letter to Robert Wood, 8 September 1847

Camp near Monterey Mexico

September 8th 1847

My dear Doctor,

I wrote you a short note a few days since by L< Kilbour who left for S Louis on a short sick leave, & a long letter by the mail which left a few days before, in answer to your two last, one dated the latter part of July, the other the 6 th ult as near as I can recollect, not being able to refer to them, as I make it a rule to destroy all private letters as soon as I reply to them

We have this moment rec d information which is thought can be relied on from the City of Mexico, across the country by the way of San Luis Potosi which is, that Gen Scott on the 22 d ult defeated a division of the Mexican army, a short distance from the city near 6,000 strong under the command of Gen Valencia, killing & capturing nearly the whole, among the former was Gen Salas ; if so no doubt he is in possession of the capital ere this ; if not prevented doing so by negotiations for peace ; as soon as I learn officially he is in the capital, or negotiating for peace, I shall apply to leave for the U. States, & hope to be in N. Orleans by the first of December, if the indulgence is granted

It is now 22 days since we had a mail from N. Orleans, a stray Delta reached here a few days since of the 12th ult brought to the Brazos by some sailing vesel, from which I regretted to see the yellow fever was making considerable ravages in N. Orleans ; I sincerely hope it will not find its way to the Barracks ; but I hope Ann & the children are now comforta bly located at Pascagoula ; where I truly hope there will be nothing contageon or disease of any kin or description I must say I feel great uneasiness on your acc f & hope you will use every precaution to keep out of all infected places, & if you have to come in contact with that dreaded disease you will take every precaution against taking it, as well as to keep the system prepared to encounter it should it come. I have written to Betty which is herewith inclosed to you, stating should the yellow fever make its appearance at Pascagoula, & they can do no better, they had better all go to Fort Pike, where there are good quarters & health, & where by getting a few mosquitoe bars, mattrasses & something to eat they might make out to spend a short time, until it was safe for them to return to Baton Rouge & the Barracks; at the same I hope no such contingency will arise

When you write remember me most affectionately to Ann & the children as well as to John & wishing you all continued health & pros perity I remain truly your

Friend

Z. TAYLOR

SURG N R. C. WOOD

U. S. Army

N. Orleans Barracks