Thursday, May 18, 1848.—This morning blank cartridges were served to our company and, I believe, to all the companies in the volunteer division. At noon we were ordered to march out to the parade-ground to have a drill with blank cartridges; but, owing to the heavy rain just coming up, it was postponed until to-morrow.
This evening it is rumored that Lieuts. Isaac P. Hare and Benj. F. Button, both of the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, will be hung in the citadel or arsenal yard, city of Mexico, on the twenty-fifth of this month. This news has caused considerable excitement at San Angel and in the city, and particularly among the victim's friends, who are talking about getting up a petition, to be signed, for a pardon, they having both been brave and gallant officers.
Friday, May 19, 1848.—This morning, rumors that peace has passed the House. In the afternoon we marched out to the field to drill. During the firing of blank cartridges by the regiment, one of Capt. Binder's (Co. E) men shot away his ramrod, and came near shooting a Iepero, after which we marched back to our quarters.
Saturday, May 20, 1848.—This morning, by accident, the quarters of Co. A, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, were nearly destroyed by the explosion of some cartridges (about twenty-five pounds of powder). Two of the company were dangerously wounded and burned; their names are Sergt. Clark Bruton and Private Mason; they are not expected to live.
I forgot to note that on dress parade last evening the death sentence of Lieut. Hare and Adjt. Button was read. They are to be hung on the 25th inst.
In the evening the two unfortunate men who were so badly burned were taken to the hospital; they are not expected to live long, being burned almost to a crisp.
Sunday, May 21, 1848.—This morning there is no news and nothing doing; so a party of us went to the Orchard Groves.
At noon an extra paper came out from the city saying that
