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wl IIT 11 mi 4I I r It m1 I lilt;!-
LI 'U LiLo MtuiLiMkfJ ww i'll
by J. W. & W. S. JONES.
Serins, &e.
THE WEEKLY
CHRONICLE AND SENTINEL
Is Published every Wednesday,
AT TWO DOLLARS PER ANNUM,
IN ADVANCE.
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TERMS OP ADVERTISING.
In Weekly.—Seventy-five cents per square (12
lines or less) for the first insertion, and Fifty cents tor
each subsequen’ insertion.
“social CIHCEE HOTEL.
F»|l Social Circle Georgia, bn;!
THIS ESTABLISHMENT has recently
undergone thorough repairs, and great pains
have been taken to make it a commodious and com
fortable hou.c; new additions have been put up;
new arrangements made, and the whole establish
ment fixed, with an eye to the strictest comfort and
' - /lienee er. th* pride.ang.
pteaftifre of the proprietor i.» render the situation of all
who may cal! on him as pleasant and al agreeable as
it is in his power to make it. His table shall be good;
his stables shall be well supplied, and the attention
and a;tendance in all things ahout his establishment
shall be prompt and ready ; and, above all, his cliarges
shall be low. That the travelling community may
not be disappointed in this regard, he herewith annexes
a list of Lis cliarges;
For Breakfast (Single Person) 25 cents.
For Dinner “ “ 37J “
For Supper u “ 37 J “
For IxxJging “ “ 12 j “
For Man and Horse all night, Breakfast
and Supper included SI 00
Board i««r Man and Horse, p*»r day 1 25
“ for Single Man, per day 75
“ for Single Horse, per day 50
“ for Single Person, per month 83 00
The subscriber will keep at all times in readiness
a private Hack, Buggy, and other means of convey
ance, for his [Matrons and friends to be carried to any
point in the immediate surr .ending country, so that
no inconvenience may be sustained by vexatious de
lays t<> such art may be in a hurry.
The local situation of the Social Circle has many
and great advantages. Situated immediately on the
Georgia Hailroid, at as healthy a [mint as can any
where be found in Middle Georgia, in the centre of
a wealthy community, and nearly equi-distant from
the b'lrrounding points of Madison, Covington, Monroe
and Oxli.nl, and with the advantages of good society,
schools and churches; where the weary can be at
peace an<l rest, and where the seekers of health, fly
ing from the poisonous miasma of distempered and
sickly places, can find health and enjoyment.
The Proprietor flatters himself that he can give
general satisfaction. Give him a trial, and he will
do his best. n.»2-wtf WILLIAM GARRETT.
©MANSION HOUSE,®
&UL AUGUSTA, GEORGIA. JUUL
rililK UNDEHSIUNED, Proprietor of the
JL Mansion House, is yet before the public in the
capacity ut Hotel-Keeper. Thankful always for the
smallest favors, and more than grateful for the patron
age heretofore extended towards him, he ho|>es not
only tn retain his former custom, but from his unceas
ing exertions, and the central position of his house, to
have an unlimited support (jmrticularly from the
country,) as hfsinterest from birth is identified with
theirs. The terms of board will be as low as any in
thecity. GEO. G. MATHEWS.
523-d6t&w6m
MADISON FEMALE ACADEMY.
THE UNDERSIGNED having been unani
mously elected to take charge of this institu
tion. in the place ol Rev. L. L. Wittich, resigned,
begs leave to assure the Trustees, ami all th >.*e con
cerned, that he will spar** no pains to meet their ex
pectations. Mrs. LEWIS, the former Assistant
Teacher, will continue in the institution in this ca
pacity. Miea E. J. RICH ARDS, abundantly quali
fied, will fake charge of the Musical D«?|»artincnt.
Besides the usual instructions upon the Piano, there
will be a daily exercise in vocal music, lor the whole
school. The c.Miroe of studies nnd the price of tuition
will not be materially changed. Books and station
ery may be found al the principal stores in the village.
Academic year, ID months—first term for 1848 !>e
gins on ihe 2d Monday in January, and chwes about
the middle of June ; second term begins July 1 t~t and
cluses alsHit the middle of November. Tuition tn.
advance, at the beginning of each term. The teach
ers will board in private families, am! in these and
other private families, members of the Academy from
abroad may obtain board ut 810 |*.r in .nth, every
thmg included, as formerly. Those desiring further
inf »imation will please confer with the Principal or
the Trustees. HOMER HENDEE.
Madison, Morgan co., Nov. 18, 1847- n 23 w2m
WRIGHTSBORO* MALE AND FE
MALE ACADEMY.
HE THUS i’EE*' have the pleasure to announce
J. to the Patrons of the above iiistitutums ami the
public that they have again engaged the services of
Mr. U. C. in the Male and Mrs. 11. A.
ARNOLD m the F-male Department. Their suc
cess last ami this year, is the best commendation can
be made them.
The Male Department is distinct and separate from
the other in its location. During the present year a
new and complete Chemical Apptrains has been
added to the Academy. These institutions, under
the superintendence of Mr. Richahds and Mrs. |(.
A. Ar Nott', have a celebrity not surpassed by any in
the State, and the advantages offering tor the next
year are ample to prepare students for any College.
The discipline is mild, yet rigid; their industry un
tiring, and their experience well sustains them.
Board ran be had in the most respectable families
of the village ami adjacent, at So per month, every
thing included.
Tile School in each Department will be resumed
on the 2d Monday in January next.
11. W. M KSSENGALE,
n2-w6 Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
STONE MOUNTAIN ACADEMY.
f|MiE TRUS TEES of this Institution respect-
JL fully announce io the public that they have again
placed it under the Rectorship of Mr. anti Mrs.
ROBIN 'ON, with perfect confidence in their zeal
and ability, and with flattering prospectsof a success
ful scholastic year.
Duly impressed with the necessity of extending the
means and opportunity of education, and of multiply
ing the numtier of good scliools, for the moral ami in
tellectual improvement of tlie young; and aware of
the lamentable degre of apathy, indifference and in
attention tn at prevails generally in relation to this im
portant subject, their sole purpose is to place this
school up >u the per ma unit basis of extensive useful
ness, desirous that its popularity should depend en
tirely upon its merit. To facilitate this object they
have limited the expense to a sum that will render it
accessible to all classes, while they are determined
that its literary reputation shall be inferior to nosimi
lar school in the State.
The fatality ot this Institution offers as many in
ducements as any in Upper Georgia. It is proverbial
ly healthy; has tine air, tine water, majestic and de
lightful scenery ; with perfect retirement from the
w .irld—i s vices, follies ami allurements—and com
manding an easy, cheap, and rapid cotuinunicath n
with every part el' the State.
Board may be obtained for Pupils, male or
female,) in good lamil.es. at $5 per month ; while the
fees for tuition, which will embrace every particular
in a complete English education, including the higher
branches of Mathematics, Latin Grammar ami Book-
Keep ng, scientifically, will not exceed 818 for ten
uion'hs, and tor the elementary branches alone, will
be $1 per month, only.
The French Language will be taught by Mrs.
ROBINSON; and lessons in Music, Drawing and
Painting; Embroidery am! Wax Work, (faith Flow
era and Fruit,) will be given by Mr*. DOTHAR 1\ at
the following rates:
For M usic 810 00 per quarter.
For Use of the Piano 1 50 “
Drawing and Painting 4 CO **
Ornamental Needlework 4 CO “
Wax-Work 10 tX>
The schoU will open on the Ist January, 1848. and
cfae o® the Ist Ifecember, giving t vacation of one
UMHllh.
The Trustees confidently ask the attention and pa
tronage of Parents, Guardian*, and the friends vs
education generally. JOHNStIN.
Secretary <f the ILvird.
Stone M 'untain. Oct. 26, 1547. 0‘26-weow4
REVIVAL SERMONS.
BY Rev. DANIEL BAKER. Pastorstuces
•ively ot the 2d Presbyterian Church, AN ashing •
tixi < tty. and the Independent Church, Savannah.
These aermoua are evangehe d and no. Sec'.nan.
They have been blessed to the conversion of ever
.kHW rnuls, s -me SO of whom, or mote, it is supposed
have t'ecome heraki* ot ths CTO'S. The first edition
wvei!; msted > n m a :>.a. \ sow t- pies of the
‘J I ’ r ,n P l **** ar * - cJ ‘ wnh Messrs.
J BA WA h n RP|X f
n ’ 3 THE PUBLISHER
CAUTION
< 11 • ■ -ed agams: trad ng
L»r a ms. K made ixiv . te Th unas
dv.ed lhe >nsK „ ~r ndiu , dc
a. h 1M rh , n<<e w „
H.oe., !m .
an , t , h „ h „ c
pvml ! ■ th. :■> . j U , u
Blankets. Kerseys. Flannels &c
Sa •>-« in khi. v , n
“+ XMFRII'AN Hl AXKEVS
n-4. !-• 4 St* R-.-l.'"-Rtn:.l Wht-.nev A
W h :r .:>.i Red Ht.AXXt I s,
F : . W ei h ami Ua «• Ja.
LIX-KV' KF.RSK>S A Ft* saU xerv
.V • " M H t K tXI
ROAD WAGON
A FIRST.RATK ROAI
nl JA-r hasp a williams.
Augusta, (Sen.:
THURSDAY MORNING, DEC. 2, 1847.
Cliartcrs for Manufacturing Companies.
One great evil under which the South now labors,
is the constant fluctuation in the value oflier great sta
ple. This is attributed for the most part to over pro
duction. For years past the demand has not been
equal to the supply. It becomes then a grave ques
tion how shall the one be reduced or the other in
creased ? Over the former we can exert comparative
ly but little influence ; but we can, by diversity of
labor, materially affect the latter. We can manufac
ture much of tiie cotton that we grow, and by engaging
extensively in this business a large portion of the force
now employed in the cotton field may be taken
from it, to supply provisions for those who are en
gaged in the work-shop. There can surely be no rea
son why manufactories may not thrive in Georgia as
well as in Massachusetts—why fortunes may not be
made by .them here as well as there. We have the
water power, the fuel, the laborers, and the raw ma
terial at our own doors.
There are two prominent reasons that have hither
to exerted their restraining influence. One is, the
ample compensation that agricultural pursuits have
heretofore afforded; and the other, the fact that the
State has been indifferent about, if not opposed to. ex
tending to wealth associated for manufacturing pur
poses, those facilities and immunities which it has en
joyed in other portions of the country. It may be laid
down as an axiom, that manufactories in this State
cannot be extensively established nor successfully sus
tained by individual enterprize. Those who have the
means must be permitted to associate together, and
that too, upon fair and liberal terms, or nothing will
be accomplished.
J- *h« e -per> in which we have contemplaiectehe
subject, manufacturers afiiS public benefactors. Tyre
they not then, entitled to some favor? It is because
they are thus regarded, that liberal charters are given
to Rail Road Companies. Have not manufacturers
similar claims, and should they not be placed on the
same footing? We do not wish to offer bounties to
them, and are therefore opposed to their exemption
from taxation as recommended by Governor Craw
ford; but why should they not be associated on the
condition that no member of a company shall incur any
liability beyond the amount of his stock. Unlike
Banks, manufacturing companies are not organized to
make money without labor, buttogive to labor a stim
ulus, and to render it more productive. Upon the for
mer class of corporations, therefore, we would impose
every possible restriction ; u|>on the latter, none ex
cept those absolutely essential to the general good.
There is one other view which should be presented
and which gives additional claims to manufacturing
companies upon the liberality of the Legislature. The
resources of the State are immense, and for the most
part are yet undeveloped. For their development,
wealth is essential, and tint surplus does not exist
among us which can he eirt|»loye<l for tiiis purpose. —
But whence will it come, unless those facilities can be
found here, which are enjoyed elsewhere ?
ft is said on go-wl authority, that if our Legislature
will grant manufacturing charters on the liberal prin
ciples that are generally conceded by Northern States,
that thousand' and tens of thousands from abroad will
at an early day be invested among us
We copy the above from the Federal Union.
There is a vein <»f strong common sense which
pervades every sentence, that will tell in the
right quarter. A large amoimt of Georgia
capital, with her citizens and enterprise, has
gone to augment the wealth and population of
the new States west of her. As these wil' not
return, it is a matter of great moment to invite
an equal amount of capital, talent and enter
prise from States more populous than Georgia
to come hither and make good her loss in that
regard. Some have objected to factories, un
der the mistaken notion, that they are oppres
sive of the poor white population. It should i
be borne in mind tbat no poor man or his chil
dren arc forced to labor in a cotton or woolen
mill. z\ll other pursuits will remain quite as
available to the poor as they now are, after a
score of cotton factories compete for their ser
vice. If increasing the demand for a poor man’s
labor injures him. then the erection of good
workshops should be forbidden by law. We are
very willing that stockholders be made liable
for all sums due operatives for service render
ed the Company. But as they are paid every
Saturday night, even this seems unnecessary.
Every intelligent man knows that ingenious
labor-saving machinery is made to earn a great
many millions in Old and New England. Set
this machinery at work in Georgia, and it will
create immeuse wealth, which will benefit alike
all classes of her citizens. Machinery, water
and steam power can easily add a three fold
market value to all the cotton, all the wool and
all the iron which Georgia labor can produce.
If there is any propriety iti expending muscu
lar toil to raise a pound of cotton now worth
but »ix cents, there must be vastly more pro
priety in adding twelve cents to the value ot
this pound of cotton, by the aid of cards, spin
dles, looms, dye stuffs, failing water and a little
mechanical industrv.
Ilnw much economical wit docs it require to
see that, that labor is best for a community
which is most productive ; and that is poorest
which is least productive '
“ But Mr. Clay must needs make along ami
labored speech at Lexington, and introduce a
string of resolution* making it manifest that
the immediate cause of the outbreak of the war ;
between this nation and Mexico, was the march
of Gen. Taylor to the Rio Grande, well know
ing that the old hero counselled, advised and
approbated the move. ” — Griffin Jeffersonian.
Some people have a wonderful faculty ol
suppressing the truth, in relation to Gen. Tay- I
lor's advising and recommending the march i
to the Rio Grande ’
Reception of <«kn. Taylor at New Or
leans. —The good people of the Crescent City ■
will do up the ceremonies in honor of Gen. j
Tailor’s visit in their very best style. He is .
to be escorted to the Cathedral, says the Delta. ■
where divine service will be performed. His
first levee will be held at the St. Charles Hotel.
Os course all the military will be out. and no
thing omitted to testify the enthusiasm of poptl- ’
iar feeling. i
The City Councils of New York have ap
propriated S3OOO to procure medals for the
survivors of the New York regiments in Mexi
co. and also to be given to the widows and eld
est members of the families of those who be
longed to the regiment, and who have died or ,
fallen in battle.
Making Bvcki.es— lmportant Intention. —
Mr. Wm. Scarlett, of Newark. N J., has in
vented a macnine for making suspender buck
les. The machine is driven by steam po.ver.
The end of a coil of wire, wound upon a reel,
being placed in its jaws, it continues to feed
itself, and drops into a receiving box about thir
ty bows for buckles in a minute, each com
pletelv ben . pierced, stamped and ornamented.
The bars of the buckles are cut and pierced
ready to receive the tongues by a still more
simple and rapid process: the tongues are
then fitted. sharpened and fastened, and the
complete buckles are thrown into a revolving
barrel of saw-dust, which absorbs the grease
and cleans them—when they are more perfect
ly washed in muriatic acid and finished by
dipping them into, a pot of melted tin, which
gives them a thin, silvery-looking coating.
Thev are then counted and packed for the mar
ket. The labor, which is very iigiu. is almost
whoilv performed by children. The ingen
ious inventor is about to apply his principle to
making all varieties of buckles.
Ni mekovs Progeny.—There came recently to
Trov. a little town in Indiana, a German fami-y
composed of a man. his wife and thirty-two
children. The children are all girls, and were
produced at sixteen births. A gentleman ot
our citv who has some land m that v icimty . has
promised to give them one hundred acres ot
land, provided their daughters will promise
as thev severally come to maturity, to inter
marr v with the inhabitants ot Indiana.
The beggars of London number 00.000. and
the aims thev obtain amount to X 1.200.000 a
vear. an average of j£2o a year lor each beg
gar. which is as high an average as that ot the
neonie of tne working classes in W ales.
Begging is the poorest business that a com
munity ever patronised. 00.000 persons kept
at work, instead of idling away their time in
the streets, would create all they need to con
<ume. ora fair equivalent for the same, and
have a surpl i*to support them in sickness and
saving machinery . the importance of constant
industry m sadly overlooked.
OFFICIAL DESPATCHES.
BATTLES OF CIIAPULTEFEC AND
THE CITY OF MEXICO.
Rej»ort of Major-General Quitman.
Headquarters of the Volunteer Division,
National Palace. .Mexico, Sept. 29, 1847.
Sir :— I have the honor io transmit, for the
information of the General-in-Chief, a report
of the movements and operations of tbat por
tion of the army under my command, from the
afternoon of’ the 11th instant to the 14th. when
our flag was raised on the National Paluce of
Mexico.
The General-in-Chief, having concluded to
carry the strong fortress of Chaptiltepec. and
through it advance upon the city, ordered me.
on the 11th, to move my division, after dark,
from its position at Coyoacan to Tacubaya.
Steptoe’s battery and Gaither’s troop of horse
having been directed to report to Gen. Twiggs,
the remainder of the division, consisting of the
battalion of marines, New’ York and South
Carolina regiments, under Brigadier-General
Shields, and the 2nd Pennsylvania regiment,
under command of Lieut.-Col. Geary, moved
during daylight to the village of Piedad, and
at night proceeded to their position at Tacu
baya. where the troops lay upon their arms un
til daylight.
Two batteries, Nos. 1 and 2 on the map—the
former put up by Lietits. Tower and Smith, of
engineers, under direction of Captain Lee, of
th? same corps, on the road from Tacubaya to
Cnapuhepec, about 800 yards from the for
tress ; the latter, under the direction of Capt.
Huger,„j, 4 £rcrd::ance, as scjme to
left of the former-—had beer, erected fl tiring the
night. My division being intended to support
these batteries, and to advance to the attack by
the direct road from Tacubaya to the fortress,
w r as placedin position near battery No. 1, ear
ly in the morning of the 12th —detachments
from its left extending to the support of battery
No. 2. At 7 o’clock the guns—two 16-pound
ers and an 8-inch howitzer—were placed in
battery No. 1, in position so us to rake the road,
sweep the adjoining grounds, and have a direct
fire upon the enemy’s batteries and the fortress
of Cbapultepec.
Our tire was then opened ami maintained
with good effect throughout the day, under the
direction of that excellent and lamented officer,
Captain Drum, of the 4th artillery, zealously
aided by Liettfa. Benjamin and Porter, of his
company. The lire was briskly returned from
the castle with round shot, shells, and grape.
During the day, I succeeded under cover of
our batteries, in making an important recon
noissance of the grounds and works immedi
tely at the base of the castle, a rough sketch
of which was made by my aid. Lieut. Love!,on
the ground. This disclosed to us two batteries
of the enemy—one on the road in front of us
mounting four guns, ami the other a flanking
work of one gun. capable also of sweeping the
low grounds on the left of the road, and be
tween it and the base of the hill.
The supporting party on this reconuoissance
was commanded by the late .Major Twiggs, of
the marines, and sustained during the observa
tion a brisk fire from the batteries and small
arms of the enemy, who, when the party was
retiring, came out from the works in large num
bers ; and. although repeatedly checked by the
fire of our troops, continued to advance as the
supporting party retired, until they were dis
persed, with considerable loss, by several dis
charges of canister from the guns of Captain
Drum’s battery, ami a well-directed fire from
the right of the 2d Pennsylvania regiment,
posted on the flank of the battery for its sup
port. Our loss in this affair was seven men
wounded; but the information gained was of
incalculable advantage to the operations of the
succeeding day. In the evening Capt. Dam’s
company was relieved by Lieut. Andrews's
company, 3d artillery, by whom a steady and
well directed fire was kept up from the battery,
until the fortress could no longer be seen in the
darkness. During the day, my command was
reinforced by a select battalion from General
Twiggs’s div nioti, intended as a storming party,
consisting of 13 officers and 250 non-com
missioned officers and privates, chosen for
! this service out of the rifles, Ist and 4th regi
ments of artillery, and 2d. 3d and 7th regi
ments of infuitry—all under the command of
Capt. Silas Casey. ‘2d infantry.
Having received instructions from the Gen
eral-in-Chief to prevent, if possible, reinforce
mentsfrom being thrown into Chapullepec du
ring the night, (-aptain Paul, of the 7th infantry,
with a detachment of .50 men, was directed to
establish the advanced picket on tii<‘ road to
Chapullepec During the night a brisk skir
mish occurred between this detachment and the
advanced post.-* of the enemy, which resulted
in driving hick the enemy; but, apprehensive
that this demonstration was intended to cover
i the passage of reinforcements into Chapuhe
pec, I ordered Lieut. Andrews to advance a
piece of artillery and rake the road with several
discharges of canister. This was promptly
executed; and. during the remainder oi the
night, there were no appearances of move
ments in the enemy’s lines. During the night,
the platforms of battery No- I were repaired,
mid r the direction of Lieut. Tower, of etiiii
neers. who had reported to me for duty, and a
new battery tor one gun established m advance
of No. I a short distance, by Lieut. Hammond,
of Gen. Shields's staff’.
The protection of battery No. 2. which was
completed on the morning of the 12th. under
direction of Captain Huger, was intrusted to
Brigadier General Shields. This battery, after
the gnus had been placed, opened and main .
tamed a steady tire upon the castle, under the !
skillful direction of that experienced officer.
Lieut. H.tgner. of ordnance.
At dawn, on the morning of the 13th. the
batteries again opened an active and effective
fire upon the castle, w hich was returned by the
enemy with spirit, and some execution, dis
abling for a time the 18 pounder tu battery No.
1, and killing one of the men at the guns.
During this cannonade, active preparations
were made lor the assault upon the castle
Ladders, pick axes, and crows were placed in •
the hands of a pioneer storming party of select ,
men from the volunteer division, under com- |
inand of Capt. Reynolds, of the marine corps, i
to accompany the storming party of 120 men ,
which had been selected from all corps of the I
same division, and placed under the command !
of Major Twiggs, of the martlies. Captain j
Drum had again relieved Lieut. Andrew sat the
guns, retaining from the command ot lire latter ;
Sergeant Davidson and eight men to man an
8-pounder which it was intended to carry for- :
ward to operate on the enemy’s batteries in j
front of us. and to relieve the comm and from
all danger of attack on our right ffank, from re- ’
inforcements which might come from the city, i
I'halvvell tried and accomplished officer Brevet
Brigadier-General Smith, with his well disci
plined brig ide, had reported to me for orders.
He was instructed to move in reserve on the
right flank of the assaulting column, protect it
from skirmishers, or more serious attack in that
quarter, and, if possible, on the assault, cross
tue aqueduct leading to the city, turn the ene
my. and cut off’ his retreat.
These dispositions being made, the whole
command, at the signal preconcerted by the j
Geiieral-iii-clnef, wuh enthusiasm and full oi
confidence advanced to the attack. At the j
base of tiie hill, constituting a part ofthe works ,
of the fortress of Chapuitepec. and directly |
across our hue of advance, were the strong j
batteries before described, flanked on the right i
by some strong buddings, and by a heavy stone i
wail about fifteen feet high, winch extended
around the base of the bill toward the west. — ;
Within two hundred yards of the-e batteries .
were some dilapidated buildings, which afford- I
ed a partial cover to our advance. Between
these and the wall extended a low meadow,
the long grass of which concealed a number I
of’ wet ditches by which it was intersected. i'o ,
this point the command, partially screened, ad- j
vattced by a flank, the storming parties in front,
under a heavy fire from the fortress, the batte
nes. and breastworks of tiie enemy. The ad
vance was here hilled under lite parti ii cover
ofthe ruin*, and upon the arrival ofthe heads
of the South Carolina and New \ork regi
ments. respectively, lien. Shields was directed
to move them obliquely to the left, across the
low ground, to the wall at the base of the
hill.
Encouraged bv the gallant general who had
led them to victory al Churubusco, and in spitr
of the obstacles which they had to encounter
in wading through several deep ditches, expo
sed to a severe and galling fire from the ene
my, these tried regimen:* promp:!y executed
: the movement, and effected a lodgment at the
wall. The same order was given to Lieuten
ant Col. Geary, and executed by hi* regiment
j with equal alacrity and success. These oppo
sitions, so necessary to the final assault upon
I fit- works, were not made without some loss.
In d rect ng tte id• -■ c< Brigadier General
Shields was s rm. No
' ' '
eer tn leave hsc nn in Lor quit thi
The brawe Ca t 'an O’Lin eu of thi w
York regiment, was killed at the head of h;s
company ■ Lie it. Col- Baxter, ofthe same rei
unent. a valuable and esteemed offuer. wh e
•’allanti* leading h * command, fell mortally
wounded near the wall And Lieut. (. vjouel
Gear' .2d Pvnnsy ivania regiment, was for i
ume disabled from command by a severecoutu
sion from a sp< n< ba
on our right was driving back sk r misfit ng par
ties of the enemy ; Lieu:. Benjamin, from
batter'* No 1. was pouring shot after shot into
die fortress and woods on the slope of the hill;
VI'GLSTA, GA., WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 8, 1817.
and Lieut. 11. J. Hunt. 2d artillery, who had
on the advance reported to me w ith a section
of Duncan’s battery, had obtained a favorable
position in our rear, from which he threw shells
and shrapnal shot into the Mexican lines w ith
good effect. Perceiving that all the prelimina
ry dispositions were made. Major Gladden
with his regiment having passed the wall by
breaching it, ihe New York and Pennsylvania
regiments having entered over an abandoned
battery on their left, and the battalion of mu
rines being posted to support the storming par
ties, £ ordered the assault at all points.
The storming parties, led by the gallant offi
cers who had volunteered for this desperate
service, rushed forward like a resistless tide.—
The Mexicans behind their batteries and breast
works stood with more than usual firmness.—
For a short time the contest was band to hand;
swords and bayonets were crossed, and rifles
clubbed. Resistance, however, was vain against
the desperate valor of our brave troops. The
batteries and strong works were carried, and
the ascent of Chapuitepec on that side laid open
to an easy conquest. In these works were
taken seven pieces of artillery, one thousand
muskets, and jive hundred and fifty prisoners,
of w hom one hundred were officers—among
them one general and ten colonels.
The gallant Capt. Casey having been disa
bled bv a severe wound directly before the bat
teries, the command of the storming party of
regulars in the assault devolved on Capt.
7tii infantry, who distinguished
bravery. In like manner, the command■WpSb
storming party from the volunteer
volved on Capt. Jas. Miller, of lb’
regiment, by th«
' l .V-
corps; who fell on the first advance at two
of his command.
Simultaneously with these movements on
our right, the volunteer regiments with equal
alacrity and intrepidity, animated by a gene
rous emulation, commenced the ascent of the
hill on the south side. Surmounting every
obstacle, and fighting their way, they fell in
and mingled w ith their brave brethrenin arms
who formed the advance of Major General Pil
low’s column. Side by side, amid the storm
of battle, the rival colors, ofthe two commands
struggled up the steep ascent ; entered the for
tress, ami reached the buidirig used as a mili
tary college, which crowned its summit. Here
was short pause; butsoon the flag of Mexico was
lowered, and the stars and stripes of our coun
try floated from the heights of Chapuitepec
high above the heads of the brave men who
had planted them there. The gallant New
York regiment claims for their standard the
honor of being first waved from the battlements
of Chapultepi'c. The veteran Mexican Gene
ral, Bravo, with a number of’officers and men.
were taken prisoners in ihe castle. They tell
into the bands of Lieut. Charles Brower of the
New York regiment, who reported to me. —
The loss of the enemy was severe, especially
on the eastern side adjoining the batteries ta
ken. Il should also be mentioned, thatat Hie as
sault upon the works, Lieut. Fred. Steele, 2d
infaiilry. with a portion ofthe storming party,
advanced in front of the batteries towards the
left, there scaled the outer wall through a
breach near the top, made by a cannon shot,
ascended the hill directly in his front, and was
among the first upon thebattlements. The young
and promising Lieut. Levi Gantt, 7th infantry,
was of this party. He li.td actively participated
in almost every battle since the opening of’the
war, but was destined here to find a soldier’s
grave.
After giving the necessary directions for the
safe-keeping ofthe prisoners taken by my com
mand, and ordering the several corps to form
near the aqueduct. 1 hastily ascended the hill
for the purpose of reconnoitering the positions
ofthe enemy in advance towards the city. I
there had the pleasure of meeting Maj. General
Pillow , who although seriously wounded, had
been carried to the heights to enjoy the tri
umph* in which he and his brave troops had
so largely shared.
Perceiving large bodies of the enemy at the
several batteries on the direct road leading
from Chapuitepec to the city, by the garitn or
gate of Belen, my whole command, after being
supplied w ith ammunition, was ordered lobe
pm in redincss to march by that route. When
the batteries were taken, tlie gallant rifle regi
ment which had been deployed by Gen. Smith
on the right of his brigade, formed under the
arches of the aqueduct in position to advance
by tiie Chapuitepec or Tacubaya road. As the
remainder of Gen. Smith's brigade came up
from their position in reserve, that officer, with
his usual forr'ight. caused them to level the |Nt
rapetsand fill Hie ditches which obstructed tiie
road where the enemy’s batteries bad been
constructed, so as o permit t e passage of the
heavy artillery, which was ordered up by the
General-in-chief iminediately upon his a.rival
at the batteries, hi the meantime while Gen
Shields, with the as>i*tunce ot his and my stall
officer*, was causing the deficient ammunition
to be supplied, and tiie troops to be formed for
the advance. Capt. Drum. supptHled by the ri
lle regiment bad taken charge of one of the ene
my’.* pieces, and was advancing towards the
first battery occupied by the enemy, on the road
towards the city in our front.
The Chapuitepec road is a broad avenue,
flanked w ith deep ditches and marshy grounds
on either side. Along the middle of this ave
nue runs the aqueduct, supported by arches ot’
heavy ma.-otiry. through lite garila or gate of
Belen into the city. The rifles, supported by
the South Caroiiiia regiment, and followed by
the remainder of Smith’s brigade, were now
i advanced from arch to arch, towards another
j strong battery which had been thrown across
I the road, about a mile from Chapuitepec. hav
ing four etubrazures with a redan work on the
right.
At this point, the enemy in considerable force
made an obstinate resistance, but with the aid
ofthe effective lire of an 8-inch howitzer direct
ed bv the indefatigable Capt. Drum, and the
daring bavery of tiie gallant rifle regiment, it
was carried by assault. The column was here
reorganized for an attack upon the batteries at
the garila of die city. The regiment of rifle
men, intermingled with tiie bayonets of the
South Carolina regiment, were placed in ad
vance—three rifle* and three bayonets under
each arch. They w ere supported by the resi
due of Shield’s brigade, the 2d Pennsylvania
regiment, and the remainder of Smith's bri
gade, together w ith a part of the sth infantry
under Maj. Bonneville, who had fallen in this
road. In this order, the column resolutely ad
vanced from arch to arch of the aqueduct, un
der a tremendous fire of artillery and small
arms from tiie batteries of the ganta. the Paseo.
and a large bod) ofthe enemy on the Piedad
road to the right, extending trout the left of the
g ari;i »
Lieut. Benjamin having brought tip a 10-
potiuder, Capt. Drum and his efficient subal
terns were [muring a constant and destructive
tire into the garila. As the enfilading fire of
the enemy from the Piedad road became very
annoying to the advance of the column, a few
rounds of canister w ere thrown by our ariiilen
in that direction, which effectually dispersed
them. The whole column was now under a
galling fire, but it continued to move forward
j .■'tcadiiy and firmly. The rules well sustained
• l>v the South Caroli .tans, gallantly pushed on
j to the attack; and at twenty minutes past one
i the ganta was carried,and thecity of Mexico
I entered al that point. In a few moments near
| Iv the whole command was compactly up—a
j large part vs it within the garila.
, The obstinacy ot' the defence at the ganta
I may be accounted for by our being opposed at
j thatpuiut by General Santa Anna in person,
j who is said to have retreated by the Paseo to the ;
’ San Cosme road, there to try his fortune against
! General Worth.
On our approach to the garita. a body ofthe i
I enemy, who were seen on a cross road threat
‘ etiing our left, were dispersed by a brisk fire of ;
I artillery from die direction of the San Cosme
i road by Geu. Worth’s orders.
I pou the taking of the ganta. the riflemen
j and South Carolina regiment rushed forward
; and occupied the arches ufthe aqueduct, witli
. m a hundred yards ut the citadel. The animu
; nition ol our heavy guns having been expend
ed. a captured *-pounder was turned upon the
etienn and served with good effect mild the
j ammunition taken w ith it was also expended
I The piece, supported by our advance, had
: been run forward in front of the ganta. Twice
. had Major Gladden.of the South Carolina re
giment. I iriii'iied additional men io work the
gun, w hen the noble and the brave Capt. Drum,
who w h ndomitabie en rgy tod iron nerve,
had directed the artdlery throughout this trying
I day. fell mortals wounded by the <ide of bis
J gun. A few moments after Wards. Lieut. Ben
jamin, who had displayed tbesauie cool, decid
ed courage, met a *:mdar fate.
Toe enemy, now perceiving that our heavy
animunr.ion had been expended, redoubled
dioir exertions to drive us out ofthe lodgment
we had effected. A terrific fire of artillery and
. smad arms was opened from the citadel. 3i»o
j yards dis i'
’ and the budding- >»n our right in front. Amid
this iroti show er, w iucn swept the road on both
I sides of the .aqueduct, it w as impossible to bring
’ forward ammunition for oar largeguns. While
t awaiting tiie darkuess to bring up our great
guns and p'acethem in battery, the ene ny. ua
‘ der cover of thetr guns, attempted several sal
ies from the citadel ami padding* on the right,
but were readily rep>ii*ed by the skirtni'hmg
par: e* of rifles and infantry. To prevent our
dauk from being euth ided by musketry from
the Paseo. Captain* Naylor and 1 oeser. 2d
Pennsylvania regiment, were ordered with
their companies to a low sand-bag defence
about a hundred yards jn that They
gallantly look this position, and held’it in the
face of a severe fire, until the object was at
tained. , • JI
At night the fire ofthe enemy ceased.
Lieut. Tower, of engineers, who before and at
the attack upon the batteries of Chapuitepec
had given important aid. had beee seriously
wounded. It was therefore, fortunate that, in
the commencement of the route to the city,
Lieut. Beauregard, of the engineers, joined
me. I was enabled, duriugthe daysto avail my
self of his valuable services; and although disa
bled for a time, by a wound received during the
day he superintended during the whole night
the erection of two batteries within the
garila for our heavy guns, and a breast-work
on our right for the infantry, which, with hi*
advice. I had determined to construct. By
the indefatigable energy of my acting assistant
adjutant general, Lieut. Lovell, 7ny volunteer
aid, Capt. G. T. M. Davis, and Lieut. H.
Brown, 3d artillery, the sand hags and am
munition were procured ; Lieut. Beauregard,
assisted by Lieut. the construc
tion of one battery in person, Lieut. W.
H. Wood. 3d infantryjßefore the
dawn of day, by the per-cv^i Exertions of
Captains Fairchild an® New
Yoik regiment, who par
tifs. the parapets were u fel-pound-
cr. an 18 pounder, and placed
|Mi battery by artillery,
Who, to my great iny
ilabor
• n.iFa I * «.
and toiL***
During the night trenches,
Brigadier General Piefife —brie of* whose regi
ments, (the 9th infantry) had joined my column
duriugthe day—reported to me in person. He
was instructed to place that regiment in re
serve at the battery and die ammunition at that
point. The General Ims . m/ 1 thanks for his
prompt attention to these orders.
Al dawn of day on the 14th. when Capt.
Steptoe was preparing his Heavy missiles, a
while flag came from the citadel, the bearer of
which invited me to take possession of this
fortress, and gave me the intelligence that the
city had been abandoned by Santa Anna and
his army. My whole command was imme
diately ordered under arms. By their own
request, Lieuts Lovell and Beauregard were
authorized to go to the citadel, in advance, to
ascertain the truth ofthe information. At a
signal from the ramparts, the column, General
Smith’s brigade in front, and the South Caro
lina regiment left in garrison, at the garita,
marched into the citadel. Having taken pos
session of this work, in which we found 15
pieces of cannon mounted, and as many not
up, with the extensive military armaments
which it contained, the second Pennsylvania
regiment was left to garrison it.
Understanding that great depredations were
going on in the palace and public buildings. I
moved the column in that direction in the same
order, followed by Capt. Steptoe’s battery,
through the principal streets into the great
Plaza, where it was formed in front of the
National Palace. Capt. Roberts, of the rifle
regiment, who had led the advance company
ofthe storming party at Chapullepec, and had
greatly distinguished himself during the pre
ceding day, was detailed by me to plant the
star-spangled banner of ottr country upon the
National Palace. The flag, the first strange
banner which bad ever waved over that palace
since the conquest of Cortez, was displayed
and saluted w ith enthusiasm by the whole com
mand. The palace, already crowded with
Mexican thieves and robbers, was placed in
charge of Lieut Col. Watson, with his battalion
of marines. By his active exertions, it was soon
cleared ami guarded from farther spoliation.
On our first arrival in the jilaza. Lieut.
Beauregard was despatched to report the facts
to the General-in-Chief, who was expected to
enter the city by the Alameda, with thecolumn
under General Worth. About t> o’clock the
General-in-Chief arrived in the plaza and was
received and greeled with enthusiasm by the
troops. The populace, who had began to be
turbulent immediately after our arrival in the
plaza, appeared for a t me to be checked ; but,
in one hour afterwards, as our troops began to
disperse for quarters, they were fired upon
from the lops of houses and windows. This
continued that day, and the succeeding, until,
by the timely and vigorous measures adopted
by the General ni-chief, the disturbances were
ifhelled.
Two detachments from my command, not
heretofore mentioned in this report, should be
noticed. Capt. Gallagher and Lieut. Reid,
who, with llieircouipaniesof New York volun
teer*, had been detailed on the morning ofthe
12th by Geu. Shields, to the support of our
battery No. 2, well performed this service.—
The former, by the orders of Capt. Huger, was
detained al that battery during the stunning of
Chapullepec. The latter, a brave and ener
getic young officer, being relieved from the
battery on the advance to the castle, hastened
to the assault, and was among the first to as
cend the crest of the hill, where he was severe
ly wounded.
In ail the operations of the several corps un
der my command, to which this report refers,
it gives me great pleasure to testify to the cou
rage with which they faced every danger, and
the cheerfulness and alacrity with which they
met every toil and exposure. A simple narra
tive ofthe military events, crowned as they were
with complete success, is a higher compliment
than any expressions of tny opinion can bestow
upon the general good conduct oi the whole
command.
1 have already alluded to the gallant conduct
of the storming parties. They deserve the
highest commendation. The losses sustained
b\ Capt. Drum’s heroic little band of artiilerisis
from the 4th artillery, evince their exposure
during me day. I do them, officers and men,
but justice when 1 add that no encomium up
on their conduct and skill would be misplaced.
This report has already shown the prominent
part taken by the regiment of riflemen under
command oi’ the brave and intrepid Major
Lormg, who leli severely wounded by my side,
while receiving orders for the final charge up
on the ganta. After the taking of the batteries
at Chapuitepec, in which portions of* this corps
took an active part, this efficient and splendid
regiment were employed as sharp shooters in
the advance, through die arches of ihe aque
duct, where their services were invaluable.
My only concern was tu restrain their daring
impetuosity.
The gallant and unassatning Palmetto regi
ment. which bad charged up the ascent of
(’fiapultepec w ithout tiring a gun, was al*o em
ployed to support and lid the rifle*. In this
*ervice their loss was severe. Among others,
their brave and effi ieat commander. Major
Glad«ien. was severely wounded, and Lieuts. J
B. Moraigne and William Canty killed. But
! they well sustained the reputation they had ac
i qHired at \ era Cruz, Confreres and Cliuru
; busco
For the admirable conduct of the other corps
; ol my command. I rerer to tire reports of Briga
dier lien*. Shields and Smith, and of Lieut.
; Col. Geary. The brilliant successes of the
I day were not acquired without considerable
: loss. The reports herewith transmitted show
i that, in my whole command, eight officers and
i sixty-nine non-couimissioned officers and pri
\ ales w ere killed, and tour hundred and fiftv
! four officers and men w ounded, and nine men
mis*nig —making total of casualties five hun
dred and forty, besides ihosein the9th regiment
I of infantry, while under my coinoiaifd, not '
i reported to me.
Brigadier Gen. Shields had solicited from
me the command ot the storming parties on the '
morning of the 13th. Not feeling justified in
permitting so great an exposure of an officer
1 of his rank, with an inadequate command, and
requiring his invaluable services, with his bri
gade. tiie application wa* declined. Uiwii car
ried from tiie field on the night of the ]3th, in
, consequence of the severe wound received in
Hie morning, he was conspicuous for his gal
lantry. energy and skill. In Brevet Brigadier
General 8 oilh. who was ever c.,oL unemb.tr
ras»ed and ready, under the trying exposures j
of she day. 1 found un able and most efficient I
supporter. Lieut. Col. (ieary. who. in the il - '
ness of Col. Roberts, commanded the 2d Penn- I
sylvania regiment, constituting the 2J brigade *
of iny division, was wounded before the walls
of Cnapuhepec at the head of his corps, but
soon resumed command and rendered good
| service.
To Maiors Loring and Dimick, and Cap’*.
Simonson nd Alexander, commanders of regi
ments in Smith’s brigade: Lieut. Col. Wat- ■
son. M ijors Gladden md Burnham, and Capt. '
Donovan, commanders in Shield’s brigade:
-• and to M ajor Brindle, wno for a time com
manded his regimen . I atn indebted for the
active and fearless discharge of their dimes in
the direction of the operation* of their respec
tive corps while under their orders.
Os Hie *.ormiug parties, in addt ion to those
already named in this report, Capt. Dobbins.
3d infantry : Lieut. H»u. 4th art.; Lieut. West
cott. 2d inf y ; Lieut. Stewart, of the rifles:
Lieut Harper, Ist ar;.: Capt. Reynolds, of
marine*: Capt. Mil er. 2d Pennsylvania regi
men:: Lieu;. Ball. Sou’di Carolina battalion,
and Lieut Wolf, 2d Pennsylvania regiment.
' were h.g.'iiy di*tinguioed for tneir ga*. intry.
Capls Porter and Tucker ; Lieuts.
; Morns, Hatch and Granger, of the rifles;
Copts. Blaudiiijj. De*au*sure. Marshall and
| Lieuts. Selleck, Lilly ami May, of the South
Carolina regiment; Capt. Taylor. i\ew York
regiment; Adjutant-Baker. <H the mar.nes;
Lieut. F. J. Porter, 4th artillery; and Lieut.
Hare. 2d Pennsylvania regiment, whose con
duct happened to fall under my own eye, were
conspicuous for their bravery and efficiency.
In the reports of the several commanders of
brigades, the following officers are named with
high credit. Capts. Barclay and Pierson. New
York regiment; Lieuts. McLean. Russell and
Gibbs, of the rifles; and Lieut. Sheppard, 3d
infantry : Surgeons Edwards, of marines, and
McMillan. 2d Pennsylvania regiment; and As
sistant Surgeons McSherry and Bower, en
gaged in division hospital, deserve all praise lor
their attention to the wounded.
I take great pleasure, by extending my cor
dial concurrence in the high coimnepdations
bestowed in the official reports of
tive chiefs upon the good conduct of Capt. !■ .
N. Page and Lieut. R. P- Hammond, aids, both
of Gen. Shield’s stall’; and Lieut. Earl Van
Dorn, aid to Gen. Smith.
I have before noticed the valuable services of
Lieuts. Beauregard and Tower, of the eijgr
neers. A draught of the field of operations,
planned by the latter gentleman, accompanies
this report.
Under the late orders, a list of the non
commissioned officers mid privates of the com
mand under my orders who have been conspi
cuous for their services in die late actions, is
transmitted. >
I close this reportAvith presenting to the no
tice of the General-in-Chief the important ser
vices jinrf excellent conduct of tny personal
/staffs From the commencement of our move
and acting assistant Adjutant
! C Mansfield Lovell, 4th ariillery,
1 with ihe most responsible. Jind ar
' iwulxjxpased * rec llUaPlb f - t 0 “ um
and severe duties
were all fearlessly, cheerfully, and promptly
performed, w ith a judgment and skill that pro
mises the highest distinction in his profession.
Although his arm was disabled by a wound re
ceived at the garita, he remained to the last in
the active performance of his duties. The dis
tribution of my command also imposed upon
my aid, Lieut. C. M. Wilcox, 7th infantry, dan
gerous duties. These were performed by him
promptly and efficiently, facing danger fearless
ly wherever his duty called him. Capt. G. 'T.
M. Davis, late of the Ist Illinois regiment, and
Capt. Danley, late of the Arkansas cavalry,
acted as volunteer aids. The former was ac
tively and constantly engaged in every part of
the field, conveying my orders, and bringing up
ammunition and supplies. 'J’he latter, after
having conveyed my orders to the volunteer
regiments through a galling fire, was severely
wounded while resuming his position near me
in front of the first battery on the Chapuitepec
road. Both of these gentlemen acted with dis
tinguished gallantry.
Transmitting herewith a report of iny divi
sion on the morning of the 18th, and lists ol
the killed and wounded,
I have the honor to remain, very respectful
ly, vour obedient servant,
J. A. QUITMAN,
Major-General U. S. Army,
commanding Vol. Division.
Capt. 11. L. Scott, A. A. Adj.-Gen. Mexico.
Report of Major-General Pillow.
Headquarters 3d Division U.S. Army,
Mexico. Sept. 18, 1847.
Captain: On the morning ofthe 12th inst.
at 3 o’clock, a. tn., I moved w ith my command,
consisting of the field battery of Capt. Magru
der, the voltigeur regiment, the 9th. 11th. J4th
and 15th regiments of infantry, (the 12th regi
ment constituting part of the garrison al Mix
coac,) and the mounted howitzer and rocket
battery, from Tacubaya. to the battle field ot
the Bili inst., where my dispositions were made
to take possession of “ Molino del Key.”—
Having organized a force for this purpose,
under command of Lt. Col. Hebert, at day
light his command movod steadily and in beau
tiful order, under a hot tire of shot and shell
from Chapuitepec, and seized the mills. 1 or
dered Brig. Gen. Cadwalader, with his brigade,
to hold possession of this position, and defend
ihe approaches (which unite at that place)
from the city of Mexico and from Santa Fe.
In a short time afterward an immense body of
lancers, with a considerable force of infantry,
made their appearance in ihe valley above me,
and moved steadily forward in the direction
of my postion, until almost within reach of
my field pieces. With Brig. Gen. Pierce’s
brigade, Magruder’s battery and Major Sum
ner’s fine command of dragoons, (that officer
having now reportml to me for duty.) I made
every arrangement for their reception. Hav
ing thus executed the orders of the General
in-Chief. '• to take possession of the mill', to
hold them, and from this position defend the !
batteries intended to be opened, preparatory
to the assault upon Chapuitepec, and not to
provoke a general engagement with the ene
my.’’ I did not, under my orders, feel myself
at liberty to become the assailant, and the ene
my, “ regarding prudence as the better part of
valor,” did not tiiink proper to assail me.
At night 1 drew my whole force down to het
mills, immediately under the fire, and almost
under the walls of Chapuitepec: w hile the
enemy advanced from the valley and occupied
the position i had held during the day. clo.*e in
my rear.
Being now almost completely enveloped by
the enemy, with Chapuitepec and its strong
garrison immediately m front, and theenemy’s
large force of lancers and infantry in close ap
proximation to my rear and on left my flank,
my command was compelled to lie on its arms
during the night.
Early on the morning of the 13th, Captain
McKenzie, 2d artillery, reported to me for duty
w ith a command of 200 rank and file from the
Ist division.
At daylight the cannonade, which had ceased
at dark on die previous day. was resumed, and
kept up on both sides until about 8 o’clock. In
the mean lime. I was actively engaged in mak
ing the necessary preparations for storming
Chapuitepec. With this view' 1 had placed
two pieces of Magruder's field battery inside
the extensive row of buildings (of which the
mills were a part) to clear a sand-bank breast
work, which the enemy had constructed out
side the main wall surrounding Chapuitepec.
and so as to command a breach in that wall.
1 had alsopasssed the howitzer battery through
the houses and walls, and placed it in battery,
so a* to aid me in driving the enemy from a
strong entrenchment extending nearly across
the front of the forest, and commanding my
only approach to Chapuitepec. While these
batteries were admirably served under Capt.
Magruder and Lieut. Reno. I placed four
companies of the voltigeur regiment, under
command of Lieut. Col. Johnstone, in position,
with instructions that, npon cessation ofthe
artillery lire, they should advance by a rapid
movement on the outside, and under cover of
the main wall, and enter the enclosure at the
breach. At the same time. I placed four other
companies oi' voltigeurs. under command of Col.
Andrews, at a narrow gateway opening from
the rear of tiie mills, with orders to advance in
front, to unite w ith Col. Johnstone's command,
to deploy as skirmishers,and. by a simultaneous
movement upon the enemy’s flank and front,
to drive him from his entrenchments and the
large trees behind which, he had taken shelter.
I had placed the 9th and sth regimen's of infan
try in position, to advance as close supports
to the storming force,and, if necessary, to form
a part of it
1 had ordered Col. Andrews, as soon as the
regiment of voltigeurs had cleared the en
trenchments and woods, to form in rear of
McKenzie's command as a supporting or as
saulting force, according to the exigencies of
the moment. I placed Capt. McKenzie’s com
mand immediately in rear of Col Johnstone’s
command of skirmishers, and directed it to
move under the cover of the same wa 1, to
enter the breach close after Johnstone's com
mand. and as Johnstone’s would brush away
the enemy, it would advance steadily, assault,
and carry the main work of Chapuitepec. I
had place my scalding ladders in charge of this
command, and furnished a strong detail of men
to carry them forward to the parapets.
I directed Lieut. Reno to carry with the ad
vancing column the mountain howitzer bat
tery, and to use it whenever he could do so
with effect.
I had placed Co!. Troasdale, with the 11th and
14th regiments, and one section of Magruder’s
battery, under command of Lieut. Jackson, on
the road leading on the left of Chapuitepec to
the city, with instructions to advance on that
road, to hold the enemy stationed at the batte
ry on the road in observation, and to give him
battle if he attempted to advance or succor
tiie forces w itiiin the walls ofChaptiltepec.
Having completed these dispositions for the
assault while a heavy cannonade wa* goinif on.
Brig.-Gen Cadwa ider seel
the proper execution of my orders.
All being now ready and eager for the con
flict. 1 ordered the batteries of my division *i
lenced. and the command to advance—the
General-inchief having silenced the heavy bat
teries.
The voltigeurs, having driven the enemy
from the w ood, rapidiy pursue t him until he
retreated into the interior fortifications. Close
in their rear followed tiie 9th and 15th regi
ments. with equal impetuosity, until these three
regiments occupied trie exterior works around
the Hiimntit of Cnapultepec.
Capt. McKenzie’s command had not yet
come up. Tne slh. tub ami cih regiments ol
infantry of General Worth’s division ordered
forward a reserve, advanced to their positions
and formed* .Xs soon aa Captain McKenzie s
command Was in position with the ladders, the
work was almost instantly carried, and the
Mexican flag torn from the castle by the gal
lant Major Seymour, of the 9th regiment, and
the American run up in its place.
To the voltigeur regiment belongs The honor
of having first planted its colors upon the par
apet. The color-bearer of the regiment hav
ing been shutdown, the color was immediately
seized by the gallantand, fearless Capt. Barnard,
yvho scaled the parapet and unfurled the flag,
under a terrible fire, from which he received
two wounds.
The chief honor of this brilliant ‘victory is
dnoJu-those gallant corps, the voltigeurs,’ the
drove the enemy from his exterior en
trenchments and positions, took possession of
and enveloped the crest of the counterscarp,
and held this position under a heavy fire of
grape, canister, and round shot from the ene
my’s artillery, (11 pieces in number,) and a very
superior force of small arms, until the arrival of
the ladders, and to Capt. McKenzie’s command,
who brought up the ladders, and, with the
corps already mentioned, so gallantly stormed
and carried the main works.
The reserve, of Gen. Worth’s division,
which moved to its position in gallant style, by
their presence inspired the whole command
with increased confidence ; and portions of it
participated in the immediate assault resulting
in the fall ofthe fortress.
The advance of General Quitman’s division,
which was to have assaulted upon the left of
the position, having fallen under the fire of a
battery on the outside of the outer wall, and
being unable to scale it in consequence of the
want of Udders, were obliged to inarch several
hundred yards to the southland to enter the
very breach through which portions of iny
command had passed at the commencement of
the action. The consequence was, that com
mand did not getiiitb position in time to ren
der me material assistance in the assault;
though, owing to the delay at the summit of the
hill, occasioned by the want of ladders, por
tions of Gen. Quitman’s command, who pass
ed through the breach in the outer wall under
tny own observation, had time to come up and
enter the inner works about the same time with
parts of tny own command, which had for
some time previous completely enveloped the
work and called out for the ladders.
Lieut Reid, in command of’ one company
of the New York regiment and one of marines
came forward in advance of the other troops of
this command, participated in the assault, and
was severely wounded.
While, therefore, I would not detract a par
ticle from the well-earned reputation of the
gallant corps ofthe volunteer division, who
have proved their gallantry upon other hard
fought fields, and while I have pleasure in tes
tifying to the alacrity with which they advanc
ed on this occasion to ami mound the wall, and
to the heights of Chapuitepec, upon the only
practicable route for their advance : justice to
the corps above referred to of my own command,
as well as to my supporting column, demands
that I should asse t absolutely, and claim for
those who had so nobly met the brunt of the
conflict, and drove the enemy from his strong
holds and possession of his the
chief honor of storming the strong and formi
dable work.
While this work was being done in a manner
so truly heroic, and under my immediate and
personal superintendance and direction, Col.
Trousdale’s command, consisting of the 11th
and 14th regiments of infantry, and McGru
der’s field battery, engaged a battery and large
force of the enemy in the road immediately on
the west of Chapuitepec. The advanced sec
tion of the battery, under command of the
brave Lieut Jackson, was dreadfully cut up
and almost disabled. Though the command of
Col. Trousdale sustained a severe loss, and
the gallant and intrepid colonel was badly
wounded by two balls, which shattered his
right arm, still he maintained his position with
great firmness, drove the enemy from hi* batte
ry, and turned his guns upon the retreating
forces.
Capt. Scantiand was shot through the head,
and was supposed to have been mortally
wounded, but is yet alive, with increasing
hopes of his recovery. Lieutenant Col. He
bert, who was placed in command of the 11th
infantry, in position to engage an immense bo
dy of the enemy’s lancers, who threatened the
rear and flank ofthis column, distinguished him
self by the coolness, judgment and intrepidity
with which he made his dispositions to receive
the charge, and actually held in check a force
often times his number. After Colonel Trous
dale was wounded, the command of the 14th
regiment devolved upon him and was led by
him with ability, during the remainder of tiie
day. into other fields of duty.
tn the achievemenlof’this most brilliant vic
tory. jti*tice demands of me an acknowledge
ment of'the claims ofthe gallant officers, who
so nobly executed my orders, to high distinc
tion. Being with the main body my advancing
forces until I was cut down by a grape shot at
the base ofthe hill. 1 had an opportunity of'
witnessing in person the distinguished gallantry
of my command —a gallantry unsurpassed by
that of my troops during this war. After be
ing wounded. 1 caused some oftny troops to
carry me forward*) the top ofthe hill, where
1 had the proud satisfaction of witnessing the
consummation ofthis glorious victory, and saw
the stars and stripes raised aloft upon this for
midable work, erected upon the very site of
tiie ancient palace of the renowned Montezu
ma.
First, I cannot withhold my high sense of
the very valuable services rendered by Captain
Huger.chief of ordnance, and his assistants
Lteuts. Hagnerand Stone, ordnance, and Capt.
Brooksand Lieut. Anderson, 2d artillery, who
together, directed and served the heavy guns
of batteries .sos. 2and 3, under a constant and
direct fire from the enemy’s batteries at Cha
puitepec during the 12lh, and up to the final
assault on the 13th instant. Tiie distinction won
by tuese gentlemen on former occasions needs
not my testimony to add to their well-earned
reputation; hut as they were serving with me.
and under my personal observation, and were
engaged in the reduction of the same great
work, I cannot withhold my sense of their
great gallantry and high claims to the distin
guished consideration of tiie General-in-chief
and ofthe government ofour country.
Equally daring and meritorious, and not less
distinguished, were the services of Capt. Lee
and Lieuts. Beauregard, Stevens and Tower
of the engineer corps, on duty at different
times, within my line of operations. To the
great activity, skill, judgment and daring of
tiiis valuable corps of officers are the service
and the nation indebted lor the success of our
army on others as on the present occasion ;
and the fact that without exception they were
all wounded during the brilliant operations of
tiie day. places them before the army and their
country as among the most deserving of the
many gallant spirits whose valor has shed a
bright halo of glory around the American
arms. I invite the attention ofthe General-in
chief to the report of Lieutenant Beauregard,
whose untiring energy, and indomitable perse
verance during the night ofthe 12th repaired the
w ork* of batteries Nos. 2 and 3, and enabled
them to speak in tones of thunder to Chapuite
pec, the monarch fortification ofthe valley of
Mexico.
Capt. Magruder’s field buttery—one section
of which was served with great gallantry by
himself, and the other by his brave Lieut. Jack
son. in the face of a galling fire from the ene
my's entrenched position—did invaluable ser
vice preparatory to the general assault. The
captain received a slight wound, but did not
quit his post.
Lieut. Reno,commanding the mountain how
itzer battery, whose pieces, as 1 have before
stated, I caused to be put in the battery so as to
reach the enemy's positions through a gateway
and a narrow arch in the outer walls of Molino
del Key, greatly distinguished himself by his ex
traordinary activity and daring, while he. un
der a concentrated fire at the openings from the
whole hue of tiie entrenched enemy, kept up a
well directed fire upon him, which greatly as
sisted me in dislodging him and driving bun
from his advanced positions. Nor did his gal
lant conduct stopiiere; for hi* men ran for
ward witn his pieces, kept up with the storming
column, and at the very base of the height
placed them in battery, almost in the mouth of
tiie enemy’s cannon, and served them nn’il he
was disabled by a wound, when hi* place was
supplied by Lieut. Beauregard, (whom I have
already noticed.) until the pieces were com
pletely masked by our advancing force*. Fir*t
Sergeant XV. Peat, ofthis company, who act
ed with extraordmarv daring, lost one ot his
legs.
In noticing the conduct of the officers of the
voltigeur*. and the 9th and 15th irltantry. in this
charge of unsurpassed galluiitn. I can scarcely
coimn tnd language to do them justice
Tiie voltigr ir regi neiit. which wa* ordered
forward in advance as skirxnishers, to clear the
entrenchments and lame trees ofthe large force
ofthe enemy, who were directing a most gal
ling fire into the command—tiie right wing un
der the very gallant and accomplished Lieut.
Go!. Johnstone, and the left under rhe brave
Col. Andrew* himself, assisted by his gallant
Maj. Caldwell—having united, cleared rhe
woods, and pursued the enemy so hotly that he
was not able to ignite his mine*, drove him iu
-idethe parapet i:-»>lf. and occupied tiie broken
ground around the ditch ofthe foriirication
al! in the face of a most heavy fire from the en
emy s small arms and heavy guns. Ihe lad
ders arrived and several efforts were made by
> both officer* and meu to »cale the walls. But
VOL. LXI. —NEW SERIES, VOL. XI., NO. 49.
many ofthe gallant spirits who first attempted
it fell, killed or wounded. Colonel Andrews,
whose regiment so distinguished itself and com
mander by this brilliant charge, as also Lieut.
Col Johnstone and Maj. Caldwell, whose ac
tivity enabled them to lead this assault, have
greatly distinguished themselves by their gal
lantry, and daring. Lieut Col. Johnstone re
ceived three wounds; but they were ail slight
and did not at alt arrest his daring and onward
movements. Capt. Barnard, with distinguished
gdljantry, having seized the color* of his regi
ment, u pon Ihe fail of the color bearer, scaled
the wall with them unfurled, and has the honor
of planting the first American standard in the
work. Cap!. Biddle, always prompt, vigilant
and daring, though so much enfeebled by dis
ease as to be scarce able to walk, left his sick
bed on this great occasion, and was among the
foremost to enter the works.
The gallant Col. Ransom, ofthe 9th infantry,
fell dead from a shot in the forehead while at
the head of his command, waving his sword,
and leading his splendid regiment up the heights
of the summit of Chapuitepec. I had myself
beena witness to his heroic conduct until a mo
ment before, when 1 was cut down by his side.
My heart bleeds with anguish at the loss of so
gallant an officer. The command of his regi
ment devolved upon Maj. Seymour, who fal
tered not, but with his command scaled the
parapet, entered the citadel sword in hand,
and himself struck the Mexican flag from the
walls.
Not less distinguished and no less glorious
was the conductor the 15lh regiment of infan
try, now under command of Lieut. Col. How
ard. This regiment, which had greatly disfin
gnished itself in the actions near Churubusco
on the 20tlTultiino, where the brave Col. Mor
gan was wounded, now covered itself with new
honors and fresh laurels, under command of its
present veteran leader,' assisted by his gallant
Maj. Woods. Capt. Chase ofthis regiment, at
a most critical moment in the charge, when the
voltigeur regiment had advanced partly up the
hill, and the enemy in strong force had occu
pied the redan, half way up the declivity, and
held us in check, under orders from my adju
tant general, Capt. Hooker, about the time I
was wounded, with a firmness fe* but himself
possessed, dashed rapidly forward to the right
flank ofthe work, calling upon his company to
follow. Lieut. Beach quickly supported him
with his company, and the enemy fled from the
redan, pursued by the troops of my command.
Great credit is due to the officers and men for
their rapid movements at this time, for the
whole hill side was mined, and, had the ene
my been allowed to fire their trains, great de
struction must have inevitably ensued.
Lieut. Seldon of the Bth infantry, of Captain
McKenzie's command, one ofthe first to mount
the scaling ladder, fell from its summit severely
wounded. Lieut. Rogers, 4th infantry, and
Lteut. Smith, sth infantry, of the same party,
were both distinguished by their heroic courage
and daring, and were both killed while nobly
leading on their men. Capt. McKenzie, selec
ted to lead the storming corps from the Ist di
vision, acted well his part after reaching the
heights, and sustained the character of the vet
eran division of which his command was a
part.
I have feebly endeavored to sketch the action,
and to notice the conduct of those who were
conspicuous in deeds of daring. I have no
doubt omitted many cases equally worthy of
consideration. But, in a general report, I can
not go farther into details, and must refer to the
reports of commanders of corps for more ex
tended information.
Suffering as I am from my wound, which
forces me to write while lying on my back, I
trust I shall be pardoned for any omission which
may have occurred in this report.
i regret that I was deprived during the ac
tion ofthe services of my brave, talented, and
accomplished Brigadier-General Pierce who
was confined to a sick bed. Captain Winship,
his adjutant-general, who was distinguished in
my staff i>y his talents and great daring at the
siege of Vera Cruz and at the battle of Cerro
Gordo, while 1 commanded a brigade, though
laboring under severe indisposition, and though
his chief was absent, was tievertheless upon
tiie field. Lieut. Fitzgerald, aid-de-camp to
General Pierce, in consequence of his illness,
volunteered his services to command one of
he companies ol the gallant New England re
giment. which distinguished itself, as did this
accomplished officer.
I was ably sustained and assisted during the
day by Brig.-Gen. Cadwalader, whose activity,
courage, and high military talents, have already
dislinguisned him on other fields, but upon
none more than this. I t ike pleasure in testi
lying my high sense of obligation to him, and to
his chivalric adjutant general, Capt. Geo. Deas.
M v entire medical staff’ was most prompt and
attentive to their duties. Surgeon Slade, of
the Lsih regiment, was upon the field and in
tiie charge, and parlook deeply ofthe patriotic
enthusiasm which animated both officers and
men ofthe command, and, while he did not for
get the duties of his profession, rendered effi
cient service in cheering on the men. He was
afterwards particularly active and rendered im
portant service in the command.
Ju concluding my report, 1 cannot adequate
ly express to the general-in chief the sense of
obligation I feel to my personal staff’for its dis
tinguished gallantry and patient endurance of
the dangers and fatigues incident to the brilliant
results just sketched. While more labor or
greater exposure has fallen to the lot of few of
ficers in this valley than myself, surely none
have been more ably supported by their per
sonal staff. In talents, in science, in personal
courage and chivalrous daring, in all, and with
all. they have aided and sustained me, and have
contributed, in no small degree, to bring about
the brilliant results which reflect so much hon
or and glory on our arms. In storming Cha
pullepec. having been myself cut down in the
deadly conflict, at the very walls of the castle.
1 felt doubly the value of their distinguished
services.
Captain Hooker, my adjutant-general, and
chief of my staff, was greatly distinguished
throughout this action, by his extraordinary
activity, energy and gallantry.
Lieut- Rains, 4th artillery, and Lieut. Ripley,
2d artillery my aids-de camp, never believed
with more gallantry, and never rendered me
services more vitally important than in this
memorable assault.
My volunteer aid-de-camp. Passed Mid. R.
C. Rogers, who has always served me with
great fearlessness, zeal and activity, on this oc
casion wa* separated from me early in the ac
tion, b» t was, I learn, among the foremost in
the conflict.
Having carried Chapuitepec, and being un
able to proceed with my command, the Gener
al-in-chief ordered it forward under Generals
Quitman and Worth; and my entire division,
except the sth infantry, (which was left to gar
rison Chapuitepec, and to guard the prisoners
by order of the General-in-chief.) actively par
ticipated in the subsequent achievements of our
army, resulting in the capture and possession
of thecity of Mexico.
In carrying the strong work, the enemy sus
tained very heavy loss. The grounds around
and the works upon Chapuitepec, and every
avenue of retreat from it. were literally strew
ed with his dead. At one place fifty dead bo
dies were counted in one heap. But no means
are left me of ascertaining his loss with accura
cy. Several hundred were gathered up by
tny men and buried while policing the yard of
Chapuitepec. Alter clearing the ground, his
wounded nearly filled the large apartments set
apart for nospitals in the castle.
Among the killed were General Perez and
Colonel Cano, of the engineers, and General
Saldana was wounded on the 12th.
We took about 800 prisoners, among whom
were Major-General Bravo, Brigadier-Generals
Moterde, Fonega, Doramentes, and Saldana;
also 3 colonels, 7 lieutenant-colonels, 40 cap
tains, 24 first and 27 second lieutenants.
That tiie enemy was in large force I know
certainly from f»ersonal observation. I know
it also from the fact that there were killed and
taken prisoners one major-general and six bri
gadiers. As there were six brigadier-generals,
there could not have been less than six bri
gades. One thousand men to each brigade,
(which is a low estimate, for we had previous
ly taken so many general officers prisoners that
the commands of others must have been consi
derably increased,) would make 6000 troops.
But independent of these evidences ofthe ene
: mv’s strength, I have General Bravo s own ac
count of tne strength of his command, gi\en
me only a few minutes after he was taken pri
ssner. He communicated to me. through Pass
ed Midshipman Rogers, that there were up
ward.* of <SOOO men in the works and surround
ing ground*. The killed, wounded and pri
soners. agreeably to the best estimate I can
form, were about I'o'l. and immense numbers
' of the enemy were *eru to e cape over the
* wn.l on the North and West side ol Chapuite-
I
My own force actually engaged in storming
' ifie work did not exceed' 1000 men.
The loss from iny command wa* 28 killed
'■ upon the hill; but the retur.-.s from my diffe
i rpnt corps not discriminating between tlm-e
’ wounded in thi* assault and th*e wounded in
tne after part «>f the day. (when 'bey had pass
ed from my command in consequence ol tny
beiH- unable to go for.vardj I cannot tell n.v
|< >s .in wounded in the assault npon Cbapul-
tola! loss in killed, wounded, and mis
sin-.'from mv proper division, during the days
of operation, i. 143—a return ofjwhich is ap
pended hereto.
1 hav« al»o appended (marked A) a Hat of of-
iicers of inferior grade#, non-couiiiiisfed offi
cers and privates, whose gallantry in assault is
deemed worthy of special notice, as appears
from the report of commanders of corps.
1 transmit herewith Brig.-Gen. Pierce’s re
port of the operations of his brigade on the Bth
instant.
I also forward a field return of my division
for the morning of the 13th. and the Mexican
flag captured upon the citadel of Chapultepec,
when that work was stormed upon the 13th by
my command.
I haye the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
Gid. J. Pillow, Major-General U. S. A.
Capt. H. L. Scott, A. A. A. General, Head
quarters of the Army.
Brevet Maj.-Gen. Worth’s Report.
Headquarters, First Division, )
City of Mexico, September 16, 1847. jj
Sir:— On the evening of the 12th instant, having
the verbal orders of the General-in-Chief to designate
a storming party, to aid in the assault upon the castle
of Chapultepec, a command from my division, with
scaling ladders, was organized, consisting of ten offi
cers—Capt. McKenzie, 2d artillery, commanding;
and two hundred and sixty men, volunteers, drawn
in due proportion from the several corps. At SA. M.
on the 13th these detachments assembled at the ap
pointed place, and proceeded to their duty. For the
manner in which this was executed, I refer to the re
port, herewith, of the gallant commander.
At the same time, 1 had the orders of the General
in-Chief to take position with the remainder of my
division and support the operations of Gen. Pillow.
This position was taken at the time and place appoint
ed, and that General informed of my preparations and
of my readiness to support him. Lieut. Semmes,
(navy,) one of my aids-de-camp, whom I desjiatched
with this intelligence, found Gen. Pillow, soon after
the assault had commenced, wounded at the foot-df the
hill. Gen. Pillow desired him to return to me, with
a request “to bring up my whole division, and make
great haste, or, he feared, 1 would be too late.’’ The
2d (Clark’s) brigade was ordered instantly tp advance.
It did so, passed on, mingled with the advancing
forces, and entered, with them, pell mell into the as- .
saulted work. Al the same instant, the Ist (Gar
land’s) brigade, the light battalion, under Lieut.-Col.
C. F. Smith, and Duncan’s battery, were put in mo
tion, around the northeastern base of the hill of Cha
pultepec, and moved, in operation, upon the San*.
Cosme route and aqueduct. After advancing some
400 yards, we came to a battery which had been as
sailed by a portion of Magruder’s field guns—particu
larly the section under the gallant Lieut. Jackson,
who, although he had lost most of his horses, and
many of his men, coulinued chivalrously nt his post,
combatting with noble courage. A portion of Gar
land’s brigade, which had been previously deployed
in the field to the left, now came up with, and defeat
ed the enemy’s right; the enemy’s left extending in
the direction of the Tacubaya aqueduct, on which
Quitman’s division was battling and advancing.
Pursuing the San Cosme road, we discovered an
arched passage through the aqueduct, and a cross
route practicable for artillery, for a considerable dis
tance over the meadows, in the direction of the bat
tery, and left of the enemy’s line, which was galling,
and endeavoring to check Quitman’s advance. Lieut.
Col. Duncan, with a section of his batteiy, covered
by Lieut.-Col. Smith’s battalion, was turned off upon
this route, and advancing to within 400 yards of the
enemy’s lines, (which was as far as the nature of the
ground would permit,) opened an effective fire—first
upon the battery, and then upon the retreating troops,
great numbers of whom were cut down. Having
thus aided the advance, and cleared the front (being
favorably situated) of my gallant friend Quitman, as
far as it was in my power, this portion of the command
was withdrawn. The 2d brigade now coming up, the
advance upon the main road was continued. Wo
soon came up with and carried a second battery, and
afterwards a third, both of them strong worksand en
filading the road. This brought us to the Campo
Santo, or English burying ground, near which the
road and aqueduct bend to the right. At this point
the General-in-Chief came up, with his staff, and in
structed me to press on, carrying the garita San
Cosme, and, if possible, penetrate to the Alameda.
Shortly after Brigadier-General Cadwalader reported
tome, by the order of the General-in-Chief; and,
later, between 8 and 9 P. M., Col. Riley, with the 2d
brigade, 2d division. The former was left in position
at the Campo Santo, to hold that point, and look to the
left and rear. The latter, coming up after the firing
hadeeased, was halted in rear of the Ist division, and
entered the city, with it, on the morning of the 14th.
Here we came in front of another battery, beyond
which, distant some two hundred and fifty yards, and
sustaining it, was the last defence, or the garita of
San Cosme. The approach to these two defences was
in a right line, and the whole space was literally
swep: by grape, canister and shells, from a heavy gun
and howitzer ; added to which, severe fires of mus
ketry were delivered from the tops of the adjacent
houses and churches. It hence became necessary to
vary our mode of operations. Garland's brigade was
thrown lu the right, within and masked by the aque
duct, and instructed to dislodge the enemy from the
buildings in his front, anil endeavor to reach and turn
the left of the garita, taking advantage of such cover
as might offer, to enable him to effect his objects.
Clark’s brigade was, at the Fame time, ordered to
take the buildings on the left of the road, and, by the
use of bars and picks, burrow through from house to
house, and, in like manner, carry the right of the
garita.
While these orders were being executed, a moun
ta n howitzer was placed on the top of a commanding
building on the left, and anolheron the church of San
Cosme, on the right, both of which opened with admi
rable effect. The work of the troops was tedious, and
necessarily slow, but was greatly favored by the fire
of the howitzers. Finally, at 5 o’clock, both column!
had reached their positions, and it then became ne
cessary, nt all hazards, to advance a piece of artillery
to the evacuated battery of the enemy, intermediate
between us and the garita. Lieut. Hunt was ordered
to execute this duty, which he did in the highest poe
sible style of gallantry; equally sustained by his ve
teran troops, with the loss of one killed and four
wounded, out of nine men, although the piece moved
at full speed over a distance of only one hundred and
fifty yards; reaching the breast-work, he came muz
zle to muzzle with the enemy. It haw never been my
fortune to witness a more brilliant exhibition of cour
age and conduct. The moment had now arrived f*»r the
final and combined attack upon the last stronghold of
the enemy in my quarter; it was made, by our men
springing, as if by magic, to the tops of the houses
in which they had patiently and quietly made their
way by the bur and pick, and to the utter surprise and
consternation of the enemy, opening upon him, with
in easy range, a destructive fire of musketry. A
single discharge, in which many of his gunners were
kilted at their pieces, was sufficient to drive him in
confusion from the breastwork; when a prolonged
shout ftotn our brave fellows announced that we were
in ;>Obsessi<»n of the garita of San Cosme, nnd already
in the city of Mexico.
At this point we again had the pleasure to meet the
President General in-chief, look one of his atds-de
camp, Capt. J<*e M. Castanary, and several superior
officers, with many other unimportant prisoners;
and one of my most gallant and leading subalterns
had the gratification of eating his Excellency’s well
prepared supper.
The remainder of the division was now marched
within the city gate, and Capt. Huger of the ordnance,
who had been directed by the General-in-Chief to
report to me with heavy guns, some time before, was
desired to advance a 24-pounder and a 10-inch mor
tar, place them in position, at the garita, obtain the
distance, and open a few shot and shells upon the
grand plaza and palace, assumed to be about IGOO
yards distant. This battery opened at 9 o’clock —
three shot being fired from the gun and five from the
mortar. They told with admirable effect, as at 1 o’-
clock at night a commission from the municipality
came to my advanced post with a flag, announcing that
immediately after the heavy guns opened, the gov
ernment and army commenced evacuating the city,
and that the commission was deputed to confer with
the General-in-Chief to whose headquarters it was
passed under Assistant Adjutant General Mackall.
At 5, A. M., on the 14th, my troops and heavy
guns advanced into the city, and occupied the Ala
meda, to the point where it fronts the palace, and
there halted at 6 o’clock, the General-in-chief having
instructed me to take a position and await his further
orders. Shortly after a straggling assassin-like fire
commenced from the house-tops, which continued in
various parts ofthe city, through the day, causing us
some loss. The first shot, fired ata group of, officers
at the head of my column, struck down Col. Garland,
badly wounded ; and later in the day Lieut. Sydney
Smith was shot down mortally wounded—since dead.
The free use of heavy battering guns upon every
building from which firing proceeded, together with
musketry from some of our men thrown out as skir
mishers, soon quelled these hidden and dastardly
enemies. About the time of our entrance into the
city, the convicts in the different prisons, to the num
ber of three thousand men, were liberated by order of
the fl\in<* government, armed and distributed in the
moFt advantageous houses, including the churches,con
vents, and even thejiospitals, for the purpose of exciting
if possible, the entire population of the city to re
volt, and effect by secret and dastardly means, what
the whole Mexican army had been unable to accom
plish. This was no time for half-way measures; and
if many innocent persons suffered incidentally, under
the just infliction of punishment we found it necessary
to bestow on these miscreants from the jails, the re
sponsibility should rest upon the barbarous and vin
dictive chief who iinposed upon us the necessity.
Officers and men of every corps carried themselves
with wonted gallantry and conduct. Be pleased to
refer to reports of subordinate commanders. Major
"umner with his cavalry reported to me on them rn
ingofthe 13th, was actively on service, and unoer
lire, and was advanced u;»on the San C< srne road to
oe at hand to pursue the enemy. Towards evening
die General-in-chief ordered h n command to re-occu
py Tacubaya. The commander and his excelien
corps rendered every service which the incidents of
the day offered to their ready acceptance.
1 have again to make acknowledgment, to Cola.
Garland and Clarke, brigade co.n.nanders, as also
to their reactive staff.; to lae.H Cols. Puncan and
.i ( • \l,' commanding, and tne follow
! * /,'•• •cr- c«cn'» >-ing the storming party, Lo ut.
'Liii 1 ami John-on, 3d artillery, (light
‘.auniiorj’-) Lieut.-*. Rodgers and McConnell, 4th m
> • L»eu?s. Armi.-tead aid Morrow, 6th infantry,
• .*! Lieut. >• hien, Bth infantry ; to Lieut. Col. Bel
in. 3d artillery ; Maj. Lee, 4th; and Br#-v» 1
Montgomery, B‘h infantry; to Lieut. Jackson, ‘
artillery, (Magruder’s light battery;) 2d
artillery, (Duncan’s light batteiy ;) .
rtdlrry ; LieuU. Lendrum ami > ‘ u ix , cia i|'y .
. Smith. Haller a. d Grant, 4«h o /nJ
’ Johnson, 6th, ,'u.ud.
,u_« n .. e . .’« * and Gales, sad Lieufr.
„d Piek«t (each di.tingui.lHd for gal-
placed ipen buildings and rendered tff« .