Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/321

Rh a jewel, stolen from some treasure of love at home, for the dark and silent tomb.

Thus our soldiers are daily passing away, and almost hourly in some grave-yard the soil of a foreign land is flung upon our gallant soldiers, who have either died from the bloody hands of the enemy, or have fell victims to that dreadful disease diarrhœa.

To-night, I learn that my friend, John B. Herron, of our Co. C, was severely wounded, while on picket-guard. Post 9 and 10; also, two of Co. A's and two of Co. D's, and one of Co. I's, all belonging to the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. A marine was wounded while standing guard at the hospital; and one rifleman was killed while on picket guard at Post 7.

There has been more firing to-day and to-night than at any time since the siege commenced.

Friday, October 1, 1847.—This morning there was little firing, and we noticed that the Mexicans had removed their battery from the position of yesterday. I guess Sergt. Orwill and Corp. Casey, with their twelve-pounders, were too much for Gen. Santa Anna's artillerymen.

About 8 o'clock,, the Mexican army, numbering about five thousand men, were seen coming towards this city. They moved out on the National Ruta leading to Amozoquco, and, when opposite to Gaudaloupa Heights, the artillery stopped and turned their pieces towards Gaudaloupa and fired several round shot at our men, who were stationed there as a garrison, but doing no damage. They then fell into line and left for El Pinal Pass, there to await the coming train and try to plunder it of its contents—that is, if they will be successful. Thus, Gen. Santa Anna, after several most desperate efforts to capture this city, has failed, and is compelled to leave without carrying out his much fanfaron proclamation to his people in regard to capturing this city and driving us out and showing us no quarter.