Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/223

Rh robbers, which are very numerous in that section of the country. They have good water and plenty of polque to drink. The water is drained from the mountains, which causes it to be fresh and cold. The polque is the favorite drink among the Mexicans, and especially among the poor class, and it seems to be their principal product in this immediate neighborhood.

Next day's march was over what is called Tierra Templada (Table Land), passing some splendid granjos (farms,) and over a road which, at some places, was gradually ascending, and that on looking back sometimes from the head of our division, our train of wagons could be seen for miles in the rear. The scenery was, indeed, beautiful; splendid cultivated campos (fields) of wheat, corn, barley, etc. These granjos (farms) have no fences; nothing but a shepherd and his dogs watches the farm and stock on the place.

On the next two days' march it rained and hailed mostly all the time, and having no tents or shelter, it was anything but agreeable.

The next day we marched in poor spirits on account of our exposure, but in the afternoon the sun gradually made its appearance, which had the effect to cheer the boys up.

In the evening we overtook Col. Thomas Childs' brigade, encamped at, or near. El Pinal Pass, where, it is rumored, that the enemy intended to attack our division when we would pass through.

The next day our regiment was put in the advance of the whole division. We marched through the pass, which is several miles long, looking and hunting for the fanfarron (boasting) Mexicans over hills and dales without seeing any near enough to make an attack, or even to have a shot at them.

The Mexicans had the monton (hill) well fortified, such as having large rocks ready to roll down the hill upon the Yankees' heads, who may pass below. We marched on until we came to the town named Amozoquco. Here we had the