The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1847-10-08

The Battle-Grounds OF General Scott and
his Army--The Environs OF the City OF
Mexico.
Al a moment, when every American bosom beats
high with hope, and expectation Is ON tpioe TO heal
ofthe final victory and complete triumph OF our no
BILE and valiant little army In the Valley OF Mexico, IL
may not be unacceptable TO our readers to be wei
acquainted with the topography of that interesting
country which has been heretofore 50 renowned by
the feats Of bravery of Cortez and his followers and
the downfall of the Aztocs Each act and scene ap-
pears to be in rehearsal but the deeds of Corez him
self have been outdone. Under the excitement exist
Ing we shall endeavor to give sketch from time to
time of that beautiful and interesting country, but in
particular the description Of those places where the
late conflicts SO highly credable TO our arms have
occurred. rtt
Chapuhepec being translated is, The nil ofue grass
hopper. This is an insulated rock detached from the
mass of porphyritc rock forming the wall OF the
great Valley of Mexico, and Is located near the
margin of the great Lake which once covered
the valley Of which the, city of Mexico is now
nearly the centre. This becomes the more in
teresting inasmuch it is the identical spot where
the Aztecs tarricd their route from the North to
the South In search of resting place, which was to
be the seat Of Empire, and tobc known or designated
as ioreshadowcd by their pophcts by an Eagle sit
ting on o rock dovouring serpent. This prophecy
was emphatcaly verified. The Eagle was there found
and seen devonring the serpent, and is pepetuated
by the Mexicans rs their National Coat Of Arms
which may be seen by reference to every Mexican
dollar now in circulation. To the superstitious mind
of the Mexican a defeat signal ms that of Chapnl-
tepec, and that on the very spot which their ances-
tors fixed on the resting place OF apowerfnl and
warko nation, must be most appalling and the mo-
raj cannot fail to have powerful effect.
At the base of this singuarly formed hill the plains
of rich auvion formation extend on all sides7-beal-
tiful in their natural statebut more cultivated than
any other part of the Valley of Mexico, and exceed
all description producing every vegetable known in
the tropics or higher laldes-itis girded by rich
and luxuriant vegetation, exceeding in size every
| thing with which we are most familiar. Among the
noble trees with which this hill is girded, there is
Cypress, called Monteslnna'S Cypress, measuring Al
feet in circumference and 81 feet over some of the
excrescences. smn .r,..
| Iacubaya, is situated about mile and half from
Chapultepec. Tradition represents this beautiful
spot as the seat of all the luxury, ease, and magnif
cence of the Monezumas in the midst Of their glory
and greatness. And there be but, little! doubt o.
this, from the remains of the gardens, groves tanks
and grottoes still to be found on this enchanting spot
1T must have been the avorite resort of the ancient
monarchs and their courts. The emperor retired from
the sry city to these delightful shades there to en-.
enjoy all the luxury which nature furnished and aid
could procure or devise. Santa Ana has followed in
"the steps of his ilustrious predecessors" ALWAYS
making this his fayortc residence; and is said IN
Mexico by his enemies that he considered his person
always more secure here than in the city-the Blsh
ops Palace being better fortified he apprehended less
danger From the top of the Pulace which has beer
converted into a military school, and is the Yves
Point Of Mexico you have most commanding view
of the valley, sweeping over the haciendas, lakes
towns and cities, and the gigantic mountains ant
their volcanoes by which this beautiful spot of eal
is walled and bounded
Here we will leave the gallant Scott and his brave
little band. What must have been their feelings
when occupying this almost classical ground? W.
will, at another time, follow him into the city o
| Mexico ,v. .u @' ."