Z. Matthews' Diary

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

The men were becoming sick from the use of it and wood was very hard to get we having to pick it up on the beach one or 2 miles from camp. Monday 29th 1846 On thursday evening it rained without intermission for 24 hours and our camp being pitched in a low place it was flooded with water. We moved about 100 yds to higher ground but up to last night it continued to rain occasio nally. During the late storm the steam ship Col Heanery and a schooner loaded with troops and Govt stores have been wrecked on the Bar at Brazos St Lago and some a total loss also the steam boat Frontier loaded with [cattle?] goods and camping equipment for one of the regiments of Volunteers has been lost on the bar of the Rio Grande Wednesday July 1st 1846 Struck camp this morning and moved about 2 miles farther up and pitched camp on a Lake of fresh water. Fine grass and plenty of wood and a good camping place Rained to day Our men go out hunting and bring in plenty of beef and veal. So we have fine living here The recent rains have flooded the pararies with water and making moving about very bad

Saturday July 4th 1846 This Morning we heard the firing of the guns at Matamoras in celebration of the aniversary of American Indipen dence. At 4 oclock we met at the Governer Hendersen's tent where Genl [?] after a few prelimina ry remarks read the declaration of Independence. Doctor Ashbel Smith followed with a very good speech When done Wm Scurry was called on unanimously and made a very beautifull and flowery oration amid the acclimations of the audience Mr [?] of Virginia was then called on and delivered a short oration when the meeting was dismissed. Capt Green presided. Today we have a fine breeze, but for several days it had been very hot. We have had 8 or 10 new recruits in our company in the last few days This evening we had volunters sing and speeches with which we spent the evening very pleasantly. July 9th 1846 Went to Point Isabel for the purpose of procuring Leon a [convey?] and to [Galveston?] for being sick and the Surgeon advises his return home. There being no [steamers?] in I failed in procuring

him a passage. But as soon as one arrives he can get his discharge and return home. The troops are remov ing from the Brazos St Lago up the Rio Grande and we will march in 6 or 7 days or as soon as our arms and equipment arrive. A Company of regulars arrived at the point from Fort Moultrie South Carolina. They were dressed in beauty full uniforms and made a handsome appearance.

Sunday July 1846 This morning we dress for pack mules each mess of 6 getting one our mess drew the 2nd [choice?] At four oclock we had a sermon by the Rev Mr Johnson of the Baptist Church he preached in the shade of some Muskeet bushes.

Tuesday July 1846 Last evening hearing that the Steamer Jas L Day had arrived I borrowed a carriage from the Naco doches company for Duval and Leon to ride to the fort in where we arrived at 8 oclock. Went to the Quarter Master Capt Sibley and got an order to the Quarter Master Maj McRee at Brazos for a passage to Galveston for Leon. James Webb and J C Duval are with him. The Jas L Day will not touch at Galveston but the steamship

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