Sketches of the campaign in northern Mexico : in eighteen hundred forty-six and seven / by an officer of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers.

CHAPTER V.
ARRIERos.-Packing the mules —The march commenced.-Trials of the first
day.-Cerralvo.-A storm.-Mustard per se.- Orders for continuing the march.Description of the country.-Marin. —The enemy seen and heard from. —A
stampede.-Crossing a stream. —A donkey going down stern foremost.-San
Francisco.-The army arrives before Monterey. —Encamps at Santo Domingo.
THERE are two very good roads from Camargo to Monterey,
on both of which it was supposed that a sufficiency of water,
beef, and corn, could be obtained for the marching force.
To avoid any inconvenience, however, and doubtless, for
other good reasons, General Taylor decided to advance
columns on both routes. The mounted troops were sent up
the valley of San Juan via China to Marin; while the infantry pursued the more westerly route, by way of Mier and
Cerralvo. From Camargo to Cerralvo the army marched by
brigades; thence to Marin by divisions. At the last named
place the entire force-horse and foot-united, and moved
in one column upon Monterey.
On Sunday, September 6th, the 1st brigade (HEamer's) of
General Butler's division commenced its march and arrived
at Cerralvo, a distance of twenty-five leagues, on the following Thursday. The first day's march was the most weary
and painful of the campaign. No soldier of our regiment
will ever forget his sufferings on that unhappy day. Hoping
to reach the first camping ground before noon, the tents had
been struck, baggage packed, and every thing got in readi