Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48

Front matter

NOTES

OF THE

Mexican War

Contents

CONTENTS

|I. | |—Intention and Enlistment—Mustered into the United States Service—Election of Field Officers—Departure from Pittsburgh on Steamboats—On the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers—Arrived at Algiers, opposite New Orleans—Encampment on the Old Battle-field of Gen. Jackson's Achievement—Embarkation on Ships for the Seat of War—Arrived at Brazos Santiago—Left that place for Island of Lobos—Arrival—Started for Anton Lizardo—Arrival at Anton Lizardo—Preparing to Land. | |11

|II. | |—Landing below Vera Cruz—Storming the Sand-hills—Surrounding the City—Col. Harney's Dragoon Fight—Bombardment of the City—Articles of Agreement to Surrender Vera Cruz—Mexican Army Marching out and Stacking their Arms—First Visit to the City—Inspection of the Forts—Our Army of 10,000 Men leaving for the Capital of Mexico—Toilsome Marching—Arrival at Plan Del Rio—Gen. Twiggs Meets the Enemy—Preparing to Storm the Heights—He is Ordered to take Possession of a Hill—Gen. Scott's General Order No. III to attack Cerro Gordo. | |67

Introduction

fi

INTRODUCTION.

When the United States Government first declared war against the republic of Mexico, Pennsylvania was called upon to furnish two regiments of soldiers.

Francis R. Shunk. then Governor of Pennsylvania, issued his proclamation calling upon the militia and citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to rally to the support of our national honor and to sustain the flag of our beloved country, which was then trailed and trampled in the dust on our frontier.

The time when this proclamation was issued, the author of this book was then living above Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pa., following boating in the capacity of bowsman on the canal boat "Mary," of McVeytown, of the same county, carrying freight and running between Hollidaysburg and Philadelphia.

We were on our last trip, it being in the early part of the cold month of December, 1846, the boats having hard work to contend with in breaking the ice.

We arrived at Harrisburg about the 9th of December; here we were met by Mr. Daniel M. Dull, the proprietor of our boat, who informed us that Adjutant-General George W. Bowman had chartered the boat to take a company of soldiers to Hollidaysburg, Pa.; the company of soldiers who happened to come on our boat were the Monroe Guards, of Philadelphia, Capt. William F. Small, commanding.

Having always had the inclination of either going into the United States Navy, or joining the United States Army, and particularly since the war and struggle with Mexico, the desired opportunities were now before me.

Having passed the age of twenty-one, I had already started out into life for myself, being thus young and healthy, and naturally ambitious for new enterprises and excitement, and had nothing to confine myself to any particular locality.

The world was before me, nothing to leave behind me, except parents, brothers, sisters and friends. I concluded to follow that inclination by enlisting in Capt. William F. Small's Co. C, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve during the war with Mexico unless sooner discharged.

Our regiment was, fortunately, attached to Gen. Scott's army, who dared to invade the soil of the Montezumas and teach an arrogant foe the bloody lessons of war, and dictate to over six millions of people the terms of the Treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo.

After the close of that war we returned home with impaired health—many without friends and relatives; shattered with a disease, contracted in a strange country and a hot climate, which, in a few years after the war, had taken from their homes more than one-half of those who returned.

Some of our comrades have been fitly rewarded, by a grateful people, to the highest position in the gift of our people.

Gens. Zachariah Taylor, Frank Pierce and Ulysess S. Grant have been elected to the Presidency of the United States. Others, who, probably, were less ambitious, have found in the pursuit of private life a congenial occupation, and content with the reputation of their past deeds, desire to be known as citizens of good report and as veterans of the Mexican War.

The soldiers who fought through fire and blood from Vera Cruz to the capital of Mexico—a distance of nearly three hundred miles, which had to be fought foot by foot until the towers of the halls of Montezumas were stormed and taken, without a single retreat or defeat—have a just cause to be proud of their participation in that eventful struggle; and by their valor they subdued an insolent foe and greatly widened the area of nearly three hundred and sixty-four million acres of land to the government which called them to its assistance.

During this triumphant and memorable campaign, the author of this book kept a journal, and noted down every day's proceedings, from the first day of his enlistment until his honorable discharge in the city of Philadelphia, July 29, 1848.

Many a thing may have been written in this book, which young men will eventually do, which at this advanced age of sixty looks foolish, but it is, as far as my observation, all true.

It also gives me pleasure to mention (and my friends will so testify) that I never failed to answer to my name at rollcall (except ten days while lying sick at Pueblo City with diarrhœa and cold, &c.).

NOTE.—The long delay in presenting to the public this work was for the want of finances, and I thank God that he has spared my life to have raised sufficient funds to publish this book. Yours,

THE AUTHOR.

Chapter I

NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR.

CHAPTER I.

INTENTION AND ENLISTMENT—MUSTERED INTO THE UNITED STATES SERVICE—ELECTION OF FIELD OFFICERS—DEPARTURE FROM PITTSBURGH ON STEAMBOAT—ON THE OHIO AND MISSISSIPPI RIVERS—ARRIVED AT ALGIERS OPPOSITE NEW ORLEANS—ENCAMPED ON THE OLD BATTLE-FIELD OF GEN. JACKSON'S ACHIEVEMENT—EMBARKED ON BOARD OF SHIPS FOR THE SEAT OF WAR—ARRIVED AT BRAZOS SANTIAGO—LEFT AND ARRIVED AT ISLAND OF LOBOS—LEFT LOBOS FOR ANTON LIZARDO—ARRIVED AT ANTON LIZARDO—PREPARING TO LAND.

Friday, December 11, 1846.—To-day, after we arrived at Lewistown, Pa., Louis Bymaster and myself, also of that town, came to the conclusion to enlist in a soldier company to serve in the United States Army during the Mexican war. Mr. Bymaster wanted to join some dragoon company but I preferred the volunteer infantry. He then said that he, Bymaster, would follow me, and concluded to join the company now on our boat and go and stick together, if we lived, during the Mexican war.

Saturday, December 12, 1846.—This morning after we arrived at Huntingdon, Bymaster and myself had fully made up our minds to enlist in Capt. William F. Small's Co. C, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve during the war with Mexico, unless sooner discharged.

We mentioned our intention of enlistment to Mr. Bently (a member of the company), who took us into the cabin and introduced us to the Captain as new recruits. The Captain shook hands, and expressed himself highly pleased that we had made up our minds to join his company, and he hoped that we would never have occasion to regret it. The roll-book was then laid upon the table, after which we signed it. The Captain then again shook hands, congratulated us in a neat and well appropriate speech stating of our destination and prospect of triumphant victories in Mexico. Lieut. Aquilla Haines, who also was present, shook hands and said that he knew from our motive and activity on board of the boat that we would make good soldiers, and as long as we obey orders, as soldiers should do, we will find no better officer in the regiment. We then left the cabin of the boat and followed our usual occupation on the boat until we arrived at Hollidaysburg. During the day I informed my brother Frederick, who was also employed on the same boat, of what I had done and of my future destination. He seemed to be much surprised, and all he said was, well, I suppose you know your own business best, and all I can wish you is that you may keep your health, good luck, and a safe and triumphant return home again. The company of soldiers we have thus joined are entirely strangers to us, and we to them, they (with the exception of a delegation of eight men from Little York, who enrolled themselves at Harrisburg,) hailing from the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Louis Bymaster and myself are both from Lewistown, Pa., and will no doubt feel a little shyness for a while, but I hope before long, and particularly when we get into camp, we may be well acquainted and pleased with our choice.

Sunday, December 13, 1846.—This morning about 7 o'clock we arrived at Hollidaysburg, Pa., and for the first time took breakfast with the soldier company at Mr. Reynold's hotel. After breakfast I went back to the boat "Mary" to take a final good-bye of my brother and friends, and addressed them in these words, "Friends, I have enlisted and signed the United States muster roll to serve during the war with Mexico, and that I will not flinch or desert from it. Nay; I will go forward with the company, let the consequences be what they may, and fight for the good old State of Pennsylvania as long as my two arms swing." (Cheers.) "Again, I will state that you can all rest assured that I will not dishonor the old Keystone State. Nay, I will ever stand by its colors as long as there is breath of life within me." (Cheers.) After this I shook hands with all my friends, and instructed my brother Frederick about my private affairs. I then joined our company, took the cars and ascended the Allegheny mountains, up five plains and five down. When we arrived at the top of the first plain, I looked back on the magnificent scene. The valley dotted with farm houses, the foaming and rapid Little Juniata river below us, presented a glorious view to the delighted eye. After the cars were attached to the engine and started, I, with the wave of my hand, bade good-bye to the "Mary," early scenes and exploits on and along the Juniata river. We arrived at Johnstown, Pa., about 4 o'clock, P. M., and by the invitation of the citizens we partook of a good supper.

History tells us that Johnstown was called after Joseph Johns, a pushing, enterprising and liberal German citizen, who was also one of the first settlers in this section of the country. It is a lively little town, and I find that there is a great trade and business transacted here in trans-shipment of goods. After supper we left Johnstown on a canal boat, chartered to take the company to Pittsburgh. We have plenty of good straw to lay upon, and are passing our time first rate; some are singing our national songs, some are playing cards, and others are trying to sleep

Monday, December 14, 1846.—This morning, about 8 o'clock, we arrived at the beautiful little town called Blairsville. The citizens met us with drums and fifes, and escorted the company to the main square. Here we were divided into squads, and then taken to different hotels and private houses to breakfast. After doing justice to the free gift, we then strolled about town, finding it well laid out, and a fine bridge across the river named Conemaugh. The people are very clever and intelligent. The town was named after John Blair, one of the early pioneers of this section of the country.

The drums beat, we were ordered on board, and left Blairsville with three hearty cheers from the citizens on shore. On our way we passed Liverpool, Saltsburg, Lockport, and Leechburg. Saltsburg is an old village; it got its name from the salt works, which are plenty, and seemed to be in full operation. Leechburg is named after David Leech, one of the most enterprising citizens in Pennsylvania. He is the head man of the forwarding and commission line of David Leech & Sons. They have a line of canal boats and cars running between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. I had the pleasure of seeing the old gentleman, and he looks like a jolly, goodhearted man. During the day we mingled and conversed with the different members of the company, and we found them to be a social and jolly set of men, and expressed themselves well pleased with our coming into their company. We also called upon the Little York delegation, so called on account of their hailing from Little York, Pa. They are a fine set of young men, jocular and mirthful in manner, full of talk and wit. They wanted Bymaster and I to join their mess after we arrived at the camp-ground, New Orleans, but we made no promise. To-day being fine most of the company were walking on the tow-path, going into the beer and ginger-bread. Our journey to-day has been a weary one; nothing could be seen but rocks and hills surrounding us on every side. This evening the weather is growing colder, and I find our boat has a hard time in fighting its way through the ice. To-night our soldiers are wrapping themselves tightly up in their blankets and straw beds, and snoring.

Tuesday, December 15, 1846.—This morning after a cold night's journey we arrived at Freeport, here we got off the boat and formed into line on the tow-path, and then divided into squads, and were then taken to different private houses to breakfast, which was a good one, being one of the old fashion—buckwheat cakes, sausages and rye coffee.

After breakfast I viewed the village and found it to be a lively little place situated on the right bank of the Allegheny river; below it is a splendid aqueduct across a small stream called Buffalo creek. I also noticed different salt works in full force, and the people, like all along the route, are remarkably clever.

At 8 o'clock we were again ordered on board and left Freeport and passed the towns of Warren and Sharpsburg. Sharpsburg seems to be a flourishing town, and from what I can see there seems to be a great deal of business done. The people look like hardworking, enterprising and thrifty people. The scenery from here to Pittsburgh is beautiful. About noon we arrived in the city of Pittsburgh, and some of our men who never had been in Pittsburgh before were perfectly disgusted at the idea of staying in such a smoky city. After we got on shore and formed into line we marched to the wharf where we quartered in one of the large warehouses. This has dissatisfied and discouraged many of the soldiers; having no stoves or any place to make a fire. The weather being very cold makes it still more unpleasant for the boys. In the evening some of our members left the quarters and went to the hotels and boarding houses to get something to eat and a comfortable night's lodging. Myself having never been raised with a silver spoon in my mouth, and for the last six years having been used to lying on hard bunks and rough living, don't mind this kind of rough usage, and all these growlers will have to get over their fancy idea of living and get used to the hardships of soldier-life and living. To-night I had a chat with the Yorkers and they are laughing their fist full about these city fellows finding fault about our quarters and rations; they will all get used to it before the war with Mexico is over. I bet they will.

The following are the names of the Little York delegation: Peter Ahl, Henry Alburtus Welsh, Jacob Banner, William Eurick, Thomas Zeigle, Samuel Stair, Robert Patterson, William Patterson.

Wednesday, December 16, 1846.—This morning after we had something to eat, Bymaster, Welsh, Newman and myself promenaded through the principal streets of Pittsburgh, also to the packet boat landing, here we find that nearly all the soldiers belonging to the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers had arrived, which makes the streets full of soldiers. The ladies, and particularly the factory girls, seemed to be very sociable and talkative. They swell around the soldiers as if they were in love with them; they talk in a pitiful tone of the dangerous risk in time of war, and particularly in a foreign land to fight. About noon we returned to our quarters, when we were told to form into line, after which we marched to the American Hotel, where we partook of a splendid dinner served up at the company's expense, and after doing justice to the good eatables on the table we departed in broken ranks highly pleased with the food and also delighted with the proceedings. In the afternoon we walked along the wharves on the Ohio river side and found it to be one of the greatest business marts that I ever saw, it beats Philadelphia. Steamboats and canal boats were all busy in loading and reloading merchandise for the Western and Eastern markets.

In the evening a party of us soldiers visited the theatre, which was well attended by citizens and soldiers; when the play was about half over in rushes a party of rowdies and half drunken soldiers, going by the name of "Killers," of the district of Moyamensing, Philadelphia, belonging to Co. D, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, rushing in past the doorkeeper, entered the theatre, whooping and yelling like so many wild Indians. The police attempted to put them out when they cried out "Go in, Killers!" "Go in, Killers!" which caused a regular row, fighting and knocking one another down; finally quiet was again restored and the play went on without any more disturbance. In this row one of our members, named William Mullon, (not McMullin,) accidentally had his head badly cut in several places, and after the theatre was over we returned to our quarters and turned into our bunks.

Thursday, December 17, 1846.—This morning we received orders for all the soldiers to be in their quarters at 8 o'clock, sharp, which orders were obeyed. After we were all in, the Officer of the Day placed a guard at the front door with strict orders not to let any one of the soldiers out. At 10 o'clock, A. M., we were formed into line and then marched to some kind of a barrack; here we were ordered to halt until our names were called, when we were mustered into the United States service by Dr. King, a jolly old fellow, who made some mirthful and joking remarks to nearly every one he mustered.

After we were all mustered we were again ordered into line and marched back to our quarters, here we were addressed by Capt. Small, in a good and well appropriate speech, which was much admired and applauded by the company. Capt. Small I find is a ready off-hand speaker, full of wit, intellect and talent, as well as very active in his motions. We were then again dismissed and at liberty for the day. In the afternoon eight of us soldiers went over to Allegheny City and visited the large manufactories, and I assure you we had a good deal of fun and sport with the factory girls, and I would judge by their movements that some of the girls were in love with some of our soldiers; I said to one of the girls, that I thought it was a bad time to fall in love with the soldiers now, for remember Johnny is enlisted for the war with Mexico, and God knows whether he will live to return to his love. Many of these girls gave us their address, and we promised them that if we lived to return from the war to call upon them as they will be much pleased to see us and listen to the tales of the Mexican War. After shaking hands and k2 we left and visited several other large manufactories; at dusk we returned to our quarters, where we found our company busy in preparing tickets for to-morrow's election. Our company is, of course, solid for Capt. Small for Colonel of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; Samuel W. Black, of Pittsburgh, for Lieut.-Colonel, and Francis L. Bowman, of Wilkesbarre, for Major. To-night a party of rowdy soldiers holloaed and hurrahed for Wynkoop, of Pottsville, for Colonel. To-morrow will tell who is who. Good-night.

Friday, December 18, 1846.—This morning the soldiers were nearly all up by daylight getting themselves ready for the election for field officers of our regiment.

Our company, (C) will try their utmost efforts to elect Capt. William F. Small to the rank of Colonel of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and if not elected, that Captain and his friends are willing to submit to the majority.

At 10 o'clock, A. M., the election polls were opened, and generally, like at all other elections, fighting and knocking one another down was the order of the day. Some of our company fought like bull dogs if anyone said aught against Capt. Small. The row was kept up by the different parties concerned nearly the whole day.

In the evening at 6 o'clock the polls were closed, and there was a good deal of excitement going on while the votes were counted off, and everything appeared to look favorable for the election of Capt. Wm. F. Small to the Colonelship. This was the opinion of the majority of the officers, as well as the soldiers, who seemed to know something, but to our sad disappointment, when the official returns were read off it resulted in the choice of Francis M. Wynkoop, of Pottsville, for Colonel; Samuel W. Black, of Pittsburgh, for Lieut.-Colonel; Francis L. Bowman, of Wilkesbarre, Major; and Alexander Brown, of Philadelphia, appointed Adjutant of the regiment. The election of Wynkoop and Bowman causes great rejoicing among the country soldiers. About 10 o'clock this evening the officers elected were serenaded and made speeches suitable for the times, and Capt. Small was also called upon and said that he was not disheartened on account of his defeat, that he felt proud of the complimentary votes he received, and that he was going with his company and help to fight the battles in fi

Mexico; and he urged every soldier who voted for him to rally and to stick to the officers elected. (Great applause.)

The night was mostly spent in drinking, fighting, and walking and yelling around the streets of Pittsburgh, in fact, there was no use for anyone to go to sleep.

Saturday, December 19, 1846.—This morning I noticed several of our company and others having black eyes and cut heads, all from the election yesterday.

After we had our breakfast a party of us soldiers devoted our time to visiting several steamboats to ascertain which ones are chartered to take the soldiers to New Orleans, but failed to find anything out. So we left and visited the Pittsburgh Penitentiary and several other public buildings, such as the Western University, Court House, and the Western Theological Seminary in Allegheny City; from here is some of the most picturesque scenery in and around the immediate country.

At noon we returned to our quarters, and at 2 o'clock, p.m., we received orders to march to the American House to be paid off. Each soldier received twenty-one dollars, with a deduction of five dollars and fifty cents from each man for expenses incurred on our way to Pittsburgh, while ten cents would have paid for all that we got, for everything along the canal was given to the soldiers gratis by the citizens.

This caused a considerable fuss, as there seemed to be no account given of the appropriation made by the State of Pennsylvania for this express purpose. In the evening our company received an invitation to attend divine services to-morrow at 10 o'clock, a.m., which was accepted.

Late this evening I noticed several boxes of musketry in our quarters, and it was not long before they were opened and each soldier picked out and helped himself to a musket. They are all old flint muskets, marked Harper's Ferry, U. S.

Later, every soldier who had helped himself to a musket was ordered to put the musket back into the boxes, as they are not to be opened or used until we arrive at New Orleans; so there was another growling. To-night it commenced to snow and was very cold, which made the boys quiet, and they wrapped themselves up snugly in their blankets and straw beds.

Sunday December 20, 1846.—This morning, about 9 o'clock, we were formed into line, and after going through a little drill, Capt. Small stepped to the front and made a few complimentary remarks, hoping that every soldier will behave themselves as soldiers, after which we marched to the Presbyterian Church, which was well filled, no doubt from curiosity, and to have a good look at the soldiers. We were taken up to the front, where seats were provided for us, and seated, and listened to an excellent sermon, suitable for the occasion. Greatest decorum prevailed among the soldiers; in fact, the soldiers I noticed seemed to take a deep interest and listened silently to every word the minister spoke; and I also noticed that the fair and bright eyes of the ladies rested heavy upon most of our men during the ceremony. An orderly sergeant came into the church with a note from the Adjutant of our regiment to Capt. Small, calling him out. Here he received orders from the Adjutant to prepare his company for to leave Pittsburgh in the morning for New Orleans. The church looks like a well built one, and inside has a good imitation of marble blocks. The organ is a splendid piece of workmanship, very fine toned. The singing was exceedingly good; their anthem was "Gird on your Armor," which was sung by the whole choir, as well as by some of our soldiers. After church let out many of the people shook hands with nearly all of the soldiers, wishing us all good health, and God to be with us on our journey. In the afternoon the soldiers mostly took to carousing around the city and bidding good-bye to the citizens, telling them that we will be off for Mexico to-morrow. This evening a good many citizens came to our quarters, talking about Mexico and the many battles that will have to be fought before peace will be made. To-night most every man is busy in packing up and preparing to leave this smoky city for the seat of war. Some I notice are writing letters.

Monday, December 21, 1846.—This morning the soldiers were all up early, and busy in packing up their knapsacks. At 10 o'clock, a.m., we were formed into line, and after listening to a little speech from our Captain, we were ordered to march to the wharf and embark on board of one of the finest steamboats that runs on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, known by the name of "Messenger." Capt. Jas. Nagle's Co. B, also of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, came on board with us. There are two companies of soldiers allowed on each steamboat. There being ten companies in our regiment, it will, therefore, take five steamboats to take our regiment to New Orleans. After all the soldiers got on board of their respective steamers, we pushed off the shore amid the deafening cheers of the citizens on shore, and in return some of our men got a little cannon, placed it on the bow of the boat, and sent forth peals that shook the boats. The steamboats that had steam up blew their whistles as we passed them. We are now passing down the river, and are losing sight of Pittsburgh, but its black, smoking clouds could be seen for a long distance. On our way we passed the towns of Economy, Freedom, Rochester and Beaver.

Tuesday December 22, 1846.—This morning after breakfast I went on the hurricane deck to take a view of the beautiful Ohio river. The river is full of wild ducks and other wild game. The weather is cold, it is now snowing, but this don't seem to drive the soldiers off the hurricane deck. All are too anxious to see the steamboats running up and down the river. To-day we passed Newport, Marietta, Ohio; Parksburg and Belleville, Va. All quiet to-night.

Wednesday December 23, 1846.—This morning while we were eating breakfast, one of our men came running into the cabin and reported to us that there were several deer on the opposite side of the river bank. We, of course, hurried on deck for the purpose of seeing them, and sure enough, they were just leaving, running through the thicket woods. The Ohio river is full of floating ice and wild ducks. The weather to-day is fair, and the scenery is most delightful and very interesting, it not being so hilly or mountainous.

To-day we passed numerous little towns. Their names I failed to get. They are mostly all situated along the river shore, and some are well laid out and promise to tell well in the future. Many of the citizens along the river had the American flag flying over their house-tops and on poles in honor of us soldiers, and at many places we perceived the ladies waving their lily white hands and handkerchiefs from the doors, windows and house-tops of their humble cottages on shore, and no doubt from some of the fair damsels who has or had a near and dear friend in the American army.

The soldiers, I am glad to say, are all passing their time first-rate. There seems to be no quarreling or any ill feeling between them, in fact, they act more like so many brothers in place of strangers, for it will be remembered that Co. B, is from Pottsville, and our Co. C, from Philadelphia.

To-night I notice that most of our soldiers are passing their time in playing cards and singing.