Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/360

354 strong; Capt. Heintzelman's Battalion of four hundred regulars; Capt. Lewis' Company of mounted Louisiana Volunteers; Lieut. Christopher Lilley, (the prize fighter), one hundred and fifty mounted men; our gallant and much lamented Capt. Samuel H. Walker's company of mounted Texan Rangers, one hundred and fifty men; Capt. Simmons' two hundred regulars; Capt. George Taylor's Co. A, Third Artillery, one hundred men, with three pieces of artillery, and Lieut. Pratt, with about seventy-five men and two pieces of artillery.

Some of Lieut. Lilley's men informed us that they had had several hard skirmishes with the guerillas between Perote Castle and Vera Cruz, and at the fight of Paso de Oveja, Lieut. Cline of their company was killed, and several others wounded.

It will be remembered, that Lieut. Lilley, before he entered the United States army, fought a prize fight. So if Lieut. Lilley should come across any of the bold and dashing lancers, he will surely bring in a big prize.

We had quite a chat with some of Capt. Walker's men, they spoke in the highest terms and praise of their late Captain, and deeply mourn his loss. War was his element, the bivouac his delight, and the battle-field his play-ground, his perfection and inspiration; he could fight and chase the guerillas all day, and dance the highland fling at night; he was a splendid horseman and unsurpassed for firm riding and endurance.

At noon a flag of truce came into the city, accompanied by a squad of Mexican lancers. It was from our old friend. Gen. Santa Anna, and what do you think the great chieftain wanted? he wanted to exchange several of our teamsters for Cols. Iturbide and La Vega, captured by Capt. Walker, at the battle of Huamantla. How they made out in regards to the exchanging, I did not learn, but one thing is sure, and that is Gen. Santa Anna must not think that we are so green as to exchange "teamsters" for high-commissioned officers; yet the teamsters, in our estimation, are just as good to us, and more so, than the commissioned officers are to the Mexicans. But this is not the way to do business, to compare teamsters with