Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-13
OVER MEXICAN FORTRESS.
First Flag Raised After the Surrender
to Gen. Winfield Scott.

Miss Susan Riviere Hetzel, former his
torian general Of the Daughters of the
American Revolution and camp registrar of
the Danes of 1876, has the following remin-
iscence for Flag day concerning noted
flag in which she has special interest:
1.-The first United States flag raised over
the fortress in the City of Mexico when that
stronghold surrendered to Gen. Winfield
Scott was the flag whose recognition we this
day celebrate, the first flag made by Betsey
Ross under the personal direction of Gen.
Washington.
1T had been used the headquarters
flag of the continental army until the army
left Trenton, when it was presented to Ben
jamin Rush for the state of pennsylvania.
When the capital of the state was located
at Harrisburg the flag was taken there and
deposited in the State Library with Hes
sian flag which had been captured and pre-
scented to the state at the same time.
For many years the two flags stood side
by side. and while the American flag was
unframed the other was carried away in
bits by relic hunters until nothing was left
but the staff. When the captured flag was
so mutilated a glass case was made for the
other, and it remained there an object Of
admiration until 1885, when the Cameron
Guards. a company of Harrisburg volun-
teers recruited by Capt. E. c. Williams
were about to start for Mexico. Then by
common consent 1t was taken from the case
and given to the guards for use as battle
flag.
.8The Cameron Guards left Harrisburg on
December g. 1916, and owing to long
marches to New Orleans and a stormy voy-
age they did not reach Vera Cruz until the
evening of the surrender of that fortress,
March q, 1S47. They joined the army and
marched to Mexico City. the Cameron
Guards being many times distinguished for
their bravery and gallantry. After defeat
ing Santa Anne at Plandel Rio they were
placed In advance of the Pennsylvania
troops protecting the entire army through
the pass of Ell Hoye.
Wounded officer Leads Charge.
.At the commencement of the lombard
ment of Chapultepec Captain Williams,
with two companies. was thrown into a
ditch where they remained day and
night. AS the force advanced they took
their places. and crossing the fields and
bitches by flank. reached the wall in good
order. passing through a breech made by
Drums battery. While crossing these
fields Captain Williams was shot In the
shoulder by bullet He sank to his knees,
but rallied at once. and rising to his feet
continued to lead the charge: as soon as
ne got through the wall he raised the Bet
sey Ross flag over the citadel and then car
ried it with him into the city, fighting
every step of the way. At dawn Mexican
officer appeared with flag of truce, and
the City of Mexico was surrendered to Gen.
eral Scott. Captain Williams at once took
the sacred flag which had come through
the hand OF Washington. dmaking his
way to the top of the fortress. planted 1t
there.
ION the return to Pennsylvania the flag
was left in Captain Williams possession
until the breaking out of the civil war.
He then returned 1t to the state capitol.
and 1t was given into the custody of Gov
erpor Curtin. Many years later 1t was pre-
sented by the governor to the Pennsylvania
Daughters Of the American Revolution. and
is now In their possession.
'As an organizing Daughter OF the Amer
too Dnxyp fseffn ap nd oaN nf
Danes OF 1885, take great pleasure In thus
celebrating the anniversary of the adoption
of the stars and stripes.
II am also a niece by marriage OF Cap
tain Williams, who through long marches
and constant battle. and In spite OF wounds
and yicissftudes carried with him that sa-
cred relic and added another glory to the
battle OF Chapuitepec and capture OF Mex
.eo."