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

THE TEXAN IANGERS DISCHARGEDo 221
over zealous friends of that officer, who boldly claimed for
him the honor of the victory. The same unhappy dissensions which afterward broke out so violently in Scott's army
at the city of Mexico, might have been witnessed at Monterey, had the commander-in-chief been so unwise as to
breathe upon these hateful sparks of discord. Taylor possessed too frank and generous a nature, and too earnest a
devotion to the cause of his country, to harbor any petty
feelings of rivalry or envy in his bosom.
With the exception of the brigade of mounted troops from
Texas, who, having expressed a desire to return home, were
mustered out of service on the first of October, the remainder
of the army remained with the head-quarters in camp. The
departure of the Rangers would have caused more regret
than was generally felt, had it not been for the lawless and
vindictive spirit some of them had displayed in the week
that elapsed between the capitulation of the city and their
discharge. Such deeds as were perpetrated must have
shocked the chivalric feelings of many in their own brigade,
since they were calculated not only to dim the luster of our
victory, but also to take from their own distinguished corps
"the pith and marrow of its attribute." Gifted with the
intelligence and courage of back-woods hunters, well mounted
and skilled in arms, they were excellent light troops. Had
they remained and given their whole attention to the guerillas, they might have been exceedingly useful. The commanding general took occasion to thank them for the efficient
service they had rendered, and we saw them turn their faces
toward the blood-bought State they represented, with many
10~