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

260 VIEW FROMi THE SUMMIT.
who (his father having been killed in the battle of Resaca)
had attached himself to Captain Hamilton of our regiment.It was nearly noon when we arrived, thirsty and panting, at
the top of the mountain, where we halted for those who had
loitered behind,?unable to keep up with the march. The
view from the lofty ridge we had gained, was grand beyond
example. No trace of verdure could be seen; but in every
direction bare and bristling peaks, flashing in the hot sun,
met the astonished eye. A single glance, and we were ready
to exclaim with the poet, —
"A scene so wide, so wild as this
Yet so sublime in barrenness,
Ne'er did my wandering footsteps press."
It was many a weary step from the summit of the mountain
to the water at Rinconada; and over a more rocky and precipitous road. Soon after commencing the descent, we met
a Mexican driving a few mules, which were laded with
apples for the Monterey market. A very poor variety of
that fruit is imperfectly grown on the high land around
Saltillo; sufficiently hard and knotty to bear transportation
in rough hampers lashed upon the backs of mules. The
oranges and other fruits of the tierra caliente, are brought
back in exchange, to the inhabitants of the mountain regions.
The startled arriero was much rejoiced to find that he would
be allowed to pass unmolested; and politely offered us water
from a large gourd which he carried; a generous sacrifice,
* The boy's name was, I understood, Carlos de la Cruz. He was a sprightly
youth, a great favorite with the soldiers, and after he had acquired our language
was often a useful interpreter. After enduring all the hardships of the campaign,
he was brought to Ohio by his excellent patron, Captain Edward Hamilton; and is
yet enjoying the favor and protection of that gallant gentleman.