Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/71

Rh along the shore for the purpose of selecting a suitable place for the landing of troops. When they nearly approached the city of Vera Cruz the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa commenced firing several round shot and shell towards the "Spitfire." One shot we saw fall in front of the "Spitfire's" bow, which caused the "Spitfire" to return, having accomplished and learned nearly all they wanted to know. Castle of San Juan de Ulloa was named after a prominent Spaniard in Spain. This evening we could plainly hear music all around us, bands playing the national airs.

Sunday, March y, 1847.—This morning Col. F. M. Wynkoop came on board of our ship and stated that Gen. Scott had selected a spot near the Island of Sacrificios for the landing of our soldiers, and that we would land to-night at 1o'clock, and that we were to take three days' rations in our haversacks and our canteens filled with water, and not to take anything in our knapsacks but one blanket, two shirts and a pair of socks. He also said that he had lost his horse on the voyage, and would be obliged to foot it with us. This evening Gen. Scott and Commodore Connor, on board of the "Spitfire," were cruising around the ships, and were cheered as they passed, the bands playing all the national airs. To-night some of our men had a ball in the hold of the ship.

Monday, March 8, 1847.—This morning we still found ourselves on board of the ship. The talk of landing, which was to take place yesterday afternoon, did not come off. At noon the mate of our ship went to the ship "Russell Glover" for the purpose of getting orders from Col. Wynkoop. After an absence of one hour he returned with orders stating that everything was now ready, and that we would positively land tomorrow noon. Also that Lieut. Landstree of Capt. Bennett's Company (F), First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, died of brain fever, and was buried on Anton Lizardo with the honors of war. This is the first commissioned officer that died belonging to our regiment in a foreign soil. In the evening there was a good deal of excitement and activity going on