Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/167

Rh reported to-night that Gen. Santa Anna had over six thousand men entrenched on this side of Puebla, and is going to dispute our march further.

Sunday, May 9, 1847.—This morning a party of soldiers and myself paid a visit to the town of Perote, and I must say that we were sadly disappointed, for we found it no great place. Very little business is carried on here, and a very slim market for Sunday, probably the buhonero senorito (peddler ladies) are afraid to bring their produce to market, fearing us Yankees would insult or not pay them. We find here (like all other villages) plenty of priests, monks, and some of the most ignorant and miserable creatures that walk under God's sun. Most of them have scarcely enough clothing to hide their nakedness. Many wear what is called sandals, which consist of a piece of leather or skin tied with a string around their heel, instep and big toe. Many wear nothing on their feet. The ladies wear no bonnets, nothing but a scarf or a small shawl over their devoted heads.

At 10 o'clock,, Gen. Quitman's division left Perote for the city of Puebla. I pitied some of Gen. Quitman's men, for they seemed to be much worn out and fatigued. They hardly could keep up on the last day's march, on account of sore feet and diarrhœa, and being unaccustomed to marching. We also went to church, and I was astonished to see it so handsomely decorated; some very fine and costly paintings hung on the walls.

In the afternoon we returned to our quarters, at the Castle of San Carlos.

Monday, May 10, 1847.—This morning orders were issued for dress parade and squad drill every morning and afternoon.

To-day a company of the Second United States Dragoons arrived in the town of Perote. They are to remain here and watch the guerillas until Capt. Walker's mounted Texan Rangers arrive from Vera Cruz.