Knox County, Ohio - Chapter 30: Knox County in the Mexican War, 1881

Chapter 30: Knox County in the Mexican War

THE TEXAS WAR - COLRICK'S COMPANY - BEGINNING OF THE WAR WITH MEXICO - ORGANIZATION OF OHIO REGIMENTS - ORGANIZATION OF A COMPANY AT MOUNT VERNON - THE OPERATION OF THE TROOPS IN MEXICO - GENERAL MORGAN'S ADDRESS - MUSTER ROLLS.

the United States, and twenty thousand of our citizens, some of them our ablest and bravest men, became citizens of that beautiful land. Prominent among the emigrants were Stephen F. Austin of

Between the mongrels of Mexico, composed of a cross between the Spaniards, Aztecs, and Negroes, and the proud race of the Americans, fused into one people out of the aggressive blood of the Teutons and the Celts, a conflict was inevitable.

Never in the world's history was there brought together twenty thousand men with a larger amount of intellect, ambition, and intrepidity than was possessed by the first American colonists in Texas.

Coahuila and Texas were separate States 'under one legislature and one governor. The Texans claimed certain privileges which were denied them by the Mexicans, and a revolt was the result.

At the head of a considerable force Santa Anna rapidly advanced against Fort Alamo, held by Colonel W. B. Travis, with one hundred and forty men, among whom were David Crocket and the redoubtable James Bowie. The fort was situated near the San Antonio, which flows through a country as lovely as the garden of Eden.

Samuel Houston, the commander in chief of the army of Texas, sent orders for Travis to fall back. The order was disobeyed and the utter destruction of Travis and his command was the result. The siege continued from the twenty-third of February, 1836, until the sixth of March, when the place was carried by storm. When the enemy entered the fort but six of its defenders were found alive, and among them were Crocket and Bowie, who, after a desperate defence, were butchered as their comrades had been. A Mrs. Dickinson and a colored servant were the only persons left alive.

These tragedies thrilled the whole country with horror, and a desire for vengeance. Nor was vengeance long delayed. Houston had advanced beyond the Colorado, but had previously selected his battle ground on the San Jacinto. Against the protests of Colonel Sherman and the Whartons he re-crossed the Colorado, and moved towards the field selected by him. He was without artillery, and he received intelligence that two six pounders sent to him from Cincinnati through the instrumentality of William M. Corry and Robert Lytle, had been landed in Texas and were en route to join him under the command of Captain George Lawrence, and on the tenth day of April, 1836, the re-inforcements of Lawrence reached Houston's army, which numbered seven hundred and eightythree, all told.

The plain of San Jacinto was bounded on three sides by the river of that name, and Buffalo Bayou, and on the fourth side by a forest which was occupied by Houston. As soon as the rear guard of Santa Anna had crossed the bridge over Buffalo bayou, Houston dispatched Deaf Smith, the Henry Birch of the Texan revolution, to destroy the bridge, and thus cut off Santa Anna's retreat. The bridge was destroyed, the operation being masked by the tall grass which covered the prairie, which afterwards concealed the advance of Houston against Santa Anna.

At noon on the twenty-first of April, while the Mexicans were at dinner, Houston advanced to the attack and took Santa Anna by surprise. When discovered, the Texans raised their fierce battle-cry, "Remember the Alamo!" "Remember Goliad!" and rushed to the assault. The fight was short, quick and terrible. The enemy fired a few volleys from their cannon''and Houston was struck on the ankle with a copper grape shot as he was leading and bowie-knife, and closed in on the butchers of the Alamo and the assassins of Goliad. From first to last the fight occupied but seventeen minutes. The Mexican loss in killed and wounded was fiftyfive greater than Houston's whole force, and he took as many prisoners as he had soldiers; while the Texan loss was only eight killed and twentyfive wounded.

While a prisoner, Santa Anna made a treaty of peace which the government of Mexico not only refused to ratify, but commenced the organization of a large army for the second invasion of Texas. It was then, summer of 1836, that Sam Houston appealed to the citizens of the United States for assistance. The Texans were blood of our blood, and hoped to become once more citizens of the Union. The flag which floated over the one hundred and forty heroes of the Alamo was composed of one solitary star and thirteen red and white stripes; they died fighting to add that star to our national constitution.

Citizens of many of the States responded to Houston's call. Charles Colerick of Knox county, organized a rifle company, of which he became the captain, and the muster roll of his company as well as of the companies commanded by Captain Harle, ten years afterwards will follow this narrative.

Colerick rendezvoused at Louisville, Kentucky, with the companies of Captain G. H. Burroughs of Zanesville, Ohio, and of 'Captain Thomas J. Morgan, organized in Washington, Pennsylvania. Colerick's men were uniformed in green; those of Burroughs' in Scotch plaid, and Morgan's men in blue. The three companies embarked in a covered flat-boat, propelled by the current, for New Orleans, and the starry banner of the Union, and the "lone star" of Texas floated side by side over the prow of the boat.

While the flat-boat was lying to at a wood yard. on the Mississippi, a superb steamer bound for St. Louis, came steaming in for wood. In malicious sport the steamer struck the flat-boat with sufficient force to cause a violent jar. The ready wit of Colerick turned the affair to practical account. Water was pumped out of the boat on one side, and filled with camp kettles on the other. The three captains repaired with a guard to the steamer and a demand was made for reparation, and the captain was given to understand that his boat would not be allowed to proceed until satisfaction was made. The captain, clerk, and carpenter of the steamer repaired to the flat-boat where they found men working the pumps. A sufficient sum was paid as damages to enable the three companies to take the first down-going steamer as_ passengers. At New Orleans acompany from Norfolk, Virginia, was awaiting transportation for Texas. In a few days the four companies were embarked on a Bangor brig, and after a long and - boisterous passage, the vessel all battered and torn, safely anchored in Matagorda bay.

To camp Independence, for it was so called, the newly arrived troops marched; and were entranced by the loveliness of the scene which surrounded of brilliant wild flowers; the air seemed filled with beautiful birds, whose plumage bore all the tints of the sun, and here and there were wandering herds of deer not yet familiar with the crack of the hunter's rifle. Shortly after the arrival of the re-enforcements a new regiment was organized, and Joseph Rogers, an octogenarian, now residing in Madison, Indiana, was made colonel. This disappointed Colerick, who possessed the soldierly qualities of courage, energy and ambition, and aspired to the colonelcy. Sometime after the honorable discharge of his company, Colerick returned to Ohio, but died at Cincinnati on his way home. It is said that Lieutenant Lemon, now a ranchero in Texas, is the only member of Colerick's company now residing in that State. Indeed very few of them are alive. Among the survivors is Sergeant Lorenzo Jones, now employed at a great old age as teamster of Mr. Christian Keller of Mt. Vernon; George McKee, another of Colerick's men is still alive and a well-to-do farmer of Coshocton county.

Ten years passed away and the independence of Texas had not been recognized by Mexico, and was not so recognized until Texas was acknowledged as one of the States of the American Union by the treaty of peace between the United States and Mexico, entered into in the summer of 1848. France, England, and the United States had long before acknowledged Texan independence, but Mexico preserved her attitude of hostility until peace was conquered by the capture of her capital.

In 1844, on the issue of the annexation of Texas, Van Buren was thrown overboard at Baltimore, and Polk and Clay became the opposing candidates for President. March 1, 1845, the joint resolutions of the Congress of the United States, favoring the annexation of Texas, were approved by the President. On the fourth of June following, the President of Texas issued a proclamation suspending hostilities with Mexico; the next month joint resolutions were unanimously passed by both branches of the Texan legislature favoring annexation; and on the twenty-seventh of December, 1845, Texas was admitted into the Union.

Mexico was defiant, and prepared for war. Early in the spring of 1846 a squadron of dragoons, commanded by Captains Hardy and Thornton, was captured near the Rio Grande, and carried into Mexico as prisoners. This act was the inauguration of the war.

The brilliant victories achieved by Taylor at Palo Alta and Resaca de la Palma on the eighth and ninth of May, thrilled the country with enthusiasm, and there was a general cry, to arms! Congress authorized the President to organize fifty thousand volunteers, and an appropriation of ten million was voted to maintain the integrity of the Union.

Ohio was called on for three regiments of infanty, and Governor Bartley issued a proclamation calling for volunteers. Samuel R. Curtis was appointed adjutant general of the State, and Benjamin F, Brice was made assistant adjutant general, both of whom were men of military training, and were graduates of West Point.

A meeting was called in Mount Vernon to consider the necessary steps to be taken to organize a company. Daniel S. Norton was called to the chair, and addressed the meeting on taking his seat. LL. W. Strong, Eli Miller, and Hosmer Curtis were appointed vice-presidents. The meeting was further addressed by John K. Miller, J W. Vance, Caleb J. McNulty, Captain G. W. Morgan, A. Banning Norton, and Major William A. Hoey According to the Zimes, the organ of the Whigs of Knox, "there was considerable division in the meeting, the Whigs being opposed to the manner in which the Government went into the war, though they were ready to say, 'Our country, right or wrong."

The Second brigade Third division Ohio militia, called out by Brigadier General G. A. Jones, was formed on the flat facing on High street, and west of where is now the track of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. The brigade was massed and addressed by Captain Morgan. The same afternoon, those who proposed to volunteer assembled in the court house to organize. By a unanimous vote George W. Morgan was elected Simon B. Kinton was chosen first lieutenant, and Thomas P. Morton second lieutenant. Caleb J. McNulty enlisted as a private soldier. Although only in his thirtieth year he had achieved a national reputation. He thrice represented Knox county in the Ohio legisluture; had been clerk of the lower house of Congress; and was the Democratic candidate for that body against Columbus -Delano, the Whig candidate, in 1844. Mr. Delano was elected by a majority of twelve votes. Mr. McNulty had the faculty of intuition to an extraordinary degree, and was one of the first popular orators of bis day. He did not live to see Mexico, but died a victim of intemperance on the steamer which bore the right wing of the Second Ohio volunteers to New Orleans. The boat stopped in the night at Memphis to obtain a coffin, and the next morning poor Mc- Nulty was buried at the foot of a grand old oak near Helena, Arkansas.

Daniel S. Norton, jr., son of Colonel Daniel S. Norton, who was prominently active in the organization of the 'Young Guard" was also a private in that company. Young Norton said to his captain, "I would like to become an officer, and if I cannot do that, it will be my ambition to become the best soldier in the company." He was then probably seventeen years of age. He did make a good soldier, but contracted a malignant disease in consequence of which he was honorably discharged. He afterward studied law with Rollin C. Hurd, and finally removed with his fellow student, W. H. Windom, to Minnesota, from which State he was sent as a Republican to the Senate of the United States, where, in the struggle over the reconstruction laws, he acted with the Republican Senators

Cowan, Trumbull, Doolittle, and Rose, and sustained the policy of Andrew Johnson, and voted against his conviction on his trial before the Senate. Senator Norton was a man of fine intelligence and marked independence of character. He died before the expiration of his term of service in the Senate, and W. H. Windon, the present Secretary of the Treasury, became his successor.

Another private in the "Young Guard" was Robert B. Mitchell. He was made quartermaster sergeant in Morgan's regiment, and second lieutenant in Captain Harle's company in the Second Ohio, reorganized. He removed to Kansas, and on the breaking out of the civil war, organized, and became colonel of the First Kansas infantry; and distinguished himself in the action at Wilson's creek, Missouri. He was afterward made brigadier general, and governor of New Mexico, and now resides in Washington, District Columbia.

During ten successive days after the organization of his company Captain Morgan drilled his men eight hours each day. One-half of that time was exclusively given to the school of the soldier. The company was composed of excellent material, and made rapid progress in drill and discipline.

On Saturday the sixth of June, 1846, the ladies of Mt. Vernon, through Colonel D. S. Norton, presented the ""Young Guard" with a flag, upon the folds of which their names were inscribed, and a few shreds of this old banner are still in possession of General Morgan who received them.

The company then took up its line of march for Columbus, accompanied for some distance by a large concourse of citizens, and was greeted with banquets along the route; and on Sunday afternoon was escorted into Columbus by the companies of Captains Walcott and Latham.

The general rendezvous of the Ohio troops was at Camp Washington, near Cincinnati, where thirty-eight companies soon assembled, and others were ready to march from different parts of the State. So fierce was the desire to go to the field that an armed collision seemed inevitable and was only prevented by the address of Brigadier General John E. Wool, of the United States army, who superintended the mustering into the United States' service. The Ohio regiments were organized as follows:

When Morgan was made colonel, Simon B. Kenton was elected captain and Charles D. Miller was elected first leutenant of company "B," formerly known as the "Young Guard." Some time later Kenton was assigned to the duty of assistant quartermaster and private James E. Hade was elected captain. Arrived in Mexico, every regiment of every State was eager to go to the front; every man in the language of the camp wanted "a chance." General Taylor organized regiments into brigades according to their numbers. The First Ohio and First Kentucky formed the brigade of General Hamer, while the Second Ohio and Second Kentucky formed the brigade of General Thomas Marshall (not Thomas F. who was a captain of cavalry). This equitable adjustment of a troublesome question, in a volunteer army, caused the Third Indiana to be stationed at the mouth of the Rio Grande; and the Third Ohio to be stationed at Matamoras; while the Second Ohio and Second Kentucky were stationed at Camargo.

It was past midsummer. The hospitals were full, but thanks to the skill and devotion of Surgeon William Trevitt the loss of the Second regiment from sickness was less than that of any other volunteer regiment inthe army. Dr. Trevitt lately departed to the great camp in the spirit land to join a large majority of his old comrades who had encamped there long before him. Those who remain behind cherish his memory with affection, and before many years will pass away all will be again reunited. A rigorous system of drill was adopted, and in precision and promptness the men of the Second acquired the character of veterans. Before advancing from Camargo Morgan's regiment could execute every manceuvre in the school of the battalion with rapidity and exactness. When this was done he taught his regiment to march in square, and to form square from line of battle, without breaking into column, neither of which was taught in our tactics. To the steadiness and precision acquired by the second regiment in marching in square, it afterwards owed not only victory but existence.

While stationed at Camargo, under the direction of Colonel Morgan, Major William Wall built an earthwork with five bastions which was christened Fort Wall, and it has since become historic in the civil wars of Mexico.

There was an enemy in Mexico more dreaded by our soldiers than the Mexicans. It was the tarantula. The tarantula belongs to the family of the spider. In Italy it is comparatively small and not esteemed dangerous; but in Mexico it attains a size that an ordinary pint cup would scarcely cover. The back and legs are covered with a long hair of a reddish color, and the eyes project from its head.

One morning T. Burr Wadsworth, a solidier in Kenton's company, called at the hospital and complained at what appeared to be a carbuncle on his cheek. Surgeon Trevitt told him that it was not sufficiently ripe to lance, but applied some lotion. A few hours later Wadsworth returned, with his face and head badly swollen. Trevitt applied the lance, pouring ammonia on the wound. In the meantime a large tarantula was found in Wadsworth's blankets. Stupor set in; the poor fellow died, and company B had to mourn the loss of one of its best soldiers. A tragedy of a different character occurred not long afterwards. Morgan's regiment was broken into detachments; five companies under the colonel remained at Camargo; two companies under the major at Punta Aguda; and three under the lieutenant colonel at Ceoralvo. Lieutenant Miller and Frank Winne asked permission to go to the latter place on duty, and an escort was ordered to accompany them. Through a reckless contempt for the Mexicans, without the knowledge of their commander, they set out for Ceoralvo. They were bright young men, full of hope, courage, and energy. They were ambushed by aparty of guerillas at Chickaronis. The bloody and torn ground gave evidence for days afterwards of a murderous conflict. Both were killed; and their hearts and other parts of their persons were hung upon bushes by the roadside. Similar atrocities had been committed elsewhere, and the Mexican authorities professed to be unable to prevent them. Colonel Morgan determined to give public security against bandits and assassins. The alcades of every town within a radius of sixty miles of Camargo were required to send to Morgan's headquarters three of their wealthiest citizens as hostages against private rapine and murder within their jurisdictions. The hostages were held as prisoners, but were provided with every comfort, and were kindly treated. They were allowed to communicate with their friends, who were given to understand that for every murder of an American soldier not killed in fair fight, there would be prompt retaliation. The measure was stringent; it called forth bitter complaints. Delegates of Mexicans visited the headquarters at Monterey to protest against the requirement of hostages. Morgan was sustained. He then went further, and authorized each alcalde to mount a force of twenty armed men to scour the roads as a police force, under commissions issued by Morgan himself. It was done; and the roads and country became more secure than was ever before known.: Not another murder was committed, and in time the hostages were restored to their homes.

In the month of September, 1846, the battle of Montery was fought and won by brave old Zachary Taylor. -The main attack was made in front, by the divisions of Twiggs and Butler, while Worth turned the enemy's position in the city by catrying the enemy's works on Independence Hill.

Butler was a gallant Kentuckian, and was an aid-de-camp of Andrew Jackson at New Orleans. Worth was a high-mettled steed, and one of the palladiums of the Mexican war. He snuffed with joy the smoke of battle, and was grand in victory or defeat. As his division passed in column before him when about to breast the Hill, he had a smile and words of cheer for each regiment in its turn. As the Fourth infantry advanced under the lead of the famed Martin Scott, Worth hailed them "Well, major, how is the Fourth?" "Fierce as tigers, sir. By - - , I can hardly hold them." And a laugh and a cheer passed along the column. The Hill was carried by storm, and Worth dashed into Monterey from the rear. The troops of the enemy were massed on the plazza, but out of any direct line of fire from the streets which entered it, and then for the first time perhaps the exploit was performed of shooting around a corner when some distance from it. This was done by

Duncan, then a of artillery. He charged his guns with half the ordinary amount of powder, and then if he wished to throw his shot into the portion of the plazza to the left of the entrance of the street, he directed his guns so as to strike the wall of the house on the right corner of the street, and the ball glancing would fly into the interior of the square to the great astonishment, and but little to the comfort of the Mexicans.

In front the fight was hot and galling. The batteries of the enemy were masked by groves of oranges and pomegranate, and the position of a battery was only discovered by the roar of its discharge.

The heaviest loss was sustained by the divisions or Butler and Twiggs, but the storming of the works on Independence Hill decided the day. The whole army was covered with laurels, and the Ohio troops under Hamer and Mitchell won their full share.

It was now generally believed that the last battle of the war had been fought; and the conviction that there would be a speedy peace spread with the news of victory. Among the few who did not so believe, was Colonel Morgan. In a letter to his brother William, giving the rumors of victory, he said: "The general belief is that Taylor has conquered a peace. It is a mistake. There will be no peace till a great battle is fought and won before. the walls of Mexico."

At length the disagreeable duty of conveying trains from Camargo to Monterey devolved mainly on the Second Ohio. It was a duty full of danger but devoid of glory.

Camargo was the base of: Taylor's supplies; and shortly after the battle of Monterey, our army was nearly destitute of stores, and orders were received to press them tothe front. As a private enterprise a Scotchman of intelligence and energy named Thompson undertook to convey a train of three hundred mules heavily laden, to Monterey.

was assigned to the duty of guarding the train with his company, which sickness had greatly reduced. Atthe request of Thompson the route by Los Aldamos till then unused for military purposes, was chosen, on the supposition that it would be the least dangerous.

The third night after the departure of the train, a breathless courier from Latham reached Morgan, asking for succor. Latham was entrenched about six miles beyond Los Aldamos, and a large force of Mexicans under Carrajaval (still notorious in the regions of the Rio Grande) was hovering in front of him. Morgan had no cavalry; but within an hour, with sixty picked men of his regiment mounted on quartermasters' horses, he went to the rescue. The night was intensely dark, but under the lead of a Mexican guide who rode by Morgan's side and acted under the double inspiration of a large reward if he acted in good faith, and of death if he did not, the march was continued during the entire night, and at about the hour of ten the next morning the command wet, hungry and weary, halted at Aldamos for rest and refreshment. Morgan dispatched a courier to announcé his arrival to Latham, and a Mexican spy to reconnoitre Carrajaval. About four in the afternoon, Morgan joined Latham, and shortly after dusk the spy returned. He reported the force of the enemy at over three hundred strong, and that he had fallen back sixteen miles on the road leading to Monterey. The spy was directed to hover near the enemy, and to report to Morgan while en-route the next morning. He departed, but did not return. At dawn next morning the convoy was in motion with front, flank and rear guards, with orders to keep well closed up, and to concentrate on any point seriously attacked. The march was of exciting interest. The enemy hovered around the train, but kept beyond the reach of our muskets.

At night Morgan halted on the banks of the Rio Capidero. A redoubt was constructed of mule packs, and the mules were corralled, but a short distance away, under the care of Thompson and his muleteers, all of whom were armed. Towards morning a scattering escopet firing was heard from the direction of the corrals and the muleteers came flying in. Apprehensive that the attack on the corrals was a diversion in favor of a movement to destroy the commissary stores, Morgan sent a detachment of troops accompanied by Thompson and his muleteers to reconnoitre the ground, and if possible, re-tapture the mules, and all but eighty, were recovered. Lieutenant Brown of Julians company was ordered to follow the enemy's trail till daylight. On Brown's return, Morgan left Captain Reynolds with one third of the entire force to defend the redoubt and with the remaining force gave pursuit, which was pushed with such vigor that a number of horses fell dead in their tracks, and others were broken down and abandoned. The riders mounted behind their comrades or upor the first horse, found on the route. The town o/ Chuia on the Rio San Juan was reached late in the afternoon. Two hours before Morgan's arrival Carrajaval following the tactics of the Indians, scattered his command in small parties with orders to rendezvous on the day after the morrow.

In the meanwhile the stores at Monterey were growing less and the supplies on the Capidero must be got there at whatever cost. From a renegade American residing at Chuia, Morgan learned that the authorities were in league with Carrajaval, and he at once levied a contribution on the town for eighty mules, twelve horses and necessary supplies. The alcalde replied that he possessed no authority by which he could fill the requisition. Morgan told him that by the laws of war he conferred such authority upon him, and that if the mules and horses were not furnished by sun set the next day he would reduce the town to ashes. Before the hour named several hundred mules and horses were brought in; but only eighty mules and twelve horses were taken. To protect the alcalde, Morgan gave him a certificate stating that he had filled the requisition under protest, and on compulsion. At dawn the next day Morgan divided his little command into two equal parts, one for Latham, the other for himself. He directed Latham to proceed with the mules to the redoubt on the Capidero, and with the command of Reynolds to escort the train to Monterey, where they arrived without further accident.

Morgan was now left on the same side of the San Juan with Carrajaval and with only one tenth his force. Morgan set out for Camargo by a route seldom travelled, not wishing to encounter a force so much larger than his own. All went well, when suddenly the advanced scouts came to a dead halt till the main body joined them. A Mexican was found hanging by his feet to the limb of a tree, his hands were bound over his head, which rested on the ground. He was stone dead; the face terribly swollen and the eyes projecting and blood-shot. Around his neck was suspended a label bearing the 'single word "traidor!" (traitor). The unfortunate victim was the spy sent by Morgan to watch Carrajaval. While gazing upon the dead man some one called out, "Look! A drove of mustangs grazing." Telling his men to keep together, Morgan galloped towards the horses which were fastened with lariats. In a moment Carrajaval and his men swarmed from the chaparral and commenced to saddle. Morgan returned to his men and moved forward at a trot. The Mexicans were soon in the saddle, and moved forward in a line parallel to the road followed by the Americans. Toward evening the little party reached a ranch on the summit of high ground and with a strong corral

Pickets were stationed and orders to look to the horses had hardly been given, when a tall and graceful young Mexican, mounted and armed in - superior style, rode up and asked in pure English to see the commandant of the Americans. He represented that a large body of robbers, under Carrajaval, were roving over the country plundering American and Mexican alike, that he was going to Camargo, and desired the protection of the Americans to that place. Satisfied that he was dealing with a spy, Morgan told him that his horses were fagged: that he would remain at the ranch till morning and would be gratified to have his com- 'pany to Camargo. He further urged him to remain with the Americans at the ranch all night; this he declined doing, but he accepted an invitation to take a cup of chocolate. During supper Morgan expressed a hope that Carrajaval would attack him, which caused the Mexican to smile * He asked, 'How many men have you?" 'Thirty ' picked men, and every man a dead shot, and as for that, Carrajaval has only 'three hundred." The spy's dark eyes twinkled but he made no reply. 'In the course of conversation he said that he had been educated in Kentucky; liked the Americans, and spoke carelessly of the war. He turned out to be one of the brothers Alderetta, who had been educated in the United States, but remained true to their native land. At length he re-mounted his horse saying, "Good night, we will meet in the morning," and cantered away. A profound quiet pervaded the American bivouac; at midnight the pickets were called in; the command silently mounted, and at a slow walk proceeded towards Camargo. About two miles from the ranch was a point of real danger; the road wound across a deep arrayo (the dry bed of a stream); the crossing was shaped like a horse-shoe, and a party in ambush could have opened a tripple fire on any force marching towards the opposite bank. A -reconnoisance was made, the place was found unguarded, and the thirty descended into the winding arrayoand emerged in safety on the opposite bank. The road was composed of a loose sandy soil, which deadened the sound of the horses' feet. Scarcely half a mile had been passed, when off to the right, and some distance from the road, was discovered the bivouac of the enemy,-who soundly slept, dreaming of the morrow. For a mile further the march was continued, when in a low voicg "Trot! March!" was given, and at dawn of day the wearied troops entered Camargo. It was afterwards learned that towards morning Carrajaval went into ambush at the avrayo, but his sleepless foe had vanished in the starlight.

Morgan was next ordered to establish his headquarters with five companies at Ceoralvo, and to occupy Punta Aguda and Marin. -The former place was occupied by Wall with two companies and the latter by three companies under Irwin. The Thirtieth Ohio under Colonel S. R.. Curtis now occupied Camargo.

brief narrative. He was one of those eccentric beings who now and then appear in life to disturb its dull monotony. A Kentuckian by birth, he passed some time at West Point, when the tragic events in the early history of Texas induced him to abandon school and country to become an actor in the stirring scenes of the Lone Star State. He had jet black hair, dark blue eyes, and a florid complexion somewhat bronzed by wind and.storm. Tall and slender, he had the strength and agility of an athlete, with the soft voice and emotional heart of a woman. When aroused, he was a tiger. Never the aggressor, he was victor in every deadly conflict in which he had engaged; and in duel and rencounter five men had fallen before him. . A man of education and refinement; danger fascinated him, and action was the imperative law of his being. Cooke and Morgan had known each other while serving ten years before in the army of Texas, and when on the evening of the twenty-second of February, 1847, Cooke rode up to Morgan's quarters at Ceoralvo, he was received with the cordiality with which one old comrade is sure to greet another. While at supper, Cooke said: Morgan, is your position fortified?" 'No, we have been here but a few days and hope to go forward." 'But you are in immediate danger." "From whom?" "Santa Anna is advancing with a large army to attack Taylor; and will seek to cut off his supplies by sending a large cavalry force through the pass at Caderitta to cut off communication between Camargo and Monterey." 'You anticipate a speedy battle?" "They are probably fighting now; at any moment you may. be attacked." 'Whence your information?" 'From my own observation. When Scott withdrew the regulars from this line to advance upon Vera Cruz, I felt certain that Santa Anna would push forward from San Luis ce Potosi, and attack Taylor while his army was reduced. My instinct carried me to the front. I saw Taylor at Aqua Nueva, twenty-five miles beyond Saltillo. Rumors had reached him that the enemy was advancing. He did not credit them. Alone I pressed forward to Encarnacion, and then feeling the breath of the coming storm, I hastened back to Aqua Nueva, but Taylor remained incorrigible. Wool was impressed with my report, and the army may have fallen back to Angostura (the narrows) in front of Buena Vista. If it has not it will be destroyed, and we will be driven back to the gulf, if not annihilated." The next morning Cooke and Morgan parted never to meet again. & Morgan put a large stone building in a state of defence, but that very night he received orders from Taylor dated on the twenty-first of February directing him to concentrate his regiment and advance to Monterey. Lieutenant Joline with an escort of ten men was dispatched to Punta Aguda with orders for Major Wall to advance at once to Ceoralvo. There being no means of transporting his stores, during the night they were burned on the plazza. Wall with his two companies reached Ceoralvo at two in the morning, and at dawn of day the march was taken up for Monterey. At the "nine mile ranch" a rumor was heard of the destruc tion of a large wagon train under the escort of Cap. tain Barbour of the First Kentucky. The route was utterly abandoned.

The following is from the official report of General Z. Taylor: 'On the morning of the 25th Colonel Morgan was joined by twenty-five drivers and wagonmasters who had fled to the hills when Barbour's train was attacked and thus escaped the awful fate of their companions. At two o'clock he reached the scene of the disaster and found the bodies of forty or more of the drivers horribly mutilated, the wagons burning, and a number of bodies thrown into the flames. Finding no wounded the march was continued to Marin," be in flames. Morgan halted in front of the town and sent a reconnoitring party of wagoners under wagonmaster Box to ascertain and report its condition. They soon returned at a gallop, bringing with them all spattered with blood a Mexican, Iassoed to the pummel of a wagoner's saddle. From him it was learned that the enemy's cavalry under General Urea had been before Marin for two days, and several skirmishes had taken place between them and Lieutenant Colonel Irwin's command. That the arrival of reenforcements of infantry and two pieces of artillery, under Major Shepherd, of the First Kentucky regiment, had caused the enemy to retire, and relieved Colonel Irwin, who knew nothing of Colonel Morgan's approach. At Marin it was ascertained that the escort of the train (thirty men under Lieutenant Barbour, First Kentucky regiment) had been surrounded and captured. Having stationed his pickets and given directions as to the command of his men, Morgan rode out on the Monterey road. He gained a slight elevation which commanded a view of the surrounding country. After some time he discovered to the left and front the dim outline of extended camp fires. It was the bivouac of the after they had surrended at Goliad. Satisfied that an encounter was inevitable, to avoid the chance of an ambuscade Morgan determined to advance at midnight. Neither he nor his men had slept since leaving Ceoralvo. All but the poor fellows on guard were now asleep, and throwing his horseblanket on the sidewalk of the plazza, with his saddle for a pillow, he slept thirty minutes, and the march was resumed. 'Towards morning the tramp of Urea's cavalry was heard on every side closing in on the little column, which at once closed to half distance and formed square. At the first streak of dawn the rattle of muskets and escopets was heard, and the flankers ran in and took their places in the square. Ina few moments the road passed through a clear piece of ground, and the opposing forces were in full view of each other. The little square was like a rock, surrounded by an ocean of lancers, whose gay uniforms and bright pennons shown brilliantly in the sunlight. About half a mile to the front a squadron of lancers mounted on gray horses halted in the road, and Urea, for it was he, raised his glasses to make a reconnoissance. Morgan cantered a hundred paces towards him and halted, when Urea advanced a 'short distance and saluted with his hand after the style of the Mexicans. Morgan returned the salutation by raising his cap, galloped back to the square, and ordered the musicians to strike up Yankee Doodle. The enemy answered the defiance with loud huzzas, and at the sound of the bugle on every side bore down on the square. On they came in serried columns, and the earth seemed to tremble beneath the shock: 'Steady, men!" exclaimed Morgan. "Look for the whites of their eyes! Fire by rank! Ready! Aim! Front rank! Fire! Rearrank! Fire! Load, and fire at will!" On every side saddles were emptied; horses maddened by their wounds became unmanageable; the running fire from each front of the square was kept up with precision and rapidity until the enemy first wavered; tried to rally, and then on every side fell back in confusion. The boys of the Second yelled like demons, and every successive charge was received with the steadiness of veterans. Thus the fight went on, advancing when the enemy fell back, halting and facing outa ward when he renewed the charge. At length Urea placed a large body of cavalry in front, dismounted the remainder of his force, and at long range opened fire on the square from his escopefas. The larg balls of the escopefas as they tore through the air made a most uncomfortable sound, and as they whistled past the heads of the men in the ranks they would instinctively dodge. Morgan and Wall were on horseback in the middle of the square, and seeing the boys dodge their heads as the balls whistled past them, the colonel exclaimed, "'Come boys, no dodging! When you hear the balls whistle the danger is over." 'The boys would still bob their heads, look around at the colonel and laugh. At length a shower of balls passed a little higher than usual and whistled close to Morgan's head, who bobbed as the boys had done; and laughingly exclaimed, "' Dodge and be d - d boys!" which incident is to this day narrated by the surviving veterans of the old Second.

The square again advanced, and the lancers withdrew to the right and left of the road, and once more charged, and were once again repulsed. Morgan now called for a volunteer to bear orders for Irwin to return. Lieutenant Stewart, of the Highland company, at once offered to run the gauntlet, and mounted on a fleet horse he shot from the square like a rocket. The Mexicans were dumbfounded, and seemed to have lost voice and power of action, while Stewart dashed on. ' At length they raised a yell and sent wild shots after him, but he safely reached Irwin who rapidly marched to the succor of his comrades, and at 11:30 A. M. he joined Morgan, but before doing so he poured several volleys from his two guns into the lancers, who fell back and soon disappeared.

The Second continued the march to Monterey, and made the march of eighty miles in two days and a half, six hours of which time were occupied in fighting Urea. Immediately after the victory at Buena Vista Taylor again advanced to Aqua Nueva, and was there joined by Morgan's regiment but the old chieftain soon returned to Monterey, leaving General Wool in command of the main body of the army at Buena Vista, where it was encamped in three lines; the Second and Third Ohio and the two Illinois regiments forming the third line on a plateau of unrivalled beauty. The fight- ing was over on Tayior's line; but two incidents occured at the camp at Buena Vista which are vividly recollected by the soldiers of the Onio regiments. Between the second and third lines of encampment there was an excellent spring at which the soldiers of the two lines often met to relate the camp stories of the war. One day a fight occured between an Ohioan and a Kentuckian. The latte was a giant in size, strength, and courage, and the Ohioan was worsted. The quarrel was taken up by a broad-shouldered and good natured man of the Second Ohio, named Frost; a second encounter took place, which resulted in the Kentuckian's being so badly pounded that he had to be carried to his encampment. All of this occured without the knowledge of the officers of either regiment; nevertheless for a time it created an ugly feeling between the two regiments.

The other incident is historic in its character. The annexation of Texas was bitterly opposed by the Whigs, who charged, which was true, that it caused the war with Mexico. And although both Taylor and Scott were Whigs, and although many officers and soldiers belonged to that party, many of the leading Whigs in Congress denounced and opposed the war. Foremost among these were two Ohioans, justly celebrated for their eloquence and ability; they were the Hon. Thomas Corwin of the United States Senate, and the Hon. Columbus Delano of the House. When the intelligence of this opposition to the war reached the army it created intense feeling, and one night just before tattoo a sudden flame shot up on the parade ground of the Third Ohio, and loud groans rent the air. Morgan was field officer of the day, and happened to be making a call on Colonel Curtis, when seeing the flames and hearing the groans he sprang to his feet to suppress the strange and unlooked for disorder. Colonel Curtis said ''Remember Colonel that is my parade ground," intimating that it was for him and not Morgan to interfere. . Morgan answered "Yes, but I am the field officer of the day." On reaching the ground a large crowd of the troops _of the different regiments were gathered around a burning efhgy which was addressed with jeers and taunts by the soldiers. to cut down the figure and return to their regiments; but the order was only answered by a good-

This brief narrative would be incomplete without a word in regard to Brigadier General Thomas L. Hamer, the senior officer from Ohio, in the war with Mexico. He was justly esteemed as one of the ablest men in the country, and had he lived, might have reached the Presidential chair. He was the only man in Ohio capable of meeting Mr. Corwin before a popular audience. Hamer won the confidence of General Taylor, and, indeed, of the officers of the regular army generally, who alike admired his modesty and merit. At Monterey he bore himself with marked gallantry, but did not live to enjoy the honors which would have been showered upon him had he returnedto Ohio. He died at Walnut Springs, near Monterey, on the third day ot January, 1847, after a lingering illness of nearly three weeks. His remains lie buried in the

During the session of 1846-7 the general assembly passed a vote of thanks to the Ohio volunteers in recognition of their services in the field. The following letter of acknowledgment was addressed by Colonel Morgan to Governor Bebb of Ohio:

Str: I have the honor to acknowledge your communication of February ro, 1847, accompanying the preamble and resolutions adopted by the legislature of Ohio commending the bravery of the troops on the field.

Permit me to say, on behalf of my comrades that the approbation of his fellow-citizens 1s the highest reward a soldier can receive for the hardships and perils of war. . My comrades only regret they were not able todo more for their State and country

George W. Morgan Governor Bebb

Among the officers of highest merit who ever served in the army of the United States was Brigadier General John E. Wool. . Regarded asa martinet, he was like a father to his soldiers. Amid the greatest danger and excitement he was always self-possessed, and by his admirable bearing inspired in those around him confidence and courage. Probably no other living American than Zachary Taylor, could have won and held the field the victory belongs to John E. Wool. It was he who placed the troops on the field; and seldom did a commanding general have so able a lieutenant to support him in the hour of trial.

Order No. 190

The general commanding cannot see the Ohio regiments separate from his command without expressing the entire satisfaction which their good discipline, orderly conduct and fine military appearance have uniformly given him, and which causes him so deeply to regret they are not to be with him in future operations.

The Second and Third Ohio regiments will return to their homes with the consciousness that they have done great credit to their State, rendered good service to their country, and that hey bear with them the hearty good-will and sincere admiration of their companions and commander. In parting with the officers and men the general wishes them a pleasant journey anda happy return to their families and friends.

Brigadier General Wool

Nor was General Wool the only commander who bore testimong to the bearing of the Ohio troops. General Taylor devoted an entire report to the encounter between Urea and Morgan, which he concludes as follows:

The loss of Colonel Morgan in these affairs was three Americans and one friendly Mexican killed, one wagoner mortally, and one soldier slightly wounded. The enemy is supposed to have sustained a considerable loss, but from the nature of the engagement its amount conld not be ascertained. We have to lament the fall of Captain B. F. Graham, assistant quartermaster in the volunteer service, after behaving in the most gallant manner. I would recommend to particular notice the gallant conduct and energy of Colonel Morgan throughout these operations. Lieutenant Colonel Irwin, Major Wall, and Adjutant Joline, Second Ohio regiment, and Major Shepherd are also entitled to notice for good conduct and valuable services.

Captain Barbour whose command was captured by the enemy near Marin was a prisoner of Urea, during the operations just referred to. At the close of the war he stated at Vera Cruz, when en route to his home, that the loss to Urea in his encounter with Morgan, was over three hundred. The usual proportion between killed and wounded is about one to six or seven, but in these affairs with Urea only six of our people were struck, and five out of the six were killed.

Just before the march was taken up by the Ohio troops at. Beuna Vista for the Rio Grande, a melancholy affair occurred at or near the guard tent which cost a man his life. Noah F. Johnston, of Licking county, was a law student in the office of Miller & Morgan when the first company from Mt. Vernon went to the field. He was a private, and was always prompt in the discharge of his duties, but had no desire for promotion. He was a great wag and practical joker. On the evening referred to he was teazing another soldier who became angry and called Johnston some harsh names. Asa joke, of which the other knew nothing, Johnston challenged him to fight with muskets. The intention was that the muskets should not be loaded, and that of Johnston was not. By some sad mischance the gun of the other was regularly charged. The distance was only eight paces. The word was given; a smile of merriment was playing on Johnston's lips, when he was shot dead in his tracks.

At Camargo Colonel Morgan bid good-bye to his comradesand set out for Vera Cruz to take command of the Fifteenth regular infantry, to which he had been promoted as colonel; while under Lieutenant Colonel Irwin the Second proceeded to New Orleans, where it was honorably discharged.

The officers of ''the Young Guard" were welcomed back to their homes by a procession, a banquet, and bonfires, and many hearts were made glad by their return.

Lieutenant Colonel Irwin obtained authority to reorganize the old Second regiment, of which he was made the colonel. Captain William Latham was made lieutenant colonel, and Captain Lick was made major.

For this regiment a new company was organized at Mount Vernon, on the fourth of September, 1847. James E. Harle, the old captain of contpany "B," was chosen captain. Robert B. Mitchell was made first lieutenant, and Stiles L. Thrift and Jabez J. Antrim second lieutenants. Harle, Mitchell, Morton, and others were members of "The Young Guard," and all of the field officers of the Second, reorganized, had been officers in the old Second Thg¢ material of Irwins' regiment was first rate. General William Lytle who was killed during the late civil war was one of its captains.

tham, with four companies, was stationed at Puebla; and Colonel Irwin, with six companies, was stationed at Agua Frio, the highest part of the mountain before descending into the glorious and lovely valley of Mexico, and continued to occupy those posts until the close of the war, when they were all welcomed back to their homes with every demonstration of joy.

But few of the veterans of that war remain. They were boys then; they are gray-haired sires now. 'They hold national and State reynions, and it is well to close this chapter with an address delivered by General Morgan at one of these held at Columbus, Ohio, February 22, 1879.

A third of a century has passed away since the soil of the Republic was invaded by Mexican troops, and the companies of Hardy and Thornton were captured and carried beyond the Rio Grande as prisoners of war.

That was the opening scene in the glorious drama which excited the attention and commanded the admiration of the world, during two years of unbroken triumphs, and of deeds never excelled in the annals of war. It possessed all the romance of the crusade against the Saracens, and, like the crusade, was a blessing to mankind.

The plumed knights brought back from the Holy Land the reflected light of a higher civilization, which penetrated the gloom of the dark ages, revived the divine spirit of the Christian religion, and restored the arts and sciences to the European world.

Mexico was the mystic land of the Montezumas; the scene of the exploits of Ferdinand Cortes, the first person to carry gunpowder and the Bible to the date and the orange groves of the Aztecs. And later it was the twice won and twice lost empire of Santa Anna, the great general, the remorseless butcher, who survived one Waterloo at the hands of Sam Houston, to be overwhelmed in a second at the hands of Winfield Scott, in that Garden of Eden known as the Valley of Mexico.

The war was full of romance and dazzling with glory. The volunteer was paid eight dollars a month to be shot at.as a target, and was as proud and happy as a troupadour. At the first blast of the clarion which summoned him to battle, he kissed the girl of his heart good-bye, and sought a new idol in the starry flag of his country, till the war was over; when like a true knight he returned, if he came back at all, to the allegience due to his ladylove.

If the crusaders revived the civilization of Europe, so did the war with Mexico throw forward the civilization of the world one hundred years. The bayonet of the soldier was the wand which opened the exhaustless gold and silver mines of California, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming, and caused a greater material, moral, and intellectual development than had ever before taken place in any two consecutive centuries of the world's history.

Taylor had the honor and the glory to fight and win the first two battles of the war; and ever after, the American went into battle with the prestige of victory, and the Mexican with the certainty of defeat.

I can only glance at some of the brilliant and successful campaigns, which for the first time in our history caused the Rcpublic to be recognized as a first-class power throughout the world; and must limit myself to reminiscences of a few of the many heroes whose names should not be allowed to die.

The enemy, with pennons flying and bands playing, was deployed as if for review upon the extended plain of Palo Alto; while Taylor quietly held his little army in double columns ready to be advanced or deployed.

Blake, of Taylor's staff, was directed to make a personal reconnoissance to ascertain the Mexican strength. With his saber and his pistols for his escort he dashed forward towards the right of the enemy's line, halted within range, counted the number of files to a company, and of companies to a battalion; and thus, as though reviewing the hostile line, slowly cantered along its front, taking notes as he advanced. When the result was ascertained, he raised his cap, gracefully saluted the enemy, and galloped Lack to report to his chief.

But Blake, where was he? While the battle raged, like a meteor he flashed over the field, bearing orders to the troops. The victory won, the camp pitched, his face still flushed, his eyes still lighted with the fire of battle, poor Blake carelessly threw aside his pistols, when one of them exploded, and he who but an instant before was the boast and pride of the army, was dead.

The next day brought another victory, gained upon another field. If Palo Alto was a tournament, Resaca de la Palma was a rout, an assault, a storm upon the battle-field.

The guns of the enemy occupied a gorge flanked on either side by dense chaparral. The squadron of Charley May was ordered to carry the battery. Randolph Ridgely, one of the best horsemen of the army, and one of its paladins, had his battery in position and saw May approaching at a gallop. He also saw that the guns of the Mexican battery were loaded. To save May's command he waved his arm on high, and with the voice of a clarion called out: ''Hold, Charley, till I draw their fire," and poured a volley into the gorge, Uporr the instant the fire was returned, and while the defile was still choked with powder-smoke, the squadron of May swept through the gorge like a hurricane.

George Lincoln was as true a type of genuine chivalry as ever shivered lance in tournament, or bore a sword upon a battlefield. 1Iknew and loved him well.

In that headlong fight, a few against many, Lincoln, with a handful of comrades, was surrounded by the enemy. What sometimes happens, the fight was hand to hand, and the Mexicans bore themselves in a manner worthy of a better fate; but destiny was against them. Lincoln wore a heavy Prussian sabre, which none but a Hercules could wield on foot. At one time he was assailed by three Mexicans with bayonets. The odds were formidable; but one thrust and two cuts lay his three antagonists dead at his feet, and their congealed blood was still on the sword which was in the hero's grasp when he died upon the red, red field of Buena Vista.

The President's proclamation for troops quickly followed the victories of Palo Alto and Resaca. The requisition was promptly filled by every State called upon, and amidst the heat of summer, northern, western, and southern soldiers hasttened to that far-off land of the sun. .

Elt Tom Oud Ces

It wes at Monterey that Ohio soldiers first tasted the smoke of battle. The First Ohio, under Mitchell, and the First Kentucky, under Ormsby, formed the brigade of the loved and lamented Hamer, which was greatly distinguished on that memorable day. ''Old Zach," for so the boys delighted to call him, attacked the city in front with the divisions of Twiggs and Butler, while Worth executed a brilliant but not bloody flank movement by Federation hill. In Taylor's front the city was completely masked by groves of orange, fig, and pomegranate, and each grove was an ambuscade. There the fight was murderous and destructive, for the Americans were exposed while the Mexicans were concealed.

On the right stood Worth, the Bayard of the army, uttering words of cheer to his troops as they ascended the hill. At the head of the Fourth infantry advanced Martin Scott, whose name was thena household word throughout the land.

Monterey fell, and new laurels clustered round the brows of Taylor and his heroes. Scott arrived. The regular divisions under Twiggs and Worth were embarked for Vera Cruz, and Taylor was left with the volunteers to protect a line which was believed to be free from danger. At this time the First Ohio was at Monterey; the Second held the line between that place and Camargo; and the Third under Curtis was at Matamoras.

One evening, while at Camargo, I had strolled with George Lincoln to the tent of the sutler, and soon afterward the famous Thomas E. Marshall entered. He was in one of his moods, and talked ramblingly. Just then we heard the nearing clatter of a horse's hoofs, and a moment after the rider dismounted and entered. '' Where are you from?" ''Monterey," was the quick question and prompt reply. ''What news?' ''As Randolph Ridgley was galloping along the flintly streets of Monterey, his horse's feet flew from under him, and Ridgely was killed.'' Marshall drew himself up, and exclaimed '' Great God! As well might you expect an eagle to die from the fall of his own pinions, as Randolph Ridgley to die from the fall of his horse."

Old Zach with his volunteers had advanced to Aqua Nueva, nineteen miles beyond the defile of Augostura. Rumor followed rumor of the advance of a large army under Santa Anna, but Taylor had learned to regard his enemy with contempt, and would not believe that he was coming. But had he remained twenty hours longer in that exposed position his army would have been overwhelmed and destroyed, for he would not have surrendered.

Upon the urgent advice of Wool, Taylor fell back upon Buena Vista, and at the moment the head of his column passed the defile, Santa Anna established his headquarters at Aqua Nueva.

You can all bring back to memory the beautiful field of Beuna Vista, with its web of impassable ravines extending from the right of the defile to the mountain wall which abruptly rises two thousand feet above the plain, and to the left, the smail but ragged hills, which form a cordon to the grand plateau which lies at the base of the opposite mountain wall.

This morning thirty-two years ago, there stood arrayed five thousand volunteers, with a few hundred regulars, against a splendidly appointed army of nearly thirty thousand regulars, under the command of one of the best generals of the age.

For two long days, from noon till night, from night till morn, and from noon till night again, our citizen soldiers held the field, and the thitd morning found the immortal band stiff with cold and sore from wounds, ready to renew the battle, determined to conquer or to die. ;

McKee, Hardin, Clay, Yeil, and Lincoln of the lion-heart, and hosts of other heroes, died upon that field, and by their deaths made their country's flag victorious.

I do not intend to describe that battle. None Lut giants could have held that field against such odds, and even they would have failed under the lead of any other man, then living, save Zachary Taylor.

'tA little more grape, Captain Bragg." So says fiction, but itis not history. No, no; such is not the impassioned language of battle. A large body of the enemy's cavalry had turned Taylor's left, and was doing severe execution in hisrear. Bragg, with his battery, almost unsupported, dashed forward to resist them, and while the battle uneasily balanced in the scales of fate, old Zach. galloped up and exclaimed, ''Give them hell, Captain Bragg!" Bragg did give them hell, and the huge column of the enemy's cavalry rolled back to their own lines.

For a moment before I close let me call the roll of our great chiefs: Taylor, Scott, Wool, Worth, Twiggs, Kearney, Hamer, Pierce, Cadwalader. From the far off camp in the spirit land, they answer '' Here!"

Ohio had five volunteer regiments, five companies of the Fifteenth infantry, and several independent companies, with its full proportion among the regulars, in the war with Mexico.

Our brigadier - where ishe? Dead. The colonel of the First? Dead. 'The colonel of the Third? Dead. The colonel of the Fourth? Dead. The colonel of the Fifth? Dead. And of the other field officers - Howard and Mills, of the Fifteenth infantry; Irwin and Wall, of the Second and Fifth Ohio; Weller, of the First, and McCook, of the Third - all are dead; and of seventy thousand men enrolled, less than six thousand live to day. ;

This is the anniversary of the great battle on what was known as the upper or northern line, and I will leave for some other tongue, or till some other time, the splendid campaigns of Scott, from Vera Cruzto the City of Mexico, during the second year of the war. It was my fortune to command a regiment under each of the great captains - the Second Ohio under Taylor, the Fifteenth infantry under Scott. They were composed of my comrades and my brothers, and are equally dear to my heart.

Thinned by the bullets and the diseases of two wars, it is not strange that after the lapse of a third of a century so few of us should be still lingering along the lines. But while we do remain, let us often meet as now, to recall the legends of the past, cherish the memory of the heroic dead, and offer up our earnest prayers for the liberty, peace and prosperity of our glorious Jand.

Muster roll of Captain Charles Colerick's company, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, volunteers, temporarially attached to the First regiment of voluntecrs in the Texan service, commanded by Colonel Rogers, December 31, 1836:

Non-Commissioned Officers

Thomas W. Carter, first sergeant. Joseph Meix, second sergeant. Jackson Blackmore, third sergeant. Lorenzo Jones, fourth sergeant. Benjamin West, first corporal, Jesse Axtel, second corporal. Benjamin Downs, third corporal. Orlando Forest, fourth corporal.

I hereby Certify that this muster roll exhibits the true state of the company of Mount Vernon, Ohio, volunteers now in the Texan service, and temporarialy attached to the First regiment of volunteers, commandéd by Colonel Rogers, for the period designated in this roll.

General Land Office

I, W. C. Walsh, commissioner of the general land office, hereby certify that the foregoing isa true and correct copy of the record of the original muster roll now on file in this office.

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the impress of the seal of said office, the date last above written. W. C. WALSH, Commissioner.

Muster-in-roll of Captain Simon B. Kinton's company, in the Second regiment of Ohio volunteers, commanded by Colonel George W. Morgan, called into the service of the United States by order of the President, under the act of Congress approved May 13, 1846, from the first day of July, 1846 (date of this muster), for the term of twelve months, unless sooner discharged.

Non-Commissioned Officers

Muster-in roll of Captain James E. Harle's company, in the Second regiment of Ohio foot volunteers, commanded by Colonel William Irvin, called into the service of the United States by the president of the United States, under the act of congress approved May 13, 1846, from the fourth day of September, 1847, [date of this muster], for during the war with Mexico, unless sooner discharged: