8th.—This morning we had orders to start back to Chihuahua. After marching 25 miles reached the second ranch, and encamped.
9th.—Our Sergeant woke us all at two o’clock to get our breakfast, and make an early start. We travelled briskly 36 miles, and arrived at Chihuahua about four o’clock. Here we are again in the city, at our old quarters.
14th.—I have been employed in writing for our Surgeon, and others, for several days past. Yesterday we heard that Vera Cruz was taken by Gen. Scott. Twenty-eight rounds were fired by our artillery-men.
15th.—I witnessed to-day the mode of punishment among the Mexicans, and felt disgusted at the sight. Offenders are tied to a tree and severely lashed for different offences. I saw several whipped to-day for horse stealing. At night it commenced raining. The first rain since we have been in the city. I was too sick to perform the duty of sentinel.
16th.—The morning air being clear and cool I took a walk to relieve the excessive languor I feel. I have little or no appetite, and my spirits are very much depressed. I went to the American Hotel, where a great many questions were asked me. While there I read an advertisement of a grand ball to be given on Sunday, 18th, entrance $2. It is really distressing to contemplate the desecration of the Sabbath in this country. Oh! how I long to be once more in a truly christian land, and among congenial spirits.
Sunday, 18th.—Various exhibitions encountered at every step throughout the city to-day. Sunday as it is, gambling is the most prominent. At night the greater part of our men went to the ball.
19th.—Drew off some writing for our Doctor; afterwards, with a messmate, took a bath in the river—still quite sick, and nothing to eat, but poor beef, with bread and coffee. This stone floor is particularly hard to rest on.
24th.—I went with a Mexican to see the prison. He was very polite and accommodating; he took me through the cells, and showed me the blocks, and chains, handcuffs, lariats, &c. that had been prepared to keep all the prisoners safely, which they expected to have taken in the battle. They were to have been kept here until they could be marched on foot to the city of Mexico. But they counted their game a little too soon! The prison is the darkest and most gloomy place I ever saw.
Sunday morning, 25th.—Just as the church bells began to ring, our men geared up their mules, and at 11 o’clock, two companies started out of town with the artillery, and arrived about three o’clock at the first ranch.
26th.—An early start took us to the second ranch 25 miles. To-night our second battalion came up.