Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/84

78 To-night pickets are posted on all the roads leading into the city. Some are doubled, and defended by several pieces of artillery. Our men are also cautioned to be careful with their muskets.

Monday, March 15, 1847.—This morning all seems quiet in and around camp, with the exception of the booming of cannons from the castle and forts.

The wind still continues to blow, in consequence of which it keeps everything back.

In the afternoon Gen. Scott and his staff of engineers passed our camp, visiting and inspecting the important points. When the old hero of Chippewa, Niagara and Lundy's Lane passed we all stood in line and tipped our caps, which compliment he returned in the same manner, after which three cheers were given him. To this salute he took off his hat, bowed and passed on to Gen. Twiggs' division camp at Vergara.

Tuesday, March 16, 1847.—This morning we find the northern wind still prevailing, which renders it impossible to land our heavy ordnances and other war-like material for the destruction of life and property.

At noon it was reported that the revolution in the city of Mexico has ceased, and that Gen. Anton Lobes de Santa Anna is now President, and Senor Gomes Farrias Vice President, and that the whole Mexican Government is united on the war question, and their cry will be "death to all traitors and invaders."

On the top of this rumor comes in a squadron of Col. William S. Harney's dragoons, who have been out scouting, reporting to Gen. Scott that there was a large body of Mexican soldiers, with four or five pieces of light artillery, with some cattle, camped at Medallin River, about five miles from our quarters, trying to make their way into Vera Cruz. On the receipt of this report. Gen. Scott immediately dispatched his friend Col. Harney with one hundred and fifty picked dragoons, several pieces of light artillery under the command of Capt. Taylor and Lieut. Judd, and about five hundred and fifty of