Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-11-25


We have already so fully described these
engagements, that we scarcely deem it neces-
isary to insert these lengthy documents in ex-
tense. Gen. SCOTS first letter, commences
with an account of his march from Puebla,
the turning Of the Penon, and the commence
ment Of the battle OF Contreras, which closed
the operations on the 18th Of August.
His next letter gives a long account of the
Operations of the 10th, when five different en-
gagements took place. OF The victory Of Con
treras, 10 which the American loss in killed
and wounded, was only 60, Gen. Scott, says !:
| doubt whether a more brilliant or decisive
yictory-tabing into view, ground, artificial
delences, batteries, and the extreme disparity
Of numbers-wIlhout cavalry or artillery on
our side--is TO be found on record. Including
all our corps directed against the enuenched
camp, with Shields brigade at the hamlet, we
positively did not number over 500 rank and
file; and we knew, by sight, and since, more
certainly, by many captured documents and
letters, that the enemy had actually engaged
on the spot 900 men, with at least l2,0O0
more lowering within sight, and striking dis
tance-both on the 10Th and Doth All, not
killed or captured, now fled with precipita
ton.
Thus was the great victory of Contreras
achieved one road 10 the capital opened; 700
of the enemy killed; Sl3 prisoners, including
some IS officers, generals; besides many
colors aad standards % pieces of brass ord
nance-half of large cabre; thousands Of
small arms and accoutrements an immense
quantity ofshot, shells, powder and cartridges
700 pack mules, many horses, &c., &c.--all
in our hands.
The second victory consisted in Worth's
forcing San Antonio. Then followed the at
tack on Churubusco, where there were 27 900
Mexican cavalry, artillery and infantry. The
tete de pont was Immediately assaulted and
carried at the point Of the bayonet; 1872 pris-
oners were taken, besides field pieces and
colors and the convent, after desperate re-
sstance of2A hours, surrendered TO Twiggs'
division. Here field pieces We're captured,
besides ammunition, and 1861 prisoners taken
In the 9th engagement, Gen. Shields routed
1000 Of the enemy, who were supported by
5000 cavalry, and took $50 prisoners. We
give the remainder OF the despatch as it con-
tains some facts not before published.
As soon as the tete de poat was carried, the
greater part Of Worth's and Pillows forces
passed that bridge in rapid pursuit Of the fly
ing enemy. These distinguished generals,
coming up with Brig. Gen. Shields, now also
victorious, the three continued to press upon
the fugltives to within mile and half ofthe
capitol. Here, Col. Harvey with small part
Of hie brira1a ~ rapidlu M oil m ba
front, and charged the enemy up 10 the nearest
gate.
SO terminated the series of events which |
have but feeby presented. My thanks were
feebly poured out on the different fields-io
the abilities and science Of generals and other
offcers-to the gallantry and prowess OF all
the rank aud file included. But a reward in
fnitely higher--the applause of grateful
country and government--will, | cannot
doubt, be accorded, in due time, TO so much
merit of every sort, displayed by this glorious
army, which has now overcome all difficulties
distances, climate, ground, Notifications,
numbers.
1t has in a single day, in many battles, as
often defeated 80 900 men, made about 5000
prisoners, including eight generals 1.-TWO of
them ex-presidents) and POS other officers
killed and wounded 1000 of all ranks-be-
sides the entire corps dispersed and dissolved (;
captured 81 pieces OF ordnance-more than
trebling our siege train and field batteries
with large number OF small arms, a full sup
ply of ammunition Of every kind sc. SC.
These great results have overwhelmed the
enemy.
Our loss amounts TO ,053;-kitled l39, in
GLIDING 10 officers: grounded SIC, with GO
, officers. The greater number of the dead and
disabled were Of the highest worth. Those
, under treatment, thanks to our able medical
officers, are generally doing well.
regret having been obliged, on the Goth to
leave Maj Gen. Qutman, an able commander,
with part of his division--the fine I'd Penn.
syvania volunteers and the veteran detach-
mcnt of U. S. marnes-at our important de-
pot, San Augustin. 1t was there that had
placed our sick and wounded; the seige, sup.
ply and baggage trains. If these had been
lost, the army would have been driven almost
to despair; and considering the enemy's very
great excess Of numbers and the many APP
proaches to the depot, ii might well have be-
come, emphatcally, the post Of honor.
J After 50 many victories, we might with but
| little additional loss, have occupied the capitol
the same evening. But Mr.. Tnst, commits
sloner, &C., as well as myself, had been adj
monlshed by the best friends of peace--intel-
ligent neutrals and some American residents
against precipitation lest, by wantonly
driving away the government and others
dishonored we might scatter the elements OF
peace, excite spirit Of national desperation,
and thus indefinitely postpone the hope ofac
commodatlon. Deeply impressed with this
danger, and remembering our mission--to
conquer peace-the army very cheeriully
sacrificed 10 patriosm-to the great wish and
want of our Countrywide eciat that would
have followed an entrance--sword in hand
into great capitol. Willing TO leave some
thing 10 this republic--ot no immediate value
!, 10 us--on which to rest her pride, and to re-
cover temper-I halted our victorious corps at
the gates Of the city, Cat least for time, } and
have them now cantoned in the neighboring
villages, where they are well sheltered and
supplied with all necessities.
On the morning OF the 2lst. being about 10
take up bauerng or assaulting positions TO
f authorize me 10 summon the city TO surrender,
or to sign an armistice with pledge 10 enter
at once into negotiations for peace-a mission
came out 10 propose truce. Rejecting its
terms, despatched my contemplated note to
!. President Santa Anna--olnlttngt the summons.
|. The 22d, commissioners Were appointed by
the commanders of the two armies the-arm-
stice was signed the 23d, and Publications ex-
changed the 9th.
A II ,nattorc ia die p,ta hatwaan Tho t,uo