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

REVIEW OF TROOPS. 79
I was much pleased with the visit, and felt gratified, proud
indeed, that mly country possessed such a general. Before
leaving his tent, he courteously invited the officers of lmy
battalion to attend a review of the regular troops, which was
to take place that afternoon.
I have ever regarded myself as very fortunate in reaching
Camargo in time to behold that review, which was decidedly
the most imposing of the campaign. That man is little to be
envied whose heart would not swell with gratitude and patriotism, in contemplating such an army; whose valor and
firmness had recently saved the periled honor of his country.
Though there were hardly three thousand troops in the line,
the display was admirable and gratifying. The men were in
excellent condition and looked invincible. The officers,
young, brave and intelligent, were (it mnay be safely asserted) superior to any Europe can boast, in professional
skill.Soon after the formation of the line, the generals, attended
by a brilliant staff, rode down from right to left. Taylor
* In common with every candid observer of events in Mexico, I would cheerfully
testify to the incalculable benefits derived by our country from its Military Academy. Not only did it give to the regular army nearly all its efficiency, but its advantages were realized to a considerable extent, in every volunteer corps connected
with the war. To the thorough military training and knowledge which it imparts,
the nation is much indebted for a series of splendid victories; any one of which
would more than compensate it for all the expenditures at West Point. That will
be an unfortunate day for the Republic, when Congress, influenced either by motives of fancied economy or the vile appeals of the demagogue, shall consent to
abandon an institution which has already done much to establish the reputation
and extend the borders of the country; and which is constantly spreading among
us that intelligence and skill by which the people-in their freedom from the burden
of a large standing army-may at any time be converted into the grandest host o
soldiers that ever battled in any cause or clime.