Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/150

144 Perote were taken without any opposition. The enemy's force had abandoned it before Gen. Worth's division arrived. Gen. Worth is now in full possession of the town and castle, with its armament in good order. Col. Velasquez, the General superintendent, had been left behind to surrender all things in the name of the Mexican government—fifty cannons, five howitzers, three mortars, four stone mortars, together with a large number of round-shot, shells and small arms.

Gens. Morales and Landaro, who had been imprisoned by Gen. Santa Anna for surrendering and capitulating Vera Cruz, were released on the appearance of our troops. The two South Carolina volunteers and an American sailor, taken near Vera Cruz, were prisoners in the castle, and, of course, were released by our troops. They were almost starved to death. Midshipman Robert C Rogers, of the United States brig Somers, was not found in the castle. Reports have it that the Mexicans removed him from Perote to Puebla the same day that the battle commenced at Cerro Gordo. Also, a rumor from the city of Mexico, saying that Gen. Santa Anna, with five other generals are putting the capital in a state of defence, building strong fortifications around the city and passes on the road.

Rain, rain, nothing but rain, making everything feel disagreeable. When will we have sunshine? Yet, for all this, the men feel jubilant (gosozo) at the capture of the famous Castle of Perote, where, for many years, many of our best citizens and soldiers have been imprisoned, and now has the honor of holding to the breeze the American flag. We all feel placentero (jolly).

Sunday April 25, 1847.—This morning, or in fact all last night, was very cold and rainy, and those who had no shelter got soaking wet, and could be seen hugging up around the camp fires drying their blankets and clothing, and talking about the hard weather, exposure, suffering, &c.

At noon John Newman, Louis Bymaster and myself carried shingles and boards from a deserted ranch, and built ourselves a small shanty