Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/230

224  I am stumpless quite since from the shot Of Cerro Gordo peggin', I left behind, to pay Gen. Scott, My grub, and gave my leg in.

I dare not turn to view the place Lest Yankee toes should find me. And mocking shake before my face The Leg I Left Behind Me,

At Buena Vista I was sure That Yankee troops must surrender, And bade my men hurrah, for you're All going on a bender.

That all my hopes and plans were dashed, My scattered troops remind me, But though I there got soundly thrashed, I left no leg behind me.

Should Gen. Taylor of my track get scent, Or Gen. Scott beat up my quarters, I may as well just be content To go across the waters.

But should that my fortune be, Fate has not quite resigned me, For in the museum I will see The Leg I Left Behind Me.

This tune is played most every time the drums, fifes and bands play, and it seems to be the favorite tune for us boys. I have written a great deal more than I first intended to write, but I will now come to a close by saying, that if I was at home you would not catch me out here to fight old Santa Anna. It also gives me pleasure to state that my health has been, since I have been in this tierres calientes, remarkably good. I weigh more now than I ever did, one hundred and fifty-five pounds, which is fifteen pounds more than I ever weighed. It makes no difference how much I suffer, so long as I keep my health and strength I will not complain.

Your brother, J. J. O.