Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/507

Rh So far as I am concerned, I am perfectly willing that all I have heretofore written to the department about Mr. Trist should be suppressed. I make this declaration as due to my present esteem for that gentleman, but ask no favor and desire none at the hands of the department. Justice to myself, however tardy, I shall take care to have done. I do not acknowledge the justice of either of your rebukes contained in the letter of May 31st, in relation to Mr. Trist and the prisoners at Cerro Gordo, and that I do not here triumphantly vindicate myself, is not from the want of will, means or ability, but time. The first letter (dated February 22d,) received from you at Vera Cruz, contained a censure, and I am now rebuked for the unavoidable—nay ruse.

If it had not been unavoidable, release on parole of the prisoners taken at Cerro Gordo, even before one word of commendation from the government has reached this army, on account of its gallant conduct in the capture of those prisoners (no such commendation has yet been received, February, 1848). So in regular progression I may, should the same army gallantly bear me into the city of Mexico, in the next six or seven weeks, which is probable, if we are not arrested by peace or a truce, look to be dismissed from the service of my country. You will perceive that I am aware, as I have long been, of the dangers which hang over me at home, but I too, am a citizen of the United States, and well know the obligations imposed under all circumstances by an enlightened patriotism.

In respect to money, I beg again to report that the Chief Commissary (Capt. Grayson,) of this army has not received a dollar from the United States since we landed at Vera Cruz, March 9, 1847. He now owes more than two hundred thousand dollars, and is obliged to purchase on credit, at great disadvantages. The Chief Quartermaster (Capt. Irwin) has received perhaps sixty thousand dollars, and labors under like incumbrances. Both have sold drafts to small amounts and borrowed largely of the pay department, which has received about half the money estimated for. Consequently the troops