of five dollars and fifty cents from each man for expenses incurred on our way to Pittsburgh, while ten cents would have paid for all that we got, for everything along the canal was given to the soldiers gratis by the citizens.
This caused a considerable fuss, as there seemed to be no account given of the appropriation made by the State of Pennsylvania for this express purpose. In the evening our company received an invitation to attend divine services to-morrow at 10 o'clock, a.m., which was accepted.
Late this evening I noticed several boxes of musketry in our quarters, and it was not long before they were opened and each soldier picked out and helped himself to a musket. They are all old flint muskets, marked Harper's Ferry, U. S.
Later, every soldier who had helped himself to a musket was ordered to put the musket back into the boxes, as they are not to be opened or used until we arrive at New Orleans; so there was another growling. To-night it commenced to snow and was very cold, which made the boys quiet, and they wrapped themselves up snugly in their blankets and straw beds.
Sunday December 20, 1846.—This morning, about 9 o'clock, we were formed into line, and after going through a little drill, Capt. Small stepped to the front and made a few complimentary remarks, hoping that every soldier will behave themselves as soldiers, after which we marched to the Presbyterian Church, which was well filled, no doubt from curiosity, and to have a good look at the soldiers. We were taken up to the front, where seats were provided for us, and seated, and listened to an excellent sermon, suitable for the occasion. Greatest decorum prevailed among the soldiers; in fact, the soldiers I noticed seemed to take a deep interest and listened silently to every word the minister spoke; and I also noticed that the fair and bright eyes of the ladies rested heavy upon most of our men during the ceremony. An orderly sergeant came into the church with a note from the Adjutant of our regiment to Capt. Small, calling him out. Here he received orders from the Adjutant to prepare his company for to leave Pittsburgh in the morning for New Orleans. The church looks like a well built one, and inside has a good imitation of marble blocks. The organ is a splendid piece of workmanship, very fine toned. The singing was exceedingly good; their anthem was "Gird on your Armor," which was sung by the whole choir, as well as by some of our soldiers. After church let out many of the people shook hands with nearly all of the soldiers, wishing us all good health, and God to be with us on our journey. In the afternoon the soldiers mostly took to carousing around the city and bidding good-bye to the citizens, telling them that we will be off for Mexico to-morrow. This evening a good many citizens came to our quarters, talking about Mexico and the many battles that will have to be fought before peace will be made. To-night most every man is busy in packing up and preparing to leave this smoky city for the seat of war. Some I notice are writing letters.Monday, December 21, 1846.—This morning the soldiers were all up early, and busy in packing up their knapsacks. At 10 o'clock, a.m., we were formed into line, and after listening to a little speech from our Captain, we were ordered to march to the wharf and embark on board of one of the finest steamboats that runs on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, known by the name of "Messenger." Capt. Jas. Nagle's Co. B, also of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, came on board with us. There are two companies of soldiers allowed on each steamboat. There being ten companies in our regiment, it will, therefore, take five steamboats to take our regiment to New Orleans. After all the soldiers got on board of their respective steamers, we pushed off the shore amid the deafening cheers of the citizens on shore, and in return some of our men got a little cannon, placed it on the bow of the boat, and sent forth peals that shook the boats. The steamboats that had steam up blew their whistles as we passed them. We are now passing down the river, and are losing sight of Pittsburgh, but its black, smoking clouds could be seen for a long distance. On our way we passed the towns of Economy, Freedom, Rochester and Beaver.
Tuesday December 22, 1846.—This morning after breakfast I went on the hurricane deck to take a view of the beautiful Ohio river. The river is full of wild ducks and other wild game. The weather is cold, it is now snowing, but this don't seem to drive the soldiers off the hurricane deck. All are too anxious to see the steamboats running up and down the river. To-day we passed Newport, Marietta, Ohio; Parksburg and Belleville, Va. All quiet to-night.
Wednesday December 23, 1846.—This morning while we were eating breakfast, one of our men came running into the cabin and reported to us that there were several deer on the opposite side of the river bank. We, of course, hurried on deck for the purpose of seeing them, and sure enough, they were just leaving, running through the thicket woods. The Ohio river is full of floating ice and wild ducks. The weather to-day is fair, and the scenery is most delightful and very interesting, it not being so hilly or mountainous.
To-day we passed numerous little towns. Their names I failed to get. They are mostly all situated along the river shore, and some are well laid out and promise to tell well in the future. Many of the citizens along the river had the American flag flying over their house-tops and on poles in honor of us soldiers, and at many places we perceived the ladies waving their lily white hands and handkerchiefs from the doors, windows and house-tops of their humble cottages on shore, and no doubt from some of the fair damsels who has or had a near and dear friend in the American army.
The soldiers, I am glad to say, are all passing their time first-rate. There seems to be no quarreling or any ill feeling between them, in fact, they act more like so many brothers in place of strangers, for it will be remembered that Co. B, is from Pottsville, and our Co. C, from Philadelphia.
To-night I notice that most of our soldiers are passing their time in playing cards and singing.
Thursday, December 24, 1846.—This morning after breakfast our company made up a penny purse for the purpose of getting up a supper; each man paid in fifty cents. A committee was appointed to wait on the captain of the steamboat, who, by-the-by, is a good hearted old fellow, to ask permission for the use of the cabin room for a Christmas eve ball to-night; the permission was granted with pleasure. To-day we passed the towns of Rome, Manchester, Ohio; and Maysville, Dover, Kentucky; Mechanicsburg, Palestine, Ohio; all seemed to be flourishing villages. This evening after supper was over, everything was got in readiness for the grand eve ball, which I must confess was a fine affair and well conducted, our Little York friends enjoyed themselves first-rate. The captain of the steamboat "Messenger" and all the other officers mingled themselves with the soldiers, and you can rest assured that we had some of the tallest kind of sport that I ever saw, and we did not stop until the clock struck twelve, night. So in honor of our Saviour's birthday broke up the frolic, all highly delighted and pleased with the first Christmas eve ball spent on the Ohio river.
Friday, December 25, 1846.—This morning is Christmas, and the first one that I ever spent so far from home; it seems odd to me to be so far from home on Christmas day, although there is plenty of amusements and frolicing going on around me to entice me from my weary thoughts, but for all this I cannot help to think of the many Christmases I spent at home. Our cooks who were detailed yesterday to cook our Christmas dinner are busy in preparing the turkeys, chickens and many other good things. About 1 o'clock, p.m., the much looked for good things began to make their appearance on the table, extending the full length of the cabin. About an half hour later the door-way was crowded, all anxious to get in and be first to the table. The gong rung, then you should seen the rush and tumble for the best seats, and I am sorry to say the soldiers did not eat like men should have done, but like so many starved hogs. They of course all went and reached for the turkeys, chickens, &c., dug right into the good things, and the roughest and best men got the most, while such quiet and moral men like me had to pick the bones. I thought to myself this has been the first penny purse I ever joined and I think it will be the last one.
In the afternoon we arrived and stopped at Newport, Ky., opposite Cincinnati, here we remained all afternoon and evening with strict orders to let no soldier go on shore, but as a matter of course all our officers were allowed to go on shore and promenade through the streets of Newport.
To-night our steamboat was moved over to Cincinnati, and orders again given to the guard to let none of the soldiers on shore. More growling. So ended Christmas Day on the Ohio river.
Saturday, December 26, 1846.—This morning we left Cincinnati with cheers from the crowd on shore. We passed to-day a number of small towns, such as Covington, Claysville, Ky.; and Lawrenceburg, Madison, Jeffersonville, Ind. Whenever our boat arrived at any town the little cannon would be fired off, which caused the people to rush to the river line, and when they saw that the boat was loaded down with Uncle Sam's soldiers, would give cheers.
In the afternoon we arrived at Louisville, Ky., and owing to the break in the dam the boat could not run over it or through the slot with its living freight on board. On account of the river being too low both companies were obliged to land and march through some of the principal streets of Louisville, After which we came to a halt in the main square and there dismissed for one-half hour. This pleased the boys, and you should seen them rush towards the taverns and cake shops, the men were mostly hungry, being tired of eating government rations.
I noticed the people here are not so sociable, liberal and open-hearted as those we met in other towns, they have not much to say, and give nothing until it is first paid for.
After the expiration of our time we again formed into line and marched (without receiving a cheer from the citizens) for about three miles around to another boat-landing place where we got on board of the old "Messenger" and left for New Orleans. Two of the members of Co. C were left behind, their names are John Perfect and Morris Stemler. This evening we passed a thriving little town called New Albany, Ind., we stopped few minutes, and when we left the citizens gave us three hearty cheers, which was more than we received in that fancy and aristocratic town called Louisville, Ky. The weather is getting considerably warmer, and as the saying is, the further down South we go the warmer the climate will be, and I find it so.
Sunday, December 27, 1846.—This morning we had a hard chase with the steamboat called the "Allegheny," who caught up to us during the night and was trying hard to pass the "Messenger." Some of our men who were interested in the race volunteered and assisted the fireman in keeping up steam, and I have seen no less than three barrels of fat salt pork thrown into the fire-place, which naturally burnt like so much brimstone and which made plenty of steam. This was the first steamboat race that I have ever seen on these rivers, and I must say it was magnificently contested. The race kept up until our boat had run out of coal and wood which gave the "Allegheny" a chance to pass us, which caused a cheer from the crew of the "Allegheny."
In the afternoon our steamboat was compelled to halt at a plantation to repair some of the machinery which became out of order during the race with the "Allegheny." Here we had some gay old sport with the darkies or slaves, cutting up all kind of monkey-shines, dancing, singing songs, &c. Some I noticed were fishing, while others were trying to make love to some of the yellow gals, in fact, I noticed some were as white as we are, even whiter. During all the time we laid here there was an overseer of the slaves to watch and see what was going on, and I heard him tell several of our men that he didn't care what we done with the slaves, so long as we don't entice them away; which orders were obeyed.
Louis Bymaster and myself took a walk through some of the orange groves which are truly magnificent, the tall palm leaves waved gracefully, and the air is sweetened with its perfume; it is really the prettiest place that I have yet seen. I also noticed that the negroes, or slaves, are far better clad and more lively spirited than one-half of our free negroes in the North. It is true, our negroes are free, but what is freedom when there is no protection for the negroes in the North. Of course, we in the North would like to see every man in the whole United States free, provided they are protected. Myself and all that belongs to me are opposed to slavery, but since I have seen some of its workings, I am satisfied and free to say, that the slaves in the Sunny South have it far better, and more care taken of them and are better protected than most of our free negroes in the North.
Six o'clock, p.m., the bell of the steamboat commenced to ring, which indicated that the machinery of the boat was finished; all should get on board. After which we pushed off the beach; the slaves gave us three cheers which was responded to from the Yankee soldiers on board, and even the overseer of the slaves was cheering and waving his hat and throwing it up in the air. In the evening we passed the towns of Napoleon and Vicksburg. To-night, the usual merriment in playing cards, dancing and singing, while some are trying to go through some theatrical performance.
Monday, December 28, 1846.—This morning we could see Natchez at a distance off. There is a wonderful change in the climate; it is pleasant, and as warm here as it is in May or June at home. The scenery along the noble Mississippi river is indescribable; the prairie fields of cotton, the splendid mansions of the owners, and the out-houses and cabins of the slaves, all combined, was rare and strange sights to us northern mud sills. We also saw any quantity of wild turkeys, geese and ducks by the square miles. Swans and cranes are swimming on this great Father of Waters, while the air is darkened with wild pigeons. In fact, I have seen more wild game this day than I ever have in all the days of my past life. We passed Port Hudson, Baton Rouge, and arrived at New Orleans about 10 o'clock this evening, but none are allowed to go on shore.
Tuesday, December 29, 1846.—This morning Capt. Wm. F. Small was appointed Officer of the Day. He soon gave orders to the captain of the boat to run her over to the other side of the river to a small town named Algiers, which was done. This order raised considerable fuss among the soldiers on account of some of our men wanting to get off and go to New Orleans. One party headed by Wm. Ford of our company did break the guard, and about eight or ten jumped on shore just before we pushed off the wharf and went to the city. At this instant Capt. Small posted himself with the guard and warned all the soldiers to obey his orders like men and not act like a band of pardoned or escaped felons, and that the first man who attempted to break the guard again will be followed and captured and will be severely punished.
These remarks had the effect of cooling these rowdies down, but not without cursing and swearing, and many threats against Capt. Small, but they cannot frighten nor scare Capt. Small, he is Small by name and small by nature, and he is just as spunky and plucky as he is small, so the boys behaved themselves during the day.
Algiers, above mentioned, will be remembered, as famous for the destruction of life and property by the two largest elephants in this country, Hannibal and Columbus, then attached to Messrs. Raymond & Co.'s Menageries and Circus Company.
If my memory is correct, it was seven years ago to-day that Raymond's Show was then quartered in this immediate neighborhood making great preparation for a grand procession into the city of New Orleans about New Year's day. When everything was accomplished that was necessary to make a grand display, a little before the time of forming the procession, Hannibal got stubborn and wanted to fight Columbus, the keeper, Mr. William Crum, had him finally quieted down for awhile, but soon afterwards Columbus got his back up and he showed a disposition of wanting to fight, or do mischief and before the keeper, Mr. Crum, could do anything with him he struck Mr. Crum's horse to the ground and run his long tusks through the horse's body, his keeper, of course, fell with the horse, and Columbus instantly snatched him, Crum, up with his trunk and dashed him to the ground with such a fearful crash that it broke nearly every bone in his body, from which he soon died. Columbus then went for two mules attached to a wagon driven by a negro. He upset the wagon first, and then killed both mules. The driver ran and made good his escape while the elephant was killing the mules, after which he went for a negro who was sitting on the fence, and looking on to see the fun, and before the negro could get off the fence he raised him up on his trunk and dashed him against the fence with a tremendous shock that instantly killed him. During-all this fearful rage the elephant had three or four bullets shot into him, one went into his right eye which had the effect of bringing him too, and he was finally captured and fastened to a tree.
Messrs. Raymond & Co. had to pay the owner of the negro (slave) one thousand eight hundred dollars, beside one thousand dollars for other damages done at the carnage. Think of it, one thousand eight hundred dollars for a negro, when thousands of poor whites and blacks in the North are not worth eighteen cents. No wonder our Southern friends don't want their negroes to run away from them to the North, for in the North they are really worth nothing.
This evening I hear a rumor that we will go down below New Orleans to-morrow morning to encamp and drill; so we will all be on shore again.
Wednesday, December 30, 1846.—This morning after breakfast the United States Quartermaster came on board the "Messenger" and gave orders to Capt. James Nagle of Co. B, who was Officer of the Day, to get under way and proceed to the old battle-ground known as the place where Andrew Jackson gained the glorious victory over the British Army commanded by Edward Packingham. At 11 o'clock, a.m., we arrived at the battle-ground, our place for encampment. All the soldiers were anxious to jump on shore with their knapsacks strapped on their backs and muskets upon their shoulders. We marched about four hundred yards from the river bank; here we were ordered to unsling knapsacks and select suitable ground on which to pitch our tents. Others could be seen gathering wood and building fire-places, while some of the rest were carrying water from the noble Mississippi, which is as muddy as our Juniata River after a hard day's rain. At noon other companies commenced to arrive in camp, and towards evening the battle-ground was full of tents and lively with soldiers. Different messes were formed, six in a mess. We soon had something cooked and eat it in a homely way in our tent. To-night is the first night that I ever slept under a tent, and I was going to say I wish it was the last night, but this I can't see, it may be far distant yet.
Some of our soldiers slipped the guard to-night and went to New Orleans, this will have the effect of doubling the guard hereafter to keep order.
Thursday, December 31, 1846.—This morning after a very uncomfortable night's rest, one of our mess called me up who had already a good pot of coffee boiled and some meat fried.
After breakfast we were formed into line, and orders from Col. Francis M. Wynkoop's quarters read to us not to leave any soldiers go to the city of New Orleans without a written pass from our respective captains, and countersigned by our Adjutant Brown. The guards also had strict orders not to let anyone of the soldiers pass, if they did they would be bucked and gagged and put into the guard-house and bound down with iron chains during the time of our encampment at this place.
This afternoon some soldiers were detailed to get wood and some to get water, while others dug sinks, and some were completing and fixing up their quarters, and some got very drunk, and this makes Colonel F. M. Wynkoop issue such strict orders, and particularly on the men that act with un-soldierlike conduct. Serves them right, why not behave themselves like your humble servant. Nothing new but pork and beans for dinner, and beans and pork for supper (good-bye, 1846).
Friday, January 1, 1847.—This is the first morning in the New Year, and what can I wish myself at the commencement of this year? nothing but health and strength. This is all I can ask for the present; this morning reveille beat before breakfast, and companies' roll calls and all absentees noted.
At noon some of Capt. Hill's company (D) broke the guard and went to New Orleans City, where they cut up high, breaking and smashing everything that came before them. Some soon were arrested by the city police and put into the "calaboose," and Col. Wynkoop is going to leave them locked up for a few days for their unsoldierlike conduct.
At 4 o'clock, p.m., we had a parade and drill for the first time, our Colonel was dressed in his full uniform with cocked hat and big feather thereon.
At 8 o'clock, p.m., tattoo, when all the lights must be put out in camp, and no noise after 9 o'clock at night; we are now eating our homely supper all in good spirits, that is of the kind, and there is a good deal of drunkenness amongst some of our soldiers, but at the same time there is no fighting amongst them.
Saturday, January 2, 1847.—This morning, after breakfast, orders were read for each captain of their respective companies, to give each company ten passes to go to New Orleans. Louis Bymaster and myself got passes and soon afterwards started for the city. We walked it all the way, which is about five miles from our camp-ground; we, of course, first struck for the St. Charles Hotel, here we met some of our own company and some belonging to the Louisiana regiment; after we had several drinks and good lunch, we left the hotel and walked around the city, and we find it to be a beautiful and well planned city.
It is the largest, greatest commercial metropolis city in the South, and from the appearance of the rush along the levees, there is more business done here in one day than there is in Baltimore in one month, and nearly as much as there is in New York. Their regulation and rules about the wharves or levees are the best in the world.
Along its levees you can see moored to the shore hundreds of steamboats, at one section of the city arriving and departing for Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, St. Louis, besides hundreds of flat boats and barges. Also hundreds of sea-going ships at another section of the city, arriving and sailing for London, Liverpool, and German ports; besides, steamships to Havana, Galveston, Panama, St. Domingo, New York, Boston, bringing the merchandise of the whole world to the warehouses of the merchants of New Orleans.
The steamboats and sailing crafts are all separate from one another, which gives them better chances to unload and reload without any confusion.
There are not many white people working on the levees, they are mostly all slaves; yet they don't seem to work harder than our poor whites in the North.
The poor old darkies, or those who have miserly owners, are a fair specimen of our old poor in the North. Their clothing is mostly tattered and torn, and is so patched that the original cloth is lost in the variety of colors used in keeping their garments together. Their jaws are fringed with an iron gray fuzz, and all over their black faces years have traced hard lines of struggle; hats on their heads are mostly without a crown and one-half of the brim, in the corner of their mouth rest the clay pipes; yet they seemed to be the happiest people I ever met with. They are good singers and dancers, and at dinner hour they gather around a ring, talk, tell stories, laugh, and sing until the bell rings, when everyone jumps upon his feet and goes direct to his place of work.
New Orleans is the great slave market of the South, where men, women and children are bought and sold to the highest bidder. Thousands of black men and women are smuggled into this city from Cuba and Africa, and sold by an auctioneer the same as they sell horses and cows in the North. After we had seen all we desired to see, we left New Orleans at 4 o'clock p.m. for our camp-ground, at which Paradise we arrived about 6 o'clock p.m., all safe except a little tired, but of course we were able to eat a hearty supper, after which we soon retired under our tent.
Sunday, January 3, 1847.—This morning after breakfast we were called out and formed into line, after which our muskets were inspected, and for the first time I was detailed to go on guard. I had a good post, it being the Quartermaster's department. I had no occasion to go to our quarters to get something to eat, there was plenty of good things there, but strange the private soldiers don't get any of these things (all for officers).
To-day there are not many soldiers allowed to go to the city, for the reason that Col. Wynkoop received a note from the city authorities of the bad conduct of some of our men, but it turned out to be the Louisiana Volunteers. At noon the sun was unusually warm, and I thought to myself if this is winter in New Orleans I have no desire of spending the Fourth of July here.
This afternoon the steamship "Alabama" came in from Brazos, Santiago, bringing a large mail and about two hundred and fifty sick, wounded and discharged soldiers from Matamoras Hospital, but no news from Gen. Z. Taylor's army in Mexico.
To-night I heard a shot fired off, no doubt some ruffian soldier attempted to pass the guard to go and rob the citizens.
Monday January 4, 1847.—This morning after I was relieved from guard I was free from all duty, such as drilling, parading and camp duty.
To-day several of our men got permission from our Captain to go to New Orleans, but with strict orders not to get drunk nor be found in disorderly conduct towards the citizens. Some of the other companies' men went to the city without permission from their Captains, and when they returned to camp in the evening they were all put into the guard-house by orders from Col. Wynkoop.
This evening some of Co. D's men had what I call a little fight with a Spaniard, who keeps a grocery and liquor store on the levee, and came near killing him. They would no doubt have killed him had it not been for some of the officers who were just passing the place at the time of the fight. The officers brought the men to camp, but said nothing to Col. Wynkoop about the affair. Had it been any other company's men they would have been put in the guard-house, but being the "Killers" nothing was said or done.
To-night as usual tattoo, put out the lights.
Tuesday January 5, 1847.—This morning there seems to be a great deal of dissatisfaction among the soldiers of our regiment on account of the conduct of our officers toward the men. Nearly all our officers generally go to New Orleans, stop at the St. Charles Hotel, and there drink and eat and be merry, thus neglecting to do their duty toward the soldiers who are lying here without half enough to eat. At noon, in spite of the strictest orders from our officers to the guards, most of the soldiers passed between the guards and went to New Orleans to get something to eat. So this afternoon when the dress parade came off, Col. Wynkoop noticed that there was one-half of the regiment absent. After dress parade he immediately ordered five men from each company as guards to go to New Orleans and bring back all soldiers that could be found in the city.
At about 6 o'clock, p.m., the guards returned from the city having but nine men belonging to our regiment in charge. Of course, they were instantly put into the guard-house for safe keeping for a day or so. This evening, as usual, tattoo, put our lights out and make no noise, so that our faithful officers, who have just returned from the city, can sleep.
Wednesday, January 6, 1847.—This morning, as usual, the soldiers are cursing the officers and Quartermaster for not furnishing us with something to eat. It is, in fact, a perfect shame how the soldiers are treated in regard to provisions, and if it was not for the little money that the soldiers mostly have, God only knows how we would stand it. This afternoon a guard of fifty men were detailed from our regiment (I was one of the detail), and were sent to the city under command of Capt. Hill. We proceeded to New Orleans, and the first place we entered was a ball room, where there was a masquerade ball going on. At first Capt. Hill was stopped at the door, but with force we proceeded on our way in the ball room, and immediately arrested all the soldiers that were in the room. There were any quantity of city police in the ball room, and they insisted in favor of the soldiers staying in the room, and were going to arrest Capt. Hill, but instead of the police arresting Capt. Hill, Capt. Hill ordered us to arrest every police officer that interfered, which we did, and marched them with the arrested soldiers to our camp, but on our arrival at camp. Col. Wynkoop released the police.
Thursday, January 7, 1847.—This morning there was nothing of much importance occurred, but talking and asking many questions about the arresting of policemen by the soldiers yesterday in New Orleans.
At noon the steamboat "Fashion," Capt. Morgan, came in from Brazos, Santiago, bringing the dead bodies of Lieut. Col. William Watson, Capt. R. A. Gillespie, of the First Texan, Lieut. Randolph Ridgly, of the Third Light Artillery, and several other officers, besides a good many sick, wounded and discharged soldiers.
Lieut. R. Ridgly was with Maj. Samuel Ringgold at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma on the 8th and 9th of May, 1846; after Maj. Ringgold received his death wound, he took command of the battery and covered himself and his light artillery with glory. He retained the command of his battery until the time of his death, and for his bravery and skill, was promoted Brevet-Captain, and was Assistant Adjutant-General in Gen. Zachariah Taylor's army. He died October 27, 1846, from injuries received from the falling of his horse; the horse having fallen heavily on the whole body of Capt. Ridgly. He graduated at West Point in 1837, and was a brave, daring and skilful officer, a gay chevalier, a good jolly fellow and full of life, a great favorite in his regiment; he was looked upon and known as one of the best horsemen in the United States Army.
Col. Watson and Capt. Gillespie were both killed at the storming at Monterey on the 22d of September, 1846. The former in front of Fort Teneria and the latter at Fort Soldaela. One of the committee, a Baltimorean, who was sent to bring home the dead bodies of Watson and Ridgly, both being Marylanders, was hearty and in good spirits last evening when he went to bed and was found dead this morning in his berth, an inquest was held, and the verdict was, death from heart disease.
This evening Capt. Small informed the company that we would have fresh beef to-morrow, and that we would more regularly draw our rations hereafter, which caused a hearty laugh and clapping of hands. So on the strength of this beef and regular ration news we eat our homely supper all in good spirits.
Friday, January 8, 1847.—This day is the thirty-second anniversary of the famous battle of New Orleans; the battle took place about five miles below New Orleans. Yes, upon the very field of our encampment. Gen. Edward Packenham with over fifteen thousand well-drilled soldiers attacked Gen. Andrew Jackson's seven thousand raw militia with the full expectation of defeating Gen. Jackson's green militia, and driving them out of the field. Here on this camp-ground a most desperate struggle for liberty ensued, the conflict and its history is before the world, and it is not worth while for me to comment much on it, for we all know that it was one of the most brilliant victories of the whole war of 1812 and 1815. In fact the enemy were so badly defeated at this battle that they never up to this day ever attempted to attack us or even show any sign of an attack. Gens. Packenham and Gibbs were both killed. The very tree under which Gens. Packenham and Gibbs were temporarily buried still stands and shows marks of seeing services, too; over two thousand of the flower of the army of Great Britain were killed upon this camp-ground. All over these fields were strewed the dead soldiers of the British army, while the American army's loss was but seven killed and six wounded.
On the same night of the British defeat Gen. Lambert, the only general left of the British army, embarked with the remaining forces and left for England, and sent word to Gen. Jackson that he, Gen. Lambert, would bother him no more. This glorious victory causes great joy throughout the whole United States on every 8th of January. At 10 o'clock, a.m., myself and several of our company got permission from Capt. Small to go to the city of New Orleans and see the sights on the 8th of January. After we arrived in the city and walked around a little, we came to the St. Charles Hotel and of course took a drink and lunch which is as good (as John Newman says, and he ought to know for he boarded,) as many a dinner set out in Philadelphia boarding houses; all for ten cents, drink included.
The military paraded, and I must confess turned out strong and marched and looked well, they were accompanied by several bands of music and a large number of citizens. The procession passed the St. Charles Hotel, marching through several principal streets, flags were flying and banners waving over almost every house-top, the cannons sent forth their deafening peals of thunder which made the very earth shake beneath our feet.
On most every public, as well as private dwelling, the flags of our country and the portraits of Gen. Andrew Jackson were hung out or stretched across the street. The procession finally came to a halt in one of the public squares, where the citizens listened to an oration delivered to them by an old patriotic gentleman who spoke for one hour with great force and eloquence.
In the afternoon we went to the circus performance under a large tent and stayed there until the show was over, after which we started for camp, at which place we arrived about 8 o'clock, p.m., well pleased with the 8th of January, 1847.
Saturday January 9, 1847.—This morning strict orders were given to our sergeants and corporals to drill every man thoroughly in the way of loading and firing; also company drills twice a day which will be good exercise for the men.
At noon Co. D, or "Killers" as they call themselves, went out skylarking as they call it, they came to a Frenchman who had a whole lot of poultry, they broke into the poultry-yard and carried off about a dozen chickens, besides geese, turkeys and a small deer. The Frenchman pleaded for his fowl and particularly his pet deer, but it was no use, they brought the plunder to camp and it wasn't long afterwards before they had their stolen game killed and on the fire cooking.
In the evening the Frenchman came to camp and asked for his pet deer, and when he was told it was killed and some of it on the fire, he shed tears and went to Capt. Hill and he told the Captain that he would go to the city to-morrow and get out a warrant for the whole of Co. D, for stealing and killing his poultry.
Sunday, January 10, 1847.—This morning there is a great change in the weather; instead of a scorching sun, it sprung up with a northern wind, and commenced to snow and rain all the morning, forming a pond of water and ice around our encampment, and running into our tents, the ground being so low that nearly all our quarters were overflowed with water. So we private soldiers were now in a bad fix. Some I noticed were taking their blankets and knapsacks to hunt more comfortable quarters; they mostly all hunted up the slave's huts, and slept there among the slaves, and were cursing the day that they went soldiering. Our mess succeeded after we arrived here to get some boards, and made a floor about six inches from the ground, so we were all right as far as the wet ground was concerned, but our roof, I must say, leaked at several places.
The Frenchman's warrant for the arrest of the whole of Co. D has not yet arrived, and I have been informed that the officers and our Quartermaster will pay the Frenchman a reasonable price for his lost fowl and pet deer; and gave him (the Frenchman) notice that in case any soldiers came around his place again to defend his flock, even though he would have to shoot several men for it.
Midnight. It is still raining and snowing, it is awful cold, can't sleep at all. Oh! we wish it was in the morning so we could get around our camp-fire. To-day it was given out that the First and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers will be attached to Gen. Scott's army. [Cheers.]
Monday, January 11, 1847.—Last night was one of the most unpleasant and disagreeable nights that I ever experienced in all the days of my life, and, like the rest of my comrades, I shall never forget it, the longest day of my life, being half frozen to death. Our blankets and clothing on our backs were all frozen stiff and hard. Every fire-place was thronged with soldiers standing around to dry their blankets and clothing, and talking sorrowfully about the bad treatment and hardships of soldier-life in time of war.
In the afternoon two deers were seen running past, close by our camp, a party of our men soon followed them with guns, axes, knives and clubs, and succeeded in capturing one of them, the other one swam the river. Mr. Alburtus Welsh of our company (C), who (by-the-by) is a butcher, dressed the deer and gave me for our mess a piece of the deer-meat for supper, which actually was the first fresh meat we have had since we have been in Camp Jackson.
This evening it is not so cold. It is clearing off and getting more pleasant again, which has the effect of bringing and cheering up our men in good humor again. Some are trying to sing songs. Some of them of the most contemptuous character I ever heard. Some sang "Alice Gray," and "Oft in the Stilly Night," with much merriment and loud laughter. It lasted until tattoo beat, when all lights must be put out.
Tuesday, January 12, 1847.—This morning a party of some thirty men belonging to Capt. E. L. Danna's company (I), of Wilkesbarre, Pa., forced the outer guard and went to a tavern kept by a Spaniard. After eating and drinking everything they wanted they (which is always the case) commenced to break up the household goods and bottles. The Spaniard in defending his property and his own life, took up his gun, which was lying under his counter, and emptied its contents into the face of one who styled himself a bully, disfiguring his face horribly. The news of this outrage was brought to camp by a darkey, who saw the whole affair, and reported the facts. Capt. Scott, of Co. H, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, was sent in pursuit of the rioters, and succeeded in arresting the whole party, and they of course were all put in the guard-house, there to be kept until the injury of the Spaniard is fully ascertained, and the cause of the riot known, which will be investigated by Col. Wynkoop and Capt. Danna. All quiet to-night.
Wednesday, January 13, 1847.—This morning Lieut.-Col. Samuel W. Black, of our regiment, went to New Orleans to release some of our men who were locked up in the "calaboose" for several days.
At noon several companies belonging to the Second Mississippi Regiment arrived and encamped about five hundred yards above us, nearer the river. This regiment comes under the same call and requisition as ours, and I am sorry to say that they are the hardest and most delicate looking set of men, for new arrivals, that I ever saw.
This evening Lieut.-Col. Black returned to camp, bringing with him nearly all the straggling soldiers belonging to our regiment. Some looked pretty hard, and were glad that they were released again.
Thursday, January 14, 1847.—This is a delightful morning. The weather being beautiful and warm, which makes everything look pleasant.
At noon Col. Wynkoop sent orders to the Chief of Police of New Orleans, to arrest every soldier found in uniform (our regiment now being uniformed) that was in the city, and return them to our camp.
In the afternoon three companies of the Second Regiment of Pennsylvania came to our camp and pitched their tents close by ours. Louis Bymaster, Daniel Cruthers and myself, besides many others, went over to see them, and to see whether we knew any of them, but found none, as they hailed from the northwestern part of our State. 
Commander-in-Chief U. S. Army.
It is now rumored all over camp, and it seems to come from good authority, that most of the troops will soon embark for Vera Cruz, Mexico. This had the effect of three or four of our company deserting. I will record their names for future reference, they are as follows: William Barnes, William Ford, William Rolett and John Gill, all four from Philadelphia, Pa.
This evening the man belonging to Co. I, who was shot in the face by a Spaniard, whom he tried to rob and kill, died in the hospital of his wounds. That's what he got for trying to rob and kill his fellow-man. Later the United States Quartermaster came to the camp from New Orleans, and stated to Col. Wynkoop that the vessels would be down here to-night or in the morning, and that we should be ready to embark at a minute's notice. So all the soldiers are in high glee, singing and cheering, at the same time making preparations for the seat of war; writing letters is the order of the evening.
Friday, January 15, 1847.—This morning our regiment was divided into three divisions. The first and second divisions received orders to strike their tents and pack up and be ready to embark on ships.
The first division is composed of Co's A, G and K. They embarked at noon on the sailing-ship "Oxnard," under the command of Col. Francis M. Wynkoop. The second division soon followed. It is composed of Co's E, F, I and H. They embarked at 3 o'clock, p.m., on the sailing-ship "Russell Glover," under the command of Lieut.-Col. Samuel W. Black. The third division, to which our company belongs, is to embark to-morrow morning.
As soon as the soldiers got on board the lines were cast off and away they went with cheers for Mexico, etc.
This evening some five or six hundred soldiers, belonging to the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, arrived in camp, others belonging to Col. Second Mississippi Regiment, and some belonging to the Louisiana Regiment arrived. All quiet to-night. Saturday, January 16, 1847.—This morning, after breakfast, we received orders to strike our tents, pack up, and hold ourselves ready to embark, which took place at about 10 o'clock, a.m. Our division is composed of Co.'s C and D. We embarked on the bully sailing ship "Statesman," under the command of Major Francis L. Bowman. After we were all on board we gave three hearty cheers for the old battleground, and cheers for Mexico. Previously, before we left camp, Capt. Hill and Lieut. George Moore, both belonging to Co. D, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, resigned their commissions, and left Lieut. J. C. Kretschman or Kretschmar to take command of the company. Lieut. Kretschmar is the only commissioned officer left in Co. D, Lieut. Alexander Brown being appointed Adjutant of our regiment. There was about a dozen of the "Killer" Co. D, deserted; our company missed one more deserter, named Oliver Amy, of Philadelphia. All the country soldiers belonging to our company stood by their company and their flag.
Just before we embarked, some of the Louisiana men told me that they also received orders to embark to-morrow in the sailing-ships "Orchelans," "Ondrika" and " Sharon," and that they are making preparations to leave.
This evening we weighed anchor and slowly passed down the river, but did not go far on account of a heavy fog setting in early, so the ship dropped anchor.
Sunday, January 17, 1847.—This morning, at 8 o'clock, we again weighed anchor and left the tow-steamer, named "Phoenix," and passed down on the bosom of the great Mississippi river, and on our way down we saw some of the largest sugar plantations and rice fields in the State of Louisiana. They were full of slaves or plantation negroes, male and female, old and young. They cheered us and sang their plantation songs and hymns.
This section of country is full of that dreaded enemy, the yellow-legged mosquito. This unruly bird is so terrible on account of its size and voracity, and it seems they prefer northern hide to rich, blue blood. About 3 o'clock, p.m., we were again obliged to come to anchor owing to the heavy fog.
The sailors told us to-night that if nothing happens and the fog clears away, we will be at the mouth of the Mississippi to-morrow evening.
Monday, January 18, 1847.—This morning we could not start until 10 o'clock, owing to the fog, which is common here, and particularly at this season of the year. We weighed anchor and was towed by the steamboat "Phoenix" down to nearly the mouth of the Mississippi river, to a place called Blaizen, here the tow-boat left us. We shook out sails and passed on down the bay, which is wide here. We saw any quantity of wild game, such as ducks, geese, swans and pelicans, flying around the small islands.
In the evening we anchored opposite Fort Jackson.
Tuesday, January 15, 1847.—This morning after breakfast the sailors weighed anchor and we sailed down the river, and crossed the bar about 1 o'clock, p.m. The ship now commenced to rock a little, increasing its rocking as we went on. We had just partaken of a hearty dinner of fat pork and bean soup. The ship now commenced to rock heavily, and is rolling from one side to the other like a cradle (not the cradle of liberty).
The soldiers are beginning to look sickly, and no doubt feel very uncomfortable, and are getting sea-sick. Some could be seen to hunt places less motionless, or trying to keep the ship from rocking, but all no go. King Neptune was too stubborn, and finally revolutions came into their throats, making them look pale about the "gills." Some could be seen hunting positions, or their bunks, to lay down. The ship still keeps rocking up and down, and it seems that every time the ship goes up, up goes the stomachs of some of our soldiers, struggling and rushing to the side of the ship, and heaving up the fat pork and bean soup. Some made a firm determination not to get sea-sick, and laughed at those who were taken first, but old Neptune was too much for us, for we all had to be relieved of our pork and bean soup, and so before night I was relieved of most everything that was within me, and I am now feeling very sick on the strength of it.
To-night everything is very quiet, the soldiers are quietly lying in their bunks, not saying anything to anybody, nor don't want anybody to say anything to them. The ship is still rocking.
Wednesday, January 20, 1847.—This morning I did not rise until 10 o'clock on account of being sea-sick. There was no dress parade, owing to the men as well as the officers being all sea-sick.
Our journey to-day is a monotonous one, nothing to be seen but the water and the blue sky above us.
There was very little amusement occurred on account of the sea being so heavy.
In the evening the wind began to blow very hard, and the sailors could be seen busy in lashing everything fast, and by their general conversation we could learn that it was expected that we would have a storm soon.
To-night every soldier is lying quietly in his bunk covered up in his blanket, sad and sorrowful, saying that they wished they had never went soldiering.
Twelve o'clock to night the wind blows very hard and the ship tosses to and fro. Oh! how we all wish ourselves on shore again, and would then make promises that we would sin no more. Some of our men I notice are very much frightened about getting ship-wrecked.
Thursday, January 21, 1847.—This morning the ships "Oxnard" and "Russell Glover," which has the other two divisions on board, were seen at a distance. This caused much joy and merriment among the soldiers.
The wind still keeps up, which prevents the soldiers from coming on deck for fear of again getting sea-sick.
This evening the wind began to die away and was getting calm, which caused much encouragement among the soldiers, and particularly the sick. The men are coming on deck, and everybody seems to be in good cheer and good nature, which is the best feature in the face.
Wit may raise admiration, judgment command respect, knowledge attention, beauty inflame the heart with love, but good nature has a more powerful effect, it adds a thousand attractions to the charms of beauty, and gives an air of beneficence to the most homely face.
Friday, January 22, 1847.—This morning we find that the demon had been conquered, and the storm and wind ceased.
At noon the sky became bright and clear, which had the effect of bringing nearly all the soldiers, well and sick, on the deck. John Newman and I went up into the rigging of the ship, where we stayed for several hours, looking over the broad water. Now and then we could see sails afar off, no doubt loaded with munitions of war, or with soldiers. Below us we could see the sick, who were enjoying the pure air and glowing sky with relish. A light breeze waves us along slowly. The gulf looks magnificent, and I was surprised to see the color of the water, which was as blue as if colored with indigo. Some of our fellows could be seen catching a sort of a shellfish, called Portugueres (man-of-war), which swims the Gulf of Mexico. This evening one of our mess caught one of these fishes by throwing a bucket down the side of the ship and scooping it into the bucket. It was really a curiosity for me to see this kind of fish.
To-night is a beautiful night, all the soldiers are on deck and the long hours are whiled away by singing, dancing, telling stories and other pastimes.
Saturday, January 23, 1847.—This morning we find the wind dead against us, and could not make any headway, much to the dissatisfaction of all the soldiers, and most of them again got sea-sick, and were anxious to get on dry land again. At dinner-time I was amused at seeing several of our men (sick) emptying their stomachs of the fat pork and bean soup, just relished, over the side of the ship.
One of our fellows teased the sick by having a piece of fat pork stuck on the end of a stick, holding it up in front of the sick men's faces so that they could see it, which sight, of course, made them a great deal worse.
This evening some of our company and Co. D found out the locality of the ship's stores, and were determined on having something else than fat pork and beans, and at night they succeeded in capturing five or six hams, a few tongues, and several bushels of potatoes. So look out for somebody being arrested.
Sunday, January 24, 1847.—This morning we find the wind still unfavorable, and our ship making slow headway. The swells are very heavy, and it keeps the ship rolling over and over, which is very unpleasant for our sick. At noon some of our officers were going around and examining our pork and bean pots to see whether they could find out who had the hams, tongues and potatoes, but our fellows were too sharp, they put a layer of sourkrout over the top of each kettle that had a ham or tongue in, and this is the way our officers were blindfolded, and could not find out who stole the hams, tongues and potatoes.
This evening the weather is getting warmer, which is encouraging the sick.
To-night we fared well on our mysterious hams, tongues and potatoes.
Monday, January 25, 1847.—This morning all of the soldiers, except the sick, jumped on deck, brought up by the cry of land ahead. The captain of the ship took his spy-glass and went aloft, and when he came down reported to the soldiers and officers that it was Brazos, Santiago. This cheered the soldiers, and they all appeared lively and in good spirits again.
This afternoon some of the soldiers caught a dolphin and several other sort of black fishes, which came alongside the ship in shoals.
To-night it is splendid. For supper we had fish, ham and potatoes; who wouldn't be a soldier? Tuesday, January 26, 1847.—This morning the soldiers were gathered in different groups and were talking and wondering how soon the long-looked-for land would be seen. Some even went to the captain of the ship and asked him how long or how many days it would be before they could get to land again. The captain answered them that we will have a storm before night, and that we will likely be driven further from land than what we now are.
Sure enough this evening the sky clouded up and the sea ran mountain high, and the captain for fear of being driven on shore concluded to run out to sea again, which he did to the great disappointment of all the soldiers.
To-night the sailors lashed everything fast. The sea is raging wild, and the sailors tell us that we will have a heavy sea to-night.
Wednesday January 27, 1847.—Early this morning the wind ceased, and soon afterwards a heavy fog set in which kept the ship from getting nearer to the land.
At 4 o'clock, p.m., the fog cleared away, which gave the ship an opportunity to sail on a little further, but the fog soon set in again and the captain was obliged to anchor, for fear of running into some sailing craft or get on a reef.
To-night the storm came up again and blew a perfect hurricane, the sailors had to give the ship forty fathoms of cable to make her stand, and sometimes she would drag the anchor. The sea is high and rough, everything fastened, the hatchway shut down. It lasted until midnight, when it slackened off. This storm had the effect of again making some of our men sea-sick.
Thursday, January 28, 1847.—This morning the fog cleared off, and we could plainly see the much talked of and looked for Brazos, Santiago, and a miserable looking place it is; two or three shanties and a few tents along the beach, and the harbor full of vessels of all descriptions anchored around the beach. Some loaded with troops, stores and ordnances to carry on the war with Mexico. About 10 o'clock, a.m.,a United States Government steamboat came alongside of our ship and wanted our report to be handed to Gen. Winfield Scott, whose headquarters are now at Brazos, awaiting the arrival of all his troops to operate against Vera Cruz. The captain of the steamboat informed us that the ships "Oxnard" and "Russell Glover," containing the balance of our regiment, had left the day before for the Island Lobos, and the soldiers were all well with exception of a few being sea-sick. The captain of the steamboat then asked our men whether we wanted any beef or provisions. This question was no sooner out of his mouth, when nearly all the men cried in a loud voice, "We want beef, we want beef! For we have had none since we left Pittsburgh, Pa." [Laughter.] The answer was that we shall all have beef. [Laughter.]
Friday, January 29, 1847.—This morning our doctor, Dr. Bunting, and commissary stepped into a small boat and rowed toward the Brazos to see if there was any mail for our regiment, also to get some medicine for the sick soldiers.
So, during the absence of our distinguished commissary, one of Company D, took the advantage of him, and rolled a barrel of ham away and hid it under a tent, with blankets thrown over it carelessly, but in a couple of hours afterward some of the officers discovered that a barrel of ham was stolen, and were determined to find out who took the barrel of ham. They placed a guard over the fire-place to keep a watch and see who had the hams. But they fooled the soft, green guard, as well as the officers on a former occasion, by doing as they done before, cutting the ham in two or three pieces, and then put it into the camp kettles of water with a heavy layer of sourkrout on the top of it, and that was the way they cooked it unknown to either the guard or officers.
To-night neither Dr. Bunting nor our commissary have arrived on our ship. I guess they are having a nice time on shore. Saturday, January 30, 1847.—This morning, after breakfast, we were mustered on deck for the first time since we were on board this ship, and had orders read to us from Gen. Scott. The orders were that we should immediately proceed on our way to the Island of Lobos, some sixty miles south of Tampico, there to await until further orders from his generalship. This looks like business.
To-day is very calm, not a breath of air stirring. In the evening we still find ourselves at anchor on account of our doctor and commissary being at Brazos, Santiago. We are nearly all wishing that they would either return or stay away altogether, as we have plenty of ham.
To-night in the absence of our commissary, some of the stolen hams were distributed among the soldiers, that are favorites.
Sunday, January 31, 1847.—This morning the captain of our ship lowered a life-boat for the purpose of going after our two officers now on shore. When about half-way over they were met by a United States Government steamboat coming toward our ship with the fresh beef promised us the other day, saying that they thought that was what was keeping us here waiting for the beef.
The captain of our ship returned with the Government, steamboat and brought the promised beef on board of our ship, and it was the hardest looking beef I ever saw, it was nothing but skin and bones, and not as much fat on it as would make a penny candle. It was as black as the ace of spades. We said to ourselves we prefer the commissary ham.
To-night our two officers are still absent, and keeping us here.
Monday, February 1, 1847.—This morning we are still at anchor, awaiting those two bummers of ours. At noon, to our great delight, the two missing officers came on board. They both looked as if they got different kind of rations while they lived on shore. We are now weighing the anchor, after which we set sail for the Island of Lobos. The wind being contrary, we did not make five miles from the Brazos. It was gloomy all day. In the evening there were shoals of fishes swimming around our ship. I tried to catch one of the porpoises, but failed. At dusk a small schooner came alongside; or, in fact, passing our ship, when the following conversation took place: "Ship ahoy!" "Aye, aye, sir" "Where do you hail from?" "New Orleans, sir. Where are you from?" "Galveston, Texas, sir." "Where are you bound for?" "The Island of Lobos, sir." "Here, too." "What is your latitude?" "Good." "Good luck to you, sir." "Same to you, sir." This is the general conversation the sea captains have when they meet one another out at sea. The soldiers paid a close attention, and listened with their ears and eyes open while the conversation was going on, and were well pleased with the ceremony. At 10 o'clock to-night the wind changed in our favor, and we are now gliding along pretty fast, and the captain says that if it keeps on this way, and we have good luck, we will make the Island of Lobos to-morrow evening. We have nearly all got pretty well used to the sea; our men who have been sea sick have nearly all recovered, and they seemed to care little whether the ship lies still or rolls over until her keel is above the water.
Tuesday, February 2, 1847.—This morning our Commissary first discovered that another barrel of his hams was missing. He is swearing vengeance against the man or men that stole it, threatening to shoot the man or men who stole it. He will have a happy time to find out who got it. And, again, the hams are by this time nearly all eaten up. At noon orders were issued that every soldier would be put on an allowance of water, one quart to a man for a day to cook, drink, etc. This is coming to a pretty pinch. To-day is beautiful, the wind being in our favor all day, and the prospects of the end of our sea journey is near at hand. This evening the sky was darkened by the heavy clouds, and a heavy norther blew up. The poor sailors went aloft, took in their sails, and on deck lashed everything fast; lashed the spars and foretops; tightened everything fast; the sailors also tell us that the sea by tomorrow morning would run mountain high. To-night the sea is as red as fire, wild and rough looking.
Wednesday. February 3, 1847.—This morning, sure enough, the storm raged with the utmost fury, but died away about 10 o'clock, a.m. The sea is now a magnificent sight, sparkling like a sea of diamonds on the massive sheet of foam, playing, plunging and burying themselves in the deep blue bosom of the Gulf of Mexico. To-night the wind rose again, and almost every soldier was seen to jump into his bunk to take a good night's sleep on the rocking of the ship, for we are now getting well used to the rocking and rough sea. Good night.
Thursday, February 4, 1847.—This morning the storm ceased and the sea became quite calm. At 10 o'clock, a.m., we were startled by the cry of a shark. All the soldiers rushed upon deck to witness the sight, when some thirty shots were fired at him, but he seemed not to mind it at all, but was soon captured by a sailor who had a large hook tied to the harpoon. He was hauled on deck and skinned by Alburtus Welsh, of our company. He measured six feet in length. Mr. Welsh wasn't long before he had the shark cut up and put on the fire to cook. After which Mr. Welsh gave me a piece. It was the first shark meat I ever eat, and I must confess it was the best fish meat I most ever eat. This evening we noticed several small fishes swimming alongside of our ship. We lowered a basket and scooped several of them up. They are called the pilot boy. This fish is something on the leech order, it having a broad, flat head. They die as soon as they are out of water.
Friday, February 5, 1847.—This morning our ship's captain discovered that we were not far from land, the wind being still against us, and of course making very little headway. At noon we saw several swallows flying about the ship. This indicated that we were not far from land. This evening is calm, not a ripple can be seen on the ocean. Saturday February 6, 1847.—This morning we find the current running at the rate of six miles per hour to the north. Our course should be to the south. We did not make five miles all day. This evening after dusk we spoke the ship "St. Louis," of Philadelphia, loaded down with ammunition of war and surf or transport boats. The same conversation took place that was held with the schooner the other day, except the "St. Louis" was bound for Anton Lizardo, near Vera Cruz. The soldiers all seemed to be much pleased in meeting the ship.
Sunday February 7, 1847.—This morning our water, which we were told of the other day, was issued to us by the mess. Each mess drawing a quart of water for each man to drink, cook and wash in. The water is miserable. The smell is enough to make the soldiers sick or to put us entirely against using it, but we will have to put up with it until we can get better. At noon the wind is still ahead and is likely to be so for several days; yet there is no telling how the wind may blow in an hour from now, for it is so contrary in these regions, and particularly at this time of the year. In the evening several of our men caught fishes, some weighing from five to six pounds and are a very pretty fish. We are now several days out from the sight of land and our men are wondering how long it will be before we will see land again. Nothing extraordinary happened to-day or night.
Monday, February 8, 1847.—This morning as usual we still find the wind against us, but the weather is fine and pleasant. At noon most of the soldiers went on deck and passed their time in playing cards, a game the soldiers are more or less addicted to, and thus frequently gamble all their money in a few days after they are paid off. Some of our men were amused by Mr. Kennedy, of Company D, who favored them with some beautiful airs on the accordeon. He is a good player as well as a singer. We did not make six miles all day—poor way of getting along, but we will have to let old Neptune take his own time and way, for he is very contrary sometimes. To-night it looks as if none of our men want to go to sleep. Everybody seems to be cheerful. Some are trying to dance, while others again are singing sentimental songs tuned with the accordeon and with comic voices and accents in such a doleful and lugubrious style as to cause the soldiers to look like a funeral party. It was so comic that it made every one laugh and be in good humor.
Tuesday, February 9, 1847.—This morning I noticed some of our men did not get out of their bunks until after 10 o'clock, and their whole talk and laughing was about the comic proceedings of last night.
The wind is still ahead and is blowing hard. The sailors seemed to be very much alarmed. They are telling our men that we are now on one of the worst coasts on the gulf for storms.
This evening at a distance we saw a large fire on the Mexican shore, supposed to be put there by the Mexicans to get vessels on the breakers or beach.
To-night, in place of our men singing comic songs, they formed themselves into a debating society, and their whole discussion of subjects was on the Mexican War. The discussion was very interesting and exciting. Some of the soldiers were well posted in argument, in talent and gift of speech-making. Some prophesied that the war, after we landed, would only last one month, while others, again, argued that it would last over a year, and that a desperate and bloody struggle will have to take place before the city of Mexico is taken.
The debating was heartily applauded, and adjourned at 1 1 o'clock at night.
Wednesday, February 10, 1847.—This morning the sky had every appearance of a storm. At noon the prophecy became too true, the wind whistling through the rigging and making great mischief. In the evening the sea became very rough. Waves were dashing up in front of our ship as high as mountains. It blew a perfect hurricane. The tempest is raging high. Could not carry one foot of sail. It began to look gloomy, The sailors were obliged to take the main-top mast off to lighten her above. To-night the soldiers were obliged to fasten themselves in their bunks with ropes to keep themselves from falling out. The storm was fearful, and some of our men began to get alarmed, fearing the ship "Statesman" would go down to rise no more. I noticed our messmate, Simon Schafifer, was praying. Yet, for all this fearful rage, it was truly laughable to see how some of our men were falling out of their bunks, and trying to creep back into them again; to see the pans and camp kettles rolling and tumbling about on the floor of the ship. We heard the billows swelling, the breakers roaring on the ocean all night.
Thursday, February 11, 1847.—This morning the storm is still raging with unabated fury. One of our main fore-sails was carried away by the storm, which blew it high in the air. At noon it commenced to rain powerfully, accompanied by thunder and lightning which made the sea howl. Everything is kept fastened. To-night I heard the sailors talking about the awful storm we had last night, and how some tumbled out of their bunks and struggled to get in again, laughing over the scene and excitement amongst our men.
Friday, February 12, 1847.—This morning the wind is blowing a regular gale, and kept at it nearly all day. So nothing strange took place. To-night one of our sentinels, stationed on the forecastle, cried "Ship ahead! ship ahead!" We came within several feet of running into one another, which caused great excitement amongst the officers, as well as all the soldiers and sailors on board. Had there been a collision, the ships would have undoubtedly both went down, with all the living and half-dead freight on board. Some of our men say that it was the same ship we met the other night ("St. Louis"), but the captain of the ship said that it was the "Sharon," with Louisiana soldiers on board. It was a lucky escape. The wind is now dying away. It is time.
Saturday, February 13, 1847.—This morning the general talk and conversation among the soldiers was about the narrow escape we met with last night. At noon it began to get very cloudy, and the ship's captain seemed to be very uneasy, not knowing his latitude and longitude. He could not find out where he was, owing to the state of the weather; so not knowing his whereabouts, he again put out to sea. This afternoon there was a little excitement among the soldiers, owing to a hat and a pair of pants floating near our ship. It was supposed to belong to some of the ships we saw at a distance off.
Sunday, February 14, 1847.—This morning the sun came out, and our ship's captain soon found out his latitude and longitude, and discovered that we were not far from Vera Cruz, and it wasn't long before we could with spy-glasses see the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa and Orazaba Mountain. The captain put about ship and proceeded to the Island of Lobos, and if the wind keeps as it is we will make the Island in the morning.
Monday, February 15, 1847.—This morning about 10 o'clock we spoke to the bark "May Flower," of New York. Some say with New York soldiers, others have it the Second Mississippi Regiment, the latter I think is correct; also the bark "Isabella" with a detachment of the New York Volunteers, under the command of Capt. Shaw, on board. We hailed them both, and they answered as their destination the Island of Lobos.
At noon the sentinel at the forecastle spied land ahead, and it proved to be the long-looked-for Island of Lobos. To-night the soldiers are all in high glee, with the beautiful sights in view.
Tuesday, February 16, 1847.—This morning as we were approaching the Island Lobos a pilot-boat came alongside of our ship and wanted five dollars per foot to pilot us in to anchorage. The captain of our ship did not like the appearance of the man for he asked too much; we, however, beat in slowly and anchored about 3 o'clock, p.m., after which there was a detail of ten men from each company to go ashore and clear away the bushes and rubbish, so we could pitch our tents. At 5 o'clock, a.m., we all landed, and it seemed that everyone wanted to be first to land, so anxious were we to get on shore again. Here we were received by the rest of our regiment, who arrived a few days ago. We were much rejoiced in seeing one another again.
To-night, for the first time, we are sleeping on foreign soil. All quiet to-night.
Wednesday, February 17, 1847.—This morning after breakfast, and after having our tents all fixed right, Louis Bymaster and myself took a walk around the island, and we find it a much prettier and larger place than we expected. We also visited the Palmetto Regiment and Louisiana Regiment drilling on dress parade, and they are the hardest looking (new) soldiers that I ever saw, and if you call these men chivalry of the Sunny South, I would like to see some of the poor.
This evening one of the Louisiana Regiment died, and was buried with all the honors of war.
Thursday, February 18, 1847.—This morning Capt. Small reported himself to Col. Wynkoop for duty, after which he gave orders to our company for each and every soldier to clean up his brasses, his belts and make a fine appearance, for the first time, on foreign soil.
At 10 o'clock, a.m., the drums beat. We formed into line, and mustered eighty muskets. After a little speech from our Captain, we marched to the parade-ground, and I must say that our company looked as well, if not better, than any company in the regiment.
After going through the usual parade drill, we marched back to our quarters, where we met Col. Wynkoop, who complimented us very highly by saying that we drilled better, looked healthier and cleaner than any other company in the regiment, and he hoped that we may continue in our drilling, cleanliness and good behavior in camp, as well as on dress parades, after which Capt. Small thanked the Colonel for the compliment, and the Colonel then left with cheers. This evening two more of the Louisiana Volunteers died, and were buried with all the honors of war. The band belonging to the regiment played the funeral march.
It seems to me that these Southern soldiers can't stand the hot climate as well as us Northern dirty dogs. Talk about dirt! That's what kills these Southern soldiers. They are the filthiest and laziest set of men I have ever seen; there is no life or ambition about them.
Friday, January 19, 1847.—This morning there is a stiff breeze from the north, which has the effect to make it more pleasant—not so hot.
At noon I noticed several more ships had arrived, and I counted no less than twenty vessels in sight.
This afternoon the schooner "Catharine H. Bacon" arrived. She is loaded with wagons, mules and army ordnances. Also, the ship "Charlotta Reid" arrived, loaded down with Capt. Rockett's Howitzer Battery, and ordnance stores for Gen. Scott's army. They had a full brass band on board, and played the national airs as she sailed in; also, played in the evening.
To-night is calm and beautiful. The sea looks lovely.
Saturday, February 20, 1847.—This morning, after breakfast, Alburtus Welsh, Simon Schaffer, myself and others went in search, along the beach, for rare shells, which are numerous here. We found some beautiful ones, and we were wishing that we only could send some of these rare shells home to some of our friends. It would be a great curiosity to them, and particularly from this section of the country.
From here we visited the other regiments. We find encamped on this island the First and Second Regiments Pennsylvania Volunteers, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi and part of the New York Regiments. Some have not got their uniforms yet.
This evening, after the usual dress parade and drill, nearly all our soldiers went into the sea to bathe. It is calm. Sunday, February 21, 1847.—This morning a steamship hove in sight, and in a short time she came near enough for us to learn that it was the flagship "Massachusetts," and by her signs we found our Commander-in-Chief, Major-Gen. Winfield Scott, was on board of her. The sloop-of-war "St. Mary," Capt. Sanders commander, and which has been lying here ever since we arrived, opened her bull dogs in honor of his (Scott's) arrival.
The General did not land on account of the sea and weather being too rough. To-night the sea looks like fire.
Monday February 22, 1847.—This morning the minute guns of the "St. Mary," as well as those on shore, fired salutes in honor of the 22d of February. The day was celebrated by several companies in a becoming manner. Our company had a splendid supper on the occasion, served up by Mr. Schultz. After supper was over the bottles were handed around and toast after toast was drank. Little patriotic speeches were made by several of our officers and men. So passed the 22d of February on the Island of Lobos.
Tuesday, February 23, 1847.—This morning we were visited by the officers of the Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. They spoke very highly and complimentary. At noon the man-of-war-brig "Perry" arrived from the blockading squadron off Vera Cruz. As soon as she dropped her anchor the "St. Mary" weighed her anchor and set sail for Vera Cruz. In the evening some of Co. D and some of our men had a little fight about the right of the fire-place; but it was soon quashed by our officers. This was the first quarrel we have had since we were mustered into the United States Army. To-night it is rumored in our camp that Lieut. Richey and a party of his men were all captured and murdered by the Mexican guerillas, near Villa Grand.
I learn to-night that a regular United States officer died on shipboard and was brought on the island.
The wind to-night is again rising and the ships are seen to rock to and fro like a baby's cradle. Wednesday, February 24, 1847.—This morning the regular United States officer that died on ship last evening was buried with all the honors of war. He was accompanied to his grave by nearly all the regular officers on the island, besides a full brass band playing the funeral march.
The report of the capture of Second Lieut. J. A. Richey, of the Fifth United States Infantry, and his gallant little band is confirmed. They were lassoed and afterwards brutally massacred in cold blood near the town of Villa Grand, on or about the 12th or 13th of January last. Lieut. Richey was the bearer of dispatches to Gen. Zach. Taylor. Thus all the dispatches and plans of Gen. Scott's campaign in Mexico were captured with poor Lieut. Richey, and the Mexican government by this time are as fully posted as to his movements as Gen. Scott himself This evening there was an election in Company D, of our regiment, for captaincy. Adjt. Alexander Brown and Lieut. J. C. Kretschmar were the candidates. After the polls were closed and the votes counted it resulted in favor of Lieut. Kretschmar for captain almost by a unanimous vote, which caused much rejoicing and hand-shaking among the boys. Lieut. Kretschmar made a little speech thanking the members for electing him to the captaincy of the company and promising them that he would stand by them as long as he lived. Capt. Kretschmar is quite a young man; in fact, he looks in the face like a lady—smooth face and good looking. To-night we can hear most all the soldiers talking about the capturing and murdering of Lieut. Richey, saying that his blood shall and will be yet avenged the first opportunity.
Thursday, February 25,1847.—This morning after breakfast we went out on parade, and drilled for over one hour, after which orders were read to us for to pack up and strike our tents.
At 11 o'clock, a.m., we again got into the surf-boats, which took us on board of our bully ship "Statesman," singing the National song, We are all Bound for Mexico. This evening orders came from Gen. Scott stating that we should not leave until further orders from him. He expected long before this that his ships containing the transport surfboats would have arrived.
To-night the soldiers were all wishing that the ship having those surf-boats on board would arrive.
Friday February 26, 1847.—This morning we were all ordered on deck to be inspected and mustered. Also orders were read stating that the red pennant flying from the main topmast of Gen. Scott's flag ship "Massachusetts," would be the signal for all ships to depart. Cheers for Mexico.
In the afternoon I heard considerable growling, and there seems to be much dissatisfaction among the boys, all being anxious to get away from this island. All eyes are watching for the red pennant on Gen. Scott's flag ship "Massachusetts," but all in vain,
Saturday, February 27, 1847.—This morning the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers and all the rest of the troops on Lobos Island were ordered to strike tents and to embark, and be ready to sail.
I heard to-day the reason of our delay here is on account of Gen. T. S. Jessup, United States Quartermaster at New Orleans, failing to provide transportation for the soldiers, ordnance stores, artillery and dragoons. According to Gen. Scott's plan of operation all the transports and soldiers should have been here long before this time. Gen. Scott seemed to be much embarrassed and troubled about the capturing of his plan of operations in Mexico, and the insufficiency of transports to transport his army.
This evening a number of ships loaded with troops, ammunition and ordnance, stores arrived. There must now be nearly one hundred vessels of all sizes anchored around this island, in fact it looks like a wilderness of spars and rigging.
Later this evening three companies of the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers on board the ship "General Vesay" were ordered to land again on Lobos Island on account of their having the small-pox, and were ordered not to join their regiment until they were fully restored to health, this news caused a little grumbling among those who were not sick with that disease.
Ten o'clock to-night I heard that several of our sentinels were asleep on their post when the guard went around to release them; they were ordered to be put under guard to await a court-martial.
Sunday, February 28, 1847.—This morning we were ordered on deck, and orders were read from Gen. Scott stating that the Second Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama Regiments were lo leave instantly for Tampico to form part of the garrison of that place so as to relieve some of the regulars. They weighed anchor and set sail, and are now nearly out of sight.
In the evening all the carpenters and laborers on the island were ordered to get on ships.
Monday, March 1, 1847.—This morning the steamship "Eudora" arrived from New Orleans and Brazos Santiago, bringing important dispatches from our Government to Gen. Winfield Scott. By this arrival the soldiers all expected letters from home, but were sadly disappointed, there being no mail, and brought but enough money to pay off our commissioned officers, but nothing was said in regard to paying the privates. Oh, no; they will have to serve a little longer. This evening some of our soldiers held a meeting and made patriotic speeches, after which they adopted strong resolutions requesting our Government to either send us on to the seat of war or send us back from whence we came, as we were getting tired of this tomfoolery.
Tuesday, March 2, 1847.—This morning some of our soldiers traded away a barrel of Uncle Sam's fat pork and a box of candles for some ham and butter of a trading schooner. At 10 o'clock, a.m., we were formed on deck and inspected by Col. Wynkoop, after which he addressed us in a good little speech, saying that the next time he will meet us would be on the enemy's soil, where he will cheerfully meet and lead his regiment into the field of action; also warning all soldiers to keep their muskets and ammunition dry and in prime order; also saying that from authority the enemy's force at Vera Cruz is from six to seven thousand strong, and he expected to meet with strong opposition in landing at Vera Cruz. To-night I noticed our Capt. Small and Lieut. Berry making a flag out of blue bunting. The pole is of a ship's boat oar, the spear out of a prong hook, the State of Pennsylvania being too poor to give us a flag.
Wednesday, March 3, 1847.—This morning the appointed signal was seen floating from the ship "Massachusetts." Then there was great excitement and bustle among the different ships, all preparing to start. The rattling and clinking of the heavy cables as they weighed the anchors. While the sailors were winding up the cables the soldiers mingled with them in singing their favorite and merry songs, such as: "With a Stout Vessel and a Bully Crew, we'll carry the Ship Statesman through the Storm, hi oh, hi, oh." "We are now Bound for the Shores of Mexico, and there Uncle Sam's Soldiers we will Land, hi oh, &c."
Everything is as merry as a marriage bell and inspired the soldiers with confidence of our success in Mexico. The whole fleet of ships was soon under way with their flags flying from almost every mast head.
Gen. Scott, on board of his flagship "Massachusetts," could be seen passing from one end of the ship to the other giving orders and watching the movement of every sail, and as the vessels were passing one another cheers after cheers were given. The "Russell Glover," with Col. Francis M. Wynkoop on board, led our regiment, followed by the "Oxnard," Lieut.Col. Samuel W. Black, and then the "Statesman," Maj. Francis L. Bowman, bringing up the rear. The sight was grand, and it will be remembered as a day of jubilee and rejoicing among the soldiers.
Thursday, March 4, 1847.—This morning the wind changed in our favor, which caused a smiling and a pleasing countenance in almost every soldier's face. The noble ship "Statesman" is now gliding along like a thing of life. The fleet is nearly all out of sight. The weather is pleasant and fair and most all the soldiers are on deck and in the rigging talking about the gala day of yesterday, and are also straining their eyes to get an early view of the city of Vera Cruz, the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa, &c. Quiet to-night.
Friday, March 5, 1847.—This morning nearly all the vessels that started on the 3d were out of sight which again made everything look lonesome and tiresome. At 11 o'clock, a.m., our ship "Statesman" ran on a coral reef. The ship's captain and his crew tried all they could to keep the ship off, but all in vain, as the wind was against him. The captain then ran the flag up with the Union down as a signal of distress, but the vessels passing near by paid no attention to it, and every time the ship struck up came large pieces split off her keel. The sailors took out the chain anchors and by adding a cable around the windlass we succeeded in getting her off after hard work. The captain of the ship ordered up a barrel of whiskey to be distributed among the soldiers who assisted in getting the ship off, &c. During this little accident some of the soldiers got frightened, and one of Co. C, named Simon Schaffer, was seen in the hold of the ship with his knees upon his knapsack praying aloud for God's sake to save the ship and all the souls on board. To-night some of the soldiers looked as if they felt the whiskey.
Saturday, March 6, 1847.—This morning we were in full view of Anton Lisardo, and it was not long till we got right in the midst, and anchored in the midst of over two hundred sails; in fact, it looks more like a wilderness of dead pine trees than so many spars and rigging of ships. Nearly all the men-of-war ships now in the employ of our Government are stationed here to protect the unarmed vessels, as well as the soldiers and ordnances on board. This afternoon several more ships arrived. General Scott, with Commodore Connor, on board the steamboat "Spitfire," were seen reconnoitering along the shore for the purpose of selecting a suitable place for the landing of troops. When they nearly approached the city of Vera Cruz the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa commenced firing several round shot and shell towards the "Spitfire." One shot we saw fall in front of the "Spitfire's" bow, which caused the "Spitfire" to return, having accomplished and learned nearly all they wanted to know. Castle of San Juan de Ulloa was named after a prominent Spaniard in Spain. This evening we could plainly hear music all around us, bands playing the national airs.
Sunday, March y, 1847.—This morning Col. F. M. Wynkoop came on board of our ship and stated that Gen. Scott had selected a spot near the Island of Sacrificios for the landing of our soldiers, and that we would land to-night at 1o'clock, and that we were to take three days' rations in our haversacks and our canteens filled with water, and not to take anything in our knapsacks but one blanket, two shirts and a pair of socks. He also said that he had lost his horse on the voyage, and would be obliged to foot it with us. This evening Gen. Scott and Commodore Connor, on board of the "Spitfire," were cruising around the ships, and were cheered as they passed, the bands playing all the national airs. To-night some of our men had a ball in the hold of the ship.
Monday, March 8, 1847.—This morning we still found ourselves on board of the ship. The talk of landing, which was to take place yesterday afternoon, did not come off. At noon the mate of our ship went to the ship "Russell Glover" for the purpose of getting orders from Col. Wynkoop. After an absence of one hour he returned with orders stating that everything was now ready, and that we would positively land tomorrow noon. Also that Lieut. Landstree of Capt. Bennett's Company (F), First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, died of brain fever, and was buried on Anton Lizardo with the honors of war. This is the first commissioned officer that died belonging to our regiment in a foreign soil. In the evening there was a good deal of excitement and activity going on among the soldiers and sailors in preparing for the landing, which I am told will surely take place to-morrow at the Island of Sacrificios. This island was once famous in ancient times of bloody altars with sacrificed people with opened breasts, chopped off arms, legs, etc.; also for numerous wrecks of many vessels. It was once occupied by the English as relic-hunters, such as earthenware, until 1568, when Gen. Almarze arrived from Spain and drove "Johnny Bull" from the island. To-night another ball on ship, having a jolly time.