In the evening there was a requisition on our detachment for five soldiers to fill up Capt. Steptoes' field battery for to go on to the city of Mexico. This does not look much like peace—it means work.
Friday, July 23, 1847.—This morning, at 10 o'clock, a. m., Col. Harney's Dragoons had a splendid turnout. The whole regiment under his command, accompanied by the splendid brass band, mounted on fine grey horses; their turnout was highly imposing, and the music could not be beaten.
In the evening Mr. Hart, manager of the theatre, came to our quarters for a file of soldiers to fire in the piece to-night, "Romeo and Juliet." I volunteered my services, and took part in it; then sat and saw the tragedy played through. Whoever would have thought, that I, Jacob Oswandel, of Company C, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, would ever become a theatre actor!
Saturday July 24, 1847.—This morning, at 10 o'clock, a.m., Brig.-Gen. James Shields visited our quarters, and examined them thoroughly; then he ordered the men out by companies, after which he examined our muskets carefully and at the same time taking a good and sharp look at every soldier; after which he took hold of Lieut.-Col. Black's hand and congratulated him, saying that it was highly gratifying to him to say that both quarters and soldiers looked remarkably well, and that he had not the least doubt that they would always keep themselves so. Oh, yes, if Gen. Shields had only come an hour or so sooner he would not have said this; he should have seen the ragamuffins. At noon marched out on the parade ground to drill for several hours, so as to be prepared to meet the flower of the army of Gen. Santa Anna.
Sunday, July 25, 1847.—This morning early, it was ascertained that seven men from Capt. Rush's company had deserted, three non-commissioned officers and four privates. The dragoons were immediately despatched in all directions after them, and if they are caught, God bless their souls, (if they have any). In fact there are a great many of our
