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

Matamoras 150 miles from home Capt Irion and his company 15 our 10 making 25 men in all went 12 miles stoped cooked our dinner and rested 3 oclock started went 5 miles to the next water and camped here we found capt Wilson and men 10 in number making 35 in all. The country in these parts is all alike Flat pararies and scattering mesquite and [chapparall?] thickets No water except in [ponds?] To night we stand guard being whare we have to look out for parties of Mexicans Went 18 or 20 miles

Monday 8th 1846

Today we crossed an arm of the Laguna [Mathre?] about 1 mile wide The water several inches deep and some what Boggy 2 or 3 bogged down and had to wade out Camped near here. Put out a guard of 3 men tonight

Tuesday 9th 1846 Started early this morning and went 12 miles to noon it. One of the men killed a deer to day Mr Grayson and myself was ordered

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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