Narrative of the central division, or army of Chihuahua, commanded by Brigadier General Wool: embracing all the occurrences ... from the time of its rendezvous at San Antonio de Bexar till its juncture with Gen'l Taylor, and its final disbandment at Camargo - with an account of its sufferings while passing through a barren and hostile country - together with a description of the battle of Buena Vista, &c. and an interesting appendix

Front matter

NARKATIYE

OF THE

CENTRxlL DIVISION r •

Preface

It is with feelings of temerity, that we attempt to add one more to the already numerous, able, and judicio is works which have been brought into existence, and are now before an enlightened public, on subjects connected with the present war with Mexico. The author of the following humble, unassuming pages, is aware, however, that among the number, none have as yet touched on that body of the army known as the Central Division, or Army of Chihuahua, excepting a small sketch written by a correspondent of the New York Spirit of the TVmes, which has since been copied and embraced in a publication entitled, '• Taylor and his Generals."

The author has endeavored, in his narrative, to be as plain and concise as possible, confining himself strictly to occurrences in the Division and the army connected with it, from the lime of its rendezvous at San Antonio de Bexar, until its final disbandment at Camargo. Having contemplated the publication of a work of tiiis description, while connected with the army, he spared no endeavors to obtain all the adventures, incidents, anecdotes, stampedes, etc., which occurred during the campaign.

VI PREFACE.

Being young in years, and not having had the advantages of a liberal education, he will have to trust this, his first attempt at authorship, to the mercy of a generous public. Should critics find employment in commenting on the labors of his pen, he begs of them to let the " darling attribute *' predominate in this instance.

And he will ever remain,

The Public's most humble servant,

THE AUTHOR.

Pittsburgh, Oct, 20, 1847.

Chapter I

Not only a War of Defence, but also one of Invasion, was Judged Advisable — Design of the Wise Heads — The Division to Attack Chihuahua — Division Ordered to Rendezvous — March by Land and Voyage by Water — Quartermaster's Employment — Military Academy— Left, Right — Strict Discipline very Necessary, and Orders Issued — Mexican Fandango — The Countersign, " Rackensack or Sucker"— Orders Issued to March — Consternation about the " Haversack"—Crowds Collecting and some Deserting— The Tall Cherokee 13

Chapter II

Numerous Wagon Train — Bustle in Breaking up the Camp and Setting Out— Detailment of Army and Number of Officers and Men — March on the Morning of the 26th of September— The next day Orders Issued— Beautiful Prairie, and exploits of the Cherokee Indian — Rest on the River Leon, and arrival of General Wool. 17

Chapter III

Creek Almost Impassable — The Cherokee in pursuit of Game — False Alarm and Confusion — Facing Enemy and Discovery of Mistake — Rested for the Wagon Train — Salt Licks — Strictest Viglance and a Stronger Guard— Explanation of Grand Rounds— The General Visits the Grand Rounds— The Old General Thunderstrack— The German Sentinel and the General's Hearty Laugh — Army Marches for the Rio Grande— The Arrival of the Alcalde of Presidio— The Indian Scrutinizing his Honor's Blanket — The Indian's ideas of the Alcalde —Orders Issued from Headquarters. 22

VIII CONTENTS.

Chapter IV

Preparations to cross the River — Enter Presidio — Description of it — Encampment — Pelonsellas and Backwoods Dance — Return to Tents — Senoritas and Fandango — Explanation of Fandango — Guard at the Ford — News of the Battle of Monterey — Arrival of Col. Hardin and his Regiment — Second Stampede — Cause of it — Major Beale's Adventure with a Sentinel — Orders not to Cock Guns, &c. — Drill — Orders to March— March and Encampment at a Hacienda— Arrival at San Fernando, and the Exploits of Captain Pike— Encamp, and Experience a Cold Night— Soldier's Rations — Encamp in a Swampy Place — Water Bad— Express from General Taylor— Dry Grass on Fire— Uncomfortable Travelling— The Indian's Plan and Success in Getting the Alcalde's Blanket. 29

CHAPTER \.

Encamp on the River Sabinass — A Mean Transaction — Move, and Come to a Swift Stream — Another Stream, called Alamo — View of Mountains — A Day of Rest — The Days of the Month not forgotten — Col. Roane waiting for them — Alcalde and bare-legged Mexicans — His Honor desires Peace — Private Property Respected— His Departure— The Boys Charge the Sugar Cane — Silver Mines of Dr. Long ^Mexican I'aste — The Lasso— Its Formidableness. 40

Chapter VI

A Place of Chaparals and Prickly Pears -Dilemma of a Colonel- Ready to March— Pass through a Miry Place— Several Ranchos— An Officer Commits a Mean Action — Arrived in Camp in Good Time— Evidently among the Mountains — Travels of a Gentleman— Journey through Sandy Plains— Unfeelingness of some of the Wagoners- Cold Consolation for Poor Footmen— Wagon Masters— Their Authority—Offset to the Above— Hospital Wagons— Encamp — Good Water, but no Wood — The General receives Informaiion of a Fortitication— March — All Ready for a Brush — No Mexican Soldiers, but a Dozen of Apple Carts- The Boys Charge on the Apples — The Indian again— The " Sucker's" Misfortune — Encampment, and Visit to the Rancho— Witness a Specimen of Mexican Slavery — Hot Spring — Cross several Springs — Dragoon almost Drowned —The Indian and the Kid— xMonclova— Its Surrender by the Alcalde thereof — Encamp wiihin three miles of Monclova— Order:* given to Clean, Shave and Cut Hair. 45

CONTENTS. IX

Chapter VII

The Boys think hard of the Order to Shave— Major Warren Appointed Governor of Monclova — Mexican Marl^et— The Indian again on the Carpet— Joined by a Squadron of Dragoons— Orders for a Great Military Parade — Eater Monclova— Description of it— Encamp about a Mile from the City— Volunteers Destroy the Cotton Trees — Orders on the 4th to march by the 8th— Hard Speeches — Sickness in the Camp- Poor Shelter and Worse Nourishmenr— Junction of the Rear of the Central Division— Captai.i Hunter's Company— Reinforcement— A Regular Encampment— The Provost Guard — Its use — The Indian Again— The Morning of the 8th Arrives — Orders to Scout, &c.— Mexican Flour— Its Inferiority— Soldiers Curse in Consequence Thereof— Gen. Wool not to Blame— In for it — Sickness Bad and Duty Irksome— Coffee Scarce — Hospital. 54

CHAHTER VIII.

Description of the Country around Presidio— The Soil — Manner of Ditching— Cultivation of Corn— Indolence of the Inhabitants— Manner of Conveying Water— Farms without Enclosures— Agricultural Productions—Sheap, Goats, Swine and Neat Cattle— Mode of Cooking Victuals— Higher Class Condition of Neat Cattle— Sheep Inferior- Timber on the Mountains— Country around Monclova— City of Monclova—Mills and Flour— Stores— Trade from St. Louis. 62

Chapter IX

General Melee about the Corn Laws— Steel Mills— Delegates Assembled—A Speech Made— Order Commanded- Speech Concluded— Committee Appears— Resolutions Read— The Indian— Meeting Adjourns—The Regular Insulted— Officer forms a Guard— Something About Corn— Prayer Meeting— Officer's Plan Frustrated— Desired Effect of the Corn Meeting— A Rumor— Express to General Taylor- Trick Played on an Officer— Dialogue— Lariat and Spur— Discharged With an Admonition— Nine Ears of Corn 67

Chapter X

Cavalry and Dragoons to March— Pelonsellas and the Wooden Leg- Experience a Norther— Joined by Major Boreland— Ordered up by Daylight— Sufferings from the Cold— Entire Force— Rest and Draw Ten Dollars— Marched through Town— Our Indian used up— Lost his Tobacco— Encamped at a Hacienda— Capt. Davis not Massacred— A

X CONTENTS.

Charming Place— Intense Heat— Food Improving— Fare Tolerably Well— Poor Beef— Troops Encamp and Daily Drilled— Took up a Small Cannon— General Shields and Colonel Harney— Sad Parting— Harney's Brass Band— Auld Lang Syne— Joined by the whole Command—Ordered to March— Destined for Paras— Six Months Spent — Failure of the Project — Reflections 76

Chapter XI

Encamped where Gold had been Washed — Water Good and Wood Plenty — Loud Complaints — March through a Barren Country — Encamped in a Swamp--Travel Forty Miles without Water— Troops Anticipate Suffering — Suffering from Thirst — Hard Hearted Teamsters—Arrive at Water— The Famished Soldiers Supplied with it — Numbers Die— Mules Die in their Harness— Reflections— Express from Gen. Taylor— Encamp in a Ditch, and the Mexicans stop the Water— Resume our March— Palmetto, or Soap Plant— High Banks — Travel Twenty-five miles— Cavalry— Advantage over Infantry— Large Fires in the Mountains— March through Dry and Sandy Desers — Great Suffering— Encamp at a Tank— Water Plenty— Disobedient Officers — No Mutiny— Place Assigned for Arkansas Regiment — Officers all under Arrest— They March in the Rear— No Water for Thirty-six miles— The Infantry set out— March through a Sandy Plain— Come to Pure Water— Corn in Abundance— Arrival at Paras —Don Manuel— Mr. Jackson of Kentucky— The " Rico" invites the Officers— The Indian again 83

Chapter XII

Encamp Three Miles from Town— A Visit from the Alcalde— Arrive at Paras— Sickness again in Camp— The Disobedient Officers are Acquitted— Almost an Open Rupture— The Drunken Sergeant— A Draft taken of our Encampment by a Mexican, supposed to be a Spy — Captain Preston's Company sent on a Scout— Coffee again Withheld—Description of the Country about Paras, and of the Town — Corn Luxuriant— Manners and Customs— How Wood is obtained — An Express from General Worth — The Whole Army in Motion — The Cavalry, &c., go in Advance — All under way next Morning — Accomplished Thirty-one Miles next Day — Encamped at Patos — Orders issued to make no Noise — All moved, taking a Circuitous Route — A False Alarm, and arrive at Agua Nueva — Cooked Nothing for two Days — Orders to March to Monclova — Inspecting and

CONTENTS. XI

Revifiwing the Troops — Report of Three Thousand Mexicans — Two Companies Started — Captain Hoffman's Retreat — Large Santa Fe Wagons — Wagons Crowded — Hoaxed Again — The Christmas Frolic— General Wool called a Coward — Retreated to Encantada — Joy Among the Troops— General Wool Removes his Camp to Agua Nueva — Arkansas Regiment ordered to Patos — General Wool moves his Camp to Buena Vista — Obtain a Hospital at Patos — The Indian's Escape — Next Morning saw his Exploits 93

Chapter XIII

Things Went on Very Well — Clothing for the Arkansas Regiment — Express Arrived — Report about Santa Anna — Gen. Wool Remained at Buena Vista — Patrol Sent Out — Major Gaines Joins — Majors Gaines and Boreland Captured — Interpreter of Major Boreland — Remarks about Several Officers — Major Warren Arrived — The Central Division all Up — Great Joy among the Troops — Two Squadrons called in — Major Warren Appointed Governor of Saltillo — Gen, Taylor Arrived — The First Mississippi Riflemen and Others Encamped at Agua Nueva — An Occurrence— Remarks Respecting it — Relation of the Occurrence— Court of Inquiry Respecting it — Matters Rested undecided — Gambling the Order of the Day — Gen. Taylor's Introduction to the Rackensacks at a Gambling Scene — Reconnoitreing at Encarnacion — Discover Marks of the Enemy 103

Chapter XIV

Confirmation of a Mexican Force in the Neighborhood — The whole Army in Motion— -Col. McKee kept at Encarnacion — Gen. Wool Proceeds to Buena Vista — Wagons to bring in the Remainder of the Stores — Alarm Taken and Times LooU Squally— Rancho on Fire — An Awfully Grand Scene— Santa Anna's Stratagem to Hold up— Orders Given, but Helter Skelter was the Order— Arrival at Buena Vista — Snugly in Blankets— The Enemy in Sight— The Gallant Suckers— The Army in Line to Meet the Foe— Yankee Doodle- Remarks Concerning the Battle— Description of the Battle Ill

Chapter XV

The Battle Continued— Loss of America's Bravest Sons— The Troops Suffer for Want of Fire-Despatch a Hasty Breakfast— Retreat of the Enemy— Shocking Sight of the Dead, Dying and Wounded—

XII COKtENtS.

Troops Engaged in Burying the Dead— The Troops Encamp at Buena Vista— CofFee Procured— Fresh Meat Desired— A Drove of Sheep Devoured 119

Chapter XVI

Report of the Number of Killed, Wounded and Missing — Causes of Different Reports — Troops remain at Buena Vista — Mexicans Leaving their Wounded to our Hospitality — An Election Held— Mexican Wounded in a Starving Condition— A Sickening Sight — American Deserters — Five Day's Rations left for the Wounded Mexicans — Gen • Taylor goes in Pursuit of Gen. Urrea — Encantada an Outpost — Gambling the Order of the Day Again — Ingenuity of the Indian while Engaged in Capturing Mules — Capture of Chihuahua — A Forgotten Thing brought Forward — Gen. Taylor Countermands — Camp Talk — Camanche Indians — Havoc among the Ranchos — Camanches take the Suckers' Caps — The Caravan Stopped and the Indians Victorious — Pretty Spectacle — Shy Looking Fellows — Recruiting Commenced and a New Company Formed — Visited by two Mexican Officers — Carrajo — Purport of the Mexican Officer's Despatches — Gen. Taylor's Reply. 1 30

Chapter XVII

The Time for Going Home — Great Sufferings of Col. Doniphan's Troops— lUinoisians start for New Orleans — Gen. Wool's Parting Address — Refleclions^Forbearance of Gen. Wool — His Courage and Valor — Remarks — Anecdote of the Young Officer and his Dulcinea — Central Division about Breaking Up in Earnest — The Parting Hand to Gen. Wool — Army of Chihuahua — Regiment Proceeds Twelve Miles — Our Indian Again — Encamped at Reconada — Gen. Ampudia's Fortification — Reach Monterey — The Black Fort and Bishop's Palace — Capt. Pike's Squadron Discharged— Joyful News — The Bodies of Col. Yell, Capt. Porter and Private Pelham — Set out and Arrive at Ceralvo — Saw Massachusetts Volunteers — Encamped at Canales' Run — The Town of Meir — Reached Camargo on the Fifteenth— Gen. Pillow's Fortress — Illinois Regiments Mustered Out of Service — Arkansas Regiment Discharged — Stanzas — Addresses Our Indian Remains — Mexican Rope Dancers — Upper Reynoso — Reach the Mouth of the River — Arrive at the Mouth of the Mississippi— Arrive at the Crescent City — Reflections — New Orleans Dandies — Appeal to the Reader — The Author's Remarks Respecting Himself— Appeal to the Public 139

NARRATIVE

CENTRAL DIVISION.

Chapter I

Kot only a War of Defence, but also one of Invasion, was judged advisable — Design of the Wise Heads — The Division to attack Chihuahua— Division ordered to rendezvous — March by land and voyage by water — Quarter Master's employment — Military Academy — Left, right — Strict Discipline very necessary, and orders issued — Mexican Fandango — The Countersign, " Rackensack or Sucker" — Orders Issued to March — Consternation about the "Haversack" — Crowds Collecting and some Deserting — The Tall Cherokee.

After the declaration of the \var between Mexico and the United States, it was not only thought advisable to stand in defence of our frontiers, but to push the war into the enemy's country, and carry on a war of invasion, so as to bring the powers of Mexico to a just and honorable peace, and to punish them for the numerous insults heaped upon our nation for many years past, by outrages committed upon American citizens, &;c.

To carry this into effect, it was designed by the wise heads at AVashington to enter Mexico at three different points, and so conquer her at one blow. One detachment was to attack Monterey, a second Chihuahua, and the third Santa Fe.

14 NARRATIVE or THE

The one which was to attack Chihuahua is that which we shall endeavor to confine ourselves to, namely, the Central Division. This division was ordered to rendezvous at San Antonio de Bexar, and Brigadier General Wool was selected to command. The different regular and volunteer corps that received orders to report there, were as follows: Company B, 4th artillery ; one squadron 2d regiment United States dragoons ; three companies of the 6th United Slates infantry ; one regiment of mounted volunteers from Arkansas ; also, one regiment from Kentucky and one from Tennessee. The two last named were subsequently ordered to join General Taylor, consequently they never arrived at San Antonio. Two infantry regiments from Illinois, one independent company from Kentucky, and one independent company from Texas, were also ordered there.

The dragoons, artillery, Arkansas regiment and the three com.panies of United States infantry, proceeded en route by land, while the two regiments from Illinois and the independent companies from Kentucky and Texas proceeded by water, via the Gulf of Mexico to Port Lavacca, and from thence one hundred and fifty miles by land to San Antonio de Bexar. It was the latter part of August, 1846, before the last of the troops arrived ; as fast as they came they were ordered to the camp designated for them, Camp Crockett, about five miles north of San Antonio, on a stream of water called the Salough. The reason of its being termed Camp Crockett, is from the fact that the old veteran encamped there previous to his entering the Alamo in 1836.

During this time the Q. M. Department was employed in obtaining stores and wagons sufficient for such a march as the one about to be commenced. The different corps were daily employed in drilling — it had indeed the appearance of a Military Academy. It was an amusing sight to see the tall athletic Arkansawian, who had been born on a bear skin, rocked in a hollow log, and had never attempted to march before, except marching through the cane-brake after game. He might be seen trying to keep step after the Captain's words, as follows : "Left, right! left, right ! left!" The tall backwoodsman would keep very good time until his mind would wander back to his old haunts in Rackensack, as he called it — when he would start off at a pretty good long walk, much to the annoyance of his captain.

It was also necessary at this time to observe very strict discipline. Orders were accordingly issued to this effect, that no one should be absent from camp after sunset, and for this purpose the roll was called at six o'clock in the evening and nine o'clock at night. Consequently, any one found absent after this time would be punished, by being put on extra duty. But the volunteers were not to be thwarted in this manner : the Mexican Fandango had its attractions, and go to it they would. Immediately after roll call, at nine o'clock, they would steal past the guard, and walk five miles to San Antonio, and dance with the Senoritas until three o'clock in the morning, and then walk to camp to be ready for morning roll call. The strictest vigilance could not intercept them — they had their own countersign — in this way they could pass.

It was thus, when a soldier would come within hailing distance of the sentinel, and would hear the words : " Who comes there .^" he would forthwith answer, " Backensack,^^ or " Sucker,''^ as the case might be, when the sentinel would turn and walk off, and the soldier would continue to go on. Things went on at this rate until the 23d of September, when every man was speculating high on not going any further, and were laboring under the opinion that they would soon rejoin their friends, when, as if by magic, an order was issued to hold themselves in readiness to march on the 26th of that month, with one day's rations cooked, in their haversacks.

Here indeed was a damper on their enjoyments, but th&y could not complain, for tliey were in for it. So ihey had to remain silent, until one fellow of the Arkansas regiment, who had the advantage of being a leetle smarter than the rest, cried out at the top of his voice, saying — " Feller Sogers : what in the h — 11 is these things they call haversacks 1 I 've a notion not to go, for old Wool says to put our grub in our haversacks, and I never saw such a thing — a haversackP^^

Crowds might now be seen collecting together and conversing about that indispensable article. Many declared they would not go, because old Wool was tryin.gto pull wool over their eyes. Two of them were so much astounded at the word " haversack," that they deserted that same night,

A tall Cherokee belonging to the regiment, whom we shall have occasion to mention in the sequel, was heard to say that he did not intend to carry any grub, for he had killed many a deer and cooked a piece of it with old ribs.

* The Arkansas Regiment, not having received their uniform, of course had not received that ariicfe.

CENTRAL DIVISION. IT

Chapter II

Numerous Wagon Train — Bustle in breaking up the Camp and setting out — Detailment of Army, and number of Officers and Men — March on the morning of the 26ih of September — The next day orders issued— Beautiful Prairie, and Exploits of the Cherokee Indian — Rest on the river Leon, and arrival of General Wool.

Finally, the evening of the 25th arrived ; a numerous wagon train had been coliecled, and the stores, both provisions and ammunition, had come to hand from Port Lavacca. Everything was made ready for the march. Accordingly, the next morning at break of day we all set off upon our march for Chihuahua, as we then supposed, but in this we were destined to be disappointed, as will be seen in the sequel.

Our readers may imagine the bustle in breaking up a camp ; one might be heard to exclaim, " What d — d rascal stole our camp kettle?" or, "Someone has been eating our sugar?" or, *' Who in the h — 11 has been hooking the stirrups off my saddle ?" and many other exclamations too impious and obscene to mention. At length every thing being arranged, we set out as follows :

Cololiel W. S. Harney, who previously had joined us with a squadron of the 2d dragoons, in command.

First Lieutenant, D. II. Rucker, 1st dragoons, Acting Assistant Adjutant General.

Captain O. Cross, Assistant Quarter Master.

Doctor J. Simpson, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.

Doctor W. Levly, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.

Captain R. E. Lee, United Stales corps of Engineers.

Captain W. D. Fraser, United Slates corps of Engineers.

Captain G. W. Hughes, United Slates corps of Topographical Engineers.

First Lieutenant, L. Sitgreaves, United States corps of Topographical Engineers.

Lieutenant, W. B. Franklin, United States corps of Topographical Engineers.

Company B. 4th artillery, commanded by Captain J. M. Washington.

Subordinates: First Lieutenant J. P. J. O'Brien; First Lieutenant T. L. Brent; Second Lieutenant H. M. Whiting.

The Orderly's book showed for duty and able to march, four Sergeants, t'our Corporals, and eighty-seven Privates ; total, 95 ; aggregate 99.

One squadron of the 2d regiment of dragoons, the officers in command were, Brevet Major B. L. Beall ; First Lieutenant, J. H. Hill ; First Lieutenant, D. G. Rogers ; Second Lieutenants, J. M. Hawes and J. Y. Bioknell.

The Orderly's book showed for duty, and able to march, 118 ; non-commissioned ofiicers and privates, making an aggregate of 123.

Three companies of the 6lh United States infantry, to which was attached the independent company of Kentucky foot volunteers. The officers of the above corps were as follows : Major, B.L. E. Bonneville, 6ih infantry ; Captain, A. Cadv ; Captain, W. Hoffman ; Captain, J. Williams ; First Lieutenant, E. H. Fiizgerald, A. C, S. ; First Lieutenant, L. Wetmore, commanding company ; Second Lieutenant, W. Read, of the 5th United Stales infantry ; Second Lieutenant, E. Howe ; Brevet Second Lieutenant, W. Rhea, and three subalterns of Captain Williams' company, whose names we have not procured. Tlie number of men reported for duty were 253 ; aggregate 265,

Arkansas Cavalry. — The staff was composed as fallows : Colonel, A. Yell ; Lieutenant Colonel, J. S. Roane ; Major, S. Borland ; Doctor Peyton, acting Surgeon ; First Lieutenant ; G. Mears, Adjutant ; Captain Porter, Captain A. Pike, Captain S. R. Liglish, Captain J. Preston, Captain C. C. Danley, Captain J. J. DiUord.

Four companies, commanded by Captains Patrick, Moffit, Hunter and W. G., Preston, were ordered to remain at San Antonio, under command (if Mnjor Borland.

Adjutant's book reported for duty, and able to march, 392 non-commissioned officers and privates ; aggregate, 417.

Two companies of the 1st Illinois volunteers, commanded by Captains Morgan and Prentis, numbering 150 men ; aggregate 156. Two companies of the 2d Illinois volunteers, commanded by Captain Webb, numbering for duty 135 ; aggregate, 142. One company for the pioneer service, commanded by Captain Lee, numbering 30 men. The following officers, non-commissioned officers and privates, composed what was termed the- advance army of Chihuahua; 1171 non-commissioned officers and privates ; 73 officers ; making an aggregate of 1244.

With this number we marched on the 26tli of September. An order had been previously issued that none, excepting those that belonged to the army, should accompany us. Our first day's march was twelve miles, when we found plenty of wood, water and grazing. During the evening, as you would pass through the camp, your ears would be saluted with the following exclamations: " Well, here we are, on our road to Chiliuahua. What do you all think of traveling three days without water, and cooking your grub with Buffalo dung?" Another might be heard to say, " I'll bet one month's wages that we'll never go any further than the ■Rio Grande." At this rale things went on till the sound of the drum and the blast of the bugle announced the tattoo, and we all went to our tents to sleep and dream of traveling sixty miles without water and fighting Mexicans.

On the following morning we set out at sunrise. An order was here issued forbidding the discharge of fire-arms within hearing of the camp or column — also, to prohibit any one from leaving the camp or column without permission of the commanding officer of the day.

We passed through a beautiful prairie, over which bounded hundreds of deer. The scene was delightful to behold — it was too much for our Indian friend— his eyes sparkled with fire when a drove of them darted across before the column. He could not endure it. Regardless of orders he left the ranks and fell behind. How he passed the rear guard, we do not know — but this we do know, that it would have been impossible for any other person to have passed or got behind it. In the evening we encamped at a small German village on the banks of a beautiful stream, the name of which we have forgotten — not having our note book handy, we neglected it. We scarcely had been encamped one hour when our Indian appeared with his horse loaded with venison. Being somewhat acquainted with him, we were favored with a slice, which made a very savory meal. In consequence of presenting a piece thereof to the Colonel, he had this his oflence forgiven, promising at the same time not to be guilty of a similar one.

However, we will see subsequently with what accuracy he kept his promise. Things went on very well without any thing occurring worthy of note until the first of October, on which day we rested at the river Leon, for the purpose of grazing our horses. In the afternoon of the same day we were joined by Gen. Wool in person, accompanied by First Lieut. I. McDowell, 1st Artillery A. D. C; Brevet Second

Lieut. F. T. Bryan ; Capt. J. H. Prentis, 1st Artiller5% Assistant Adjt. General ; Capt. \V. W. Chapman, Assistant Quarter Master; First Lieutenant M. R. Patrick, 2cl Infantry ; Doct. C. M. Hitchcock, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.; Major D, Hunter, Paymaster, U. S. A.; Second Lieut. C. P. Kingsbury, Ordnance Department; Capt. E. Steen, 1st Kegt. U. S. Dragoons ; Capt. W. Eustace ; Second Lieutenants A. Buford and J. H, Whittlesey, and a squadron of the 1st Dragoons, numbering 131 men. The aggregate force which joined us here was 144. Our force was now increased to 1,.S88 men, wilh Brigadier General John E. Wool in command.

Chapter III

Creek Almost Impassable— The Cherokee in Pursuit of Game — False Alarm and Confusion — Facing Enemy and Discovery of Mistake — Rested for the Wagun Train — Salt Licks — Strictest Vigilance and a Stronger Guard — Explanation of Grand Rounds — The General Visits the Grand Rounds — The Old General Thunderstruck — The German sentenced and the General's hearty laugh — Army marches for the Rio Grande — The arrival of the Alcalde of Presidio — The Indian scrutinizing his Honor's Blanket — The Indian's ideas of the Alcalde — Orders issued from Headquarters.

We marched on the following morning. Nothing of great moment transpired until the 3d, when, the Arkansas Regiment being in the rear and wa^ion guard, and Gen. Wool with the remainder formed the advance, on coming to a very deep creek, which was ahiiost impassable for the wagons, considerable time was taken up in crossing, so much so, that CoL Yell deemed it necessary to camp for the night — Gen. Wool being about twelve miles in advance.

During the afternoon, our Indian friend, forgetting his promise, sallied forth in pursuit of game, but missing the Arkansas camp, came up within sight of Gen. Wool's camp before he discovered his mistake. He forthwith commenced to retrace his steps, but not without being discovered by one of those men with whom the central division was continually troubled, in causing unnecessary alarms. Well, it was by one of those fractious-minded men that our hero was discovered. He immediately sounded the alarm: " A Mexican spy." Soon every man was up in arms — not a few wills were made by men who imagined their lime was come. An express was started up for the Arkansas camp. The express arrived at the above camp about 12 o'clock the same night. Here indeed was a scene — some running one way and some the other. Others, again, who had been so unfortunate as to lose tlieir horses, were crying out : " Where in h — 11 is my horse— some fellow has cut my rope." Another might be heard to ask at the top of his voice, whether old Wool was cut off, or how many Mexicans were there — the unfortunate Indian among the rest. As soon as every thing was ready, and every man iiad received his quota of cartridges and caps, off they started, helter skelter, and such screams as were sent up, the surrounding chaparalls had heretofore been strangers to. Had a catamount been within hearing distance, he would necessarily have blushed. On they charged, headlong — eager for the fray — and every man looking out for the Mexican lines.