Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/98

92 were on fire, and falling to the ground. The way things look now the city must either soon surrender or be burnt to the earth.

At noon we noticed that our battery had more effect on the forts and city from to-day's firing than any previous time. At noon one of Capt. William Frederick Binder's Company (E), First Regiment Pennsyhania Volunteers, named Rupe, was killed by the explosion of a bomb-shell fired from the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa. He was the first soldier killed belonging to our regiment.

This afternoon our foraging party, who had started out after beef, had a skirmish with a band of guerillas, and in the fight our men had one man killed, and the Mexicans left seven killed on the field and fifteen wounded.

At 4 o'clock this afternoon the Mexicans again ceased firing, shortly afterwards a flag of truce came from the city asking for two hours' armistice to bury their dead bodies, and also a memorial from consuls of European people to allow the women and children in the city of Vera Cruz to come out and seek the shelter of more safety.

Gen. Scott granted the first request, which is the customary rule in all wars, but the latter he could not grant; stating that he could only grant passes to pass them out on the application of Gen. Morales, Governor of Vera Cruz, with the view to surrender. After the expiration of two hours both the Mexicans and all our batteries opened in earnest, and most every shot or shell were thrown directly into the heart of the city. A big breach is now made in the wall, and it is rumored this evening that we will storm the city at the point of our bayonets tomorrow at noon. So we may look out for breakers ahead.

To-night I was put on picket-guard, stationed near the walls