These always withdrew on the approach of any considerable number of our soldiers.

After the arrival of General Scott I was sent, as quartermaster, with a large train of wagons, back two days' march at least, to procure forage.

We had less than a thousand men as escort, and never thought of danger.

We procured full loads for our entire train at two plantations, which could easily have furnished as much more.
There had been great delay in obtaining the authority of Congress for the raising of the troops asked for by the administration.

A bill was before the National Legislature from early in the session of 1846-7, authorizing the creation of ten additional regiments for the war to be attached to the regular army, but it was the middle of February before it became a law.