Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/236

230 soldiers deserting; even at Jalapa city, the Mexicans held out inducements of great promise to our men, (and particularly to the Catholic portion), to desert and join their cause; they would offer them money and a commission as captain in their army, if they can induce a certain number of soldiers to desert, by promising promotion hereafter; but I am glad to say that they were only successful among the Catholic portion of our army who were persuaded by the priests that it was wrong and sinful to fight against their church and religion. But some had other causes; cause of bad treatment at the hands of young snot-nose and tyrannical officers. We have but one Irishman in our company, and he is what they call an Orangeman, heretico Americano.

In the evening the Fourth Infantry Band played in the Alameda Park, and, as usual, the place was crowded. It wound up in a regular fight between a young umbra and an elderly senorita, and I assure you there was a little fun for a time.

No positive news yet from the city of Mexico in regard to Mr. N. P. Trist and his peace stock.

Monday, July 26, 1847.—This morning, at 10 o'clock,, we left for the field or parade-ground, where we had a division drill under the command of Gen. Quitman. He drilled us until noon, and then turned us over to Gen. Shields who marched the old volunteer brigade to town, and there dismissed us to our quarters. This has been a hard drill. The sun being very warm.

This evening five of the South Carolina Volunteers were buried. They were all in very poor health. It seems strange that the people of the South cannot stand the hot climate so well as us in the North.

Tuesday, July 27, 1847.—This morning the Second Infantry, accompanied by their officers, paid a visit to the city of Chulula. Myself being well acquainted with one of their Sergeants, smuggled myself in their ranks and followed them. The road to Chulula being pretty good, we were not long going there; on the way we met several Indians carrying