The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-07-25
ST.. LOUIS, ONO, } July IL, 1s4s

ST, LOUIS, (Mo.,) July l2, 1s4s.
To the Editors Of the Union:
have noticed, through the Washington correspondent
for the Journal Of Commerce of date July LIST, giving the
debate in the Senate of that day. that
of which difficulties may grow have arisen between
the friends of Generals Twggs and Quitman touching
the flag presented by Cen Iwggs to Congress. 1t may
be proper before mischief can arise, these msunder
standings go farther to correct the that to be
entertained relating to the history of this flag Iknou its
entire history 1t is as foliows:
men from Gen. Twggss division, stormng party for
the assault of Chapultepec. was selected by General
the party was organized. was taken by him to General
Twiggs's headquarters where this flag, which Gen.
Twggs gave to me-, saying. in substance, among other
things, 'this is flag wish to go with the storming
party from my division Let me hear that is the first
flag on Chapultepec, in the city, and the CAPITOL
Six commissioned officers and privaes were selected
from the rifle regiment to bear this flag at the head of the
storming column
The stormng party from this division Commanded by
Capt Casey, I'd nfanry0 reported to Cen Scott, at Ia
cubaya, before shutdown, and was assigned to the
mand of Gen. Quitman and from that time until the flag
raised upon the capitol, il was under his control,
and all the movements of the stormng party carrying it
were under his eye and direction.
This stormng party stormed and carried the strong
fvegun battery commanding the Tacubaya road at the
base of the hill in the rear OF Chapuerec. and this flag
the first planted that battery. 1t was also the
first flag planted the strong battery midway the
road between Chapuepec and the garita of Ben, which
stormed and carried by the rifle regiment, supported
flag planted on the garita of Ben, which work was
also stormed by the rifle regiment, supported by Gen
Smiths entire brigade and Gen. Quitman's entire div-
sion. The stoming of these three batteries directed
by Cen Quitman in person, with the assistance and sup
port of Gen. Smith
The fighting of the 18th ended with the day; and at
daylight next morning, General Quitman formed his d.
vision, Gen. Smiths brigade in front0 and entered the
city He took possession OF the cadel and by his
raised above that mighty fortress. The division ad-
vanced led by Generals Qutman and Smith foot and
took possession of the capital when this flag by the or
der of Gen. Quitman, delivered to by staff officer
was raised displaying the first Amerean banner above
the national palace of Mexico This is the entire hiso-
ry of the flag understood it to be the private property
of Gen Twggs, and, at his request returned it to him
with my written report II was borne in these actions
by troops of his division, detached from his immediate
command and placed under the orders Of Gen Quitman
If this flag is to become of any historical interest," its
history should be truly told and if any merit is supposed
to attach to the fortune accident of raising the first
flag upon the capital of Mexico, it is Just to General
Quitman to have II known it done by troops he com
manded in person. and under his orders.
am, Sir, very truly yours,
B. S. ROBERTS, Capt Rifles