Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-04-16
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,

HEADQUARTERS OF The ARMY,
Vera Cruz, March %, .1s47
Sir: The flag of the United States of Amer
lea floats triumphantly over the walls OF this
city, and the castle OF San Juan de Uloa.
Our troops have garrisoned both since ten
o'clock. 1t is now noon. Brig. Gen. Worth
is in command of the two places.
Articles of capitalization were signed and ex-
changed, at late hour, night. before last |
enclose copy of the document.
have heretofore reported the principal in
cidents of the siege up to the 25th Instant
Nothing of striking interest occurred till early
in the morning of the next day, when Ireceiv-
ed overtures from Gen. Landero, on whom
Gen. Morales had devolved the principal COM
mand. A terrible storm of wind and sand
made it difficult to communicate with the city,
and impossible to refer to Com. Perry. | was
obliged 10 entertain the proposition alone, or
to continue the fire upon place that had
shown disposition to surrender: for the loss
of day, or perhaps several, could not be per-
mitted. The accompanying papers will show
the proceedings and results.
| Yesterday, after the norther had abated, and
the commissioners appointed by me early the
morning before, had again met those appointed
by Gen. Landero, Com. Perry sent ashore his
second in command, Capt. Aulick, as COM
missioner on the part of the navy. Although
not included in my specific arrangement made
with the Mexican commander, l did not hesl-
tate, with proper courtesy, to desire that Capt.
Aulick might be duly introduced and allowed
to participate in the discussions and acts OF
the commissioners who had been reciprocally
accredited: Hence the preamble to his sigma
ture. The original American commissioners
were Brevet Brigadier General Worth, Briga-
der General Pillow, and Col. Totten. Four
more able or udicous officers could not have
been desired.
have time to add but little more. The re-
naming details of the siege; the able co-ope-
ration Of the United States squadron, success
lively under the command of Commodores
Conner and Perry; the admirable conduct Of
the whole army-regulars and volunteers
should be happy to dwell upon as they de-
serve; but the steamer Princeton, with Com.
Conner on board, is under way, and | have
commenced organizing an advance into the
interior. This may be delayed few days,
waiting the arrival of additional means of
transportation. In the meantime, joint OPP
Grafton, by,land and water, will be made upon
Alvarado No lateral expedition, however,
shall interfere with the grand movement to-
ward the capital.
In consideration of the great services of
[ Col. Totten, in the siege that has just termi-
mated most successfully, and the importance
of his presence, at Washington, as the head
of the engineer bureau, intrust this despatch
to his personal care, and beg to commend him
to the very favorable consideration of the de-
partment | have the honor to remain, sir
with high respect, your most obedient servant
WINFIELD ScorT
Hon. W. L. Marcy, Secretary Of War.
Proposition for tie appointment Of Commits
S7OnerS.
I have the honor of transmitting to YOU
. excelency the exposition which has this mo
t ment been made to me by the Senores Consuls
y of England, France, Spain, and Prussia, II
which they solicit that hostiities may be sus
r pended while the innocent families, in this
n place, who are suffering the ravages of war, be
} enabled to leave the city, which solicitudt
It claims my support; and considering it IN &C
cordance with the hits of afflicted humanity
b | have not hestated to invite your excellency
to enter into an honorable accommodation
with the garrison, in which case you vii
please name three commissioners who ma,
meet at some intermediate point, to treat witt
those of this place upon the terms of the &C
commodation
With this motive renew to your excellen
h dy my attentive consideration.
God guard your excelency, &c.
l. On account of the sickness of the com
If handing general,
If JOSE JUAN De LANDERo.
V Majo General ScoTT
l. On the reception of the above, Genera
r. Scott appointed Gems. Worth and Pillow. an
lie Col. lotion, his commissioners to treat fc
1t the surrender of the city and castle, and tn
~ Mexican commander, appointed Colonies [
y Jose Gutierrez Villanueva, D. Pedro Migu,
r Herrea, and 1t. Col. OF Engineers D. Manu-
lie Robes.
y HEAD QUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
le Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz.
10 March 26, 1847
d. Outlines of instructions to the Commission
. ers appointed on the part of the United State
u and commissioned by the undersigned to ire
{" with such persons as may be duly authorize
III on the part of the city of Vera Cruz and i
III dependencies, on the subject OF the surrend
-. of the same
! ~ 1. The whole garrison or garrisons to
j. surrendered to the arms of the United Stat
% as prisoners of war.
Ut 2. The garrisons to be permitted to marc
~ out with the honors of war, and to groul
Gu Gu arms to such force as may be appointed
nc nc the undersigned, and at point to be agre
nc upon by the commissioners.
vi 8. The surrendered place to be immediate
- garrisoned by the American troops.
~ 4. Maxican officers to preserve their si
1ls arms and private effects, including horses fu
10 niture, and to be allowed, Irregular and ire
nv ular officers,) at the end of --days, to
VI tire to their respective homes on the usual p
ho role, with the exception of such officers as
Ae two parties may deem necessary to accomp
.. ny the rank and file to the United States.
4bo S. The rank and file of regular regimen
r 'r corps or companies, to remain as prisoners
~ war, subject to be sent to the United Stat
'0 with such Mexican officers as may be nee
ed with the men, and to be clothed and su
sisted by the United States, at the ultim;
cost of the belligerent that may be agreed u
on by defnitive treaty of peace.
81 The rank and file of the irregular p
~ ~ ton of the prisoners to be detained da
l o.o and subsisted (if necessary for the time
~ ~ the United States, when they may be perm
ed ted to retire to their respective homes, tn
+ba officers giving the usual parole that the s.
NV rank and file shall not serve again until d.
20 exchanged.
and I. All the material of war, and all pull
Nj property of every description found in
IF city and its dependencies, to belong to the
- nlted States; but the armament of the sal