Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/517

Rh bespoke its appreciation of the gallantry of our troops and the magnitude of our achievements, and while the people and presses of Europe reluctantly confessed that the success of our army had placed us among the foremost powers of the earth; but the gallant commander who planned that expedition, and landed his troops without the loss of a single soldier or an accident, is now a prisoner in the capital which his own valor had won. Shame! shame! on the heads of our Departments at Washington.

Friday, March 10, 1848.—This morning it was rumored at our quarters that there was another mail arrived from Vera Cruz last night.

This evening, as our Second Sergt., Joseph Foust, was returning from the city of Mexico, he was lassoed by a guerilla; but, fortunately, it did not take its proper hold, and so he made his escape by drawing his sword on the greaser. He was very much frightened.

In the evening some of our men made up a theatrical performance. The plays were Damon and Pythias and The Fall of the Alamo. It was performed by Corp. Peter Ahl and John C. Craig. They played it well.

Saturday, March 11, 1848.—This morning there is great excitement concerning the news from San Luis Potosi. The Indians are making great havoc among the Mexicans on the frontier. Gen. Paredas is at the head of the Mexican army, and is making great threats towards the American army if we should attempt to march on to Queretaro City.

Performance to-night by Ahl and Craig.

Sunday, March 12, 1848.—This morning there seems to be some fear of Brig.-Gen. N. Towson and Col. Conrad F. Jackson, who both had left Vera Cruz some time ago, and nothing has been heard from them; it causes a little excitement among our officers.

This afternoon there was a large merchant train came in from Real del Monte, loaded with silver from the mines, a good deal was in solid bars.