Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/463

Rh money, but knows very little of soldier tactics, put his hand in his pocket and pulled out twelve dollars and paid the Mexican for his oranges and bread, and at the same time telling him never to come by that way again with a load of bread; if he did he, the Mexican, would have to abide by the consequences.

At noon a report came to San Angel that Col. Jack Hays had returned with his detatchment of Rangers from an expedition in search of guerilla priest Jarauta. He had several skirmishes with the guerillas without the loss of any of his men, but killed and wounded from eight to ten of the guerillas, and believes that the old priest Jarauta was amongst the wounded. It would be really a blessing if this old priest thief was out of the way.

In the evening Col. Black received a note from Gen. (now Gov.) Butler in the city, to send a guard of several men on the road, to watch some of our soldiers, who intended to go down with the train to Vera Cruz, which is announced to leave to-morrow morning. This is a great insult to our men. I don't believe that there is a man in our regiment that would attempt to desert from his flag or leave us dishonorably, even if he could. The train will be accompanied by a squadron of dragoons and a howitzer battery, formerly attached to Gen. Riley's brigade.

, Earlville, Lancaster County, Pa.,


 * —As the train which was announced to start some time since, will positively leave for Vera Cruz to-morrow, I thought I would write you a few lines before starting, although I can gather but little new news of any interest which can be relied upon.

It is now nearly eight years since I left Lancaster county, which I have always admired and esteemed the dearest spot to me on God's earth.