Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/107

Rh Wednesday, March, 31, 1847.—This morning the soldiers had the privilege of visiting the city in squads of ten men from each company, accompanied by a non-commissioned officer, and with strict orders not to insult or molest any of the citizens. I was one of the lucky ten from our company. We started, and soon got to the outskirts of the city. We walked on until we were stopped by sentinel, who was stationed at a stone bridge; this bridge is just outside of the gate of the city entrance. It is built like some of our country road bridges, arched and parapet on each side, and a few old benches, which looked as if they had been used for lounges. There are several shady trees around this bridge, but their appearance proves that they suffered considerably from our shots and shells. After showing our passes to the officer at the gate we walked on, and came to the fountain called "Central," which seems to be the favorite place of resort of the poorer class, and for the watering of beasts. We noticed several water-carriers, and an aquador, with his donkey with kegs or earthen jars, halt and fill them up with water; after which he drives around the city and distributes it to families, who pay a few pennies daily.

Walking around, I took more pains in examining the city to-day than I did yesterday, for I was then in a hurry.

We find Vera Cruz well and strongly built with stones; the houses are mostly two stories high; the streets, except the main street, are mostly narrow, that is they are not so wide as the streets of Philadelphia. They also have a fine cathedral, which is the main one in this city. The floor is paved with small marble blocks. This church has suffered considerable during the bombardment, because it was more conspicuous than any other building in the city.

We also visited the forts and half-moon batteries, which has a full sweep over the plains; and by taking it by assault, which was intended, had the Mexicans not surrendered, it would have cost at least over one thousand men.