Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/81

Rh I am. The President of the United States can make generals every day, but he cannot make soldiers." [Laughter and cheers].

Early in the evening we were released, not having much of of anything to eat for over twenty-four hours. We marched back to the old ruins, or monastery, so called, and on our way down we saw two lancers riding as fast as their horses were able to go, back to the city. One of the Tennesseeans who, by-the-by, had his own hunting rifle with him, was seen to watch for the lancers for some time and fired from behind some thick bushes and brought the noble lancer to the ground, which caused a great shout among the Yankees. His gray horse fled into the city of Vera Cruz.

When we arrived at the old ruins and after we had something to eat, we went to work and built a small breastwork across one of the railroads so as to stop all communication with the Mexicans at Vera Cruz. After our work was finished we went to our old quarters and beheld our knapsacks, which we were ordered to leave here last evening to lighten us for the charge on the sand hills, were either all stolen or plundered. Mine I could not find until late at night with nothing in it except my government blanket.

There were no Mexicans within three miles of this place so it must have been some of our own gallant fellows, who make it their business to linger back on the excuse of being exhausted, worn and tired out, for the purpose of robbing their comrades of rare articles.

Some lost many valuable things given to them by their friends and sweethearts at home. They are swearing vengeance should they ever catch the thieves who plundered and robbed them while they were charging and driving the enemy helter skelter.

Late in the evening, and for the first time since we have been on shore, we had good crackers, pork and coffee, of which we all ate a hearty meal.