Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/600

594 the ancient city of the Montezumas, with all its ancient arts of ancient times; all, all, with but little over six thousand men, with the heroic Gen. Winfield Scott at its head; all without a single defeat or the slightest check.

Thus the people have reason to believe that the second conquerors of Mexico are really extraordinary and superhuman in strength and power. They first thought that we were part of the Ohio Volunteers on their way home; and when they found out that we were part of the old Keystoners, which carried its flags to the halls of Montezuma, the arrangements for the grand entree into their queen city was postponed, but the joyful and much enthusiastic citizens insisted that we, the soldiers, should land and march through a few of their principal streets, to which appeal our officers at last consented. We went on shore and formed into line, and then marched up into the city through a dense mass of people, full of huzzahs and enthusiasm. All were anxious to see part of the second conquerors of Mexico come. All the streets, housetops, windows, balconies, etc., were packed with people, cheering and waving handkerchiefs. Across the streets hung our country's flag, and pictures of Gens. Scott, Taylor and others. The whole scene was a grand affair. When we came near the portrait of Gen. Scott it was cheered with a will. After marching around a few squares, we returned and again got on board of the steamboat "General Hamilton," when we were dismissed for the day, and given leave to go on shore; and some of us had no sooner got on shore than the citizens gathered around our men in groups, asking about five hundred different questions at one time concerning the battles fought in Mexico. Also the opinion of the soldiers in regard to the removal of Gen. Scott, and what the soldiers thought of it.

We answered their questions in our own way. That the removal and superseding of Gen. Scott, after he had captured the city of Mexico, and making the whole dominion of Mexico submit to our terms, was one of the grossest and most highhanded acts that has ever happened in our government. And