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

CAMP BELKNAP. 37
peaceable and nervous old gentlemen in our cities, and who,
as they read, doubtless in imagination saw"High towers, fair temples, goodly theaters,
Strong walls, rich porches, princely palaces,
Fine streets, brave houses, sacred sepulchres,
Sure gates, sweet gardens, stately galleries,
All these (oh, pity!) now turn'd to dust."
My regiment had spread its canvas on the Texan bank of
the Rio Grande, opposite B3urrita, among some scrubby trees
and bushes; which, however insignificant as specimens of the
vegetable kingdom, relieved the eye, and afforded some protection from the clouds of scorching sand that, rising on the
gulf shore, often rolled inland upon the breeze like pillars of
fire. This location was called "' Camp Belknap," — the name
of an officer of the General Staff, who had selected it. On
entering the camp, and finding myself surrounded by so
mlany familiar faces, I really felt like one who had just reached
home after a long absence. From that hour my pertinacious
fever began to succumb, though it was several weeks before
it released me from its grasp. Many of our men7 in their
acclimation, suffered in a like manner-their fevers appearing
to rise and go down with the sun, thus daily and gradually
consuming the strength, and sapping the constitution of the
most robust. Young troops, entering upon the duties and
dangers of an active caimpaign, are not subject to ennui; and
though during our stay at Camp Belknap much sickness prevailed, our life was one of cheerful excitement and bustle.
The officers and men were attentive and industrious, and
earnestly commenced upon a thorough system of instruction
and discipline. On entering the field with the troops of other
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