K, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, was detailed to kill beef and bring it to Jalapa City, after which we left and arrived at Jalapa in the afternoon. In fact, before we got to the city the boys broke ranks and all rushed for the orange groves along the road.
This evening, at 8 o'clock, the beef party came in to our quarters, bringing plenty of the finest and fattest cattle.
To-night, one of Co. B, Second Artillery, was stabbed by a Mexican. The Alcalda promises to go for the would-be assassin in the morning.
Sunday, November 7, 1847.—This morning is splendid, and there is a large and splendid market here. I saw some of the best of fruits, the finest pineapples I have ever seen, and the best flavored; price, one picayune, and oranges ten for a claco.
At noon, the advance came in, which was Col. Jack Hays' regiment, or five companies of Texan rangers. The first wagon came in at 2 o'clock, p.m., and in the evening the rear was not yet in town. This is the largest train that has left Vera Cruz for the city of Mexico; it is accompanied by a Baltimore brass battery, commanded by Capt. Lloyd Tilghman.
Monday, November 8, 1847.—This morning. Gen. Patterson's train left the city for the old camp-ground, about three miles from the city, where it will remain and rest for the present, there not being room enough for all the troops and wagons in town, and at noon, we received orders to move from our present quarters to the National Guards' armory, which fronts on the main plaza, as the church or college is to be occupied by the sick and wounded soldiers for a hospital. All day the city was one bustle with troops and wagons, which made things look like business around the city. The last train from Vera Cruz brings the Fifth Ohio regiment, which was out last year under Gen. Z. Taylor. They went home, reorganized and came out again. I should think they have seen the elephant on the Rio Granda (Great river), if not, they will surely see him on Gen. Scott's route before they get home again. The fleas must have followed the fresh Yankees, just arrived, as the last time
