Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/36

30 a homely way in our tent. To-night is the first night that I ever slept under a tent, and I was going to say I wish it was the last night, but this I can't see, it may be far distant yet.

Some of our soldiers slipped the guard to-night and went to New Orleans, this will have the effect of doubling the guard hereafter to keep order.

Thursday, December 31, 1846.—This morning after a very uncomfortable night's rest, one of our mess called me up who had already a good pot of coffee boiled and some meat fried.

After breakfast we were formed into line, and orders from Col. Francis M. Wynkoop's quarters read to us not to leave any soldiers go to the city of New Orleans without a written pass from our respective captains, and countersigned by our Adjutant Brown. The guards also had strict orders not to let anyone of the soldiers pass, if they did they would be bucked and gagged and put into the guard-house and bound down with iron chains during the time of our encampment at this place.

This afternoon some soldiers were detailed to get wood and some to get water, while others dug sinks, and some were completing and fixing up their quarters, and some got very drunk, and this makes Colonel F. M. Wynkoop issue such strict orders, and particularly on the men that act with un-soldierlike conduct. Serves them right, why not behave themselves like your humble servant. Nothing new but pork and beans for dinner, and beans and pork for supper (good-bye, 1846).

Friday, January 1, 1847.—This is the first morning in the New Year, and what can I wish myself at the commencement of this year? nothing but health and strength. This is all I can ask for the present; this morning reveille beat before breakfast, and companies' roll calls and all absentees noted.

At noon some of Capt. Hill's company (D) broke the guard and went to New Orleans City, where they cut up high, breaking and smashing everything that came before them. Some soon were arrested by the city police and put