Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/391

Rh James Shields passed through this city. Our soldiers soon got wind of it and all gathered around him and gave him six hearty cheers. After which the General said: "Soldiers, the battalion of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, which held Puebla City against a combined force of eight thousand troops, commanded by Gen. Santa Anna, has gained the highest pinnacle of fame. Again, had the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers a flag, it would have been the first regiment to plant the Stars and Stripes upon the gates of San Casmo or Belen." (Cheers, which made the very hills around Jalapa City echo.) He again said, "Pennsylvania can be proud of her sons in Mexico, fighting for its flag and country. Goodbye," and away he went in the midst of the utmost enthusiasm. It will be remembered the General was wounded in the arm at the storming of the castle of Chapultepec and still carries his arm in a sling.

Friday, November 12, 1847.—This morning, having nothing to do, so friend Kelly, of Co. K, our regiment, and myself concluded to take a walk out to the orange groves. We went there and spent some time, after which we took a walk to a hacienda, the country seat of an English manufacturer, named Welsh. After spending several hours with him we left.

In the evening, one of our picket guard shot, I think, one of Co. D, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, through the arm, fracturing it so much that it had to be amputated, What cause this man had to interfere with the guard, I am unable to say, but he had no business there.

Saturday, November 13, 1847.—This morning, a guerilla cut his throat from ear to ear in the guard-house. He was caught by Col. Jack Hays' Texan Rangers, coming up from Vera Cruz. He was captured and surrendered at Vera Cruz, let go on parole of honor not to fight again during the war. He was again captured at the battle of Cerro Gordo, but not known to our officers, let go on parole of honor, and again captured leading a guerilla band; but this time he was recognized by some of our officers and tried by court-martial, found