Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/579

Rh for that much, and expect to have enough money now to take both bodies with them home to their friends in Little York, Pa, where they as well as myself will receive the thanks of the citizens of that little town for loaning them the money, and at the same time saying had it not been for me they could not have been able to take them both up and bring them home.

The Mexicans living around our quarters came in large numbers to give us a hearty shake of the hand and bid us a final and, I fear, a last good-bye; some even could be seen crying, while others wanted to come along with us to our homes.

A delegation of Mexicans from the polque tub hacienda also came to bid us good-bye. Some brought a little polque along and treated some of their regular customers, and some came to collect the little bills, still unpaid—the Mexicans nearly all regretting our departure from them, fearing that after our army has left them that revolution, anarchy and malice will again reign in their land. We sympathized with them and told them to be of good cheer, and to pray that their beloved country may yet be a real free and independent state, that the fierce hatred and bitter strife of men against their fellow-beings shall be ended, and revolution and desolating war forever cease, and the people allowed to worship God according to their own consciences. Then shall peace, fertility and tranquility prevail throughout their country.

About 7 o'clock the drums began to beat. Company after company fell into line, after which we started on our homeward march, and, with a wave of our hands, bid good-bye to all the inhabitants around our quarters. The polque delegation cheered us heartily.

It is true we came to this country and met the people as foes, yet we leave them without malice, hate or prejudice, and departed from them with friendship, wishing them prosperity