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

Sunday 14th 1846 Today we have had A review of the companies by the Inspector Genl All passed inspection. We have been mustered into service in Capt Chivaliers Company with the privaledge of with drawing and joining an other company if we wish it. This evening had a Company organization and elected Acklin Capt & Mr Lane 1st Lieut. and Mr White orderly. Capt Chival ier is a candidate for Major of our Regiment. Wednesday 24 June 1846

Today we have had an election for Regimental officers which resulted in the election of J.C. Hays for Colonel Saml. Walker Lt Col. and M Chivalier for Major. For the last ten days there has been no news of the Mexicans There has been troops arriving from eastirn Texas almost daily and generally well Mounted Today the Mexicans have a grand celebration at Matamoras Some of our men have gone up Thursday 25 1846 by order of Col Hays we have moved camp about 4 miles further up towards Matamoras the water where we were camped was so very bad that

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

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

and horses. We camped on the bank of the Rio San Juan a stream of 50 Yds in width and the current as swift as a mill race. The water is the best we have had. The town is small and is built partly of stone and part mud. Yesterday I completed my 24th year and just 3 months from home.

Monday 24th 1846

Moved camp 3 miles down the River now camped. The grass is bad but we have plenty of corn. Col Hays with a detail of Men and pack mules started for Camargo this morn We have had palonceo's issued to us in place of sugar so we have plenty of candy.

Tuesday 25th 1846 This morning Col Hay's with a detail of men and pack mules started for Camargo

One of the Montgomery Men having died of the meassles at Rancho "Loro" 6 miles from this place. Seargent White of our company died last night of fever. We buried him with due honors. Our 3 months being out the 6th of this month and the men having the priveledge of going home about 20 or 30 of each company left.

Monday 14th Sept 1846

Today the eastern 2nd Regt will join us and tomorrow will march in a body for Marine where we will join Genl Taylor. Col. Hay's will start this evening with about 80 more of the best Mounted men on a scout to Catdarett for the purpose

An order was received by Maj Chevallie from Col Hays for the remainder of the Regt to join him with out delay. We left a few men to takecare of the camp and started for the Regt. We had to pass within range of two their Batteries for 1 mile. They firing upon us all the time but doing no damage their shot falling short or going over our heads.

Nothing could be done towards attacking the city without taking the two heights and the Bishops Palace. The first heights having two Batteries upon it. We moved back out of range of their shot. We halted and got something to eat Five Companies of our Regiment was dismounted with as many regulars and marched to bring on the attack which they done. The Mexicans advanced down the hill and commenced firing upon them at the distance of