Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/369

Rh I just now hear that Gen. Lane started out an expedition against the town of Chululu, following up some of Gen. Santa Anna's retreating forces. They came upon the Mexicans unexpectedly, killing a great many guerillas and taking some prisoners; that is, officers; privates we won't have. Capt. Walker's company was with this expedition, and this is the cause of so many Mexicans getting killed—determined to carry out their revenge for the death of their captain. In this little fight there were released twenty-one American prisoners; among them were Morris Stemler and J. Longstaff, both belonging to our regiment, who were taken prisoners at the fight with the guerillas, while after the stolen mules. They also captured two pieces of artillery and any quantity of ammunition and arms. After routing and driving the Mexicans in all directions, returned to Puebla this evening at ten o'clock. Our old friend, Morris Stemler, returned to our quarters, much rejoiced at his release, and reported the above facts. He is telling us some hard yarns; how the Mexicans treated and threatened him, what they would do, and what they made him do.

Gen. Santa Anna was not at Chulula, but is reported to be at the town of Atlixco, about eighteen miles from this city, with his retreating army. Within a few days, poor old Santa Anna, I fear, will have to vamoose from his dear native land to seek shelter or safety in some other country.

Tuesday, October 19, 1847.—This morning Gen. Lane left Puebla with fifteen hundred men for Atlixco. This expedition is composed of Capt. Taylor's Third Artillery, Lieut. Pratt's Second Battery of Light Artillery, two companies of the Third Dragoons, under the command of Capt. Ford, and Captain Walker's old company, under the command of Capt. Biddle. The latter company goes with this expedition to avenge the death of their late commander, Capt. Walker. They ask no quarter and will show none; so look out for fun.

This morning about 10 o'clock, Michael Leonard, who passed himself as a teamster, but is really nothing but a blackleg and