Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/278

272 side halfway between this city and Chulula, and there make an arrangement to exchange, man for man, under a flag of truce; but Gov. Childs knows very well that there is no honor among thieves in disguise—that this plan was for the purpose of decoying our men into their clutches; but nary a time. Gov. Childs is too well posted in their dirty tricks. He can't be fooled in that way. The Governor said, "Why don't these professed honorable lancers bring the American prisoners to the outside of our picket-lines, and there ask for an exchange of prisoners, man for man. This would look more like business in a fair way and honesty." Of course their request was not complied with, and they left with a flea in their ear, no doubt saying to themselves, "You can't fool these Yankees; they are too sharp."

To-day, Sergeant Johnston, of Co. G, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, died in the hospital. His company being stationed at Guadaloupa Heights, they could not leave their quarters to attend their dead comrade's funeral, for fear the enemy might take advantage of their absence and make an attack on their quarters. Our company took charge of the dead comrade and buried him. Capt. Small, of our company, spoke and made some touching and feeling remarks about the deceased, and closed by saying that our dead soldier, Sergt. Johnston, had served out his enlistment with the army of our land away from home.

In the evening I understood that an arrangement had been made between Gov. Childs and Gen. Rea to have an interview in order to make some arrangement to exchange prisoners.

This has been the third time that an arrangement of this kind has been made, but always failed. Whether they will succeed this time or not, to-morrow will tell; and I hope that they may come to some terms and exchange our men, for we all know they would feel rejoiced in coming back again.

Friday, September 3, 1847.—This morning, by an agreement between Gov. Childs and Gen. Rea, they were to meet and make some arrangements to exchange prisoners.