VERA CRUZ.--CERRO GORDO
Vera Cruz, an old Spanish walled town on the Gulf of Mexico, with a
population of 12,000, was situated on a sandy plain, which, extending
back from the town, was broken by many sand-hills and ridges, and
covered in great part with dense chapparal. On the land side a strong
line of masonry works encircled the city from Fort Conception on the
beach above, or north of, to Fort Santiago below it; while on the sea
side the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, seated on an island a thousand
yards in advance of the town, commanded all approaches with 128 heavy
guns, and made the sea front doubly secure.
The American army landed unopposed on March 9, 1847, on the beach a few
miles south of the town; during the next four days extended lines of
investment completely around the doomed city on the land side, and,
having with great labor and some interruption from northers landed the
heavy siege-guns, mortars, and material for the bombardment, commenced
the batteries on the 18th, the second day after the young engineer
officers reached the scene of action. They were at once set to work
reconnoitring the ground and the enemy's works by day, and laying out
the batteries and superintending the working parties by night.
Lieutenant Stevens threw himself into this work with even more than his
accustomed zeal. On one of his daring reconnoissances the horse he
rode--a powerful and headstrong animal loaned him by his friend,
Lieutenant Tower--took the bit in his teeth and bolted directly for the
enemy's lines. Finding it impossible to stop or control the frantic
steed, Lieutenant Stevens, throwing his whole strength on one rein,
managed to make him swerve towards the base of a sand-hill, where he
threw himself from the saddle, escaping injury on the soft ground, while
the runaway continued his course to the very walls of the city.
The batteries were placed midway between the lines of investment and the
city, and about 900 yards from the walls. Lieutenant Stevens was
indefatigable in searching out the best routes for the boyaux, or
covered ways, to enable the troops to pass to and from the batteries
without loss from the enemy's fire. The broken sand-hills and dense
chapparal rendered this a difficult and laborious task; and in forcing
his way through these thorny and almost impenetrable thickets his hands
were so badly torn, and perhaps poisoned, that for several days he was
obliged to have them bandaged with poultices of prickly pear. The route
which he thus looked out was adopted, and the construction of the
covered way was placed under his charge, with large working parties, for
several nights, until completed. His experiences are best told in his
own words. The independence, almost insubordination, of the new
volunteers is simply the common experience with citizen soldiery fresh
from home, but which they soon outgrow under good officers in a few
months' campaigning.
Friday, March 18. At two A.M. Lieutenants Mason, Stevens, and Tower
entered the trenches and relieved Captain Lee and Lieutenants Beauregard
and McClellan. No workers or guards present, save twelve sappers, till
four o'clock. Lieutenant Mason at Battery 2. Lieutenant Stevens at
Battery 1. Lieutenant Tower in communication leading to cemetery.
Colonel Scott in command of the working party. A company of the 8th
infantry, under command of Lieutenants Jordan and Pitcher, in Battery 1.
About seven o'clock Lieutenant Foster relieved Lieutenant Tower, who
returned to camp to supervise construction of powder magazines. At half
past twelve Lieutenant Stevens ordered to examine the infantry
communication, reconnoitred on the previous day, in order to commence
the trenches at night with a working party.
At two P.M. Captain Sanders on the naval battery. Lieutenants Stevens
and Smith on the right were on duty. The naval battery laid out during
the day by Captain Lee. Lieutenant Smith took particular charge of
Batteries 3 and 4, and the remainder of the communication to Battery 1,
with a fatigue party under Major Graham; Lieutenant Stevens, of the
boyau of communication from camp to batteries with a fatigue party of
400 volunteers, New Yorkers and Pennsylvanians. Did not report at beach
till nine P.M. Arrived on the ground at ten P.M. Two hours occupied in
laying out the boyau with a cord and getting the whole force at work.
Whilst Lieutenant Stevens was absent in discharge of his duties of
supervision at the batteries and trenches under the particular charge of
Lieutenant Smith, the volunteers abandoned their work and returned to
camp, excepting a small force of fifty men on the left of the large
sand-hill, in rear of which the communication passed.
Saturday, March 19. About dark a large force of 400 men reported at the
old cemetery as a fatigue party in the boyau under the charge of
Lieutenant Stevens,--four companies of regulars, Brooks and Shackleford,
2d artillery; Lieutenant Ernst, 6th infantry; Lieutenant Rodgers, 2d
dragoons,--the whole under the command of Captain De Hart,--and four
companies of volunteers, Pennsylvanians.
The regulars employed on communication from Battery 1 to Battery 2, on
parapet to the right of Battery 2, and on the trench from the upper end
of the valley to the first hollow of the natural trench leading through
the long ridge in rear of the batteries, the volunteers on the remaining
part of the boyaux. The regulars made their trench practicable. The
volunteers could not be made to work with the most strenuous exertions
on the part of the officers. Some were drunk and all sleepy. They
complained of being tired and hungry. Some delay occurred throughout the
works in consequence of a musketry fire from the trenches. Lieutenant
Mason in charge of a working party at the batteries.
Monday, March 22. The boyaux of communication made practicable and safe
to-day, although not sufficiently commodious; a fatigue party of 200 men
reporting to Lieutenant Stevens, and commencing work at five A.M.; two
companies regulars of 2d artillery, Captain McKensie and Lieutenant
Hardcastle, Captain Kendrick; and two of marines, Lieutenant Adams.
This party worked with extraordinary vigor till three o'clock, all the
men in the trenches all the time, the officers giving their whole energy
to supervising the men; Captain McKensie, in command of the working
party, exhibiting great energy and efficiency. The day was quite warm,
and an immense amount of work done. Lieutenant Mason at the batteries
with fatigue party under the command of Captain Swartwout.
Tuesday, March 23. A fatigue party of 200 men reported to Lieutenant
Stevens, and commenced work in the boyaux at 9-1/2 A.M., working with
great vigor till dark, all the men constantly at work, and made the
boyaux very safe and commodious,--two companies regulars, Captain E.W.
Smith and Lieutenant Bissel, 5th infantry, two companies marines.
NOTE. More work is done by day than by night under fire. The working
parties by day did at least double the work per man of the working
parties by night. A severe sand-storm blowing all day and night.
Lieutenant Stevens reported the completion of the boyaux to the chief
engineer at 8-1/2 P.M., and, after an hour's rest, at his request
returned to the trenches and assisted Lieutenant Mason till relieved at
four o'clock in the morning.
Thursday, March 25. Lieutenants Mason and Stevens relieved the engineer
officers on the right at four A.M. Great exertions were made at Battery
No. 4, which opened its fire at eight A.M. The fatigue party in the
trenches, Alabama volunteers, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Earle, remarkably fearless and efficient. One sapper and two volunteers
placed at each embrasure to repair it after every discharge. By their
courage and exertions, the fire of the battery was not obstructed during
the day. Lieutenant Mason made three reconnoissances of the enemy's
works, accompanied twice by Lieutenant Stevens. Two companies of the 1st
artillery served the guns, Captain Magruder and Lieutenant Haskin; Major
L. Whitney in command of the force serving the batteries.
At eleven A.M. Captain Lee commenced establishing a new mortar battery
on the left of No. 1.
Saturday, March 27. A severe norther raging yesterday made great ravages
in the works that were repaired to-day. Lieutenants Mason and Stevens in
the trenches at four A.M. A new mortar battery commenced yesterday
nearly finished to-day, under the particular direction of Lieutenant
Stevens, with a working party of one company of the 4th infantry under
the command of Lieutenant Lincoln.
Sunday, March 28. A partial survey of the trenches made by Lieutenants
Beauregard, Stevens, and Tower.
CAMP WASHINGTON (three miles from VERA CRUZ),
March 27, 1847.
MY DEAREST MARGARET,--I have now the unspeakable satisfaction of
telling you that both the city and the castle have capitulated after
a bombardment of rather less than four days, and from the ninth day
of opening the trenches, and with a loss on our side of less than
forty in killed and wounded. I will tell you what your poor
subaltern of a husband has had to do in this matter. On Thursday,
March 18, I made a reconnoissance with Mason to determine the
position of a road for wagons, and of a covered communication for
infantry. On Friday morning, March 19, I left camp at two in the
morning, and was kept hard at work till four the next morning in
constructing a battery and opening the communications thereto.
During the course of this operation the enemy hurled at us some two
hundred round-shot and shells. None came very near me. I had to
encourage the men at their work, and had no time to attend to my
fears.
VERA CRUZ, April 3.
MY DEAREST WIFE,--It is now Saturday, and we have been in possession
of the city one week. Great destruction was spread throughout the
city by our shells. In the portion next to our batteries a shell
entered every house, and almost each room of every house, in
consequence of which many inoffensive people were killed. Vera Cruz
is a miserable, dirty place; the streets are full of filth, and
there are great numbers of poor people. Many families still keep
their doors closed, though scarcely an outrage has been committed in
the city. The people, though miserably poor, are very courteous and
mild in their general deportment. Ever since our entrance into the
city, the poor have been fed each day from our government stores,
and every exertion is made to protect the whole city in its rights.
General Worth is governor of the city. The weather is rather warm,
and we find mosquitoes, fleas, etc., troublesome. The city, though
sorry in its sunlight aspect, is remarkably picturesque by
moonlight. The style of architecture is of the Moorish character,
abounding in domes and highly wrought work. I have several times
wandered through the deserted streets of the city by night, filled
with admiration of the gorgeous and Oriental aspect of the scene. It
surpasses anything I ever saw. My health is very fine.
VERA CRUZ, April 10.
MY DEAREST WIFE,--We are now preparing to march into the interior,
and shall probably leave in a day or two. One half of the army are
already on their way. We hope to enter the City of Mexico, and to
contemplate the wonders of the capital, in one month. In the
reduction of the city we have had fortune on our side. The grossest
supineness prevailed in the Mexican ranks, though at times they
awoke from their slumbers and poured into our midst well-directed
fires of artillery. Our loss is very little. John R. Minton, a most
gallant soldier, was killed on the first day of opening our fires.
He was universally esteemed, and I had made his acquaintance on the
first day of landing. He died for his country, before his country's
gratitude for gallant services at Monterey had been communicated in
the shape of a brevet.
The burden of the day came with great weight on the officers of
engineers. It is the universal sentiment of the army that they did
their duty. We see it in the individual deportment of every officer
with whom we are associated on duty. We had exciting times. Friends
whom I had not seen since I left West Point, I shook for the first
time warmly by the hand under the heavy fire of the enemy's
batteries. I met Haskin and Callender in such a conjuncture. There
was not the least shrinking from duty, but each one stood up
manfully to his task and did his whole duty; we all worked hard. The
engineers failed in no part of their duty, and the consequence was
that the loss of human life was comparatively trifling. I never
worked so hard in my life. It was our first experience in the field,
and I think we have fulfilled the expectations of the general and of
our immediate chief (Colonel Totten).
I have already written you in relation to the city. We all long to
leave so much moonlight magnificence and sunlight squalidity, and
breathe the pure mountain air of Jalapa and Perote. Our troops are
yet comparatively healthy. The sickly season will not come upon us
for a month. Up in the mountains it is the most salubrious and
delightful climate of the New World. Our troops conduct themselves
with remarkable propriety. Very few cases have occurred of excesses
of any kind, and all such are punished with extreme severity. Mason
is in fine health, and is doing, as was to be expected, good
service. All our officers are superior men, and we stand by each
other like a band of brothers.
I have secured a beautiful animal in the way of a horse, docile as a
kitten and very intelligent. He has a beautiful eye and head, and
will follow me wherever I go. I intend to bring him home with me. I
have also a very good servant. He is an old soldier. I have just
returned from a ride to our old camp. There is a fine hard beach all
the way, which reminds me of the beach at Newport. My little horse
is very fleet, and carried me over the beach in very rapid style.
How would Hazard be delighted to see him stretch out! You must tell
my little Hazard about my horse. When I come home he shall ride him
every day. They would soon be fast friends, I doubt not.
Have I told you that we are living in the government palace? At
first we took our meals at the public house, but so much dirt and
filth was to be met with everywhere that we formed a mess, and live
in our own rooms. Our mess is now reduced to four, Major Smith,
Captain Lee, Mason, and myself. There is a fine vegetable market
close by, where we can provide ourselves; and as for meats, we have
a barrel of hams. This morning I went to the market and observed
quite a variety of tropical fruits; tomatoes, sweet potatoes,
pineapples, plantains, lettuce, the Mexican squash, are in great
abundance.
VERA CRUZ, April 11.
MY DEAR FATHER,--We are now in the midst of our arrangements to
march into the interior, two divisions of the army (Twiggs and
Patterson) having already marched. The greatest difficulty is on
account of transportation. Vera Cruz is still healthy, and there is
no natural reason why it should not be as salubrious as New Orleans.
Its filth and nastiness is almost beyond belief, and is the
efficient cause of its great sickliness in summer. Our authorities
are now making every exertion to cleanse the city. Our troops behave
well. Some few excesses have been committed, and these are punished
with exemplary severity. General Scott has instituted military
commissions to try a large class of offenses that, in an enemy's
country, cannot be reached under the articles of war, and martial
law has been proclaimed as a supplemental code. Yesterday a negro
was hanged outside the city walls for committing rape upon a Mexican
woman.
We hope that peace will be established in the course of the summer.
At all events, General Scott will find no difficulty in entering the
City of Mexico. Our own troops, regulars and volunteers, are in a
high state of discipline, and pant for an opportunity to signalize
themselves. The Mexican troops have been demoralized by many
successive defeats, and cannot, man to man, cope with our own. They
are decidedly inferior, both in the men and the organization. In
such cases numbers are of little account. All experience shows that
resolution, courage, and enterprise, qualities possessed by our
troops in an eminent degree, will overcome any tumultuous rabble. I
verily believe that our little army of twelve thousand men is able
to defeat any body of Mexicans, however large.
You know the papers have been full of the complaints of the sappers
and miners, or engineer soldiers. These men I am on duty with every
day. They are the pride of the whole army, confessedly the best
soldiers in the army. I never saw so superior a company of soldiers,
Americans all, young men, having character, zeal, and intelligence,
proud of their duties and of their position, perfectly subordinate,
and cheerful in their obedience. I personally know almost every man
of the sappers and miners. During the investment and siege of Vera
Cruz they exhibited an extraordinary gallantry, and were all placed
in the position of non-commissioned officers. Each man had direction
of a working party, and in the execution of that duty they retained
their arms and gave directions to the men.
[Illustration: ROUTE, VERA CRUZ TO MEXICO]
Lieutenant Stevens took great interest in the engineer company, so
largely the result of his recommendations and exertions. His diary of
the march inland commences the next day.
March 29. The army made its entrance into the city this day at ten
o'clock, and the general headquarters were established in the main
plaza. General Worth was appointed governor of the city. The
engineer company, although it had preëminently distinguished itself
for gallantry and general conduct throughout the whole operation of
the investment and siege, had no place assigned to it in the
ceremonies of either the surrender or the entrance.
Colonel Totten sailed on the Princeton to the States as bearer of
dispatches, and with the view of resuming his position at the head
of the department, leaving Major John L. Smith in command.
Lieutenant Stevens was this day directed to assume the duties of
adjutant, and a sapper was detailed to assist him.
March 30. Lieutenants Stevens, Tower, and Foster, with a detachment
of twelve sappers, commenced the survey of the defenses of the city
and castle. Lieutenant Mason was temporarily assigned to duty with
General Quitman on an expedition to Alvarado.
Monday, April 12. The engineers left Vera Cruz with the general
staff at five P.M., and reached Vigara, three miles distant, where
they encamped for the night. Here a little stream flows into the
sea, over which is an arched bridge of masonry, somewhat out of
repair.
I found myself exceedingly exhausted in consequence of my exertions
before leaving the city in getting wagons for the baggage and train
of the engineer company, and in attending to turning in the baggage
of the engineer staff.
Tuesday, April 13. We started early, and found the road as far as
Santa Fé exceedingly sandy and difficult for carriages. Santa Fé is
situated in the midst of a prairie affording tolerable pasture for
cattle, and has the honor of municipal regulation in the shape of
an alcalde. There are some twenty little houses of trelliswork at
this place. At the river San Juan, six miles from Santa Fé and
twelve from Vigara, over which is thrown a fine bridge of masonry
with a long causeway at its western extremity, we halted and dined.
Before leaving, Worth's advance, consisting of Duncan's battery and
Lieutenant-Colonel C.F. Smith's light companies, reached the San
Juan, where they encamped for the night. Resuming our march at three
P.M., we pushed forward over at times a somewhat rough and hilly
road, and at other points easy and practicable, till we reached our
camping ground for the night, the Talome River, having a one-arch
bridge.
Wednesday, April 14. Resuming our march early in the morning, we
reached the National Bridge at about ten A.M., distant eight miles
from our encampment, after making a halt of an hour at Paso de
Obejas (distant two and one half miles from Talome), where we met a
wagon train. There is a considerable village at this river.
On leaving the village, the road winds its way to the top of a very
high hill, where there is an inspiring view of the surrounding
country. Whilst the general was halting at the village, I rode to
the top of the hill to take a view. At some distance to the south I
could see a small band of rancheros watching the movements of our
party. The National Bridge is a model of the kind, possessing much
architectural beauty, and impressing the mind of the beholder that
an iron and a lofty race had done this work in the solitudes of the
mountain pass. The scenery is of the most picturesque and imposing
character. The road, previous to reaching the bridge, winds round a
bold tongue of land, on the edge and apex of which a little fort had
been built. From the first view of the pass, the road descends the
side of a steep hill, constructed originally with great care, due
attention having been paid to both curves and grades. On passing the
bridge, on the left is a bold promontory, and the little fort and
the open village at the other extremity of the bridge. On the right
and downward side the river flows through a deep ravine, on either
side of which perpendicular columns of rock rise hundreds of feet.
The current gently flowed over a rocky bed, and was at points
fordable. A thunderstorm in this mountain pass, the swollen stream
rushing impetuously to the sea, must be terrific. After halting two
hours at the National Bridge, we pushed on to the Plano del Rio, the
advance of the army. This was a difficult march of thirteen miles,
with no water on the road for our horses. At some four miles from
the bridge we reached a causeway, built with care, and which,
leading over a little depression at its foot, is conducted almost to
the top of a hill on the other side. On our way we met parties from
camp searching the country for beef.
We reached the Plano del Rio at about five o'clock, and after
remaining about an hour with Major Smith and Captain Lee, I
accompanied Lieutenant Tower on a reconnoissance. We proceeded on
the Jalapa road some three miles and a half, until we came in view
of Battery 4 on the left of the road. Then, returning a short
distance, we proceeded some distance on a path leading from the road
till we came in view of the same battery, and one farther to the
left, No. 3. From an examination of a sketch of Lieutenant Tower,
exhibiting the results of all the reconnoissances since the arrival
of General Twiggs, there could be little doubt that the proper mode
of attack was to the right, so as to turn the enemy's works and
compel them to lay down their arms. The reconnoissances were not,
however, complete, and the general, after informing himself of the
position as far as it had been ascertained, determined that the
reconnoissances should be extended. I found a bath in the river most
delightful and refreshing after the severe labors of the day.
Thursday, April 15. The reconnoissances of the whole position were
continued to-day; Captain Lee, with Mason, Beauregard, and myself,
escorted by Major Sumner on the right, Tower on the front. On
reaching the point of the road before coming in view of Battery 4, I
was informed by Bowman, a wagon-master of Twiggs's division, that on
the other side of the river there was a practicable trail leading to
the river some eight miles above the bridge, and where would
probably be found a practicable ford. After accompanying Captain Lee
in his reconnoissance to a high hill about seven hundred yards from
the Cerro Gordo, the key of the enemy's position, and getting a full
view of it and of the ravines, valleys, etc., to the right, I
returned home with a guide, and reported the statement of Bowman to
Major Smith. He was then starting with an escort to examine the
enemy's works from the left bank of the river, with the view of
establishing enfilading batteries against them. I also accompanied
him; and after he had made his examinations, I requested permission
to continue farther up, with a portion of the escort, till I could
get a better view of the enemy's rear. A body of four hundred
cavalry having been observed only about four miles up the river
bank, Major Smith felt constrained to refuse my request. On
returning from the reconnoissance I explained very fully my general
views in reference to the proper mode of conducting the
reconnoissances of the position, and that though thus far particular
points had been carefully examined, and the engineer officers had
been very industrious, yet the reconnoissances had been undertaken
on too limited a scale, and did not cover the whole of the position.
The dragoons are admirable for extensive reconnoissances, yet no
attempt has been made to determine the practicability and even the
existence of certain routes, on both the right and left, which are
said to obtain; that branching from the Jalapa road, a little this
side of the National Bridge, joined it again a short distance before
reaching Jalapa. Either of these routes, pursued by Worth's column,
would have effectually turned the position of the Cerro Gordo.
Moreover, the reconnoissance on the right bank of the river had not
been extended so as to get a view of the rear of the Cerro Gordo;
and from the circumstance that four hundred lancers were on the
right river bank, and in position about four miles above the bridge,
the inference was almost conclusive that there was a practicable
ford leading to the position in rear of the Cerro Gordo, and which
the lancers were thrown out to cover. It was also suggested that a
spirited reconnoissance in that direction would settle two essential
questions, essential to properly combining the plan of attack,--1,
Whether there was not a practicable ford, by means of which the
enemy could escape, and at which point a column of attack might be
directed against him; 2, Whether the main body, or a considerable
portion thereof, might not be _en masse_ in rear of the position of
the Cerro Gordo hill, and thus not be cut off by the flank movement
to the right, unless extended to a wider circuit than was intended.
This reconnoissance was pressed earnestly as essential, to get
correct information in regard to the intentions and position of the
enemy.
Friday, April 16. The reconnoissance I had recommended was ordered
by General Scott on the requisition of Major Smith, and fifty
dragoons, under the command of Lieutenant Steele, were placed at my
disposal. With Bowman as guide, we started about half past eight
o'clock, and, after crossing both branches of the river and
ascending to the ranch on the hill, we struck into a broad trail,
perfectly practicable for horses and field artillery, and after
pursuing our way some two and three quarter miles, came to a trail
nearly at right angles, and which Bowman represented as six miles
distant. Leaving the escort here with Steele, Bowman, and a beef
contractor, we continued in a direct course nearly a mile to some
ranches, where we took a man and boy to get information. On our
return we proceeded with the whole escort on the perpendicular trail
to another ranch, about half a mile distant, and finally to the
river supposed by Bowman to be the main stream. We found it simply a
tributary to the stream flowing under the first bridge, and the
descent to the ravine through which it flowed was scarcely
practicable for a mounted horseman. Leaving a small escort at the
ravine, the main body returning to the ranch, with Bowman I pushed
forward up the other side of the ravine, and proceeded about half a
mile, and nearly to the foot of a spur that led obliquely to the
main branch and in a direction a little beyond the Cerro Gordo.
After examining the routes and the configuration of the country, I
became satisfied that the reconnoissance could not be pushed farther
in this direction to any practicable result, but that the best
course would be to cross the spur at a depression and extend the
reconnoissance down the other side to the river. On my return to the
ranch, whilst proceeding at an easy pace, I found that an old
rupture which had been cured fifteen years had broken out, and
before I reached the ranch I began to suffer the most excruciating
pain. The further continuance of the reconnoissance was abandoned,
and I returned to camp, a distance of four miles, suffering very
great pain. First Dr. Brown attended me, and I was soon relieved of
pain by applying cold water. Dr. Tripler applied a very fine truss,
and in the course of the evening I felt perfectly comfortable.
[Illustration: BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO]
Saturday, April 17. This day I remained in camp, able to move about
only a little and with great care. In the movement of General Twiggs
to his position in order of battle, he was discovered, and a
spirited combat ensued, which resulted in dislodging the enemy from
a hill seven hundred yards from the Cerro Gordo, and upon which a
battery of one 24-pounder and two 26-pounder howitzers was put in
position during the night.
Sunday, April 18. As determined on yesterday, the position of the
enemy was attacked to-day and, after a most brilliant conflict, the
Cerro Gordo was stormed by the brigade of Colonel Harney, the
enemy's line of retreat on the Jalapa cut off by Shields's brigade
of volunteers and Riley's brigade of regulars. A large portion of
the enemy made their escape on the Jalapa road, and across the river
at the ford before alluded to. Pillow made an attack in front, but
failed in consequence of its being made prematurely, with great
precipitation, without order in the assaulting columns, and before
the supporting columns were in position, and at the wrong point,
viz., in a ravine swept by the fire of two batteries, and with
serious impediments in the way of abattis and felled trees. This
attack, both as to time and as to direction, was earnestly
remonstrated against by the engineer officer directing the attack,
by the personal staff of the general, and by Colonel Campbell,
second in command. Had the attack been made on the enemy's extreme
right, the true point of attack, and which was supposed to be the
point determined upon by the general until he announced a different
intention on arriving on the ground, it would have succeeded. It was
fortunate the attack failed. It kept the garrisons of the batteries
in their places and increased the number of prisoners. Shields
behaved most gallantly in his advance to the Jalapa road, and was
severely--supposed at the time mortally--wounded by a grapeshot
that passed through his body. His advance captured Santa Anna's
carriage. Worth's division was not engaged, acting simply as a
reserve.
The storming of the Cerro Gordo was one of the most brilliant things
on record. Whilst it was in progress, four thousand of the enemy
were put in motion to turn their flanks, but the Cerro Gordo falling
into our hands before they became engaged, they took ignominiously
to flight. So certain was Harney that such would be the effect, when
two thousand troops were reported to him as threatening each flank,
he simply gave the order to extend to the right and left, and kept
pushing up, and after a sharp conflict drove the enemy from the
breastworks and down the hill.
The retreat of the enemy was a perfect rout. A portion in small
bodies retreated on the Jalapa road. Many troops fled to the
chapparal, making their escape through almost impracticable paths.
Santa Anna himself made his escape with a few attendants across the
river and at the ford, whose existence was not verified till after
the battle in consequence of the serious injury that occurred to me,
preventing my extending the reconnoissance as I contemplated.
Ampudia with a few officers retreated on the Jalapa road, and very
nearly fell into our hands.
Twiggs's division was pushed forward hotly in pursuit, and encamped
at Encerro, fourteen miles distant, the night of the battle, and
reached Jalapa the next day. He was closely followed by the
volunteer division, General Patterson assuming command of the whole.
Worth returned to camp with the general and his staff.
I was on my back a portion of the day, and was just able to drag
about camp.
CAMP NEAR CERRO GORDO, Sunday,
April 15, 1847, 5 P.M.
MY DEAREST WIFE,--I have glorious news to tell you. This day we had
a hard-fought battle at this place, the first great mountain pass on
the highway from Vera Cruz to Mexico. The result is a most decisive
victory, resulting in the capture of six thousand Mexicans, and the
loss on our part of about three hundred killed and wounded. General
Twiggs is now in hot pursuit of Santa Anna, who was present in
command, and his remnant of five or six thousand men. He will, we
trust, enter Jalapa to-night, fifteen miles distant. His division of
somewhat less than three thousand men did the hard work, and will of
course have the highest award of praise.
As for your poor husband, his was the part to stay in camp. Two days
since I conducted a reconnoissance on the left of the enemy's line
over very difficult ground, with fifty dragoons to support me. I
rode hard through the morning, and about three in the afternoon an
old rupture in the groin, which troubled me when a boy from ten to
fourteen years of age, broke out again after a perfect cure of
fifteen years. So excruciating was the pain that it required the
greatest exertion to get to camp, four miles distant, on my horse.
Fortunately one of the best physicians in the army, Dr. Tripler, was
able to attend upon me, and most fortunate of all he had a solitary
truss of the best workmanship, which just fitted me. Dr. Tripler has
prescribed the utmost quietude, has forbidden all excitement, and
especially all riding on horseback. I had already received the
appointment of adjutant of engineers, and my staff duties I can
still attend to. All my friends express great sympathy for my
misfortune. General Scott expressed himself in terms that won my
heart. He remarked, "You engineers are too daring. You require to be
held back. My young friend, I almost cried when I heard of your
mishap." I have made a great many friends since I joined the army.
It may be well that I have received this check. Ever since I joined
the army, I have been too impetuous, too headstrong. I have made
great physical exertion. Now I am obliged to rein in the power of
muscles, in which I do not excell, and have equal opportunities to
develop the mental as before I became incapacitated. I shall have
charge of the train of the engineers, which is carried in quite a
number of wagons, and shall therefore be always able to ride in a
wagon. My horse is one of the finest animals in the army, and is a
most fast, easy, and beautiful walker, and he will therefore be no
impediment to my riding on horseback.
All my friends of the engineers did well. Captain Lee has won golden
opinions. Mason is rising rapidly in the esteem of all. He is one of
the most disinterested as well as one of the most talented men in
the army. If I have a perfectly devoted friend in the whole army, it
is Mason. He makes no professions; he is always true to himself and
his views of right, but I have his friendship and he has mine. My
old chum Tower did splendidly. He is a man of great powers of mind
and determined energy of character. He will probably be brevetted
for his services at this place and at Vera Cruz.
To-morrow the whole army resumes its onward march. In one day we
shall enter Jalapa. General Scott is winning golden opinions. He is
prodigiously popular with the volunteers, and the whole army has
confidence in him. During the whole continuance of the battle to-day
he was much exposed.
The movement which resulted in the great victory of to-day was to
the right and rear of the enemy, and the success of it hinged on the
taking of a little work on the top of an almost inaccessible hill.
The famous Colonel Harney of the dragoons led the forlorn hope in
the attack of this position, and was closely followed by the 3d and
7th infantry. Up rushed our troops, amidst the most deafening cheers
from the whole line. Steadily advanced the stars and stripes to the
very Mexican standard floating from the Mexican work. For one moment
in the most difficult point our flag disappeared; again it rose, and
was immediately planted in triumph on the top of the hill. In four
weeks we shall most certainly be in the City of Mexico, unless
previously the Mexicans make overtures of peace.
My dear wife, do not feel anxious for me. I have the means, and
shall take care of my health. My hopes of distinction have in a
measure vanished, but still I have the satisfaction that I can be
highly useful. My general health is very good. Remember me to Mary
and my dear children, to Judge Peabody, and all my friends.
Your affectionate husband,
ISAAC.