Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/263

Rh If ever these guerillas should come to this city and get the controlling power, I wouldn't give much for the policeman who just cut and killed one of their desperados umbra.

12 o'clock to-night.—Still no attack. We are wishing that these infernal liars would do something, and not fool so much.

Thursday, August 19, 1847.—This morning a courier left here for Vera Cruz, with orders for Col. (now governor) Wilson of that place to push forward the train now lying at that city without delay, as we are surrounded and expecting to be attacked by a large force of lancers and guerillas. The message was baked in a loaf of bread to avoid detection. It was carried by a Mexican on an old mule, both poorly clad. Tonight, as usual, on the rampart waiting for an attack. To-night I was put on picket guard at Post No. 7, and, I assure you, I kept a sharp eye on the guerillas.

Midnight.—No attack.

Friday, August 20, 1847.—This morning, after I was relieved from guard, I noticed that there was a good deal of excitement down in the city among the corner-loungers, who were talking loud and making motions as if to shoot. They must have heard bad news from their side.

In the evening Gov. Childs came to our quarters and ordered all hands under arms, saying that he had information that a large force was moving on this city with six pieces of artillery. The order was cheerfully obeyed with cheers and cries of "Let them come!" The governor went away laughing, when some one back in the corner hallooed out, "Who cut your hair?" Some one answered, "Col. Childs." This caused a laugh. The Colonel, while walking away, couldn't help but laugh himself, saying, "Oh, never mind the hair order." Another great laugh, and cheers for Governor Childs, after which we all went on the ramparts to watch the enemy, but no guerillas showed themselves to-night,

Saturday, August 21, 1847.—This morning the Mexicans have a report that our train, under Gen. Patterson, was driven back to Plan del Rio, and that Gen. Patterson had to send