American authors have written so much about the Mexican war, that I
shall state nothing concerning it, except what is absolutely necessary
in giving a brief account of my own adventures--which, considering the
time and the place, were neither numerous nor in any way remarkable.
While in the service of the United States during that campaign, I was
the constant companion of Dayton. On the march and in the field of
strife, we rode side by side with each other.
We shared many hardships and dangers, and such circumstances usually
produce firm friendships. It was so in our case.
Dayton was a young man who won many friends, and made almost as many
enemies, for he took but little care to conceal his opinions of others,
whether they were favourable or not. Although but a private, he had
more influence among his comrades than any other man in the company.
The respect of some, and the fear of others, gave him a power that no
officer could command.
I did not see much of the war: as I was only in two actions--those of
Buena Vista and Cerro Gordo.
I know that some of the people of Europe have but a very poor opinion of
the fighting qualities of the Mexicans, and may not dignify the actions
of Buena Vista and Cerro Gordo by the name of battles. These people are
mistaken. The Mexicans fought well at Buena Vista, notwithstanding that
they were defeated by men, said to be undisciplined.
It has been stated in a London paper that the Mexicans are more
contemptible, as an enemy, than the same number of Chinamen. The author
of that statement probably knew nothing of either of the people he wrote
about; and he was thus undervaluing the Mexicans for no other reason,
than that of disparaging the small but brave army to which I belonged.
The Mexicans are not cowards. An individual Mexican has as much moral
and physical courage as a man of any other country. As a general thing
they have as little fear of losing life or limb as any other people.
"Why then," some may ask, "were they beaten by a few thousand American
volunteers?"
Without attempting to answer this question, I still claim that the
Mexicans are not cowards.
In the battle of Buena Vista I lost the horse obtained by exchange from
Dayton. The animal had been my constant care and companion, ever since
I became possessed of him; and had exhibited so much character and
intellect, that I thought almost as much of him, as I did of Dayton, my
dearest friend.
In my opinion, it is not right to take horses on to the field of battle.
I never thought this, until I had my steed shot under me--when the
sight of the noble animal struggling in the agonies of death, caused me
to make a mental vow never again to go on horseback into a battle.
This resolve, however, I was soon compelled to break. Another horse was
furnished me the next day--on which I had to take my place in the ranks
of my corps.
One day the company to which I belonged had a skirmish with a party of
guerilleros.
We were charging them--our animals urged to their greatest speed--when
Dayton's horse received a shot, and fell. I could not stop to learn the
fate of the rider, as I was obliged to keep on with the others.
We pursued the Mexicans for about five miles; and killed over half of
their number.
On returning to camp, I traced back the trail over which we had pursued
the enemy--in order to find Dayton. After much trouble I succeeded; and
I believe no person ever saw me with more pleasure than did Dayton on
that occasion.
The dead horse was lying on one of his legs, which had been broken. He
had been in this situation for nearly three hours; and with all his
exertions had been unable to extricate himself.
After getting him from under the terrible incubus, and making him as
comfortable as possible, I sought the assistance of some of my
companions. These I fortunately found without much trouble, and we
conveyed our wounded comrade to the camp. Dayton was afterwards removed
to a hospital; and this was the last I saw of him during the Mexican
war.
I had but very little active service after this: for my company was left
behind the main army; and formed a part of the force required for
keeping open a communication between Vera Cruz, and the capital of
Mexico.
The rest of the time I remained in the army, was only remarkable for its
want of excitement and tediousness; and all in the company were much
dissatisfied at not being allowed to go on to the Halls of Montezuma.
The duty at which we were kept, was only exciting for its hardships; and
American soldiers very soon become weary of excitement of this kind. We
were only too delighted, on receiving orders to embark for New Orleans.
On the Sunday before sailing out of the port of Vera Cruz, I went in
search of some amusement; and commenced strolling through town in hopes
of finding it. In my walk, I came across a man seated under an awning,
which he had erected in the street, where he was dealing "Faro." A
number of people were betting against his "bank," and I lingered awhile
to watch the game.
Amongst others who were betting, was a drunken mule-driver, who had been
so far unfortunate as to lose all his money--amounting to about one
hundred dollars.
The "MD"--as the mule-drivers were sometimes styled--either justly, or
not, accused the gambler of having cheated him. He made so much
disturbance, that he was at length forced away from the table by others
standing around it--who, no doubt, were interested in the game.
The "MD" went into a public-house near by; and soon after came out
again, carrying a loaded rifle.
Advancing within about twenty paces of the table where the gambler was
engaged, he called out to the crowd to stand aside, and let him have a
shot at the "skunk," who had cheated him.
"Yes," said the gambler, placing his hand on a revolver, "stand aside,
gentlemen, if you please, and let him have a chance!"
Those between them, obeyed the injunction in double quick time; and, as
soon as the space was clear enough to give a line for his bullet, the
gambler fired--before the "MD" had raised the rifle to his shoulder.
The mule-driver was shot through the heart; and the game went on!
We had an interesting voyage from Vera Cruz to New Orleans. The
hardships of the march and camp were over. Some were returning to home
and friends; and all were noisy--some with high animal spirits, and some
with strong ardent spirits, known under the name of _rum_.
There was much gambling on the ship, and many rows to enliven the
passage; but I must not tarry to describe all the scenes I have met, or
the narrative of the Life of a Rolling Stone will be drawn out too long
for the patience of my readers.
We landed in New Orleans, were paid what money was due to us, and
disbanded--each receiving a bounty warrant for one hundred and sixty
acres of land.
In the company to which I belonged, were some of my countrymen, who had
been in the English army; and I often conversed with them, as to the
comparative treatment of the soldiers of the English and American
armies. I shall give the conclusion we came to upon this subject.
A majority of English soldiers have relatives whom they visit and with
whom they correspond. The reader will easily understand that when such
is the case, thousands of families in the United Kingdom have more than
a national interest in the welfare of the army, and the manner its
soldiers are treated. The sympathies of the people are with them; and a
soldier, who may be ill-used, has the whole nation to advocate his
cause.
The majority of American regular soldiers are isolated beings--so far as
home and friends are concerned--and about the only interest the nation
at large takes in their welfare is, that they do their duty, and earn
their pay.
This difference is understood by the soldiers of both armies; and it has
its effect on their character.
In England, the army is regarded as an important part of the nation.
In the United States, it is not; but only as a certain assemblage of
men, employed by the people to do a certain work--for which they receive
good wages, and plenty of food: for in these respects, the American
soldier has an advantage over the English, almost in the ratio of two to
one!
Volume One, Chapter IX.