In the afternoon a large train from Vera Cruz arrived in our camp, bringing a large mail for our army, but, as usual, none for Jake. This train is loaded with provisions and ammunition for our division; it also brings the wounded soldiers who were left at Plan del Rio after the battle of Cerro Gordo, and it gives me pleasure to say that all of our gallant soldiers are doing as well as could be expected. They report that a good many of our wounded died at Plan del Rio. The boys who got letters from home speak in the highest terms of our army in capturing Vera Cruz. What will they say or write when they hear of the great victory over Gen. Santa Anna, at the battle of Cerro Gordo.
Wednesday, April 28, 1847.—This morning I don't see much of any importance going on, except that several New Yorkers were put in the guard-house for robbing a ranch and breaking and destroying all the things in it, also for disorderly and un-soldier-like conduct in camp. In fact, nearly all the New Yorkers have acted very badly and disorderly for some time. Fighting among themselves is a common occurrence; they think nothing of forming a ring and trying one another's muscles, and beating one another like so many brutes.
At noon, a report came that two American soldiers were killed a day or two ago, near Puento Nacional, the unfortunate men were unarmed, and the ruffians pounced upon them without fear. Americans on the road in Mexico have no business traveling without arms.
Thursday, April 29, 1847.—This morning several parties started out after pollitos, carne, etc., and on the way, they fell in with a party of rancheros or guerillas, who are lurking around the country for the purpose of kidnapping our men who venture beyond the camp. The result was, that our men had a fight with the guerillas and several of our men were killed; after which, they returned to camp, and reported the above facts, which caused a good deal of excitement in their respective companies and regiments.
