PRICE TWELVE AND A HALF CENTS. THE 'HIGH PRIVATE," WITH A FULL AND EXCITING HISTORY OF THE AND THE "MYSTERIES AND MISERIES" OF THE MEXICAN WAR. IN THREE PARTS.-PART FIRST. BY "CORPORAL OF THE GUARD/ PRINTED FOR THE PUBLISHER. 1848. THE "HIGH PRIVATE," WITH A FULL AND EXCITING HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, ILLUSTRATED WITH FACTS, INCIDENTS, ANECDOTES, ENGRAVINGS, &.C., &c., INCLUDING THE MYSTERIES AND MISERIES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. IN THREE PARTS, PART FIRST, TO WHICH WILL BE APPENDED Tbe Constitution and By-laws of the Guerrillas, Banditti, &c* FOUND ON PRIEST JAURATA. BY "CORPORAL OF THE GUARD." PRINTED FOR THE PUBLISHERS, AND FOR SALE BY ALL BOOKSELLERS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. 1848. Ha * Entered according to an Act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight, by ALBERT LOMBARD. INTRODUCTORY. In offering the following work to the world, the author claims no literary attainments, but, simply a "plain, un varnished tale" of facts, mysteries, miseries, &c., of "non com.'s" and "high privates" during the Mexican War. Officers have rendered their accounts in various ways; they have been feted, honored, puffed and blown " sky high," by their own accounts, but the poor "non com.'s" and privates, who have accomplished most of the WORK and suffered all the hardships and miseries of the Mexican War, are left to the winds to perish and die ! unknown and uncared for ! Too truly has the private suffered not only by the W T ar, bad " promises," and bad treatment by many officers ^but in sickness, shattered frames and broken down constitutions ! If the author has erred or made any inaccuracy in this hasty production, he begs the kind indulgence of a liberal public; and to the deserving officers, if he has done them any injury, he regrets it, and would say to a few officers, " go, and sin no more." "CORPORAL OF THE GUARD." New York, October, 1848. MAJOR GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT, As he actually appeared in battle. GENERAL SCOTT. The engraving on the opposite page is a correct por traiture of Gen'l Scott and his horse, as they actually appeared in battle, with the exception that he sometimes wore a broad brimmed Mexican hat, called a "sombrero" In most all of the engravings of battles, the officers are represented as in full military dress, with dashing plumes, &c., while it is right the reverse ; every officer pulls off his fine toggery, and puts on the undress, or plain jacket and common "forage" cap, looking more like the private ready to take their chances with the men ; should they expose their plumes they would in all probability be se lected for a " mark," which in time of battle they have no more desire for than the men. That peculiar dash ing feeling on a review parade vanishes ! and the officer finds himself but a man ! BANCROFT LIBRARY SKETCHES, INCIDENTS, ANECDOTES, MYSTERIES AND MISERIES OF THE FIRST NE YORK VOLUNTEERS, COL. WARD B. BURNETT, COMMANDING, DURING PART OF 184618471848. CHAPTER I. FORMATION OFTHE REGIMENT AND THE WAYTHEY DID IT! Extra Pay What sort of Officers and Men Composition and Bravery Anecdotes How the men got whiskey A more genteel way The " big sergeant" First Chapter ended, and a few remarks about the one that is to come. In the early part of November, 1846, an order from Government was received to raise one regiment of Volun teers for "during the War with Mexico." Accordingly, the First Regiment was selected, and Col. Ward B. Bur nett, Lt. Col. Charles Baxter, and Major J. C. Burnham were appointed field officers; they selected ten places of rendezvous and issued notices for " able-bodied recruits willing to live or die in defence of our common country," promising three months extra pay, or three months ad vance, and six months clothing, which never went into operation so far as the poor soldier was concerned, except the six months clothing ; the gallant officers of course, fared a little better, which I will pay particular attention to before I get through. 8 THE HIGH PRIVATE. Too many letters have been written by the officers of the volunteer corps, as well as by "regulars," to ever arrive at real facts as they actually occured. The officer is inclined to false pride and self adulation ; of course, their actions are predominent over all the best germ of manly feeling for the poor hard-working and suffering soldier. "But now the hand of fate is on the curtain, And gives the scene to light." The drumming up of recruits was commenced, and by the middle of December about eight hundred men enlisted for " better or for worse," as they say in the marriage ceremony, and were sent down to Fort Hamilton to fat on bread and pork with soft planks for a bed and icy ground to drill on* WHAT SORT OF OFFICERS AND MEN. Among the troops there were the greatest medley ever congregated together in one regiment during the War. For officers we had barbers, tailors, sportsmen, bar-ten ders, politicians, and a few gentlemen. For non-com mis sioned, we had a pretty considerable variety of decent fellows my humble self included all promised to be made Brigadier Generals or something else before " re turning from the wars." The privates, too, were all promised " roast beef and two dollars a day," plenty of whiskey, " golden Jesuses," pretty Mexican gals, "safe investments, quick returns," and every thing pictured to the fancy. The privates were generally smart active men, with the exception of about two hundred totally unfit for ser- THE HIGH PRIVATE. 9 vice, or scarcely anything else a fraud on the War De partment and a curse to the officers who enlisted them. But any thing to fill up the ranks, and ho ! for Mexico ! jven the U. S. Surgeon held no examination as is usual, and so ordered by the War Department ; it is true he passed the line in company with Col. Bankhead, eyeing each man and rejecting a number of boys unable to carry a musket, and a few others who looked the "worse for wear," but they were soon thrust into line again by our magnanimous officers. Thus was our regiment composed of rejected boys, men who were diseased and broken down, some lame and blind in one eye, others, were sixty-year old boys with many beautiful subjects, selected especial ly " by order" of the commander-in-chief of the First New York Regiment, bound for Mexico, among which were gentlemen from the Tombs, ragamuffins from Black- well's Island, Alms House, and a sprinkling of "Five Pointers;" and a more rascally, lousy set was never thrown among decent men. There is no palliation for the officers, their conduct was outrageous ! to place men (of no kind of use except for "turkey buzzards") without having them cleansed and their lousy, filthy, and diseased rags thrown to the dogs ! before putting- on new clothes, and allowed to associate with decent men. I say it was out- ra^eous ! insulting and degrading to the clean soldier. The consequence was, that by inattention and indolence on the part of the officers (?) the whole regiment were covered with vermin before they left Fort Hamilton, by a few scamps. I shall have more to say about these live cattle aboard ship. 10 THE HIGH PRIVATE. COMPOSITION AND BRAVERY. The New York Regiment consisted of about eight hun dred rank and file, three hundred Americans, the balance Dutch, Irish, French, English, Poles, Swedes, Chinese, Indians, &c., there were not one hundred men and officers ever born in the City of New York in the whole regiment. Understand me gentlemen, and kind reader, not one word do I say against the bravery of the New York Volunteers, I have not the least doubt of their whole-souled genuine bravery ; I never witnessed men who could stand the "charge" better in my life. I have seen some stand the charge of more than fifty to one and scarcely flinch, but, the " charge" was harmless, not Mexican spears nothing more nor less than the incorrigible spears of American lice! However, to be serious, it is said the greatest tow ards ivill fight well when they get "cornered" or where there is no backing out. ANECDOTES. Notwithstanding all the troubles, vexations and hard ships that naturally exist, we saw some happy and funny moments, consequent upon green volunteer soldiers the many jokes, errors and bulls that usually occur, which keeps one alive and in tolerable good spirits. At evening parades the Adjutant, (Forrey, by the way, a fine officer, and what was rare among volunteers, a gen tleman,) orders the " first sergeants to the front and cen tre, march!" he then commands, "report!" when each sergeant, commencing on the right, answer so many sick and absent, or " all present and accounted for." When it came to the turn of an Irishman to report, he pays the THE HIGH PRIVATE. 11 salute in great agony, and bawls out at the top of his voice, " awl absent and accounted for !" The stern face of the Adjutant was so convulsed with laughter that it was with difficulty he could give the order "first sergeants to your post, march !" HOW THE MEN GOT WHISKEY. In order to keep up military appearance and to exhibit a little rtiuskquash authority, sentinels were posted at all the gates to keep the volunteers, like prisoners, from pass ing out and in without the "countersign," or an order from his highness " officer of the day !" But it would'nt do! Soldiers would get out of the Fort some way, and how the officers could not tell, they swore, stamped > and looked ten thousand daggers! " They would be damned if they would not put on double guard." "Post double guard, sir, and you will find double the men out-siders," says the present most humble servant, Corporal of the Guard. " Blood and zounds! what in hell does all this mean can we have no authority over the men ?" " Yes sir !" I replied, " by taking away your sentinels and treat ing the soldiers like men, not like prisoners! and my word for it, not one man would leave his quarters where ten do now." There were different ways and means of quitting the Fort without as much as saying " by your leave sir." The most prominent was, march boldly up to the guard, touch your cap and expose slyly a whiskey bottle ; that was sufficient to overcome all obstacles of our warriors," pass on," all " O. K." So out the soldier goes after his whis key, returning pays toll by giving the sentinel a smack at the welcome cure-all. 12 THE HIGH PRIVATE. A MORE GENTEEL WAY. Or, to be more military and of more consequence, heads up! march boldly to within ten feet of the guard ; when he commands a halt, looking as savage as a " Five Point pugilist" says, " who comes there ?" " A friend," is the reply. "Advance friend, and give the countersign." The soldier then advances, and gives the countersign among friends "whiskey!" "All right! pass on. Isaysoger! come back soon as you can ; for I am cold and infernally dry!" - The kind hearted, but deceived officer, all this time admiring, at a distance, how strictly military his sentinel does his duty. " THE BIG SERGEANT." 1 do not profess being an adept at relating stories, but the following illustrates the bravery of one at any rate. An Irishman, fresh caught, who stood six feet four, stout in proportion, and with abundance of blarney, so delight ed our officers that they appointed him sergeant, not for his capabilities, (for he hardly knew how to carry a mus ket,) but for his big figure, &c., he must be appointed over an American born, and whose father was an old re volutionary soldier* and who was the choice of the com pany by twenty-five to seven votes. The " big sergeant" had but arrived in this country three days when he enlisted; he bragged of his being a great soldier in the " ould counthry," and in frequent fights, &c., but finally acknowledged that he was only a guard at some prison in Ireland, and that all the fights he ever had were with the rum bottle for not holding enough, and which often whipped him, so much so, by his own THE HIGH PRIVATE. 13 story, " the directors discharged me," and he was com pelled to seek America, " the land of free whiskey and the home of the desolate." Being on a 4C bit of a spree" one night, with sword all buckled on, and rigged up in his best, our " big sergeant" heard a loud noise, hurraing, &c., which was occassioned by the arrival of the Albany Company, full of fun and war! It being very dark they could scarcely be seen, our hero the " officer-made-ser- geant" beat a retreat, and carne rush : ng into our quar ters, pale as death, exclaiming, " wha-t-s tha-t ? thunder and ounes! the Mexicans are coming!" In a few min utes we calmed him by the solemn assurance that they were nothing but "our boys," real Americans. Subse quently he turned into his bunk with his sword and equip ments all on, ready should the Mexicans make their appearance at Fort Hamilton ! " So endeth the first lesson." In my next chapter I shall attempt to give an account of a meeting at Centre Hall, Col. Burnett's speech, ad vising the recruits to go down to Fort Hamilton and live on roast beef, &c., and his speech at Fort Hamilton, delivered in writing in the presence of the battalion, tell ing how kind the City of New York had been in giving us five thousand dollars for our "comfort," and that we should have sewed shoes extra, whiskey, sweetmeats, sugar candy, &c. To conclude with the conclusion and winding up of a number of other chapters of " the same sort." 14 THE HIGH PRIVATE. CHAPTER II. Recruits at Centre Hall Col. Burnett's Speech Ho ! for Fort Hamil* ton The way to Recruit Sergeants treating the Greenhorns Cor poral of the Guard's arrival at the Fort Life in the Fort Whiskey forbidden Cold Tea, &c. In the latter part of November, 1846, a portion of the new recruits met "by order" at Centre Hall, where they "were formed into line as straight as a crooked stick, when the " dashing white sergeant" gave orders to " dress !" " dress by the right !" " dress back on the left!" "steady in the centre!" "heads up !" "front!" &c., &c., but it was of no use, you might as well straighten the Sea Serpent. Most of them being raw recruits, and some fresh caught from the " land of bogs," and of all sizes and sorts. Perhaps they might have been reflecting on that roast beef and " three months advance" at Fort Hamilton, when in came our gallant Colonel, looking like a cropped Canadian pony ; three distinct cheers were given" long live our noble Colonel." " Hurra for roast beef." " Go it Jimmy !" " Down with Santer Ranner," &c., &c. It was several minutes before the Colonel could command silence, when he commenced nearly as follows. THE SPEECH. " Fellow soldiers and comrades !" (curious comrades, thinks I, judging from outward appearances,) " we have met for the first time together," (long pause.) " I am glad to see so many fine looking fellows," (three cheers! hurra for Mexico!) "Yes! with such men I am proud THE HIGH PRIVATE. 15 to lead on to Mexico!" (tremendous cheering.) "You shall share with me my bed shall be your bed ray food, your food" (gammon !) "In the toils and hard ships of war, we will all share alike," (three cheers, that's it! that's the way we do it at Five Points! good! go it!) "Now, my brave fellows, I wish all those who have got nothing to eat, nor hole to lay his carcass in would go to Fort Hamilton, where there's plenty of every thing." (Hurra for that ! I'll go !) " I have engaged good quarters, and you can all have good beds, and plenty of roast beef and potatoes." (Nine cheers for that ! hurra ! hurra ! for roast beef and 'taters !) " I now take my most respectful good night." (Three cheers for Col. Burnett and roast beef ! hip ! hip ! hurra! hurra! hurra! ha! ha!) By the sergeant, "attention! company! by the right flank, left face!" (Music.) " Match !" And away they do march, up and down like a sheep's hind leg, is a caution to regulars. Thus ends the first interview. HO ! FOR FORT HAMILTON. Next morning about two hundred recruits sailed for the Fort in high glee instead of soft beds they found hard planks, and a thin horse blanket, with a stick of wood for pillow and bolster; and instead of "roast beef and taters," they were glad to get raw pork and hard crackers. O ! the horrors of war ! The mean and unmanly deception of the officers. However, many fared better than they had been in the habit of. They were well aware that there were no accommodations provi ded for them; and to send men in the cold of winter, was inhuman, to say the least of it. 16 THE HIGH PRIVATE. THE WAY TO RECRUIT. Time passed on, and recruiting went on " come, my dear fellow, won't you list? glorious times ! roast beef, ice creams, and three months' advance ! You can leave your dear wife and children behind with plenty of money and draw part of your pay in your absence. Glorious times! Come take something to drink wilh me here's a health to old Zack ! Glorious times! plenty to eat and drink and if you are a pretty good fellow, we'll make a sergeant of you. Nothing so happy as a soldier's life music all day no work only a little drill now and then that's fun ! Come my boy ! let's take anoth er glass, and I'll show you our rendezvous. Fine offi cers real gentlemen ! All we have got to do is have a fine sea voyage to Vera Cruz, (Uncle Sam pays our passage,) bombard the City swallow the Castle and come home again with plenty of gold in our pockets and lots of glory in our bones!" And so the days would move on, the Sergeant "treating" the green 'uns, bring ing them to the rendezvous for exhibition to the worthy Captain or Lieutenant, who would "treat" again, and tell the poor fellow all about the glory and money he would naturally receive from his good appearance, &c., how good and kind they would be, and in case of sick ness it cost him nothing, and they would stick by him roast beef and sweet potatoes were nothing to be com pared to their promises every man, too, should be " made a Sergeant or Corporal" and perhaps a Lieutenant should any of them be so lucky as to "shuffle off this mortal coil." (Pity some did'nt before they left the Fort, for the benefit of the rising generation.) THE HIGH PRIVATE. 17 December third another batch of " sogers" was sent to the Fort, but quite a different lot from those -who went previous ; among the " batch" was the " Corporal of the Guard" and other distinguished and notorious gentlemen. We found any thing else but what had been represented to us by the officers. LIFE IN THE FORT. We found cold weather, good hard floors and a very light apology for a blanket, we began to think that the "horrors of war" had come in reality, leaving a luxuri ous home and a gocd led, to sleep on a hard plank, was not so very agreeable as most people imagine. We cursed we swore ! We ripped and tore ! ! One fine chap said " he didn't want to go any further, he had got enough of the War for the last twenty-four hours," and left for the- City in double-quick time ; he was subsequently caught, brought back, and the poor fellow's bones are now bleaching on the heights of Cerro Gordo ! After strong talk, spiced with threats of leaving the officers " alone in their glory," we made a raise of fresh beef and bread 'taters were scarce, for some rea son they dare not appear in sight of the enemy. " Re freshments" such as whiskey, &c., had "to be smuggled in from a small grocery near the " outward walls" of the Fort ; ardent spirits were forbidden to be brought in, yet the grandiloquent officers, superior in flesh, mind and soul, could soak till some were unfit to appear on parade ! But there were various ways to avoid detection by the 18 THE HIGH PRIVATE. officers, and it did not take much wit or talent to deceive them. Whiskey would get in some way, in spite of all the orders they might issue. It was not that the officers had any particular regaid for our souls, or any particular objection to our taking a drop now and then, but to beat them in drinking, (which was hard to do,) they did not relish at all. Then again there might not be enough left for their rummy heads. THE "CORPORAL'* GOING AFTER COLD TEA. One morning very early, it being my turn to go after bitters, I approached the grocery with all the dignity of one who feels the importance and responsibility of his situation ! and not expecting to meet any one so early I was somewhat surprised to behold a half-a-dozen big and little Lieutenants, with their eyes half open, rapping at the grocery for the boy to " arise and come forth !" for they " were dry and thirsty" and wanted drink ! As I appeared in front of the thirsty tribe of warriors for there was no backing out or chapperal to hide in 1 hastily touched my cap, when one of the smartest in the crowd observed, u well, Corporal, what do you want at this time in the morning ?" I replied, " a little tea, sir." " O you rascal, a little cold tea!" said another bright one, whose head looked as if it had caught cold last night sleeping side of a brandy cask. Moreover never theless, the boy arose, came forth gaping like a sick child in short, we all got our tea and vamosed. " Still so gently o'er me .stealing, Fond ivhiskey brings back the feeling." THE HIGH PRIVATE. 19 DRUMMING. At daylight (tattoo) we were drummed up, at seven drummed to the " doctor's," at nine drummed to " mount guard," at ten drummed to morning parade and drill, at twelve drummed to dinner, at two drummed to company drills, at four drummed to evening parade, &c., at eight drummed to bed, and its nothing but drum, drum all night dreaming about " right face !" " front face !" " shoulder arms !" "charge bayonets!" and salt pork. "Home, home, sweet, sweet home, Be it ever so humble There's uo place like home." ANOTHER WAY OF RECRUITING NOT SPOKEN OF IN MODERN OR ANCIENT HISTORY. Another way of recruiting, never before "written in the bills," and showing great Yankee ingenuity, was to publish an advertisement for " Mechanics and Laborers to go South good wages, and passage free," which brought large numbers to the rendezvous ; many were caught and deluded by the thrilling and splendid account of a glorious campaign, promising three months extra pay and a bran new suit of clothes ; after treating, &c., the poor fellow was induced to sign the muster roll, and politely invited to take a ride to Fort Hamilton to receive the hospitalities of that great and glorious institution, for the cultivation of vermin and manufacturing of great men ! 20 THE HIGH PRIVATE. CHAPTER III. A Muss Six Months' Clothing New Toggery Col. Burnett's Speech to the Battalion Ditto to the Albany Company Twenty-one Dollars The Corporation Horrors of the War, &c. A CUT UNDER THE FIFTH RIB. After arriving at the Fort, it was very difficult to ever return, you were treated so very politely; and the recruit finds that he has been most egregiously mistaken or hoaxed, that he has " barked up the wrong tree," is "done for," "used up," and very liable to get "into a muss" if he dares to say a word, or even ask Col. Bur nett for a few cents for his suffering family, or for a small portion of that " five thousand dollars" the City gave for the "aid and comfort" of the poor soldier, which the "Corporal of the Guard" will have something very par ticular to say on the subject, which may cause an irrup tion of Mount Burnett. * * * "Would'st thou drown thyself, Put but a little water in a spoon, And it shall be as all the ocean Enough to stiffle such a hypocrite up." On the 16th of December, 1846, nearly all the troops were mustered into the service our military toggery delivered to the men, and the way the old clothes were dragged about the parade ground by the fellow animals, which had so long kept company near the body, (and much nearer the heart than many women ever get,) was a caution to any thing in the bug line. Many were the jokes cracked at our new appearance, some of whom had - * THE HIGH PRIVATE. 2 1 scarcely ever felt the sensation of " military toggery" or a new suit of clothes, and appeared quite at a loss to know how to walk or march ! But the way our young and magnanimous officers, and our glorious, great and splendid corps of "non corn's" (the brave " Corporal" among the number) did walk over the course was a sin to Gen, Bombastes saluting each other as they passed and re-passed swords dangling by their sides all look ing savage as an old war-horse ! Eyes flashing ! and thinking and dreaming of unutterable things and doings. "Here comes my mortal enemy, Eith'er he must fall in fight or I !" COL. BURNETT'S SPEECH, (IN PART,) Delivered before the New York Battalion at Fort Hamil ton, December, 1848, in presence of a large number of ladies and gentlemen (the "latest news never before published,") on the "five thousand dollars appropria tion." "Fellow soldiers! It gives me pleasure to meet you here to-day. Your noble bearing, good conduct and ap pearance, satisfy me that your Colonel will have reason to be proud of you. The City Councils of New York have made an appropriation for your benefit," (what's become of it ?) " by which I shall be enabled to give you many necessaries, and comforts in case of sickness. You shall also have new shoes ! not Government pegged shoes, but real sewed shoes, India rubber tent cloths," &c., &c., and other things too tedious to mention. " Fellow soldiers ! you ought to thank the City Corpora tion for their liberal donation." The " soldiers" do thank 22 THE HIGH PRIVATE. the Corporation, and the " soldiers" would " thank" Col. Burnett to deliver over a part of the plunder. As most of your brave and deluded men have perished under your command, and cannot receive the "comforts" you pro mised, (if they had many might have now been among the living,) I would suggest that the amount be given to the widows and orphans of the poor soldiers who have lost their lives during the War in Mexico; by so doing, you may retrieve some of your lost character for honor and honesty. To charge you with cowardice I do not but I charge you with cheating, swindling and deceiving the poor soldier of his rights ! TWENTY-ONE DOLLARS ! TWENTY-ONE DOLLARS ! The men who have been fortunate enough to live, have not forgot the inducement of " twenty-one dollars" by reason of which they enlisted many, for the purpose of leaving a mite at home for their suffering families, in the dead of winter. Here let me charge you, and per haps a few others, of direct or indirect ruin and the breaking up of many interesting families, by deception ! fraud ! and the keeping of monies for your own private ends and speculation, given by the liberal, honorable, and whole-souled, heart-felt Corporation of the City of New York, for the aid and comfort of those poor men who volunteered to fight and die for them and their con stituents. I have not the pleasure of a personal acquain tance with any member of the Corporation, but I believe their intentions were good, that they have been deceived, and that they are satisfied with the deception imposed upon them, so much so, that their last appropriations^ THE HIGH PRIVATE. 23 God bless them, have been made so that they knew the " soldier" got his rights, and not to another person for selfish purposes, who perhaps if he had the management the "medals' 3 might have been scarce of silver! Little did he think " A chiel's amang ye takin 1 notes, And faith he'll prent 'em !" COL. BURNETT'S SPEECH TO THE ALBANY COMPANY. A fine company of men, under command of the gallant and much lamented Capt. Van Olinda, arrived at the Fort about the tenth of December, under the impression that they were to be treated like freemen and not like slaves, and learning that there was some doubt about re ceiving the long promised " twenty-one dollars" or three months extra pay in advance, they kicked, refused to do duty, and swore to return unless they were honorably dealt by; Captain Van Olinda was not in the least to blame, and used all his exertions to satisfy the men, when our lord and honorable Colonel steps in front of the Com pany and addresses them thus '' My dear fellows I have been disappointed ; the funds which were expected to assist the poor soldier, and which they must naturally stand so much in need of has not arrived, but you shall receive your pay as promised if I pay it out of iny own pocket. I pledge you my honor." (Precious honor it has proved.) "So I beg you will return to your duty like men ; and follow me to the bloody battle-field, and return with all the honors of war !" (Some cheer ing and hissing.) They did return indeed ! Out of one hundred men that he addressed, abput sixteen returned ! 24 THE HIGH PRIVATE. and the wives, sisters, mothers and. fathers of many of those brave men, are now weeping and suffering from the loss of their friends and relations. Ye Gods ! Colonel ! if you have one spark of human feeling, you must weep ! Your sleepless nights must be painful indeed to dream of those bones you have left on the field of battle, unknown arid uncared for, or you must have a heart of adamant ! I leave you to your own re flections and when you die, even should it be on the gallows, " may God Almighty have mercy on your soul ;" for precious little mercy will those have who lost friends by accessory deeds of indirect, if not positive manslaughter and murder ! Oh ! my dear Sir, you need not tremble ! I could wish no greater punishment, than you to hear the curses of the living, or the imaginations of your mind, of .those whom you have been the cause of destruction, and almost the entire ruin of the whole New-York Regi ment, which, I hope, will give you " glory enough for one day !" "If there's vengeance in an injured heart, And power to wreak it in an armed hand, Your hearts shall ache for it." THE HIGH PRIVATE. 25 ' CHAPTER IV. Black Slave vs. White Slave The difference in mortality between the officers and men Tyranny Inhumanity Fraud Privates as good as anybody, &c., &c. With a touch of the Poetical. FALSE INDUCEMENTS. IF it is cruel to drag black men from their homes, how much more cruel it is to drag white men from their homes under false inducements, and compelling them to leave their wives and children, without leaving a cent or any protection, in the coldest season of the year, to die in a foreign and sickly climate ! " But/' says the reader, " why did they enlist, and leave their families in distress ?" The answer is, many enlisted for the sake of their families, having no employment, and having been offered " three month's advance," and were promised that they could leave part of their pay for their families to draw in their absence. They, poor duped men, but with patriotic and noble feelings toward their wives and children, sacrificed every thing for the sole purpose of their support. Thus, it will be seen that the non-commissioned officers and pri vates have been cheated, swindled, and their families left destitute, by ^rascally promises and deception ! I boldly pronounce, that the whole Regiment was got up by fraud a fraud on the soldier, a fraud on the City of New-York, and a fraud on the Government of the United States and Col. Ward B. Burnett and his gang can make the most of it. 26 THE HIGH PRIVATE. THE DIFFERENCE IN MORTALITY. It appears not twenty in one hundred men that origin ally went out with the New-York Regiment ever re turned, as four out of five either died or were killed ; and of the officers, not one in eight were killed or_died, or at the rate of one hundred officers over eighty returned, when of the men, but twenty returned ! Why this tremendous difference in mortality! Why should men die or be killed more than the officers 1 Were not the officers as brave as the men ? They brag of their bravery and sufferings ! There is a very good reason why the officers suffered with so little loss, in com parison with the rank and file. The officers were taken better care of, (or took better care of themselves, for they could form an excuse of sickness previous to a battle, but the sick man must go anyhow /) and he had more assistance, nourishment, and attendance, when sick, than the poor private, who was his equal, and in many cases, his superior. He was often left with an ignorant and tyranical doctor, not fit to butcher dogs, or, to the tender mercies of the traiterous Mexican. Does this prove that the officers suffered with the men ? And, one would think, from the many valorous letters written home by the officers, "they had done all the fighting, all the work, and received all the wounds and sufferings, (they re ceived all the pay, I admit,) but, let me tell them, there were men in the ranks of the volunteers superior in drill, in intellect, and with higher notions of honor and honesty ! who had families and relatives at home where many of the officers would hardly be allowed to eat a meal of victuals in their kitchens. THE HIGH PRIVATE. 27 " I AM A MAN, AND LIVE !" Such was one-half the abuse and treatment received by the men, many of whom, I believe, were indirectly murdered by bad treatment, and the inhumanity of their officers ! I do not charge all, God knows there were a few officers that had a spark of feeling left, but they were scarce. God has given as free and noble a soul to the private as to the officer ; but, envy and scorn are too often his portion they do not like to see themselves outstripped by one whom they consider no better than themselves, and instead of encouraging, they dampen his ardor with sneers and cold looks, and fill his heart with grief. ' Brutes may bear bondage they were made for it, When heaven set men above them ; but no mark Definite and indelible, it put Upon one man to mark another, That he should live his slave. O heavy curse ! To have thought, reason, judgment, feelings, tastes, Passions and conscience like another man, And not have equal liberty to use them." Oh ! if a few of my unfortunate comrades could have but returned and exclaimed " I arn a man, and live ! !" they would have given all the world for one deep damn ing look at their officers, and die with pleasure ! 28 THE HIGH PRIVATE. CHAPTER V. Trouble in camp Non-Commissioned Officers holding private meet ings The Colonel's veto on it Arrest of Sergeant O'Reily Strong talk of " a muss" A little more about the "twenty-one dollars" The " five thousand dollars" Capt. Shaw Two ships in sight "A muss" Lieut. Col. Baxter Col. Burnett, with respects. INSUBORDINATION. A few days previous to our departure to the land of death and slaughter, the troops became dissatisfied in re gard to their treatment, and showed strong symtoms of insubordination, desertion, &c. The " non com.'s" held private meetings for the purpose of making a stand, un less the " three month's extra pay" was forthcoming, or, before leaving our Christian soil ; in consequence, the noble and honest Colonel, (who had so much kind feel ing for the welfare of the soldier,) gave orders that no more meetings should be held, under the penalty of his castigation nor should more than two " npn com.'s" be seen together at one and tTie same time. The men became more and more dissatisfied. Mothers, wives, and suffering children crying for money to buy bread, which they were expecting to receive from the ^promised " three month's pay." Sergt. O'Reily was arrested, and a few privates put under guard ; but it was of no use, the men were bound to have " a rnuss," and would have had one if it were not for a few accidents that occurred. The " three month's extra" was continued to be thrust THE HIGH PRIVATE. 29 down their throats, and Sergt. O'Reily, (since been made Sergt. Major,) was reduced to "high private," and or dered to leave the fort in one hour ! THE "FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS." Another difficulty the men were not satisfied in re gard to the appropriation by the City of five thousand dollars for the " aid and comfort" of the " non com.'s" and privates, and a number met, chose a select commit tee, who waited upon Col. Burnett, politely enquiring when we were to receive our share or benefit from the " appropriation," as many were about to leave families in the rear who needed assistance. The reply was "that we need not trouble ourselves about our families, that they would be taken care of," and ordered us to our quarters, giving no satisfaction whatever. A few mo ments had hardly expired when the committee were or dered under arrest for daring to approach his dignity and self -consequence ! Capt. Shaw, (Pashaw ! it should be,) made himself conspicuous (when there was no enemy in front) at the Fort went to Mexico returned and eter nally damned his tyrannical idea of military power ! <( he fought, died ! bled and" literally " ran away." In peace, he was the bravest man in the regiment in war, he was the biggest coward ! " Princes and lords may flourish or may fade, A breath can make them, as a breath has made ; But a bold yeomanry, their country's pride, When once destroyed can never be supplied." TWO SHIPS IN SIGHT. Now "comes the tug of war." Two ships were in 3* 30 THE HIGH PRIVATE. sight, said to have been sent down in a hurry in order to put the refractory aboard. The following day five com panies, A, C, D, E and G were ordered to hold them selves in readiness to "board ship." " Such a row, such a rumpus" you never did see ! "A MUSS." The men raved and swore they were "cheated," "de ceived," " swindled !" and that they never would go aboard with a "whole s'tin" on, "traitors in the camp !" no "money!" no "extra pay," no chance of bidding "FAREWELL" to families and friends! but drove on board- a-ship like slaves ! "Who cares?" thinks the officers, " we can bid our wives and children good bye ! only get the poor devil of a private aboard, all will be safe." But revenge ! the men swore sooner or later ; but, alas ! but few returned ! and those few who have returned are broken down in spirits and health ; some to learn the loss of their wives, while some have either died, run away, or have been seduced by the very friends who promised protection! O! sad, sad indeed, has been the fate of the poor soldier ! Many silent curses have rent the air, and more will yet, should life hold out its glim mering light. Many a father and mother have been deprived of a son who might have lived had they the proper care taken of them, and by those fathers and mo thers could they have obtained double pay for all expense and trouble. But "who cares?" When sick they are of no more use to the army. " God bless 'em, let 'em die." But thank th"e good God ! they are marked their characters are written in heaven ! They are loathed and THE HIGH PRIVATE. 31 miserable on this earth ! and I leave the Devil to take care of them in the next. I will now digress, and ask my friends to wait 'till I get aboard ship in the mean time, I will introduce a few remarks which may not be out of place or uninterest ing, on the brave and much lamented Lieut. Col. Charles Baxter. DRILLING OFFICERS AT THE FORT. It was much to be regretted that we had so little dril ling at Fort Hamilton, previous to our departure for Mexico, for most of the officers required it as well as the men ; instead of drinking, carousing, and visiting New- York for the purpose of show, &c., it would have been of much more service and honor to the regiment, to have drilled first the officers, then they could obtain some knowledge, in order to drill and instruct the privates. There were a few officers who did not entirely neglect their duties, and who appeared to have taken some pride in giving instruction to the raw recruits. . Among them, as near as I can recollect, were Lieut. Col. Baxter, Capt. Van Olinda, Lieut 's Boyle,, McCabe, Sweeny, Floyd, Sergeants Carpenter, Lombard, Young, Hart, &c., who were industrious in all things, until they almost became disgusted with their brother officers, for inattention or want of activity and interest in the welfare of the regi ment. Some were, perhaps, excusable on account of their ignorance; therefore, out of charity, I will not mention their names. A FAINT EULOGY ON LIEUT. COL. CHARLES BAXTER. About two hundred men were marched to New-York, 32 THE HIGH PRIVATE. commanded by Col. Baxter, for the purpose of exhibiting ourselves, &c. ; and we learned more drilling under " Baxter" in three days, two hours at a time, than we learned the whole six weeks we were at Fort Hamilton. Col. Charles Baxter was a gentleman and a soldier in every sense of the word. He had no superior -in drill he was stern and commanding, yet mild and persuasive. Men thought it a favor and a pleasure to be under his instruction. The drill, for the purpose of visiting New- York, was considered " extra," and none were ordered "or compelled to be present; yet upwards of two hundred volunteered, on hearing that Baxter was to drill them and it has been said, that vetrans never marched better than we did on the occasion of our visiting the city. Col. Baxter complimented, and appeared proud of us, as well he might, for we felt proud of him. Often times have I heard the men say, " I wish Baxter was our colonel," or " at Ihe head of the regiment." The men loved him, and would have followed or gone anywhere he commanded. And often, on parade, like an impatient war-horse, have I seen him bite his lips and bend his sword, with inward excitement, and to appearance, disgust, at the many errors of Col. Burnett and subordinates. In battle, Col. Baxter was calm, bold, and daring, without being reckless foreseeing, and cooly observing every obstacle, looking well for the protection of his men before self. Oh ! had we but him for our first colonel ! how many of the New-York Regiment might now have been en joying the fire-sides of their homes, and among friends dear to them as the greatest lord in creation, instead of THE HIGH PRIVATE. 33 their bones bleaching on the battle field ! The writer of this faint praise, had no personal acquaintance with Col. Baxter, nor had he ever ten minutes conversation with him in military affairs, the remarks are made from per sonal observation and duty to a brave, chivalrous, and high-minded soldier ! Peace to his ashes ! Honor to the men who composed the Baxter Blues ! may they ever retain their glorious name for ages to come ! THE DEATH OF COLONEL BAXTER AT THE BATTLE OF CHAPULTEPEC " 'Twas then brave Baxter from the walls surveyed, Wide o'er the fields the hostile bands arrayed : ' O, heaven !' he cried, ' my bleeding country save ! Is there no hand on high to shield the brave 1 Yet, though destruction sweep these lovely plains Rise ! fellow-men ! our country yet remains ! By that dear name, we wave the sword on high ! And swear for her to live ! with her to die !' He said and on the rampart height arrayed His trusty warriors, few, but undismayed : In vain, alas ! in vain ye gallant few, From rank to rank your volley thundering flew. Oh ! bloodiest picture in the book of time !" 34 THE HIGH PRIVATE. CHAPTER VI. Or an Extra Chapter by the way of an Anchovy, before we go to Sea. WHO GOT THAT MONEY ? There has been considerable excitement and difficulty in ascertaining what has become of the money appropri ated by the City Council, and by citizens, for the benefit of the New York Volunteers, and handed over to Col. Ward B. Burnett ; he has never as yet given any satis faction to the public. A few who have a right to know a friend of mine gave a handsome sum, and he says he is informed that it went " for the benefit of the New York Volunteers, for comforts," &c. I think that I can enlighten many who are in the dark, though it should happen to make his highness, the great and living Colo nel, a little riley : not being under the tyrannical power of any officer, I may dare to speak, and I intend to speak and write what I think, and what a few richly deserve that it may hereafter be a warning to treat men like men not like common slaves and that there may be as good men in the ranks as any who ever wore a gold epaulet. I promised men on their dying beds " I would do #," and as Gen. Shields says, " I believe my life was preserved for some good " It was formerly a frequent remark " who struck Billy Patterson ?" at pre sent its " who got that money ?" I can tell where a sma// part of it went, and perhaps Col. Burnett and his officers can tell what became of the larger part ? THE HIGH PRIVATE. 35 THE " CORPORAL OF THE GUARD's" STORY ABOUT THE FIRST THOUSAND DOLLARS. It is well known that the City authorities made first an appropriation of one thousand dollars, to aid the New York Volunteers in recruiting men, &c., for the First Regiment, Col. Burnett, for Mexico ; of which one thou sand dollars each Captain received fifty dollars for " poc ket money," or as Col. B. expresses it, " for the purposes of defraying expenses," such as rooms, lights, &c., (pre cious little of it ever went into " rooms" except what went in bottles,) which makes five hundred of the appro priation. The other five hundred w r e will give to Col. Burnett and staff, of course they want " a little pocket money" for champaign, suppers, &c. Calling myself a liberal man I allow these items cheerfully, for the pur pose of defraying necessary expenses. Well, one thou sand dollars are honorably accounted for. DITTO ABOUT THE FIVE THOUSAND. ' Now for the five thousand dollars appropriated by the City Councils " to aid in furnishing clothing and com," forts for the now-commissioned officers arid privates." Mark ye! "For the ' non com.V arid privates." Be fore I get through I will tell you all about the " com forts," and what " comforts" the soldiers received out of the five thousand dollars fund. Col. Burnett attempts to give an account of the disbursment of the five thousand, (without any vouchers,) in the Courier and Enquirer of about January tenth, 1847. I am sorry that I am unable to quote his statement at present ; but I distinctly recollect that the statement was 36 THE HIGH PRIVATE. blinded and untrue, and so most of the men declared at the time, and with the utmost disgust at his deception and treatment. Col. B.'s statement in the Courier and Enquirer, I think, was one thousand dollars for his officers to pur chase swords, ornaments, &c., for the dear creatures, which, by the by, I understand, have never been entirely paid for and that an agent was sent out to Vera Cruz with a bill for these very identical swords, jewelry, &c., which the great financier put in against the five thou sand dollar appropriation, for the "comforts" of the ". non com.'s and privates." Is it true, or is it not, my dear colonel ? If I am wrong, I acknowledge the corn. "CLOTHING AND COMFORTS." Well, gentlemen, now there is a balance of five thou sand dollars for " clothing and comforts" for the poor soldier. I make for eight hundred men for clothing at twenty-one dollars each, one thousand, six hundred and eighty dollars, which we worked for, and which we are entitled to by law from " Uncle Sam," as six month's advanced clothing. Among the " comforts," was about (to be very liberal,) four hundred government pegged, and one hundred sewed shoes, amounting to about six hundred and twenty-five dollars received, including all the " comforts," (whiskey always except ed, and precious little of that,) leaving a balance of one thousand six hundred and ninety-five dollars for -extra " comforts," which I leave with the colonel to explain at some future period. One thousand dollars, he says, he paid for recruiting THE HIGH PRIVATE. 37 services. If he did, there are many bills which never have been paid ; and he has applied at some of the okl rendezvous for their bills " that he could procure the money at Washington." At one rendezvous I called at, they refused to give any information, saying, that they were friends of Col. Burnett. This plainly showed that there was something " rotten in Denmark ;" for 3 if they were " friends," and all things " O. K.," they would most certainly have been happy and willing to vindicate Col. Burnett's character, when I charged him with using the soldier's money for his own private purposes. MORE MONEY UNACCOUNTED FOR. Then comes more money from private subscription, by the citizens of New- York, amounting to the snug little sum of eight hundred seventy-three dollars and seventy- five cents. " Who got that money ?" The deponent saith not. Probably, it went the same road that all the rest of the funds went for " comforts." Now, it appears that the whole amount received fiom the city authorities and citizens, amounts to the grand total of six thousand eight hundred and seventy-three dollars and seventy-five cents. The non-commissioned officers and privates receiving out of this sum, two thou sand three hundred and five dollars, a part of which was due from government for the " sixth month's clothing," amounting to one thousand six hundred and eighty dollars, leaving for " comforts," six hundred and twenty-five dol lars, which is every cent that was ever received by-trie <( non com.'s and privates." Yet, we are told that this money was given for their benefit, leaving the enormous 38 THE HIGH PRIVATE. sum of six thousand two hundred and forty-eight dollars and seventy-five cents in the hands of Col. Ward B. Burnett, most of which is unaccounted for satisfactory to me, or a majority of the regiment. I do not say that Col. Burnett " has got that money" but, this I do say, that the non commissioned officers and privates have not got it. The Colonel has, or, is about to make a settlement with the War Department, in which all his claims in getting the New-York Regiment have, or are to be allowed, exclu sive of the sum received from the Corporation and pa triotic citizens of New-York. This paying a man twice for getting up a regiment of soldiers, and cheat the men " into the bargain," is what I should call playing a pretty strong game and pocket ing the largest part at that is doing it up scientifically. However, we are a " progressive people," and growing sm.arter, if not more honest every day. Amen ! " Com- mo lo passa usted '?" The end of the sixth lesson. THE HIGH PRIVATE. 39 CHAPTER VII. Leaving Fort Hamilton Considerable talk about it Some objection about going without the " three months extra" Prospect of a Muss The plot thickens Danger Ship Catherine and bark Isabella rea dy for Companies A, C, D, E and G Big talk about not leaving Swearing, cursing and using profane language to excess Officers threaten to bring "regulars" from Governor's Island to quell the "volunteer spirit" Great danger in case they did More coaxing and promises Officers smelling the " non com.'s" breath Jugs of rum Highway robbery aboard steamboat "All aboard don't go'?" To conclude with the conclusion at Fort Hamilton, and a great va riety useless to mention here. LEAVING FORT HAMILTON. Five companies, A, C, D, E and G, having been noti fied to leave Fort Hamilton in double-quick time, in order to fill up the holes on board the ship Catherine and bark Isabella, then and there lying off the above said Fort, in the Bay of New-York, bound for Mexico ! The men, somewhat taken by surprise, knew no bounds to their exclamations and threats ; but they were doomed to be cheated, wheedled, and coaxed, and " promises" of pay when aboard ship ; they doggedly marched no ! walked on board of a small steamer, to transport us to the vessels which lay off at anchor. . Some tried to es cape, but were " caught in the act" and drove on board the steamer at the sword's point, it being the first brave action I noticed, previous to leaving the fort, which gave a peculiar sensation to the " Corporal of the Guard" a kind of terror of which was to come, and which did 40 THE HIGH PRIVATE. come and he has never got over his " peculiar sensation" yet. All safe on board, the first work to be done, \vas, to seek plunder, which the soldiers soon found, evidently, to their joy, and to the satisfaction of all on board, except the agents, proprietors, and dealers in the rum line. A sort of bar, with a few jugs of whisky in it was scented out though locked up from the " kidnappers" the men soon found their way into the bar and among the decanters and jugs, and the way they run was a caution to " Santer Ranner" at Cerro Gordo ! The would-be-smart- officers attempted to catch the b-hoys, but they could'nt come it. They even went to the self-degradation to smell the " non com.'s" breath, whether for the purpose of detection, or to get a suck at the bung-hole, is left for them to decide. The officers seemed to think that, every time a private blew his nose, the " non com.'s" must report i\\efact to their dignities, as if they were to be made the stool- pigeons of every loafing officer, who wishes to find fault with every trifling thing which may occur- " too green by half." After "kidnapping" the five companies and getting them safe and sound on board the ship, they supposed all was as it should be; but, to my mind, things looked rather doubtful about their stopping upon the ship Cath erine, at least, for the men were in a complete state of mutiny with prospects of a " muss" so much so, that no officer dare go between decks all that was wanting was a " leader," a resolute man to " go ahead." The THE HIGH PRIVATE. 41 men were ready and willing to assist in returning the ship to the dock from whence she came, or to some place of safety in the New-York harbor passing Fort Hamil ton with flying colors, and cheers to the poor devils left behind. It was even suggested to throw the officers over-board, unless they conducted themselves with a little more pro priety. Such hooting, hissing, and hallooing, I never heard before imrnitations of wild beasts and domestic animals cursing the officers, fighting and screaming, as if all bedlam had been let loose ! No wonder the officers had, for the first time, felt a little fright ! The hatches were fastened down for the night, and none allowed to go on deck, a horrible night to me, and one which I shall never forget. I felt satisfied with the war, and would have been willing to quit the " first boat," could I have gotten an opportunity. I was robbed of knife, comb, pencil, &c., &c., and threatened to be, (it matters not what,) unless I kept my "jaws shut up." SUTLERS GREAT PICKPOCKETS COPERAL OF THE GUARD, &C. Morning came, and with it came sour faces, black eyes, and bloody bosoms, hard looks, and revengeful countenances but, all was calm, as after a severe storm. Some were occupied in washing their faces, others talk ing in groups, while many stood moody and alone some looking with a wishful eye towards the shore, and some sat in different parts of the deck engaged at the beautiful occupation of picking lice from their persons! Many a 4* 42 THE HIGH PRIVATE. poor body -companion was sent, into the mighty deep that morning, never to rise again " into this breathing world," full of milk, honey, and trouble. Thus, we were situated the second day, (January 4th, 1847.) on board the ship Catharine, Capt. Herbert, with companies C, D, arid E ; Capt. Barclay, Capt. Taylor, and Capt. Pierson, the for mer and latter died in Mexico. Major Burnham, with Adg 't Forrey, were in command of the battalion, and, together were two or three of those leeches, called sutlers ; greater pickpockets never existed than these sutlers, generally. The poor soldier is actually robbed of one half of his pay by these leeches, who charge about five hundred per cent for everything they sell. For instance, one dollar a pound for tobacco, worth fifteen or twenty cents, and other things in proportion. I paid one dollar and fifty cents for a bottle of claret wine, w r orth twenty cents. It has been said that the Colonel was interested with the sutlers if so, he indirectly robbed the soldier, and it seems, in more ways than one, which I shall at- temp to prove before I get through with my history. The " Corporal of the Guard" had the distinguished honor of being one of the party on board of the ship Catharine ; he was one among them who naturally felt dissatisfied, and with some very good reasons, though not in- the " plot." He knew very well what was going on, and, of course, remained neutral. One thing was certain, the " Corporal" was determined not to blow. I was promised, most solemnly, (after assisting in get ting the men on board of the ship,) the privilege of visit- THE HIGH PRIVATE. 43 ing New -York, which I never enjoyed while at the Fort, but attended to my duties faithfully besides acting Com missary, Corpora], Sergeant, Captain's Clerk, and Cap tain in command, and marched the company on parade more than all the officers together after halving been so industrious, I thought certainly I was entitled to twenty- four hours in New. York, to bid my family and friends farewell, and to get my clothing which was left behind, to the amount of fifty dollars, all of which have been lost. Thus, I was disappointed and most rascally cheated: I took the officers to be gentlemen and men of honor, yet, " honor" was the last thing that ever entered their thick skulls. When I found that I was so deceived and kidnapped, I felt disheartened and discouraged, and never afterwards could do duty with pleasure. And I have often times since baulked them in drill, when they supposed that I was ignorant, though I had previously commanded a company, yet I have forgotten more than one half of them ever knew, or ever will know ! SWORN ENEMY TO TYRANTS OFFICERS GOT SOAKED. The treatment given me, proved in part, the loss of a dear wife, leaving three unprotected children! And I am not the only one that has suffered by their dishonesty and inhuman conduct. They may laugh in derision but they know what I write is too true and they were in hopes that I would never return to expose them to the world. I have sworn to expose every tyrant, and I am 44 THE HIGH PRIVATE. bound to do it by the dying , breath of ray comrades, though it cost me my life ! I am a sworn enemy to tyrany in every shape and con dition, rich or poor, high or low! The only reason that I did not before give them a dose of ipicac, was, I did not wish to take advantage of any one during absence from home, and especially in an enemy's country. I am one of those men who can " forget and forgive ;" and, like an Indian, can recollect an injury or a kindness. Men who have power should reflect that they themselves may be under power, and to treat their fellow brothers, with at least, common respect. I hate the false and foolish tyrany one man, when in power, uses over an other taking advantage of his circumstances, and by those very persons who profess to be his best friends, are often proved to be his worst enemies ! The greatest professional democrat is oftentimes the greatest aristocrat. THE HIGH PRIVATE. 45 CHAPTER VIII. Fish and Fowl Rev. Mr. Gallagher Bibles thrown away Christain friends Prayers and promises. OFFICERS (( SOAKED." It appears after the first five companies had left, the remaining five, B, F, H, I, and K, either more brave or more resolute, or, that the Colonel thought it more pru dent to advance them a small sum thus making fish out of one part and flesh out of the other ; we heard of it, and well recollect the indignation felt at the time. The men continued to show dissatisfaction, so much so, that, for the safety of the ship or the men, the Captain " hove" anchor and put down the bay, while most of our officers went to New-York, for purposes best known to themselves. When they returned to the ship, they ap peared to have been wet inside nearing the vessel, their boat capsized and wet the dear creatures outside so, taking it altogether, they were, what is called, pretty well soaked. However, we got them safe on board more sober than when they left New-York. One -or two days previous to sailing, orders were given to rig ourselves in our best toggery, that Gen. Gaines was expected to pay us a visit, &c. But, who should come but the Rev. Mr. Gallagher, with a lot of bibles and tracts, though all very good in their way, and at a proper 46 THE HIGH PRIVATE. time, but you might as well " throw physic to the dogs," as to give a bible to a soldier going to war. I never saw but one man read them, and he was crazy ; men only abuse and commit sacrilege at such times for I pledge my honor, many were thrown over-board others used for waste paper the ballance were left upon the sand-hills of Vera Cruz, as it was impossible to carry them on a tramp, besides thousands of dollars worth of clothing that were thrown away. If, instead of bibles and tracts, the good people who so much desired the wel fare of the men's souls, should have sent something for their bodies, many a life might have been saved, and, per haps, many a widow and orphan would now have prayed and blessed them. Substantial and nourishment was that which was most wanting, and for which the soldiers most suffered. Three cents worth of nourishment might have saved a life! or, the cost of a bible, laid out for the same purpose, would, perhaps, have saved many lives ! Learning there had been a mutiny on board, it is sup posed that the Rev. Mr. Gallagher was sent down the bay to allay and endeavor to soothe the excitement, as he had been once a soldier himself. If he ever had been a soldier, he must certainly have known that prayers could not heal the sick, nor give them their " three month's extra pay," which they stood so much in need of for their distressed families. I like to hear prayers and speeches, and to see promises carried into practice. I suggested to the Reverand gentleman, after he had got THE HIGH PRIVATE. 47 through with his gratuitous advice and prayer, the neces sity of endeavoring to assist the soldier's family during their absence, which, to my certain knowledge, many were suffering, and which was the cause of the " mutiny" on board of the ship. He asked me to procure the names and residences of all those who had families, which I did, and he promised his word to see them protected ! They were protected, (( as vultures protect the lamb covering and devouring them !" Since my return, I have enquired of several individuals knowing the destitute condition of many families which were left uncared for, and I cannot find any among them that were assisted by the Reverend Mr. Gallagher or his Christian f i iends ! I do not wish to ridicule " religion," for I am fond of it, but, I want that which is pure, honest, and undefded, no hypocrisy or false pretensions, no mockery or mealy-mouthed prayers ! ,/,;, Well, the Reverend " soldier" and his party left us nearly in the same condition as when they found us, ex cept a few who felt, by the Reverend's " promises," that their families would not suffer from the cold hand of charity and want. Under this vain illusion, they en deavored to keep up a cheerful heart, and to prepare themselves for the field of battle! Amen ! God be with you! January 9th, 1847, all sail was set, and ho ! for Mex ico! though many with disheartened spirits, by the false representations given by their officers. 48 THE HIGH PRIVATE. CHAPTER IX. " On the sea, the open sea!" Rum ! rum ! Ship on fire Vermine Pork! pork! Whiskey-headed officers Gambling, and Doings on board the ship. ALL SORTS OF THINGS. The men, to say the least, felt as if they were deceived, kidnapped, and drove on board like so many slaves! Their dampened spirits and down-cast countenances told too plainly, that this was the fact ; but they had to put up with it, and bear their situation like soldiers and men. The wind blew, the waves run, and the ship sailed, and we, poor devils, went along at the same rate. Nothing particular occurred, except a plenty of sea-sickness, by which we saved considerable pork ! The officers began to feel a little more safe drank brandy and sang songs, until the Captain of the ship literally kicked them out of the cabin, (" for particulars, see small bills.") The men, about these times, began to feel dry and by dig- ing in the lower story, among the sutlers " goods and chattels," they found some fine brandy, (on the free soil plan,) and the party went in for free brandy, at any rate. It was some time before the sap-headed officers could as certain where the men got their potations. They thought that the men had no business to drink from the bowl of Bacchus that it was bad for their health, and not good THE HIGH PEIVATE. 49 for their souls if any drinking was to be done, the offi cers could do it without the assistance of the private ! Oh ! rum ! rum ! what destruction and devastation it makes ! and we came very near Reeling the effects of it. On one of the visits to the lower story, or " between decks," a soldier got drunk over the bung-hole, and left the candle burning near by, which, had it not been dis covered in time, would have set the ship on fire, it being at a late hour at night, and no vessel or land in sight, every soul on board must have perished ! But w r ith great presence of mind, our officers put a veto on such conduct for the future ! To tap their " whiskey," and the soldiers to be drunk, was not to be tolerated in a civilized community, (any one seeing the live creatures running about deck or crawling up the rigging, would not be likely to think of much civilization !) However, we "ploughed the ocean," eating pork, pork! until you would almost realize that you could hear the grunting of hogs. When about fifteen days out, (at midnight,) the horri ble cry of "fire" was raised, "the ship on fire!" I had been up the fore part of the night upon duty, as " Sergeant of the Guard," (now Corporel,) and had left all " safe and sound," when I retired to my lousy hole. In ten or twenty minutes afterwards, the " between decks," with about three hundred souls were in sufri- cating smoke, occasioned by a candle placed upon a piece of scantling, filled with war implements. I rushed to the spot where the fire appeared to be, and smothered 5 50 THE HIGH PRIVATE. it with a blanket, which soon put all things right again, except the smoke and fright of the whisky-headed offi cers ! They never closed their eyes that night. One officer, to make sure of his safety, got into the yawl-boat during the alarm. After the fire and fright being over, we passed along the " briny deep" very comfortably, con sidering all things, (except a fight now and then among the Dutch and Irish, to keep up their spirits,) though, the men had many ways of amusing themselves : such as tricks, gambling, &c. Not having their " three month's extra pay," the soldiers would cut up tobacco into small bits and play with cards for them, others were occupied in washing, cooking, talking, singing, or relating some amusing story, &c. A STORY ABOUT VERMIN THREE THOUSAND DROWNED IN ONE DAY! The body-animals began to increase so fast that they would occasionally pay a visit to the cabin. The officers not liking such intrusions, put a guard over the door of the cabin, with strict orders to let no one pass, unless a pretty decent " non com." However, the animals, hav ing no respect of persons, would walk or creep leisurely in, to the great detriment of their poor bodies and " com forts." Exhausting all patience, they called a council of war, when it was determined to form the men into squads, which was to be called the "Lice-picking Squad" and each sergeant should command a squad, subdivided for ' each Corporal. I had the extreme honor to command a THE HIGH PRIVATE. 51 squad of the above name. Each company of squads hav ing appointed hours for the performance of duty, it was the most interesting and ludricous scene ever witnessed by mortal eye. " Oh ! what a falling off was there !" Allowing ten " animals" to each man, which is a small estimate, you have three thousand vermin (or "animals" a more genteel way of using the term,) which were thrown into the sea in one day 1 " and the things were drowned !" Some of the squad would throw their shirts over-board, as the shortest cut to get rid of them. Now, good reader, these are facts, and " nothing ex tenuated or set down aught in malice" and all owing to the negligence of the officers, for not having the men cleansed before putting on clean garments. THE MONKEY LIEUTENANT. One night, when I was " Sergeant of the Guard," it being very hot between decks, many of the men cljose to sleep on deck or in the " fore-top." But, our Lieutenant " Officer of the Guard" ordered, and endeavored to drive them all below; many run up the rigging, and I was ordered by the valiant sap-head, to go up and drive them down by the point of the sword. Judging the order a foolish one, I most respectfully declined, re marking at the same time that, " I was no sailor." " Well," says the Lieutenant of the Guard, " if you are afraid to go up, I'll go damn quick!" So, up he goes, looking more like a monkey than anything that I can compare him to. While he was going up on one side, 52 THE HIGH PRIVATE. the men would come down on the other, and, vice-versa, to the no small amusement of the sailors, who, afterwards, dMed the officer the " Monkey Lieutenant." He was ridiculed by the men, and laughed at by the officers, and I believe it was his first and last appearance up a mast. " For the sake of his friends and family, I will forbear mentioning his name." Our Doctor, or Surgeon, as he is called in the army, performed his part to the best of his abilities, as we had no medicines, excepting castor oil and salts, which he dealt largely in. In the morning, the drummer would beat the u Doctor's call," when all those who were sick and wished to be excused from duty, appeared in a line. " Well," says the Surgeon, " what is the matter with you ?" " I feel bad, Sir, all over" replies the patient. " Put him down a dose of salts," says the Doctor to his assistant or steward, and so on, until one gets salts; the next, fior variety, though for the same complaint, gets castor oil. The next morning the dose is changed if the patient gets no better ; and, instead of salts, gives him oil; and the man that took the oil must try the salts! Great country, this !" " All's well that ends well." THE HIGH PRIVATE. 53 CHAPTER X. A pirate in sight Great consternation on board of the ship Water spout Danger of the same In sight of Mexico Boarded by Navy Officers Arrived at Tampico^Offieers go on* shore Ship going ashore. BANCROFT U6(tA*V OUR CAPTAIN ALARMED. When within a few days' sail of the Brazos, we espied a " low, long, black schooner" bearing hard down upon us, and our ship's Captain appeared greatly alarmed, and walked up and down his quarter deck very impatient. Soon afterwards he raised the French colors, but none could find out the reason for his doing so, and all was alarm and consternation. Some of the sailors said it was nothing but a " fruit vessel," bound to New Orleans, while others thought different, and were sure that it was a pirate or a Mexican Privateer. However, as soon as the French colors were hoisted, the strange vessel imme diately changed her course, and was toon out of sight. " Very much like a whale" at any rate, according to my idea, why did our Captain hoist French colors instead of American, unless to avoid the craft? " that's the question," as Hamlet says. We should have been in a pretty " muss," if she had fired her " Long Tom" into three hundred brave soldiers who could'ht return the compliment ! We had no large guns, and muskets would have been of no use, unless the pirate had boarded us, then, of course, we should have given them fits ! 54 THE HIGH PRIVATE. WATER-SPOUT DANGER OF THE SAME. The next day, after our encounter with the privateer, we came in sight of a water-spout the most awfully and splendid sight I ever beheld at sea ! It would be impos sible for me to describe it ; to all appearance, it was coming directly amid-ships if it had done so, the power of the troubled water would, no doubt, have twisted the main-mast out of its situation in less time than I am writing about it and, perhaps, left us a perfect wreck besides, destroying many valuable lives, and the " Corporal of the Guard" among the rest ! Not being able to give a description of it, I will drop the subject, and shall be glad to get rid of it so cheap, but this much I can say, it was afeet high! January 28th, (it being the birth day anniversary of the " Corporal,") we arrived off the Brazos, after a pas sage of nineteen days from our beloved country. We were boarded by the American Navy Officers, and report ed ourselves to the commanding General, when we were ordered to lay offTampico for further orders. We sailed accordingly on the following day, arriving off Tampico on the 31st inst spoke" the United States Sloop of War Albany, who laid along side of us all night, and giving our Captain instructions, &c., in regard to the storms so dangerous and severe on the coast of the Mexi can Gulf. February 1st, we lay off Tampico and came to anchor. During the day, a small Government Steamer came out to visit us, when many of our officers, taking the advan tage, went on shore. The " non com.'s" and privates THE HIGH PRIVATE. 55 were forbid leaving the ship, though I had a brother-in- law in the Baltimore Battalion, with news from his mother and sisters, and I was denied the privilege of going on shore a few moments to see him. In fact, I always was, while in the army, kept more like a slave than like a freeman, or treated with the rights or honor of a non commissioned officer ! The only excuse I can form for their unmanly treatment is, great stupidity and ignorance of human nature and duty. THE SHIP IN DANGER OF BEING LOST. A large quantity of dried beef was sent on board for each company, which we soon devoured. Water and wood were also brought to us, and it was with great difficulty that the soldiers would assist the sailors to re ceive it on board, as they frequently insulted the soldiers by throwing buckets of water upon them, and then sing " get out of de way," when they were washing the decks. As bad as the sailors thought of the soldiers, they found them to be very useful, in cases of an emergency. At one time, the ship would have been lost had it not have been for the assistance of the soldiers. A " norther" came on at night, arid the vessel dragged both her anchors and would have gone ashore, had not all hands on board lent a hand. The ship's Captain begged of the soldiers to assist the sailors in raising the anchors, and help them to put to sea, or all on board would perish ! It was a dreadful night, and the storm was tremendous ! Many vessels w T ere lost in the same gale, and among them was the ship Ondiaka, with United States' troops, which ran ashore about twenty miles below Tampico. 56 THE HIGH PRIVATE. The men were saved from the wreck, but they fell into the hands of the Mexicans. Our ship put out to sea, and a wet time we had of it everything which was in any way loose, was washed overboard, and, below deck, the pork barrels and wood got adrift, bunks broke down, and such crashing, rolling, and tumbling about, &c., we began to think that the world was coming to an end. Aye! the " Corporal of the Guard," began to tremble in his shoes, he being at the time on duty as " Sergeant of the Guard," was compelled to remain on deck God only knows for what purpose for the officers could give no reasonable excuse. THE GUARD WASHED AND ROLLED ABOUT. The Guard were completely drenched by the waves rushing over the decks, and over our carcases. I was, for one, wet to the skin washed about, kicked about, rolled about, and came very near rolling into the accursed " Mexican Sea." I finally got hold of a sailor's pea- jacket tail and hung on, until he dragged me to the wind ward, where I wound a piece of rope around my body, boldly singing out, " change the Guard !" But no Guard or sentinels could / see. Thinks I, let the ship go ! I can go as fast as she can, and over came another thou sand bushels of salt water, Oh, heavens ! they intend to drown me alive ! Where shall I go ? What shall I do ? I made a rush towards the cabin door to see if the " Officer of the Guard" was alive or drunk, for he had not shown his delicate face for a long time. In I went, the first sea, " heels over-head," among brandy bottles, sick officers, broken crockery, &c. 5 &c. I begged for a THE HIGH PRIVATE. 57 spoonful of brandy, but they said it was all gone, or that I had no business to have any liquor while " on Guard." I would like to have some one, just at that present time, told me where the " Guard" was! " LOUD SWELLED THE TEMPEST !" The wind still blew a perfect hurricane but, the Cap tain could'nt stop it, he raved and swore, though, being " a respectable church member" in one of the New-York churches, he ordered the ship to stand still, but it would'nt mind ; it had no more feeling for us than a Guerilla, and it cut up more capers and turned more sum mersets than a circus-rider or a vaulting machine. For nearly three days we had such kind of fun, if you " landsman" choose to call it so. I could'nt but think of the words of " O carry me back to old Virginia, to old Virginia shore /" It took us five or six days to re turn to our old anchorage ground, all alive and kicking, with only a few scratches and bruises. We W 7 ere happy to get a breathing spell for a few r days, after our unpro fitable excursion, while most of the officers were on shore at Tampico, drinking mint julips, carousing, &c., &c. "Hey, Betty Martin, tip-toe fine !" Did'nt we go it strong on the wine 1 58 THE HIGH PRIVATE. CHAPTER XI. Officers' arrival on board Ordered off to Lobos Island Fighting among the soldiers Ditto. Captain and Lieutenants " Board stop ped" Officers "shut down on" Begging food from the soldiers More " promises to pay" Liquor gone In great distress ! " Off she goes ! off she goes ! with a new fore-top-sail ! Off she goes! off she goes ! to Lobos Island ! Off she goes !" The officers, after having pretty fine times atTampico, arrived on board the ship quite sober. I do not mean to insinuate that they were, or that they had been intoxica ted while in Tampico not at all ! But, their conduct was such, that General Patterson thought it most advisa ble and prudent for them to go on board the ship, and do their duty with their respective companions, and accord ingly ordered us to sail for " Lobos." After taking on board more fresh (dried, for it was the driest meat I ever sucked,) beef, water, and wood, we " pulled up stakes," and steered for " Lobos," the land of bugs, insects, liz ards, tanturillas, snakes, land-crabs, bad water, and death! On our passage, a fight would frequently occur, generally to the amusement of the bystanders as our life was so monotonous, that, anything in the shape of a " muss" was very acceptable ; all the punishment which the combantants were awarded with, was to arrest them and THE HIGH PRIVATE. 59 place them under guard for a short time, in a very pleas ant part of the ship, much more so than what they were in the habit of having previous to the fight; the sentence, of course, was more of pleasure than of punishment. During the passage, a beautiful and exciting "fight" occurred between the Captain of the ship and a Lieuten ant, though, diminutive in size, he was fog in consequence, in his own estimation at least. Some words of an un pleasant and disagreeable nature passed between the two heroes, from the " lie," and " you lie," " damn coward," &c., came blows, clenching, and the drawing of the fatal sword ! when they were parted, raging, and raving, like two hyenas. The report after the battle was, " two slightly wounded, two frightened, and none killed." On, or about this time, or some days previous, the Cap tain of the ship began to consult his own interest ; and in so doing, refused to board the officers, until they " paid up" their board-bill, as he thought it had been standing or laying too long for the benefit of his .purse. Conse quently, the honorable's pride began to fall about fifty per cent. To live on turkeys and chickens, and hot cakes, and then to be reduced to live on salt pork and crackers, was too bad it was horrible ! " What, Sir !" says one of the bravest, " are not New- York officers' credit good for anything they might call for ? Are we, Sir, to be placed on a par wdth common soldiers, and to be fed on pork and beans ? Such con duct, Sir, is not to be tolerated !" " Gentlemen !" says the Captain, " I am master of this ship, and I intend to be so as long as God gives me 60 THE HIGH PRIVATE. breath ! If you call yourselves gentlemen and men of honor, why don't you ' chalk up?' then I may ' tolerate' you ! Mark my words, you may yet be compelled to live upon worse fare than what the ' common soldier' gets, at any rate, you eat no more of my fowls until you 'pint/' ' " Oh ! what a downfall was there, my countrymen !" OFFICERS BEGGING FOR SOLDIERS' RATIONS. After having been virtually kicked out of the cabin, the " poor fellows" came to our Orderly Sergeant, and with a down-cast look, begged for a little " nice pork," with " trimmings," that they had got tired of the living in the cabin, and had " concluded" to take some of the soldier's rations, which they would pay for in money, at some "future time." The " Coporal" thinks, that the " future" will be as long as the " future state of punish ment." To be liberal and considerate for our unfortunate situa tion, they would " draw a little from each company," so the loss, I suppose, would not fall all upon one company. Oh ! what a kind, considerate, and affectionate set of officers ! Out upon such hypocritical and " considerate beings!" Vanish from my sight! for your hearts are rot ten with deceit ! Where are all those solemn " promises of extra pay ?" forgotten ? yes, all forgotten ! Self ! self! and " the devil take the hindmost!" was their mot to ; and the devil will take them one of these odd days of trouble, combustion, and telegraphic navigation ! END OF PAHT FIRST. AN o for tl)e Jfirst part. The "Corporal of the Guard" owes an apology for the very hasty manner, in which the first part of his plain history of the "HIGH PRIVATE," has been thrown upon the public. Un- forseen accidents and disappointments have compelled him to take this course that instead of one hundred and twenty pages for twenty-five cents, he sends forth "into this breathing world, scarce half made up," sixty pages for half price: and should it take, the "Corporal" will endeavor to give a sweeter pie next time, cooked up in his best style. Jfntrobiution to tl)e 0cconb part. ON "SCOTT'S LINE." The second part will contain about one hundred and twenty pages, at twenty-five cents, embellished by fifteen or twenty en gravings of actual characters and scenes in Mexico. It will be interesting and highly exciting; giving facts, inci dents, &c., as they actually occurred, without fear, favor or affec tion or "promises" of promotion being a real "camp history" with all its "mysteries and miseries;" something decidedly rich! spiced with all that is good "both for the soul as well as the body." It will make a first rate Christmas present. Respectfully, The Public's humble servant, "CORPORAL OF THE GUARD." Oct. 20, 1848.