18th.—On our way, very early, as usual—made 18 miles with a severe ear-ache, from which I have suffered almost constantly for several weeks past. Strolling out after the tents were fixed up, I saw some soldiers walking along with a man in front, whom I learned they were about to drum out of service. He proved to be a teamster, and not a volunteer. He had, without provocation, struck several Mexicans in Parras. The alcalde sending on an express to Gen. Wool for protection, induced Col. Doniphan to settle the business thus. He was made to walk before three armed men, behind whom, several bugles performed a doleful ditty. When they arrived at the outskirts, the Captain ordered a halt, and proclaimed that the man was drummed out of service for misbehavior. Whereupon he ordered the men in front to kick him. The punishment having been inflicted, the poor fellow was turned off, to find a shelter where he could.
11th.—To-night we are encamped at a ranch, almost overflowed with water which is coming down in a rush, in consequence of a heavy rain in the mountains. Made to-day 25 miles.
21st—Yesterday and to-day we pursued our journey without intermission. At night we encamped where Gen. Wool had stationed 1000 men as picket guard. We received a treat in the shape of nice American flour and mess pork, as rations.
22d.—I rode with several others to Gen. Wool’s camp. On the way we passed over the battle ground of Buena Vista, and saw the remains of hundreds of Mexicans thrown in heaps and covered over with cactus. These remained undisturbed by the wolves while they had disinterred our buried Americans and devoured them; these animals make a practice of keeping in the rear of our advancing armies, and always prefer eating our men after death to the Mexicans. I spent an hour in contemplating the desolations of war—picked up a few Spanish coins, a watch key, cross, &c., with several other little matters, as mementos. Gen. Wool’s quarters were to be seen in the distance. After spending an hour or two in his camp, I returned to our boys, whom I found assembled in a congregation, and Capt. Reid holding forth in a speech, trying all his might, to get some of our men to volunteer again, their term being nearly expired. This morning every preparation is made for the reception of Gen. Wool, who is expected to receive the command. All in right order, we marched out, the artillery in front, our company (the Chihuahua Rangers) next, and so on. As he rode up, the artillery-men fired a salute, and while passing along the lines with his escort, we had orders to “present arms.” After the parade was over, we were marched back to camp, where the General came to inspect the captured cannon, and see the black flag, taken at the battle of Sacramento. At night we drew rations of bacon and dried apples, which good things, some of our boys thought were given as a bribe to induce them to re-enlist.
Sunday, 23d.—We left at an early hour, and as we passed through Gen. Wool’s encampment, we turned over to him our American artillery, consisting of six pieces, received at Santa Fe. We retained the Mexican cannon, viz. 17 pieces taken at the battle of Sacramento, and one piece taken at Bracito, and marched on 12 miles to Saltillo, a large town among the mountains. The weather is warm and pleasant, and in right order we passed through, and proceeded on eight miles, we encamped at night in a wheat field. We saw to-day several deserted ranchos.
24th.—After a long and fatiguing march of 32 miles, we stopped at a deserted ranch to pass the night. In winding through the mountain pass to-day, we turned aside to see the fortifications which had been thrown up, to stop the progress of Gen. Taylor to Saltillo.
25th.—An early start, and fatiguing journey of 25 miles brought us within four miles of Monterey. From our camp we have a full view of the city and palace of the Bishop. All this day our road lay through the narrow pass of the mountains, one of which is volcanic, and has been burning for several years. A heavy rain descended to-night, drenching us completely, and in the midst of which a grave was dug for a poor soldier, who has been sick ever since we left Chihuahua.
26th.—Through a heavy wind we rode into town and stopped to see the citadel and wall so bravely scaled by our troops after the enemy was driven from their redoubts. From this palace, a lovely and extensive view of the city and surrounding country is presented. The southern fruits and flowers are growing in great luxuriance. After our men were satisfied with an inspection, we marched through the famous town of Monterey to Gen. Taylor’s camp, where we arrived at 12 o’clock. We found the old hero encamped in the woods. Immediately on our arrival he came to us, in company with Col. Doniphan, to see the trophies of our victories. I was fortunate enough to grasp the hand of the old General. In the afternoon several thousand pack mules were sent out with provisions for Gen. Wool.
27th.—At day-break the roll-call was called, and Capt. Hudson told us to saddle up, and get ready to start. All was in readiness, when orders came that we should be delayed till 12 o’clock. A few minutes before that hour Gen. Taylor with his escort rode up, and passed along the lines, with his hat off, to review us. We presented sabres, and then started on our way, the General escorting us some distance from his camp. After he left us, we pursued our march through a country well covered with hackberry and other trees. A long route of 32 miles brought us to a ranch, where we halted for the night.
28th.—Arrived at a deserted ranch late in the morning, after passing 40 miles over a most dreadful road. Being in the rear guard, I and eleven others, were obliged to assist the wagons up the hills, by pushing at the wheels. All along this route decaying bodies and skeletons of men, are lying. Some of the bodies still had their clothing on, and the stench was almost intolerable. The road was also strewed with mules, which had died in numbers on their way to Monterey.