Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/87

Rh among the chaparrals will let us alone; but I fear the way the old Castle has been howling and grumbling at us all day it will not be so kind as to let up on us to-night, she being very angry at us for giving them such a dreadful flogging the other day at Medallin river.

To-night a French bark ran the blockade at Vera Cruz loaded with artillery and ammunition for the Mexican Government. This raised considerable excitement among the officers who are stationed here to watch the blockade. The bombs are flying all over our heads.

Thursday, March 18, 1847.—This morning the dragoons captured a splendid horse fully equiped with saber and escopet on the saddle, and at noon news came from somewhere fully confirming the news of General Santa Anna's defeat at the battle of Buena Vista, which caused much rejoicing among the soldiers and sailors; and the saying now is, that it will be our turn next.

This afternoon one of Co. B's men, of Pottsville, dropped down dead while standing under the door-way of the hospital; to-night there were eight companies of our regiment detailed to go out scouting. We marched down the road for several miles, and were there let stand in all the rain; never did I see it rain harder. Seeing that there was no likelihood of ceasing to rain, we marched back to our camp soaked through and through with rain. Lieut. C. M. Berry, who was sun-struck on our first day's march, has reported himself to our Captain, fit for duty; at 12 o'clock to-night, we were ordered to close gradually nearer the city, the trenches are nearly all done and our big guns will soon open on the city. Fort Conception was trying the range of their guns on Gen. Twiggs' division.

Friday, March 19, 1847.—This morning the Castle and forts around the city are still blazing away at us, but not with much damage, while we are quietly preparing and planting our heavy artillery, mortars, and landing horses, wagons, provisions, and other ammunitions of war. At noon, news came to our