The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-10-12

command were relieved the garrison of the
captured forts, by Gen. Quitman, with the Misss-
sippi and Tennessee regiments and five compa-
MES OF the Kentucky regiment
Early on the morning Of the 23d, General Quit
man, from his position, discovered that the I'd
and Sd forts and defences east of the city had
been enhreiy1abandoned by the enemy, who, ap.
pretending another assault the night of tho
I'D, had retired from all his defences to the main
Placea and its immediate vicinity
command of two companies of Mississippi,
and two of Tennessee troops, were then thrown
into the streets to reconnoitre, and soon became
holly engaged with the enemy.
These were soon supported by Col. Woods
regiment of Texas rangers, dismounted by
Bragg's light battery and Sd infantry, who kept
upon the enemy's fort constant and uninter-
rupted fire from the streets, house tops, BARR
c,des, sc. SC, in the vicinity OF tie Placea The
pieces of Bragg's battery were also used with
much effect far into the heart of the ciiy.
This engagement lasted the best part of the day.
Our troops having driven the scattered parties OF
the enemy. and penetrated quite to the defences
OF the main Placea, the advantage thus gained, it
was not considered necessary TO hold, as the enc
my had permanently abandoned the city and its
defences, except the main Pacea, its immediate
vicinity and the cathedral fort or citadel.
Early in the afternoon of the same day, General
Worth assaulted from the Bishops Palace, west
side of the city, and succeeded in driving the
my and maintaining his position within short
distance of the main Placea, on that side of the
city, towards evening
The mortar had also been planted in the c.
metry enclosure, and during the night did great
execution in the circumscribed camp OF the enc
my in the Placed. Thus ended the operations of
the 23d.
Early on the morning OF the 2ith, a commune
cation was sent to Gen. Taylor from Gen. Ampu-
dia, under flag, making offer of capitula-
ton, to which the former refused to accede, as it
asked more than the American commander
would under any consideration grant.
At the same time demand to sur. ender was
in reply made upon General Ampudia, and IL
O'Clock at noon was the hour at which the accep.
lance or non-acceptance was to be communica.
to the American General
Atll, AM, the Mexican General sent, reques-
ing personal conference with Gen. Taylor,
which was granted, the principal officers OF rank
on either side accompanying their generals.
After several offers in relation to the caPitula-
ton of the city, made either side, and refused,
at halfpast 4, P M, Gen. Taylor arose, and say
ing he would give Gen. Ampudia one hour to
consider, to accept refuse, left the conference.
with his officers.
At the expiration of the hour the discharge OF
the mortars was to be the signal for the recon-
mencement ofhostilities.
Before the expiration of the hour, however, an
officer was sent on the part of GeneralAmpuda,
to inform the American General that to avoid the
further effuson of blood, the national honor being
satisfied by the exertion of the Mexican troops, he
had, after consultation with his General officers,
decided to capitulate, accepting the effer of the
American General.
The terms OF capltulation were in effect as fol.
lows THAT the Mexican officers should be al
lowed to march out with their side arms that the
cavalry and infantry be allowed to march out
with their arms and accoutrements; that the ar
tllery should be allowed to march out with one
battery Of six pieces and 81 rounds of ammuntion;
that all other munitions of war and supplies should
be turned over to board of American officers APP
pointed to receive them that the Mexican army
should be allowed seven days to evacuate the city;
and that the American troops should not occupy it
until evacuated; that the cathedral fort, CITADEL
should be evacuated at 10 A. M. next day, 18th;
the Mexicans then marching out, the American
garrison marching in; that the Mexicans should
be allowed to salute their flag, when hauled
down; that there should be an armistice Of eight
weeks, during which time Mother army should
pass a line running from the Rsnconada through
Linares and San Fernando. This lenient offer Of
the American General was dictated with the
concurrence of his generals, and by motives of
good policy. This consideration was due to the
good defence of their city by the Mcxica an army.