Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/255

Rh his command at the battle of Cerro Gordo, where he (the moment the enemy fired upon us) took to flight down the steep hill, and was not seen, nor could Col. F. M. Wynkoop's messenger find him, until after the battle was fought and over. These are the facts. He is, without a question, the poorest and most unpopular General in the United States army, and how he gained his promotion over that gallant and skilful General, James Shields (who at the battle of Cerro Gordo was dangerously wounded), is a mystery to many of our soldiers. But poor Gen. Shields, unfortunately, is not closely related to Jimmy Polk which is the reason. And if Gen. Pillow will do no better in front of the city of Mexico than he has done, God save our little army! I think if Gen. Scott had his way he would send Gen. Pillow to the Island of Lobos until the war is over, then let him be honorably mustered out of the United States army, and then let Jimmy Polk appoint and send Gen. Pillow as Minister to the city of Mexico, for he would be the most suitable man for the position, for the simple reason he has seldom harmed a hair of any Mexican.

Wednesday, August 11, 1847.—This morning Governor Childs received information through our spy company (which is principally composed of Mexicans) that a large force of guerillas were near this city awaiting an opportunity to steal upon us and cut off all parties that may fall in their way. So on the strength of this we were ordered to prepare ourselves with forty rounds of cartridges for any emergency, and the howitzers were mounted on the parapets, and all spared soldiers got in readiness for an attack. A guard was stationed on the San Jose church steeple, near our quarters, to keep a sharp watch on the ladrones.

In the evening mobs were gathered on the street corners, in fact everything began to look very suspicious. The stores even closed early, this shows that something is up.

Now, I begin to think, and so do many others, that Gen. Scott's words to Col. Black will yet come too true. We will have enough fighting before the war in Mexico is over.