Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/596

590 spirits, which is an excellent wearing quality; and it may well be called the bright weather of the heart, for it gives encouragement and harmony, and enables nature to recruit its strength; whereas, worry and discontent debilitates.

To-day our men amused themselves shooting at alligators, which are numerous on the shores of the Mississippi river.

Monday, June 26, 1848.—This morning the reveille beat at daylight, and all soldiers got up, washed, and dressed themselves with new clothing, and threw some of their old rags with their contents overboard. We passed Jackson Barracks and Fort Philips; arrived at New Orleans about 7 o'clock, The ship halted on the other side of New Orleans. Of course the soldiers were anxious to get on shore, but the captain of the ship would not let us go until he had orders; so about an hour afterwards the ship hoisted her anchor and went farther up the river—about seven miles from New Orleans. Here we landed, and found the four companies of our regiment already encamped, they having arrived the day previous. We pitched our tents and then laid ourselves down once more on the soil of the United States, but regret to say that the mosquitoes here are about as bad as the Mexican fleas.

Tuesday, June 2, 1848.—This morning four companies of our regiment left for Pittsburgh in the steamboat "Western World," under the command of Lieut.-Col. Black.

In the evening the steamboat "General Hamilton" arrived. Col. Wynkoop went on board, and there was some difficulty about the cabin passengers, but it was soon settled, and the soldiers got on board and left for Pittsburgh. J. C. Taylor and I got a bunk on top of the boilers.

Wednesday, June 28, 1848.—This morning the Adjutant called for a guard to guard the few soldier prisoners; but they refused to act, saying that they are now in the United States, and they consider the guard duty is played out. So the prisoners were dealt out to each company to take charge of them.

To-day we passed Baton Rouge. As we passed, the old hero of Buena Vista, Gen. Taylor, accompanied by side guards,