Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/240

234 air, supposing thereby to be pardoned by their indulgent gods, the five priests then took hold of their legs, arms and heads, put wooden collars about the sufferers' necks, at the same time the Papas showed reverence to the idols, and with a sharp stone, he cut open the breasts of the prisoners, who, in a deplorable condition, lay on the pyramidical stone, and pulling their hearts out of their bodies, threw the same reeking to the sun, and at last threw them toward the idol, and their dead bodies down the stairs, after which the same were carried away, everyone taking his own prisoner and roasting and boiling him, and served him up to his friends as a great trophy.

This kind of murdering the poor ignorant people was not only used among the Mexicans, but also among the other neighboring Indians, and especially in the city of Chulula (which signifies the sanctity of all the gods), for in this town six thousand small children were Offered yearly. In fact, in most all the ancient towns were seen hung abundance of men's bones bound up together, and under them was written the names of their enemies, whose flesh had either been sacrificed or eaten.

The last celebration of this kind took place in 1507, twelve years before the landing of Cortez.

Wednesday, July 28, 1847.—I forgot to mention yesterday the death of one of the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He belonged to the Cameron Guards, and was one of the party that came from Lancaster, Pa., with Sergt. Hambright. He was a good soldier and a jolly good fellow, and was buried with all the honors of war.

At noon news was received at the headquarters by our spy company that a large body of Mexican soldiers, about two thousand strong, with four pieces of artillery, had passed around this city, to the right, last night; and were now at a small town named Hattano, near Amozoquco, awaiting for Gen. Frank Peirce's train to arrive, and there to make an attack. On the receipt of this news Gen. Scott immediately sent four regiments to go in pursuit of them, accompanied by several pieces of artillery and two companies of dragoons.

This evening a member of our company died, named Charles Mason. He hails from Philadelphia, Pa., and has been a good soldier. He was buried with all the honors of war.