Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/493

Rh from arrest, and restoring them to their command. Thus, Gen. Scott is to be tried for doing his duty by his junior officers in the very scene of his noblest exploits, and made to stand there before the world the target for the low hate and cunning of intriguants whom his favor had warmed into existence, and whose malice, otherwise impotent, Government patronage has supplied with a sting; but, as a writer says, when it comes to that point, that Brevet-Major-General William J. Worth can rise before a court-martial in the city of Puebla, or in the United States, and hurl in the teeth of Gen. Scott the approval of his conduct by the Cabinet or Government, and the condemnation of his commander-in-chief, it passes the bounds of human patience, and makes us really sick at heart; but they that would have sacrificed Gen. Taylor on the plains of Buena Vista and our own army in this valley of Mexico, are capable, too, of thrusting the dagger of revenge in the hero's heart; but the people's hearts are not yet so seared and dried up by the fires of party passion; their perceptions have not become so blunted, or their patriotism cooled down to the zero point, that they can look on such scenes as are now presented in this city of Mexico and the United States, and not feel that a gross indignity has been offered to the national glory, and the far-famed name of the successful general.

At noon it was very windy, the dust flying in all directions, so that we can hardly see the objects before us.

Sunday, February 20, 1848.—This morning is very pleasant, and a good many went over to the polque cuba (tub), drinking polque and talking about the releasing of Gen. Scott, and the capability of Gen. Butler. At noon several officers who have been in the city stated that they shook hands with Gen. Scott, saying that they regretted that he so soon should be recalled. Gen. Scott said that there is nothing in this wide world that he regretted more than to leave his gallant little army whom he had the honor to command during this victorious campaign in Mexico, and would like to be permitted to return with his soldiers to the United States. He said—