Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/615

Rh flitting by us like a fair vision gazing from the car-windows? The whistle again blows, the train slacking up and stopping at Elizabethtown. This was the residence of my friend and messmate. Simon Schaffer, who died at Jalapa City, Mexico, May 13, 1847—died more from grief and wearisomeness, which brings no joy to himself or his fellow-man.

As soon as our iron horse had his drink we left and cautiously passed through the tunnel, after which we again went on full speed, whirling one time this way and another time that way. The engineer shut off steam and stopped at Mount Joy. Here the people came running from their cottage homes to see the soldiers—a part of Gen. Scott's army. The ladies greeted us with pleasing smiles, waving their handkerchiefs, and handing in the windows bouquets of flowers.

As soon as our black horse had his smile we left with great hurrah from the citizens of Mount Joy, passed over a fine bridge over the Little Chiques Creek, passing through a deep cut, and then slowly swept around the curve and arrived in Lancaster City about 3 o'clock, Here the people congregated in large numbers; it being Saturday, and a festival day on account of our arrival, had the effect of bringing nearly all the farmers in Lancaster County to the city, which infused new life and vigor and to welcome the soldiers.

We got off the cars, formed into line, and then marched through several of their principal streets; and the streets we passed through were thoroughly packed with spectators; the housetops, doorways, windows, porticos were all jammed with senoritas and gentlemen; handkerchiefs fluttered in the air like so many bees; throwing flowers and beautiful bouquets at the soldiers; acrqss the streets and on the housetops waved flags and bunting and pictures of different generals, and along the whole route we were heartily cheered; the citizens rushing in among our ranks, shaking hands, congratulating, and welcoming the soldiers home.

After marching around different squares we finally came to a halt in front of the North American Hotel, fronting on North