The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-10-05
The late Battles


to gentleman IN his city dated
IN, ooYoAcAN,( near the city Of Mexico) Sept 3 ls47
ne St9rmng OF Fort Contreras by Riley's brigade
composed of the 9TH artillery cd and 7h infantry was,
hlnk, lhe most splendid affair of the whole war; and
indeed that has ever occurred in this country Ii took
place on the morning OF The goth August The brigade
was ABOUT Op strong and during the morning of the 2Oh
before daylight, succeeded in gaining position in rear OF
the enemys works, without being discovered until the
columns OF attack were nearly formed They stormed
the fort IN two columns of attack-he 18th artillery and
part of the I'd infantry composing one column and the
main part OF the I'd infantry and the 9TH forming the other
in the latter column, the I'd in front. The storning
columns marched steadily up the hill at double quick
time, with a huzza, under heavy shower of grape and
round shot from the Mexican artillery, and at the point
OF the bayonet routed the enemy and drove them hough
about 1000 song) from the ks 500 MeNlcans were
killed. while our loss was only about 60 men in KILLED
and wounded How many MeXcans were wounded |
cannot say We took some 400 or 800 prisoners on
that occasion, besides 81 pieces of artillery and any
quantity of small arms Only reflect 800 American sol
dles attacking and somng fort containing q pieces OF
artillery, and defended by 1000 soldiers Ii is feat
parilleed in history. This the gallant Riley did with
hls brgade-kilng 500, and capturing 1900 prisoners
with loss OF only 60 men. Drawer commander, and
Drawer or better soldiers never lived than Riley and his
stnming brigade.
AT Cerro Godo he did good service In the first official
reports the tul credit due him accidentally not given
hun but he has been done justice TO since, by court OF
inquiry instituted at his instance and by the commanding
general
hope Riley will get brevet of brigadier for Cerro
Gordo, and OF major general for Contreras He has
bly, won both; and his good service olden time should
not be forgotten cannot write you details of all that
has occurred You must look to the newspapers and the
official reports
The attack on Churubusco on the afternoon of the goth
was bloody affair for us We lost nearly 1000 men in
killed and wounded Our regiment suffered severely
but the enemy were eventually driven from their works
and we took 100 prisoners and twelve thirteen pieces
of artillery. 1t was brilliant affair for arms.
We awaiting the result of the pending negotiations
between MIR, Irst and Santa Annals commissioners We
could easily have marched into the city, but should
have scattered the concern called government, and bro
ken up, it deemed best defer our march into the
city until after an effort was made to settle difficulties
without more bloodshed Santa Anna, think, is per
sonaly willing and anxious for peace but he daes
conclude it. Most OF our folks here think that peace
viii be concluded in few days, but LIDO not 1.-THE re-
suit has shown he Judged rghtly] The commissioners
are now IN session, and great professions made but
have SO little confidence in these contemplate people that
have no hope of the ending till we have DESTROYED
their whole army taken possession of their capital and
chief cles and garrlsoned them, hanged hundreds
Of gHerlias, and logged them in every State Of the re-
Mexico this part of it's the finest country in the
world, and were it populated by our people, or il it had
pretty considerable sprinkng of the universal Yankee
nation it would be perfect Paradise Among the higher
classes there is much wealth, and in their Of
living, great luxury The haciendas in the neghborhood
OF this city are palaces, and the gardens and grounds
tached to them ornamented in magnificent style |
cannot imagine climate agreeabe--never too
warm or too cold. Fruits of the most delicious kind
abound at all of the year, and if our govern
ment and laws were extended over it, would be willing
to spend the balance of my days here When the is
over, many OF our army will, no doubt remain in the
try; but as long as is peopled by the mongre race
which now control its destnes, will not be in better
condition; and ! could not be induced take up my
abode here to be subjected to the will of one day this,
and the next another military braggadocio. The military
chefs and army control entirely and ii really to
me that this cannot but be blessing to Mexico if
for no other reason than that ii will subyert the military
supremacy, as The people have found out their
chiealns are set OF braggarts, whom they need not
fear, and, if they but resist them, easily overcome
| them
! Several officers of our regiment DISTINGUISHED Them
selves-Alorris Casey Smith, Vessels, Sardner, Lyons,
Hayden Steele, Tiden, and others; Blu, cannot do in
justice by determinations Every regment-al-did
their duty nobly | could not be permitted to join my
company, though sought 10 do so, and proiered
my resignation of my staff appointment; but was
ordered to stay at San Augustin with the trains hope
| for better luck next time
have just learned that mail leaves tonight for Vera
Cruz 1t has been got up by some of the officers. We
pay 50 letter. and | shall send, besides this, one to
There is certainty in your getting
this, as, though the armistice provides that our mails
shall go safely, yet the Mexcans cannot prevent the
guerillas from robbing