Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/481

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NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR.
475

At noon it was told that some of our regiment and the New Yorkers had stolen Gen. Cushing's horse last night from the quarters of the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.

This evening an advertisement was out, "Strayed or stolen a Mexican mustang, belonging to the volunteer division. Any person or persons giving such information as will lead to his recovery will be entitled to a ride to the city and back."

Signed,Gen. Cushing.

Everyone that read this went away with a hearty laugh, saying it was a pity that they didn't steal the General. The cry is, "Who stole the horse?"

Tuesday, February 1, 1848.—This morning most every soldier is cursing Gen. Cushing for stopping the diligence.

At noon several of the South Carolinaians and New Yorkers were arrested for being concerned in putting away Gen. Cushing's horse.

The city papers to-day are full of peace, and Lieut.-Col. S. W. Black told us that we would be on our way home in less than two months.

Wednesday, February 2, 1848.—This morning Alburtus Welsh and myself went over to Miscoac, a small village, about three miles from San Angel, and about the same distance from the city. Here is where Col. W. S. Harney hung the balance of the thirty-two Irish-American deserters, who were captured at Churubusco. They were executed on the 13th of September, the day the battle of Chapultepec was fought. As soon as the Castle fell, and our flag triumphantly swung over its strong fortress, Col. Harney told the deserters to cast their eyes toward the Castle of Chapultepec, and once more look upon our glorious flag that they had deserted. After which they were all hung on crosses already erected.

In an outskirt of the town we found the regulars were quartered, and everything around their quarters was neat and clean, and are kept very strict in discipline.

In walking around I was surprised to see the following piece of poetry posted up against a tree, which sentiments, I believe, are mostly true, as follows:—