Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/99

Rh of the doomed city, and I could plainly hear the people cry out for to rendiren tregar de cindad (surrender the city) before they were all killed off. That these Yankees won't give up firing. Also could hear the bells ringing and trumpets sounding to arms, to arms. It was really laughable to hear the Mexicans talk, and I heard enough to convince me that the city cannot hold out much longer, that something must be done soon or else the citizens would rebel against the government of Vera Cruz.

Our batteries to-night are throwing rocket after rocket into the city, which illuminated the sky as well as the whole city, and made it a most beautiful scene.

About 12 o'clock to-night Lieut. Tower, of the United States Corps of Engineers, came to my post with a squad of soldiers on a reconnoisance. I was ordered to fall in the rear and follow them. The lieutenant seems to be well acquainted with the whole exterior of Vera Cruz. We kept on marching until we come within two hundred yards of the outside of the city walls. Here I was told to stay until a little before daylight, then I was to return to our line of defence. This I thought to myself is a very dangerous position for an humble soldier like me to be placed in, but such is the fortune of war. I have been informed by one of the sergeants that the illumination was done to give Lieut. Tower a chance to see what damage our batteries have done to the walls, and also to find out the most suitable place to charge upon when the order for the assault is given. From this position I could hear the Mexicans talk more plainly, and it sounded to me that they were quarreling and fighting among themselves. I could even hear the dogs moan, and other strange voices.

Lieut. Tower has finished his mission. He has returned to camp and left me here all alone. The firing of the rockets had also ceased. Oh! this is a dreary night, dark as pitch and standing in the midst of chaparrals and thorns with strict orders not to make any noise, for fear the Mexicans might discover me.