Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/103

Rh States, but the arms of the same not injured or destroyed in the further prosecution of the actual war may be considered as liable to be restored to Mexico by a definite treaty of peace.

Article 6. The sick and wounded Mexicans to be allowed to remain in the city and no property is to be taken or used by the forces of the United States without previous arrangement with the owners and for a fair equivalent.

Article 7. Absolute protection is solemnly guaranteed to all persons in the city.

Article 8. Absolute freedom of religious worship and ceremonies is solemnly guaranteed, and the sick to be attended by such medical officers of the army as may be necessary to their cure and treatment.

All quiet to-night and can sleep without being annoyed by the roar of artillery and the explosion of bombshells over our heads.

Sunday March 28, 1847.—This morning we had orders read to us to clean our belts, brasses, and brighten up our muskets. Also to wash and clean ourselves and clothing, so as to look like soldiers and not like so many sand diggers and battery builders, which profession we have been following for the last five and six days, and were dirty enough.

At noon, our regiment was ordered from our old quarters, No. 5 Battery, to a place in front of the city of Vera Cruz, and here encamped until our advance on the capital in the afternoon. Some of our men started out after beef. They were not gone long before they fell in with some of the guerillas, and after a hot skirmish, our men were obliged to return to camp without the beef. They were fortunate enough to make their escape to camp in safety. They say that there is plenty of the finest cattle in the country about ten miles from Vera Cruz. They are guarded by a strong body of guerillas; no doubt, belonging to some of the cattle dealers in Mexico.

Monday, March 29, 1847.—This is a lovely morning, and everybody is in high spirits making preparation for the grand surrender. About 8 o'clock,, the drums began to beat to fall in line; after a few complimentaries from our officers, we marched down towards the city and formed in front of the