A campaign in MexicoScribner, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin)
History
A campaign in Mexico
Scribner, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin)
Mexican War, 1846-1848 -- Personal narratives
account of the irregularities of the road. The difficulties of the
journey were greatly augmented by the depth and tenacity of the mud,
which kept us plunging about, and to our great consternation, causing
us to spill the precious liquid.
“From this description you may think we had a cheerless trip. It was
not so. All was characterized by good humor. We started out crying
the lead, ‘a quarter less twain,’ until we exhausted the vein; then
turning military, the command was given, ‘guide right, cover your file
leader, left, left, left,’ &c. The novelty of the scenery and _genial
influences_ of the sun,--for I know of no other cause,--gradually
excited our minds as we proceeded through the quiet wave, and inspired
us to more noble and exalted demonstrations. Glory became the subject
of our song. Touching quotations from the poets, and inflamed,
impressive recitations, from ardent, patriotic orators and statesmen,
were resorted to, expressive of the high aspirations with which we
set out upon this glorious campaign. We then in lower tones spoke
of the realization of these day-dreams. With feelings thus awakened
we continued our wade. As we approached the land, whether it was
owing to a sensitive feeling upon the shoulders, a general physical
debility, the interesting associations, or the lulling murmur of the
ripples in our wake, I pretend not to say; at any rate ‘a change came
over the spirit of our dreams.’ Our minds reverted to the pleasing
recollections of home. The departed shades of good dinners, and clear,
cool refreshing drinks, rose before us, seducing our appetites from
coarser fare. Thus ended our trip, which, from our own reflections, and
the ludicrous contrasts of the present with the past, wound up with the
heartiest merriment. Safely landed, we drained our boots and proceeded
to tent No. 1., where the water was received by our thirsty messmates
with countenances expressive of joy and satisfaction.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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