file of infantry with fixed bayonets, and on the outside of them were cavalry. In the rear, also, a large body of cavalry was kept in reserve. In this order, the march was conducted at a rapid pace, without allowing our men to stop for water, for which they suffered greatly, not having means to pack it. They, not being used to walking, and having been shut up in a close room for the last five days previous, suffered greatly with sore feet and fatigue. That night they reached the Rio St. Juan, opposite the town of Comargo, and encamped, with but little fuel; consequently, they had small fires, and a most bleak norther blowing. [118] Our men suffered greatly here: all their blankets, worth taking, had been stolen by the cavalry; and when the fires would burn down, they, to keep themselves warm, would rake away the burning coals, and lay in piles in the ashes. We have frequently observed what an exhilarating influence the French language has upon men when in the worst physical condition. Those who understood that language would appear happy under its spirit-stirring airs, while our John Bull natures would compromise with nothing but full rations; and I believe that there are patriotic Frenchmen who would keep as fat upon a bottle of claret and the Marseilles hymn, as some of the English breed would upon the hind-quarter of a bullock.

January 1st. Our men were crossed over the Rio St. Juan into the town of Comargo, which is a beautiful place, containing about three thousand inhabitants, situated immediately upon the south side of the river, and six miles from its entrance into the Rio Grande. Here commenced the grand menagerie show of our prisoners, which was kept up during their zigzag march of fifteen hundred miles through Mexico. Our men were marched through the town and around the military square under the ringing of bells, firing of crackers and guns, and the "vivas" of the populace. A large number of small children, of both sexes, carried round the town, and in front of our men, long rolls of paper pasted together, upon which were painted [119] the most bombastic and ridiculous mottoes, such as "Glory and gratitude to the brave Canales" - "Eternal honour to the immortal Ampudia," &c. Our men were placed in three separate prisons, where they remained until the next day. Colonel Fisher, myself, Adjutant Murry, and the small boys were quartered at the house of Don Trinedad, a kind and hospitable man, who showed us every attention in his power.

January 2d. Marched ten miles to a rancho, where our men were herded in a cow-pen for the night; and though they were suffering from sore feet, occasioned by the first day's march, yet there were some among them who would have their fun. Being herded in a cow-pen like so many cattle, the fun-makers were determined to complete the character. They would get down upon their all-fours, bow their necks, paw up the dirt, and low like bulls, to the no small astonishmentof their captors.

January 3d. Our men were marched twenty-one miles to old Rhinosa, over a fine tract of country, and here herded in a sheep-pen. Here, too, the comedians