Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/181

Rh grave Capt. W. F. Small made a few appropriate remarks, touching upon the deceased's character, that it was perfect, that he was a good husband and an affectionate father; he was a devoted son and brother, and a gallant soldier; he died suddenly, far away from his family and early associates.

Mr. Bruster hails from the city of Philadelphia, Northern Liberty District.

The peaks of Orazaba and Brother de Perote are both covered with snow.

Thursday, June 3, 1847.—This morning Col. Wynkoop and several companies of Col. Harney's dragoons, accompanied by the alcalde of Perote, went in pursuit of some guerillas, reported to be between here and Jalapa, they (the guerillas) having again robbed the mail-coach yesterday. Some spies informed the alcalde where they were quartered, and if Col. Wynkoop with his dragoons comes across any of them I would not give much for their red jackets.

In the afternoon I went to Perote and had the pleasure of looking on at a fandango dance, the most favorite dance among the middle-class of people, and particularly among the Spaniards, by whom it was first introduced into Mexico. No festival, whether religious, political, or civil, would be complete unless they had a fandango. It is danced to the music of the violin, tambourine and cymbals.

On the eve of a saint's day, during Christmas week, and on all saint's days, the fandango flourishes in and out of doors, in the huts of the poor and in the streets, after which some one goes around to collect a few clacos (cents), which is mostly given to the priests for masses for the souls in purgatory.

Friday, June 4, 1847—This morning, about 3 o'clock. Col. Wynkoop's party returned from the guerilla hunt. When the sentinel first heard the approaching of horses, he, without asking "Who comes there," fired his gun, and that alarmed and raised the whole garrison of the Castle of Perote, and the drawbridge was instantly hauled up, and the bells ringing, all men were ordered upon the rampart to be ready for any emergency and to welcome our enemy.