Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/265

Rh of those who go on guard and those who do not. It rained nearly all day, making it unpleasant for guard duty. In the evening while on post, I had the pleasure to witness a regular fandango (fight) between two Mexican senoritas fighting for about fifteen minutes, all about a senor. They were finally taken by the city police to their homes, and not to the lock-up, as is the case in Philadelphia or New Orleans.

Monday, August 23, 1847.—This morning no nuevas of any importance from Gen. Scott of how he is making out on his new route to the city of Mexico.

At noon some twenty odd lancers made their appearance in the plaza, and such another scattering and running of greasers to and fro I never saw. The police engaged them, and, after several rounds of firing, the guerillas left, threatening to come back soon with a stronger force. The Alcalda is doing his best to keep those guerillas out of the city as long as he can. The law-obeying citizens fear these guerilla thieves more than they do us Yankee soldiers.

During this little excitement in town we were again ordered on the ramparts, expecting that they might attempt to disturb us; but they took good care not even to show themselves anywhere near us.

This evening several Pennsylvania volunteers who belong to the Second Regiment, who were left here in the hospital, died, and were consigned to their resting-place near our quarters.

To night all seems quiet again—no firing.

Tuesday, August 24, 1847.—This morning, while we were sitting around our breakfast table and thinking of nothing except eating and drinking our bread and coffee, Gov. Childs came into our quarters with a piece of paper in his hand, smilingly saying, "Men, I have good news." Our men sprang to their feet and gathered around the Governor as near as they could, with their eyes and ears wide open. He then read the letter, stating that Gen. Scott with his gallant little army had fought three battles near the city of Mexico, on the 19th and