Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/183

Rh I have been told that since Capt. Walker has arrived he has dug under the flag-pole and taken from under it the very same ten-cent piece placed there by his own hands, thus proving his heroic words and imprisonment to be true.

Gen. Harrea was governor of the castle when Capt. Walker and his gallant band of Texas Rangers made their escape. Gen. La Vega is a remarkably fine and bold looking officer; but in Gen. Harrea there is something in his countenance that I do not like; there seems to be a good deal of savage Creole blood running through his veins.

Sunday, June 6, 1847.—This morning, unexpectedly, we were ordered to report to Col. Wynkoop's quarters for the purpose of going out skirmishing. So, at 2 o'clock,, we left, led by Col. Wynkoop and a company of Col. Harney's dragoons.

We kept marching until we came to a town called Tepegahualco, about ten miles from Perote Castle. This town is the headquarters of those notorious ruffians and guerillas. We surrounded the town, which is built of lodo (mud) houses, but the lancers and guerillas got wind of our coming and succeeded in making their escape before we arrived; but we captured a lot of military clothing, arms and ammunition. After an hour's rest we started back for Perote, where we arrived in the evening a little fatigued.

Monday, June 7, 1847—Este manana (this morning) a train of some three hundred wagons started for Vera Cruz. It came from Puebla late last night. There were seven men, belonging to our company, who got their discharge yesterday, going down with this train on their way home. Capt. R. K. Scott, of Co. H, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, goes with this train home to recruit for the regiment. This train, I notice, takes a great many sick and wounded soldiers to Vera Cruz, and there to embark for New Orleans and thence to their sweet homes.

This evening it was rumored that orders were received by our officers from Gen. Scott for the six companies of the First