Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/109

Rh Thursday, April 1, 1847.—This morning being the 1st of April, it being All Fools' Day, I saw several of our men fooled, and some were made to believe that peace is declared, and that we will soon be on our way way toward home.

To-day several of our men went to the city, and some visited the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa. After they returned to camp they reported that the castle was an immensely strong fortress, mounting some of the largest guns in the world, and having any quantity of ammunition.

Friday, April 2, 1847.—This morning there was a small paper published in the city by some of our enterprising Yankees, called the American Eagle, a very appropriate name. It sells for twelve and a half cents a copy. Gen. Scott is now preparing his army for an advance on the city of Mexico, but is still lacking in horses, mules, wagons, ammunition, fieldpieces, or light artillery; also, provisions, which have not yet arrived from the United States. This is what keeps us here in this hot and sickly place.

At noon Col. Harney, with a detachment of his dragoons, under the command of Capt. George A. H. Blake, and several pieces of Capt. Taylor's artillery, and about five hundred infantry, started on an expedition toward a notorious town called Antiguo (Old Town). The object is to break up a gang of guerillas, rancheros and murderers, who constantly kill our soldiers and sailors if they happen to catch any alone, or who may unfortunately go beyond our encampment.

Saturday, April 3, 1847.—This morning orders were issued from Col. Wynkoop not to permit any soldiers to leave the camp, owing to a murder committed yesterday morning near the city, on a French gardener. They robbed him first, then murdered him. I believe they have caught the murderer, who is, I am glad to say, not a soldier or a sailor, but a follower of the army, and no doubt justice will be done to him.