Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/45

Rh To-day it was given out that the First and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers will be attached to Gen. Scott's army. [Cheers.]

Monday, January 11, 1847.—Last night was one of the most unpleasant and disagreeable nights that I ever experienced in all the days of my life, and, like the rest of my comrades, I shall never forget it, the longest day of my life, being half frozen to death. Our blankets and clothing on our backs were all frozen stiff and hard. Every fire-place was thronged with soldiers standing around to dry their blankets and clothing, and talking sorrowfully about the bad treatment and hardships of soldier-life in time of war.

In the afternoon two deers were seen running past, close by our camp, a party of our men soon followed them with guns, axes, knives and clubs, and succeeded in capturing one of them, the other one swam the river. Mr. Alburtus Welsh of our company (C), who (by-the-by) is a butcher, dressed the deer and gave me for our mess a piece of the deer-meat for supper, which actually was the first fresh meat we have had since we have been in Camp Jackson.

This evening it is not so cold. It is clearing off and getting more pleasant again, which has the effect of bringing and cheering up our men in good humor again. Some are trying to sing songs. Some of them of the most contemptuous character I ever heard. Some sang "Alice Gray," and "Oft in the Stilly Night," with much merriment and loud laughter. It lasted until tattoo beat, when all lights must be put out.

Tuesday, January 12, 1847.—This morning a party of some thirty men belonging to Capt. E. L. Danna's company (I), of Wilkesbarre, Pa., forced the outer guard and went to a tavern kept by a Spaniard. After eating and drinking everything they wanted they (which is always the case) commenced to break up the household goods and bottles. The Spaniard in defending his property and his own life, took up his gun, which was lying under his counter, and emptied its contents into the face of one who styled himself a bully, disfiguring his