Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/101

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Camp near Vera Cruz, March 26, 1847.

Dear Parents:—This morning, after I was relieved from picket guard, I thought that I would write you a letter and let you all know of my whereabouts and destination. I have no doubt you have been apprized long before this first letter reaches you of my occupation and position, which I am now in, and, if not, you will no doubt be sadly surprised to hear the undersigned, your son, in such dangerous and perilous position. Yes, while I am writing this very letter the balls, shells and fragments of shells are flying around my head like so many hail-stones, and do not know what moment I may be killed or victimized by a Mexican cannon ball or the fragments of shells. Well, as a fellow soldier said, if it is my lot to be killed, it shall be gloriously in defence of our country and our glorious old flag. Landed on the 9th without any opposition. During all this time we were busy working in building breastworks and batteries and making preparation for the bombardment of the city. During all this labor and operation we were, and are to this writing, constantly annoyed with daring and ceaseless fire from the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa and the batteries on the walls of the surrounding city of Vera Cruz. We commenced firing on the city on the 22d inst., and kept busy at it until the present time. We have made several large holes, or breaches so-called, in the walls, and it is now rumored this morning that Gen. Scott has finally concluded to take the city by assault, which, of course, means by the point of the bayonet. So if this rumor is true, and the assault takes place, there will be a great many killed before the city can be taken; but let the result be what it may, I for one shall do my duty as a true soldier. Again, I often think (and, in fact, sometimes dream) of the romantic hills, valleys and dales in which I passed my boyhood, and contrast it with the many dangerous struggles, places and positions I am placed in now at war in this hot tropical climate; but there is now no use of thinking and fretting, but march and push onward, and never mind or think of them, and let us all put our trust in God, and all will assuredly be well. The assault on the city is to take place this afternoon at 2 o'clock, unless otherwise ordered, and our division is to make the assault on breached walls. So let the result be what it may, you will hear of me either dead or alive;