Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/134

128 The question now is asked, where was Gens. Patterson and Pillow during this heavy firing? They were not where they promised to be, nor could the three messengers sent by Col. Wynkoop find them. So where was Gens. Patterson and Pillow?* Echo answers, Where?

On our way to the National Road I saw some horrible sights—the wounded dying, and some dead, but I learn that there was only one belonging to our regiment, D. K. Morrison, that was killed, but many wounded. Among them was John Sheldon, belonging to our company (C). Alburtus Welsh, myself, and others, made a bearer out of poles to carry him to the National Road. Here we put him carefully into a hospital wagon, where some were already in a dying state.

Mr. Sheldon received a grape-shot wound through the ankle-bone. On his way down he complained pitifully of his wound, and fears that he will have to lose his foot or leg.

After we had all arrived from the battle-field we formed into line along the National Road and waited until Gen. Twigg's division arrived from the field with the Mexican prisoners. Here we witnessed another sorrowful scene. The wounded brought down from Gen. Twigg's division—some with arms and legs off, others with part of their faces shot off, and otherwise badly mangled. While these poor unfortunate crippled soldiers were passing by I overheard some of our men making remarks, "It was sweet to die for our country's cause, and an honor to those who sacrificed their limbs and gave their blood in defending our glorious country's flag, and that it is an honor to them and friends to rejoice in their sacrifices." I admit there is honor in the way these gallant young men have lost their limbs, their bodies disfigured and their blood spilt; and our country should well reward them for their sacrifices and suffering, but I don't think that there can be much rejoicing of anyone in losing their limbs, or having their bodies disfigured, like I saw some to-day.

I, if God's will, prefer my body and limbs as God made them, and do without the honor and rejoicing of lost limbs