Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/136

130 I also learn that Col. Harney is followed with some infantry and artillery under the command of Gen. Robert Patterson. This is the first we heard of him since he left us on the National Road, making his patriotic war speeches. Following a confused and retreating army is better than to be in the midst of battle and promising the men to lead them into the conflict.

I learn the result of our grand victory to-day was the capturing of forty-three heavy and light bronze artillery, and over six thousand stand of arms, and any quantity of ammunition and provisions. Some of the musket boxes have never been opened. These muskets, as well as most of the heavy artillery, are ordered to be destroyed as we have not the means and force enough to take them with us.

This evening it is reported that Brig.-Gen. Jams Shields was shot through the lungs while carrying an order to Gen. Scott. It is feared he will not get over it. He is a brave, gallant and very kind officer; is well liked and admired by all his men.

A little before dark Gen. Santa Anna's carriage (which I was informed was captured by Capt. Justus McKinstry of Scott's staff, and the Second United States Infantry) was hauled up in front of Gen. Scott's headquarters to be unloaded of the specie, it being in little bags marked $100. The soldiers were standing around the carriage (which is after the model of Napoleon's field carriage) anxiously awaiting for an opportunity to steal a bag of specie. While one of the men (detailed) was carrying in a bag on his shoulder a man sneakingly slips up behind him with an open knife and gives it a rip, and, of course, away went the specie on the ground. Then you should have seen the scrambling and rushing. It was really laughable to see the scene. The largest, strongest and the roughest men were the most fortunate in getting some of Gen. Santa Anna's specie.

The noise and wrangling brought Adjt.-Gen. H. L. Scott to the door. Seeing the disorder, and soldiers charging on the