Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/587

Rh Thursday, June 8, 1848.—This morning we left Perote, and passed through Cruz Blanco, Las Vegas, and several other small towns, and arrived at La Hoya about noon, where we encamped for the night. It rained the best part of the day, and our company being detailed the rear guard, made it still more disagreeable. On our way we captured a chicken, so we had a chicken for supper.

Friday, June 9, 1848.—This morning at 4 o'clock we left La Hoya, and on our march we passed through San Miguel barracks and La Banderilla, and arrived at Jalapa City at 10 o'clock, Here we stacked our muskets in the Plaza, and broke ranks for one hour. After refreshing ourselves, we again formed into line, and marched about three miles, where we encamped for the night on top of a hill, where we had a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico.

In the evening it commenced raining very hard. This must be the rainy season, as it has been raining nearly every day since we left San Angel.

Saturday, June 10, 1848.—This morning we did not leave camp until 8 o'clock, in consequence of to-day's march being a short one. We arrived at El Encero about 10 o'clock, Gen. Patterson took quarters in Gen. Santa Anna's residence.

To-day has been very hot. We frequently had showers of rain, thunder and lightning.

Sunday, June 11, 1848.—This morning we had orders read to us to strike our tents at noon, and leave for Vera Cruz; but an express came up from Vera Cruz stating that there were no ships at that port ready to embark on, so the order for striking tents was countermanded.

This afternoon Gen. Marshall's brigade came into camp, and pitched their tents on the left of our encampment.

Monday, June 12, 1848.—This morning is a lovely one, and I paid a visit to Gen. Santa Anna's residence. It is situated on a hill. In the rear of the building is a pond for fish and ducks. There being no garden nor fruit trees the whole place looks as if deserted, and it will take sometime to bring it to its proper shape again.