The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-11-06


stone about twenty feet high and four
feet thick.
The inside Of this wall was filled
with troops, who lay behind breast
works and large cypress trees from
twelve to twenty feet in diameter-the
same trees which stood there in the
days Of the far-famed Montezuma him
SELF Again, half way up the heights
was a strong redan encircling the
whole front Of the bill, which was also
filled with troops. The fronto Of this hill
below the redan was filled with mines,
charged with powder and filed with
stones, TO be ignited the moment our
troops should venture upon it. Above
this redan was an inner wall covering
the crest Of the hill, with a wide and
deep ditch and counter-scarp. Inside
this wall was the main citadel, filed
with troops, with eleven pieces Of ar
tillery, some OF them Of the largest cal
ibre, which swept the summit Of the hill
and the approaches upon all sides.
The strong and giant work held our
army in check, and cramped our oper-
atoms in all practicable approaches to
the city.
AT daylight on the morning Of the
18th, Pillow made his first movement
towards the Molino del Rey. He held
this place that day under heavy FIRE
from Chepultepec, and with an inn
mense body Of the enemy's lancers on
his left flank and rear. During this
day he thoroughly reconnoitered the
enemy's works, the approaches and
ground, to Chepultepec; and, at 10
O'Clock, P. M, reported to General
Scott that he was ready, and would as
sault the work early the next morning.
At 8 o'clock on the morning Of the
18th, having completed his dispositions,
and given his orders in person, he or
dered the advance; and most nobIy did
his gallant cammand do their duty.
They entered the outer wall through
two narrow gateways, entering into
the mills and one small breach, which
was protected by strong sand-bag
breastwork, under a concentrated fire
into these apertures from long line of
the entrenched enemy. They dashed
nobly forward over breast works, thro'
bitches and marshes, to the foot of Che.
pultepec-drove the enemy so rapidly
up the heights. that he could not fire
his mines-drove them from the redan.
and into the very citadel, and scaled
the inner walls upon ladders, and cap
tured the principal fortifcation--taking
800 prisoners, among whom was Major
General Bravo, who was in command.
Generals Montude, Arriega,
Doramentes, and Saldana. and killed
two other brigadiel generals-captured
II pieces Of artillery, and killed and
wounded 1900 of the enemy.
In storming this work, General Pill
ow was, with his advancing forces. no
bly, and gallantly leading the assault,
when he was cut down by agrape-shot,
which crushed his leg bone just above
ne ankle joint; but he made his men
larry him forward, in order 10 witness
he consummation Of the most glorious
'ictory that has ever been achieved
" the American arms; and he saw the
stars and stripes" planted upon the
iladel which had SO long bid defiance
o US. With Chepultepec fell two bat
cries at its base, on the side next the
ity, and Immediately afterwards tho
ity itself was ours: "Hail Columbia
In brilliancy this achievement is un-
by that Of this or any other
rmy. was myself an eye witness
o the whole assault, and speak what l
now; and they are the common senti-
,ents of the army. When Gen. Scott
anne up to where Gen. Pillow lay I'D.
n wall Of the citadel, with his leo
adlv crushed by large grape shot, he
any dear General, I thank
iod for your glorious success. Your
ountry will cover you all over with
onor, and will pour out its heart in
ratitude for your distinguished gallan-
y this day."