Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/180

174 Sunday, May 30, 1847.—This morning a non-commissioned officer was put into the guard-house for passing soldiers on spurious passes.

This afternoon one of the regular soldiers was buried. He was left here in the hospital when the division he belonged to left for Puebla.

There is to be an election for a Lieutenant in our company to-morrow.

Monday, May 31, 1847.—This morning there is a company election for Second Lieutenant. After a close vote it resulted in the choice of Sergeant Joseph M. Hall, over Oscar F. Bentson, our Orderly-Sergeant, and one of the best drilled noncommissioned officers in the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.

In the evening the victorious party had a tall spree on egg-nogg at the expense of the successful candidate. They kept it up until midnight—singing and dancing.

Tuesday, June 1, 1847.—This morning at 10 o'clock our company was detailed to go on guard. I was fortunate enough to get a good post.

Wednesday, June 2, 1847.—This morning after I was released from guard duty, I returned to my bunk for the purpose of taking a nap, but I had scarcely laid down when Thomas Bruster, a member of our company, who laid right alongside of me, gave a sudden shriek or groan, after which he died. He was an honorable and upright man, an active member of our company, and his sudden death has cast a gloom over his circle of friends.

Mr. Bruster was beloved in his company with a love surpassing that between brothers. He was a genial gentleman, a brave soldier, faithful to his comrades, obedient to his superior in rank, and a few days before his demise, for his modest and unassuming manners, was appointed Sergeant in place of Sergeant J. M. Hall, who was promoted to Lieutenant.

At 2 o'clock,, our company and Capt. Scott's company (H) escorted his remains to the silent tomb. At the