The Mexicans are not cowards. An individual Mexican has as much moral and physical courage as a man of any other country. As a general thing they have as little fear of losing life or limb as any other people. "Why then," some may ask, "were they beaten by a few thousand American volunteers?" Without attempting to answer this question, I still claim that the Mexicans are not cowards. In the battle of Buena Vista I lost the horse obtained by exchange from Dayton. The animal had been my constant care and companion, ever since I became possessed of him; and had exhibited so much character and intellect, that I thought almost as much of him, as I did of Dayton, my dearest friend. In my opinion, it is not right to take horses on to the field of battle. I never thought this, until I had my steed shot under me--when the sight of the noble animal struggling in the agonies of death, caused me to make a mental vow never again to go on horseback into a battle. This resolve, however, I was soon compelled to break. Another horse was furnished me the next day--on which I had to take my place in the ranks of my corps. One day the company to which I belonged had a skirmish with a party of guerilleros. We were charging them--our animals urged to their greatest speed--when Dayton's horse received a shot, and fell. I could not stop to learn the fate of the rider, as I was obliged to keep on with the others. We pursued the Mexicans for about five miles; and killed over half of their number. On returning to camp, I traced back the trail over which we had pursued the enemy--in order to find Dayton. After much trouble I succeeded; and I believe no person ever saw me with more pleasure than did Dayton on that occasion. The dead horse was lying on one of his legs, which had been broken. He had been in this situation for nearly three hours; and with all his exertions had been unable to extricate himself. After getting him from under the terrible incubus, and making him as comfortable as possible, I sought the assistance of some of my companions. These I fortunately found without much trouble, and we conveyed our wounded comrade to the camp. Dayton was afterwards removed to a hospital; and this was the last I saw of him during the Mexican war. I had but very little active service after this: for my company was left behind the main army; and formed a part of the force required for keeping open a communication between Vera Cruz, and the capital of Mexico. The rest of the time I remained in the army, was only remarkable for its want of excitement and tediousness; and all in the company were much dissatisfied at not being allowed to go on to the Halls of Montezuma. The duty at which we were kept, was only exciting for its hardships; and American soldiers very soon become weary of excitement of this kind. We were only too delighted, on receiving orders to embark for New Orleans.