Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/554

548 is well rid of such heroes. Every one who knows his history knows that he is nothing but a plotter and a disorganizer in all the political movements in this country. He is justly hated by a large majority of his countrymen. He is politically a dead cock in the pit and buried. Most every sensible Mexican in the country would have lent his hand to dig his grave. He, like his good old friend Gen. Santa Anna, has left his country for his country's good; and I don't think that there will ever rise a party in Mexico to recall either one of these two ex-generals. Still, their absence will leave two parties in opposition to the regeneration and progress of Mexico. The everlasting clergy, the priest, nuns and all the paid officials belonging to that Holy Catholic Church and the army; the extravagant and unmanly opposition of the puros. The army, continually losing ground during the late years, has at length lost all respect and consideration of the people. The rude blow of the present war has shaken many scales from the Mexican eyes. The obstinacy of the so-called clergy is growing every day more conspicuous and contemptible; her whole history (as frequently mentioned) is full of outrages, forbearance and corruption. Turn which way you will, the fact forever meets us in the face that education is the only clue by which the embroiled snarl of Mexican chaos can be unravelled into order and law.

Monday, May 15, 1848.—This morning a large force of Mexican cavalry and lancers came in from Queretaro City with despatches, but we could not learn their contents, but it was supposed that it was the acting President's, Penia y Penia, message to be put in type for to-morrow's paper. At noon a large train of empty wagons went to the city of Tuluco, where Gen. Cadwalader's brigade is encamped. Several of our men went along to see the town. Also a very large train went to San Antonio, where the Tennesseeans, Kentuckians, and other volunteers, are now quartered. It was time that this brigade had changed their quarters from Molino del Rey, for it was very unhealthy, they were dying off like so many sheep.