Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/18

12 and introduced us to the Captain as new recruits. The Captain shook hands, and expressed himself highly pleased that we had made up our minds to join his company, and he hoped that we would never have occasion to regret it. The roll-book was then laid upon the table, after which we signed it. The Captain then again shook hands, congratulated us in a neat and well appropriate speech stating of our destination and prospect of triumphant victories in Mexico. Lieut. Aquilla Haines, who also was present, shook hands and said that he knew from our motive and activity on board of the boat that we would make good soldiers, and as long as we obey orders, as soldiers should do, we will find no better officer in the regiment. We then left the cabin of the boat and followed our usual occupation on the boat until we arrived at Hollidaysburg. During the day I informed my brother Frederick, who was also employed on the same boat, of what I had done and of my future destination. He seemed to be much surprised, and all he said was, well, I suppose you know your own business best, and all I can wish you is that you may keep your health, good luck, and a safe and triumphant return home again. The company of soldiers we have thus joined are entirely strangers to us, and we to them, they (with the exception of a delegation of eight men from Little York, who enrolled themselves at Harrisburg,) hailing from the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Louis Bymaster and myself are both from Lewistown, Pa., and will no doubt feel a little shyness for a while, but I hope before long, and particularly when we get into camp, we may be well acquainted and pleased with our choice.

Sunday, December 13, 1846.—This morning about 7 o'clock we arrived at Hollidaysburg, Pa., and for the first time took breakfast with the soldier company at Mr. Reynold's hotel. After breakfast I went back to the boat "Mary" to take a final good-bye of my brother and friends, and addressed them in these words, "Friends, I have enlisted and signed the United States muster roll to serve during the war with Mexico, and