Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/392

386 guilty of all three charges and sentenced to be hung on Tuesday next, for violating and breaking his parole of honor; but the guerilla no doubt thought that he would have compassion on us Yankees and save us the trouble of erecting a scaffold, so he put an end to his miserable life by cutting his throat with a knife. This was the first person that I ever saw with his throat cut so clear from ear to ear, and I do not wish to see another. It was an awful sight to see the big gap open and the blood running over the floor. He was soon taken out of the guard-house and hauled away and buried in a separate lot, and thrown in the grave as he fell in the guard-house.

In the evening, I noticed the main Plaza all nicely laid off in blocks by sand being sprinkled around. I inquired of the Superintendent the cause and was informed that it was for the buyers to walk on and to let the market people know where to let the passage open.

Sunday, November 14, 1847.—This morning, the market was very large and well attended with purchasers, and everything was sold reasonable, especially the oranges, twelve to fifteen for one claco.

At noon, Mr. Alburtus Welsh, who has been acting Commissary for our company since Charles A. Jones, who has been discharged, resigned the office, and Hosa Snethern, of our company, took the position.

Monday, November 15, 1 847,—-This morning I took a walk out to Capt. Lloyd Tilghman's brass battery; it is the finest battery in the service. They were drilling at the time, and drilled remarkably well; and if they are as good in action as they drill and look, they will do good service. This battery hails from Baltimore City, and is accompanied by the Baltimore Battalion. Dress parade every evening.

Tuesday November 16, 1847.—This morning a party of us started with a grain-bag to the orange groves. Here we filled our bag, and then laid around in the shady grove, after which we started back to our quarters well filled with the delicious fruit.