# History of the War between the United States and Mexico/Chapter 14

Contents
CHAPTER XIV.
CAPTURE OF MEXICO.
Preparations for a final attack on the City and its defences — Heavy Batteries planted — The Cannonade — Storming of Chapultepec — Advance of General Quitman to the Garita de Belén and the Ciudadela — Operations of General Worth on the San Cosmé Causeway — Flight of Santa Anna and his Army — Entrance of General Scott into the Capital — The Leperos — Quiet restored in the City — Change in the Mexican Administration.
Night and day the Mexicans labored to complete the fortifications of the Capital. The dull heavy sound of the mattock and spade, employed in digging ditches and throwing up breastworks, was continually heard. Men, women, and children, were constantly employed in the construction of additional defences. Alarm pervaded every breast, and was depicted on every countenance. Anxious groups were collected in the Plaza, and at the corners of the streets—each man eager to put forth the same inquiry, which rushed unbidden to his lips. Even those, who, with folded arms, had hitherto complacently regarded the progress of the war at a distance,—now that the banners of the beleaguering army could be discovered from their balconies and housetops, shared in the general feeling, that something must be done, and that promptly, to avert the impending danger. Letters had been addressed by the Secretary of State to the Governors of the states of Puebla and Mexico, calling for a levy en masse, to attack and harass the enemy, by every means which it was ​practicable to employ, "in the annihilating of an invading army." Circulars were sent by General Herrera, as military commandant of the city of Mexico, on the 7th of September, to the clergy, exhorting them to incite the people to resistance; Olaguibel, the governor of the state, also appealed to his fellow-citizens, to rally around the standard of their country in this emergency; and the alcaldes and magistrates employed the strong power of the law, to reinforce the army, and compel non-combatants to work in the trenches. The conviction and execution of a number of the deserters taken on the 20th of August, furnished a powerful argument to excite that fiercest and most vindictive of all passions — religious prejudice — among the populace; who were told that these men had been persecuted, solely because they were Roman Catholics, like themselves. ​But there was no heartiness in the ebullitions of patriotism thus aroused, and thus manifested. The feeling was short-lived and transient. There was a great Want of discipline in the disorganized mass, composing the Mexican army, of which their officers could not remain ignorant. Supplies were furnished slowly, and with a sparing hand. Santa Anna struggled, in vain, against his destiny; and equally futile were the efforts of his countrymen, now forced to experience the bitter consequences of their party strifes and dissensions, to prevent the triumphant entrance of the American soldiers into their capital.
The utmost activity prevailed in the camp of General Scott after the battle of the 8th of September; and the busy hum of preparation was heard at every hour of the day. Colonel Riley had been stationed at the village, or church, of Piedad, nearly two miles south of the city, with his brigade, and on the 9th instant, the division of General Pillow was also ordered thither. Covered by these corps, the engineer officers made their reconnaissances. In the afternoon of the 8th, Captain Lee, and Lieutenants Beauregard and Tower, proceeded along the Piedad causeway. to a barranca, or ravine, crossing that road, and the Niño Perdido and San Antonio causeways, a little over a mile from the city, and
​discovered the enemy in force on the two roads upon their right. On the 9th, General Scott, accompanied by Captain Lee, made an examination of the enemy's defences at the garita of San Antonio, and, on the following day, a thorough reconnaissance, in that quarter, and of the Paséo de las Vigas, connected with the San Antonio causeway by a road practicable for artillery, was executed by Lieutenants Beauregard,Stevens, and Tower., On the morning of the 11th, Captain Lee and Lieutenant Tower made another, and final examination, of the works commanding the southern approaches to the capital; the result of which was reported to the General-in-chief, at a council of war, held on the same day, at the church of La Piedad.
No serious collision took place with the enemy's forces during the execution of these reconnaissances. An occasional shot was thrown from the Mexican batteries at the garita of San Antonio; Lieutenant Colonel Duncan and Major Sumner had a slight skirmish with a small body of lancers, near Morales, on the morning of the 11th, in which two or three of the enemy were killed; and, in the afternoon, Captain Magruder fired upon a party of cavalry, about 500 strong, who were moving round the American right, in order, as was supposed, to discover their position and force. A number of shot and shells were thrown from his battery, planted in the hermitage at the end of the Niño Perdido causeway, and perfectly screened by rows of maguey, which caused the enemy to countermarch in haste, and retire under cover of their heavy guns. General Scott now resolved to put in execution a project which had been some time in contemplation. Including the works at the eight garitas, or principal entrances, there were forty-seven batteries around the ​city, prepared for 177 guns, and seventeen infantry breastworks; all of the batteries, however, could not be manned at the same time, in consequence of the deficiency in artillery. It was impossible to gain an admittance into the capital, with an army, except by passing along the elevated causeways, flanked, as has been described, by deep ditches and low marshy grounds — and through the fortified gates. South and west of the city, — the quarter to which the operations of General Scott were confined, — there were five causeways. The San Antonio causeway led directly from San Antonio, through Churubusco, to the plaza mayor. About one thousand yards further west, was the causeway of Niño Perdido, and rather more than that distance beyond it, was the Piedad causeway, both runing parallel to the causeway of San Antonio. The Piedad causeway intersected the Tacubaya, or Chapultepec causeway and aqueduct, at the south-western angle of the city; and the San Cosmé causeway and aqueduct, with the aqueduct and causeway leading from the height of Chapultepec, approached from the west, at right angles with the southern causeways, and, at its entrance into the capital, was nearly one mile distant from the Chapultepec causeway. At the intersection of the Piedad with the Chapultepec cause — way, was the garita of Belén; and there was a garita also, on each of the other causeways mentioned. Besides these main causeways, there was a smaller one, called the Paséo de las Vigas, with a garita, about eight hundred yards cast of the San Antonio causeway.
The enemy anticipated that an attempt would be made upon the city, from the causeway of San Antonio, and their efforts were principally directed to the strengthening of the fortifications in that quarter, ​although the other approaches were not neglected. The garita of San Antonio was about a mile in advance of that on the causeway of Niño Perdido, and, between the two, there were three batteries, and a trench traversing diagonally the grazing grounds. On the east, between the garita of San Antonio and the Paséo de las Vigas, there were two batteries. These batteries were well supplied with heavy guns, which, being placed in position, could not be counter-battered with much hope of success, by the lighter pieces of the Americans planted in the open and unprotected ground. Near the Mexican lines there was also not far from 12,000 infantry, stationed there to support the batteries and repel an assault. From three to four hundred yards in advance of the Belén gate, on the Piedad causeway, was a battery without guns, with a breastwork for infantry, facing the west, intervening between it and the garita. At the gate there was a battery of three guns, with another battery of four guns eight hundred yards in its front, on the Chapultepec causeway. East and north of the garita of Belén, was the citadel with its fifteen guns, near the northwestern angle of which, on a paséo running north from the crate, was a battery of two guns. At the San Cosmé gate there was a battery mounting one heavy gun and a howitzer, and there were several other batteries, without guns, in advance of it, and on the branch causeway leading from the heights of Chapultepec. Some six or seven thousand Mexicans, cavalry and infantry, besides the permanent garrison of Chapultepec, were posted in its vicinity, and on the slopes south and east of Morales.
The route by the San Cosmé causeway was the most feasible of all; but, in order to reach it, it would ​be necessary to make a wide and hazardous circuit, unless the fortress on the steep and rocky bluff of Chapultepec should be first carried. General Scott, however, decided to storm the castle, and to approach the city by the Chapultepec and San Cosmé causeways, — designing to make the main attack by the latter road. But to accomplish this without too great loss, it was requisite that the enemy should be kept in ignorance of the movement up to the latest hour, and that, when discovered, they should mistake it for a feint, and be led to suppose that the Americans intended to return and assault the formidable batteries of San Antonio.
In pursuance of this plan, the details of which were settled at the council held on the 11th instant, General Quitman was immediately ordered to join General Pillow, by daylight, before the southern gates, with his division, previously stationed at Coyoacan. After dark, on the night of the 11th, both generals, with their divisions, proceeded to Tacubaya, where General Scott was quartered with the division of General Worth. General Twiggs remained at Piedad, — two miles east of Tacubaya, and, within a few hundred yards, as far north as the garita of San Antonio, — with the brigade of Colonel Riley, and the batteries of Captains Taylor and Steptoe, to make false attacks, or threaten the works on the southern side of the city, and thus deceive the enemy. General P. F. Smith was left at San Angel with his brigade, but received orders to join General Quitman early in the morning of the 13th. Major Sumner was directed to march to Tacubaya at daybreak on the 12th, with six companies of the 2nd dragoons, one of the 1st dragoons, and one company of mounted rifles. The remainder of the cavalry, ​with the 12th infantry, Lieutenant Colonel Bonham, one company of the 3rd and one of the 7th infantry, the whole commanded by Colonel Harney, were ordered to garrison Mixcoac, now the general depot of the army.
During the night of the 11th, and in the morning of the 12th, four batteries were traced and established L near the height of Chapultepec, by Captains Huger and Lee, with the assistance. of other ordnance. and engineer officers, and working parties detailed for the purpose. Number 1, mounting two sixteen-pounders, and one 8-inch howitzer, was placed on the Tacubaya causeway, to fire on the south side of the castle; number 2, mounting one twenty-four pounder, and one 8-inch howitzer, On the ridge south of El Molino Del Rey, and opposite the south-west angle of the castle; number 3, which received, in the course of the day, one sixteen-pounder and one 8-inch howitzer, near the mill, some three hundred yards to the north and east of number 2, having the wall of the aqueduct as a parapet; and number 4, mounted with a 10-inch mortar, at El Molino, under cover of the high wall formed by the aqueduct, and opposite the west front of the castle. Numbers 1 and 2 were well masked by bushes, and ready to commence cannonading the castle, at an early hour on the 12th.
An unusual degree of alarm pervaded the city on the afternoon of the 11th, when General Quitman was discovered advancing along the Piedad causeway with his division; but, as no further movement was perceived, it soon subsided. All was yet still on the ensuing day, when the rising sun first threw his golden ​beams over the bristling peaks of the Cordilleras, — - — which fell tremblingly upon the lakes of the valley, and the cool jets of crystal water gushing up from the fountains in the Alameda, and suffused palace and convent — dome, and spire, and cross — with waves of sparkling sheen. It was the last hour of quiet enjoyed by the residents of the capital, until the American flag, tattered and torn in many a perilous conflict, but floating proudly as ever, waved in triumph over the Palacio of Mexico.
Having placed his battery of twelve — pounders in an advantageous position, near Piedad, Captain Steptoe opened a brisk and intense fire, at daylight on the 12th, on the enemy's works at the southern gates, which was kept up steadily throughout the day, and silenced the battery at the garita of San Antonio, whose guns were driven within the walls of the city. The Mexicans returned his fire, and the alarm-bells commenced ringing. Peal upon peal resounded through the streets, rousing the inhabitants from their slumbers, and calling them, in crowds, to the azoteas, or flat roofs, of their dwellings. Jalousies were flung open in haste, and the flashing eyes of the Castilian gazed anxiously forth, through the clouds of morning mist and sulphurous smoke, momentarily lighted by the glare of artillery. Squadrons of lancers dashed to and fro, and the paséos were soon thronged with groups of soldiers and citizens hurrying hither and thither. Scarcely an hour passed, when batteries 1 and 2, opposite Chapultepec, supported by the division of General Quitman — the former served by Captain Drum, assisted by Lieutenants Benjamin and Porter, with his company of the 4th artillery; and the latter by a detachment of ordnance ​men, under Lieutenant Hagner — joined in the fierce cannonade.
The furious storm of missiles poured from the American batteries upon the castle of Chapultepec and its defences, drove the enemy's light troops and skirmishers from the grove in the surrounding inclosure, and compelled most of the supporting force, stationed in and near the fortress, to retire out of range. At the same time the fire of the guns in the castle, which had vigorously answered the attack, was sensibly slackened. Availing themselves of the favorable moment, the American ordnance and engineer officers prepared batteries 3 and 4 for action. Number 3 was manned by Captain Brooks, of the 2nd artillery, with his company, who was relieved, in the evening, by another company of the same regiment, under Lieutenant Anderson, assisted by Lieutenant Russell, of the 4th infantry: — — during the fire, the stock of the sixteen pounder was broken, leaving only the 8-inch howitzer in the battery; but the broken piece was subsequently replaced by a twenty-four pounder gun. Number 4 was served by a detachment of ordnance men under Lieutenant Stone.
Shortly after daybreak, on the 12th, Lieutenant Colonel Hébert had taken possession of El Molino del Rey, under a severe shower of shot and shell from the Castle of Chapultepec, with a force organized for the purpose, and General Cadwalader afterwards occupied it with his brigade. General Pillow displayed the remainder of his division, including Magruder's battery, and excepting the 12th infantry, which constituted part of the garrison of Mixcoac, on the battle-ﬁeld of the 8th instant, with the cavalry command of Major Sumner on his left, both to support batteries 3 and 4, and to hold in ​check the Mexican lancers and infantry, under Generals Alvarez and Rangel, occupying the slopes north and west of Chapultepec. Several feints were made by the enemy, but they did not attempt to molest General Pillow.
The permanent garrison of Chapultepec probably did not much exceed 1,000 men, commanded by General Bravo; but there was a force at least 6000 strong in the adjoining grounds, and within supporting distance. on the outside, in rear, and towards the city. The eléves of the military school, under their superintendent, General Monterde, also aided in the defence of the post. There were ten pieces of artillery in the castle, some of which were of very heavy calibre. The heights were dotted all over with bastions, parapets, redoubts, and batteries. There Was a battery of three guns on the Tacubaya road, at the south-east angle of the inclosure, flanked by a one-gun battery, sweeping the low grounds between it and the causeway, a short distance to the west; and a few hundred yards beyond the latter, there was another battery. About four hundred yards east of the mill, on the road passing along the north side of Chapultepec, there was ​a battery of two guns, and a second one where the aqueduct and causeway lead off to the San Cosmé road.
The castle suffered terribly from the fire of the American batteries on the 12th. The guns were aimed with such precision that the flag-staff was several times carried away; the lofty dome surmounting the magnificent pile was shivered; the light woodwork of the apartments appropriated to the school was torn into splinters; embrasures were shattered; thick stone walls crumbled away; sodded rampe and terrace were furrowed by the ploughing shot; and a wide breach was effected in the southern wall near El Molino del Rey. Howitzer shells fell hissing and sputtering into the pools of water in the wet and springy grove at the western base of Chapultepec, and whirling balls came thundering and crashing down upon the heads of the men in the breastworks. Both the garrison and the supporting force sustained a severe loss; discipline scarcely remained among the terrified soldiers; the confidence based on superior strength, in numbers and position, was nearly gone; they were already cowed and disheartened; and numbers deserted on the night of the 12th, anxious but to escape the horrors of the assault which they anticipated would soon be made.
At dark, the Americans, who had been comparatively unharmed, suspended their fire, and General Pillow drew his whole force down to the mill. The enemy's works were now well crippled, and, at another meeting of his officers. General Scott made his final arrangements for storming the castle on the morning of the 13th. The bombardment was ordered to be continued for two or three hours after sunrise, and the momentary cessation of the fire was to be the signal for the assault. General ​Quitman was directed to make the attack with his division on the south and cast, Where the hill, though steep and rocky, was accessible; and General Pillow was to advance, at tile same time, with his column, from the west. On the north the height was so precipitous that it could not be approached from that quarter. Storming parties, mostly volunteers for the attack, each containing about 250 rank and file, were selected from the divisions of Generals Worth and Twiggs, to lead the assaulting columns. The party furnished from Worth's division was commanded by Captain Mackenzie, of the 2nd artillery, who joined General Pillow; and that furnished from Twiggs' division, by Captain Casey, of the 2nd infantry, who reported to General Quitman. A second storming party of 120 men, under Major Twiggs, of the marines, was organized by General Quitman from his division. Pioneer parties were also selected, to accompany the stormers with ladders, fascines, picks, and crowbars. General Worth was ordered to hold his division in reserve, near El Molino del Rey, to support General Pillow, and General Smith was directed to support General Quitman with his brigade.
During the night of the 12th, Captain Paul, of the 7th infantry, in command of an advanced picket of fifty men, established on the road to Chapultepec, had a brisk skirmish with one of the enemy's outposts, which was driven back. Apprehensive that this demonstration was intended to cover the passage of reinforcements into the castle, General Quitman ordered Lieutenant Andrews, of the 3rd artillery, to advance a piece of artillery, and rake the road with several discharges of canister. This being done, every thing remained quiet till the early dawn, when General Twiggs ​was again heard thundering at the southern gates. The batteries near Chapultepec, — Lieutenant Andrews relieving Captain Drum, for a short time, with his company of the 3rd artillery, and the Guns of the fortress, were instantly at work. The cannonade soon swelled into a continuous roar, and the solid earth shook with the dreadful concussion. The batteries were kept playing for about two hours, in which time one of the sixteen-pounders, in battery number 1, was disabled; and showers of grape, canister, and shells, were then thrown into the groves and shrubbery around the castle. At eight o'clock, the order to cease firing was given, and the attacking columns moved forward — the guns once more opening, immediately after the advance, and keeping up an incessant fire, over the heads of the assailants, till they were masked.
The American troops had mostly slept on their arms. Though somewhat fatigued, and entertaining, it may be, considerable anxiety as to the result of the approaching struggle, a bright glow was imparted to their cheeks by the confidence and courage that continued to animate them. There were no laggards, — none to falter; and a beaming light sparkled in the eye of him who shook his comrade's hand at parting, and a high-souled daring curled his lip, when he. went forth to battle, bearing with him the premonition of an early death, which, though it saddened the heart, had no enervating power. All felt the importance of the movement. But little over ten thousand in number, they had precipitated themselves into a valley swarming with enemies. Fighting their way through rivulets of blood, — through the intrenchments of Contreras, San Antonio, ​and Churubusco, — victors, too, at Casa de Mata and El Molino, — a sadly diminished band of less than 8,000 effective men, — their communications with the seacoast obstructed or cut off, — they now stood before a hostile city, every house, with its flat roofs and parapets, and every convent, church, and public edifice of which, could be converted into a fortification, containing 200,000 inhabitants, and defended by a frowning castle, by powerful batteries, and an army 25,000 strong. It was, indeed, a last stroke, — but life, death, every thing, depended on the issue!
General Pillow had placed one section of Captain Magruder's battery, inside the extensive range of buildings of which El Molino formed a part, to clear a sandbag breastwork constructed by the enemy, outside the southern wall of the inclosure around Chapultepec, to command the breach made by the siege guns. The mountain howitzers of the voltigeurs, under Lieutenant Reno, were also planted in battery, in rear of the mill, to aid in driving the Mexican light troops from the grove, and from a strong intrenchment extending nearly across its front. These batteries were admirably served, and effected good execution. When the order was given to advance, Lieutenant Colonel Johnstone rushed forward, with one battalion of voltigeurs, on the south side of the main wall, under a brisk ﬁre from the lunette, and sprang through the breach. Deploying at a run, they drove the enemy from the parapet before the rear companies were in line. Meanwhile Colonel Andrews and Major Caldwell had passed through a narrow gateway, opening from the rear of the mill, with the remaining battalion of the voltigeurs, and advanced on the left of Lieutenant Colonel Johnstone's command. Darling from tree to tree, covered by the bolls of the ​huge cypresses, the regiment made the wood ring with the sharp crack of their rifles, and the howitzer shells of Lieutenant Reno filled the air with falling leaves and branches, as they scattered the enemy's skirmishers in confusion.
A loud cheer from the voltigeurs soon announced that they had cleared the grove of the Mexican sharpshooters. The stormers, under Captain Mackenzie, with percussion caps removed, and depending on the bayonet alone, were now ordered forward. The 9th and 15th infantry, under Colonel Ransom and Lieutenant Colonel Howard, — Colonel Morgan being still disabled from his wounds, — followed rapidly, accompanied by General Pillow. On emerging into the open space, from twenty to thirty yards broad, at the foot of the acclivity, the troops became exposed to a terrible fire of shot, shell, and musketry, from the batteries and breastworks of the castle. General Pillow fell severely wounded, though afterwards borne along in the arms of his men, as they pressed onward to secure the victory. Colonel Ransom was shot dead at the head of his regiment, and Major Seymour assumed the command.
General Cadwalader, in the absence of General Pierce, who was yet an invalid, promptly led on the column. The battalion of voltigeurs under Colonel Andrews, and the 9th and 15th infantry, pushed up the height, shouting and cheering as they forced the enemy from shelter to shelter. Balls and shells fell upon them like rain. "There was death below, as well as above ground. The hill-side was mined; — but, fortunately, it was discovered in time. The men appointed to fire the mines fell before the unerring aim of the voltigeurs, ​watering with their blood the trains which they had vainly endeavored to ignite. In their haste, the attacking parties outstripped the stormers, who had moved on more slowly until the ground should be relinquished by their comrades; and when they gained the crest of the counterscarp, they were obliged to wait for the ladders, without which the works could not be carried: They then partially sheltered themselves in the crevices of the rocky acclivity, and poured an incessant fire upon the enemy behind their breastworks and parapets.
At the request of General Pillow, General Worth had detached Colonel Clarke with his brigade, consisting of the 5th, 6th, and 8th infantry, under Captain Chapman, and Majors Bonneville and Montgomery, to support the attack. Portions of these regiments joined the assaulting column, as Captain Mackenzie came up with his command. The delay was of brief duration. The ditch was crossed, and the ladders planted. Hand-grenades and musket-balls were poured upon the assailants, and the first who mounted the ladders fell to the earth, either killed or severely wounded; others took their places, and gained the parapet. The color-bearer of the voltigeurs being shot down, Captain Barnard snatched the flag, scaled the wall with it unfurled, and planted it in advance of any other color. One of the salients of the outer work was in their possession, and the columns moved forward upon the castle.
In the meantime, Lieutenant Colonel Johnstone, with his battalion, accompanied by Lieutenant Reno with two of the howitzers, had passed round to the right, up the paved road leading in a triangular form to the main gate on the south side of the castle. Here he encountered a warm fire from the parapet of the east terrace, and the battery at its base. Lieutenant Reno ​brought his guns into action, and served them efficiently, until, being wounded at the gateway, he resigned his charge to Lieutenant Beauregard, of the engineers. A vigorous attack was at once made by the command, when the works were reduced.
The column under General Quitman, guided by Lieutenant Tower, had advanced to the assault, along the Tacubaya road, with equal promptitude and enthusiasm. General Smith moved in reserve with his brigade, prolonging his right beyond that flank of the assaulting column, to protect it from skirmishers, and from the enemy's forces lining the causeway leading from Chapultepec to the city. Lieutenant Hunt, who had reported to General Quitman, with a howitzer and six-pounder gun belonging to Duncan's battery, followed the main column, and having gained a position in the road, within easy range of the castle, opened his fire, throwing shell and shrapnel shot that exploded directly over the parapets on the lower part of the hill, from which the enemy's ﬁre seemed hottest, and elevating his pieces as the troops advanced. The storming parties under Major Twiggs and Captain Casey, supported by the battalion of marines, under Lieutenant Colonel Watson, dashed forward, with hearty cheers, upon the battery at the south-east angle of the height. Major Twiggs receiving a mortal wound, Captain Miller, of the 2nd Pennsylvania, took command of his party; and Captain Casey being also disabled, Captain Paul, of the 7th infantry, assumed his place. The contest at the battery was hand-to-hand, and for a short time was stoutly maintained. Parties of the rifle regiment joined the stormers, and entered the works with them. Being unable to ​withstand the impetuous onset of their antagonists, the enemy abandoned their guns, and retired in haste.
The remaining regiments of General Quitman's division, — the New York and South Carolina volunteers, under Lieutenant Colonel Baxter and Major Gladden, and the 2nd Pennsylvania, under Lieutenant Colonel Geary, Colonel Roberts being confined to a sick bed, — led by General Shields, who had solicited the command of the storming parties, but had been refused on account of his rank, after proceeding about half a mile along the causeway, turned to the left, and making their way through fields intersected by deep ditches, filled with water, under a severe fire of grape and musketry, approached the southern wall of Chapultepec. The Palmettos broke through it, and charged up the height, without firing a gun. Lieutenant Colonel Baxter being mortally wounded, Major Burnham placed himself at the head of the New Yorkers, and entered the inclosure, in company with the 2nd Pennsylvania, through an abandoned battery, to the left. Lieutenant Reid, with his company of the New York regiment, and a company of marines, moving still further to the left, passed through the breach made by the heavy guns, and was soon among the foremost of the parties who had assaulted the work from the west. A portion of the storming party from General Twiggs' division, under Lieutenant Gantt, of the 7th infantry, also ascended the hill.
A simultaneous rush was now made upon the east, south, and west of the castle. Scaling-ladders were applied on all sides. Major Seymour, of the 9th infantry, reached the ﬂag-staff, and hauled down the Mexican standard, — and the national color of the New York regiment, the first on the fortress, was displayed, ​by Lieutenant Reid, — while the battle was raging at their feet. For a few moments the conflict was terrible. General Bravo and his soldiers made a sturdy defence. The eléves of the military school fought bravely and gallantly. Swords clashed; bayonets were crossed; and rifles clubbed. The cruelty of the enemy at Casa de Mata was not forgotten; and the ramparts and batteries were covered with those who had fallen, some maimed and disabled, but many cold and stiff as the rocks and stones that formed their resting place. Carried away with indignation, for a moment the American soldiers seemed inclined to make no prisoners; but the earnest remonstrances of their officers, checked the exhibition of a feeling, which, though not unprovoked, would have sullied the flag under which they fought. Resistance, however, was in vain; the work was carried; — and General Bravo surrendered himself and men prisoners of war.
While the assaulting parties were engaged in storming the height of Chapultepec, Colonel Trousdale had moved along the road at the northern base of the height, with the 14th infantry, and a section of Magruder's battery, under Lieutenant Jackson, — Lieutenant Colonel Hébert remaining at the mill, temporarily in charge of the 11th infantry. A destructive fire was opened upon the command from the two-gun battery, which was actively returned by Lieutenant Jackson. The section was dreadfully cut up, and almost disabled; the infantry support lost several men; ​and Colonel Trousdale and some of his officers were badly wounded. Leaving Major Hunter with the 11th infantry, Lieutenant Colonel Hébert hastened forward to take command of his regiment. A demonstration made by a body of the enemy on this flank, was checked by Major Hunter; but their forces, in large numbers, were discovered rallying upon the branch causeway and aqueduct leading to the San Cosmé road, and threatening the section of the battery commanded by Lieutenant Jackson. Captain Magruder pushed on to his assistance with the other section; and, at the same time, General Worth turned the mill and advanced upon the road, with Colonel Garland's brigade, — consisting of the 2nd and 3rd artillery, under Captain Brooks and Lieutenant Colonel Belton, and the 4th infantry. Major Lee, — the light battalion of Lieutenant Colonel C. F. Smith, Duncan's battery, and three squadrons of dragoons, under Major Sumner.
A flank movement of a portion of Colonel Garland's brigade completed the capture of the breastwork, under the fire of Lieutenant Jackson's guns, and General Worth continued his advance, attacking the right of the enemy's line resting on the branch causeway, and driving them before him, at the moment of the general retreat consequent upon the capture of the castle. He then rapidly pursued the routed enemy, in the direction of the San Cosmé road.
As soon as his command could be formed and supplied with ammunition. General Quitman also advanced on the Chapultepec causeway, the more direct route to the city. Meanwhile Captain Drum had brought up a four-pounder captured gun, and was moving along the causeway, pouring a constant fire upon the flying Mexicans. The rifle regiment commanded by Major ​Loring, formed under the arches of the aqueduct, and the remainder of General Smith's brigade — the 1st artillery and 3rd infantry, under Major Dimmick and Captain Alexander — levelled the parapets and filled up the ditches in the road, so as to permit the passage of heavy artillery. This being done, the whole column was put in motion.
General Scott arrived at the castle shortly after its reduction, and immediately ordered Colonel Clarke, with his brigade, to join his division, and also dispatched the brigade of General Cadwalader to the support of General Worth. The 9th infantry was ordered to follow the movement of General Quitman, and the 15th was designated as the garrison of Chapultepec. Siege pieces were likewise directed to be sent forward to both columns. Having issued these orders, General Scott proceeded along the road taken by General Worth. Two heavy pieces, under Lieutenant Hagner, escorted by a command of New York volunteers and marines, under Captain Gallagher, and two pieces and a 10-inch mortar escorted by the 14th infantry, followed, as soon as they could be got in readiness. Captain Huger also sent heavy guns to General Quitman, and then joined the column of General Worth.
The first obstacle encountered by General Quitman was the battery between the castle of Chapultepec and the garita of Belén. A short, but effective fire, from an 8-inch howitzer brought up by Lieutenant Porter, directed by Captain Drum; aided by Lieutenant Colonel Duncan's battery, — which had been advanced, by direction of General Worth, from the causeway along which his column was moving, supported by the light battalion, over a cross route, to within four hundred yards of the work — together with the daring and ​bravery of the rifle regiment, soon cleared the battery. The column was forthwith reorganized for an attack upon the work at the garita. The rifles, intermingled with the South Carolina volunteers, led the advance, supported by the remainder of General Quitman's division and the brigade of General Smith, and a part of the 6th infantry, under Major Bonneville, who had fallen into this road.
Springing boldly from arch to arch of the aqueduct, the advance moved upon the garita, under a tremendous fire of grape, canister, and round shot, from the battery, and of small-arms from the paséo on their left, and the Piedad causeway on their right. The enemy had been completely deceived by the movements of General Scott, and did not recover from their delusion until the American troops were seen streaming along the San Cosmé and Chapultepec causeways. It was then too late to plant new batteries, or shift their guns. Still a brave defence was made at the Belén garita, by General Terres, who commanded the forces at this point, supported by a strong reserve under General Garey. Santa Anna also hastened thither; and for a few moments the conflict was warm and animated.
Several rounds of canister, thrown from a sixteen pounder gun, pushed forward to the head of the American column by Lieutenant Benjamin, checked the annoying fire of the Mexican infantry on the Piedad causeway, who were soon after driven back by the-4th artillery, under Major Gardner, advancing for the purpose from their position near the church of La Piedad. Both gun and howitzer were then opened on the garita. The rifles, now under Captain Simonson, Major Loring having been severely wounded, from their partial cover beneath the arches of the aqueduct, picked ​off the artillerists, one by one; the enemy's infantry refused to be led forward; and the removal of their guns was commenced. Discovering this, General Quitman ordered a charge. The Americans sprang forward with eager impetuosity, entered the work at a few minutes past one o'clock in the afternoon, and captured two of its guns. General Quitman was among the first at the garita, and none of the colors having yet come up, attached a silk handkerchief to a rifle, and waved it over the battery, amid the joyous shouts of his brave soldiers.
The garita being taken, the riflemen and South Carolina volunteers rushed on, and occupied the arches of the aqueduct, within one hundred yards of the citadel. The ammunition of the heavy guns having been expended, Captain Drum turned a captured nine-pounder upon the enemy, and served it with good effect, until the ammunition taken with it was also expended. Daring as was the advance of the American column, they had proceeded too far without the necessary siege guns and ammunition. Yet they held their ground firmly under a most appalling fire. Captain Drum, Lieutenant Benjamin, and a number of their men, were killed at the gun which had been run forward in front of the garita, waging an unequal contest with the heavy artillery in the citadel. When the enemy perceived that the Americans had expended their ammunition, they rallied to drive them back from the lodgement which had been effected. Repeated, though ineffectual sallies, were made, and both sides of the aqueduct were swept by the iron shower poured from the citadel, the batteries on the paséo, and the buildings on the right of the garita. An attempt to enfilade the left flank of the column being apprehended, Captain Naylor took ​possession of a low sand-bag defence, about one hundred yards to the left of the causeway, with two companies of the 2nd Pennsylvania; and held it, under a severe fire, till nightfall, when the Mexican batteries ceased firing.
Sweeping the enemy with the utmost ease, from the two batteries enfilading the route, at which they vainly endeavored to make a successful stand, General Worth arrived at the intersection of the branch causeway with the San Cosmé road, about two miles distant from Chapultepec. Here, on his left, was a formidable work at the Campo Santo, or English burying-ground, but entirely destitute of guns. Leaving the brigade of General Cadwalader at this point to protect his rear, General Worth turned to the right, and moved cautiously along the road towards the garita of San Cosme, where Genera] Range] was in command. Several hundred yards further on, the column came upon a strong adobé breastwork, two hundred and fifty yards in front of the garita. The approach to the two defences was in a right line, and the whole space was raked by grape, canister, and shells, from the heavy gun and howitzer in the battery at the gate; in addition to which, an incessant fire of musketry was poured from the tops of the houses and churches, flanking the road. Lieutenant Hagner was ordered forward with his pieces; but, it being found impossible to bring them into action, on account of the nature of the ground, they were withdrawn.
General Worth then decided to vary his mode of operations. Lieutenant Johnson, with a portion of the 6th infantry, moved to the right, in rear of several small buildings, until he reached a large dwelling fronting the street. Having broken into the house, his men ​tore open the windows, and commenced firing upon the Mexicans behind the breastwork. A similar movement to the left was made by Captain Brooks, of the 2nd artillery, and Lieutenant Grant of the 4th infantry, with small parties. Other troops passing still further up, gained a cross street, and came down on the enemy's rear, when the latter fell back to the garita. An attempt to regain the work was prevented by the fire of a section of Magruder's battery, under Lieutenant Jackson. The brigade of Colonel Garland was now thrown to the right, and that of Colonel Clarke to the left, with orders to burrow their way, from house to house, with picks and bars. A mountain howitzer was also placed on the top of a commanding building on the left, and another on the church of San Cosmé on the right, under Lieutenant Hagner, of the ordnance, and Captain Edwards of the voltigeurs, which soon occasioned considerable commotion among the enemy. The contest for the possession of the garita to which Santa Anna had retired, after his unsuccessful attempt to prevent the advance of General Quitman, equally deluded, however, if he hoped to achieve a triumph over the caution, bravery, and skill of General Worth — was spirited, but somewhat desultory; detached parties of the different commands, crossing and recrossing the street, as opportunity served, to enter some narrow lane, or spring through some open gateway. At five o'clock in the afternoon, both columns had reached their positions, and it then became necessary, at all hazards, to advance a piece of artillery to the captured breastwork. This was gallantly done by Lieutenant Hunt, of Duncan's light battery, who lost five, out of nine men, in moving at full speed over a distance of one hundred and fifty yards. Reaching the ​breastwork, and pointing his gun through one of the embrasures, he came muzzle to muzzle with the enemy. At the same moment, the troops who had burrowed through the houses, sprang to the roofs, doors, and windows. Lieutenant Johnson, with a number of good marksmen from the 6th and 8th infantry, had entered a small adobé shed facing the road; and Major Buchanan had ascended to the top of a house overlooking the garita, with a part of the 4th infantry.
For an instant the street was one blaze of ﬁre. But a single withering volley was sufficient, — and a loud prolonged shout was raised by the victors, as the Mexicans fled from the garita. Captain Mackenzie, with the remnant of his storming party, and Lieutenant Colonel Belton, with the 2nd and 3rd artillery, and 4th infantry, rushed up the road, and the other troops also darted forward. The heavy gun in the work, a sixteen-pounder, was captured, and turned upon the enemy, by Captain Bomford and Lieutenant Merchant, of the 8th infantry, "to expedite their departure." Lieutenants Sydney Smith and Judah, of the 4th infantry, with Lieutenant G. W. Smith, of the engineers, and a small party of sappers and miners, pursued them nearly half a mile into the city, and captured a gun, and a number of prisoners, among whom was an aid of Santa Anna; and one of them had the gratification of eating a supper prepared for his Excellency.
During the operations of General Worth in front, an effort was made to annoy his left flank by a body of the enemy, cavalry and infantry, who were driven off by Captain Biddle, with his company of voltigeurs, and a mountain howitzer. After the capture of the garita, General Worth placed his division in secure positions on the right and left of the road, and ​established picket guards. Captain Huger then advanced two siege pieces, and a 10-inch mortar, to the garita, and fired a few 24-pound shot: and, between nine and. ten o'clock in the evening, he threw several shells from the mortar in the direction of the National Palace, about sixteen hundred yards distant.
Early in the afternoon, General Scott had returned to Chapultepec. The remaining brigade of General Twiggs, (Colonel Riley's), was ordered from Piedad, to support General Worth; and Captain Steptoe was directed to rejoin General Quitman's division with his battery. Intrenching tools and ammunition were also sent to General Quitman, whose men were busily employed, throughout the night, in constructing two sandbag breastworks and parapets, at the garita of Belén, upon which two heavy guns and an 8-inch howitzer were placed in battery by Captain Steptoe. Late in the evening General Shields was forced to retire, in consequence of a severe wound received at the storming of the castle, but his place was filled by General Pierce, who reported for duty to General Quitman.
But all these preparations for the reduction of the capital proved to be unnecessary. When the blazing shells thrown by Captain Huger were seen falling into the Plaza, Santa Anna, and his officers and advisers, were convinced that it was useless to struggle longer. They were besought, on every hand, to prevent a bombardment; the inhabitants were fleeing in alarm; and insubordination began to make its appearance in the army. A hurried consultation was held, at which it was decided to evacuate the city. Before midnight the causeways unoccupied by the American troops, were thronged with fugitives; with wagons, tumbrils, gun-carriages and caissons; with ambulances and ​did coaches; horse and foot, officers and soldiers, camp followers and citizens — a motley mass — mingled together in confusion.
At one o'clock in the morning of the 14th, a deputation from the ayuntamiento, or city council, came to the advanced post of General Worth, announcing that the officers of the national government and the army had commenced retiring from the city, and that they were authorized to confer with the General-in-chief of the American forces. On their arrival at the head-quarters of General Scott, they informed him of the evacuation, and demanded terms of capitulation in favor of the church, the citizens, and the municipal authorities. They were promptly informed by General Scott that he would sign no capitulation; that the city had been virtually in his possession, from the time when a lodgement had been made on the previous day; that he regretted the escape of the Mexican troops; that he should levy a moderate contribution for special purposes; and that "the American army should come under no terms not self-imposed — such only as its own honor, the dignity of the United States, and the spirit of the age," demanded and required.
Upon the termination of the interview with the city deputation, General Scott dispatched orders to Generals Worth and Quitman, to advance slowly and cautiously towards the heart of the city. At six o'clock, the head of General Worth's division had reached the street leading direct from the Alameda to the plaza mayor, on which the National Palace, containing the halls of Congress and the executive offices of the national government, is situated; and it would have been the first to arrive at "that goal of general ambition," had it ​not been halted by direction of General Scott. At dawn of day, General Quitman had taken possession of the citadel, upon the invitation of the civil authorities which was temporarily garrisoned by the South Carolina volunteers; and he soon after moved the remainder of his column, the rifle regiment leading the way, in the direction of the National Palace. Arriving at the great square, he formed his men in front of the Palacio, and at seven o'clock in the morning of the 14th of September, 1847, the American flag,——" the first strange banner which had ever waved over that palace since the conquest of Cortés," — was planted by Captain Roberts, of the rifles, and saluted by the whole command, with every demonstration of applause and satisfaction.
General Scott and his staff, in full uniform, entered the capital at eight o'clock, escorted by Major Sumner with his battalion of cavalry. General Quitman was immediately appointed civil and military governor of the city, and General Scott issued an order, cautioning his soldiers to be upon their guard, to commit no disorders, and to avoid straggling from the head-quarters of their respective corps. Shortly after the troops ​entered the city, and while they were at out occupying the most important points, they were attacked by crowds of leperos, and convicts liberated by the authorities of the state and nation prior to the evacuation of the capital, together with soldiers in disguise, who had not accompanied the army, or had returned after the flight.
This street-contest continued for more than twenty-four hours; but the city became tolerably quiet on the 16th; and on the 18th, the four divisions of the army were posted at or near the four principal gates, viz: San Lazaro, San Antonio, San Cosmé, and Peravillo, or Guadalupe; — and the cavalry brigade, under Colonel Harney, was ordered to occupy the cavalry barracks near the National Palace.
Thus terminated, in the capture of the Mexican capital, a campaign unsurpassed, for the brilliancy of its victories, and the magnitude of its results, in the world’s history. About 1,000 of the enemy were supposed to have been killed at the storming of Chapultepec, and the subsequent operations in and near the city; over 1,500 were wounded; and there were 823 taken prisoners.” — A number of colors and standards were captured by the Americans, together with small-arms and ammunition, in sufficient quantities to supply an army ​during a campaign, and nearly 100 pieces of artillery. The American loss was 130 killed, 7'04 wounded, and 29 missing.All was not yet entirely tranquil in the city. Sleepless and untiring vigilance was necessary on the part of General Scott and his officers, and they did not fail in the performance of their duty. Stragglers were frequently found assassinated, and dark and terrible threats were uttered. The clergy refused to open their churches for public worship, with a view of preventing the restoration of good order; but when they were told by the American commander that his protection should be withdrawn from them, and the valuable property committed to their care, unless they continued to discharge their functions as formerly, they were quite willing to resume them. As a consideration for the protection afforded by his army to the property of the church and the citizens, General Scott levied a contribution of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars upon the capital, which was paid in four equal weekly installments. Martial law was also proclaimed in and about all towns and posts occupied by the American ​army. The collection of duties at the gates was ordered to be continued; — the proceeds of which were applied, as far as necessary, to the payment of the city expenses, and the remainder as was directed by the General-in-chief. Not long after the occupation of the capital, an extensive conspiracy to surprise the Americans and murder the officers and men, fomented by a number of priests and disguised Mexican officers and soldiers, was frustrated. Timely precautions were adopted; and all Mexican officers in the city, who had not given their paroles, were required to report to Lieutenant Colonel Hitchcock, Acting Inspector General.
The Mexican army enrolled for the defence of their capital, was almost disorganized. Divided into small commands, the largest of which, numbering about 4,000 men, proceeded to Queretaro, under General Herrera, it was soon scattered through the country, under various leaders, uncertain what to do, pursuing no definite plan or object, and for the most part, careless and indifferent as to the further prosecution of the war. On the 7th of September, Santa Anna had issued a decree, ordering that Peña y Peña, President of the Supreme Court of Justice, and Generals Herrera and Bravo, should assume his duties as Provisional President, in case he should fall, or be taken prisoner. After the capture of General Bravo, and the evacuation of the city, he issued a second decree, at Guadalupe Hidalgo, on the 16th of September, renouncing the presidency, and designating Señor Alcorta in the place of General Bravo; the substance of which decree was communicated to the Governors, and Commandants-general, of the different states, by Señores Pacheco and Alcorta, Ministers of Internal and Foreign Relations, and of ​War. Accompanied by about 2,500 cavalry, Santa Anna then proceeded to Puebla, to harass the communications of General Scott, and to do every thing, in his power, essential to "the defence of the independence of his country,"
* ↑ In the National Intelligencer of the 25th of October, 1847, there is a letter, dated on the 15th of the same month, signed "T", and extolling, in the highest terms, the patriotism of Olaguibel. The position of the writer — understood to be Mr. Waddy Thompson, formerly minister to Mexico — and his facilities for obtaining information, give great weight to his opinions; and, if these encomiums have reference to the ardent attachment of Olaguibel to a republican form of government, and his opposition to centralism, and the monarchical tendencies of the administrations of Santa Anna and Paredes, they are both deserved and appropriate. In time of war, however, with a foreign enemy, there is, or should be, a different kind of patriotism than mere party devotion; and there is no evidence, that the leading federalists of Mexico, Olaguibel not excepted, rendered a hearty support to Santa Anna in the prosecution of hostilities, or that they did not rejoice, when his defeat and overthrow removed another opponent from the political arena. While our sympathies as American citizens, must naturally go with the Mexican federalists, we cannot be blind to the fact, that their errors have aided to produce that state of turmoil and con fusion which has so long existed in the country, and to which, mainly, her difficulties with foreign powers may be attributed.
* ↑ Twenty-nine deserters were convicted and sentenced to death, by a court-martial over which Colonel Riley presided; and thirty-six by a court over which Colonel Garland presided. Several of the number having deserted previous to the existence of actual war, or presenting circumstances in mitigation of their offence, their sentences were commuted by General Scott. Sixteen were hung at San Angel, on the 10th of September; four at Mixcoac, on the 11th; and thirty, at the same place, on the 13th instant. The execution at Mixcoac, on the 13th,took place while the Americans were storming the height of Chapultepec; and the deserters were required to stand on the gallows, until the colors which they had abandoned were displayed from the castle.
* ↑ These were captured guns; and the 16-pounders, being French pieces, were equal to our 185.
* ↑ General Bravo, in his official report dated September 14th, 1817, states that the garrison of Chapultepec numbered only 833, many of whom deserted before the assault; and that, although be repeatedly applied to Santa Anna and General Rangel for assistance, none was rendered. It is extremely difficult, as is the case with most accounts of the Mexican officers, to reconcile this statement with facts about which there can be no question. Nearly five hundred dead bodies were found after the assault, in the castle and outworks of Chapultepec; numbers were seen to escape over the northern and eastern walls; and there Were over seven hundred taken prisoners, including, with the commander, five generals, and more than a hundred subordinate officers. The actual garrison may not have exceeded l,000 men but the supporting force certainly could not have remained inactive.
* ↑ Official Report of General Bravo, September 14th, 1847.
* ↑ Over 500 round shot, near 300 shells, and 50 rounds of canister, were thrown into the castle and outworks during the bombardment.
* ↑ Official Report of General Scott, September 18th, 1847.
* ↑ General Bravo, and General Rincon — the latter taken prisoner on the 20th of August — were exchanged for Captains Heady and Clay, and other officers and men captured the previous winter from the column under General Taylor. Majors Gaines and Borland made their escape soon after the Americans entered the Valley, and served as volunteer aids, respectively, to Generals Scott and. Worth.
* ↑ Official Report of General Scott, September 18th, 1847.
* ↑ Ibid.
* ↑ Official Report of General Quitman, September 29th, 1847.
* ↑ $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right.}$ "Head Quarters of the Army, "General Orders $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ Mexico, Sept. 14. 1847. No.285 "1. Under the favor of God, the valor of this army, after many glorious victories, has hoisted the colors of our country in the Capital of Mexico, and on the palace of its government. "2. But the war is not ended. The Mexican army and government have fled, only to watch an opportunity to return upon us in vengeance. We must then be on our guard. "3. Companies and regiments will be kept together, and all stand on the alert. Our safety is in military discipline. "4. Let there be no drunkenness, no disorders, and no straggling. Stragglers will be in great danger of assassination, and marauders shall be punished by courts martial. "5. All the rules so honorably observed by this glorious army, in Puebla, must be observed here. The honor of the army, and the honor of our country, call for the best behavior on the part of all. The valiant must, to win the approbation of God and their country, be sober, orderly, and merciful. His noble brethren in arms will not be deaf to this hasty appeal from their commander and friend. “6. Major General Quitman is appointed civil and military governor of Mexico. “By command of Major General Scott. “H. L. Scott, “Acting Assistant Adjutant General.” The leperos of Mexico correspond, very nearly, to the lazaroni of Italian towns and cities. The number in the city of Mexico, in 1823, is estimated, in Ward’s Mexico, at 20,000. The object of these marauders appeared to be to plunder the wealthy citizens, as much as to harass the American troops. During the disturbance, a party of Mexican lancers penetrated a short distance into the city from the north, but were driven back. They were probably sent by Santa Anna, to learn whether any thing could be gained by a return with his forces. A principal reason for his liberating the convicts may have been, the hope that the Americans would be thrown into such confusion, that he would be able to drive them from the city. If he entertained such an expectation, he was very much deceived in regard to the materials of which the American army was composed.
* ↑ Among the prisoners were Generals Bravo, Monterde, Noriega, Dosamantz and Saldanu. General Perez was killed at the storming of Chapultepec.
* ↑ The Americans lost thirteen officers, either killed or mortally wounded, in the operations of the 13th and 14th of September, viz: — Captain Drum and Lieutenant Benjamin, of the 4th artillery; Lieutenants Sydney, Smith and Rodgers, 4th infantry; Lieutenant J. P. Smith, 5th infantry: Lieutenant Gantt, 7th infantry; Colonel Ransom, 9th infantry; Major Twiggs, marine corps; Lieutenant Colonel Baxter, and Captains Van O'Linda and Pearson, New York Volunteers; and Lieutenants Cantey and Morange, of the South Carolina Regiment.
* ↑ {Twenty thousand dollars of this sum was appropriated to the purchase of extra comforts for the wounded and sick of the American soldiers in hospital, and ninety thousand dollars to the purchase of blankets and shoes for gratuitous distribution among the rank and file of the army; and the remaining forty thousand dollars was reserved for other necessary military purposes. — General Orders, Number 287.
* ↑ Official Circular of Pacheco, dated at Toluca, September 18th, 1847. Santa Anna afterwards insisted that his renunciation of the chief magistracy was only of temporary duration, and that he had a right to resume the functions of the office at pleasure. — See his Address to the Mexican people, Issued at Tehuacan, October 22nd, 1847.