Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/592

586 never," that we Yankees would all go to hell. We told him that he was an ignorant fool; that we did not want any more conversation with him; that he should vamos the ship. He left saying good-bye, and that he was sure the devil would get us all. (Laughter.)

Mexico unfortunately never had any Plymouth Rock pilgrims or a William Penn. The first white men, Cortez and his followers, were a band of wild adventurers, robbers, and murderers, from the day they first landed to the present time. He has slaughtered the inhabitants by the million; he wounded and robbed without scruple; he enslaved and subjected them in ignorance and submission to the Catholic faith, and they are held indolent, ignorant and superstitious up to the present time (1848).

Mexico may be worth something to see, but is not worth going to see; although I shall ever remember the many ancient and historic scenes I have seen in Mexico.

The tourists and travellers through this country are mostly either robbed or murdered. There is no protection for human life; or no punishment for the outlaws in Mexico.

We now heard the rattling of the anchor chains and the engine bell. "Let go," was the cry, and off we started with cheers. After we had gone out of sight, we began to look around for our bunks to lay ourselves upon; but I am sorry to say none could be had, and we were compelled to lie down anywhere and everywhere. Besides this, the ship is very dirty—not a decent spot for even a dog to lie on. So there was a good deal of growling, saying these are some of the laurels we are getting for conquering the Republic of Mexico. Now everything looks gloomy, nothing but the sea and the heavens can be seen.