Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/303

Rh and then vamoosed. They received one good volley of musketry from our soldiers stationed there, which did no execution, the distance being too great.

In the afternoon a courier came into our quarters with despatches for Gov. Childs, stating that the train was at Jalapa City, under command of Gen. Joseph Lane, with a force of two thousand and five hundred men. We also received New Orleans papers, bearing date the 4th inst.; friends can imagine the joy that we felt on hearing the news. We gave three cheers for it. The papers state that Gen. C. Gushing (who is he; another paper general?) was landing troops at Vera Cruz when the courier left; also stating that Gen. Lane's force was on a forced march to relieve us from our perilous position.

In the evening the firing is somewhat brisker than last evening, but we don't mind musket balls so long as they don't fire cannon balls or shells. It is again rumored that Gen. Rea is going to attack us to-night. They had better not, for we are too full of joy and enthusiasm, as he, Gen. Rea, calls it; so they had better stay away, if they know what is good for themselves.

To-night I volunteered my services to go on picket guard. Post No. 6, in place of the guard taken sick; and no wonder he was taken sick; it was the hottest post I have ever been on; I tell you, there was some sharp shooting going on; my bayonet was shot off at the top of my musket; the musket balls flew like hailstones around my head and feet, not knowing what moment I might have to fall; but I was determined to stand my ground and not yield an inch. The night was so dark that we could not see one another, and could only aim at the flashing of muskets. At twelve o'clock one picket was wounded; the Sergeant of the guard relieved him of his post; his post was next to mine (No. 5). There has been more firing to-night at our pickets than any night since the siege commenced; they are determined to drive or kill our pickets off; can't do it.

Saturday, September 25, 1847.—This morning, after I was relieved from my dangerous position, I went to the ordnance