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Title: Journal of William H. Richardson, a private soldier in the campaign of New and Old Mexico, under the command of Colonel Doniphan of Missouri

Author: William H. Richardson

Release date: July 22, 2022 [eBook #68587]

Language: English

Original publication: United States: John W. Woods

Credits: David E. Brown and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)


*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON, A PRIVATE SOLDIER IN THE CAMPAIGN OF NEW AND OLD MEXICO, UNDER THE COMMAND OF COLONEL DONIPHAN OF MISSOURI ***


[Illustration: MARCHING THROUGH A JORNADA.      Page 45.]




  JOURNAL
  OF
  WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON,
  A PRIVATE SOLDIER
  IN THE CAMPAIGN OF
  New and Old Mexico,
  UNDER THE COMMAND OF
  COLONEL DONIPHAN
  OF MISSOURI.

  SECOND EDITION.

  BALTIMORE:
  JOHN W. WOODS, PRINTER.

  1848.




  Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1848, by
  WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of
  Maryland.




JOURNAL.


I left my home on West River, Anne Arundel County, Md., the 11th
November, 1845, for a southern tour, and after visiting the principal
places of the south and west, inspecting the country, and meeting
with adventures familiar to all who travel, I found myself, the
following spring, located permanently a few miles from Carrollton,
Carroll County, Missouri, boarding in the family of Judge Rea, a
clever gentlemanly man. Here I formed numerous acquaintances, among
them, an old Capt. Markle, who informed me of his intention to visit
California, and depicted in glowing terms the pleasure of travelling
in new countries, &c. In the meantime, a company of mounted volunteers
was being formed in the neighborhood, under Capt. Williams, in which
many young men whom I knew, had enlisted. This, together with the
enthusiasm which prevailed at a public meeting on the 4th of July,
(when the ladies of Carrollton presented the company a beautiful flag,
and many speeches were made)--caused me to decide and join the company.
I immediately set about preparing--bought my regimentals, canteen,
saddlebags, also some books and a writing apparatus for convenience in
noting down the occurrences of each day, thinking it probable, should
I live to return, it might be a source of amusement to my friends in
Maryland.

_August 4th, 1846._--This morning we started for Fort Leavenworth. Many
of my friends came to take breakfast with me at Squire Dorr’s. We met
our Captain at Carrollton, where a public dinner was given. The company
formed and marched to the table in order. In the evening we mounted
our fine horses and proceeded out of town. We passed the Prairie, 30
miles wide, and rode as far as the residence of Dr. Arnold. There were
fifteen of us in company, separated from the rest, and all in search of
quarters.

Having to water our horses, the Doctor directed us where to go. The
way was plainly pointed out, but to our astonishment, we all got lost
in the timber. We rode till very late, and might have been put to
great inconvenience, had we not met with a servant who set us right.
We returned to the Doctor’s to muse on our mishap and enjoy more
hospitality. An ominous beginning for a soldier’s life.

_5th._--Started this morning in company with the Doctor and his lady,
who went with us eight miles to Lexington, and thence to Richmond,
where we arrived at 4 o’clock. A few miles further on we encamped. I
rode all this day without my dinner. Having had opportunity to become
better acquainted with my Captain and other officers, I find them very
clever and kind.

_6th._--I discovered this morning that my horse was lame from tightness
of his shoes. Went to town to a blacksmith who re-shod him. The company
could not wait for me, and I travelled alone through a beautiful forest
of sugar trees. Passed Elke Horn, and rode until within six miles of
Liberty. Here I found our baggage team had given out. Our Captain had
gone ahead with the company, and left the second Lieutenant, Mr. Smith,
in charge. I discovered Lieutenant Smith to be a man of very tender
feelings. Several of our company were taken with chills to-night, which
is rather discouraging.

_7th._--At day-light this morning our train was under way, arrived in
town to breakfast, after which our Captain marched us all over the
city. It is a beautiful inland place of 1000 inhabitants. Fifteen miles
further on, we met our first Lieutenant, just from the Fort. He told us
to hurry on and get mustered into service before the other companies
should crowd in. We hurried accordingly and reached Platt City at
sunset. I was fatigued and hungry, and went into the hotel to get my
supper, when I came out, I found our third Lieutenant had come up with
the rest of the men, and were ready to start for the ferry. I went on
with them. We arrived at the ferry, opposite Fort Leavenworth, about 12
o’clock at night. I went in search of something for my horse. There was
a widow lady living near, to whom I applied, and she very pleasantly
told me “to go to the crib and help myself.” I went, fed my horse, and
spent the rest of the night on the unhusked ears in the crib, where I
slept soundly.

_8th._--Rose early and went in search of my Captain. Found him, with
many others, between some fallen trees, wrapped up in their blankets,
fast asleep on the sand. We soon prepared for crossing the river,
which I felt to be the bidding adieu to friends and home, and almost
civilization itself. I was the only one who had taken refreshment. It
was fortunate for me that I had made a second visit to the widow and
obtained a good breakfast. We were soon all safely over the ferry, 85
in number, men of all grades and dispositions, some very facetious,
and others reserved and thoughtful. We were all huddled together, and
ordered to form in double file, to proceed two miles from the Fort
to erect our tents. We had to wait some time for the wagons which
contained our provisions, consisting of mess pork, sugar, coffee, &c.
The head of each mess--six in number, had to apply to the Sergeant for
the necessary supplies. Having been appointed to the charge of my mess,
I went up, took my share, and helped the men to theirs. The first meal
I tasted in the Indian territory was supper, and such a supper! It was
composed of hard water crackers and mess pork, which would cut five
inches through the ribs. I boiled my pork for nearly two hours, and
found it still so tough that it was harder labor than I had been at all
day to eat it. Necessity is the mother of invention, and I fell upon
an expedient by which to despatch it, I took it out, stewed and fried
it. But it was yet spongy and stuck in my teeth. I made out, however,
with the assistance of a keen appetite; and being very tired, I laid
myself down on my blanket in the tent. I had not lain many minutes when
our Orderly came by, calling upon the men to form a line. We had much
rather slept, but to obey was our duty, and we were soon in the line.
We were then drilled by a young officer from the Fort. After drill,
the officers commenced counting us off from right to left, and every
fourth man had to stand guard.

I was taken as one of the fourth men and placed with eleven others at
No. 1, where I had to walk my post two hours. It was quite long enough
for a beginning, and I resigned the post with pleasure when the time
expired. At 12 o’clock the relief guard put a man in my place, and I
went rejoicing to my rest.

_Sunday, 9th._--This morning I had to get breakfast for the first
time in my life; I was perfectly green at the business, but it had
to be done. I filled the kettle with water, browned my coffee, fried
the pork, &c. I went on very well until by an unlucky mishap I upset
the kettle, and put out the fire. Nothing daunted by the misfortune,
I entered upon another trial and was more successful. We paraded
immediately after breakfast, and prepared to go to the Fort, where we
had the honor of being mustered into service by our Colonel. He called
our names, and as each passed before him he was asked his age, and as
many other questions as would afford a pretty good description of his
person and history of his life. The Articles of War were then read and
we formed a line and returned to camp. The roll was called soon after,
and all that were not present, had to keep guard. So much for playing
truant on an occasion of so much importance. I was fortunate enough to
be present and escaped the infliction.

_12th._--The past two or three days were employed in strict attention
to the duties of a soldier, such as cooking, drilling, &c. To-day, Col.
Price assembled the whole regiment at the Fort, to have an appraisement
of horses, saddles, &c. In the afternoon I rode back to the encampment
on a large bag of beef in the hot sun. A severe headache was my
travelling companion.

_14th._--Yesterday and to-day we had a terrible job, breaking mules
to the wagons. It is difficult to muster these stubborn animals into
service. I, with a fellow soldier, was detained from the Fort till a
late hour. We were employed in the novel pursuit of pulling two of
the mules by main force through the hazel bushes two miles. Only think
of it! Two of Uncle Sam’s worthies pulling a jackass apiece two miles
through the bushes. While at the Fort I called on the minister, who
was very kind and affectionate in his conversation and manners. He
presented me a Testament, Prayer Book, and a bundle of Tracts--at night
we threw copies into each tent, and then sung hymns until it was time
to retire.

_15th._--This was our washing day. I went with the rest of the b’hoys,
to the branch, where we kindled three large fires, and put up our camp
kettles to boil the clothes. I never boiled any before, and I felt
pretty much as I did when I began to cook breakfast. I went to work
awkwardly enough, as my scalded hands bore witness. But a man can
even wash his clothes when he is obliged to do it, the opinions of
the ladies to the contrary notwithstanding. In the evening we ceased
our labors as washers of clothes and went into the branch and washed
ourselves. After bathing we returned to camp quite refreshed.

_Sunday, 16th._--This morning I thought I would hear the Missionary
preach--and with several others, started for the purpose. Just
before we got to the village, an Indian informed us there would be
no preaching that day. We were greatly disappointed, and turned to
wander about awhile and survey the country around. It was wild and
picturesque, and the sight of it was gratifying. We met a number
of Indians. Their language and gesture were very strange, and they
presented a most outlandish appearance. Many of them came into our camp
with a variety of things to sell. When we returned, our camp was nearly
deserted. The men had gone to the Fort for equipments to commence our
march. We hurried on, but only to be disappointed again. Too many
companies were in before us. We went back to the camp, and spent the
day quietly.

_18th._--Every man was well fitted out with a musket and fifteen
cartridges, a load of guns having been brought from the Fort. I have
now become accustomed to implicit obedience to orders--going and
returning on errands to the Fort--breaking mules, looking for strayed
horses, cooking breakfast, washing clothes, &c. At night it rained
hard, and while I tried to compose myself to sleep, I felt the shower
dripping in my face.

_20th._--The important morning had now arrived. It was the morning on
which we were to “strike our tents, and march away” for California.
All was bustle and excitement, and we poor privates had to load the
wagons with provisions for our long march. It fell to my lot as usual,
to handle the bacon, pork, &c. And yet another trial awaited me: we had
not travelled more than a mile, when we came to a deep slough or pond,
through which I had to guide a mule. It was the first time I had the
honor of leading a mule in gears. I had to dismount and wade through
thick mud up to my waist. I had rather carried the mule on my back over
a better road. What made the matter worse, I had my new clothes on,
and they were almost ruined by the adventure. On stopping to encamp, a
messmate kindly poured on water, while I washed the mud off, as well
as I could, and laid down in my wet garments, very weary with my day’s
journey.

_21st._--We are now fairly in the Indian country. The place assigned
by the Government for the future residence of the tribes who have
emigrated from the States. Here we found the prairies covered with
grass--a seasonable supply for our horses, and a drove of ninety-five
beeves which we had brought out for present use. A strong guard was
stationed around the encampment, at night, as roving bands of Indians
were lurking around us, ready to seize any thing they could lay their
hands on. We had travelled 12 miles when our Captain thought it best to
encamp for the night, as we found a little wood. The want of timber is
a great defect in this otherwise beautiful country.

_22nd._--We started this morning at 8 o’clock, and travelled 15
miles through a lovely region, when we came to a settlement of the
Delaware Indians. Their houses and plantations bear evident marks of
civilization. In company with our first Lieutenant, I called at a
house, in the door of which sat two squaws making moccasons. Stretched
on a bench near by, lay an Indian fast asleep. He was a man of most
powerful dimensions, at least six feet four, and fat withal. By his
side rested a club full of notches. We did not care to disturb his
repose, for we had slight misgivings that a notch or two more in that
fatal war club, might record the finale of our own history. We left
him to his slumber and hastened to the river where we found several
companies of our companions buying and selling among the squaws.
Whiskey was the principal commodity, and a number of Indians were so
much intoxicated that they could hardly tell a tree from a moccason.
The ferry is kept by the Indians. The Kansas river at this place is a
bold stream, it was, nevertheless, safely passed by all, using boats
only for our wagons; about sunset all landed and we encamped about a
mile from the river.

_Sunday, 23d._--Again we started on our journey. After the first ten
miles of a broken country, some high hills appeared. They were very
difficult of ascent, and we had much trouble with our teams. In two
places we had to put our shoulders to the wheels. Orders were given
that every man should secure what wood he could find, and we commenced
packing it before us, on our horses. A picturesque scene we must have
presented, each man with his load of wood before him on his horse.
While riding in this way we overtook Lieutenant Col. Mitchell.

_24th._--After passing a few clumps of trees, an immense prairie spread
out before us, extending as far as the eye could reach. At 12 o’clock
we came to a branch and encamped. The water here is in standing pools,
and before drinking or making coffee, we were obliged to strain it
through our handkerchiefs. While thus engaged, two Indians of the Sac
Tribe, made their appearance. They were elegantly mounted, but painted
and tattooed in a frightful manner. They are smaller in stature than
the Delawares, and at war with them. They called at our camp as a
matter of curiosity. One of my mess, Levi Flowers, received a severe
kick in his face from a horse which nearly killed him. His face was
very much swollen.

_25th._--The companies are now all united--having overtaken each other
at different places. Our force was 1200 strong. We travelled all day in
sight of trees like little dots on the horizon. At the end of our day’s
march we hoped to find water, _good_ water, which our poor fellows
needed after a long hot march, with nothing to protect their heads from
the rays of the sun but small glazed caps. The goal was reached. We
rested beneath the shade of a small skirt of woods.

_26th._--As usual, 8 o’clock found us ready to start. After a march
of 14 miles, we encamped on Beaver Creek. We killed a beef--and the
soldiers busied themselves in cooking supper. Not having conveniences
of home at hand, we dispensed with our dinner daily, and satisfied
ourselves with eating morning and night. Our Captain is a good sort
of a man and will no doubt do the best he can for us. And now while
speaking of the Captain I will say a word or two about our Lieutenants.
Our first Lieutenant, Mr. White, is nearly always in a good humor. He
is large and somewhat corpulent--enjoys a laugh very much. He weighs
220_lbs._ net. Our second Lieutenant, Mr. Smith, is of the middle size,
very facetious, and always ready to accommodate. Our third Lieutenant,
Mr. Rock, was formerly Captain of Militia, but volunteering to go with
the army to California, we elected him third Lieutenant. He is a little
over the middle size, and very reserved and stately.

_27th._--After travelling twelve miles we reached the encampment of
the Marion company, where we found a poor fellow who was accidentally
shot last night, by a revolving pistol. Two men are left to take care
of him. It is thought he cannot survive. Poor fellow! His fate is a sad
one. Pursuing our journey, we passed Beaver Creek, and after travelling
18 miles, came to the Big John River, where we encamped for the night.

[Illustration: A CAMP WASHING DAY.]

_28th._--The Captain told us this morning that we should stop here for
a day or two to rest ourselves. And now began a most ludicrous scene.
Every camp kettle and other vessel that would hold water was brought
in requisition, and the whole regiment commenced washing their clothes.
To me it was a most singular sight. While rubbing away at our clothes
a rumor reached us that we were on the route to Santa Fe, instead of
California. This was news, and what with washing and what with talking
we were kept pretty busy. On the route to Santa Fe, though we entered
the journey for California. But alas! no matter where we are. We found
our trip was not a “pleasure excursion,” as many of our imaginations
had so often pictured. The two soldiers we left to-day have just come
in, after digging the grave of their poor comrade.

_29th._--This morning we caught some black trout and cat fish in the
Big John. They were very fine. Col. Price had gone ahead, and at 12
o’clock we struck our tents, passed Council Grove, and encamped at
2 o’clock a few miles further on, where there is a blacksmith shop,
established by the government. Here I left letters for my friends in
Maryland, to be carried back by the return mail to Fort Leavenworth.

_Sunday, 30th._--Saw near the road, one of those singular mounds, of
which I have so often read. It towered beautifully to the height of 100
feet. It may have been a mount of observation; it may be filled with
the bones of the red men of the forest. I have no time, however, to
speculate upon subjects so foreign from my present employment. At the
end of 8 miles, we came to Rock Creek, and 7 miles further we arrived
at Diamond Spring, where we halted for the night.

_31st._--This morning I filled my canteen with the refreshing water
of Diamond Spring. At the spring I counted 45 wagons loaded with
provisions for the army. Yesterday we entered upon the far-famed
_plains_ at Rock Creek. The scenery presents a dull monotony, a vast
plain, almost level, bounded by the horizon and covered with a thin
sward and herbage.

_September 1st._--Came to a place, called the “Lost Spring,” a most
singular curiosity. The stream rises suddenly out of the ground, and
after rushing over the sand a few yards, as suddenly sinks, and is no
more seen.

_2nd._--To-day we are at the Cotton Wood Fork. It takes its name from
a large cluster of cotton trees, the first I had seen after leaving
Diamond Spring. There is a good stream of water here, and we enjoyed
the blessing of a fine shower of rain. A little misunderstanding took
place among the officers about starting. Some of them were too slow
in their movements and caused our Captain to collect his men and make
a speech. Several of the men were disgusted and become uproarious. A
march of eight miles, however, to Turkey Creek, settled the question,
and all appeared in pretty good humor. Three miles further on, we
came to 2nd Turkey Creek, nine miles beyond to 3rd Turkey Creek and
encamped. Turkey Creeks are plenty in this vicinity. How we would have
rejoiced if the turkeys had been as plenty as the titles of the streams
indicated. Third Turkey Creek is a lovely stream, running through the
prairie. Here we wanted wood to cook with. As yet we had not seen any
game with the exception of two rabbits, caught by our men. They were of
a novel species, almost white, with long black ears, and as large as a
grey fox.

_3rd._--About 12 o’clock to-day we came in sight of timber. Passed the
4th Turkey Creek, and after travelling 18 miles, encamped on the banks
of the little Arkansas, which at some seasons is a bold stream, with
tremendous cliffs that can be seen at a long distance.

_4th._--We are all huddled together in our tents, in consequence of a
heavy storm of wind and rain, which came on last night. Some of the
tents blew down, and most of the company were in a bad fix. Fires were
necessary to keep us warm. We left at 8 o’clock, and after travelling
10 miles, came to Owl Creek. Five miles from Owl Creek we reached Cow
Creek, where we encamped. On the left we could see cliffs and timber at
a great distance, and some small white spots like sand hills. On the
right, nothing but a vast prairie. Just before we arrived at the Cow
Creek an antelope was started. Our boys gave chase and fired several
times, but they missed him and he finally escaped. They must shoot
better in fight with the enemy. We had scarcely fixed up our tents,
when the news came that a buffalo was in sight. In an instant, men on
horseback, fully armed, were in pursuit from every direction. He was
less fortunate than the antelope. The men had improved a little and
they overtook their game after a considerable chase, during which they
fired fifty times. They killed him at last and brought some of the
flesh to the camp. It was of very little use, for with all our cooking,
it was too tough to eat. He was a bull at least 20 years old. We had
better let the old patriarch run.

_Arkansas Bend, Saturday, 6th._--Here we stopped last night, after
a most exciting day. Herds of buffalo were seen scattered over the
plains. The best hunters were picked out to secure as many as possible.
The chase was a fine one, 13 were killed by the different companies. I
strolled away from camp alone, to one of those mysterious mounds, which
occur so frequently to the traveller among these wilds. On ascending
it, I enjoyed a most magnificent prospect. It has the appearance of a
Fort, but when and for what purpose erected will long remain a matter
of uncertainty. I lingered so long that on my return I found that my
company had gone forward, but I soon overtook them. To-day we come to
Walnut Creek, 6 miles from the mound. I felt stupid and sick; as I was
placed on guard last night, on the banks of the Arkansas. I was all
alone in the deep midnight, and I sat three long hours, with my musket;
looking up and down the stream. I could see a great distance, as the
sand on the shore is very white.

_7th._--We were preparing to take a buffalo chase, when word
was brought that the whole command must be moving. We were much
disappointed, for we expected fine sport in the chase. On our route
to-day, we passed Ash Creek, and five miles on came to Pawnee Fork. We
saw herds of buffalo, and surrounded one, but they made a break towards
the road and crossed among the teams. They did no damage, however, nor
was much damage done to them. I rode on briskly to overtake a friend,
when my horse trod in a hole made by prairie dogs, (a small animal and
very numerous here,) and fell with me. I received no injury except
a little skin rubbed off my knee. On remounting, my attention was
arrested by a horse running at full speed, and dragging something on
the ground. When he came closer, I discovered it to be a man whom his
horse had thrown. The frightened animal stopped a little ahead of me
and I rode up, expecting to see a dead man, but as soon as his foot was
extricated from the stirrup, to the surprise of all, he stood up, and
said that he was not much hurt. He said he regretted most of all the
loss of his clothes, which were torn in shreds from his body. Another
man belonging to our company, by the name of Redwine, had a severe
fall. He was taken in to camp nearly dead. Chase was made again after
buffalo, which appeared in thousands. Many antelopes also appeared, but
it requires the fleetest horses to overtake them. Before we encamped we
saw near the road side a little mound of stones, on one of which was
engraved the name of R. T. Ross. It was supposed to be the grave of a
man who was murdered by the Indians in 1840. He is resting in a lonely
spot.

_8th._--We are now on the banks of the great Arkansas river, after
marching many miles through a barren and dreary looking country, almost
destitute of grass or herbage. Here there is some improvement in this
respect. A heavy rain caused our tents to leak, and drenched the poor
soldiers, so that they passed a very uncomfortable night.

_9th._--Kept up the river ten miles. A few scattered cotton trees, and
cliffs, and sand banks are the only things to be seen. One of Col.
Mitchell’s men was near being killed to-day by an Indian. He had chased
a buffalo two miles from camp, when an arrow was shot, which pierced
his clothes; the poor fellow made all the haste he could to camp with
the arrow sticking in his pants. It was well it was not in his skin.

_10th._--Last night as soon as we were all snugly fixed, and ready
for sleep, there arose a fearful storm of wind and rain, which gave
our tents and ourselves a good shaking. Some of the tents were blown
down, breaking in their fall the ridgepoles of others, and bringing
them down also. In our tent, four of us held on with all our might, for
nearly two hours, to keep it standing. To-day we continued our march,
travelling 15 miles, on the banks of the river. We saw a large flock of
wild geese and tried to get a shot, but without success. They were too
wild for us.

_11th._--The weather was quite cold this morning, and there was so
dense a fog as to prevent us from seeing a hundred yards ahead. There
was an antelope killed to-day. The flesh tasted like mutton. We
encamped by the side of the river, and an opportunity was afforded us
of catching fish, which we accomplished by the novel mode of spearing
them with the bayonet. Several dozens were caught, and we found them
delicious.

_12th._--Resumed our journey through the same scenery 12 miles--many
antelopes were seen in herds, and prairie dogs barked at us, in every
direction.

_Sunday, 13th._--As we proceed, the country assumes a still more dreary
aspect, bare of verdure, and broken in ridges of sand. Our horses,
enfeebled by their long travel, have very little to subsist on. The men
too, for the past three days, have ceased to receive rations of sugar
and coffee. When we could not get these articles, we did as they do in
France--that is, without them. We had to fry our meat, and a few of us
entered upon the funny work of making soup out of pork, buffalo flesh,
and fish, boiled up together. It was a rare mess, but we pronounced it
first rate.

_14th._--After passing over the last 15 miles to-day, we found
ourselves at a place called the crossing of the Arkansas. We were then
362 miles from Fort Leavenworth. Our course has been along the margin
of the river for 75 miles. At this place are steep bluffs difficult to
descend. There are multitudes of fish in the river, many of them were
killed by the horses’ feet in crossing. We caught several varieties by
spearing. A number of antelopes were killed here.

_15th._--This morning I felt very dull from loss of rest. We had to
give considerable attention to the cattle, horses, &c., to prevent them
from straying. I and seven others were detailed to stand sentinel. I
was appointed to the second watch, and to be in readiness at the hour,
I spread my blanket down in the prairie to take a nap. In two hours I
was awakened, and instructed to arouse the Captain of the Watch at the
expiration of three hours more; having no means to measure the time but
by my own sad thoughts, and the weary hours being rather tardy, I too
soon obeyed the orders, and kept the last watch on duty five hours, to
the amusement of all. After breakfast I took a stroll over the sand
hills, and found about a dozen of our boys, inspecting the contents of
a large basket, something like a hamper in which the merchants pack
earthenware. It contained the skeleton of an Indian chief in a sitting
posture, wrapped in buffalo robes, with his arrows, belts, beads,
cooking utensils, &c. It had fallen from the limb of a tree, on which
it had been suspended. Several of the men picked up the beads, and one
named Waters carried the lower jaw and skull to camp, the latter he
said he intended “to make a soup gourd of.”

_16th._--I took my seat quietly in the tent this morning and thought
I would rest, as we were to stay a day or two at this place. I was
presently surrounded by soldiers begging me to write a few lines for
them “to father, mother, wives, friends and homes.” I wrote _seven_
letters without removing from a kneeling posture, and was kept busy
almost the whole day.

_17th._--Our Captain told us to get ready to start at 10 o’clock
to-day, and as we were to cross a sandy desert 60 miles wide, much
water and provisions were to be packed. A number of us were kept busy
cleaning the salt from pork barrels in order to fill them with water.
Scarcely had we finished this hard job; when the news spread like
electricity “that the mail from Fort Leavenworth had come in.” I cannot
pretend to describe the scene that ensued. I met our Captain, who said
“the Sergeant had a letter for me”--with the most peculiar feelings I
seized it and saw the hand-writing of my loved sister in Maryland--my
home, now so many weary leagues away. The delight I experienced was
not unmingled, however, with the thought that perhaps at this very
spot, the entrance to a wild desert, I had bid adieu finally to all
I held dear. We travelled 22 miles, and as it was late at night when
we halted, we spread our blankets on the sand and slept soundly till
morning.

_18th._--I rose by day-light and took a slice of bread and meat. We
started early and came 23 miles, where we found some water standing in
pools. We tried to erect the tents, but the wind was too high--had to
cook that night with _buffalo chips_; strange fuel even for soldiers to
use.

_19th._--After marching 10 miles to-day, we came to the Cimarone
Springs--a sweet stream. Here we found grass enough for our poor
horses. It is truly an oasis in the _desert_.

_Sunday, 20th._--We crossed an arm of the Cimarone, but the waters
were dried up--dug for water but found none. Went on 5 miles further,
dug again, and procured enough for ourselves and horses. In our route
of 25 miles we saw the ground encrusted with salt. A singular animal
attracted our notice. It was a horned frog, a great curiosity. Every
thing was involved in a thick cloud of dust.

_21st._--One of the members of the Randolph Company, a gentleman by the
name of Jones, died last night of consumption. He took the trip for his
health, but to-day his remains were interred, not far from the camp,
with the honors of war.

_22nd._--We still travelled on the Cimarone, though only at certain
places could we procure water. A deep sand retarded the progress of
the army. On arriving where we had to encamp we found 42 wagons, laden
with goods. They were the property of a Mr. Gentry, a trader who has
amassed great wealth, in merchandising between Independence, Santa Fe
and Chihuahua. He speaks the Spanish language, and had nearly a dozen
Spaniards in the caravan.

_23d._--We had a considerable storm last night--and the hard rain made
it rather disagreeable, especially so to me, as I had to do the duty of
a sentinel in the first watch, with a wolf howling most dismally within
50 yards of me. I would have fired at him, but I had to obey orders and
not arouse the camp by a false alarm. We saw to-day the bones of 91
mules, which perished in a snow-storm last winter. The bones were piled
by the road side.

_24th._--Overtook another caravan--still passing up the Cimarone, whose
bed is through the sandy plain, at length we came to a hill from whence
we descried the Rocky Mountains, rising abruptly in the distance. In
our route we crossed a small spur. Mr. White our first Lieutenant, with
several others ascended one, which presented the appearance of frowning
rocky precipices. From its highest peaks, he brought down seashell, and
petrifactions of various kinds. We had great difficulty in procuring
buffalo chips. It was very amusing to see the boys in search of this
indispensable article, our only resource to cook with.

_25th._--We reached “Cool Spring” to-day, and found refreshing and
delightful water, bursting from a solitary rock of enormous dimensions,
the sides of which are covered with the names of various travellers.
Our pleasant officer, Mr. White, called me up saying “he wished to
see my name on a spot he pointed out,”--so taking a hearty draught
from his canteen, which was just filled, I went up, and had scarcely
carved my name, to remain there a monument of my folly, I suppose,
when I discovered my horse making off with my accoutrements, canteen,
&c. Hurried down and started after the beast. After running a great
distance in the deep sand, I succeeded in capturing the runaway.
Nineteen miles further on we encamped in a deep ravine, among cliffs
and rocks, here a few cedar trees were found. They afforded a
seasonable supply of wood to cook with. The Rocky Mountains were in
sight all day.

_26th._--After a slight breakfast of bread and meat, we left this
inhospitable place in disgust. It did not afford grass for our horses
to graze on. We proceeded 12 miles through a dreary waste, and had to
encamp at night in a place where there was no water.

_27th._--I was awakened by the Sergeant of the Guard at 2 o’clock this
morning, it being my turn to stand sentinel of the morning watch. After
breakfast we went on 15 miles to Cotton Wood Creek. There we fixed up
our tents, but no forage being found for our half-starved animals, we
soon took them down again, and proceeded 5 miles on, to Rabbit Creek.
At this place there was plenty of grass and some tolerable scenery, but
we were in no condition to enjoy it; being late in the night we spread
our blankets on the prairie, and composed our wearied limbs to rest.

_28th._--Our journey was still continued through a dry and sterile
land, where there is neither wood, water, nor grass; late in the
evening we came to a pool of water. It was cool and good, and we drank
of it freely. Our wagons did not come up till very late, and being
tired, we wrapped ourselves in our blankets and laid down to sleep
without our supper. We went supperless, not to bed--but to the sod.

_October 1st._--The last two days of September we remained at a place
called Whetstone Creek, to rest. This Whetstone Creek is another oasis.
It was the source of great joy to ourselves and our mules and horses.
Our pastime was like the boy’s holiday whose mother allowed him to stay
at home from school to saw wood and bring water. Our resting spell was
a spell of hard work, and most industriously did we labor in cleansing
our arms for inspection by the Colonel. And we had to do a deal of
marching and countermarching. Indeed the parade lasted so long and with
so many manœuvres were we exercised, that the patience of officers and
men was worn to its extremity. It was nearly thread-bare. And then
came the orders for every man to see to his own provisions and water,
as another desert was to be traversed. So we go--changing from bad
to worse. To-day, after a march of ten miles, we reached the “Point
of Rocks”--a significant name. Late at night we encamped in a valley
between high mountains, where there was some grass, but no water.

_2nd._--We still moved on over barren rocks and sand hills. We labored
hard all day to leave them behind us. The hope cheered us of soon
finding water, we realised it at the far-famed Red River. Our whole
force encamped on its banks about night-fall. The waters of this
distinguished river are brackish, but refreshing. Incrustations of
salt are formed upon the rocks lying above its surface. This river was
named Rio Colorado by the early Santa Fe traders; who, without having
followed it down to any considerable distance, believed it to be the
head waters of the great river of this name, which flows into the
Mississippi below Natchez. It has, however, since been followed down to
its junction with the Arkansas, and found to be the Canadian fork of
that river. We were now within 140 miles of Santa Fe, having marched
more than 600 miles over a country destitute of timber, with but
little water, and occupied only by roving bands of Indians who subsist
wholly upon buffalo meat. We saw immense herds of that animal on the
Arkansas and its tributaries. The whole country presents, thus far, the
most gloomy and fearful appearances to the weary traveller. But rough
and uninviting as it is, all who visit New Mexico via Santa Fe, are
compelled to pass it.

_3d._--We have journeyed well to-day, having reached St. Clair Springs.
It is a beautiful spot, well watered--and glowing in delightful
verdure. It is surrounded by mountains, the surface of which are
covered with craggy rocks. We searched for miles around our camp for
wood, with little success. The different companies killed a number of
antelopes here.

_Sunday, 4th._--We are still encamped, and shall remain in our position
till the morning of the 5th. I took a walk, to “wagon mound,” so called
from the shape of its top, being like a covered wagon when seen in
the distance. This mountain top is surrounded by a cliff of craggy
rocks at least 100 feet in height. A most beautiful view is presented
to the beholder. To the south you see hills covered with cedar and
pine, situated in the immense prairie; to the north and north-west,
are seen mountains with rocks piled upon rocks, with here and there
groves of evergreens; far away to the east, is the desert, over which
we had just passed. The sides of this mountain are covered with a
hard kind of sand, and pumice stone, having the appearance of cinder.
Whilst I am writing, being situated as far up as it is prudent to go,
an adventurous fellow by the name of George Walton, has gained the
wagon top, two others have also ascended, an achievement that few can
perform. North of us there is a salt lake which we intend to visit this
evening.

_Sunday Afternoon._--Lieut. Smith and myself took a stroll to the
lake. We found a thick crust of salt around its edge, which is several
miles in circumference. We returned to camp by a mountain path, very
difficult to travel.

_5th._--Eighteen miles were passed over to-day, through a mountainous
country. We had just erected our tents and prepared for rest, when an
evidence that we were approaching some civilized country, arrived in
the shape of a Frenchman, who met us here with a travelling grocery.
This concern came from Moras--a barrel of whiskey was strapped on the
back of a poor mule--which stuff, some of our soldiers were foolish
enough to drink: it sells at $1 per pint. Such dear drinking ought to
make drunkards scarce.

_6th._--Saw a mud cottage on the road side to-day. The sight was most
pleasant to our eyes, accustomed as they were for forty-four days to a
wild waste. As we rode up, every one must have a look into the house.
It was inhabited by a native of North Carolina, whose wife is a Spanish
woman. After being somewhat gratified with the sight of a house, though
built of mud with its flat roof, we went on 18 miles, and encamped at a
town called Rio Gallenas Bagoes. On visiting this place we were struck
with the singular appearance of the town and its inhabitants. The town
consists of mud huts containing apartments built on the ground. The men
were engaged in pounding cornstalks from which sugar is made; the women
with faces tattooed and painted red, were making tortillas. We ate
some, and found them excellent.

_7th._--The wagons which contained our provisions coming in sight, we
prepared the wood, which we obtained with difficulty, for boiling the
coffee, &c., when Col. Mitchell rode up and told us the wind was too
high to encamp. And hungry as we were, we went ahead 17 miles through
a forest of pine to Ledo Barnell, where we encamped for the night. A
grisly bear was killed to-day by some members of the Randolph Company.

_8th._--We passed the large village of San Miguel to-day. Col. Mitchell
and his interpreter went forward in search of a good place to encamp.
The weather was dry and pleasant, with a suitable temperature for
travelling. The most disagreeable annoyance is the sand, which is very
unpleasant when the wind is high.

_9th._--Col. Mitchell had chosen a spot for our encampment, about
12 miles from our last resting place, near the foot of a mountain.
There was no water to be found. Impelled by necessity we followed an
Indian trail over the mountain 5 miles, and after riding through the
thick pines for several hours we found the coveted treasure. As may be
supposed we drank most heartily, after which we filled our canteens and
returned to camp about 12 o’clock at night. We learned that Santa Fe
was about 25 miles off.

_10th._--We arrived at the mountain pass at 10 o’clock, and reached
Santa Fe about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. The glorious stars and
stripes floating over the city was the first object that greeted our
sight. We formed and marched into the town in order. We were received
with martial music and several rounds of blank cartridges were fired
as a welcome to us. We paraded in the square fronting the Governor’s
house. After parade I took a walk through the town. The wagons did not
arrive with our tents in time for us to encamp, and with our blankets
around us, we laid down to rest. The blue sky was our canopy.

_Sunday, 11th._--It was so cold and disagreeable last night that I
found it impossible to sleep. I shivered through the night on the hard
soil, and rose this morning with a severe headache. I walked about to
keep myself warm. After eating three small crackers for breakfast,
I went to church in company with several others, to hear a Catholic
priest. The music was prettily performed on various instruments. An old
man in the meantime turning round before an image, and after he had
bowed to the people several times the music ceased. All was over--and
we returned to camp. I felt sick and sad, for the worship did not
refresh my spirits. This evening I was pall-bearer to a member of the
Benton Company, who died in the hospital soon after his arrival. We
carried him out about a mile from the city to his final resting place.
Four others were buried to-day, who died from fatigue and exhaustion.
They belonged to the different companies. The muffled roll of the drum,
and the firing of the farewell to the dead, did not have a tendency to
cheer me.

_12th._--This morning the roll was called, and various duties assigned
the soldiers. Some had to work on the Fort, and others to cut and haul
wood. In the latter employment I had to become teacher to some green
hands. I found the task very troublesome--but performed it to the best
of my ability. In the evening I wrote letters to my friends in Maryland.

_15th._--The two past days have been employed in preparations for
our departure from Santa Fe. We have encountered much trouble and
perplexity in getting teams, &c., have to travel 80 miles up the
mountains where we shall take up our winter quarters. We went out
6 miles and encamped. Having a severe headache, I tried my best to
get some rest at night, but I had scarcely fallen asleep, when I was
awakened by the officer to stand guard. I arose mechanically, feeling
pretty much as I should suppose a fellow might feel who was on his way
to execution. Taking up my gun I went to a large fire, where I sat
quietly for two hours, watching my feelings more than I did the camp,
for I was very unwell.

_16th._--The breaking down of some wagons detained us here till late.
After starting we met a number of Spaniards, mounted on mules. We
passed some little patches of corn badly cultivated, which they dignify
with the name of farms. A messmate wishing some red pepper, I called
with him at a house, but it was all “_no comprenda_”--“_dont understand
you_,” so we got no red pepper. We went on to the next habitation
through a broken country; here we found our third Lieutenant with the
interpreter arranging for our camp. As we had to wait for the other
companies to come up, I rested on some corn shucks, and very pleasantly
did the bed feel. It was a bed of down in comparison with that to which
I had been accustomed. I had slept on the ground for more than three
months. Nothing grows spontaneously in this country but the Spanish
broom.

_17th._--Colds, and other complaints, are becoming common in our ranks.
After the fatigue of marching on foot heavily armed, we were illy
calculated to do the duties of the camp. Our horses being too much
enfeebled for further use, after our arrival at Santa Fe, were sent up
the mountain to recruit. Thus our hardships increase with our progress.
The ground being very broken where we encamped to-night, which is in a
wheat field, I gathered all the stubble I could, to make our beds soft
and even--bought some wood to cook with from the natives.

_18th._--I started alone, and tried to overtake two messmates who
had gone on before me. I had not proceeded more than 6 miles when I
found my two young gentlemen playing cards on the road side. I passed
them, and came to a village where I saw a considerable number of
Spaniards. An old woman invited me in her house and set before me some
tortillas and cornstalk-molasses which were quite a treat. I remained
there several hours, but thinking I had missed my way I was about
to take leave, with many thanks for their hospitality, when, to my
great surprise and embarrassment, the old lady and her daughter most
affectionately embraced me. I suppose it was the custom among these
simple hearted mountaineers, but of which I was quite ignorant. I was
thankful for the meal my hostesses had provided for me, but the hugging
was a luxury I did not anticipate, nor was I the least ambitious of
having it repeated. I found my company without much difficulty. We
went on and crossed the Rio Grande. In the first stream I got my feet
wet; the second was too deep for wading, and I was kindly invited by
our Sergeant to mount behind him. We encamped there, having travelled
12 miles that day.

_19th._--We were surrounded by the natives, who appeared friendly.
When we came to the place where our horses were feeding, we learned
from the soldiers in charge, that some of them had died, and that
several had been stolen or had strayed away--mine, of course, was among
the missing. While the others were preparing to mount, I shouldered
my musket and walked on, in sand half a foot deep. The walk was
exceedingly tiresome. I saw large quantities of wild geese on the Rio
Grande. After marching 8 miles we encamped.

_20th._--All on horseback this morning in fine style, except myself
and a few others equally unfortunate. We made the best use of our
scrapers through the sand. After walking awhile we came to a house on
the road side, the inhabitants of which, men, women and children came
rushing out. We were at a loss to know what it meant, till we saw them
surround a colored man, (our Surgeon’s cook,) who proved a novel sight
to them. The poor fellow was quite mortified at being made a show of on
account of his color. We went on 8 miles and encamped among the Utah
Indians. They are at war with the Navihoes, who have hunted them nearly
down. After supper I asked permission of our Captain to accompany Mr.
White, and several others to their encampment. Here, around a large
fire sat an Indian chief with his squaws. After being introduced by
our interpreter, a council was called. After some jabbering, a regular
war-dance commenced. Their best warriors, equipped in full costume,
and painted most hideously in twenty different ways--danced furiously
around a large fire, to the music of kettles and drums. It was a horrid
din, in which mingled the war-whoop. We gazed with astonishment till
its conclusion, when an old chief made a long speech. We then returned
to our camp to meditate upon what we had seen and heard, and to wonder
at the strangeness of character and habit exhibited by those poor
creatures.

_21st._--We were surrounded by the Indians before our breakfast was
over. They came on to Abique, and encamped near us. There are several
villages in this place. We arrived about two o’clock, and took up our
quarters. The companies under Major Gilpin which were stationed there,
and which we had been sent to relieve, were greatly worn and reduced
with their long stay among the mountains. There was another dance at
night in the Indian camp--being much tormented with sandburs, I did not
go out. We had to eat our provisions half cooked, from the scarcity
of wood. I and a messmate were forced to “hook” two small poles from
a fodder crib, and when we returned to camp we found the companies on
parade, and the Captain telling them the order of the next day.

_22d._--The whole command, viz. two companies from Col. Price’s
Regiment, consisting of about one hundred and eighty men, were obliged
to remove to-day four miles further up the river, in order to obtain
grass and fuel. This place being entirely destitute of either. At
night, I went with our interpreter and third Lieutenant to several
houses, to buy mutton. While on our errand we met with some ladies; one
of them had a dough face; all the rest were smeared with red, and to my
fancy, not at all beautiful. We returned to camp without our mutton,
and not a little disappointed.

_23d._--The country here is bare and sterile to a great degree, but
there is an improvement with regard to fuel, which is so necessary at
this season, in this mountainous country. I believe we are stationary
at last. I was kept busy all day writing letters for the soldiers,
many of whom very gladly do my washing and mending in return, for this
slight service. I had rather at any time write than cook and wash and
mend clothes.

_24th._--I felt sick to-day. I took cold from a severe drenching, while
on duty as a sentinel last night. A heavy cold rain was falling the
whole time. I strove to assist in making our camp as comfortable as
possible, and in the evening despatched two letters to Santa Fe, for
my beloved friends in Maryland.

_Sunday, 25th._--At day-break this morning, a number of Mexicans came
to camp; jabbering to themselves in a great rage about something. At
first we could not ascertain the cause of their trouble, there being
no interpreter present, and none of the soldiers knowing enough of
the Spanish language to comprehend their meaning; soon, however, it
was discovered that about sundown last evening, the Captain of our
company had caused the embankment of their mill and irrigating pond,
to be broken, a short distance above camp on the bank of the river, so
as to prevent it from overflowing the bed of his tent. The water of
course rushed out with great force, tearing the embankment down and
washing the earth away for a considerable distance, stopping their mill
and leaving many families destitute of water; all of which serious
injuries, the Captain seemed disinclined to repair. This behavior of
the Captain met with but little favor from his men. To their honor be
it spoken.

_26th._--This morning our Lieutenant went round the camp to get
volunteers to repair the broken ditch. All seemed unwilling to do
any thing--some had their horses to find, others to cut and haul
wood. The men had no idea of laboring gratuitously for the repair of
a deed wantonly done by their Captain. I with several others walked
four miles up the river, with our axes, for the purpose of getting
wood. We crossed the river several times in the wildest and most
out-of-the-way places, between high cragged mountains which it was
impossible to ascend. We returned to camp with our wagon loaded, though
we encountered great difficulty in accomplishing it. We found there
was a disagreeable misunderstanding among the officers respecting the
embankment. The Captain wished soldiers detailed for its repair, and
the Lieutenants thinking it an imposition on the poor fellows to stand
in the mud to work such cold weather, without compensation.

       *       *       *       *       *

_28th._--We are now living in the midst of the greatest abundance of
life’s luxuries. As an evidence of our high living, I will transcribe
our bill of fare for the week. It is as follows:

Monday.--Bread, beef, (tough as leather,) bean soup.

Tuesday.--Tough beef, bread, and bean soup.

Wednesday.--Bean soup, bread, and tough beef--and so on to the end of
the week.

The greatest _harmony_ prevails in camp, especially among the officers,
the Captain and first Lieutenant are the greatest _friends_ imaginable,
they do every thing in their power for the good of the company. They
are the _bravest_ and most _patriotic_ officers in the regiment. In
this lovely and fertile valley, encamped on the banks of the Rio
Charma, we are enjoying all the _blessings_ of life. We are charmed by
the surpassing beauty of the polished Spanish ladies, and living in
so much _harmony_ with each other that we almost imagine the “garden
of Eden” to have been again raised for our enjoyment; and then, Oh!
heavens, what a luxury, amid these joys, to feel the delightful
sensations produced by the gentle and graceful movements of a Spanish
_louse_ as he journeys over one’s body! The very thought of it makes me
poetic, and I cannot resist the temptation of dedicating a line to the
memory of moments so exquisite. How appropriate are the words of Moore
to such occasions of bliss?

  Oft in the stilly night,
    Ere slumber’s chains have bound me,
  I feel the cursed creatures bite,
    As scores are crawling round me.

  O not like one who treads alone,
    The banquet halls deserted;--
  In crowds they crawl despite the groan
    Of him whose blood they started.

When I took up my Journal to add a few items, I found the above had
been written by some wag, in my absence. He was disposed to ridicule
my description of the felicity of which I boasted. Our boys are rather
mischievous, and I must confess that I felt rather waggish myself
when I made the boast of our possessing Eden-like pleasures. The
continuation of my narrative pleased me so well that I consented to
let it remain as it was written. Our mischievous feeling and manner of
expression is the most innocent way in which we can relieve ourselves,
for we privates are suffering many privations while some of our
officers refuse to speak to each other. I am glad, however, that our
troubles are so merrily turned into ridicule, the best way sometimes
to treat them. We are not destitute of sport however--many amusing
scenes occur among us, debating societies are formed among the soldiers
in which the most absurd questions are dilated upon with a vehemence
and mock seriousness truly laughable. A breakfast of coffee without
sugar, some very poor beef soup, and onions sliced up with parched
corn, made a better meal for us to-day than we have had for some days
past. Yesterday I traded off _two needles_ to the Spanish girls for
six ears of corn and some onions, it was a trade decidedly profitable
for both parties. In company with our first Lieutenant, his brother,
William White, Dr. Dunlap, and a number of others, I went up on a high
peak of the Rocky Mountains. We had been there but a few minutes when
it commenced snowing. We kindled a large fire, and amused ourselves by
listening to the reverberations of sound produced by our Lieutenant’s
revolver, who fired six rounds. Becoming thirsty, we searched and found
water in the crevice of the rock close to the edge of the precipice.
It was too far below the surface for us to drink by stooping over, and
William White proposed to throw in gravel, in order to raise the water,
reminding me of one of Æsop’s fables. We followed his advice and the
water was soon forced to rise high enough for our purpose. The snow
increasing, we came down and made another fire in a large hollow of the
rock, where all but myself sat down to cards. It was an amusement that
I did not relish, and I sought my gratification in loosing the rocks
and rolling them down the side of the mountain, which is at least a
thousand feet above the level of our camp.

_29th._--To-day, Charles Perkins and myself took our guns and proceeded
down the river several miles in search of game. We fired at several
flocks of wild geese and ducks, but it only scared them further off. We
passed several Spanish houses on our return. When we reached the camp
we found the soldiers at different employments, some playing cards,
and others making articles to sell to the natives. A Mr. Hatfield was
engaged in the manufacture of a _grindstone_ to trade to the Spaniards
for corn and beans. These, with onions, are the only vegetables they
grow.

_30th._--The mountains are covered with snow, and, after raining
hard all night, this morning it is clear and cold. We made the
best preparations we could to send the wagons back to Santa Fe for
provisions, as late last night, our second Lieutenant returned, after
an absence of five days, and brought news that we are to take up our
winter quarters in this dreadful region. There seems to be very little
likelihood of our going south at all. The officers went in search of
other quarters to-day.

_31st._--We had a heavy fall of rain last night, which improved into
a snow-storm before morning. I slept very uncomfortably, as a high
wind from the north had full sweep in the door of our tent. We were
inspected at 11 o’clock, and carried through all the evolutions of the
drill. After the parade we could scarcely keep warm, though wrapped in
our blankets, and crowded around the fire. Yesterday one of our beef
cattle died from starvation. The Mexicans came down and took it off to
their habitations. We might have made a speculation by selling it but
did not think of it.

_Sunday, November 1st._--Several of my mess are going up the mountains
to look for their horses. I offered a friend $5 (should I ever again
possess that sum) to search for mine. I read aloud in my Testament to
some of the boys, while others sat apart, or pitched quoits. At night a
Spaniard came in camp with a fiddle, and played a number of tunes which
so exhilarated my poor half frozen companions that they united in a
dance which they kept up till a late hour.

_2nd._--Some Taos flour, coarsely ground in the little native mills
on the Rio Grande, badly baked in the ashes, and some coffee without
sugar, now comprise our only sustenance. Between meals, however, we
parch some corn, which we now and then procure of the natives in
exchange for buttons, needles, or any little matter we can spare. At
9 o’clock, we struck our tents, and marched down the river two miles
to a deserted Spanish house nearly in ruins. The inhabitants were
murdered by the Navihoe Indians. This is the place where we are to take
up our winter quarters. I can scarcely describe this wretched den. The
soldiers have looked in and they have become very dissatisfied. They
were told by the Captain to erect their tents inside the wall. All
the houses in this region having that protection. We could not sleep
in the house on account of the offensive odor. The tent was much more
comfortable.

_3d._--As soon as our breakfast of beef soup and coffee was over, some
of the men were appointed to scrape and clean the house. I with several
others was sent to the mountains to cut and haul wood. After walking
two miles, we procured a load of green pine, which does not grow here
more than half the usual size. On the return, I thought I would take
a near cut to our camp alone. I turned into a foot-path, which led me
to the top of a high mountain. Here I could see our quarters, though a
long distance off. I took a direct course, and soon arrived at camp,
where I found our boys writing down a vocabulary of Spanish words. They
have become very erudite of late.

_4th._--All this day we did nothing but write down words from the
language spoken by the people, who, from their complexion, appear to
be a mixture of the Spanish and Indian races. We made a pretty good
dictionary among us.

_5th._--This day is very unpleasant. It is raining hard. At 4 o’clock,
our first Lieutenant, Mr. White, returned from Santa Fe. He brought bad
news. He could get no provisions, except one-fourth rations of flour,
and one and a half barrels of mess pork. But notwithstanding all this,
our boys are still very lively.

_6th._--We had great labor to-day in procuring fuel sufficient for our
present purpose, and the prospect of a long and severe winter before
us makes our situation rather unenviable.

_7th._--On short allowance yesterday and to-day, a little bread, (i. e.
two pints for six men,) some fried beef, and coffee without sugar.

_Sunday, 8th._--Although the morning was cloudy and cold, I walked
with twenty others down to Abique to church. On arriving we went into
the priest’s room. He very politely invited us to be seated, and then
commenced asking all kinds of questions about the United States. He
seemed to take great interest in teaching us the Spanish language. He
made us repeat after him, many long and hard words. We sat two hours
with him and then went in church, where a large congregation was
assembled. In a few minutes our priest made his appearance, dressed in
gold lace, and ascended the pulpit, while all present fell on their
knees. The music of various instruments now commenced, the priest the
meanwhile, drinking sundry glasses of wine. The people remained on
their knees till the music ceased, when all retired.

It was noised among the soldiers that a fandango would take place in
the evening. Some of us went in to inquire of the priest, who informed
us that the fandango was to be at a village some miles further off. In
a little while, a Mexican guide was hired to escort us. After walking
a mile we came to a river, when this Spanish fellow, very quietly
sat down to pull off his shoes, and told all who were in favor of
wading the stream to follow his example. Eight of the boys immediately
commenced stripping to cross, declaring that nothing should disappoint
them from attending a fandango. As I had a bad cold, with some others,
who felt no inclination to wet their feet, I returned to our quarters.

_9th._--All this day in the mountains cutting wood.

_10th._--I went with several others to search for lost horses. We had
not gone far when to my great joy I found mine, which had not been seen
since we left Santa Fe. We heard volleys of musketry in the direction
of our camp, and were at a loss to understand the meaning, till on our
return, we learned that a dog had been buried with the honors of war.
This poor dog had been a great favorite with our Captain and all the
company; he was most foolishly shot by a soldier on guard last night.
The man was made to dig his grave, and will be detailed on extra duty
as a punishment, the Captain being much exasperated. This evening I,
with four others took rations for five days, in order to drive the
horses down the river to graze. Late at night, we reached a Spanish
village, where we stopped. A mile from that place, a fandango was to
come off, and the ladies of the place were preparing for the dance.
They were nicely equipped in their best finery, and the soldiers were
engaged to accompany them. Not being very desirous of attending the
fandango, I preferred to remain and try to get some rest, of which
I was very much in need. The party was soon prepared, and off they
started, leaving me behind to cook supper and arrange matters for their
comfort when they should return. I browned the coffee, fried the beef,
made the bread, and having all things in readiness, I drank a cup of
coffee and laid down to rest on a mattress placed on the floor. As far
as the thing I laid on was concerned, I was comfortable enough; the
mattress was a luxury; but I could not sleep; the reasons were various.
I was lying in a house, when I was accustomed to dwell in tents;--my
quarters were divided between myself several donkies and mules and two
small children--the odor of the donkies was not the most agreeable, nor
their noise very harmonious; the children knew their mother was out and
did their best at crying. The woman had gone to the fandango, where I
hope she enjoyed better music than that which she left for the lulling
of my sensibilities into sweet slumbers.

_11th._--Our soldiers did not return from the fandango till 3 o’clock
this morning, and I was appointed to get breakfast while they slept. I
had considerable trouble in accomplishing this service, as the girls
crowded around the fire, and I had frequently to pass the frying
pan over the naked feet of a pretty girl who was sitting near me.
In company with a young Spaniard, who was exceedingly agreeable and
polite, I went out after breakfast to kill wild geese. We walked a
long distance, and returned unsuccessful.

_12th._--I find the family residing here, very agreeable. I was
invited, and almost forced to accompany them to a fandango last night
(for they do little else but dance.) All on horseback, the married men
mounted behind their wives, we started. A little baby in its mother’s
arms becoming troublesome, one of our men, who said he was a married
man, most gallantly rode up, and offered to carry the little creature.
The mother thankfully resigned it to his charge. There was more
pleasure in the idea of enjoyment at the fandango than in taking care
of a cross child. When we arrived at Abique, an old man invited us to
partake of his hospitality;--an invitation we gladly accepted. We went
in accordingly, and after all were seated on the floor in the posture
of a tailor, a large earthen vessel was placed before us containing
pepper sauce and soup; and a few tortillas, (a thin paste made of
corn rubbed between flat stones.) The sauce caused my mouth to burn
to a blister. The people are very fond of condiments, and become so
accustomed to them that what will burn a stranger’s mouth has no effect
upon theirs. After all was over, we went across the street to attend
the fandango. From the crowd, I should judge it was high in favor with
all classes of the community. Some of the performers were dressed in
the most fantastic style, and some scarcely dressed at all. The ladies
and gentlemen whirled around with a rapidity quite painful to behold,
and the music pealed in deafening sounds. I took my seat near a pretty
girl, and every time she leaned on my shoulder, which she did pretty
often, her beau would shake his head in token of his displeasure, and
showing his jealous disposition. I left the place about 10 o’clock, and
returned to our quarters.

_13th._--We visited our camp to-day at the Spanish ruins. The Captain
and officers were glad to see us, especially as we had good news in
relation to the horses. We had them in charge, and exhibited them to
our comrades as the trophies of our success. On our return, we killed
two wild geese and four rabbits, which we found a great help to our
stock of provisions which was then very low.

_14th._--I was left alone with the Spaniards to-day, while our boys
were attending to the horses. My Spanish friends are very courteous,
but there is little to relieve the monotony of our intercourse, as from
my ignorance of the language I am unable to converse with them.

_15th._--This morning we had one of our wild geese stewed for
breakfast, which we had without coffee, and almost without bread. After
breakfast I started to camp to draw provisions of some kind. When at
camp I concluded to remain there.

_16th._--I was told by the Sergeant to-day, that there was no flour
to issue. He referred me to the Captain, who directed young Bales and
myself to a mill some distance off, where we procured 60_lbs._ of
unsifted Taos flour very coarsely prepared. With this, we returned, and
in a few minutes nearly the whole was appropriated to the use of the
half-starved soldiers. A very small portion of this brown flour fell
to our share. This evening we are without food, or nearly so. Martin
Glaze, an old veteran, who has seen service, and belongs to my mess,
got a few ears of corn and parched it in a pan, with a small piece of
pork to make it greasy. When it was done, we all sat around the fire
and ate our supper of parched corn greased with fat pork. The weather
to-night is extremely cold.

_17th._--Awoke early this morning and found it snowing very hard. At
10 o’clock I went to our first Lieutenant’s quarters. He was engaged
in appraising some cattle which are pressed into our service, and for
which the natives were to be paid. A bull has just been killed, and the
offals are being greedily devoured by our poor fellows. At 11 o’clock
to-day our third Corporal died, having been sick with camp fever and
inflammation of the brain several weeks. At 3 o’clock his grave was dug
and the poor fellow was wrapped in his blanket--and buried without a
coffin. To-night there are several of our men sick with the measles,
supposed by our Surgeon to have been brought from Santa Fe.

_18th._--The snow four inches deep--clear and very cold--another grave
dug to-day for a member of the Livingston company, making five who
have died since we have been out here. They are all buried near the
mountain, where poor Johnson was laid.

_20th._--The past two days have been employed in procuring wood, which
is hard labor; but we do not complain as our fare is improved by the
addition of bean soup and coffee.

_21st._--A court martial was held this morning to try our fourth
Sergeant, who has said something derogatory to the character of our
Orderly. After the court adjourned, we were ordered to form a line.
Our first Lieutenant then stood in front and read the proceedings
of the court. The decision was that our fourth Sergeant be reduced
to the ranks, for slander. It was ordered that if any man, or men
should thereafter bring false charges against the officers, he or
they, should be sent with a file of soldiers to Santa Fe, and tried at
head quarters, &c. The company was then dismissed. Several of my mess
concluded to run as candidates for the vacant place. They went among
the crowd with tobacco and parched corn, electioneering. I was placed
on guard at 9, and had to stand till 11 o’clock.

_Sunday, 22d._--A gloomy Sabbath morning--I felt badly, but concluded
to go to church at Abique. As soon as the ceremonies were ended I went
in the priest’s room in company with my old friend Capt. Markle and
several officers. After sitting awhile, a servant brought in a dish of
refreshments, consisting of pies and wine. Placing the glass to my lips
I discovered it to be _Taos whiskey_, as strong as alcohol. A piece of
the pie, I thought might take away the unpleasant taste, so I crowded
my mouth full, and found--alas! it was composed of onions, a dreadful
fix indeed, for a hungry man, Taos whiskey and onion pie!--the very
thought of the mess makes my mouth burn. When I returned to camp I
found nearly every individual busily engaged at cards. Elias Barber, a
messmate, was taken sick with the measles. The disease, is now raging
among the troops.

_23d._--We had great trouble in procuring fuel to-day. We had to travel
far up the mountain for it, and it is exceedingly difficult to cook
with it out of doors in the deep snow. It fell to my lot to make the
bread, and I had much ado to-night, to make the mass stick together. I
felt more than usual fatigue after the parade.

_24th._--Elias Barber is very sick to-day. He spent a wretched
night last night in a thin cotton tent. The wind is blowing on him
constantly, while the measles are out very thick. I went to the Captain
this morning and informed him of the situation of the young man. He
told me if I could procure a place in the house, he might be brought
in. I therefore went and after making preparations to move him, I was
told that no such thing should be done. I then tried to get an extra
tent to place over the one we are sleeping in, and even this was
denied me. The poor fellow is lying out of doors, exposed to all the
inclemency of this cold climate. And last night it was so cold that the
water became frozen in our canteens. The Surgeon appears interested,
but it is all to no purpose--nothing further is done for the comfort of
the sufferer. May the Lord deliver me from the tender mercies of such
men!

_25th._--I felt quite unwell all day to-day. I suffered much from a
severe attack of diarrhœa. Our lodgings are very uncomfortable. I went
down to the Rio Grande to get water, and found it nearly frozen over. A
great mortality prevails among the troops who are dying from exposure
and disease.

_26th._--I was very much engaged all day, in nursing poor Barber. He is
worse to-day, the measles having disappeared from the surface. I sat
by him the livelong night and listened to his delirious ravings, and I
felt sad to think I had no means of relief. At 4 o’clock this morning
the Captain came, and finding him so ill, brought out a tent to cover
the one he laid in.

_27th._--Last night, my messmate Philips returned from Santa Fe,
with a message from Col. Price to the different Captains, to send on
ten men from each company, as an escort for Col. Mitchell, who was
about to start for Chihuahua. From thence he is to proceed to open a
communication with General Wool. To-day an express arrived from Col.
Mitchell for the same purpose. We were hastily paraded to ascertain how
many would volunteer to go, when I, with five others of my company,
stepped out of the ranks, and had our names enrolled. We were satisfied
that we could not render our situation worse, and hoped any change
might be for the better. We hastened to the grazing ground, over the
mountain, for our horses, which occupied us all day. Mine was gone of
course. To prevent delay, I gave my note to a young man for a horse
which belonged to a deceased soldier.

_28th._--A full company having been made up, this morning we gathered
at our quarters, and were ready at 8 o’clock to take leave of our
kind hearted comrades. They bid us “good-bye,” with many expressions
of regret, and injunctions to write often. We pursued our journey 35
miles, and put up late in the evening at the house of a rich Spaniard,
who accommodated us with an empty room twenty feet square, but it
had so small a fireplace that we could not use it for our culinary
purposes, so we were forced to do most of our cooking in the open air.
It fell to my lot as usual to make the bread, and I kneaded forty
pounds of Taos flour in a mass, and baked thirty-six good sized cakes,
while two others prepared our camp kettles of coffee, &c.

_Sunday, 29th._--At 4 o’clock we ate our breakfast, and were on the
road by day-light. We travelled all day without stopping, and arrived
at Santa Fe at 6 o’clock in the evening. We went immediately to the
American Hotel where supper was provided for us. Nineteen men sat down
to the table, none of whom had enjoyed such a privilege for nearly four
months. All were hungry, and it was amusing to see how we tried to eat
our landlord out of house and home. After supper we retired to our
quarters in a very small room.

_30th._--Word was sent from Col. Mitchell this morning for us to parade
before the Governor’s house for inspection. Our horses were also
examined, and all being found in good order for the trip, we were
dismissed and conducted to our quarters, in the court house; where we
drew our rations, viz. thirty pounds of good American flour, with pork
enough to last five days.

_December 1st._--Paraded again soon after breakfast, and were told by
our Captain, that previously to our departure, we must all march to
the sutler’s store, and acknowledge our indebtedness to him, so up we
rode in right order and dismounted. We had a peep at our accounts, and
I found mine to be $30 75. I had purchased a few articles of clothing
on my route, being forced to do so from necessity. I was therefore not
surprised at the amount, especially when I read the prices of some the
articles, viz. a small cotton handkerchief $1--suspenders $1--flannel
shirt $3--tin coffee pot $1 50, &c. &c. Here we bade farewell to our
Captains, who had accompanied us to Santa Fe to see us off. Captain
Williams shook me cordially by the hand, saying, he had no expectation
of seeing me again in this world. Captain Hudson now took charge, and
rode with us two miles out of town--here he informed us, we had a
dangerous road to travel, but would leave us to the care of Lieutenant
Todd for two days, till we were joined by Col. Mitchell and himself.
He returned to town, and we came on four miles and stopped at a house,
whose master sold us forage for our horses and wood, it being severely
cold. Sixty of us occupied two large rooms for the night.

_2d._--We marched 25 miles to a place called San Domingo, and took
quarters in a deserted house. This is a considerable place, with a
handsome church, which was being illuminated when we arrived. In a
little time the bells began to ring, and there was a firing of musketry
and considerable commotion at the door of the church. Several of our
soldiers were induced to go up and inquire into the meaning of the
uproar. We were told that a converted Indian chief had just died, and
all this was to prevent him from going down to purgatory. The roll
of the drum and firing continued a long time, when the ceremonies
commenced in the church, from the door of which we saw many large
wax candles burning, but not being permitted to enter we very quietly
retired.

_3d._--After travelling six miles we came to an Indian village called
San Felippe, and two miles further down the Rio Grande we encamped
in the midst of a good pasture for our horses. After supper, our
Lieutenant told me I was honored with the appointment of Captain of the
watch. In consequence of this distinction, I had to be up nearly all
night. It was very cold. We were now comparatively happy, for we had
plenty of good flour from the States, with coffee, sugar, &c.

_4th._--We learn that we shall be obliged to stay here till Col.
Mitchell comes up with the other company, so we seize the opportunity
to have our horses shod. Two blacksmiths are now at work; I have just
bought a set of shoes and nails from our sutler for $3.

_5th._--The weather has moderated somewhat, but the face of the country
presents nothing inviting at this season of the year. Every thing has
a desolate and wintry appearance. There being no food for our horses,
we chopped down some limbs of the cotton wood tree for them to eat.
We then went to a Mexican village to buy corn. Having no money, I
took some tobacco and buttons to trade for the corn. While here, I
sold my greasy blanket for a Navihoe one, with a meal for my horse in
the bargain. The man with whom I traded was very kind; he set before
me some corn, mush and sausages, but being seasoned with onions, I
declined eating. He then brought in some corn stalk molasses, which
I mixed with water and drank, thanking him for his hospitality. I
returned to camp, when I found that Col. Mitchell, and the baggage
wagons had arrived. I was officer of the guard to-night, and up till 12
o’clock.

_Sunday, 6th._--Formed in line by our Colonel in the midst of a heavy
shower of rain, and marched down the Rio Grande, a long distance. Our
course is due south, keeping the river constantly on our right, and
ranges of mountains on our left hand. We passed many villages, and at
night encamped near one.

_7th._--Rising early this morning to prepare breakfast, I found the
snow four inches deep, and still snowing very fast. Marched in right
order 15 miles, and after passing several towns situated on the banks
of the river, we stopped at night at the large town of Albikirk. Here
are garrisoned one hundred and fifty regulars; near whose quarters
we encamped in a large room 100 feet by 40. In this place we found a
number of soldiers, some engaged in tailoring, some playing cards, and
others amusing themselves in various ways.

_8th._--The country through which we passed to-day is thickly dotted
over with towns and villages, whose names I cannot remember, but the
road is dismal enough, being still among the mountains, where every
object the eye rests upon is covered with snow. The cold is very
intense. We pitched our tents to-night under the walls of a town. We
had six small ears of corn for our horses, and no fodder. I went to the
Quarter Master and was informed by him that the Mexicans had refused
to sell us any thing. I cut some buttons from a uniform jacket, and
with them tried to purchase food for my horse, but I was refused every
where. I sat down and made out a requisition, and with several others
went to their large stacks, ten feet high, which we ascended, and
threw down a large turn for each. We succeeded in coming off with our
booty, and in a few minutes, we were in bed. We were not disturbed in
conscience in the least, being fully covered by the axiom, “necessity
knows no law.”

_9th._--We were called up this morning to lead our horses into ranks,
when two guns and a sabre were missing. They had been taken from the
tents by the Mexicans. After the line was formed, Col. Mitchell ordered
the men who had lost their arms, to march out. He then told them they
would be left behind to search the town, assisted by the alcalde, and
if they should not find their arms they would have to return to Santa
Fe. We then left; marched ten miles and encamped near a village. Our
interpreter was sent to procure forage for the horses, but he returned
with the news that none could be had. Our Captain told the Sergeant to
go up with a file of soldiers and _take_ what was wanting. He formed
a line of twenty men, I among them, and marched off with our Orderly
at the head, and second Sergeant, with the bags to put the corn in. At
the door of the house, we were ordered to halt. The lock was broken,
and we entered, filled our sacks and packed them down to the camp. In
this adventure I made the acquaintance of a young man by the name of
Hepbourn. He was born and raised in Prince George’s County, Md. After
supper, we were all ordered up to draw fifteen rounds of cartridges. A
strong guard was ordered out to-night.

_10th._--Having orders to march very early, we rose by light and
proceeded down the river 18 miles, the country presenting very much
the appearance already described. We saw a few vineyards, surrounded
by walls. I felt miserably disordered from the cold and loss of rest.
I was just about to sit down to supper, which I thought might revive
me, when our Orderly came by, requesting the men to form in line
immediately, as the Captain wished to read the Articles of War. We
stood just one hour and listened to the dry detail. When the reading
was concluded, we returned to our tents. After supper, sixteen men were
detailed on guard. I stood two hours the first watch, and three hours
before day-light. It was extremely cold.

_11th._--The roll was called at day-break, and after parade we
continued our march 12 miles and encamped in a town among the
mountains. Wood was very scarce, and the severity of the weather
increasing.

_12th._--We eat our breakfast at day-light. It consisted of mess
pork and bread, half baked by a miserable fire. We went 12 miles to
a place where there is a fine supply of wood. Our poor fellows had
the satisfaction of having a good fire all night, and it was very
necessary, for the weather was tempestuous with cold gusts of wind and
snow.

_Sunday, 13th._--At one o’clock this morning I awoke and found myself
so cold that I arose and went to the guard-fire to thaw myself. I stood
by the fire till day-light. The Captain in his round to visit the
guard, stopped at the fire, and I had a pleasant chat with him. He is
very clever and condescending. He remained an hour or two, and then
woke up the Orderly to have all in readiness for a start. We came over
the mountain four miles, where our road intersected the river again,
passed a town, and further on encamped near the river. Our interpreter
bought a beef from the natives, also a little wood to cook it. The wild
geese are very numerous here.

_14th._--The roll was called very early this morning--and as my horse
had a sore back, I asked the Captain’s permission to walk behind the
wagons. I walked all this day and led my horse. When I came up to the
encampment I found that my mess had supper ready. It consisted of a
kind of chicken pie, bread and coffee. I relished the supper very
much, but by way of desert I received information that I had to stand
sentinel. I walked my post two hours and then went to bed; being too
cold to sleep, I got up at two o’clock, and went to the guard-fire. The
guard said he was very sleepy and would lie down if I would consent to
serve while he slept. To this I readily agreed--and he laid down, while
I made a large fire, which soon attracted the attention of the other
sentinels, and several of them collected around it. We enjoyed each
others conversation till the morning dawned.

_15th._--I woke up the Sergeant, who said we had walked our post four
hours over the time. I received the compliment, but did not tell him
that we had sat by the fire all the time. In his Irish brogue, and with
a pipe in his mouth, he proceeded to call the roll. We are to stay here
till the 17th.

_16th._--Having secured some beef, I made a large fire to get an early
breakfast. Yesterday our Quarter Master pressed a lot of seven very
good cattle from the Mexicans. Last night a strong guard of twenty men
was stationed around our camp. The weather is still raw and cold. We
are yet among the mountains.

_17th._--This morning we reached the _second crossing_ of the Rio
Grande. Four miles beyond the crossing, we overtook Col. Doniphan’s
command, and encamped near them. Having to walk and lead my horse, I
did not come up till all were fixed. I found our boys very angry at a
circumstance which they related and made me write down, with a promise
to publish it--which promise I now fulfil. While on the march to-day,
the Captain ordered a halt, and told the soldiers that he had been
requested by the Lieutenants to beg them all not to come near their
fire or tents, as it incommoded them greatly. He stated on his own
behalf, as well as on behalf of the other officers, that it was quite
a nuisance to have the privates lurking about their tents and fires.
He said that something might be “hooked” and that the Lieutenant had
already lost some saleratus, &c. This was a poser. Our poor fellows
could hardly endure it. Some of them were much exasperated. I tried
to soothe them, and told them no other harm was meant than a slight
intimation that we must keep away at meal times, as a knowledge of
their better fare might make us dissatisfied, &c. All passed off better
than I expected. We had to go a mile for water, and the thermometer at
zero.

_18th._--The situation of our tents was by no means pleasant. There was
much complaint about stones and hillocks, lying hard, &c. Breakfast
over, I started with the wagons, in company with some others, whose
horses’ backs were sore. I felt stupified from the cold and loss of
rest, having walked my round five hours last night. We went on 12
miles, which we trudged on foot. At night we cut some branches of the
cotton wood for our horses to eat. We were preparing to rest, when
our Captain told us, if any man lost his horse he would have to walk
back to Santa Fe. He further said, that we had to go through a gloomy
region or desert, 85 miles in extent, where no wood or water could
be procured. He advised us to go to work and prepare food enough to
last three or four days. I made up 30 lbs. of flour and baked eighteen
cakes, while the balance was attended to by my mess.

_19th._--We were all busy providing against the perils of our difficult
and dangerous march. We shall have to keep close company, as the
Navihoe Indians roam this desert in bands. At 11 o’clock we moved
off in fine order, and marched 15 miles over the dreary plain. At 8
o’clock at night the Captain ordered a halt. We picked up a few weeds,
kindled a little fire, took a cold cut of bread and meat, and laid on
the ground to rest, without erecting the tents. A young man having
drank too much of the “ardiente,” very unluckily offended one of the
officers, and was ordered to be tied to the wagon wheel. He cut a
variety of capers while this was being done. His friends soon set him
at liberty.

_20th._--The news of a “spring in the desert” was brought by some
scouts, who had started out on an exploring expedition. They found the
spring in a place full 6 miles from our road. We drove the cattle over
a miserably rough path to drink from the spring, which turned out to
be a muddy pool. We afterwards marched 15 miles and encamped late at
night. We took a slice of bread and meat and laid down to rest on our
blankets.

_21st._--The appearance of our Captain very early this morning aroused
us. He came with the intelligence that Major Gilpin had sent on an
express last night for a reinforcement, as he was expecting an attack
every moment from the enemy. In a few minutes we were on the march, and
without stopping to take breakfast we travelled 35 miles. We encamped
late at night 3 miles from the river, where men and beasts, thirsty
and weary, were refreshed. I was afraid my horse would kill himself
drinking. With six others, I pressed some oxen from the traders, whom
we found encamped here, as the most of our team had given out and were
left upon the road.

_22nd._--Passed over 14 miles of broken wretched country to-day, the
soil of which produces nothing but a kind of shrub called soap-weed.
The inhabitants, it is said, use this weed in washing their clothes. We
encamped in a rough place, among stones and hillocks.

_23rd._--I trust the end of this “_jornada_,” as it is called, and
which means the “region of death,” is nearly reached, for a march of 12
miles brought us to a village, where we halted to take in provisions
bought by our Quarter Master. Proceeding two miles further we came
up to Major Gilpin, whom we found encamped on a large sandy plain. We
had to go 2 or 3 miles for wood. Our flour was nearly gone, and we
had a little beef soup and rice for supper at night. The boys being
still hungry, we went to the village and procured some dried fruit and
pumpkins, which we sliced up and stewed in our camp kettles. Of this
fare we partook heartily, and laid down to sleep in the sand.

_24th._--The first blast of the bugle this morning made us hurry into
line. Some of the men being rather tardy, were too late, and they were
told by the officer who inspected us, that any man who did not come
into rank at the sound of the bugle, would be made to stand guard
three days. We broke ranks and ate our breakfast, which consisted of a
small piece of bread, made up with pumpkin. The weather is now quite
pleasant, and the country, hitherto so uniformly desolate, begins to
improve in appearance.




BATTLE OF BRACITO.


_25th._--In the union of our forces we are one thousand strong. Moved
as early as usual from the position we have occupied the last three
days, and after marching 12 miles, we came to Bracito, and encamped at
10 o’clock. We stripped our horses as usual, and picketed them out;
went out to hunt wood to cook our dinners. Some of the men had gone at
least a mile from camp when the alarm was given, “_to arms! to arms!_”
Looking in the direction pointed out we saw a cloud of dust, as if the
whole of Mexico was coming down upon us. Unwilling to throw away our
wood, we ran with our turns on our shoulders, when we heard an officer
hallooing--“Throw away your wood and bring your horses into camp.” We
obeyed the order as quickly as possible. We found our Orderly at his
post, directing the men to load their guns and get into line. Every man
was at his proper place in a few minutes. By this time the Mexican
army was in sight, and had formed in battle array at a distance of a
mile from us. Presently an officer came out of their ranks, handsomely
mounted and bearing a black flag. Col. Mitchell, accompanied with the
interpreter, rode up to meet him on half way ground to inquire his
business. He told them he had come to demand the surrender of our
entire force, by submitting, he said, our lives would be spared--if we
did not, every man would be put to death. Our interpreter cut short his
harangue by telling him to “go to h-- and bring on his forces.” In the
meantime our company (the Chihuahua Rangers) received orders from head
quarters to right about face, and march from the right, where we were
somewhat protected by brush, weeds and gopher hills, to the extreme
left, in open ground to withstand the charge of the Mexican cavalry; so
off we marched in double quick time to our position on the left. Our
Captain here told us to reserve our fire till the enemy was in fair
rifle distance, and added that he hoped no man in his command would
act the coward, but all would do their duty as volunteers and American
soldiers. He had scarcely done speaking, when the enemy commenced
firing at us, from three to four hundred yards distant. They advanced
closer, and continued to advance, pouring in volley after volley, till
the sound of bullets over our heads reminded me of a hail storm.--We
waited impatiently for the word of command. It was at length given,
“fire.” One loud peal of thunder was heard from our Missouri rifles.
Consternation and dismay was the result, for, thrown into confusion,
the Mexicans commenced obliquing to our left. Another volley, well
aimed, caused them to _retreat_ towards our wagons. Here they were met
by a round from the wagon company. In the meantime Capt. Reid, at the
head of eighteen men, well mounted, pushed after them, chasing them to
the mountains. All their provisions, guns, sabres, camp furniture, &c.,
besides one 10 pound howitzer, fell into our hands. The Mexican loss
was estimated at thirty or forty killed and wounded, while we had but
two slightly wounded. The Mexicans left their dead on the field.

_26th._--With fifteen prisoners and a few wounded Mexicans, we resumed
our march, the main army being flanked on both sides, and came on 16
miles and encamped in a desolate place filled with thorn bushes. Here
we prepared our supper, and were about to sit down, when the report of
a gun from the picket guard, caused us to extinguish the fires, and
form in line as quickly as possible. Presently our Lieutenant rode up
and said it was a false alarm. We were ordered to break ranks and get
our supper. Again we commenced that unfortunate meal, when the report
of a second gun, so loud as to be heard by every one, again made us
put the fires down. There was a tremendous clattering of arms, for all
formed in line in a few seconds. At this moment Lieut. Cribbons rode up
and said that in visiting one of the outer pickets, he was requested
to give the countersign by the guard, whose gun was cocked, and he
accidentally let the hammer down too heavily, causing it to explode,
the load passing close to the Lieutenant’s face. After hearing this
statement, we again broke ranks to resume our supper. I stood sentinel,
to guard the wagons and piece of artillery taken from the enemy, till
12 o’clock, then went to bed--was awakened again at 3, and stood till 6
o’clock.

_Sunday, 27th._--Col. Doniphan wishing an early start, the roll was
called at light and we moved on in the same order as yesterday, with
front and rear guard. We had scarcely travelled six miles, when at a
distance over the river was seen a dust, as if a body of horsemen were
meeting us. We were told to keep cool and obey orders. Continuing our
course we met several Mexicans bearing a white flag. Their commander
coming up, presented Colonels Doniphan and Mitchell his sabre. They
then drank wine and other liquors together, and we resumed our march,
crossed the Rio Grande, and encamped in the town of El Paso del Norte
about night-fall. This is the noted pass between Old and New Mexico.
The town contains about seven or eight thousand inhabitants, and is
built along the margin of the river, several miles in length. The
environs are cultivated to some extent, and the usual varieties of
fruit grow here in abundance. The river is compressed in many places to
a very small compass, by the high and precipitous mountains, through
which it winds its way.

_28th._--Established our quarters a mile from the city, where there is
a large coral or enclosure, in which to keep our horses. Throughout the
day a variety of fruit was brought to camp by the natives, and readily
bought up by the soldiers. The wind was high, and we were nearly
blinded by clouds of dust, which being mixed with isinglass is very
hurtful to the eyes.

_29th._--To-day Col. Doniphan, while searching the town, found two
pieces of cannon, and after breaking several locks, a good deal of
ammunition was discovered. We all paraded and were carried through the
regular drill.

_January 1st, 1847._--The last two days being quite cold, with high
winds, we kept in camp. After the usual parade to-day, Lieutenant Todd
went to town about 10 o’clock in company with several of our men, but
they returned in a short time at full speed, hallooing with all their
might for us to get our horses quickly, and saddle up, for the Mexicans
were coming on us. In a little while we were ready and marched over
the river to join the other regiment, and prepared for battle. When we
arrived at the ground, we were formed by Col. Doniphan, who despatched
Col. Mitchell with twelve men to reconnoitre the enemy, who were
reported to be in sight. In the course of an hour, they returned and
said it was a false alarm. We then marched to the public square, and
informed by our Captain that arrangements were made to keep us in town,
and that our camp equipage must be sent for. One out of each mess was
directed to go with the wagons for that purpose. We were well supplied
with fuel at night, and our quarters were quite comfortable.

_2nd._--Nothing of importance transpired to-day. The roll was called,
and we paraded twice, morning and evening.

_Sunday, 3rd._--The usual duties being over, and a high wind
prevailing, we did not go to church. Hearing that a sick horse was in
the coral I went over to see, and found it was my mare. I brought her
out to have her bled and physicked. I went to get assistance, and when
I returned with a friend I found she had escaped; searched the town
three hours without finding her.

_4th._--Renewed my efforts to recover my lost horse; walked till three
o’clock, when I found her in the centre of a lot about two miles from
town--dead. I hastened to Col. Mitchell and told him I was on foot, as
my mare had lost breath and was laid up to dry. He advised me to look
about and ascertain if I could suit myself. If I succeeded I was to
call on him again in the morning.

_5th._--Our Orderly Sergeant in reading over the names of those to be
placed on mounted guard, cried out mine. Accordingly, I with three
others marched down to the public square, where we paraded, and dinner,
or rather supper, being over, we were placed as sentinels till three
o’clock in the morning. I then went to the guard-fire, spread down my
blanket and slept till day-light.

_6th._--To-day we were allowed two-third rations of coarse Taos flour,
some coffee without sugar, and poor mutton. We sometimes got a few
peaches from the inhabitants in exchange for tobacco, buttons, &c.

_7th._--Finding our flour nearly gone I went out and bought a baked
pumpkin to mix with it; saw much fruit exhibited for sale, but had no
money to buy any. Our scouting party which had been sent out a few days
ago, returned this evening, bringing three prisoners, a priest among
them. They were captured 12 miles down, on their way to Chihuahua, with
papers containing information of our movements to the Mexican army in
that quarter. They were placed under strict surveillance.

_Sunday, 10th._--I went to church with a number of others, and
witnessed all the ceremonies, and manœuvres of this singular people.
The church is large, and the handsomest and best built house in the
place. I saw the representation of Christ in the sepulchre, with
various other images in and near the altar. On our return we found
multitudes in the open street playing cards--sorry to say, some were
American soldiers.

_13th._--Our time begins to hang heavily. The ordinary duties of the
day are soon accomplished, and no novelty to amuse or excite, the
soldiers become restless and are ready for any excess. Our living
consists of poor mutton, the miserable Taos flour and a little coffee.
Some complain and others “hook” what they can to improve their fare.

_14th._--I was taken last night with a violent headache and pain in
the bowels. My diarrhœa having become much worse I got up and went
to the Surgeon, who gave me 15 grs. calomel, 10 do. jalap, 5 do.
rhubarb and 2 do. tartar, all mixed up together in a dose. I took this
monstrous compound and sat by the guard-fire till morning, I then laid
on my blanket and slept till 3 o’clock in the evening. Needing some
refreshment, I tried my mess, but they had nothing I could relish; I
went to Sergeant Edwards and he gave me a lump of sugar to sweeten my
coffee. I tried in vain to borrow a picayune to purchase some molasses.
At length I applied to a messmate who had come to me a few days after
my horse had died, bringing a mule, and saying if I would consent to
let him draw the rations of my horse I should have the use of this
mule. Yesterday I understood he had sent his mule away to graze, and
was _selling my corn_. When I presented my petition, he turned his back
as a refusal, and went down among the gamblers and lost every cent.

_15th._--Feeling disordered and ill, I applied early to our Surgeon,
who gave me a small lump of sugar, charging me to take particular care
of the article, as it was only intended for the _sick_. He felt my
pulse and made me swallow a large dose of salts and tartar; I then went
to my blanket.

_16th._--I awoke this morning with a high fever and headache. The
Surgeon gave me a large pill, and I was placed in the hospital, under
the particular care of a doctor, whose name I could not learn, but who
said he was from Philadelphia, and could out-practice any man in the
regiment. Wishing some coffee, he very _politely_ took a pinch of sugar
between his thumb and finger to sweeten it for me, talking the while of
“his superior skill,” &c.

_17th._--Still in the hospital, but feeling better, I applied to the
Quarter Master, who gave me four pints of American flour; I baked a
small cake to eat with my coffee. At night I spread my blanket in the
tent, and slept with my mess.

_18th._--At the sound of the reveille I arose and strolled over the
graveyard, where the remains of young Leland were interred yesterday.
This young man died of the fever prevailing among the troops, and his
grave is close to the wall, fronting an old church in ruins. Piles
of bones lay around--in the centre of some of the hills were erected
wooden crosses.

_21st._--Since Tuesday last I have been ill in the hospital, with high
fever and headache--bed hard and uncomfortable, consequently little
sleep or rest. The doctor, in his round, asked me why I was not out at
the roll-call this morning, as my name was erased, by his direction,
from the sick list. He said there was nothing the matter with me, and
he would give me no more medicine. He charged me with being home-sick,
&c. &c., with many other _tender_ and _endearing_ epithets. Weak and
quite unwell, I left the hospital and found my way to Col. Doniphan’s
quarters, I consulted Dr. Morton, who, with expressions of sympathy,
gave me the necessary restoratives. I had symptoms of jaundice, with
very sore eyes.

_26th._--I was somewhat recovered from my illness, through the humane
treatment of Dr. Morton, but I still suffered considerably from my
eyes. I felt much regret that I was prevented from joining Capt.
Hudson, who took our company on a scout, and will be gone several
days. I begin to feel weary of our detention here, occasioned by the
non-arrival of Capt. Weightman with the artillery from Santa Fe. Col.
Doniphan is hourly expecting this reinforcement.

_27th._--Last evening a fellow was caught by our outer picket guard,
who could give no satisfactory account of himself, and told so many
contradictory tales, that our Colonel sent him to the guard-house. At
ten o’clock our company returned from the scouting expedition; they
went down to the fort, 25 miles off, and found it was deserted. They
think it very likely we shall have no fighting to do at Chihuahua.

_29th._--While on guard to-day over the prisoners taken at the battle
of Bracito, I thought I would write in my journal, I searched my belt
for it in vain. It was gone!--taken out probably by some mischievous
soldier in the tent. In this book I had faithfully kept an account of
every thing _interesting to myself_ at least, since the day I left
Carroll County, Missouri. Having another blank book I commenced writing
again, but felt provoked at my loss.

_30th._--This morning, being relieved from the duty of sentinel, I
went immediately to Capt. Hudson and stated the loss of my journal. He
asked me a number of questions in relation to it, and appeared pleased
at so unusual an undertaking in a private. He went forward and told
the soldiers that Maryland’s book must be restored or every man in his
command should be searched.

_31st._--The impatience of our boys for the arrival of the artillery
has induced several to go out to meet it. This evening some of them
returned, and said it was not more than 30 miles off. To-day my book
was found on the floor of the tent. The robber was no doubt alarmed by
the Captain’s order, and dropped it in the most convenient place.

_February 1st._--We paraded early, and about 12 o’clock several rounds
from our artillery-men, just across the Rio Grande, announced the
arrival of Capt. Weightman from Santa Fe, with four six pounders and
two twelve pound howitzers. They marched in town in right order; our
men firing the salute from our piece of captured cannon just as they
reached the public square. This company is an important acquisition to
our small force.

_3d._--Early orders were received that Lieut. Col. Mitchell, at the
head of the Chihuahua Rangers, would move down to the fort to-day.
Every thing being in readiness we came on in double file, and arrived
at sunset at a pretty little village. Our provision wagons being
delayed on the road, every thing like food in this small place was had
in requisition by the orders of the Colonel, and we made our supper on
pies, cheese, bread, &c.

_4th._--This morning we were told to saddle up and hasten forward to
overtake the traders, who had disobeyed orders in preceding us; we were
ordered to bring them back. In obedience to the order we started and
travelled 13 miles. On the way we saw several Mexicans, who endeavored
to elude our observation. Our first and second Lieutenants wishing to
know who they were, and on what errand bent, gave chase. After a run of
two miles at full speed, they were overtaken and searched. One was the
alcalde from the town where we staid last night. We halted late in the
evening on the road, where we met a Mexican fully armed, gun, sabre,
&c. He was also stopped and minutely examined, but no papers being
found on his person, he was suffered to pass.

_5th._--Marched on several miles, overtook and encamped with the
traders, who had formed their wagons in a pen or coral, tried to
refresh ourselves on a supper of black bread, poor beef, and sassafras
tea, cooked over a fire of thorn bushes. The traders sell the bark of
the sassafras at $1 per pound. A small cup of the decoction cost 25
cents to-night.

_6th._--The ground was so uneven we did not erect our tents, but
spread our blankets and went to bed; the cold prevented any thing like
refreshing sleep. We arrived late at our former encampment, and found
Col. Mitchell had returned from El Paso, whither he had gone to see
Col. Doniphan. He brought news, which was currently reported there,
viz. that Gen. Taylor had been overpowered at San Louis Potosi by the
Mexicans, and was imprisoned, with 4000 regulars. Of course this was a
Mexican story, told no doubt for effect--and it had its effect upon our
boys, for it made us feel as if we could fight like lions against the
treacherous foe. We waited at this place for Col. Doniphan, who was
making every preparation for our dangerous trip. I made for my own use
to-day a pair of wooden spurs.

_7th._--This morning after roll-call and breakfast, we fed our horses
and mules, and tried to rest and amuse ourselves. At supper I made some
pancakes, without milk or eggs, unfortunately I put rather too much
_salt_ in my batter. Fifteen men were sent down the river on a scouting
expedition to-night. My name was called to be on guard, so I gathered
up my blanket and went into the line with the rest. I was placed in
first relief, near the river. I walked two hours, then went to bed at
12 o’clock by the guard-fire; I was awakened by the Corporal at three,
and stood till morning.

_8th._--Prepared my clothes by washing and mending, for our departure.
Boiled some beans and beef for my mess. The weather was very
disagreeable, and we all felt weary of our delay.

_9th._--While busily engaged fixing up to-day, Col. Doniphan came
on with the artillery and encamped near us. All is now bustle and
excitement, as it is said we shall start in the morning.

_10th._--Col. Doniphan has concluded to stay here to-day with the army,
as it is very cold and cloudy. Our boys are making desperate efforts
to amuse themselves. Among other things, our sutler is here with his
establishment, and whiskey is selling at 75 cents per pint. With some
honorable exceptions, the scene among officers and men may be much
“better imagined than described.”

_11th._--The whole of Col. Doniphan’s regiment, including the Chihuahua
Rangers, started this morning for the South to join Gen. Wool. We
marched in right order 12 miles, and encamped on the bank of the river.

_12th._--The wagons not coming in last night, some uneasiness was
expressed by our Commander, when, with fifteen others, I returned to
where we encamped the night before, and found the train just about to
move on. We passed a caravan, who told us they had lost the last night
250 mules and 50 yoke of oxen, driven off by the Indians. We came to
our camp and found cooking to be the order of the day. We are about
entering another jornada, and provisions for four days must be packed.

_13th._--Detained here to have all in complete readiness. The Indians
were at their thievish work again. Last night they drove off some
cattle and mules belonging to the traders. The skill and daring evinced
by these bands of savages exceed belief. They follow the army, and are
always prowling around our camp at night.

_Sunday, 14th._--Although on mounted guard nearly all night, I made
all the haste I could to eat an early breakfast and saddle up. I was
among the first in the ranks. Here we were told that the burial of two
soldiers, who expired last night, would only detain us a few minutes
longer. The mournful ceremony ended, we started at 8 o’clock; came on
the jornada five miles, and halted to feed our horses and mules. I was
in the rear guard behind the prisoners all day--travelled a long and
wearisome journey through the sand until 8 o’clock at night. I ate a
small piece of bread and meat, and spread my blanket at the guard-fire,
where I slept till four. I was awakened by the officer of the watch and
stood till six. I was at last relieved by the sound of the tattoo.

_15th._--12 miles further on we stopped to eat breakfast, which was a
cold cut. We again moved on, and came 20 miles through this jornada
and encamped late in the night. No water was as yet to be seen. Our
Sergeant measured to each man a half pint. One man sold his half pint
for 50 cents.

_16th._--We made an early start, and after marching 15 miles, came
to some puddles of dirty water. Our horses and mules rushed in and
drank all they could get. Ascending the hill before us a spring was
discovered, but the water was muddy and brackish. At night had a slight
shower of rain, with lightning and thunder.

_17th._--On awaking, the first thing I heard was that a man in our
company was dead. The poor fellow had left a wife and family in
Missouri to serve his country. He was taken sick at El Paso, with the
measles, and had come thus far to die. We followed his remains to the
grave, where our Captain stood forth and made an impressive speech. He
stated that “this was the third time he had been called, on occasions
like the present, to perform the mournful duty to men in his command,
and that it was wisdom for each and all to prepare for the worst,”
&c. The usual rounds were fired, and we covered poor Tolly over with
soap-weed, and filled up the grave. After trampling the dirt and
leveling the ground, we marched off in right order to this spot, where
we shall rest to-day.

_18th._--Loaned my mule to a soldier who had lost his horse, to enable
him to go in search. I was rewarded for this favor, by being compelled
to stay behind my company several hours, till he returned with his
horse. We pursued our journey two miles, and overtook the command at
a Hot Spring, which was discovered on the top of a small eminence.
It boiled up very curiously in the centre, covering the surface with
bubbles. The temperature about 100 degrees. The water is scarcely
fit to drink, having a very disagreeable taste, nevertheless, the
men filled their canteens, saying they would drink it when it got
cold enough. The country still presents a barren appearance, the soil
sterile; the surface rocky and mountainous. We marched 14 miles, and
about sunset, encamped close to a small stream, which supplied a few
poor villagers with water. The people busied themselves in preparing
for us, what they could, viz. a little muskeet brush to cook with,
and corn for our cattle. In crossing this jornada, the teamsters were
obliged to throw away 5000 pounds flour, and leave several wagons
behind--the mules being unable to proceed.

_19th._--After a journey of such length over uneven ground, the fatigue
of the army induced our Commander to remain in camp to-day. About two
o’clock the wind began to rise, and increased in violence till the
tents were leveled to the ground. We tried to cook by digging pits in
which to place the fire. The sand blowing in clouds, covered our food;
making it gritty and unpleasant to eat. As night came on, a heavy storm
of wind stripped our wagons of their covers. Quite unsheltered, we
had to do the best we could, and that was bad enough. We laid down, as
we had often done before, on our blankets. We slept uncomfortably on
hillocks and tufts of grass.

_20th._--The wind having abated, we were all in line at an early
hour--came nine miles through this ranch, to the mouth of another
jornada. Here the same scene of desolation is presented. No cultivation
to be seen any where, nor scarcely any natural vegetable production
except the thorn and muskeet brush. The days are warm, and the nights
very cold, in this region.

_21st._--Marched ten miles out to the Hot Springs, which are situated
in a ranch, and encamped. The army will here halt a day or two. The
same arrangements are to be made as before. While cooking my meat
and bread, I was informed by the Orderly, that with 18 others, I was
appointed to go before the command several miles. Hastily despatching
the meal, we mounted and rode out a long distance, where we had to
stand all night. We made a small fire of brush weed on the road side.

_22d._--I was relieved from duty early this morning by the next detail.
Feeling much disordered from loss of rest and fatigue. I was greatly
obliged to a messmate who very thoughtfully brought me some water and a
piece of bread for my breakfast. The army appearing--we went into line
by sections of four, and marched 17 miles where we encamped at a place
where the men had water; but none could be spared to the poor horses
and mules. After eating some bread, we laid down on the ground and went
to sleep.

_23d._--Without waiting for refreshment of any kind, we came on to-day
eight miles to a pond, where we watered our horses and mules--we
stopped for the poor animals to graze awhile and then proceeded three
miles, when we halted for the night at a stream of water. Several
antelopes were killed to-day. After the tents were fixed up, we boiled
some of the flesh, which made fine eating; the repast was seasoned with
a good appetite; a fast of nearly forty-eight hours, had made us hungry
enough.

_24th._--In conversation with my Captain--I expressed a wish to go
up a neighboring mountain, as I understood a large Tagoon could be
seen from its summit. He told me to go and make all the observations
I could. Having no time to lose, I commenced its ascent, by climbing
over large rocks, in which were formed several immense caves--some of
them I thought were well fitted to be the resort of robbers. At length
I found myself on the top, and set down to write. At the distance of
three miles a lake of considerable extent is seen, reposing in the
bosom of a prairie, bounded by the horizon. To the left a continuous
range of mountains loom up, whose bare and rugged tops present to
the mind the idea of coldness and desolation. The whole face of the
country is destitute of wood, and verdure, except a species of brush
or thorn bushes. Looking towards our camp, I beheld a long line of
wagons stretching along the road as far as the sight could reach. They
were all in motion, and the sight made me hasten down the mountain at
a brisk pace. It was our army preparing for a start and I did not wish
to be left “solitary and alone,” in that rocky region. In a few minutes
we took up the line of march--came 12 miles and encamped at sunset. We
saw Mexican spies at a distance. The picket guard came in and reported,
that 10,000 Mexicans were at a lake some miles off, ready to give us
battle.

_25th._--The sound of the reveille started every man to his post by
light. We moved on eight miles to the lake, and watered our horses and
mules. We saw nothing of the Mexicans. The country begins to improve
as we leave the jornada, especially on the margin of these lakes or
ponds, the water of which is brackish. Here prairie grass grows with
some luxuriance. Kindling a fire, the soldiers commenced baking bread,
made from the wretched native flour, now our only fare. A high wind
prevailing--sparks were carried out, which set the dry brush and weeds
in aflame. The Chihuahua Rangers had orders to subdue the fire, and we
commenced threshing it out with our blankets, but the wind increasing
we found it useless labor. The flames continued to increase in spite
of us. The whole command was put in action with their horses, beating
a track, to stop the progress of the fire. Unfortunately for us, the
fire caught the grass on the other side of the track, and the wind
blowing tremendously, the fire was carried in almost every direction.
We then encamped on the burnt ground, off of which the grass had been
burnt, and picketing our horses on the left of the road in the prairie,
we laid down to rest. In a few hours we were awakened to bring our
horses in, for the whole prairie was on fire. Coming out of my tent, a
sight appeared of such magnificence as had never before met my eyes.
It was an opposite mountain on fire, and the whole prairie, as far as
the eye could reach, in flames. A strange glare tinged the clouds, and
all surrounding objects, and presented a scene which was fearfully
grand. It consumed nearly all the grass in the country 15 miles towards
Chihuahua.

_26th._--We continued winding through the mountain passes and plains
16 miles. Our advance found a coral to-day, in which were 50 sheep
and 15 cattle, driven in from the surrounding neighborhood. They were
immediately butchered for the command, the soldiers being nearly
exhausted for want of food. This was a dreadful day for our march. The
wind was so high that we could scarcely see a hundred yards ahead.

_27th._--The artillery and wagons were kept in front all day, the whole
army being formed in two lines in the rear. We marched in right order
8 miles, and encamped on the margin of a lake. Here we shall halt
till to-morrow. Scouts were sent out in every direction. I was busily
engaged all the evening writing for our boys, who believe themselves
to be on the eve of some engagement with the enemy. Saw several of our
men come in, leading a horse--soon learned that spies being seen by
our advance, Capt. Skillman of the traders’ company, and Capt. Parsons
of the E company from Cole County, with others gave chase and overtook
one. The fellow finding he was likely to become a prisoner, leaped off,
and fled up the mountain leaving his horse and all his rigging behind.
He was elegantly mounted. Col. Mitchell has just informed us that a
battle will be fought to-morrow.

[Illustration: BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO.]

_Sunday, 28th._--At sunrise this morning, we took up our line of
march, having learned from our spies that the enemy in great numbers,
had fortified the pass of the river Sacramento, about 15 miles off.
Our train consisting of 315 traders’ wagons, and our Commissary and
company wagons, in all about 400, were formed into four columns, so
as to shorten our lines. The whole command marched in right order
between the columns, thus concealing our force from the enemy. When we
arrived within three miles of their entrenchments, Col. Doniphan made a
reconnoisance of their position, and examined the arrangement of their
forces. This was easily done, as our road led through an open prairie
valley between the high mountains. The pass of the Sacramento is formed
by a point of the mountains on our right, their left extending into
the valley, so as to narrow the valley about one and a half miles. On
our left was a deep, dry channel of a creek, and between these points,
the plain rises abruptly about 50 or 60 feet. The road passes down
the centre of the valley, and in the distance we had a full view of
the Mexican army. On the point of the mountain, they had a battery of
four guns, so elevated as to sweep the plain. On the left, there was
another battery commanding the road, with six pounders and rampart
pieces, mounted on carriages. Their cavalry was drawn up in front of
their redoubts, in the interval of four deep. When we had arrived near
their entrenchments, our columns suddenly diverged to the right, so
as to gain the elevation, which the enemy endeavored to prevent by
moving forward with four pieces of cannon and 1000 cavalry. But our
movements were so rapid, that we not only gained the eminence, but
were formed in order for their reception. Our company (Capt. Hudson’s)
now dismounted, and every eighth man was detailed, to hold horses and
mules. It fell to my lot to hold eight mules. The action now commenced
by a brisk fire from our cannons, doing considerable execution at the
distance of twelve hundred yards, killing fifteen of the enemy, and
disabling one of their guns. Our fire was briskly returned from 14
pieces of artillery, sending ragged balls, and heavy copper ore. But
being badly aimed they struck the ground about forty or fifty yards
before us, and rebounding passed over our heads without harm, except
slightly wounding two men, and killing several horses and mules in
the rear. Our guns were so well aimed as to compel the enemy to fall
behind the breastworks. We resumed our march in our former order,
diverging as much as possible to the right, to avoid a heavy battery,
and their strongest redoubts, which were on our left, near the common
road. After marching as far as we thought it prudent, without coming
in range of their heavy battery, Capt. Weightman of the artillery, was
ordered to charge it with two 12 lb. howitzers, to be supported by the
cavalry, under Captains Reid, Parsons and Hudson. We then remounted
and charged the battery from right to left, with a brisk and deadly
fire from our rifles. We then advanced to the very brink of their
redoubts, and drove them out with our sabres. The enemy now fell back
on their centre battery, where they made a desperate rally, and gave
us a shower of balls and copper ore, which whizzed over our heads
without doing us any injury except wounding several men and killing
a few mules and horses. Major Clarke was ordered to commence a heavy
fire upon this battery, which being well directed, together with the
rapid advance of our columns, put them to flight over the mountains
in utter confusion, leaving all their cannons, and the ground strewed
with their dead and wounded. Thus ended the battle of Sacramento,
which commenced about three o’clock, and ended about sunset. The
enemy numbered 4220 rank and file, and lost 300 killed 500 wounded,
beside 40 prisoners. The American force consisted of 924 effective
men, 1 killed, 11 wounded. Our success is to be attributed entirely
to the superior skill of our commander. Had he not taken advantage
of position, in keeping out of range of redoubts and batteries, we
should all have shared a common fate, as the black piratical flag was
captured, together with a wagon load of that formidable weapon, the
lariat, which was intended to tie us all to our saddles in case of a
defeat. The Mexicans lost ten pieces of artillery, varying from five
to ten lbs. and seven one lb. culverines. One of the cannon is very
valuable, being composed of silver and brass melted together. They also
lost all their baggage, ammunition, &c., and provisions enough to last
us three months were found in their wagons, together with $4000 in
specie. It was gratifying to see the soldiers shaking hands with their
officers after the engagement and tendering their congratulations to
their commander for his skill and bravery displayed on this memorable
occasion. The Surgeons are now busily engaged in administering relief
to the wounded Mexicans, and it is a sight to see the pile of legs
and arms that have been amputated. The cries and groans of the poor
fellows, are distressing in the extreme. It is a fact, worthy of note,
that the atmosphere here in this mountainous region is so perfectly
pure and clear that a cannon shot can be seen coming, when it is a
considerable distance off, by leaving a blue streak in the air. Many
a soldier saved his life in the battle by dodging the balls as they
came forward. When a flash would be seen from the enemy’s battery, you
could hear the soldiers cry out--“watch the ball boys!--here comes a
ball boys,” and they invariably avoided them, or the slaughter must
have been very great. I saw a ball coming in the direction where I was,
when immediately falling off my mule, it passed just over my saddle
without injury. Our rapid movements seemed to astonish the enemy. Our
four pieces of flying artillery, discharging five times in a minute,
volleys of grape and canister, with chain shots, would rake the
enemy’s redoubts and cut roads through their lines, while our 12 lb.
howitzers throwing a constant shower of bombs into the middle of their
entrenchments, and the unerring aim of our Mississippi rifles, acting
in concert; cast terror and dismay among the cowardly and unprincipled
foe. Our men acted nobly, and in the hand to hand fight in the redoubts
they fought to desperation. Lieutenant Sprawl, our 2d Lieutenant, a man
over six feet high with bared arms, and without his hat, his longhair
and beard streaming in the wind, with sword in hand, was charging the
enemy at every point, when a ball struck his splendid charger, and
he fell. But seizing his carbine he kept up with us on foot. Another
of our men, being unhorsed, and fighting near me, was attacked by a
Mexican who was about to lance him, and the poor fellow’s gun being
discharged, he picked up a rock, and throwing it, struck his enemy on
the head, which felled him to the earth, when he knocked his brains out
with the butt of his gun. These were but common occurrences in that
hard contested fight, where we had to contend with nearly five to one.

_March 1st._--After spending a comfortable night, feasting on the
good things of our enemy, and making our prisoners bury the dead, we
started with the remains of Major Owings, and after marching four miles
encamped. My mule having received a wound in the loins yesterday,
cannot be found this morning, so I borrowed one of the Commissary.

_2d._--Placed on mounted guard to precede the army, whose entrance in
the city will take place to-day. Came ten miles; saw the spire of the
Cathedral towering in the distance, with peculiar feelings of delight.
A merrier group could scarcely be pictured than our worthy Col.
Mitchell and his escort. We entered the beautiful city of Chihuahua
about 12 o’clock, and proceeded immediately to the plaza or public
square. The inhabitants are polite, and manifest in various ways the
utmost complaisance, and regard to our soldiery. Of course we see
the fairest specimens of the Mexican character here, and afford us
evidences of superior intelligence, comfort and industry. While the
soldiers were scattered in various directions, seeking refreshments,
I took a walk alone, and seated myself in a quiet nook, fronting the
Cathedral. It is an imposing structure of white marble. It was about
fifty years in building--the production of a gold mine, and cost _three
million dollars_. I felt too much fatigued to write a long description
of even a beautiful church, although, had it been otherwise, such
employment would have been pleasant to me. The tones of the bell are
grand. It strikes the hour, and can be heard at a great distance. At
sundown Col. Doniphan arrived in town with the rest of the command,
all in fine order. The band was playing Washington’s March--just as we
reached the public square, the tune was changed to Yankee Doodle, when
there was a general huzza. We then marched through the town and took up
our quarters on the outskirts. I was placed on picket guard and had to
be up all night--first to watch the prisoners, and then to walk my post
three hours.

_3d._--All is now tranquil. The funeral of Major Owings took place
to-day. Every thing was conducted with the utmost decency and order.

_4th._--This morning I sallied forth for a ramble. I went through the
thickest parts of the city, which I should judge contained about 40,000
inhabitants. The streets cross at right angles, and the houses are
mostly built of the usual sun-dried brick, in Mexican style, with flat
roofs, and close barred windows, as if intended for defence against
street assaults, or rival factions. I was, afterwards, introduced
to some senoras, and drank some coffee with them--they using the
_ardiente_, instead of cream in theirs.

_5th._--Passing near the public square I encountered Col. Mitchell,
with several officers on horseback, before a handsome building. The
Colonel was earnestly engaged in conversation with a man, who, it
appeared was an Englishman. I soon learned that our Colonel wished to
search the building, but the English gentleman said he should not.
I was called on, with several others who were standing near to form
ranks, and go at once and arm ourselves. We ran to our quarters, and
soon returned well equipped. I had not been in the line more than a
minute, when I saw my entire company, the Chihuahua Rangers, come up.
I, of course, left my position and with them paraded before the house.
The Englishman being still very stubborn and refusing to give up the
keys, the Colonel ordered two pieces of artillery to be brought down
immediately and placed before the door. Turning to look for the man,
I found he had escaped to the top of a house, not far off, where he
stationed himself to watch our movements. He no sooner espied the
cannon, than he ran down in great haste, begging for a few minutes to
open the door, saying “somebody might be killed,” &c. We then entered
peaceably. Magoffin, the trader, whom the authorities of the city
had condemned to death as a traitor, cannot be found. On inquiry, we
learned that he had been sent to Durango. But several are of opinion,
that he has been killed.

_6th._--I went to the Secretary’s office and wrote letters to my
sisters in Maryland.

_10th._--For several days past we have been relieved from all extra
duty, only answering to the roll-call night and morning. I have been
busily engaged to-day writing letters for different persons.

_17th._--During the past week I have had no time to write in my
journal. I have been busy in writing letters for others, and assisting
in writing out requisitions, &c. I received to-night the first number
of the “Anglo Saxon,” a paper printed by our boys, and the first
American newspaper ever published in Chihuahua. On Wednesday the 15th,
the express started from here for the United States. Many weary months
have passed, and we have heard no tidings from home and friends. Truly
a soldier’s lot is a hard one.

_19th._--I had a chill last night, which ended in a fever. I felt
thankful that I was favored with every attention from Lieut. Sprawl,
who is as kind and generous as he is brave. A few hours sleep recovered
me in some degree from the stupidity in which the fever left me,
and I arose from the stone floor refreshed. I went to church, which
was opened for Mass, but soon returned with a headache, longing for
the simple and sweet worship of my own church at home. An express
consisting of twelve men was sent on to General Taylor to-day.

_20th._--I took a stroll through the town--went down to the American
Hotel to learn what news was stirring. Nothing is heard from the South.

_23d._--We have at this time all that is necessary for our comfort,
and nothing to do but attend to our slight duties, and the care of
our mules and horses. A strict guard is kept. The captured cannon is
in charge of the non-commissioned officers, and our company has to
practice target shooting. Being number four I have to touch off the
guns. The concussion jars my head so much that I have to place a quid
of tobacco in _each_ cheek, to prevent it from injuring my teeth, which
are very sore. The companies are all well disciplined, and with our 25
pieces of artillery, Col. Doniphan says he would defy 10,000 Mexicans.
When not on duty, our men resort to every kind of mischief by way of
amusement. Two pieces of artillery found at this place, were by them,
on yesterday, dismounted and blown up. They were filled with powder and
plugged, and the muzzles being buried in the earth several feet, a slow
match was applied. The reports were terrific. They have also burnt all
the powder. A train, nearly one-fourth of a mile in length, was made
and set off, and which ignited several barrels at its termination. The
poor affrighted Mexicans, meanwhile, ran off crying “no wano, no wano,”
(very bad, very bad.) Another species of fun, consists in collecting
all the dogs that can be found during the day, and carefully shutting
them in a room; at night each dog is brought out, and a large bundle of
fire works fastened to his tail. He is then let loose, amid the general
halloo; and being enveloped in sparks, accompanied with the noise of
small fire arms, wherever he runs in the crowded streets, the Mexicans
fly before him with the utmost consternation.

_Sunday, April 4th._--This was the appointed morning for us to leave
Chihuahua for the south. But, on account of a bull fight, our trip is
postponed. As soon as church was over, the soldiers hastened to see
this great sight. As I was conscientious in regard to the violation
of the Sabbath, I, of course, staid behind; I was, however, informed
by the men on their return, that five bulls were let loose, but none
were killed. If they cannot strike the animal in some vital part,
they are obliged to let him live. The blows were badly dealt and the
bull escaped. This is a strange mixture of christianity with the
barbarities of heathenism. Card playing, cock fighting, bull baiting,
and dancing, are the chief amusements of these people, and they are
always accompanied with excessive drinking, not unfrequently with
quarrelling and fighting, in which the belligerents are bruised, their
limbs broken, and their lives sometimes destroyed. What an idea of the
character of God must be entertained in the midst of such performances?
He can hardly be regarded as a God of love, whose delight is in the
upright walk and chaste conversation of his people. The service of that
blinded population, comports better with what we might suppose would be
the worship of the devil, were such worship distinctly ordered. Alas!
for the darkness in which so many of our race are enveloped!

_5th._--The wagons were loaded for our long journey--but a difficulty
in getting our soldiers together detained us till two o’clock, P. M. At
length, every thing being in readiness, we started out of town. Some
of our men imagined themselves commanders in chief, assumed to give
orders, and were otherwise troublesome. We succeeded in reaching a
ranch, twelve miles off, and encamped.

_6th._--Moved on twenty-five miles, and stopped at a ranch late in the
evening. Putting our horses in a clover field--we spread our blankets
on the ground and rested till morning.

_7th._--After accomplishing another 25 miles to-day, we erected
our tents close to the walls of a town. Here we were joined by two
strangers, who said they came from a coral, 140 miles off, to inform
us that a large Mexican force of about 10,000 soldiers were on their
way to re-take Chihuahua. They also stated, that Generals Taylor and
Wool had gone far to the south, in the direction of the city of Mexico.
These men being native Americans induced our Colonel to listen to their
story, which, if true, would have placed us in a bad situation. With
one half of our command left behind at Chihuahua, we could be easily
cut off from this point.

_8th._--This morning we had orders to start back to Chihuahua. After
marching 25 miles reached the second ranch, and encamped.

_9th._--Our Sergeant woke us all at two o’clock to get our breakfast,
and make an early start. We travelled briskly 36 miles, and arrived at
Chihuahua about four o’clock. Here we are again in the city, at our old
quarters.

_14th._--I have been employed in writing for our Surgeon, and others,
for several days past. Yesterday we heard that Vera Cruz was taken by
Gen. Scott. Twenty-eight rounds were fired by our artillery-men.

_15th._--I witnessed to-day the mode of punishment among the Mexicans,
and felt disgusted at the sight. Offenders are tied to a tree and
severely lashed for different offences. I saw several whipped to-day
for horse stealing. At night it commenced raining. The first rain
since we have been in the city. I was too sick to perform the duty of
sentinel.

_16th._--The morning air being clear and cool I took a walk to relieve
the excessive languor I feel. I have little or no appetite, and my
spirits are very much depressed. I went to the American Hotel, where a
great many questions were asked me. While there I read an advertisement
of a grand ball to be given on Sunday, 18th, entrance $2. It is really
distressing to contemplate the desecration of the Sabbath in this
country. Oh! how I long to be once more in a truly christian land, and
among congenial spirits.

_Sunday, 18th._--Various exhibitions encountered at every step
throughout the city to-day. Sunday as it is, gambling is the most
prominent. At night the greater part of our men went to the ball.

_19th._--Drew off some writing for our Doctor; afterwards, with a
messmate, took a bath in the river--still quite sick, and nothing
to eat, but poor beef, with bread and coffee. This stone floor is
particularly hard to rest on.

_24th._--I went with a Mexican to see the _prison_. He was very polite
and accommodating; he took me through the cells, and showed me the
blocks, and chains, handcuffs, lariats, &c. that had been prepared to
keep all the prisoners safely, which they expected to have taken in the
battle. They were to have been kept here until they could be marched on
foot to the city of Mexico. But they counted their game a little too
soon! The prison is the darkest and most gloomy place I ever saw.

_Sunday morning, 25th._--Just as the church bells began to ring, our
men geared up their mules, and at 11 o’clock, two companies started
out of town with the artillery, and arrived about three o’clock at the
first ranch.

_26th._--An early start took us to the second ranch 25 miles. To-night
our second battalion came up.

_27th._--After marching 36 miles to-day we came to a town called Santa
Cruz, where we encamped.

_28th._--We lay by here, and wait for the rest of the army, which will
start from Chihuahua to-day.

_29th._--At day-break we set out, and after marching 21 miles came
to Sousilla, a town situated on the river Couchas, which is, at that
place, a considerable stream. I went with one or two hundred others,
and took a refreshing bath. At night I cooked a supper of coarse
bread, beef and coffee, with the materials of a coral, which we tore
down.

_30th._--Still travelling on the Rio Couchas. Passed a town called
Los Cruezas, and at the end of 28 miles encamped at the town of San
Rosalia. Col. Doniphan’s first battalion came up to-night.

_May 1st._--At the sound of the reveille all went in line, and after
roll-call our captain told us to get our arms in good order for
inspection at nine o’clock. Every man was soon busy firing off loaded
guns, cleaning out, &c. To-night I went into town and brought a welcome
repast for my mess, viz. pork-steak and nice bread.

_2d._--Our Captain, after calling the roll, told us that the reveille
had sounded thus early for a company to go in advance. Came out a few
miles and stopped to inspect a fort the Mexicans had erected to keep
Gen. Wool from marching to Chihuahua. It is nicely finished off, with
port holes for their batteries, &c. The building covers nearly an
acre of ground; but every thing is silent; the place being entirely
deserted. A fatiguing march of 27 miles brought us to a ranch called
Remado, where we passed the night.

_3d._--The country is still barren between these ranchos, which are
always found in fertile valleys, mostly inhabited. Some muskeet brush
was all we could find on our road to-day; no verdant carpet of grass to
relieve the eye from the strong glare of the rays of the sun pouring on
the sandy plains as we pass along. A late hour brought us to a large
town called Huadaquilla, on the Rio Florida. We travelled 30 miles
to-day.

_4th._--At ten we left--came out six miles and encamped. On our way
we saw several monuments erected to various saints. A pile of rocks
marks the grave of one great personage. In the centre of the pile is
erected a cross, adorned with artificial flowers. The country around
this town is cultivated; provisions are cheap and plenty. All the
soldiers are now engaged in packing provisions and water; the latter
precious article, it is said, will not be found again till 65 miles are
passed over. At four, P. M., we came on and travelled 25 miles in this
jornada, and laid ourselves down to sleep in the sand, after taking a
cut of meat and bread at nearly 12 o’clock.

_5th._--By the time it was light our Orderly came around to arouse us
to roll-call. Some poor fellows, half asleep, staggered off into the
ranks. We started and marched 40 miles through a thick dust, when we
came to a pond of brackish water, which is sometimes found in these
deserts. Here we halted for the night. The water was quickly drunk by
our famishing boys, notwithstanding it was a disagreeable mixture of
salt and sulphur.

_6th._--The fatigue and sufferings of yesterday were not allayed by
a report in camp that several thousand Mexicans were lying in wait a
few miles ahead, in order to cut off our artillery. We marched on ten
miles and stopped on the banks of the Rio Cerro Gordo, where we have
tolerably good water.

_7th._--I arose from the guard-fire, where I had been stretched the
last three hours dull and sleepy, having been on duty all the former
part of the night; I went to my mess, whom I found eating breakfast.
As soon as we got through, our command started and travelled 30 miles.
Here we stopped at a ranch, near which are several springs bursting
from a bank, the water of which is very clear, but very warm, and of
a most disagreeable taste. A few hundred yards from the camp we saw a
large deserted fort, also a coral, which our boys tore down to cook
with. The face of the country has nothing to recommend it, but a vast
variety of cactus, beautifully in bloom all over the sandy plains.
Covered with dust, I found a bath in the hot springs very refreshing
to-night.

_Sunday, 9th._--Pursued our way uninterruptedly the past two days and
travelled 40 miles. At night we encamped at a town called Mapemilla.
At our approach the inhabitants fled to the mountains. It was a fine
night, and their fires in the distance, dotting the mountain side, had
a singular and romantic effect. News met us here that Gen. Scott had
whipped Santa Anna, which caused Col. Doniphan to fire a salute of 29
rounds.

_10th._--At 3 o’clock this morning the reveille sounded. A little
coarse bread, and coffee without sugar, constituted breakfast, on which
we travelled 30 miles. We halted late at night at a ranch called San
Sebastian, on the Rio Mosas, a stream sufficiently large for swimming.
It was soon covered with our soldiers enjoying this rare luxury.

_11th._--At an early hour we had to bury two of our men, who died
yesterday. They were found last night (after our fatiguing march of 30
miles) dead in the wagons. They were buried in a warlike manner. We
crossed the river two miles below the town, and pursued our route 30
miles to another village, called San Lorenzo. Here we encamped, but
suffered much inconvenience from want of water, having to use it very
sparingly. To-night another grave was opened for another of our men.

_12th._--As usual, our whole command was put in motion at three
o’clock, and after marching seven miles through a thick dust, had
orders to halt and turn back, for we had left the right road behind.
Our army turned about and travelled several miles until we got right.
At the end of 18 miles we encamped on the Rio Mosas. Here, unable to
join the swimmers from a violent attack of ear-ache, accompanied with
a most painful sore mouth, which latter I have suffered with since
leaving Chihuahua, I went to a Dutch surgeon for advice. He looked in
my mouth a few seconds, and with an air of confidence declared that
_nothing ailed me_. I determined thereafter to bear my pains like a
hero, and almost vowed that I would never pester a Dutchman either for
his sympathy or his prescriptions.

_13th._--This morning we started early, and after travelling 30 miles
reached a ranch. The first objects that met our eyes were six Indians
lying dead. They had been killed by our advance guard of about 30 rank
and file, under Capt. Reid. The guard was unexpectedly attacked by a
body of Indians, which they repulsed, after killing 13 of their number,
with their chief. He must have been a desperate warrior, for even after
he was shot down, and to the last moment of his life, he tried to use
his bow and arrows. These fellows were seen coming from a gap of the
mountain, some distance off, making direct for our little party, who
went out at full gallop to meet them. A discharge of arrows was met by
a volley from our men. A considerable skirmish now ensued. The Indians
raising the war-whoop, rushed on them, discharging their arrows with
incredible rapidity; but they were forced to retreat, and these bodies
were dragged hither as trophies.

_14th._--About one o’clock in the night, while our wearied soldiers
slept, two guns were heard. In an instant our Captain jumped to his
feet, and hurriedly went over the ground to wake us all up. In a few
moments every man had on his arms. After waiting some time for the
enemy, news came that one of the Lieutenants was shot through the
hand. It appears that this Lieutenant was officer of the night, and in
his rounds, tried to take a sentinel by surprise. Creeping stealthily
on the ground to the spot, he was told by the sentinel to stop and
give the countersign. No answer being returned, he fired. As soon as
he found that he was shot in the hand he returned the charge on the
sentinel. But no one can tell as yet who this watchful sentinel is. I
made up a fire to prepare coffee. At two o’clock the reveille sounded
for all to saddle up. At four we started, and after marching 25 miles
came in sight of Parras, a large city. Our Adjutant chose a place for
us to encamp, which is in a beautiful grove of ornamental cotton trees.
The scene is new and pleasant. Here are trees, green cornfields, and
running streams. The gardens in and around the city are beautifully
arranged, and _tastefully_ supplied with ripe apricots, oranges and
lemons; also a great variety of flowering shrubs and plants.

_15th._--We are to pass a day or two here I believe, resting from our
long travel. This morning one of our wagon drivers, who is a sailor,
went up town, and by some means, most unfortunately, offended several
of the Mexican gentlemen. Complaint was made to the alcalde, who
ordered Jack to be taken to the caliboose and flogged, going in person
to see it done. But Jack knocked him down and broke his sabre in
pieces--whipping several others who came to the rescue, and finally
walked off to camp completely victorious. Word was brought to Col.
Doniphan about the conduct of his man, who gravely told the people that
if Gen. Wool could do any thing with his men, it was more than he could
with his. He said it was now too late for him to keep them in order,
therefore, he should leave on Monday.

_Sunday, 16th._--Preparations are going on in different departments
for the renewal of our march to-morrow. The expectation of soon
encountering Generals Taylor and Wool, appears to inspire our men with
a desire to look decent. Old clothes are being washed--sundry holes in
deerskin pants are in the process of repair, and I think we shall not
look so very ragged, after all.

_17th._--Moved out of town at three o’clock, P. M. After marching
five miles through a broken, bare country, we came to a house, whose
_shingled_ roof indicated that its builder had been educated in the
United States. We found it even so, although the man was a Mexican.
We made a journey of 25 miles to-day, and had a supper of excessively
tough beef, and coarse bread.

_18th._--On our way, very early, as usual--made 18 miles with a severe
ear-ache, from which I have suffered almost constantly for several
weeks past. Strolling out after the tents were fixed up, I saw some
soldiers walking along with a man in front, whom I learned they were
about to drum out of service. He proved to be a teamster, and not a
volunteer. He had, without provocation, struck several Mexicans in
Parras. The alcalde sending on an express to Gen. Wool for protection,
induced Col. Doniphan to settle the business thus. He was made to walk
before three armed men, behind whom, several bugles performed a doleful
ditty. When they arrived at the outskirts, the Captain ordered a halt,
and proclaimed that the man was drummed out of service for misbehavior.
Whereupon he ordered the men in front to kick him. The punishment
having been inflicted, the poor fellow was turned off, to find a
shelter where he could.

_11th._--To-night we are encamped at a ranch, almost overflowed with
water which is coming down in a rush, in consequence of a heavy rain in
the mountains. Made to-day 25 miles.

_21st_--Yesterday and to-day we pursued our journey without
intermission. At night we encamped where Gen. Wool had stationed 1000
men as picket guard. We received a treat in the shape of nice American
flour and mess pork, as rations.

_22d._--I rode with several others to Gen. Wool’s camp. On the way we
passed over the battle ground of Buena Vista, and saw the remains of
hundreds of Mexicans thrown in heaps and covered over with cactus.
These remained undisturbed by the wolves while they had disinterred our
buried Americans and devoured them; these animals make a practice of
keeping in the rear of our advancing armies, and always prefer eating
our men after death to the Mexicans. I spent an hour in contemplating
the desolations of war--picked up a few Spanish coins, a watch key,
cross, &c., with several other little matters, as mementos. Gen. Wool’s
quarters were to be seen in the distance. After spending an hour or
two in his camp, I returned to our boys, whom I found assembled in a
congregation, and Capt. Reid holding forth in a speech, trying all
his might, to get some of our men to volunteer again, their term
being nearly expired. This morning every preparation is made for the
reception of Gen. Wool, who is expected to receive the command. All in
right order, we marched out, the artillery in front, our company (the
Chihuahua Rangers) next, and so on. As he rode up, the artillery-men
fired a salute, and while passing along the lines with his escort,
we had orders to “present arms.” After the parade was over, we were
marched back to _camp_, where the General came to inspect the captured
cannon, and see the black flag, taken at the battle of Sacramento. At
night we drew rations of bacon and dried apples, which good things,
some of our boys thought were given as a _bribe_ to induce them to
re-enlist.

_Sunday, 23d._--We left at an early hour, and as we passed through
Gen. Wool’s encampment, we turned over to him our American artillery,
consisting of six pieces, received at Santa Fe. We retained the Mexican
cannon, viz. 17 pieces taken at the battle of Sacramento, and one piece
taken at Bracito, and marched on 12 miles to Saltillo, a large town
among the mountains. The weather is warm and pleasant, and in right
order we passed through, and proceeded on eight miles, we encamped at
night in a wheat field. We saw to-day several deserted ranchos.

_24th._--After a long and fatiguing march of 32 miles, we stopped at a
deserted ranch to pass the night. In winding through the mountain pass
to-day, we turned aside to see the fortifications which had been thrown
up, to stop the progress of Gen. Taylor to Saltillo.

_25th._--An early start, and fatiguing journey of 25 miles brought us
within four miles of Monterey. From our camp we have a full view of the
city and palace of the Bishop. All this day our road lay through the
narrow pass of the mountains, one of which is volcanic, and has been
burning for several years. A heavy rain descended to-night, drenching
us completely, and in the midst of which a grave was dug for a poor
soldier, who has been sick ever since we left Chihuahua.

_26th._--Through a heavy wind we rode into town and stopped to see the
citadel and wall so bravely scaled by our troops after the enemy was
driven from their redoubts. From this palace, a lovely and extensive
view of the city and surrounding country is presented. The southern
fruits and flowers are growing in great luxuriance. After our men were
satisfied with an inspection, we marched through the famous town of
Monterey to Gen. Taylor’s camp, where we arrived at 12 o’clock. We
found the old hero encamped in the woods. Immediately on our arrival
he came to us, in company with Col. Doniphan, to see the trophies of
our victories. I was fortunate enough to grasp the hand of the old
General. In the afternoon several thousand pack mules were sent out
with provisions for Gen. Wool.

_27th._--At day-break the roll-call was called, and Capt. Hudson told
us to saddle up, and get ready to start. All was in readiness, when
orders came that we should be delayed till 12 o’clock. A few minutes
before that hour Gen. Taylor with his escort rode up, and passed along
the lines, with his hat off, to review us. We presented sabres, and
then started on our way, the General escorting us some distance from
his camp. After he left us, we pursued our march through a country
well covered with hackberry and other trees. A long route of 32 miles
brought us to a ranch, where we halted for the night.

_28th._--Arrived at a deserted ranch late in the morning, after
passing 40 miles over a most dreadful road. Being in the rear guard,
I and eleven others, were obliged to assist the wagons up the hills,
by pushing at the wheels. All along this route decaying bodies and
skeletons of men, are lying. Some of the bodies still had their
clothing on, and the stench was almost intolerable. The road was also
strewed with mules, which had died in numbers on their way to Monterey.

_29th._--The road is only interesting from association. Many a brave
man has passed it never to retrace his steps. Six miles from our
last stopping place we reached Seralvo. Here we found a regiment
of volunteers on the march to join Gen Taylor. We waited till the
afternoon to feed our horses and mules; then marched 14 miles to
another deserted ranch and stopped to sleep. We saw, on our way many
ranchos and villages tenantless and destroyed. While we were at
Seralvo, a Mexican was caught, who belonged to the gang that murdered
the teamsters, and burned up 150 wagons, which were on their way to the
army. At three o’clock, he was brought out in the plaza, and placed
against the wall. A file of six men, (the Texian Rangers,) stood some
ten yards off. The prisoner was told by the Colonel that his time was
at hand. He was then ordered to turn his back. This he not only refused
to do, but struck fire and lighted his cigar. The word was given--all
fired--and he fell dead. Three balls entered his breast, and three his
head. A Texian, whose brother had been murdered in the wagon train,
gave a five dollar gold piece to take the place of one who was chosen
to do this melancholy business.

[Illustration: EXECUTION OF A MEXICAN CHIEF.]

_Sunday night, 30th._--We have stopped at a town called Mier. I felt
very weary after a travel of 36 miles. This place is notorious on
account of a battle that was gained by the Texians. Our Rangers were
highly elated in the thoughts of their success and they became so drunk
that the defeated Mexicans took them prisoners, and marched them off to
the city of Mexico. So much for the sale of rum. We met with a cordial
reception at this place.

_31st._--We encamped in sight of Camargo at two o’clock to-day. We
crossed the river St. Pon in a ferry boat, which was pulled by means
of ropes. The crossing occupied about two hours, when our troops and
artillery were landed. This town is well fortified. It is the principal
depot for supplies to the army, which come up this river in small
steamers. River water is drank, although rendered very filthy by the
carcasses of mules and horses, which are thrown into it. To-day one
poor fellow was buried, who had been sick a long time. Many a hard jolt
in the rough wagon, and hour of thirst and weariness had he--but he
sleeps quietly and peacefully in his lonely rest on the banks of the
St. Pon.

_June 1st._--On our way to the Rio Grande, this morning one of our men
was shot by a party of Mexicans, who had concealed themselves in the
bushes. He was riding alone, when he was fired upon. The charge entered
his hand and breast, and he fell dead. Capt. Reid at the head of 50
men, went after the murderers, and soon returned with six of them. They
are to be kept in close confinement.

_2nd._--Our officers were in an unpleasant dilemma. They did not know
how to dispose of the prisoners, and after some debate, they concluded
to turn them loose. A file of soldiers was detailed for that purpose.
They took them some miles off, and soon returned, announcing that _they
had turned them loose_. At 4 o’clock we left, and travelled all night
through a thick forest of muskeet trees and brushwood. About sunrise
we arrived at Columbus, where we found several steamers ready for us.
Many of us were miserably disordered from our weary midnight march. We
encamped on the Rio Grande. This evening our cannon was sent down the
river two miles to be shipped.

_3d._--Orders were received at an early hour for the troops to bring
forward their saddles, rigging, &c., to be valued. A most unsightly
mass was soon presented, the dilapidated articles were gathered in
a heap. Our Sergeant gave notice he should value them as condemned
property, it being impossible to transport them. A large fire was then
made, and all were consumed. Our horses were placed in charge of a Mr.
Van Bibber, who for a stipulated sum engaged to drive them through
Texas to Missouri, and leave them at any point we might designate. We
walked a mile to the beach, where several steamers awaited us. The
sick went immediately on board. Two or three companies started, while
the rest of us were detained till very late to assist in shipping the
cannon. Orders were given that we should remain all night, so we went
again on shore, spread our blankets on the beach, and spent the night
rather uncomfortably.

_4th._--It commenced raining at 3 o’clock this morning. After eating a
breakfast of coffee and a few hard crackers, we hurried on board the
steamer. Here we found both cabin and deck crowded with men. Our little
steamer started in the midst of a heavy rain, rendering every thing
exceedingly unpleasant. Night came on and no cooking could be done, so
we went on shore, erected our tents, ate our suppers and rested quietly
through the night.

_5th._--The bell rang at 3 o’clock for us to come on board which we
accomplished in the course of an hour. One fellow being rather slow,
was left behind, but he regained the boat before she had gone two
miles. Fortunately for him an accident happened to the wheel, which was
found to be broken, thus detaining us for repairs several hours. We did
not reach Matamoras till two o’clock. Here we stopped but a very few
minutes, and proceeded on till sunset. The boat now stopped to take in
wood, and the Captain informed us that he should leave at moonrise. We
laid down on deck on our blankets.

_Sunday, 6th._--I was awakened at one o’clock by the deck hands to make
room to haul in the foot plank. I found myself drenched with filthy
water, which had run under me as I slept. Quietly folding up my blanket
I thought I would make no complaint, as I was near my journey’s end.
About sunrise we reached the Balize, when all hands landed and erected
the tents. After breakfast, with a number of others, I went to bathe in
the sea. We let the breakers pass over our heads. They came with such
force, that in my present reduced state, I found it difficult to stand
up under them. Nor could I remain long in the water.

_7th._--We are encamped on the banks of the Rio Grande, eight miles
from the shipping, which is on the opposite side of this narrow neck of
land.

_8th._--A regiment of regulars landed to-day, on their way to the seat
of war. No ship has appeared as yet to take us off.

_9th._--This morning we had orders to start for Brazos Santiago, nine
miles from this place. We had not proceeded far through the deep sand,
when it became necessary for those who had the remnant of shoes, to
pull them off, on account of the sand gathering in them, it being
above the ankle at every step. Our feet became badly blistered by the
heat and friction. Most gladly did I spread my blanket on the sand and
enjoy a night of rest, after the fatigues of the day. We are not yet
at the end of this uncomfortable journey. The shipping is in sight,
and a short march in the morning will relieve the weary teams of their
burdens.

_10th._--We are all on board--artillery, baggage, and a motley crew
of 250 men, with unshaved faces, ragged and dirty, but all in fine
spirits, save a few poor fellows, whose thin visages show the ravages
of disease and suffering.

_11th._--The past has been a memorable night. For suffering I have
not experienced its equal in all my peregrinations through life. In
the brig, on board of which we took passage, there were 100 bunks (a
slight elevation made of plank) for the soldiers to sleep on. When I
got in mine, the crowd was so great and the air so oppressive, that I
thought I would get out, and take a few pulls at the fresh atmosphere.
Groping along in the dark, I endeavored to find some place of egress,
but the whole gangway was strewed with men, and I was forced to return,
amid a shower of _blessings_ from the poor fellows, on whom I had the
misfortune to tread. I laid the rest of the night in this hot place,
more dead than alive. There was not the slightest air, and I was
covered with a profuse perspiration.

_12th._--An inspection of this brig, which was beautiful in its
exterior, convinced me that it was a filthy place indeed; especially
between decks. It was certainly worse than a hog-pen, for just above
our bunks, there was a sty, in which were several of the real material.
Two small fires were built for the soldiers to cook with, and so many
crowded around them, all anxious to be served, that a long time elapsed
before I could get my coffee. As a matter of convenience we were
supplied with hard crackers and molasses. This diet only increased my
disease, and I turned a longing eye on a large turtle which had been
killed and was being served up for our officers, and the inmates of the
cabin.

_13th._--Our allowance of water was a coffee pot full twice a day for
coffee, and a pint apiece for each man to drink; a hogshead had been
drawn upon deck for our use. There is a guard kept throughout each day,
over this hogshead of miserable water, not fit for horses to drink. It
was with mingled feelings of admiration and sorrow that I saw our brave
fellows, who had borne the fatigues of the march, and the strong blows
of the battle, come humbly around the hogshead, which was a central
point of attraction, and ask for a little cup of water, when they were
almost famished, and could drink several pints were it allowed them. It
is a gloomy Sabbath evening--nearly calm.

_14th._--We are running S. E. by E., though the boat scarcely glides
along, there being a calm. It seems that the water is becoming scarcer
to-day. The Captain has directed that a quart only shall be given to
each man for all purposes. And it is to last 24 hours. When this was
announced one of the men muttered something which I did not hear, but
which the Captain disliked; for he told us all, that if any one made
another threat, he would blow his brains out as quick as he would shoot
a rattlesnake. When this threat was heard the men all roared out in
a hearty laugh. The Captain was of middle size, somewhat corpulent,
swarthy in complexion, and blind in his right eye. He was rough in
his manners, but talked very little, especially to us, privates. He
is master of the brig and is employed by government to convey troops
across the gulf. His name is Woodsides. This morning about a pint of
water was issued to each man. Of course, no coffee is made. We mixed a
little vinegar with some water, and with crackers and molasses, made
out our supper. Two dolphins were caught by the sailors, and one of our
men caught a young shark. Another turtle is served up for the cabin. It
was so warm that I could not sleep in my bunk, but lay in the gangway,
on my blanket. At midnight a steamer came alongside, and the Captain
took on board several barrels of water. It was truly a blessing for us.

_15th._--Coffee and fried shark for breakfast, but a dreadful sore
mouth (which I fear is the scurvy) makes the eating a painful
performance. Every indication of land was near. At 12 o’clock the
Captain said we were 80 miles from the Balize. In anticipation of a
storm, the sails were furled, but a little sprinkle of rain was all,
and we again spread our canvass to the breeze. A sailor was sent aloft
to see if the light house was in sight, and after remaining in the
cross trees two hours, he came down and said he saw it. A short time
after the cry was heard, “the pilot boat is coming.” Sails were furled,
and the pilot was soon on board. In the meantime some one cried “three
cheers for Capt. Woodsides!” The cry was echoed by the crowd, and Capt.
Woodsides looked bullets. A flag was placed on the bow, a steamer came
alongside and towed us over the bar, where our Captain anchored. We
now draw water up the sides of the ship, for we are in the Mississippi
river, 100 miles from New Orleans. The water is good and there is
plenty of it, as the river is full. Every man has just as much as he
can use, and we use it freely enough. After supper I went to my bunk,
but found it too warm to rest in, so I took my blanket, and laid down,
as usual, in the gangway--but not being able to stretch my feet out, in
consequence of a sack of bacon in the way, I got up and searched about,
and at length found an empty bunk of some one who had gone on deck to
spend the night. I felt weak and sick from the heat.

_16th._--We drew our water from the river to get some breakfast, the
sailors are washing off the deck, and if any man happens in the way,
he is sure of having a bucket full thrown on him; of course several of
our boys have had a good drenching. At 8 o’clock a steamer took us in
tow. As we proceeded up the Mississippi, we beheld on its banks large
plantations of the sugar cane which present a lovely contrast with some
countries over which I have marched. On the left side of the river is
Fort Jackson, now nearly in ruins, but still a beautiful place. With
several of our men I slept on the deck of the steamer. We were all in
good spirits at the prospect of getting home, though the want of a
change of clothes at this particular juncture is keenly felt. Some are
covered with filth, and vermin, which have kept their hiding places
within our garments, for many a long day.

_17th._--We are now among the thick settlements, and sugar plantations
which line the river as we approach the city. I remained most of the
night on deck, and ate an early breakfast of the usual diet. Afterwards
Capt. Hudson had one of the big guns taken up, and fired a salute as we
passed a pretty little village. We are now on the site of the battle
ground, where General Jackson fought the English in 1814--continued
our course up the river, and fired several times. At last, we were
safely landed on the wharf in New Orleans. Upon my head there was no
hat, having lost my last remnant overboard in the gulf. My pants, I
had thrown away three days before, because (being composed of deerskin
worn into tatters,) I despaired of making them look decent. A pair of
drawers, rather the worse for wear, and an old overcoat, constituted my
dress. If, to this description of my person I add that my hair, beard,
and mustachios, had been left to vegetate undisturbed ever since I left
Fort Leavenworth, then some idea may be formed of the accomplished
soldiers of Col. Doniphan’s command.

_18th._--In company with twelve others I got in an omnibus to search
for some clothes and quarters; came three miles to a large clothing
establishment, where our wants as to garments were soon supplied. The
barber next exercised his skill, and it was with many an amusing jest
and laugh that we regarded each others altered and improved appearance.
Comfortable quarters were secured, and to-night I am reposing in a
quiet boarding house. Here I feel that no homage of my soul is profound
enough to render due adoration to that gracious Providence Who has
protected and guided me, while marching over the wild plains, and
through the mountain passes of Mexico.

  “Deserts in vain opposed our onward course;
    O’er hostile lands and wild untravelled wastes,
  Our journey we pursued, nor feared the floods,
    Through deep ravines that flow; dire banked with death;
  Nor mountains in whose jaws destruction grinned.
    Though floods rapacious roaring as they rolled,
  And mountains huge and rough were circled round
    By roving bands of restless savage foes.”

_22nd._--On Sunday last I went to the M. E. Church and listened to an
excellent sermon. I was kindly invited by a stranger, who introduced
himself to me, to dine and spend the evening with him. I complied with
his request and was pleasantly entertained. After tea I returned to
my boarding house, which is kept by a Mr. Wren, and whose charge is
moderate, viz. $4 per week. On my first introduction here I committed
a blunder, the thought of which has frequently caused me to smile.
It shows the contrast between a camp life and the more polished
proceedings of life in the city. When I was called to the first meal,
I seated myself at the table in the presence of my hostess, and
commenced operations as I supposed in a manner the most polite and
refined. Casting a glance at the lady I observed that she was eyeing
me with a curious interest. The smile that played upon her lip told me
that she was amused at some awkwardness of mine or some oddity in my
appearance. And what was my surprise when I found that I had jerked my
old knife from my pocket and was cutting my meat placed upon my bread
in my usual way. The habit had been fixed upon me, and notwithstanding
the neat arrangements of the table I could not resist the propensity to
indulge in my camp customs.

_26th._--On board the steamer Louisville bound for Cincinnati. The
boat is crowded, but a mattress on which to lie is a luxury. A few
hours ago, I parted with many of my fellow soldiers and friends, with
feelings which it is impossible for me to describe. I am not in a
situation to continue with the regiment until it reaches its final
destination. My mouth is so sore that the least effort to masticate my
food is very painful, and I cannot eat, now that I have before me all
the luxuries of life; and even if I could it would be improper for me
to do so, on account of a long continued diarrhœa and pain in my breast
and side. I feel that I am greatly changed when I compare the present
with the time when I last glided over this beautiful stream. Then so
full of health and anticipations of pleasures and happiness, now, a
sick soldier--a mere skeleton of a man, bronzed by the burning rays of
a Mexican sun, and worn down by the prolonged fatigue of travelling,
watching and toil. I regret very much that I cannot go to St. Louis, as
requested by Col. Doniphan, where an enthusiastic reception is awaiting
him. To express myself in _measured terms_ about our Commander, would
not be expressive of my feelings, and I feel how utterly incompetent
I am to utter his eulogy. The man who can familiarise himself with
the poorest private, by some kind word, or ride among the troops,
and make us forget that we were hungry or thirsty by some pleasant
converse, in our long and toilsome march;--the man who can forget his
own personal safety in the hour of danger, and rise superior to every
embarrassment--who can be prepared for every emergency, by superior
skill in the tactics of war--as well as a refined sense of honor, and
an open suavity of manner, not only leading captive the hearts of his
entire command, but thousands of the hostile foe--such a man is a
treasure to society, an honor to his country. And, such a man, is the
brave Doniphan. It was with the feelings of a brother or a friend to
whom I owed many obligations, that I grasped the hand of this great
man, who kindly wished me a safe return to my family.

_27th._--Our noble steamer has made good headway up the river, passed
Baton Rouge, and at nine o’clock at night came in sight of Natchez.

_28th._--Passed the Grand Gulf at 10, and at 2 got to Vicksburg.
The pleasure of feasting my eyes on scenes so lovely, and which are
presented by a trip to the “Father of Waters,” compensates for any
little inconvenience arising from our crowded state.

_30th._--At this time we are near Memphis. There is some excitement on
board. A man laboring under the effects of mania potu is quite crazy,
and has attempted several times to jump overboard. Just now he entered
the ladies’ cabin and struck his wife; one of our officers interfered,
and soon placed him on his back. But a further attempt to kill his
child made it necessary to secure him. With several others I entered
the ladies’ cabin, and helped to tie this _gentleman_. He made much
useless resistance.

_July 1st._--Slept but little--the surrounding bustle and noises
mingled strangely with dreamy anticipations of soon receiving the
cordial welcome of friends, that I fondly think that are eagerly
awaiting me in my native home.

_West River, July 10th._--Let no brave soldier say he cannot shed tears
of joy, when clasped in the arms of his aged, widowed mother, after an
absence of nearly two years, in which he has encountered the perils of
both land and sea--travelling nearly 6000 miles, 2200 being through the
heart of an enemy’s country, and witnessing death in every shape and
feature.

It were an endless task to attempt any thing like a minute description
of that part of Mexico through which we travelled. Our route lay for
the most part, on the Rio Grande del Norte, whose head waters rise in
the Green Mountains, several hundred miles above Santa Fe. It forms
the western boundary of Texas, and can be easily forded at almost any
point above El Paso. In the dry season it is extremely low, and can be
of very little importance for navigation, except near its mouth, which
flows into the Gulf of Mexico. It is thought this river has a course
of from 15 to 1800 miles. The country is elevated: being traversed
by a range of mountains extending far to the northward. Among the
inhabitants, I saw every shade of complexion, from a dark swarthy, or
yellow, to the palest white. But few are handsome among the ladies; and
this is principally to be attributed to their great love of coloring
the skin with red paint. The mountaineers are mostly poor, and almost
universally destitute of every thing beyond the bare necessaries of
life. Their flocks and herds constitute their principal riches, and
their implements of husbandry are all of the most simple character.
Their ploughing such as it is--is effected by a wooden plough, to which
is attached two or four oxen, and the wheat is slightly covered over,
having been previously sown on the hard ground. There are some fertile
valleys in this mountainous range, but the poor simple inhabitants
have very little idea of taking advantage of the natural resources of
their country. After we left Chihuahua, fields of cotton and corn,
interspersed at intervals with the sugar cane, presented themselves.
The ranchos are always about a day’s journey apart, and the whole
aspect of nature in these delightful spots, is one of the most inviting
that can be imagined, as a field of operation, for the industry and art
of man. The soil here is fertile, and what is generally termed bottom
land; and with proper culture would be made as productive as any of
our western lands, as the climate is more genial. They grow only a few
vegetables, of which the red pepper appears to be a favorite, these
they string and hang on the outsides of their houses so thick that on
approaching I frequently thought I should see a painted dwelling, but
was to see only a miserable dirty hut. The mines of Mexico afford her
principal wealth, but of this the poorer classes obtain but little,
they are kept in ignorance and degradation by a government which has
borne the name of Republican, but which every one who sojourns in that
country must soon discover to be a mockery, for the mass of the people
are subject alone to the will of the Roman clergy, and are not free to
act. There is no slave in any of our Southern States whose situation
they have not reason to envy. The women are more degraded if possible
than the men, and more slovenly in their appearance, and while this is
the case in any country the morals of the people must remain at a low
grade. Since my return, I have heard of the enthusiastic reception of
Col. Doniphan at St. Louis, an account of which I annex as published in
the Baltimore American. Our business was not, however, to see all that
was worth seeing, but to hurry on to the place we started for and when
arrived at that to make arrangements to hurry on again.




COL. DONIPHAN’S MARCH.


At the recent reception of the Missouri volunteers under Col. Doniphan
at St. Louis, the address of welcome was delivered by Mr. Senator
Benton. The speech is characteristic--exhibiting that clear and graphic
narrative and those strong and concentrated expressions for which the
Senator is remarkable.

The orator gave an outline of the long march of this gallant
regiment--first, a thousand miles to New Mexico, which became
a starting point of a new departure. Then Chihuahua was aimed
at--Chihuahua, a rich and populous city of nearly thirty thousand
souls, the seat of the government of the state of that name, and
formerly the residence of the Captains General of the Internal
Provinces under the vice-regal government. In advancing towards
Chihuahua the adventurous regiment encountered incredible hardships.
They passed over the desert called _el jornada de los muertos_--the
journey of the dead--an arid plain of ninety miles strewed with the
bones of animals perished of hunger and thirst and marked by continual
mementos of men who had fallen victims to the perilous way. They fought
the enemy at the Bracito, and gained a decisive victory although
opposed by superior numbers strong in cavalry and artillery. Again at
Sacramento the intrepid band fought and conquered a vastly superior
force. Mr. Benton calls that victory “one of the military marvels of
the age.” At length Chihuahua is reached and taken; and there the bold
adventurers must pause to determine which way next they shall direct
their steps. They had occupied a city about as far from St. Louis as
Moscow is from Paris. Let Col. Benton’s graphic narrative be heard:

“Chihuahua gained, it became, like Santa Fe, not the terminating point
of a long expedition, but the beginning point of a new one. Gen. Taylor
was somewhere--no one knew exactly where--but some seven or eight
hundred miles towards the other side of Mexico. You had heard that he
had been defeated--that _Buena Vista_ had not been a _good prospect_
to him. Like good Americans you did not believe a word of it; but like
good soldiers, you thought it best to go and see. A volunteer party
of fourteen, headed by Collins of Boonville, undertake to penetrate
to Saltillo, and to bring you information of his condition. They set
out. Amidst innumerable dangers they accomplish their purpose; and
return. You march. A vanguard of one hundred men, led by Lieut. Colonel
Mitchell, led the way. Then came the main body, (if the name is not a
burlesque on such a handful,) commanded by Col. Doniphan himself.

“The whole table land of Mexico, in all its breadth, from west to
east, was to be traversed. A numerous and hostile population in
towns--treacherous Cumanches in the mountains--were to be passed. Every
thing was to be self-provided--provisions, transportation, fresh horses
for remounts, and even the means of victory--and all without a military
chest, or even an empty box, in which government gold had ever reposed.
All was accomplished. Mexican towns were passed, in order and quiet:
plundering Cumanches were punished: means were obtained from traders to
liquidate indispensable contributions: and the wants that could not be
supplied, were endured like soldiers of veteran service.

“I say the Cumanches were punished. And here presents itself an episode
of a novel, extraordinary, and romantic kind--Americans chastising
savages for plundering people who they themselves came to conquer,
and forcing the restitution of captives and of plundered property.
A strange story this to tell in Europe, where back-woods character,
western character, is not yet completely known. But to the facts. In
the muskeet forest of the _Bolson de Mapimi_, and in the sierras around
the beautiful town and fertile district of Parras, and in all the open
country for hundreds of miles round about, the savage Cumanches have
held dominion ever since the usurper Santa Anna disarmed the people;
and sally forth from their fastnesses to slaughter men, plunder cattle,
and carry off women and children. An exploit of this kind had just been
performed on the line of the Missourians’ march, not far from Parras,
and an advanced party chanced to be in that town at the time the news
of the depredation arrived there. It was only fifteen strong. Moved by
gratitude for the kind attentions of the people, especially the women,
to the sick of General Wool’s command, necessarily left in Parras, and
unwilling to be outdone by enemies in generosity, the heroic fifteen,
upon the spot, volunteered to go back, hunt out the depredators, and
punish them, without regard to numbers. A grateful Mexican became their
guide. On their way they fell in with fifteen more of their comrades;
and, in short time, seventeen Cumanches killed out of sixty-five,
eighteen captives restored to their families, and three hundred and
fifty head of cattle recovered for their owners, was the fruit of this
sudden and romantic episode.

“Such noble conduct was not without its effect on the minds of the
astonished Mexicans. An official document from the Prefect of the place
to Captain Reid, leader of this detachment, attests the verity of the
fact, and the gratitude of the Mexicans; and constitutes a trophy of a
new kind in the annals of war. Here it is in the original Spanish, and
I will read it off in English.

“It is officially dated from the Prefecture of the Department of
Parras, signed by the Prefect Jose Ignacio Arrabe, and addressed to
Capt. Reid, the 18th of May, and says:

“‘At the first notice that the barbarians, after killing many, and
taking captives, were returning to their haunts, you generously and
bravely offered, with fifteen of your subordinates, to fight them on
their crossing by the Pozo, executing this enterprise with celerity,
address and bravely worthy of all eulogy, and worthy of the brilliant
issue which all celebrate. You recovered many animals and much
plundered property; and eighteen captives were restored to liberty and
to social enjoyments, their souls overflowing with a lively sentiment
of joy and gratitude, which all the inhabitants of this town equally
breathe, in favor of their generous deliverers and their valiant
chief. The half of the Indians killed in the combat, and those which
fly wounded, do not calm the pain which all feel for the wound which
your excellency received defending christians and civilized beings
against the rage and brutality of savages. All desire the speedy
re-establishment of your health; and although they know that in your
own noble soul will be found the best reward of your conduct, they
desire also to address you the expression of their gratitude and high
esteem. I am honored in being the organ of the public sentiment, and
pray you to accept it, with the assurance of my most distinguished
esteem.

“‘God and Liberty!’”

“This is a trophy of a new kind in war, won by thirty Missourians, and
worthy to be held up to the admiration of christendom.”

The regiment arrived at Gen Taylor’s camp at Monterey, and reported
themselves ready for duty. They were prepared to go with the hero of
Buena Vista to San Luis Potosi, or Zacatecas, or the city of Mexico.
They regarded not their fatigues nor the approaching expiration of
their term of service. “But unhappily,” says Mr. Benton, “the conqueror
of Palo Alto Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista, was not
exactly in the condition that the Lieutenant General, might have been,
intended him to be. He was not at the head of 20,000 men! he was not at
the head of any thousands that would enable him to march! and had to
decline the proffered service. Thus the long marched and well fought
volunteers--the rough, the ready, and the ragged--had to turn their
faces towards home, still more than two thousand miles distant.”

The last nine hundred miles of the land march from Chihuahua to
Matamoras was made in forty-five days with seventeen pieces of
artillery, eleven of which had been taken from the enemy. During all
their long march this regiment of hardy soldiers received from the
Government not a dollar of pay; they furnished for the most part their
own supplies and forage and clothing, and yet brought back nearly their
whole number. “You marched farther than the farthest,” says Mr. Benton,
“you have fought as well as the best, left order and quiet in your
train, and cost less money than any.”

Col. Doniphan made an eloquent address in reply to the oration of
welcome, and towards the close of it, he turned to his men, the
companions of his toils and dangers, and said:

“You have endured much toil and hardship. It is now about to terminate.
You have arrived once more in the land of civilized society, and again
we are citizens mingling with our fellow-citizens. Your lot has been a
hard one in many respects.

“Before reaching New Mexico, by two hundred miles, you were on half
rations, and never afterwards, for a single day, during our long and
arduous march to Saltillo, did you receive full rations. Yet all this
you have borne, and you have borne it with fortitude. The order which
you received to march in Major Gilpin’s command, with a large column,
over the Sierra Madre, covered with perpetual snow--proceeding on your
march on shortened allowance, without tents or transportation, and many
other comforts, because the Government was unable to furnish them; yet
you bore it all, and were ready to resume your march in two days on the
city of Chihuahua. You have travelled over five states of Mexico, and
five very large ones, in point of territory.

“Perhaps the citizens of St. Louis do not know what a Bonava is, but
I will answer for every man in my command, knowing what they are. I
may assure you, had you crossed them, you too, would have known what
they are. The shortest one that we crossed was fifty miles and one
ninety-five miles, which we crossed in three days in December, without
wood, without water, without tents, at an elevation of 7000 feet above
the Atlantic ocean. In sending expresses to the distance of 600 miles,
when I was unable to furnish them with the means of carrying provision
and other comforts with them over immense sand prairies covered with
snow, I have never made a detail, but all were volunteers, or when I
have sent out parties for the purpose of watching the enemy who have
had to starve for days, I never made a detail in this column, but all
were volunteers, and I am proud to say it.”




TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:


  Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.

  Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.

  Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.

  Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.



*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON, A PRIVATE SOLDIER IN THE CAMPAIGN OF NEW AND OLD MEXICO, UNDER THE COMMAND OF COLONEL DONIPHAN OF MISSOURI ***


    

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