Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/165

Rh is also a rumor in Jalapa, that there was a bill introduced into Congress, to make the Hon. Thomas H. Benton, a Lieutenant General of the United States Army, over Gen. Winfield Scott; should this bill pass, and become a law. Gen. Scott will immediately resign and return home, and explain to the people the way he has been treated since he landed his little army near Vera Cruz, Mexico.

The much talked of firing in the rear of Gen. Scott's army has commenced. In fact, it has been working and brewing ever since our army left Vera Cruz. This kind of business and quarreling about who should command the army now so victoriously marching on toward the capital, has put a damper on the peace prospects. No wonder Gen. Santa Anna is determined to die sooner than treat with the government of the United States, and to restrict any power to make peace, and if made by any unauthorized person, it shall be null and void.

Friday, May 7, 1847.—This morning, sure enough, the rumors of last evening, that we would leave "Camp Misery," is true. About 9 o'clock,, the drums began to beat. The soldiers all seemed pleased to get away from this camp, and hurried into line to answer roll-call. After a few complimentary remarks from our Captain, W. F. Small, a command came from Col. Wynkoop; "Forward! March!" And off we went with no regret and without weeping eyes. Our march was nearly all up hill, over a rough road and country. We went through the noted pass La Hoya (The Hollow), which is about eight miles in length, and is one mass of rocks and lava stones. Here the Mexicans had the pass fortified to stop our advancing army; but when Col. Harney's dragoons appeared in sight, they deserted it and left the heavy cannons lay and took the small ones with them. Gen. Worth, who was then in our advance, had not the means of transportation to take artillery, and was, therefore, obliged to spike and knock the ends off, and then roll them off the road for the army and wagons to pass.