Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/522

516 In the afternoon large parties of Mexicans came from the city of Mexico, and visited the battle-ground of Contreras, the field of operation where Gen. Valencia commanded during the battle of August 19 and 20, 1847.

Sunday, March 26, 1848.—This morning, being Sunday, a big bill is out about the Plaza de Toras. So a party of five got permission from Lieut. Haines to go to the city, and to Plaza de Toras. We started early, and took our time to it. We went by the way of Churubusco Convento, Miscoac, Tacubaya, Chapultepec and El Molina del Rey, from here we visited the Alameda Park, and some of the public buildings in the city. After which we went to the Plaza de Toras, and stayed until out, and then took the stage and left for San Angel.

Monday, March 27, 1848.—This morning I did not feel so well on account of our long walk yesterday, being still weak from the late effect of the diarrhœa. So I mostly spent the day in the orchard grove, which is a pleasant place to resort to on a hot day.

Tuesday, March 28, 1848.—This morning Col. Francis M. Wynkoop, with a squadron of dragoons, left the city for the silver mines of Real del Monte and Pachuca, where the Ninth Infantry, under Col. Withers, is now stationed. They will be absent several days, what their object or intentions are is not for me to know, but I expect it is to view the mines, as Col. Wynkoop comes from the coal mines, and is anxious to learn the silver mining.

Wednesday, March 29, 1848.—To-day is the anniversary of the surrender of the city of Vera Cruz and the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa, the former surrounded with an immense wall mounted with batteries and strong fortifications, unquestionably unapproachable. The latter was the great renowned fortress of San Juan de Ulloa, a second Gibraltar; and it was the first grand victory of our army, and the fall of Vera Cruz was celebrated throughout the whole United States as one of the grandest events of the present times.