had a new character to play, and it is certain they bleated more like sheep than any sheep in Mexico.

January 4th. Our men were marched eighteen miles to New Rhinosa,3 situated upon a high hill, about one mile from the Rio Grande, and containing 2000 inhabitants. Here great preparation had been made for the victor's triumphal entry. Triumphal [120] arches, made of reeds bound together, and decorated with parti-coloured handkerchiefs, calico, and ladies' shawls and petticoats, were thrown across the principal streets through which we passed, and from which appropriate mottoes of glory and honour were suspended. To make our surprise the greater, and impress us the more with the wonderful resources of the great nation, just as we entered the town, riding in company with the general and staff, the warriors of the Careese tribe of Indians, naked, with the exception of the breech-clout, and painted after their war fashion, suddenly popped into our path, at the same time giving the war-whoop and firing their guns in our faces. Then suddenly wheeling off to reload, the same manoeuvres were repeated several times. This excited mirth rather than surprise, and was followed by something more ridiculous still: about twenty little boys, between the ages of ten and fourteen, led by a little old man of sixty, who was not larger than a boy of twelve years old, all most fantastically dressed with different coloured handkerchiefs, and ribbands fixed about them, with small mirrors fastened upon their heads so as to form an obelisk of four sides. Each held in his hand a long-handled gourd, decorated with blue and yellow paper, with small gravel inside. They were attended by several fiddlers, and suddenly appeared before us, led by their old leader, dancing in regular time to the music, first upon one foot and then upon the other. They so [121] contrived, that while one foot was hopping to the music, the other was shaking to it, and the long-handled gourd and pebbles of each kept good time with the fiddles and the motions of the little old man. He would lead his little band close to our horses' heads, and as we advanced, by motion of his arms, his double file of juveniles would wheel off right and left, precede us thirty or forty yards, and perform the same manoeuvres over, always keeping good time in step and motion. Thus were we danced to our quarters about half a mile.

We remained here the 5th. Through the intercession of Padre De Lire, the priest of Comargo, Dr. Wm. M. Shepherd was taken out of the prison and permitted to accompany our party, which was kept with the general. The padre was informed that Dr. S. prevented his being fired upon as he was coming into our ranks previous to the surrender at Mier, for which he felt grateful; and he often evinced his gratitude by taking from his pocket a flask of brandy, vino mascal, and taking a drink with us. Here we left one of our men, by the name of M'Dade, who shortly after died.

January 6th. Marched to church to witness the ceremony of mass, accompanied