A campaign in MexicoScribner, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin)
History
A campaign in Mexico
Scribner, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin)
Mexican War, 1846-1848 -- Personal narratives
“Yesterday several of us visited a cotton factory not far from the
camp, which is owned by a Scotchman, who conducts the concern with
ability. There are fifty girls employed, several of whom are from the
States. The machinery was imported from New York.
“We have just received word to garrison the city, in place of General
Worth’s division. Yesterday they started on their way to join General
Scott. The 3d regiment has already started, so I must postpone
finishing till we are moved.
“_18th._--During the interval between these dates, I have been so
employed, that I have not been able to finish these notes. We have
so many duties to perform, that there are few leisure moments indeed
for writing. One hundred men are detailed from each of the Indiana
regiments for guard; besides others to work on the fortifications. Last
night our company was on patrol. We were up all night traversing the
streets and alleys, and every suspicious corner in the city. But there
is so much excitement connected with these duties, that we greatly
prefer them to the monotony of camp life.
“We are now pleasantly situated, having comfortable quarters and good
provisions. The Greys sustain that character which they so proudly bore
at home. Yesterday General Butler remarked to his aid-de-camp, while on
brigade drill, that we were the finest volunteer company he had seen
in the service. Our belts were perfectly white, and our arms brightly
burnished, which made the contrast so perceptible.
“The city of Saltillo is situated on the side of a hill. It has narrow
streets and side walks, which are roughly paved with stone. The houses
are built of stone and mud bricks, whitened over on the outside with
plaster. They have flat roofs. The city boasts of two cathedrals, a
nunnery and four plazas. In the centre of the plazas are fountains
continually playing from the centre of large basins.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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