CHAPTER VII

VOYAGE TO MEXICO

Placed in charge of pontoon and engineer train--Delays in embarking--Visits from relatives--Death of Elizabeth--Letters to wife--Sails on barque Prompt, January 19, 1847--Diary of voyage--Seasickness--Warm weather--Passes Bahamas, Great Abaco, Hole in the Wall, Berry Island, Black Chief--Steward commits suicide--The weather in the Gulf--Arrives at the Brazos--Meets officers--Great confusion--Sails to Tampico, beautiful, picturesque region--Landing at Vera Cruz, March 9 and 10 96