Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/69

Rh regiment into the field of action; also warning all soldiers to keep their muskets and ammunition dry and in prime order; also saying that from authority the enemy's force at Vera Cruz is from six to seven thousand strong, and he expected to meet with strong opposition in landing at Vera Cruz. To-night I noticed our Capt. Small and Lieut. Berry making a flag out of blue bunting. The pole is of a ship's boat oar, the spear out of a prong hook, the State of Pennsylvania being too poor to give us a flag.

Wednesday, March 3, 1847.—This morning the appointed signal was seen floating from the ship "Massachusetts." Then there was great excitement and bustle among the different ships, all preparing to start. The rattling and clinking of the heavy cables as they weighed the anchors. While the sailors were winding up the cables the soldiers mingled with them in singing their favorite and merry songs, such as: "With a Stout Vessel and a Bully Crew, we'll carry the Ship Statesman through the Storm, hi oh, hi, oh." "We are now Bound for the Shores of Mexico, and there Uncle Sam's Soldiers we will Land, hi oh, &c."

Everything is as merry as a marriage bell and inspired the soldiers with confidence of our success in Mexico. The whole fleet of ships was soon under way with their flags flying from almost every mast head.

Gen. Scott, on board of his flagship "Massachusetts," could be seen passing from one end of the ship to the other giving orders and watching the movement of every sail, and as the vessels were passing one another cheers after cheers were given. The "Russell Glover," with Col. Francis M. Wynkoop on board, led our regiment, followed by the "Oxnard," Lieut.Col. Samuel W. Black, and then the "Statesman," Maj. Francis L. Bowman, bringing up the rear. The sight was grand, and it will be remembered as a day of jubilee and rejoicing among the soldiers.

Thursday, March 4, 1847.—This morning the wind changed in our favor, which caused a smiling and a pleasing countenance