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.

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