Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/204

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198
NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR.

Tuesday, June 29, 1847.—This morning Capt. Walker, with two hundred and fifty mounted men, left Perote to meet the train, which is already several days behind time. Should Capt. Walker come across the guerillas God help them, for he seldom brings in prisoners. The Captain and most all of his men are very prejudiced and embittered against every guerilla in the country. We hope that he will meet the train and bring it in speedily, for we are all anxious to march on, and also anxiously waiting for letters from home.

This evening, as usual, several soldiers were buried from the hospital.

Wednesday, June 30, 1847.—This morning Capt. Whipple, of the United States army, who died last evening, was buried. He was buried with all the honors of war. Our whole regiment, besides nearly all the officers, now remaining here, followed his remains. The flag of our country served for the pall, and the brass band that came up with the last train played on this solemn occasion. At the grave one of his fellow-officers read a few lines out of the New Testament, after which he spoke very highly of the deceased as a brave and gallant officer. He was attached to Gen. Worth's division, was at the capturing of Vera Cruz and at the battle of Cerro Gordo, and the capturing of Castle of Perote. He took sick when Gen. Worth marched on to Puebla, and he was too unwell to go along, and died in the hospital. It was the largest military funeral that has yet taken place since we are in Mexico. The Mexicans themselves took a deep interest in viewing the procession. Saying fino bello funeral (fine, beautiful funeral). It was largely attended.

In the afternoon Gen. Cadwalader, with a party of mounted soldiers and officers, left Perote to meet the train, but they soon returned with Capt. Walker and his men, whom they met on the way. Capt. Walker reports that the long-looked-for train is encamped to-night at Res Frio, and that it will be here in the morning. The reason of its long coming was owing to the (bad) malo weather and wagons breaking down on the rough