Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/246

240 There will be left in this city (Puebla) over two thousand sick and wounded soldiers; so, of course, it will take about one thousand soldiers to take care of these invalids, besides the garrison to guard the stores and other ammunitions of war.

I also learn by this train of the death of Andrew Wray, who died on the 15th of July at the Castle of Perote. He was a Corporal in our company, and a well drilled officer. He was every inch a soldier, and took great pains and time in showing his men how to handle their muskets and drill, but somehow he and Capt. Small could never agree, and before we left Perote he asked Capt. Small to be transferred to Capt. Scott's company, which was done, but lost his Corporalcy.

In the evening most of our men are preparing to march, and some are seen writing letters to their folks at home. I myself, have written several letters to my parents and personal friends, and stated in them that we have received orders to march on to the great city of Mexico, and there expect to fight some bloody battles. One letter was to my brother Frederick, as follows:—


 * —I am happy to state that I received your letter to-day, and I need not say that it was welcome, for I have been looking for a letter from you for some time. When we arrived in this city, our army was too small to march on to the city of Mexico, so we were obliged to stay here until our Government had exerted itself to supply the places of the dead, wounded, sick and discharged volunteers, with new regiments. They are now arriving as fast as the soldiers can be sent forward. We have made all necessary preparations to march on to the halls of Montezumas. The whole army has been drilling almost every day, and also recruiting in strength. We now have orders to march on to the city of Mexico tomorrow or next day. We have been informed that the Mexicans have strongly fortified it, and their boast is, "That they