The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1847-04-21
From the N. o. Picayune.
Later from Vera Cruz.

From the ~ 0. Picavuue.
Later from Vera Cruz
MARCH 20. 1647.
This has been a proud day for the Anne
rican army. The garrisons of Vera Cruz,
and of the much talked of and dreaded
Castle of San Juan de Ulua have vacated
their quarters and retired into the interior.
and the stars and stripes float gracefully
whercthls morning was to be seen the
green, white, and red Of the enemy. The
spot selected for the ceremony of laying
down arms was plain extending back from
the city walls, in the direction Of Malibran
Our army was drawn up in two lines facing
inward, and occupying mile in extent
Gen. Worth appeared on the field, in ful
uniform, to direct the arrangements and re-
ceive the conquered troops The morning
was very clear and pleasant, and our army
was in admirable condition. A detachment
of sailors and marines added much to the
effect. AT ten o'clock precisely the we'll
known sound (hcard under similar circum-
stances at Monterrey Of bugle, fife and drum,
played as Mexicans only can play them,
and as nobody else ought to do it, was heard
in the direction of the great gate, and the
Mexican army soon began to appear, the
column passing between our lines: Women
and children accompanied the troops, bear
ing heavy burdens. Their army halted
between our lines, stacked their arms, laid
down their co!ors and equipments, and then
marched of, our troops Chose detained for
the purpose from Worth's division) march
ed into the city at the same time, with coors
flying, and the bands playing natural airs.
Captain Andersons company, 3rd Artillery,
and Captain Kenrick's of the I'd, entered
the castle, and Lieut.. Van Vleit's company
of the Sd Artillery, took possession of Fort
Santiago, ran up the American flag and
fired national salute. The effect of our
shell upon the city was now seen and
proved to have been deplorable. Hardly a
house had escaped, and "a large portion Of
them were ruined. The shells had fallen
through the roof and exploded inside,
tearing every thing into pieces, bursting
through the partitions, and blowing out the
windows. The killed and wounded among
the soldiery was very slight but the citizens
suffered severely. 1t is said that between
six and seven hundred men, women, and
children were killed and wounded, more
than three hundred being killed
MARCH 80.
There were LOG pieces of artillery in po-
sitlon around the city, and as many more
dismounted, many Of the latter useless
The enemy laid down about 1900 stand of
arms, and 1000 more were found in the
city, saying nothing of the swords, lances,
and very large store of shell, solid shot
and powder. The great castle is garrison
ed by the following companies:-Captaln
Anderson's, Captain Taylor's and Lieut.
Van Vleil's of the ard artillery under the
command of Col. Beton. 1t has 100 guns
mounted, several of them being 68-pounders
1t is regular Fashioned work, with demi-
lune and covered way on the sea side A
vast quantity of ammunition was found in
the work. The Mexicans left their nation
al pets behind in the castle, and our troops
suffered much annoyance from them last
night; allude, of course, to feas and other
vermin.
Santiago Fort, that spiteful little place
which played so warmly upon our entrench-
ments, is beautiful work, with nine guns
in barbelte, most ofthem fine English pieces.
In fact most Of their best ordinances is of
English manufacture, though they have
some fine pieces made in the United States
Gen. Scott ordered O,0OO rations to be
issued 10 the suffering poor at Vera Cruz,
and it was an affecting scene to witness the
crowd Of half famished creatures as they
gathered timidly around to receive their re-
spec,ive shares. These rations will, as
Mexicans usually eat, last 5000 people at
least four days, but it is probable that only
1000 will partalke Of the provisions The
city and castle were exhausted Of provisions
II is characteristic of Mexicans that they
never lay in stores, but live from hand to
mouth. II,
From the Nev Orleans Delta, April 1Okh.
The TOWn-CaStle Of San Juan de Ulua.
The expectation Of the garrison of Vera
Cruz was, that the city would be carried by
storm, and they had made great preparations
for vigorous resistance, which would, no
doubt, have caused great bloodshed and de-
struction.. The streets were barricaded as
they were at Monterey, and loopholes were