29th.—The road is only interesting from association. Many a brave man has passed it never to retrace his steps. Six miles from our last stopping place we reached Seralvo. Here we found a regiment of volunteers on the march to join Gen Taylor. We waited till the afternoon to feed our horses and mules; then marched 14 miles to another deserted ranch and stopped to sleep. We saw, on our way many ranchos and villages tenantless and destroyed. While we were at Seralvo, a Mexican was caught, who belonged to the gang that murdered the teamsters, and burned up 150 wagons, which were on their way to the army. At three o’clock, he was brought out in the plaza, and placed against the wall. A file of six men, (the Texian Rangers,) stood some ten yards off. The prisoner was told by the Colonel that his time was at hand. He was then ordered to turn his back. This he not only refused to do, but struck fire and lighted his cigar. The word was given—all fired—and he fell dead. Three balls entered his breast, and three his head. A Texian, whose brother had been murdered in the wagon train, gave a five dollar gold piece to take the place of one who was chosen to do this melancholy business.
EXECUTION OF A MEXICAN CHIEF.
Sunday night, 30th.—We have stopped at a town called Mier. I felt very weary after a travel of 36 miles. This place is notorious on account of a battle that was gained by the Texians. Our Rangers were highly elated in the thoughts of their success and they became so drunk that the defeated Mexicans took them prisoners, and marched them off to the city of Mexico. So much for the sale of rum. We met with a cordial reception at this place.
31st.—We encamped in sight of Camargo at two o’clock to-day. We crossed the river St. Pon in a ferry boat, which was pulled by means of ropes. The crossing occupied about two hours, when our troops and artillery were landed. This town is well fortified. It is the principal depot for supplies to the army, which come up this river in small steamers. River water is drank, although rendered very filthy by the carcasses of mules and horses, which are thrown into it. To-day one poor fellow was buried, who had been sick a long time. Many a hard jolt in the rough wagon, and hour of thirst and weariness had he—but he sleeps quietly and peacefully in his lonely rest on the banks of the St. Pon.
June 1st.—On our way to the Rio Grande, this morning one of our men was shot by a party of Mexicans, who had concealed themselves in the bushes. He was riding alone, when he was fired upon. The charge entered his hand and breast, and he fell dead. Capt. Reid at the head of 50 men, went after the murderers, and soon returned with six of them. They are to be kept in close confinement.
2nd.—Our officers were in an unpleasant dilemma. They did not know how to dispose of the prisoners, and after some debate, they concluded to turn them loose. A file of soldiers was detailed for that purpose. They took them some miles off, and soon returned, announcing that they had turned them loose. At 4 o’clock we left, and travelled all night through a thick forest of muskeet trees and brushwood. About sunrise we arrived at Columbus, where we found several steamers ready for us. Many of us were miserably disordered from our weary midnight march. We encamped on the Rio Grande. This evening our cannon was sent down the river two miles to be shipped.
3d.—Orders were received at an early hour for the troops to bring forward their saddles, rigging, &c., to be valued. A most unsightly mass was soon presented, the dilapidated articles were gathered in a heap. Our Sergeant gave notice he should value them as condemned property, it being impossible to transport them. A large fire was then made, and all were consumed. Our horses were placed in charge of a Mr. Van Bibber, who for a stipulated sum engaged to drive them through Texas to Missouri, and leave them at any point we might designate. We walked a mile to the beach, where several steamers awaited us. The sick went immediately on board. Two or three companies started, while the rest of us were detained till very late to assist in shipping the cannon. Orders were given that we should remain all night, so we went again on shore, spread our blankets on the beach, and spent the night rather uncomfortably.
4th.—It commenced raining at 3 o’clock this morning. After eating a breakfast of coffee and a few hard crackers, we hurried on board the steamer. Here we found both cabin and deck crowded with men. Our little steamer started in the midst of a heavy rain, rendering every thing exceedingly unpleasant. Night came on and no cooking could be done, so we went on shore, erected our tents, ate our suppers and rested quietly through the night.
5th.—The bell rang at 3 o’clock for us to come on board which we accomplished in the course of an hour. One fellow being rather slow, was left behind, but he regained the boat before she had gone two miles. Fortunately for him an accident happened to the wheel, which was found to be broken, thus detaining us for repairs several hours. We did not reach Matamoras till two o’clock. Here we stopped but a very few minutes, and proceeded on till sunset. The boat now stopped to take in wood, and the Captain informed us that he should leave at moonrise. We laid down on deck on our blankets.