Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/145

Rh difficulties, in which action was an assault on a carefully fortified position, and which, contrary to the expectation of the confident enemy, was a complete and decisive victory.

In the evening, most of our sick and wounded were sent with a train back to Vera Cruz, there to be discharged and sent to their homes.

On dress parade, orders were read to us, stating that we would march to-morrow toward Jalapa City.

To-night most all our men took a good washing in the Plan del Rio, after which we laid down to take a sleep.

Tuesday, April 20, 1847.—This morning the advance started about 4 o'clock, and when they got to where we left the artillery stand, they stopped to drag them out on the National Road, and there left them for the horses to be attached to, and to be taken with our division.

Our division left camp at 5 o'clock,, leaving the balance—sick and wounded soldiers—in the charge of the Second Tennessee Regiment, much to their entire dissatisfaction. They, of course, wanted to march with the main army, and not to be left behind.

We are now marching a little further into Gen. Santa Anna's country, and when we passed the regular Mexican camp, we saw enough cannons, ammunition, provisions, clothing and other material of war, to equip our whole army; yet Old Santa Anna is always complaining to his government of being scant in clothing, provisions, etc.

All along the National Road, as far as we went, was strewed with dead Mexicans and horses. They, refusing to surrender, were cut down by Col. Wm. S. Harney's dragoons while in hot pursuit of Gen. Santa Anna and his flying cavalry on the 18th instant.

Our march to-day being a short one, only fourteen miles, we arrived in camp sooner than usual. This encampment is called El Encero, the summer hacienda of Gen. Santa Anna, but I am afraid he will not have the opportunity of spending his summer here this season, or as long as these infernal