Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/203

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NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR.
197

Sunday, June 27, 1847.—This morning news is afloat that the train is now coming for sure. No doubt of it, but it may be a good ways off; although it is hourly looked for, it being now overdue,

At noon a foraging party, accompanied by Capt. Samuel Walker and his company, started out to a small town, about ten miles from here, where it is reported that there is some corn and barley stored.

In the evening they returned, bringing with them flour, corn, barley and some poultry. They report that there is plenty of provisions in the country.

In the evening there were several more buried from the hospital. They are getting so numerous that I begin to get tired of talley. No train or sign of any train coming. Where is it?

Monday, June 28, 1847.—This morning Col. Thomas Childs, of the United States Artillery, with a small division left their camp for Puebla. The Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers goes with them, they also took ammunition and specie along. We were all wishing the Paymaster had paid us poor soldiers off before we left.

The train consists of about two hundred and fifty wagons, all loaded with ordnance stores. It is now supposed by our officers that the express rider was captured by the guerillas between this place and Puebla. We have a report that there is a large force of guerillas and lancers between Tepegahualco and Amozoquco. These guerillas have no doubt heard of our specie going up to Puebla, and will without a doubt make a desperate effort to capture the train, but Col. Childs left here well prepared to meet any emergency of an attack. Two batteries of Capt. Steptoes accompanies the train with plenty of grape and canister; a kind of pills the Mexicans don't like. We were all wishing that we could have went along and be in the fight.

In the evening five soldiers were buried from the hospital. Like the rest, they sleep the sleep that knows no waking.