Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/622

616 About 10 o'clock,, we formed into line and marched through the whole volunteer division. The streets and sidewalks were so densely crowded that it was almost impossible to get along.

In fact, guards were stationed on our route of marching to keep the people from crowding in on us, so anxious were they to see the soldiers of the Mexican war. When we arrived at Front and Brown streets, there was great cheering and applause for William Donegan of our company (C) with the flash word, "A bully snapper." We looked at one another with astonishment, to think of the idea that this man, Bill Donegan, a chronic grumbler, a man who has seldom ever done any duty or even fired off his gun in the whole Mexican campaign, should be received at different points with such honors, and patriots go unnoticed.

The business was generally suspended, and all the houses along the route were crowded with spectators, and beautifully decorated with flowers and flags. The display or procession is considered greater than ever before witnessed in this city, and I heard several old gentlemen say that it beat the grand procession of Gen. Lafayette. After marching through several of the principal streets, we marched into the Chinese Museum, Ninth below Chestnut street, and sat down to one of the grandest dinners that ever was provided for distinguished guests. The best of edibles and the choicest of all the best wines. Speeches were made and songs sung by the citizens, but very little attention did we (the soldiers) pay to it, as it was all about the war of Mexico, which we all fully know by heart. After dinner was over, we were taken to the Third street Hall, below Willow street, kept by Gen. J. Hall, and were comfortably provided with rooms and good beds.

In the evening we went into the city to see the fireworks, which were really magnificent and indescribable. The streets were so blockaded and crowded that it was almost impossible to walk with any comfort; and, being much fatigued by our march to-day, we soon returned to our quarters, and got ready for a good night's rest and sociable sleep.