First Lieut. Edward C. Davidson of the U.S. Army 3rd Dragoons writes his mother in North Carolina about serving on a courts martial at Camargo, an outbreak of smallpox at the camp near Mier, and the locals' interest in horse-racing, cock-fighting, and guerrilla warfare.
Camp near Mier, Mexico
Febry 3rd 1848
My Dear Mother
There is nothing that affords me so much pleasure, as to keep you informed of where I am, the state of my health, and how I am pleased with my present condition of life; for I well know you are ever anxious to hear from me, if it is only three words, viz, "I am well." It has been some time since I last wrote you, nevertheless you must have heard from me, as I have endeavoured to keep some one of the family informed of my "whereabouts," and the state of my health, thinking that would be of as much gratification, as any information that I could communicate to those who are so nearly and dearly related, and those too whom I know take such a deep and lively interest in my prosperity and future wellfare [sic] through life.
I wrote Father a letter, eight or ten days ago, when in Camargo, and since that time I have also written Brenard one. I returned from Camargo two days ago, after an absence of some thirty days, having been detached to sit upon a Court Martial convened at that place, to try such offenders as should be brought before said court. I was much delighted when we finished our business and the court adjourned, for I would prefer any other duty before that of acting as
a member of a court, for really it is undoubtedly the most tedious of all the duties that devolves upon an officer to perform. Most of the prisoners who came before the court were for desertion from the Army, the most serious offence that a soldier can be guilty of in time of war. Martial law is looked upon by many individuals as being severe to the extreme, yet it is not one with too much so [?]. Discipline is the most important thing in an army where there are so many perverse characters to be delt [sic] with. It is undoubtedly the best of all schools to teach a man his duty altho' there are not many soldiers ready to admit the assertion.
On my return to Camp, I found that the small pox had been prevailing to a most alarming extent in the camp. Many men had died with it, and a large number is now infected with the horrible disease. I was vaxinated [sic] immediately, which has taken effect and is doing quite well, but my arm is very sore, as a natural consequence. My health is remarkably good, and has been since I left the city of Monterey--my weight is only one hundred and sixty, and am still gaining in flesh, so you see, that soldiering and living in this warm country agrees with me most admirably both in health and spirits, notwithstanding, I am necessarally [sic] deprived of many of the enjoyments of a more sivilized [sic] life, and the society of relations and friends. There is nothing like society in refinement in this part of the world, and it does not deserve the
name of a civilized land, as the inhabitants have never been taught to recognize in these the laws of God or man. The principal amusements with the natives are horse-racing and cock-fighting, which invariably takes place on Sundays, and the Priest's [sic] are the individuals who partiscipate [sic] most freely in those amusements.
We have had a little rain within the few last days which is the first we have had of any consequence for four or five months. I think from all present apperances [sic] the rainy season is about to commence.
I do not know how long we are to remain here. I am of the opinion that all the hard fighting is over, but when peace is to be made is extremely doubtful. It is said that Canales has given himself up to General Wool, and another leader of the guerilla's [sic] whose name I do not recollect at present.
There are a good many robbers, yet, between here and Monterey, who occasionally make an attack on our trains, but invariably get the worst of their bargain.
I understand the people in Charlotte are actually running mad about a little railroad they are going to build & as much so as a certain race of people, of olden times did was about a Golden Caff[sic].
I have now written all the news I can gather from a camp life, therefore, must stop.
Accept the love of your affectionate son
E. C. Davidson
Addressee
Mrs. Sara Davidson
Cowan's Ford P.O
Mecklenburg Co'y
N. Carolina
Postmark
New Orleans La.
Feb 17
(From the Army)
