Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/565

Rh on a great and expensive scale, but none of those gigantic work-houses and merchant palaces, which I often witness in Philadelphia and elsewhere, are seen here. There are no confusing dins from the rumbling wheels of loaded drays and wagons and the clanking noise of busy workshops or the hoarse and harsh whistling of the steam-pipes and the dashing and speedy locomotive.

In the afternoon I started for San Angel, where I found my comrades on dress-parade, and orders being read to them to hold themselves ready for a speedy march to Vera Cruz. Cheer after cheer rent the air.

Just before we left the city we saw our commissioners, accompanied by about forty civilians and staff-officers and a large escort of cavalry, leave the city of Mexico for Queretaro, with the peace proposition.

Thursday, May 25, 1848.—This morning myself and five others got permission from our Lieut. Haines to go to the city of Mexico with the expectation of seeing Lieuts. Hare and Button hung, but when we got to the city we were informed that they both had been reprieved on account of the treaty of peace being signed. So we were spared witnessing such an unpleasant sight. But they are to be kept in confinement and under guard until we arrive at New Orleans. In the evening we left for San Angel.

Friday, May 26, 1848.—This morning there is great excitement, in and about camp, in regard to the glorious news from Queretaro City. That the treaty of peace had passed the Senate by a majority of eleven to four, having previously passed the House by a vote of fifty-one to thirty-five; and that it, having been signed by the President, Penia y Penia, is now a fact. Nine cheers were given for peace, six for Penia y Penia, President of the Republic of Mexico, and so on.

This afternoon there was an election for Lieutenant in Co. A, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Sergts. Blakely, and Morton were the candidates. The ballot resulted in the choice of Sergt. Blakely. There was also an election in Co.