Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/164

158 Some of his friends shook hands, wishing him a safe journey to his family. Brig.-Gen. Gideon J. Pillow, also goes with them home, (providing the Tennesseans do not shoot him,) to explain to his fellow citizens where he was when the enemy first opened fire on our brigade at the battle of Cerro Gordo, and how he became wounded in the arm by a musket bullet away down the hill in our rear.

They take with them a large train of empty wagons to Vera Cruz, there to be loaded with provisions and ammunition for our army. As they passed out of camp, we gave them three hearty cheers, to which they responded with a will. Good-bye! they are fast disappearing out of sight when our men fell back to their quarters.

At noon we were informed that our brigade is now placed under the command of Gen. Quitman, a fighting general, who, if wanted, can be found without sending half a dozen messengers after him.

At 2 o'clock,, the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers left camp for Jalapa, to form the garrison. Col. Wynkoop, of our regiment had the offer, but he declined, as he preferred to be with his regiment and with the main army marching on to the capital of Mexico.

This evening, two of the South Carolinans were buried with all the honors of war. I learn to-night, that our friend (Pat) John O'Brien, was acquitted of the charge of robbing the old priest. Mr. O'Brien had men to swear, that he, O'Brien, was not the man that had robbed him; that when the robbery was committed, he, Pat O'Brien, was quietly lying in his camp sick, (in a pig's eye,) for during the trial, Capt. Small had the stolen watch in his pocket as his fee to defend Pat O'Brien. A good and heavy swearing company, D, First Pennsylvania Volunteers. Pat and his friends are in high glee over his acquittal. He can sin again and ask the priest to forgive his sins.

I hear a rumor to-night, that we will leave for Puebla city soon. We all hope that the rumor may prove true. There