Z. Matthews' Diary

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Diary written by Z. W. Matthews during his service as a private in the War of 1846 with Mexico. Matthews served under Captain C[hristopher]. B. Acklin's Company B of Col. John C. Hays' First Texas Mounted Riflemen. The diary begins with mention of leaving to join Gen. Taylor's army on the Rio Grande and includes descriptions of the Siege of Monterrey and the taking of the Bishop's Palace. Dates: n.d., 1846, 1849, 1887

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men laughing. Col Hays having received an order to march for Matamoras with as little delay as possable has ordered a march to morrow morning. Our men are in high glee with the prospect of leaving this place. We having become very tired with laying so long in one place. We have several sick in our company Capt Acklin being one of them. Friday July 31st 1846 Struck camp early this morning and took up the line of march for Matamoras. Went to the Battle ground of Palo Alto and camped. Rained today. This evening rode over the battle ground and found plenty of dead Mexicans and horses. We commenced standing guard to night for the first time since we were mustered into the service. The measles has broke out in camp and it makes it bad for the sick they having to ride in the waggons.

Saturday August 1st 1846 Started this morning from camp and went within one mile of the Rio Grande River and piched camp. Mr Hyman and myself rode down to the River this evening and took a

Last edit over 12 years ago by rscottpatrick
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drink of River water, it being the first running water we have seen for two Months. Matamoras from the east side of the River looks city like. The Stars and Stripes are flying over fort Brown on the east and fort Ampudia on the west side of the river. There is large plantations on this side of the river of the richest soil that has been made waste by the army of Genl Taylor. This evening we elected Mr. Howard 2nd Lieutenant of the company.

Sunday August 2nd 1846 Today the Regt commenced crossing the river we being the next to the last company to cross we concluded to swim out horses and cross our baggage in a skiff. We crossed nearly all our horses over but the banks became so boggy that the remainder went by the ferry. Road through Matamoras and and went to camp 1 mile from town.

Monday Augt 3rd 1846 Rode into town this morning and find part of the city well built it consisting in the centre of the town of brick buildings and the suburbs of mud covered with thached roofs. The streets are narrow and dirty. The Regular troops have nearly all marched for Camargo. Genl Taylor will leave with

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his staff tomorrow. Our Regiment has received orders to scout the country south and west of here. The health of the troops is generally good

August 8 1846

Today took up the line of March for San Fernando. Went 6 miles and camped. After dark a meeting of men was called for the purpose of nominating a candidate for congress but the men not agreeing who should be the committe the meeting was broke up.

August 9 1846

Struck camp at sun rise took up the line of March went 12 miles and stoped for the stragglers to come up. Today we had several stampedes of pack mules which was very amusing to all of us excepting the owners they pitching and running until they threw their packs off.

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San Fernando Saturday August 15th 1846 We arrived at this place on Thursday morning last, after a march of five days from Matamoras. The country from the Rio Grande to this place is low and marshy pararies with scattering muskeet bushes on it. Some 10 miles from this place we came to the hilly lands or Mountains as they are called here. San Fernando is situated on the Rio San Fernando a stream of 60 yds in width with high bluffs the stream very rough. The Soldiers that were stationed at this place left 3 day's before our arrival. Our picket guard the night before we came to town hailed a Mexican and he not answering was killed with his horse. The citizens are very friendly they claiming our protection and bringing into camp all kind of eatables and fruits, oranges Lemons Quinces Pomegranates peaches

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Sunday August 23rd 1846 This morning we arrived at the town of Colmena 120 miles from San Fernando after a travel of days over a Mountanious country. Our rout was for several days up the valley of the San Fernando River thence [turning?] west over the mountains. Our road was only a trail and having to march in a single file it made our lines about 2 miles long. Two days previous to our arrival here we had an alarm that the Mexicans had cut off our rear guard and was about to attack us in front. We halted and partly formed for battle but it turned out to be a false alarm. We had been informed for several days that there was from 3 to 4000 Mexicans fortifying at this place but it was a mistake We sent in a spy company to reconoiter but they found nothing but peacable citizens and plenty to eat for our selves

Last edit over 12 years ago by rscottpatrick
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