Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/166

160 We examined the position, and in my humble opinion, La Hoya is far the worst pass, and a stronger position than Cerro Gordo. We marched on and went into camp at a small town called Las Vegas. Here our regiment quartered in a church. There is good spring water here, and some fruit trees, such as figs, bananas, oranges, etc.

This is truly a strange country, for not a wagon or carriage (except government wagons) have we met on our march. Even in Vera Cruz, not a four or even a two-wheeled vehicle could be seen. Everything is brought into town on packed donkeys, or jack-asses (as we call them), and on the poor Indian's back, packed and loaded like his brother, the ass, burdened down with charcoal, vegetables, etc. This is sometimes brought many miles to market, and particularly about Vera Cruz, for nothing grows there but bluffs of sand.

Saturday, May 8, 1847.—This morning at daylight we started on our march over what was at one time a macadamized road, but now very rough. We arrived at the town of Perote about 4 o'clock, After a half hour's rest, we were ordered to march into the Castle of Perote. Here we are to be stationed as a garrison for the present time. The New York, South Carolina and other regiments marched beyond the town of Perote, where they encamped for the night; but most of the officers remained in town.

In the evening some of the officers visited and examined Castle Perote, and all pronounced it a strong fort.

The snow-top mountains of Orazaba and Cofrado de Perote are in full view from here.

As already stated, the road we passed over to-day was so rough that many of our wagons were broken down and upset, and we were late getting into camp. Every company is selecting and fixing up their quarters, and they are the best we have had since we left the ships.

Gen. Worth captured this castle April 22, last. He, with his whole division, left this morning for Puebla—that is if Gen. Santa Anna don't stop him before he gets there. It was