Camp Owsley 1 1/2 miles south of Vera Cruz
November 23rd 1847
Dear Father, On yesterday morning we were ordered by Col. Williams to strike our tents and march to this place, where our whole regiment is encamped, for the purpose of taking up our line of march for Mexico this morning. But for some cause or other unknown to me, our march has been delayed until Thursday the 25th. It is rumored throught the camp that two regiments, the 3rd and 6th, will then move for the city by the way of Orizaba, a new route. Another report says that the 2 regiments will march immediately to Jalloppa and there remain for the others. It is difficult for us to obtain correct information as regards the intentions of our officers. At our first encampment we had plenty of spring water, conveyed several miles under ground, but by running so far under the hot sand it was very warm and unpleasant to drink, so soon of a morning, it would almost vomit a man to drink it. The way we obtain water here is to sink a barrel in the ground about 3 feet. The water is cool enough, but it has a very disagreeable taste and smell. There was more on the sick list reported to the physician heretofore. Baylor has been very unwell for several days with the diareah, the common disease of all the volunteers in this country. I had a slight touch of it 2 days since, but I am now well enough, I think, to pack up my knapsack and musket and march 15 miles per day. Franklin, and eleven more of the boys slipped off on Sunday to take a little hunt. When they were about 5 miles from camp in a large prarie, they looked back and saw a large drove of Mexicans advancing upon them. They formed a line on each side of the road to receive them, but fortunately, they were not armed. They were ordered to halt and the boys helped themselves to several bottles of brandy and various other little things not to be obtained in camp. Wood is very scarce here and we have to pack it from the seashore nearly one mile. Shipley keeps sober, he can't get the liquor here handy. He bought a bottle full last night from some waggoners.When he come in camp he placed it under his head and went to sleep. This morning when he awoke, bottle and whiskey were both gone. He makes several dimes every day by washing. It is very warm here . This is the second letter I have wrote from this place. I will write again at Jalloppa, if we start on Thursday. I have written a letter to Uncle Isaac Wheeler. I have not heard from home since I left.
Your affectionate son,
J. E. Mercer,
Conn is the most unpopular man in the company. Lieutenants Dorris and Wadlington had a pretty smart quarrel with him this morning. We will start him home if there is any possible chance. Tell Fanny Webb, I will not keep my promise. I had rather die fighting against them for him. I made a mistake in writing this letter, but paper is too dear to take another sheet. 75 cents pr quin. Give my love to Mrs. Campbell and particularly to Sarah. I will bring her a Mexican ring when I return.
JEM,