Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-06-11
u States & Mexico.
MORE ABOUT The WAR.
MARCH EROM CORpIs CHRISTI

MARCH FROM CORPUS CHRISTI.
The following highly interesting letter from
an officer in the American army. to his fani-
ly in Germantown, Pa, giving the particulars
of the march of the army from Corpus Christi
to its present position opposite Matamoras, is
copied from the Germantown Telegraph.
CAMP NEAR MArAMoRAs, April 5, 1896
have the pleasure to inform you that my
health is perfectly restored for some time be-
fore leaving Corpus Christi had been sick in
the hospital with the diarrhGa, and when we
got the order to march TO this place was so
weak and feeble, that had 10 purchase a horse
to carry me /; but by the time we arrived at the
Colorado, change of air, diet and water, pro-
duced a perfect cure, and have been doing
duty ever since. As our march to this place
may be interesting TO you, and having kept a
journal on the route, | herewith send YOU a
few extracts. We have lain encamped for
eight months at Corpus Christi, exposed to all
kinds of weather, from the burning rays of an
almost vertical sun TO the terrific ''northers'
which prevail in that part Of Texas, bordering
on the Gulf, during the fall and winter months;
suffering sometimes in one day the extremes
of burning heat and chilling cold.
On our arrival in Corpus Christi Bay, about
fourteen low, shabby shantees contained the
inhabitants of the so-called town. What a
change Three weeks had not elapsed before
fifty grog shops had reared their hydra heads,
and stood with open doors to invite the too
easily -duped soldiers; gaming tables, ten-pin
alleys, hot whlskey punch, tom and jerry
every thing that could afford the least atirac-
ton 10 the novelty seeking soldier, Were spread
out before him, and many, alas too many,
surrendered at discretion. Hundreds had been
borne TO their graves, the victims of intoxica-
ton and diseases Of every kind arising from
excess. But ray Of JOY sprung UP in every
heart when the orders for marching were re-
ceived. We marched in four divisions First,
the Dragons and Flying Artillery on the Sth
March, the first Brigade ON the 9th, the I'd on
the 10Th, and the Sd on the llth. Our camp
was now all hustle. The women were, with
one or two exceptions, TO be left behind TO take
passage by water TO Brassos Santiago. Pack
ing up was the order Of the day. Here and
there might be seen groups of Mexicans bar
gaming with our men for wearing apparel,
and giving cash for what they might have had
for nothing in few days, for we could not
carry half our ''pIulder."
The head Of the column was again put in
motion the morning of the llth shone most
brightly and gave token of beautiful day all
hands were in fine spirits for the march, and
ourfonmer busy camp looked gloomy Jas we cast
our eyes along the line aud marked the now
desolate space so lately occupied by the other
three divisions of the army. We were about
to leave place where had been filed to the
brim the cup Of 5ittemess--stlll sort OF re-
greuul feeling hung over us-many spot on
the shore of shells had become endeared to u.s.
AT eight o'clock, precisely, we commenced
our march, our music playing, "our colors
floating in the breeze" Our last adieus were
half munered. half cursed, as we threw back
glance at Corpus Christ. We had raised
the hill and Were just out Of sight Of the town,
when the drum struck up ''the girl left be-
hind me-" 1t certainly is very pretty air,