Zenas Matthews' 1846 U.S.-Mexico War Diary and Service Papers

Saturday June 13th 1846 This morning rode to the point and find it a beautiful place. It being a bluff and a fine view. Brazos Santiago is in sight where the most of the vessels lay it being the port of entry for the Rio Grande. The Louisvill Legion is encamped at Brazos Santiago The Texan Infantry is encampe d near the town. Two of the companies arrived this after noon from the east On board the Steamer [Pastion?] also a large number from N Orleans There is 2 companies of artillery here for the protection of the town it being ditched in and mounted with cannon. Went to the hospital and find a considerable number of men was wounded in the engagements of the 8th and 9th of May. [?] of the son are dying the weather being very hot This evening the Govenour arrived at our camp from Matamoras with Genl Burleson Hunt Lane and others.

The men were becoming sick from the use of it and wood was very hard to get we having to pick it up on the beach one or 2 miles from camp. Monday 29th 1846 On thursday evening it rained without intermission for 24 hours and our camp being pitched in a low place it was flooded with water. We moved about 100 yds to higher ground but up to last night it continued to rain occasio nally. During the late storm the steam ship Col Heanery and a schooner loaded with troops and Govt stores have been wrecked on the Bar at Brazos St Lago and some a total loss also the steam boat Frontier loaded with [cattle?] goods and camping equipment for one of the regiments of Volunteers has been lost on the bar of the Rio Grande Wednesday July 1st 1846 Struck camp this morning and moved about 2 miles farther up and pitched camp on a Lake of fresh water. Fine grass and plenty of wood and a good camping place Rained to day Our men go out hunting and bring in plenty of beef and veal. So we have fine living here The recent rains have flooded the pararies with water and making moving about very bad

Galveston having come in with troops from New Orleans they will take passage on her. There are some deaths in the eastern Regiment of Mounted Volunteers One of the Tennessee Volunteers at Brazos died yesterday and was buried with honors of war at the point.

Friday July 24th 1846 Today the Eastern Regiment of Mounted Men Marched for Mata moras on account of sickness in camp we expect to March in a few days for Mier by way of Camargo. We have commenced drilling on horse back. Mr Howard of our mess acting as drill officer he being a Graduate of west point. The Suttler of our Regim ent has moved into camp and is selling goods very fast and at a large profit He credits the volunteers on the faith of their wages so he will get a large amount of the pay. Thursday July 30th 1846

This morning we have had a Regimental drill in which we form for march various evolutions and charging by companies Our charging was amusing. Horses trying to run away hats flying and