Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/64

58 This evening two more of the Louisiana Volunteers died, and were buried with all the honors of war. The band belonging to the regiment played the funeral march.

It seems to me that these Southern soldiers can't stand the hot climate as well as us Northern dirty dogs. Talk about dirt! That's what kills these Southern soldiers. They are the filthiest and laziest set of men I have ever seen; there is no life or ambition about them.

Friday, January 19, 1847.—This morning there is a stiff breeze from the north, which has the effect to make it more pleasant—not so hot.

At noon I noticed several more ships had arrived, and I counted no less than twenty vessels in sight.

This afternoon the schooner "Catharine H. Bacon" arrived. She is loaded with wagons, mules and army ordnances. Also, the ship "Charlotta Reid" arrived, loaded down with Capt. Rockett's Howitzer Battery, and ordnance stores for Gen. Scott's army. They had a full brass band on board, and played the national airs as she sailed in; also, played in the evening.

To-night is calm and beautiful. The sea looks lovely.

Saturday, February 20, 1847.—This morning, after breakfast, Alburtus Welsh, Simon Schaffer, myself and others went in search, along the beach, for rare shells, which are numerous here. We found some beautiful ones, and we were wishing that we only could send some of these rare shells home to some of our friends. It would be a great curiosity to them, and particularly from this section of the country.

From here we visited the other regiments. We find encamped on this island the First and Second Regiments Pennsylvania Volunteers, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi and part of the New York Regiments. Some have not got their uniforms yet.

This evening, after the usual dress parade and drill, nearly all our soldiers went into the sea to bathe. It is calm.