Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/112

106 now cleared of the rubbish, and nothing is now left to tell of the destruction the city sustained during the bombardment. The harbor is crowded with American vessels, filled with American goods, busy unloading stores, ammunition of war, etc. The citizens, with a sprinkling of Americans, are opening their stores with the products of American commerce and industry, and in a few weeks this city of Vera Cruz will be a place, and its inhabitants, who have suffered so much of late, will be in the enjoyment of all the comforts of life. The Mexicans themselves seem to have undergone a change, for being free from the presence of their own army, which daily levied contributions from them, they have a protection in our army, and a General who suffers no wrong to be committed without awarding severe punishment to the offender. This city is like every other town or city—it is full of rumors, chiefly about the Mexican Government at the capital. Some tell you that Gen. Santa Anna has been defeated in all his plans of operation, and that he is a prisoner; another that opposition against Gen. Santa Anna has all been put down, and that quiet reigns in the capital. No doubt Gen. Santa Anna will establish himself in power. Then we shall look for results of great moment, and the sooner that event comes the better will we, the Yankees, be satisfied.

In the afternoon I returned to camp with as much alacrity as if I had been enjoying a long siesta after the heat of the day.

To-day nine members of our Co. C, First Pennsylvania Volunteers, including Lieut. Casper M. Berry, were discharged, and will sail on the 10th inst. on the steamship "Virginia" for home, sweet home, promising to never return to Mexico again as soldiers. This evening Mr. George Gun was buried in the cemetery with all the honors of war.

Thursday, April 8, 1847.—This morning on parade orders were read for us to pack up and leave camp at 10 o'clock, Every soldier was busy in packing his knapsack and striking tents, and all were soon ready for a long march. All seemed to be much rejoiced in getting away from this awful sickly