THE DIARY AND LETTERS OF WILLIAM P. ROGERS,
1846-1862
[The writer of the diary that follows was, at the time it was
written, a captain of volunteers with Taylor's army in Mexico, but
he is best known to Texans as Colonel William P. Rogers of
Houston, Texas.
Although his father, Timothy Rogers, was at the time living
in Alabama, William Rogers was born in Georgia, December 27,
1819, while his parents were there on a visit. Not long after-
wards, the family moved to Mississippi and settled on a large
plantation near Aberdeen, and it was there that his youth was
spent.
Timothy Rogers, having one son who was a lawyer, decided
that the second one, William, should be a physician, sending him,
accordingly, to a medical college much against his own inclination.
The office that was opened for William's practice in Pontotoc was
occupied only until he was twenty-one, when he sold out and
began to study law. This caused a breach with his father which
was not healed for many years.
He married Martha Halbert, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, January
15, 1840.
When the war with Mexico broke out, William Rogers was a
young lawyer of twenty-six, rapidly gaining prominence at the
bar in Aberdeen. As soon as the call for volunteers came, he
raised a company from among his friends and acquaintances in
the neighborhood and offered to go to the front. This band, known
as Company K of the Mississippi Rifles, was placed in the regi-
ment commanded by Colonel Jefferson Davis and Lieutenant-
Colonel McClung and soon sent to the Rio Grande to become a
part of General Taylor's army.
The young captain returned from the war so enamoured with
Mexico, its scenery, climate, and financial possibilities that he ac-
cepted a position as consul to Vera Cruz offered him by Taylor as
soon as he became President, and would have taken his little fam-
ily there if his wife had not positively refused to go to a foreign
land. She consented however, to go as far as Texas; so the au-
tumn of 1851 found them on their way.
The family--there were four children at this time--settled
in Washington, Texas, the seat of learning and culture at that
time. Close by was Independence, where flourished Texas' first
institution of higher learning, Baylor University; and Colonel
Rogers gave his services there free of charge, lecturing once a week
to law students.
Six years later the growing prominence of Houston caused him
to move his law office to that city, where he soon became one of
the foremost lawyers of the state.
Realizing the importance of the political situation in 1860, he
became a candidate for the Legislature and did his utmost at the
sensational meeting in Austin to effect a peaceable settlement be-
tween Governor Houston and the secessionists, for a strong per-
sonal friendship existed between the two men in spite of their
political differences.
After Texas had seceded, Colonel Rogers was placed in com-
mand of the Second Texas Regiment, which soon saw active service
in the battle of Shiloh. At Corinth, October 3, 1862, being or-
dered to charge in the face of a deadly fire, Colonel Rogers placed
himself at the head of his men to encourage them and was killed
just inside the enemy's lines, a battle-flag, snatched from a wounded
standard-bearer, in his hand. General Rosecrans had him buried
with military honors; and the Daughters of the Confederacy have
in more recent years erected a monument to his memory.
The letters and the original manuscript of the Diary are in the
possession of Mrs. H. G. Damon, Austin, Texas. A photostat copy
of the Diary may be seen in the library of the University of Texas.
--Eleanor D. Pace.]
Camp Independence near Vicksburg, July 3, 1846. If I should
be killed in battle and if any one shall get my things---everything
they will hand them over to Major Bradfield, Capt. I. N. Taylor,
or Capt. McMannus, who are requested to convey them to my wife,
by their friend
Sept. 18, 1846.
1
W. P. Rogers.
Camp at Mouth, of Rio Grande Sunday morning, August 16,
1846. It is Sunday morning at sunup and I am at the mouth
of the Rio Grande I am not well and am low in spirits. I dreamed
of home last night and of cool refreshing water. The volunteers
of the regiment have much to endure—poor fellows some are al-
ready dead and others must soon go no doubt. As to myself I
will endure God willing and never give up. . . . What pleas-
ure it would afford me to see my wife and children--my mother
my sisters, and my brother. This is a lone and desolate sand
beach but God is here--and he is the friend of the good--may I
so act as to merit his goodness This is his day may I pass it
in a proper manner and with a proper spirit. I shall endeavor
to keep a regular Diary in the future. If I never return will my
friends at home ever see it Am I prepared to die--The hope
that I am is but faint May it grow brighter. Heavenly father
I humbly invoke thy blessing.
Friday night Aug. 21st I have been so busy and wearied with
my labors that I can not be regular in my entries. My health, is
better than it has been for some time. I weigh now 165 lbs. I
am tired of the confusion of camp life but I must stand it out.
I have been very busy today distributing rifles to my company.
We were three weeks ago armed with muskets--They have been
replaced and we have rifles
We will start in a few days to Comargo. It will improve our
health but in all probability we rush to a field of blood. I trust
that my cause is just--and if it is the will of my God that I should
fall I hope that I shall be prepared. My relatives--what are they
doing tonight--are they all well
Monday morning Aug. 24th, I awoke this morning at day-
break, and in ten minutes a letter was handed me from my sister,
T. G. R.
2 I love her very much and would be delighted to see
her. Her letter was gloomy. I had just waked from a pleasant
dream of my Brother. The morning is rainy. In a few days I
will leave here for Comargo. Col. Davis and Lieut-Col A. K.
McClung I do not think are my friends. McClung I know is a
treacherous man but I would desire to bear no malice against
him. . . .
August 31st. I am now on board the steamer Col. Cross. We
left the mouth of the Rio Grande on Wednesday, the 26th. We
have had a tiresome trip we had accident after accident--we are
not yet at Reynosa but will get there tonight. Matamores we
left on Friday. It is a town of some 4 or 5000 inhabitants.
Sept. 18, 1846 11 o'clock at night I am now in nine miles of
Monterey and our army will take up the line of march for it in
the morning. Our force now here is supposed to be six or 7000.
I have seen General Taylor and he is a rough looking man and
I do not think he has the appearance of a great man. Our soldiers
siezed two persons this evening supposed to [be] spies from the
enemy's camp.
I have suffered much since I left home and the troops have also
suffered greatly. Our first days march from Comargo was 9
miles up the valley of the Rio Grande, to a ranch called el wardo
3
our encampment was on a beautiful lake which was at one time
the bed of the Rio Grande. It is called Lake Rio (or the River
Lake) At this place I was put on detached service and sent back
to Comargo. I remained one day in Comargo and then set out
with 4 others on mustangs for my regiment. On the first day
we traveled to Mier, 21 miles. There we found 3 or 4 sick sol-
diers and one other man, an American, in the house of an Italian
named Don Domingo, from [whom] we met with a hospitable
reception. His house was the scene of a bloody battle between
the Texians and the Mexicans in 1842. It was his house into
which the Texians fought their way and from which they did
most of their fighting. His door bore evidence of the fight. Mier
is a handsome town, situated on a small mountain river called
Alamo. It is principally built of stone, and the walls of the
houses are 2 or 3 feet thick. We slept that night in an open yard
and left next morning early. The next day we rode 30 miles and
camped on the bank of a creek. The ground was muddy and the
night rainy. The next morning we rose early and traveled 6
miles to Seralio where we joined our troops. Seralio is a hand-
some town built of stone and did contain about 2 or 3000 inhab-
itants but most of them have left now.
The next morning we took up the line of march to Monterey
and encamped that night 12 miles from Seralio on the banks of
one of the prettiest streams I ever saw. The mountains all the
time in the distance, Oh beautiful! How beautiful! The next
day we left and marched 14 miles to miserable camping ground.
We left early again in the morning and marched 18 miles to a
small town called Maria. It is on the St. Juan river. There we
overtook the main army and marched from there here today a
distance of 18 miles It is supposed that we will have a battle
tomorrow or next day, will I come through unscathed and alive--
God grant I pray. Am I prepared to die--I fear not, and yet
I hope I am.
Oct. 3rd. I have been very sick before the battle and more so
since. The principle battle occurred on the 21st of Sept. It was
indeed dreadful--we lost a great many men and our chief officers
are much to blame. We took two forts and fought nearly all
day--my fear passed off in a few minutes, indeed I do not know
that at any time it amounted to more than an apprehension of
death. On the 23rd we marched to the forts again under a gall-
ing fire of cannon. I lost my shoes and marched through a chap-
parel barefoot. My feet are literally torn to pieces. That night
I obtained permission to go to camp and rode to camp, which was
a great favor for I was in great pain both from my feet and from
a fever. The next morning though unable to go I had intended
to go to the forts but the news reached us that the Mexicans were
flying and Col. Brogan told Col P Downing and myself that he did
not think there would be another gun fired. At this I lay down
but in 3 hours I heard the firing commence. It was kept up in
a desultory manner for a day. our troops were then called off.
The next day the 24th the enemy sent in a flag of truce. Taylor
appointed referees and after a days sitting they formed an armis-
tice for 60 days, the Mexicans agreeing to move out in 7 days
with their small arms and pieces of cannon.
This armistice and its terms I look upon as great a piece of
folly as could have been enacted, if we have to fight again and all
seem to think we will. If we do Gen. Taylor and all his referees
deserve the execretation of the whole American people for the Mexi-
cans were in our power.
Well I am tired of the war of the camp, its confusion its cor-
ruption, the awful oaths and mean tricks--its filth and all and all.
the 21th. I knew him, he was a clever man, on the 21 our regi-
ment had 12 killed and 50 wounded and the 22nd 1 killed and 2
wounded, and on the 23rd 3 killed and 1 wounded. The whole
loss of the American army is estimated at 150 killed and 350
wounded and the Mexicans about the same. . . .
Oct. 4th. It is the Holy Sabbath and I have endeavored to
spend it somewhat as a Christian should. I have read 4 or 5
chapters in the Bible but I fear I have not read them in the
proper spirit. I have written one letter on business which prob-
ably could have been deferred but I am so lonely that I am com-
pelled to keep engaged. Every day or two a straggling soldier
from our camp is killed and then the Texians kill two or three
Mexicans to pay for it.
Oct. 6th. On yesterday I went into Monterey and rode over
the town. The bishop's palace is a very ancient building with
not one inhabitable room it is situated in the western [side],
still above this the Mexicans had a battery but Gen. Worth sur-
prised it by marching upon it in the morning before day. There
are two churches that look fine on the exterior I did not go into
them. The other churches are small. There are many houses
that look well and are well built.
I saw Lieut. Caspar of the Mexican army--he is the man who
defended the Mier prisoners in 1842. When we parted from him
he embraced several of us--He seems to be a gallant fellow. Mon-
terey is not as large as I had supposed it was--It is a beautiful
town or rather a beautiful situation for a town. The black fort
on the north-western side of the town is a strong fortification—
The interior building is an old castle of some sort and is going
to decay.
Oct. 7th Today I have spent chiefly in my tent, nothing has
occurred to disturb the monotony of camp life. I have [read]
4 or 5 chapters on the Bible and have learnt something more of
the ancient history of the Bible than I knew before We are
awaiting the arrival of news from our government as well as from
the Mexican government with some impatience if we have to
fight again we desire to do it and go home if not we do not wish
to lead the dull inactive life that we are leading now and prob-
ably will have to lead for the next 6 or 8 weeks. A man of any
refinement is disgusted hourly with the grammar of a camp and
soldiers are much worse when they are idle, hence I desire to
keep moving until we are disbanded which I hope will be soon
for I am more than tired of a soldiers life I am disgusted with it.
One who has never commanded a company of voluntiers can
form no idea of the unpleasantness of the life. Voluntiers I am
satisfied will never do for an invading army—They will do well
enough to defend their own firesides, but they can not endure the
fatigue incident to an invading army, besides to keep them under
proper discipline they should be under excitement.
Oct. 8th
4 . . .
Oct. 12th The 10th and 11th have passed away and I have
not made an entry, well it was owing to indolence. Got a good
dinner at a Mexican house and spent the [day] without profit to
myself. I understand that Colonel Davis has finished his report
of the battle and if it is as I have it is both partial and false. If
he has done me injustice he must give me satisfaction. I will
here insert a copy of my report of the battle on the 21th.
Camp Allen Oct. 12th 1846
Colonel Jefferson Davis
Sir
Having been prevented from indisposition from making a report
of the conduct of the company I have the honor to command in
the battle of the 21st of Sept--I beg leave to make the following
report. I marched from camp that morning with 38 non-com-
missioned officers and privates all of whom with one exception
went into the engagement. The position of my company when
the firing commenced was directly in front of the center of the
fort, which position the company maintained until the command
to charge had been given by Lieut. Col. McClung. for several
minutes before this command was given I had been endeavoring
to get my company nearer the fort than any other company, and
had partially succeeded for it was evident that the nearer was the
safest position. At the command above alluded to I led the main
body of my company into the fort which we reached some 20 or
30 paces behind Lieut. Col. McClung. In making this charge and
previous thereto, four of my men were wounded two badly and
the remaining two but slightly. Lieut. Wade all the above time
occupied position with our company and gallantly encouraged
them to charge. Lieuts. Patterson and Townsend mounted the
fort with some four or five others immediately behind Lieut.-Col.
McClung and some 20 or 30 paces ahead of the company. We
halted but one moment in the fort and then pursued the flying
enemy until we passed the sugar house in rear of the first fort
and crossed a branch still farther on and reached a position 50
or 75 yards bayond the creek and in the direction of the second
fort, in which the enemy had taken shelter and from which they
poured on us a galling fire. This position with some 15 or 20
of my company was firmly maintained until we were ordered to
fall hack across the creek and advance to the right up the street
which we done all the time exposed to a hot fire from the enemy,
but returning it with equal warmth we advanced slowly all the
time keeping up our fire some 2 or 3 hundred yards up the street
and after occupying our position several hours we returned to the
fort—from which under command of Major Bradford we were
marched out one and a half miles where we joined a portion of the
Reg. under yourself.
I would be doing injustice were I to individualize any particular
one of the officers or privates. All acted like men and each whose
conduct fell under my observation at any time done his duty.
On the morning of the 22nd I left camp with 28 non-commis-
sioned officers and privates. At night I returned by permission
of Gen. Quitman to camp. I was not in the engagement of the
23rd of Sept.
I have the honor to be
Com of Co. K 1st Reg. Missi. Col.
W. P. Rogers.
I have taken the above copy to avoid any difficulty about it at
a future day. Knowing that men are tricky it is well enough to
watch them.
Nov. 4th. Since writing the above my suspicious of the emity
[enmity] of McClung for me have been confirmed. He is as cor-
rupt I think as frail human nature can become. Col. Davis made
great professions of kindness to me before he left. I am not not
[now] asleep nor will I be, for there is much villany here.
It is rumored in camp that Gen. Taylor has orders to march,
and it is I suppose his armistice has produced dissatisfaction with
the government. I am anxious to fight again or go home and I
hope we will get marching orders for some place. It is near two
months since I heard from home—my last dates being Sept. 10th.
I am anxious to hear from my life and babies and my mother.
All I hope will yet go well with me and that I may yet go home
and live in peace with those I love. I am tired of turmoil and
strife—at least of individual strife—there is much of it here. In
the strife of two great armies there is something grand but in
individual contention, there is nothing save the disgusting.
I have heard it intimated that it may be probably become policy
of our government to conquer not only a peace with Mexico but
to annihilate its government. I can not now say that this would
be morally right but there is much to induce the opinion that it
would be promotive(?) of humanity and the cause of freedom and
religion. It is true it will lead to a great deal of bloodshed but
it will greatly improve the condition of the poor Mexican, besides
it will subject one of the most delightful countries on earth to an
intelligent people, who will cultivate and improve its soil. The
question is then whether the good will overbalance the evil. I
think it will. The whole country wherever I have been bears
striking evidence of the degredation of the people. The former
fields are not cultivated--their houses and villages are decaying,
the people as a mass are ignorant and rude in their manners,
There is not as much wealth here as there was a few years ago,
for in some of their towns there are some buildings that must
have cost a great deal. Everything indeed is indicative of a grad-
ual decline of the nation. They profess to live in a republic and
yet their laws are more oppressive and more onerous than those
of any civilized monarchy. Twofifths of what they make is given
to the church and one half of the remainder to the extensive land
proprietors of the nation. Bascality too is one of the prime char-
istics of their public functionaries--Alcaldes and the like. . .
Nov. 10th. Even yet all is impatience in camp. Rumors are
rife, but we have learned to place no confidence in camp rumors.
Gen. Taylor will leave it is said on the 12th for Saltillo with
Gen. Worth's division. No fight is expected there. Gen. Taylor
will soon return from there and with other troops take up the
line of march for Tampico by the way of Linares. At Victoria
it is said that we will effect a junction with Gen. Patterson's
division and march in a body to Tampico. There we will have
another fight. God has been with me in one bloody battle and I
humbly pray he will not desert me in the next. . . .
Nov. 28th. Worth's division is at Saltillo. Gen. Taylor has
returned from there and we are still in doubt about our future
movements. Camp rumors and officers opinions are rife, but none
of them are to be relied upon. I trust, however, that we will
move in a few days for Potosi. There we will probably have
another fight and there God willing I hope to win some laurels.
I am not afraid to die but I would much prefer to live. . . .
The nights here are very cold now, but the days are pleasant
indeed most frequently too warm. A volunteer soldier from Ky.
was killed in Monterey the night before last, supposedly by Mexi-
cans. A few nights before two voluntiers were wounded. I do
not blame the Mexicans for their acts for the scanctity of our
women should be protected even from the touch of the conquerors,
and there is but little doubt that our men were trying to trample
upon this. It is true there is probably little virtue among their
women, but if there is any virture it should not be violated. In
our army there is much corruption and many of them will suffer
for it.
Dec. 22nd. Nearly one month has passed since my Diary has
been opened. Since then nothing of consequence has passed to
disturb the monotony of the life I lead save the march. Dec. the
14th we left Camp Allen and directed our course toward Victoria,
a town said to be near two hundred miles from Monterey. The
14th we marched 9 miles from Monterey and encamped on the
Rio della Ligna, a beautiful mountain stream, and the 15th we
marched 21 miles and encamped on the Rio de Purisima. 16th
we marched 14 miles and encamped on the River Ramor. All
the streams here are beautiful. The two latter days I walked
every step of the way and oh! how I suffered but I will not com-
plain. 17th we marched 14 miles and encamped in three miles
of Morales, a small town. Here an express overtook us reporting
that the enemy was advancing upon Saltillo with a large force.
18th Gen. Taylor left us with all the regulars that were with us
for Saltillo numbering 2000 or more. 19th we took up the line
of march again for Victoria with 9 regiments of voluntiers and
one battery of 4 field pieces and marched 10 miles. 20th we passed
through Linares a pretty town or 2 or 3000 inhabitants. The
people seem more gentile than any I have hitherto seen they are
of fairer skin and the women are pretty. The town is on a small
river I have not learnt its name.
I neglected to mention that on the 2nd days march we passed
Calderettoe 2 miles from Monterey--It is a beautiful town on a
small river the name of which I do not know. Today we have
come only ten miles. I have walked 5 days out of the 8 we have
marched. This life is most unpleasant but I am in for it. If
we have a fight at Victoria which is not improbable I will dis-
tinguish myself or die. God be with me I pray, my trust is in
God. My Father be with my loved ones at home.
31st. This is the last day of 1846. It will soon be passed and
gone and the year in which I have suffered so much will be with
things beyond the fold. I suffered yes indeed I have suffered but
much of that suffering has been produced by my own want of high
moral virtue. Oh my God give me renewed strength and virtue in
after life, grant that I may lead a life acceptable in thy sight.
Who and what is man that he dare sin in the sight of God. Why
dare presume--In one moment he may be called upon to quit the
scene of his trifling and appear before a just and avenging God.
31st. We reached here (Victoria) on the 27th and are en-
camped 2 miles south of the town on a lovely stream called Rio
Victoria. Town and river are both called after the celebrated
Gen. Victoria who suffered so much in defense of his country's
freedom. On the 22nd we took up the line of march from our
encampment of the night previous and continued it without halt-
ing except for the night until the 29th we passed through several
small villages--Villa Grande--Villa Eralgio [Hidalgo] and Santa
Gratia-—Our road lay through a lovely country, at the latter
place I saw the most lovely grove of tropical fruits I ever saw,
oranges--Limes--Lemons--Bananas &c &c. The place is owned
by a frenchman--he is very wealthy. He has a little daughter
8 or 9 years old--she is very beautiful. We marched into Victoria
with great pompt and show--raised the flag of our country and
saluted it in good style. 1000 mounted Mexican soldiers left here
the day we arrived. We expected a battle but the enemy has in
all probability fallen back to make a stand--a last one--at San
Louis Potosi.
5
We had several false alarms on the march. This is the capital
of Tamaulipas--Nothing has yet been heard from Gen. Taylor--
It is probable that he has had a battle before this--If so much
depends upon the issue--Either more active operations or an en-
tire cessation of hostilities--But for the latter there is little pros-
pect--The war has not been prosecuted in such a manner as to
bring the enemy to terms.
year are that I will drink no more ardent spirits and will endeavor
to reform in numerous other particulars, God be with me I pray.
Last night was a boistrous night--a norther sprang up and
raged with intense fury until about 10 o'clock today My tent
fly under which I was sleeping blew down early in the night and
I found it impossible to make it stand--so I slept in the open air
exposed to the severe wind all night. I did not sleep much. I
have walked over Victoria to day it is very like all other Mexican
towns. The people I think are generally poor--I was in church
today for a few minutes but was not interested . . .
I commence the new Year with somber and gloomy feelings--
God grant that they may not be ominous of some dreadful mis-
fortune--It has been nearly three months since I heard from
home--Why do they not write--Oh God is it not dreadful to think
that after one long years absence I may never see them again.
Feb. 3rd 1847 . . . My resolutions have not been cared
for again and again have I abandoned them--can I do no better--
God help me I pray.
We are now at Saltillo and will move onward tomorrow I think
that we will go to Zacetecas but I do not know of course. We have
three or four thousand men--Gen Wool is here--Gen. Taylor is
much displeased about Gen. Scott superceeding him--The old
Gen. has been badly treated--He is a good man and a good
officer--The army has great confidence in him. When we were
at Victoria our Reg. was selected by him as an escort--and we
are still with him. We left Victoria on the 10th of Jan. and
arrived at Monterey on the 25th. There we halted 4 days and
set out for this place on the 30th--on the 2nd of Feb. we reached
this place. We have done hard marching--from 15 to 20 or 21
miles a day.
On the route from Victoria my first Lieut, got drunk and struck
me I knocked him down and choked him--I would not have
done so had I not believed his drunkeness feigned. He apolo-
gized to me next morning and has since been fawning--I regretted
the difficulty because it occurred within 10 feet of the corpse of
poor Tatum who had died that day. I have heard from home and
all are well. The road from Monterey here lies through a beau-
tiful valley from 1 to 5 miles wide and mountains on each side
that seem to pierce the skies. Saltillo is a large town of 10 or 15
thousand inhabitants. It is not as well built as Monterey but
the church is the finest I have seen. In the center of the plaza
is a lovely fountain of water. The water spouts 10 feet from the
ground. I met here last night with an old friend, Dr. Lafan.
6
Feb. 19th 1847. It is night Tatoo has beet and soldiers should
repose but my spirit is restless and I must give it vent. . . .
I know and feel that in the dying hour that good men's deeds
will rise as a beacon star of peace to direct them to the glory--
while their evil deeds will appear in sad and dark array. Oh, my
God, save me from a guilty conscience in the hour of death. When
in Saltillo a few days ago I visited the church. It is robbed of
much of its splendor I am told because the priests feared that
we would pilfer--with us their churches are sacred--This church
exceeded all my ideas of church splendor. There were there five
fine paintings and images. All the reverence of my soul was
called forth and I in truth felt that God is great.
21st. News from Santa Anna induced Our General to leave
Aqua Nueva this morning and encamp his main army at Buena
Vista. The enemy will no doubt reach us tomorrow and we will
have a dreadful fight, but we can not be whipped by a Mexican
army. It will be too the birthday of our Washington all Ameri-
cans love the day--I will fight for its glory and honor. I am
ready for the conflict. God and victory. The whole army has
implicit confidence in Gen. Taylor. All think him a consummate
general.
22sd 10 o'clock at night. The fight has begun and warmly
will it wage. At nine o'clock this morning our Regiment was
formed preparatory to being led into battle. Col. Davis as is his
wont ordered me and Colonel Cooper to remain with our com-
panies at camp. I refused to do so and was then permitted to
lead my company to the field He then ordered another company
to stay in the stead of mine. The fight commenced about 1 oclock
on our left flank and continued until dark, only one of our regi-
ments was engaged however. My Regiment was 2 or 300 yds in
the rear and was not closely engaged, and only had the pleasure
of listening to the music of cannon balls but tomorrow we will
have it. -- God be with us. There are 20,000 Mexicans and 5000
of us--Gen. Santa Anna sent us a boasting summons to surrender
today but Gen. Taylor told him he would rather not---we have
the advantage of position but by a mistake of Col. Marshall in
taking a wrong position with his Reg. we lost something. Tomor-
row however we will regain it.
23rd. The fight was warm today, our army maintained its
position but lost a great many men. My Reg. has covered itself
with additional glory. I was not on the main battle field, being
detached in command of two companies and one gun to repel the
attack of Gen. Menyon ] Miñon [ with his 3000 lancers. He came
but we sent him back faster than he came but I am ordered to
lead my command to the main field, God & the American flag.
The fight is not over nor will it be for several days, but I must
away. To arms, my men to arms.
the advance post of our army--He ordered me to a position nearer
the enemy than any other troops--It was a cold and cheerless
night, we slept with our heads pillowed on rocks and some of us
in trenches made by the cannon of the enemy. I was conducted
to my position by Brvt (?) Lieut Col. May—All expected hard
work on the morrow for none dreamed that we were conquerors
yet, but to our great surprise when morning came the enemy was
gone—I was disappointed but content for I hope I may never be
unwilling to see the effusion of blood cease.
25th. Today we had another alarm. Gen. Wool thought the
enemy were returning, we marched to the field, but soon found it
out to be a false alarm. Gen. Wool is a great alarmist. On the
morning of the 24th I walked over the battle field. Oh it is in-
deed an awful sight to pass over a battlefield so desperately con-
tested as that of Buena Vista. I first passed over the Mexican
slain There they lay in heeps, the dead and the dying. The
wounded have by their sides small sacks of parched meal. They
had evidently been poorly fed and clothed as was indicated by
their emaciated forms. Some would eagerly beg for "Aqua and
Pan" while others would exclaim "Ciete me Senor"
7 as I passed.
Others also we would see who had passed unhurt through the
fight, but who from exhaustion and emaciation were scarcely able
to speak. Our soldiers were kind to all, giving them water and
bread and speaking kindly to them. At length I turned my steps
to the ground where Americans had fallen--But I will not at-
tempt to describe my feelings—all, all else I could have seen
without feelings of other than sorrow but the bloody evidence that
more than half had been maimed by our cruel foes after being
wounded, very many of whom from their slight gunshot wounds
would have recovered, had not the bloody monsters lanced and
butchered them on the field.
8
26th. All is calm and quiet now. The enemy is no doubt gone
not to return again soon. Santa Anna has taken the three guns
he took from us and the flag and is rapidly on his road to the
capital of his country where the gasconading fool will boast of
his achievements at Buena Vista and claim from his country a
high Guerdon. His native language is well suited to his gascon-
ading spirit.
27th. One of our voluntiers was killed today by another.
Strange that even here where we are slaughtered by hundreds of
national foes we can not resist taking the lives of each other.
Intemperence, oh how foul a monster it is.
28th. Nothing has occurred today worthy of note. All is
calm--The calm that succeeds a great battle is remarkable--All
are wearied, and all who have played their parts honorably are
satisfied. Even high and haughty ambition slumbers for a season
in the heart of its victim.
with rude and boisterous strains and in camp all is dust and smoke.
2nd. Time weighs heavy on me I am impatient and know not
why. I ask thee oh my God to give me the capacity for patient
endurance. Let my language be that of old Job "The Lord giveth
and the Lord takets away and blessed be the name of the Lord."
3rd. Tis late at night, I am gloomy. Home and its comforts
rise in review--It is very cold and my bed is composed of three
blankets, on one I sleep and with the others I cover. I did have
another blanket but I gave it some weeks ago to a poor soldier—
I think he ought to feel grateful, and for aught I know he does.
4th. No change, all is dull and calm in camp. Ah yes there
is a change one of my men had the kindness to bring me a bench
to sleep on. Tonight I shall rest much better.
5th. We will move from this camp on the 8th for Monterey.
I am glad of it for I am heartily sick of Saltillo. Gen. Taylor will
go down and in all probability make Monterey his headqts. It
is the most pleasant camp that we have had in Mexico.
6th. All is stir in camp, making preparations to leave for
Monterey. All think that we will never return to this place again
and moreover that we will soon be disbanded and permitted to
return home. This thought infuses life and spirit into our men.
Their long absence from home and from their friends who were
wont to cheer them in moments of gloom has crushed the spirit
of very many of our best men. In sickness there were none here
to console in sorrow none to comfort, and the thought that they
will soon again be with those who will deal in kindness by them
is balm to their bruised hearts. Poor fellows, none save those
who have been with them and witnessed their sufferings will ever
know what they have endured.
7th. This has been a dreadful day in camp--wind and dust in
any quantity--But tomorrow we leave. Gen. Taylor has provided
a train of camp wagons to transport our Reg. So I can ride my
cabillo [caballo]. This delights me for I have walked and walked
until my whole heart sickens at the prospect of a tramp. 15 or 20
miles a day with no comfort at night is not inviting. By the way
however I am a pretty fair pedestrian and would make a good
lecturer on walking if from sad experience we are supposed to
learn.
10th. On the 8th and 9th we made our way from Saltillo to
this camp. The march was unpleasant for we encountered dust
and heat and thirst, but all rode and upon the whole we got along
first rate. Our regiment was received with great eclat in Mon-
terey--We are all Lions here
11th. There has been no communication between this place and
Comargo for two weeks, and great excitement prevails because of
it. The enemy has of late committed a great many depredations
between this and Comargo—Attacking our trains and the like.
Indeed the troops here have been in a state of alarm for weeks.
We will have a stampede in a few days for the troops are great
alarmists, besides there is no doubt that Gen. Urrea is this side
of the mountain.
12th. It is unusually dull in camp today and I will amuse
myself by writing down what I know of the Mexican language
Aqua—water
Mies, Corn
Pan, Corn Bread
Akill, Here--Casa, house
Panarena—flour bread
Lache—Milk
Ousted—Yourself
Vaca, Cow
Ca, es what is
labra:—G-oat
Quarl, which
Lache de vaca--cows milk, and
Lache De Calva--Goats milk
14th. For this day I can record nothing but what I have be-
fore one hundred times for [of] all the monotonies that of a camp
is the most monotonous. In the morning at break of day we
heard reviellie, at 7 o clock the surgeons call, at 8 peas on the
trencher, at nine guard mounting comes off at 1 roast beef at
sundown retreat at 10 at night tatoo and thus it goes on from
day to day.
17th. On the 15th in the evening an express reached us in
great haste to the effect that 1200 of our troops with a large train
from Comarge was surrounded by a large force of Mexicans. Gen.
Taylor called for 150 of the Mississippi Regiment and with us he
put out in post haste, all was intenst excitement and on we went in
double quick time. On the night of the 15th we halted at Aqua
Frio, 12 miles from here, next morning we moved off early and
by 1 oclock was in sight of Marin where the enemy was reported
to be. But strange to say no foe was there. It was a stampede
Gen. Taylor was made and so were we all. We turned our course,
retraced our steps camped at the same place on the night of the
16th and on the evening of the 17 reached our camp again, worn,
wearied and mad.
19th. Today I went to town to look into the mail, waited three
or four hours for it to be opened and had to leave sad and dis-
appointed for I was anxious to hear from home when I reached
camp a letter was handed to me from my brother, it came by hand.
19th. Visited a ranch today close by It is called San Nicolas.
Saw the Alcalde went to his house--talked with him--his wife and
pretty daughter of his. All seemed delighted that an American
Captain should come to see them. Came back to camp. Got some
newspapers from home. Saw an article in one about me. One
fellow--a fool of an editor recants a lie he told on me some time
ago and another one thinks I have been badly treated--This is
true but I did not desire to have newspapers quarrelling over me,
for if anyone has a contempt for what little village newspapers
may say I have.
20th. Today has been a dreadful day. The wind blew a severe
gale [to] day and raised an immense cloud of dust. At night
however, it lulled and now all is still.
21th. This is the holy sabbath day but no church bell sounds
inviting us to the house of God, nor do I see crowds of well dressed
people moving to church. I have spent the day unprofitably to
myself and others but how could I spend it otherwise here where
hoarse and rude oaths are all that hails the holy sabbath morn.
This evening I rode out to a Ranch, and called on the Alcalde of
San Nicolas. He is an old man and professed great good feeling
for Americans. His family are more gentile than most Mexican
families.
22sd. This again has been a boisterous day. The wind blew
rudely all day, the sun shone hot, and the camp is still the camp,
coarse, rude, vile and corrupt. I have at length come to the con-
clusion that men are much meaner than is generally believed. I
see here so few who are honest &
upright & fair in their inter-
course with their fellow-man.
23rd. Time moves slowly on and hangs heavily upon my hands.
The only way in which I can amuse myself is to mount my Cabillo
and visit the ranches near camp. I was at one today and amused
myself for several hours improving my knowledge of the language
of the Mexicans. I encountered many of them who are anxious
to acquire a knowledge of my language and who are consequently
pleased with an opportunity to converse with an American, par-
ticularly a Captain. Their respect for Captains is proverbial.
24th. No change. Rumors are rife in camp. Gen. Taylor
visited our camp and stood for an hour or more on the streets in
conversation with officers—He told us that Gen. Wool had written
to him that Generals Herrera and Arista had declared against
Santa Anna, and that they had been fighting in the City of Mexico
three days, I cannot however place reliance in this rumor.
Tonight I feel in the mood of communing with myself. Through
the day my mind has in sadness reviewed the scenes of an ill-
spent life. Already have I tasted of those pleasures that are most
alluring to the young and which early hope is wont to dress up in
bright and gaudy collrs, of them I have drank deep and like others
who have gone before, I have found them tasteless and unsatisfy-
ing. It is true that in my case they have not come unattended
with much that was disagreeable. For while with one hand with
joy I grasped the cup of pleasure with the other I was forced to
raise to unwilling lips the cup of bitterness, and Yet even with
this class of pleasures I am content for I have learned that they
are all vanity and vexation. From these reflections my mind hur-
ries on to coming days and the ready question arises for what am
I in coming time to live.--The answer is for myself and those
who are dependent upon me, as also too for all, in some measure,
who may chance to be connected with me—How best can I do
this, "Ah there's the rub." But I do believe that a life in strict
accordance with the Christian religion will best subserve the pur-
pose. For this supposes, energy, perseverance, justice to all,
Boldness in all things and in short the united qualities of all that
is good and right.
Without the religion I cannot see how any rule of moral con-
duct or system of morals can be framed without being ridiculous,
and foolish, for nature it seems to me does not forbid many vices
which reason aided by the light of revelation does. It is in ethics
as in law. In law some acts are criminal per se, whilst others
are so because of statutory enactments. In morals nature declares
certain acts to be vicious, whilst there are others that are only so
because opposed to the lights of Revelation. It is true the ancient
Heathen Philosophers had their systems of morals containing many
wise and sensible maxims but these when fully examined will be
found comparatively incomplete and not infrequently false in some
degree. I have of late pondered much whether or not the practice
of law can be persued by a strictly conscientious and religious
mind. I have asked myself if justice to a client does not often
require an infraction of the honest dictates of conscience. The
law may sometimes decide in his favor when in truth his claims
are unjust, for it impossible that any rule of universal action
can adapt itself to every variety of circumstance that arises in the
courts of justice. For these reasons I have inquired not whether
the Lawyer can be a Christian but if the Christian can pursue
the practice of law, doing at all times full justice to his client, I
have not as yet solved the query fully, and shall at another time
examine it again. My reverence for the time honored maxims
of the law, prefented me from even an inquiry upon the subject.
And now it will be with regret, that I find myself forced to the
investigation by that conscience which before its God dare not
slumber. But even if I should at a subsequent time determine
the question in the negative, it will be no argument to destroy the
wisdom of the maxims of that Law upon which the rights and
privileges and peace of civilized society rests, for the simple reason
before mentioned that no rule of universal action can be made
suited to all variety of circumstance that will arise in the courts
of justice. Yet the practice of the law is almost the only means
I have of gaining a livelyhood and should I now be compelled by
that stern monitor conscience to abandon its persuit, after having
already abandoned one profession, I shall not only be subjected to
the unkind sneers of the world but may possibly find some difficulty
in steering clear of poverty and want.
25th. High winds and clouds of dust are all that I have en-
joyed today. I am officer of the day and have been compelled to
remain in camp. I have indirectly heard from home by a letter
to Lieut. Tatum from his Brother. Poor fellow, he is in heaven
I hope. He was a good man, warm hearted and generous. The
letter bore the intelligence that I have a boy at home. He is
already named too. They were in a great hurry to name him.
It is strange that some of my family have not written to me. . . .
26. To day we have moved our camp 1/2 mile to get in shade
and away from such great exposure to wind--I have been gloomy
of late, but its no use I am only gambling for a prize and if I
lose it in a hundred years I will not know it and if I gain it well.
27th. All in camp is quiet a removal for however short a dis-
tance quiets all for a time.
28th. Three Companies of our Reg. are ordered to guard a
train and mine is one—I am glad of it for traveling will serve to
drive dull time on. It hangs on me heavy and dull.
29. Ramas Ranch. I am at Ramas Ranch 30 miles from Mon-
terey--we expected an attack all day but the enemy was not in
sight We got into camp late One of my men who was drunk
fell out of a wagon and a wheel ran over him. So it is with
drunkeness.
30th--To night we are in 7 miles of Ceralvo--hard march to day
and hot.
31st. This morning I put my 2sd Lieut. Townsend in com-
mand of my co. for a short time as we were about to start. He
was abrupt to one of the men and the man whiped him all right
enough I think for Townsend is a dog.
April 2sd--We are in Comargo. It is a hot place full of flees
and bad water. We are encamped in a fort.
April 3rd. Still in Comargo and not much prospect of getting
off soon, at least not under 6 or 10 days.
4th. Today we moved our camp to a pleasant place we have
here some shade and not so much dust.
5th. Insulted to day by a Dutchman knocked him down and
stamped on him
6th. Our train is loading and we will be off by the 8th for
Monterey
7th. Tomorrow we march for Monterey I dread the march for
it is hot and dusty--and I am not well.
8th. Traveled 12 miles today. One man a soldier lagged be-
hind and was killed his body was dreadfully mangled. We have
two Mexican prisoners for it and if proof is strong they will be shot.
9th. The prisoners were shot this evening. One of them was
game to the last, the other begged like a dog. Poor fellows I was
sorry for them, but the proof was too strong to let them pass and
being called on for an opinion I gave it for shooting them.
10th. Lay by because of high water.
11th. To night at Chicerona
12th. To night at Pontezuda.
13th. To night at Ceralvo
14th. This morning as we left Col. R. Davis
9 who is on his
way home rode into camp, he was glad to see me but so much
occupied with his own grievances that he could tell me but little
about home.
Traveled 7 miles to day.
15th. Traveled 18 miles today.
16th. At Alarien to night.
17th Today we reached the camp near Monterey.
18th. Visited the 2sd Missi. Reg. Met with many who were
glad to see me. The Reg. is suffering under small pox. They are
disconted [discontented] poor fellows.
19 Have again resumed the dullness of camp life.
20th. Nothing to record, not even a reflection.
21st. Camp is still dull as ever.
22sd. My first Lieut. in a drunken brawl was shot in the leg,
it was taken off.
23rd. 2nd Lieut. Wade desired me to bear a challenge to the
officer who ordered Patterson shot. I done so but the fellow de-
clined fighting.
24th. Drunkeness is a moral sin the extent of which can scarcely
be concieved of.
26th Tomorrow my Regiment moves for Ceralvo. There it
will stay 15 or 20 days and then move homeward.
27th Reached Mier to day.
28. Today our Butcher rode ahead of the train with 2 or 3
others and was shot in the thigh--his leg was taken off he killed
one of the Mexicans that shot him.
29th. Tonight at Ceralvo
30th. We will stay here 25 or 30 days and as I suppoes will
have a dull time as ever in Camp. This is a small town. The
weather however is good and I will be able to get in a comfortable
house.
Mexico there is no song or merry laugh heard.
Obtained comfortable quarters near my company in an ancient
house once the house of Justice where the Alcaldes pretended to
deal out justice--It is a long narrow house built of stone with
only one room. It has an elevation in the west end with railings
in which sat the man of Justice. In rear of this upon the wall
is a painting representing the Mexican coat of arms. To wit, an
eagle perched upon a cactus and holding in his mouth a serpent
all of which is enclosed in a painted arch.
3rd. Camp is still dull and hot and oppressive, coarse men with
coarse feelings. I wonder what the Devil has done with all the
armies that have gone before and what he will do with this one.
4th. I feel better than used, my health is improving and I am
regaining my usual flesh and strength
5th. Went down to day and drank my usual cup of chocolate.
I never could drink it in the States but here people know how to
make it drink well. It is with me a luxury.
6th. Went out this evening with a friend to practice pistol
shooting. I was weak and nervous but every shot would have been
fatal to an antagonist.
7th. This day I will record as one of tha black days of my life
when gloom and melancholy have claimed me for their own.
8th.
Alexandria, March 38, 1862.
My Dear Wife
The sad news that I heard in Montgomery of the death of my
Brother at Fort Donaldson rendered me unfit to write to you from
there—At first I was doubtful of its truth but the next morning
I saw Mr. Linton who had received a letter that rendered it al-
most certain. I fear it is too true—The blow my wife is hard
enough on me but oh how hard on our mother--
We reached here today, 28 hours behind the Reg. we leave on
a boat in the morning in pursuit of it. Halbert stood the trip
well and is in fine spirits. I proposed to him this morning to go
by and see his Grandma, but he said he had rather go with me,
I have not time now to go to see her, but I hope to do so in 4 or 5
weeks If this sad news is true it is more important for me to
do so than ever. I found your Sis E. in good health and spirits,
with a plenty of everything.
My Dear Wife there is no reason why you should stint yourself
too much while I am gone I am fearful you will try to be too
economical I have left you enough to live well on and I will
send you money from time to time. Oh how I long to see you all
even now, for my heart is sad. I will write again soon and give
you a full history of our trip and future prospects but now I can-
not. Kiss all of my loved ones--This is one of the saddest hours
of my life
God bless you all
Apl. 18, 1862.
The battle of Shiloh was fought on the 6th and 7th and only
now do I sit down to write to you. The reason for that is that since
the battle I have been the field officer on duty in my Reg. Col
Moore being under arrest and Major Runnels sick. The Col. was
unjustly arrested and is now released. I am still however in
command and will be a full Col. in a few days, as I suppose--
Halbert
10 is now with me having come up 4 or 5 days after the
battle. There is so much sickness in camp that I am going to
send him back to Ma's for several weeks. Our exposure during
the battle was very great and our sick list in the Reg. is over 400
this morning--the sickness is slight however and in ten days more
with rest the bloody 2nd will be ready to fight again.
On the morning of the 6th of April at 6 A. M. I reached the
battle field, inquired for my Regiment, but could find no one to
tell me where it was, in this circumstance I reported to Gen.
Breckenridge who kindly appointed me as one of his staff. I was
with him about 2 hours when I learned the whereabouts of my
Reg. I joined it at once and found that it had not been under
fire. The boys greeted me with a shout and [in] ten minutes
we advanced upon the enemy. We swept the Yankees before us
and took a camp--After a short delay we were ordered to move
on and in a few minutes again encountered the enemy and again
drove him before us. Later in the day we took another camp, a
battery and a stand of colors. The charge upon this camp I or-
dered and led myself. We slept upon the field without tents or
food except such as we took from the Yankees. In the morning
I was the commander of the Reg. During the day we had several
bloody skirmishes. At night our troops were exhausted and we
moved several miles and camped in the rain without food or tents.
The next day we massed in front of the enemy and remained 5
days when we were ordeed to this place (Corinth). We lost many
of our best and noblest--poor Paul is no more. He fell on Mon-
day in the front of the fight, but Sunday all day he fought like
[a] lion. He is universally mourned. I fear that Sam Houston
is also dead. He has been missing since the battle. He was a
noble, gallant boy and went through the Sunday fight with great
courage. Capt. Owen and Brooks were also killed and poor F--y.
I will write you again in a day or two. Love to all. I feel that
a kind and merciful providence was with me. God bless you all.
May 1st 1862
My Dear Wife
I am now at Ma's and have been for two days. I will leave in
a few days for Corinth where it is probable we will have another
great battle. Since the battle of Shiloh we have been reinforced
by 25 or 30,000 troops and it is understood that the enemy has
been [reinforced] by 50 or 60 thousand. Two to one we can whip
them but if we contend with greater odds the result will be doubt-
ful. Genls. Van Dorn and Price have joined us at Corinth.
Letters from you and Bama as late as the 9th ult. have reached
here, also one from Fannie of the 14th. In none of them is any
mention made of my letters from Memphis and Shiloh--In my last
I gave you a feeble description of the great battle of Shiloh, by
far the grandest and bloodiest ever fought on this continent--Our
loss is officially stated 10,699.
The gallantry of our Reg. is spoken of by all--The last charge
on Sunday evening and two on Monday were truly grand--These
I led in person, on Monday carrying our battle flag It has six
holes through it one in the staff--my horse was slightly wounded
in the shoulder--I received a blow on my hand from a limb cut
off by a cannon ball. For four nights after the battle we were
exposed to rain without tents and with little food--This produced
a great deal of sickness--I have been here for 10 days on sick fur-
lough. Am now much better and will go up in a few days.
Young Sam Houston is no doubt dead. I had diligent search
made for his body but could not find it, he was I suppose buried
by the enemy as was our poor friend Paul--The blow to his mother
will be great, How sad it is that my advice was not taken by
the Gen.
God only knows my dear Wife what is ahead of us--For the
future of our country I greatly fear--All is gloomy now all is
despondency here among the people--You meet with [no] smil-
ing face nor joyous brow. . . .
Ma is well and as happy under the circumstances as could be
expected, indeed more so. The death of brother has cast a deep
gloom over our family and no man ever died whose death pro-
duced a deeper gloom over a community--few meet me whose eyes
do not once fill with tears--Several companies now raising have
been named for him and
11 . . .
Camp Ingraham 40 miles
below Corinth—June 5, 1862
My Dear Wife
Yours of 15th net (?) reached me on yesterday, also letters to
Halbert-- It seems that my letters since Shiloh have all mis-
carried-- In them I gave you a full description of the fight and
would do so again if I had time, but Col. Crawford and Mr. G. A.
Jones who carry this will leave in a few minutes-- Suffice it to
say that I went safe through all the fight and I think with a due
degree of credit to myself. On the 8th of May I was in the fight
at Farrington as aid to Gen. Van Dorn. Gus Jones was with me
and can tell you all about it--He is a brave and gallant man--
The Yankees bombarded us two days before we left Corinth and
killed my horse, one I bought here. Halbert has been in camp
for 8 or 10 days, but I heard of the small pox and 10 days ago
I sent him to Ma's again--It is against orders to write you
about any movements--I think our retreat from Corinth was
a wise move--It is impossible to tell at what moment we may have
a battle. It is now understood that Col Moon is a Brig. Gen.
and I am a full fledged Col. Maj. Runnels has resigned--I have
resolved to quit this part of the army as soon as the prospect of a
fight here goes over or we have it--I cannot consent to leave my
boys with an enemy in front of them--I am more popular with
the Reg. now than ever and they implore me to stay with them.
I am very uneasy about the condition of Texas and feel that I
should be there. I believe however that prospects are brightening
and that in a few months we will have peace--
It is gratifying to know that William is doing so well He must,
not leave you under any circumstances-- . . .
Young Lane is safe, thank God. He is a brave and noble boy-
think I have lost about 100 men by sickness since Shiloh, I have
now barely 200 men for duty but as the warm weather advances
the health is improving-- . . .
Give my respects to all of our friends and assure them that
battle flag of the 2nd Texas will ever be at the post of honor.
The medicines and money sent by the ladies came at a most pro-
pitious moment and we sent by Dr. Cowling resolutions of thanks-
It gratified us to know that we were still remembered by our dis-
tant friends. Howdy to all the negroes, God bless my loved ones,
Camp near Tupelo
June 19, 1862.
My Dear Wife
I wrote to you 5 or 6 days ago by some of my discharged men
and now write by others—I have received lately two letters from
you--The one about the letter of Runnels and the other of June 3.
Please say nothing to any one about Runnels. If he wrote as you
supposed its falsehood will be fixed. He has gratified my Reg.
one and all by resigning--he was not promoted and one of my
Capts. was and so have I been. Facts speak for themselves. He
never has been at any time even for one hour in command of the
Reg. The Reg. did not run it fell back 2 or 3 hundred yards.
I with others of my officers led it again to the fight and for its
conspicious gallantry I have been authorized to inscribe Shiloh on
my flag. The companies all fought well and so did my Capts.
My old Houston companies were conspicious for their gallantry—
and indeed none of them were wanting in deeds of valor. Since
I have been promoted my Reg. has received the distinguished honor
of being designated as advance sharp shooters--I deal in truth
when I say that 2nd Texas stands today ahead of all others in drill
and discipline, and behind none in deeds of daring, valor and gal-
lantry--I cannot believe that Runnels wrote as you heard he did--
Halbert is now attached to Van Dorn's staff--I have never had
occasion to regret the advice I have given him and if you could
see how our privates are treated you would agree with me--About
250 of my Reg. have been killed and died, and I have been at times
as low in men for duty as one hundred. I now have 400, their
health is very greatly improving now and I shall do the best I can
for them-- Ours is a hard life but our country is in peril--I do
not know nor can I surmise what our next move will be. 2nd
Texas was the rear guard of the army on Monday night at Shiloh.
I was the only field officer with the Reg. Gen. Moore was in com-
mand of a brigade.
2nd Texas run--My God--It has bled at every field 250 of
our braves are now in their graves.
Love and kisses to all the loved at home--Enclosed find letter
from Helen Regards to all my friends God bless and preserve
you all
Camp near Tupelo
Itamanta Co. Missi.
My Dear Wife
The last letter I received from you bore the date June 3rd, and
I replied to it sending by private hand. For 4 weeks we have been
at this camp busy drilling and preparing for action--The chances
are that we will move in a day or two, but where I do not know--
We were all astonished to hear that we had been slandered by
reports prejudicial to our gallantry, for we really thought we had
fought well and our Generals thought so too for they have com-
plemented us by authorising us to put Shiloh on our flag as a
badge of conspicuous
gallantry
and as yet, I am told that no other
Reg. engaged in that battle has a similar honor. So far then 2nd
Texas is the Star Reg. of the army of the west--In addition to
this two of the field officers Colonel Moon and myself were pro-
moted besides several other promotions of Company officers--And
yet again--2nd Texas has been made an independent Reg. of
Sharp Shooters--This is a high honor for in the attack we are in
the advance and in retreat we are in the rear. Now if all that
does not give the lie to our enemies we can say no more--
When I took command of the Reg. it numbered 150 men for
duty, it now numbers 400. about 200 are still in Hospitals in
different parts of the state and there are about 50 sick in camp—
The men are all cheerful and happy—In a few days I will have
them well uniformed again and then you would be proud of the
old Reg.
I would not have any of you speak of or allude to the slanders
you have heard about the Reg. for you must see at once that they
will recoil upon the hearts of the perpetrators. The Reg. is daily
complimented by our Genls, for its drill, its good conduct and
subordination.
Our life here is by no means agreeable, but it is as much so as
I supposed it would be, and as I have no country until it is gained
I must be content—Yet I cannot avoid longing to be again at my
own quiet home with my sweet wife and children—God bless
you all—I have an abiding confidence that I will see you
again and that years of happiness are in store for us.
We are in 35 miles of Aberdene. I was down there this week.
Saw them all, Helen is the sweetest woman in the world except
my own dear wife—Halbest is there now but will be with me again
in a few days
I am resolved to visit home this winter and I really hope that
in 3 months I can return with my Reg. for I think things are
tending to a peace. The victory in Va. we hope (if it is not al-
ready) will be complete soon and the news of foreign interference
is also cheering—I send a paper of poor Paul which please take
care of. Kisses and love to our dear children--God bless you all.
Headquaters 2nd Texas Reg. Sharp shooters
Aug. 14, 1862.
Lt. Col. Smith goes to Texas this evening in search of conscripts
for my Reg--which I hope he will not get, for I do not want them
and so I write by him. If Gen. Price forces them upon me I shall
get mad. His going through gives me another opportunity of
sending love to my dear wife and children--I received to day from
Dr. McRaven of Houston a long and encouraging letter. He is
very warmly my friend--I send you a letter from Helen,
12 which
Halbert brot
up yesterday—Nothing from Sue
13 since I last wrote
but I very much fear for her safety, not so much in person as in
property. It will gratify you to know that Halbert is now a sol-
dier in the glorius old 2nd Texas Reg. He is in the Adjs. office,
but will be in the fight and it will come in 10 days—We hope now
by the first of Nov. to be in Yankee land. Frank Dunklin has
been to see me and I had made arrangements to promote him by
transfer to my Reg—but he has been discharged because of an
enlargement of the bone of his leg. The brave boy kept it a secret
from us all until it rendered him unfit for duty. He is now with
Ma or Tim and I suppose will soon go home. Lt. Col. Smith will
perhaps call to see you he is greatly my friend and a brave and
competent officer
I send a sketch of my HeadQts. I am on the stool under the
bush arbor in front of my tent, my Adjt Qu. with sword saluting
me. Henry my cook in the rear at his bush arbor kitchen and
sentinel with his gun--Battle flag etc.
14 As Helen gives you all
the news and I close with love and kisses to Fannie and all the
children.
Head Qts. 2sd Texas Regiment Sharp Shooters
Aug. 14, 1862.
My Dear Dr.
15
Your more than welcome letter, freighted with friendship and
kindly greetings reached me today and as our mutual friend Lt.
Col. Smith leaves for Texas today on business for the Gov. I have
the gratification of sending a reply. For myself and for the
officers and men of my gallant Reg. I thank you Dr., for the gen-
erous feelings you express and the perhaps too partial praise you
give us. Your letter was read by many of my officers and while
reading the manly tear of gratitude sprang unbidden to their eyes
and coursed unbidden down their worn and weather beaten cheeks.
Your many friends here are always delighted to hear from you
and to have the pleasure of reading one of your letters full of
friendship and esteem for them and breathing sentiments of pa-
triotism and love for our bleeding country. Such evidences of
regard from our distant friends are bright spots in a soldier's life
and inspire us anew to do our whole duty. Although we firmly
believe that falsehood and malace would scarcely be able to detract
from our merit, I thought it my duty to furnish my friends with
genuine evidence of the esteem in which we are held by those who
know best what we have done. In this spirit it was that, secure
in your friendship and certain of your justice, I wrote to you, not
to herald our own fame but to furnish friends with facts. My
object has been attained and the results hoped for more than re-
ceived in the deep and generous interest you take in our behalf.
I hope the day is not far distant when in the providence of God
I may be able to express to you in person my thanks for your gen-
erous kindness. 2nd Texas, Dr. has had no newspaper eulogists
and I hope will never have at least in her own ranks, as
some
others
have
--The Bible maxim, "Let not thine own tongue praise thee"
is after all, if not the quickest, at least the most dignified road to
fame. The Reg. is still esteemed equal in valor and superior in
drill and discipline to all others without exception. I hope soon
to have a brigade of sharp shooters with 2nd Texas on the right.
Gen. Price is now in immediate command of the army of the west
in Missi. He has about 12000 effective men with a few new troops
arriving daily. Gen. Bragg is at Chattanooga with at least 75000
and it may be 100,000 men. My opinion is that Bragg will soon
move on Washington and that then the Yankee army (now at
Corinth) of 50,000 will turn its face northward and cease to
threaten Mississippi—upon which we will move up to the Memphis
and Charleston R. R. threaten Memphis and Bolivar and even
Cairo. If Bragg is successful we will cross the big river and
sweep through Missouri to Saint Louis, uniting with Nolens--
This certainly was the plan of campaign but it was when we hoped
much from the ram Arkansas, what effect her destruction will have
I am unable to say. If she had proved as valuable as at one time
we had hoped Yankee operations on the River would have been
comparatively light. Even as it is I am cheered with the hope
that the star of our destiny is rising and that no distant day will
see us a proud and happy people secure in our liberties.
As for myself, I have many strong reasons to urge me to Texas,
but duty to my oppressed and bleeding country is superior to the
claims of wife and children, for it is for their sakes, for the peace
and quiet of my own home as well as others that I am here and
here I will stay until I can return and say to wife, children and
friends, "You have a country"—"it is free."
The Reg. now numbers all told officers and men 640, of these
400 are with me the remainder absent sick. I have still left about
500 effective men and Col Smith goes to Texas to bring conscripts
to me. I will not have them if I can help it--I do not want to
command men who have been forced by law into the ranks--no,
give me the brave men who made a free offering of their services
to their country--Rather than take them I shall ask that my Reg.
be reduced to a battallion and my rank to that of a Major not-
withstanding my cols. spurs were won at Shiloh and Farrington.
If they still force them upon me, why I must take the fellows and
do the best I can with them.
I must conclude, Dr. for I have unwittingly filled 4 pages.
Remember me kindly to my friends and assure them that the ban-
ner Regiment from Texas has 2 companies from Houston and 2
more from Harris County. Every few days we are called to
mourn some of our brave boys [who] have died in the last 4 weeks.
It was the hard picket service that we performed for 6 days after
Shiloh that killed our men. For 6 days I held the advance of
our army next the enemy with only 350 men . . . [A line here
can not be deciphered.] Of the men then with me 93 are dead.
Tupelo Mississippi
August 30, 1862.
My dear Wife
I am told that letters will now go by mail and I propose to risk
this one at least. I have heard nothing from our relations at
Aberdene since Halbert left, now some 4 weeks since. Halbert was
with me when I last wrote to you by Lt-Col. Smith, but I sent him
down a day or two ago. He will be with me in the next fight and
until the was clouds [lighten?] you may have no apprehensions
[as to] his soldier service. He will have a plenty of [service]
from this time out. He was very sick in camp and I thought a
[fur]lough would help him. Mack
16 has grown more since he left
home than in five years before, he is almost as tall as Halbert.
We have as yet no positive assurance of an early move from this
camp, but it is highly probable that it will be soon and in a north-
erly direction, our move will depend upon Bragg who is at Chat-
anooga with an army of 75 or 80,000 men and he is said to be
advancing in the direction of Lexington, Ky. in order to support
Gen. Kirby Smith who it is now thought is near that point with
at least 25,00 men and no enemy between him and Cincinnatti, to
the capture of which city he is now directing his energies--It will
thus be seen that the alternative is presented to Buell either to
intercept Bragg in his advance through Tennessee and Ky or to
face back to the Missi river and thus allow Bragg to reconquer Ky.
and camp on the Ohio river.
If he attempts to intercept Bragg we will move to Bragg's sup-
port and if he falls back to the Missi- river we [will] stay here to
protect Mississippi. These things look very much like we have
the enemy at fault and by the last of December we may look for
glad tidings--All things considered, I believe day is beginning to
dawn upon our hitherto oppressed and cloud covered country--
And I hope the day is not far distant when peace will be restored.
God grant that our people will properly appreciate its return. You
in Texas have but a faint idea of the horrors of war. You will
have to be in a country whose soil has been crimsoned with the
blood of patriots and where mighty armies have met in the shock
of battle properly to appreciate its horrors.
I have had lately had a very high compliment paid to me by my
brother officers of this Division. The Cols, Lt-Cols, and Majors
of about 20 Regiments have addressed a letter to Richmond urg-
ing my appointment as a Major General to command the troops
from these two states now on this side of the river.
17 Fearing that
the President is still vindictive to me I hardly dare hope for the
appointment, but it is nevertheless a very high compliment to me
and one which I know my dear [wife] and children will appreciate,
for these men are all men in high position themselves and have
been with me in the shock of battle. They know me as a drill
officer and disciplinarian and they have tested my capacity to
command in battle. For these reasons the compliment is a high
one even if it is thwarted by the personal hostility of the Presi-
dent. They have sent on a special messenger (Lieut-Col. Hobson
or Arkansas) to urge my claims at Richmond. They allowed me
to know nothing of it was agreed upon.
When you write to Fannie
18 give her every assurance of my
continued love and affection for her and her little orphan children.
Baldwin, Missi-
Sept. 24, 1862.
My dear Wife
Since I last wrote to you, now 14 days ago, we have had stirring
times--We have been to Iuka, captured it with a great deal of
army stores say $4 or 500,000 etc, and all without a fight--We
took Iuka on Sunday and as the Yankees fled we supposed we
would have to go further for a fight, but on Tuesday evening at
2 P. M. the booming of cannon announced the enemy was return-
ing I formed the old Reg. and advanced it deployed as skinners
[skirmishers] in front of the 1st Brig. The enemy soon greeted
us with minnie balls. We returned their fire and for 2 hours
drove them before us, until night put a stop to the work--2nd
Texas was the only Reg. in the fight and during 2 1/2 or 3 hours
was exposed to the fire of the enemies sharp shooters and artillery.
About sun down the cavalry made a dash at the Reg. which we
repulsed in fine style—Our loss was only 2 killed and 3 wounded.
We were from a half to 3/4 of a mile ahead of the Brigade all the
time—Halbert was in the fight and was cool and deliberate, with
few exceptions officers and men all acted well--
We slept upon our arms all night and at dawn of day I sounded
the advance and forward we went for a mile or more through
forest, field and brush, finding no enemy. I now halted as it was
clear that the enemy was gone. The two succeeding days gave no
indication of an enemy in force. During all this time the 2nd
Texas was in line of battle 1 1/2 miles ahead of the Brigade sleeping
on arms. On Friday it was evident they were again advancing—
I was now put in command of a Brigade of 3 Regiments—To wit—
my own, Adams' Arkansas Reg. and Stermans Reg. of sharp
shooters. The enemy approached from 3 roads I was in com-
mand of the center in advance—It so happened that they only
attacked our left, late in the evening, a fierce and angry battle
for 40 or 50 minutes now ensued in which we lost about 100 killed
and wounded among the killed was Gen Little--We captured
about 9 pieces of artillery and drove the enemy back--The loss of
the enemy was much greater.
At dark I was ordered to fall back from my advanced position
in the center of the scene of battle. We reached there in one hour
and found all quiet except for the groans of the wounded and
dying--We slept on the battle field--and at day break our Gen-
eral ordered a retreat, for it was seen that we were surrounded
by a force greatly larger than ours.--Yes we were surrounded by
a largely superior force and although we had whipped them in
every skirmish they had demanded an unconditional surrender-
Things were dark around us--Genl. Maury rode up and put 2nd
Texas—Bledsoe's battery of 4 guns in the rear—We took the Ful-
ton road the only [road] not occupied by the enemy. It was clear
that 2nd Texas would have to fight--They permitted us to pass
about 7 miles, when they drove in our cavalry rear guard, when I
again called on 2nd Texas to present a wall of fire between the
enemy and our retreating army—The line of battle was formed
across the road with Bledsoe's 4 guns in the center. The Yankees
approached within 100 or 200 yards and our fire opened, in five
minutes the Yanks were gone and 2nd Texas was again vic-
torious--The loss of the enemy is estimated 30 or 40 ours at only
3 slightly wounded. This is attributed to the fact that our line
was masked by underbrush and they did not see us deliver our
fire--They followed us no further and we took up camp about 40
miles from Iuka on the evening of the 22nd. We will remain
here but 3 or 4 days and move up again I suppose to Jackson
Tennessee--Columbus Ky. etc--Halbert was also in our last fight
and handled his gun properly.
Only Genl. Hebert's Brig. (a cousin to the one in Texas) was
engaged in the fight on Friday--On that occasion 3rd Texas
covered itself with glory and so did 3rd La.
Send this to my friend Dr. McCraven and say to him that he
is at liberty to condense such portions as he thinks proper for
publication—In all of their engagements the Reg. displayed the
cool, obstinate and determined bravery of veterans and the coun-
ties of Burleson, Robertson, Galveston, Gonsales and Jackson may
well be proud of them. The hardships to which they are sub-
jected are indeed great, for many of them are without blankets,
tents or shoes. We have been in the last days, exposed to rain
3 days and nights--The nights are getting quite cool and the men
are suffering. I have begged in vain for blankets, tents and shoes.
I will submit to it 4 weeks longer. They must then supply them
or there will be trouble. The Reg. numbers now about 551 of
these 128 are absent sick, leaving for duty 423--Of these 71 are
on detached service as teamsters, mechanics and leaving me really
but 342 fighting men.
I still hope to be with you by Christmas--Love and kisses for
you and our children.
Camp Rogers Near Holly Springs Miss.
Octo. 22nd, 1862.
It is my painful duty to write to you relative to the death of
your brave husband, Col W. P. Rogers of the Sharp Shooters of
Moore's Brigade in my Division.
From other sources you have long ere this learned that he has
fallen. It may be a consolation to you to receive from his com-
mander assurances of the distinguished services he has rendered
our Country; and of the gallant manner in which he died for her.
During our occupation of Iuka I entrusted your husband with
an important command in advance of my Division. I knew that
upon him
above all others I could rely for the faithful execution
of such a trust; and amply did he justify my confidence in him.
When we retreated from Iuka my Division was made the rear
guard of the Army of the West; and I made Col Rogers and his
Regiment the rear guard of the Division. During this retreat
Col. Rogers and General Armstrong planned and executed a very
bold and skillful repulse of the pursuing Enemy, which checked
his advance and saved our Army from further molestation.
At Corinth on Friday morning the 3d of October when the
Division was first ordered to advance in line of battle, your hus-
band with the noble Regiment which now mourns him, was at once
thrown forward and engaged the Enemy. From that time until
he fell within the fortifications at Corinth which he had stormed
by 10 A. M. he was constantly under fire.
In the assault on Corinth his daring courage was so conspicious
as to call forth the admiration of the Enemy, and Gen'l Rosecranz
has said that he will mention him in his report to his own Gov-
ernment.
It will be a satisfaction to you to learn that the Federal com-
mander has assured General Van Dorn that "every respect and a
soldiers burial" will be given to him "who fell so bravely."
Accept Madam the assurance of my sympathy for you in this
bereavement, and of my sincere respect.
Very truly yours,
Dabny H. Maury.
To Mrs. W. P. Rogers
FOOTNOTES:
just before the battle of Monterey.
Monterey, Oct. 8th 1846.
My Dear Wife,
Since I wrote to you two weeks ago I have written to your Brother
on business and now I will tell you what I desire may be done. If Ma
is willing I want my negroes to work with hers for I do not suppose
that I will get home soon enough to make other arrangements--we are,
however, confidently looking for news of peace from the United States,
if peace is not declared in 6 weeks from this date we will march upon
Saltillo 40 miles from here where we expect to have another bloody bat-
tle, after which it is supposed that we will be quartered either there or
here until our term of service expires for it is impossible for troops to get
from here to the City of Mexico and if our army marches upon the city
troops must be landed at Tampico or some other seaport. Besides we
must have more men from the States, for our army is greatly crippled
from sickness and from the battle of Monterey.
In Gen. Taylor nobody has any confidence, but all have confidence in
Gen. Worth the next in command. The regular army is no account.
They are cowardly dogs and will not fight, the volunteers are the men
upon whom the country has [to] rely—in the battle of Monterey the
regulars were skulking behind chaparels all day. The Texians have all
gone home and in losing them we have lost a main stake. They were
all mounted men and did us infinite service on the day of the battle.
The Mexican Lancers are afraid of them but they do not dread Gen.
Taylors dragoons in the least.
This is a delightful country you would be enraptured with it. In
Monterey it is neither too hot nor too cold, and the groves of oranges,
Lemons, Grapes, citrons, pomgranites &c, &c, would run you mad with
delight--then the lovely mountains in the distance, all appears more
like a fairly land than a portion of this dull earth. But then their
cannon balls, scopets &c, very soon teach us that it is a land of realities.
We marched 150 miles on foot here and then went right into battle,
and on the second day I was barefoot, all combined made me very sick
for the 6 or 8 days after the battle but I am well now. I have one of
the best servants in the world and if there if any delicacy to be had he
gets it, besides he is very devoted to me. I thought I could habituate
myself to fatigue but do not think I can ever learn to walk far at a
time, I am entitled to ride on the march but wanted to show my men
that I could endure fatigue with them.
If I never return I am anxious that Halbert should receive a military
education. I do not want him to enter the army but I want him to be
ready for any emergency. But I hope to return soon and I feel that I
can now enjoy home for I know what it is to be deprived of it.
You can form no idea of how anxious we all are to get home--we
have suffered so much and we have been in one battle and are tired and
sick of camp.
Give my love to Ma and tell her that the son can never forget the
mother. Could I see her now I could almost play baby again.
Give my love to all and tell them that if [I] die upon the battle field
that even there I will remember them with love. Two of my company
were killed in battle and 7 wounded. You did not know any of them.
God bless you all.
Yours in love
W. P. Rogers
Victoria, Jan 2sd, 1847
My dear Wife
My 1st letter to you was written from Monterey since which time I
have traveled 200 miles to this place and near all of the way on foot.
I am now a fine pedestrian and can walk 20 or 25 miles a day with
great ease. I am now in fine health, better that I have been since I
left home. This is a fine country, abounding in all the tropical fruits
with grand mountain scenery--We traveled all the way from Monterey
in sight of the mountains, often crossing small spurs and every 10 or
15 miles we encountered the most beautiful mountain streams that fancy
can conceive. On the banks of these the mimosa and many other trees
grow in all their beauty. We expected a battle here but the Mexican
soldiers, 1000 only in number left here the day we arrived for San Luis
Potosi. Small parties of their scouts hung around us for several days
before we reached here causing a frequent alarm in camp, but they did
not attack us. What will be our next move I do not know but suppose
it will be upon San Luis Potosi where we will certainly fight, unless
Santa Anna has already been whipped at Saltillo. If we go to San
Luis Potosi in five months from today we will be in the City of Mexico
itself and the Stars and Stripes of our own republic will float from her
loftiest spires--Victoria is the capitol of the state of Tamaulipas and
we took possession of it with a gread deal of ceremony. Two thousand
American hearts greeted our flag of liberty as we gave it to the breeze
from the top of the State house. One loves his country and its emblems
in a foreign land. It is 200 miles from here to San Luis Potosi and
about the same distance farther to the City of Mexico. It is 140 miles
from here to Tampico and from that point or Vera Cruz I will embark
when I turn my face homewards.
The people evidently improve the farther south you go--they are not
so much mixed with Indian blood. I could write to you many interest-
ing incidents of the manners and customs of the people but the short
space of a letter will not allow me. An officer in the Georgia Regiment
of Voluntiers has his wife along with him. She is quite novelty here
and excites a good deal of admiration as she dashes by on her mustang
pony neatly dressed with sash, belt and pistols. She is a modest and
ladylike woman--full of spirits and fun, reminding me of Scott's de-
scription of Die Vernon--She is only a Lieutenants wife and cannot
have many (enjoyments, for an officer here under the rank of captain
has but few privileges.
It is near 3 months since I heard from you—Your letters must have
been intercepted.
You must all write me often as there is some chance that I may get
your letters. My last letter from home was from Tim and bore the date
Oct. 12th, 1846.
How comes on my brave boy and beautiful little girl--They are often
before me in fancy's mind and I never fail to recommend them and you
to the mercy and protection of our Grod. In conclusion, my wife, let
the prospect of my return in six months at fartherest cheer you--We
will then move on calmly through life, remembering that it is but a
probationary state and that we are traveling to a better world.
Give my love to Mother, Brothers, Sisters and all.
Ever yours,
W. P. Rogers.
Saltillo Mexico Feb. 4th, 1847.
Dear Martha,
When last I wrote you I was at Victoria, more than 250 miles from
here--It was- thought that our Regiment would go to Tampico and
thence to Vera Cruz, but Gen. Taylor was superseded by Gen. Scott who
takes command of the expedition against Vera Cruz, while Gen Taylor
is ordered to the command of the northern division of the army. Our
Regiment was brought here as an escort to Gen. Taylor. In two or
three days we moved onward--where I do not know but I think to
Zacatacas. I wrote to you yesterday of things here. I expect yet to
lead a charge in the city itself.
To day I have been all over this town it is a beautiful town, the 3rd
largest and finest church in Mexico is here--It is grand beyond descrip-
tian--I will not describe it as I should give you but a faint idea of its
splendor and magnificance.
Well I suppose that Theresa is married. Ail I can say is that I hope
she may live happy--God bless her. Tell her that an absent brother
greets her from behind the lofty Cordilleras. I am in a desolate dreer
and inhospitable clime but my heart is warm for her and hers. Why
does not Sis E. write to me, indeed there are few at home who do write
to [me]
Capt. Jas. H. R. Taylor of Marshall, who is a cousin of Dr. Hender-
son, told me that his mother wrote him of the marriage. He sends his
regards to Dr. Henderson and wife. You were mortified were [you]
that the papers did not puff me. Why my wife . . .
Now it will be all right for what my company says all will believe
and they say enough--my coolness is evidenced by my leading my com-
mand in united [order]. I would rather have the character of a cooly
brave man than a name for all the fury of McClung--I hesitate not to
say (and I would not lie for a crown) that I am the most popular offi-
cer in the main Regiment—and if I survive another fight nothing under
president will suit me--Gen. Taylor says that he will encamp before
Potosi by the 15th of March. If he does we will have to do some tall
fighting. Give all my love.
Yours ever,
W. P. Rogers.
bly the Mexican said, "Quiteme la vida, señor." (Take my life, sir.)
This is the opinion of Professor Torres, University of Mexico.
Saltillo, Mexico, March 2sd.
Dear Mat,
Two days ago I wrote to Brother but in such haste that I gave him
only a hasty sketch of the great battle of Buena Vista fought on the
22sd and 23rd days of Feb. between Gen. Taylor and Santa Anna.
Santa Anna had, as is supposed, 20,000 men, we did not have more
than 5,000 and of these not more than 4,000 were closely engaged. The
plain was so extended that we were compelled to post troops at various
points not knowing at what particular point the strong attack would
be made. On the morning of the 21st we were encamped at Agua Nueva,
18 miles from here, but when warned that Santa Anna was near at
hand we retired in double quick time 10 or 12 miles to a mountainous
pass 4 or 5 miles from this town. At this place we halted and pre-
pared to fight. On the 22sd we formed line of battle and soon the loud
mouthed cannon began to roar. This was an omen for fiercer conflict--
about 12 o'clock a portion of the Mexican army attacked the extreme
left flank of ours and a hot fight ensued. I was in 300 yds. of the fir-
ing but we were not engaged on that evening and felt the whirr only
of cannon balls. Night at length came and the contending armies re-
tired to their quarters but only to renew a fiercer conflict on the mor-
row. Morning came and in our rear too the enemy was to be seen in
large force. We were surrounded--I did not feel as pleasant as I would
had I been at home, but it was fight or die and I was ready for both--
On the day before there was no force that threatened to attack our rear
and I, being ordered to hold camp with the command of my Co., Lieut.
Russell's and a six pounder manned by Lieut. Shover and 20 men, re-
fused to do it. Col. Davis had ordered me to do the same thing at
Monterey and there I also refused--He passed that over and also on
this occasion reversed his order and permitted me to lead my command
to the field on the morning of the 22sd leaving two other Comps. On
the morning of the 23rd he came to me early and told me that I was
the only captain in the Regiment who had not been on detatched service
and that he hoped inasmuch as we were surrounded by Mexicans that I
would not again refuse to take a separate command and defend the
post of headquarters. He further said that he knew I had for him no
kind feeling but that endangered as we were he hoped that might be
forgotten. The post he assigned me he said was a post of honor and
that he desired that I might have the glory of leading an independent
command to action. The enemy was then approaching and I thought as
did all others that we would be charged in two hours. I could not
again refuse and accordingly took command of the foot with two comps.
of Mississippi and one detachment of artillery. In two hours the fight
commenced, Gen. Menyon [Miñon] charged up upon my command to in
about 400 yds but I operated on him a rapid and heavy fire of round
shot and bombs, which together with a squad of cavalry which had run
from the foe and which I had rallied at the rifles noise soon drove him
off. Of these there were about 2000 or 2500 and we killed about 50 or
60. In the meantime the main fight continued. Once all thought the
fight was theirs, but Americans will fight and we whipped the enemy.
Once they turned our left flank but Mckee, Hardin, and Clay, young
Henry [It is evident that Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Clay, Jr. is meant.]
had a glorious charge, drove the enemy back and then died. They were
all Cols, and all were killed. Our Beg. covered itself with glory. Twice
it turned the tide of battle. Only two of our officers were killed and
our Reg. lost 42, and about 40 wounded. The whole loss of our army
killed and wounded is estimated at about 700. 300 killed.
Night set in before the firing again ceased on the 23rd and each army
held its own except that the enemy had gained our heights which we
ought not to have given up but could not help it. All thought that the
morning of the 24th would usher in a harder fight than the 22sd or
23rd, about 10 o'clock on the night of the 23rd Col. Davis ordered me
with my command to report to Gen. Taylor who that night slept upon
the field of battle. I did so working my way through our whole army
and through the dead and dying to the old General. He was at the very
advanced post of our army and sound asleep. I' waked him up, and
told him who I was and what I came for. He told me he had asked
Col. Davis to send me to him and that he desired me to sleep on the
field on the left of the whole army and be ready in the morning to sus-
tain our batteries. I took my position in 400 yards of the enemy's
strongest works and slept on the naked rock expecting hot work in the
morning but morning came and the enemy was gone, no doubt he is
gone for a time but will return again soon. I know not. I hope he will
stay away. I walked over the battle field and oh, my God, but my
heart sickens at it now. Some time when w[e are] cheerful at home I
will tell you of it to pass a winters night. I have much to tell you if
I ever see you, much oh, much. Buena Vista is the greatest battle of
modern times, and Gen. Taylor the greatest hero--old Jackson never
accomplished as much with raw undisciplined troops as has Gen. Taylor
5000 in number. He wiped out the enemy's arm[y] of 20,000.
In an order published this morning the Gen. made complimentary
notice of me and I suppose this time I will be mentioned in his official
report. He and others give me much credit for rallying the routed
troops and driving Menyon off. I can [not] say when I will be at home
but soon. Show this to my friends but allow nothing further of what
I say of myself, to I do not want to become my own trumpeter as have
so many others. I am tired of the war and want to go home but my
gallant company detains me. Give my love to all and kiss the babies.
Yours forever,
W. P. Rogers.
Rogers' wife.
the battle of Corinth at which he was killed.
How to cite:
Elanor Damon Pace, "The Diary and Letters of William P. Rogers, 1846-1862", Volume 32, Number 4, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v032/n4/contrib_DIVL3253.html
[Accessed Wed Feb 10 2:07:59 CST 2010]
