Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/182

176 It was soon discovered that in place of it being the enemy, it was Col. Wynkoop's party returning from their scouting tour. Col. Wynkoop reports that they chased up several bands of guerillas, but could not catch them on account of their horses being fresh. They fled to the mountains like deers to their hiding-places.

To-day one of Co. K's men, of our regiment, died of brain fever. He was followed to his grave by his company, and buried with the usual honors.

Saturday, June 5, 1847.—This morning Gens. La Vega and Harrea, accompanied by several of our officers, came into the castle, where they will remain on parole of honor until further orders.

In the afternoon they, with Col. Wynkoop and others, went around and visited the different quarters and cells. Gen. Harrea pointed out and showed to our men where the Texas Rangers, including Capt. Samuel H. Walker, were imprisoned and confined, and how and when they made their escape and fled to the mountains.

It seems that the prisoners, at midnight, dug up the stone floor, and then dug through under the stone-wall foundation. In that way they escaped from their cells. They disarmed the guard and made a rush to the outer court, where over one hundred Mexicans were guarding some arms. The escaped prisoners took two pieces each, attacked the guard, defeating them and making them retreat into the castle, the prisoners fled to the mountains for safety.

During the imprisonment of Capt. Walker, the Mexicans planted a large flag-pole, in which the prisoners had to assist. Before raising the pole Capt. Samuel H. Walker put a ten-cent piece on the bottom of the flag-pole, at the same time telling the Mexicans agua el querer pero sede te Americanos bandera ondo ola per soley estas castillus, meaning that he will yet see the American banner wave over this castle. To this the Mexicans all took a hearty laugh, saying, "No, no; that it was impossible." At that time there was no sign of war between the two nations.