The Sierra citizen., 1855-01-27
Written for the Sierra Citizen
Incidents of the Mexican War.

- C
LEAVES FROM THE MSS. OF AN OFFICER IN
THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION.
VERA CRUz.
Before entering on the details of the in
vestment, it would not, perhaps, be inap-
Epropriate to partially describe the situa-
tion Of the city. and its immediate sur
rounding country Vera Cruz is situated
upon point or neck Of land, apparently
formed by the heaving up of sand by the
meeting Of two opposite currents, between
coral reef in its front, and the main land
Upon this reef stands the far famed castle
of "San Juan de Ulloa," with its formida-
be batteries frowning from all points,
commanding the narrow passages through
the reef, which extends for miles along the
coast, affording an anchorage for vessels Of
the largest burthen, between it and the
main land
The City is built upon the extreme
point, the ocean waves dashing against and
washing the foundation of some ofits dwell
lings. a wharf extends out some hundred
and fifty yards, in the direction of the
castle, termed the "mole," where vessels
are discharged. To the rear, extending
two miles or more, is level, sandy plain;
then rises numerous sand hills. In the back
ground is seen the towering peak of Ori-
zaba, rearing its snow capped head, whose
majestic bearing contrasts, in beautiful re-
lief, with the light blue sky of the heavens.
Through these mountains of sand run the
two principle highways, communicating
with the interior. Surrounding the city
is high, thick wall, studded with numer-
Gus forts, bastions &C. for the defence of
the town on the land side.
The landing effected, the several divi-
sions moved on to their positions in the
line of investment. Twiggs, with the left
wing, to point upon the opposite side.
Patterson with the Volunteer division, to
the centre, and Worth with the right wing
advanced much nearer the city, occupying
the cemetry, near where the principal bat
teries were established.
The second night ashore, my regiment
bivouaced upon the brow of one of the
sand hills strong "Norther" came up
during the night; when daylight appeared,
reville sounded. 1t was laughable sight
to see the officers and men disin.erinc
themselves, throwing off the heaps of sand
that had served them for blanket to shell
ter them from the chilling blasts of the
storm, not the mcst comfortable bed-appa-
rel, | confess, being attended as it is, with
much Inconvenience.
The regiment formed, the enemy let slip
,, one of his ''dogs of war" the ball came
whizzing through the air, struck near a
soldier, as he wa, sauntering lazily along
in the rear Of his command, sending up a
cloud of loose, dry sand; when the sand
had settled, he was discovered most graci-
ously bowling, making gesticulations that
would have done honor to the most chaste
and refined French etiquette, saying, with
the greatest sang froid, "I'm much obliged
to you for the compliment, though clumsi
ly done" Replacing his hat, he quietly re-
sumed his course, amid the cheers Of the
line.
Our position gained, (upon the Orizaba
road) we encamped in the order Of battle,
space Of about thirty PAGES intervening
between the companies, having no tents to
shelter us from the piercing winds, our
blankets serving for camp and garrison
equipage, our provisions rather scarce, ie,
none at ALL But stop! had forgotten
Soldiers have no right to complain, they
have nothing to expect, and are very sell
dom, if ever, disappointed. Fresh beef
was furnished, by making details for hunt
ing through the chapparal There was an
abundance Of cattle running wild; to whom
they belonged, we knew not, and cared
less. The beef hunters were frequently
attacked by the Rancheros- -of that in
py next. II.
h2e IT e SENAropc aro fh;c voor IN