Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/280

274 for the first time, met Gen. Rea and his escort, which consisted of his whole force now stationed in and around Puebla. About five or six hundred Lancers and guerillas, and about fifteen hundred Infantry. The Lancers were dressed in splendid uniforms and were well mounted. The Infantry Gen. Rea had stationed behind the Saint Augustine Church in a large corn-field, partly out of our view, but we could plainly see these yellow umbras peeping at us from behind the cornfield.

We watched their movements, and we could see that the Infantry were not so well clad as the Lancers. Finally, Gen. Rea with about fifty Lancers, (leaving his main force in the corn-field,) came riding up to the church; during this movement there seemed to be a little excitement among the enemy, and we could see the Mexicans peeping out from behind the corn-fields. We were all ready and waiting for them if they made any attempt at foul play. We had about three hundred well and sick Yankees (as Gen. Rea calls us,) laying low in the Tivola Garden, (which is a splendid place, well shaded with large trees,) waiting for fear the Mexicans would attempt to make a break on us who were with Gov. Childs. But this fuss was all for nothing; Gen. Rea told Gov. Childs that he, Gen. Rea, had turned all the American prisoners over to his Government, and he had no more to do with them; but he assured Gov. Childs that the prisoners would be well treated. After an hour or so of conversation, they parted, and the parting was like that of two old friends who haven't saw each other for some time; but that's the way in time of war. They also made a proposition to cease further hostilities until they received orders from their Government as they were now negotiating for peace at the capital of Mexico. So ends the fourth attempt of the exchanging business.

Sunday, September 5, 1847.—This morning there is nothing talked about except peace, and, as a fellow says, the voice of peace is whispered all around. If Gen. Scott thinks it is time to make it, let it be soon but honorable; if he thinks that