Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/19

Rh that I will not flinch or desert from it. Nay; I will go forward with the company, let the consequences be what they may, and fight for the good old State of Pennsylvania as long as my two arms swing." (Cheers.) "Again, I will state that you can all rest assured that I will not dishonor the old Keystone State. Nay, I will ever stand by its colors as long as there is breath of life within me." (Cheers.) After this I shook hands with all my friends, and instructed my brother Frederick about my private affairs. I then joined our company, took the cars and ascended the Allegheny mountains, up five plains and five down. When we arrived at the top of the first plain, I looked back on the magnificent scene. The valley dotted with farm houses, the foaming and rapid Little Juniata river below us, presented a glorious view to the delighted eye. After the cars were attached to the engine and started, I, with the wave of my hand, bade good-bye to the "Mary," early scenes and exploits on and along the Juniata river. We arrived at Johnstown, Pa., about 4 o'clock, P. M., and by the invitation of the citizens we partook of a good supper.

History tells us that Johnstown was called after Joseph Johns, a pushing, enterprising and liberal German citizen, who was also one of the first settlers in this section of the country. It is a lively little town, and I find that there is a great trade and business transacted here in trans-shipment of goods. After supper we left Johnstown on a canal boat, chartered to take the company to Pittsburgh. We have plenty of good straw to lay upon, and are passing our time first rate; some are singing our national songs, some are playing cards, and others are trying to sleep

Monday, December 14, 1846.—This morning, about 8 o'clock, we arrived at the beautiful little town called Blairsville. The citizens met us with drums and fifes, and escorted the company to the main square. Here we were divided into squads, and then taken to different hotels and private houses to breakfast. After doing justice to the free gift, we then