Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/275

Rh One of our sentinels was attacked by several Mexicans who threw stones at him. The sentinel hallooed out to them to vamose, but to this the Mexicans paid no attention. So, of course, the only remedy our sentinel had was to shoot at them, which he did, and the result was, one was shot and the rest fled. After this the sentinel called for the Sergeant of the guard, who promptly obeyed the sentinel; telling the Sergeant what took place, and that he thought from the groans he heard that he must have shot one of the Mexicans. The Sergeant, to satisfy himself, went to the supposed spot, and, sure enough, found the Mexican laying on the ground with part of his entrails shot out, and suffering in great agony. He was picked up and taken into Fort Loretto, but soon died. He looked horrible. The cause of his misfortune was just. He had no right or business in that neighborhood, nor to throw stones at our sentinel or any other soldier at that hour of the night.

Tuesday, August 31, 1847.—This morning the rain and storm ceased, and the sun rose clear, but the wind still blew very hard, and the black clouds overhead scudded along at a rapid rate to the northward.

At 8 o'clock,, we returned to our quarters much soaked from the storm and heavy rain of last night.

After breakfast we dried our blankets and clothing by the fire, and hung them in the dry wind.

At noon Cos. A and I, of our regiment, were notified to go to Fort Loretto to-night. Our men say they can't account for this double duty, and particularly when there is an armistice agreed upon to cease hostilities until some arrangement is made about peace; but I suppose Gov. Childs knows better what is going on than us poor miserable privates or Corporals. There is not much astir, everything seems very quiet.

This afternoon there is a report that Gov. Childs and Gen. Rea have exchanged several prisoners. I hope it may be true, for we would love to see our boys again to see how they look, and see whether they have improved on the Mexican rations.