Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/514

508 brass plates and blacking the cartridge-boxes and shoes, so as to come out tip-top on inspection; for there is a great deal of rivalry between the companies.

This evening at dress-parade it was read out that —— ——, of Company C, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, would be confined at the Castle of Chapultepec for four months, to wear a ball and chain to his leg and an iron collar around his neck, and forfeit all his pay during the four months—all for biting Sergt. Joseph Foust's nose nearly off. This is the same party who, at Jalapa City, November 22, 1847, was sentenced to the Castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, and, by the persuasion of Capt. Small, was released; but the Captain is not here to plead his cause, so he will have to go to the calaboose.

Tuesday, February 29, 1848.—This morning, at 10 o'clock, we were marched to the field and inspected, and mustered into the United States service by Capt. Joseph Hooker, Inspector General of the army. The Massachusetts regiment was mustered first, then the South Carolina, then the Second Pennsylvania, and then ours—the First Pennsylvania, and the New Yorkers last. So, after we were all mustered in, we left for our quarters—all pleased with the appearance.

Wednesday, March 1, 1848.—This morning there was a considerable stir in the city of Mexico on the arrival of Gen. Lane, Maj. Polk, and Col. Jack Hays, who have been out scouting for several days. They had a little battle at a small town named Sicquotlapan, about one hundred and twenty miles from here. The guerillas were about three hundred strong, commanded by that notorious Padre Jarauta. In the fight our men had only one man wounded, while the enemy had over fifty killed and wounded, and about thirty taken prisoners; among them were Col. Montaina and his brother, a Major, and four Irish deserters from our army. The old padre again made his escape to fight again.

In the evening a train from Vera Cruz arrived.

Thursday, March 2, 1848.—This morning there was a small