Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/162

156 The object of the mission of Lieut. Semmes, is to release his brother officer, passed midshipman Robert C. Rogers, also of the United States brig Somers; the report demands of Gen. Scott, to send a strong escort of cavalry to go to the city of Mexico and there demand the release of Mr. Rogers, but the General told Lieut. Semmes, that it would be impossible for him, Semmes, to attempt to go to the capital of Mexico with such a force, as the roads were lined with rancheros and guerillas, (a band of outlaws who show no respect to flags or to any person belonging to the United States,) also, that at the present time, he. Gen. Scott, could neither spare cavalry, artillery or infantry to guide any commissioner to the capital, until the arrival of re-enforcements from the United States, as there were numbers of regiments whose time now expired, which will still weaken his forces. So Commissioner Semmes did not get to go to the capital of Mexico and see what the Mexicans were doing with midshipman Rogers.

It will be remembered, that Rogers, with a party of seamen were captured during the early blockading of Vera Cruz. He was reconnoitering near the castle of San Juan de Ulloa at night, when he came across a Mexican brig-of-war named the Creole, which he blew up with all on board, and in trying to make his escape was captured. He and his men were of course accused of destroying the Creole, to which Rogers confessed and said that he was one of the party. Being captured in his United States uniform, he called upon the United States Government to protect him in his lawful right as a prisoner. It is now reported, that Rogers, who was at Puebla City, was removed to the city of Mexico.

At noon I heard a great shouting and cheering among the Tennessee, Illinois, Alabama and other regiments, and I went down supposing that they had heard some good news, when they told me that they were ordered to be discharged from the United States service, and would leave for sweet home tomorrow. Oh! didn't I wish myself to be one of them.

This evening two of the mounted Tennesseeans died and were buried at the same place With the rest. It is raining to-night.