Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/453

Rh of going to the Plaza de Toros, which is the popular place of amusement in the city. We started, arrived in the city, paid our admittance fee, seated ourselves and looked on; and it was really a curiosity to see the actors, or picadors, go through their performance. They were on horseback, and provided with a banderillos, some with a long spear, others with a small dart like a javelin, ornamented with ribbons, and intended to jade and infuriate the animals. The bulls were fine looking, with dilating horns, nostrils and wicked eyes. The picadors attacked them and hurled these banderillos at them. After being tantalized, turned upon the horse and destroyed him in a most horrible manner. After which the picador procured a fresh one, when the combat was renewed. The vast amphitheatre was filled with an anxious, eager crowd. After it was over we went out, and walked about the city, making inquiries when we were likely to leave for Queretaro City, but were unable to find out anything, except that our government at Washington was much harrassing Gen. Scott's movement, in not sending forward troops.

Gen. Scott is now placed in the same position as he was before he left the city of Puebla for this city.

I see by the official report that the whole strength of our army is 14,964; out of this number we only have 11,162 fit for duty; the rest are sick with the diarrhœa, measles, etc. Think of it, a little over 11,000 men fit for duty in a hostile country. No wonder Gen. Scott is constantly finding fault with the cabinet officers at Washington.

"Come Jimmy Polk and Billy Marcy send forward those troops you promised us long ago, so we can go on and take posession of this whole country."

In the evening we left for San Angel. Nothing happened to us on the road. We met several ladrones, but they said nothing to us, nor we to them.

Monday January 10, 1848.—This morning most of our soldiers were kicking up a fuss, on account of the little rations we were getting. In fact, never have we been so scarce of