ADVANCE TO MEXICO, EL PEÑON, CONTRERAS,
CHURUBUSCO
The City of Mexico is situated in the centre of an irregular basin some
thirty-five miles from north to south and twenty-five miles from east to
west, and is separated from the great plain of Puebla by the eastern
branch of the great Cordillera of Anahuac, interposing an elevation of
nineteen hundred feet at the Pass of the Rio Frio.
It was known from information collected by the engineers that the city
was entirely surrounded either by an inundation or by marshy ground, and
was approached by eight causeways, flanked with wet ditches, and
provided with numerous cuts; that the whole city was protected by a
double and in some quarters by a triple line of defensive works, well
armed with cannon, and defended by an army of some thirty thousand men.
The direct approach along the great national road was defended by the
strong position of the Peñon, seven miles from the city. Chapultepec
stood boldly out on the southwest, and on the north there were said to
be formidable works at Guadalupe.
After entering the valley along the national road, there were three
general modes of approaching the city,--the direct along the national
road, around Lake Tezcuco on the north, Chalco and Xochimilco on the
south.
All the information collected pointed to the south and west as the
proper quarter from whence to attack the city; the south presented an
extended front with four of the eight causeways of entrance nearly
parallel to each other, and was necessarily weak. On the west the suburb
of San Cosme, a single street lined with houses on either side, extended
well into the country, and afforded a vulnerable point. Chapultepec, not
deemed a very formidable obstacle, required to be swept away to be free
to select the point of attack. Hence Tacubaya, a strong village
overawing Chapultepec, became the key point of the whole operation. In
the particular operation against the southern front, the occupancy of
the church and village of Piedad was of the last importance, in view of
all the southern gates, communicating directly with all the villages in
rear from Tacubaya to San Augustine, and by a good cross road
controlling the three causeways of San Antonio, Nino Perdido, and
Piedad.
Before ultimately deciding upon the strategic line, General Scott
determined to enter the valley at the head of the column, and whilst the
rear was closing up, to employ spies and push forward reconnoissances to
get accurate information of all the material facts bearing on the plan
of operations.
Accordingly, on the 7th of August the division of Twiggs, with the
engineer company at its head, led the advance, followed on successive
days by Quitman, Worth, and Pillow. General Scott and staff joined the
advance on the 8th. On the 11th Twiggs reached Ayotla, fifteen miles
from Mexico, Quitman Buena Vista, Worth Rio Frio, Pillow Tesmaluca,
respectively 3-1/2 miles, 11-1/2 miles, and 20-1/2 miles in rear.
On the 12th a reconnoissance of the Peñon was made by Captains Lee and
Mason and Lieutenant Stevens, the escort consisting of a squadron of the
dragoons, Captain Thornton, a section of Taylor's battery, and the 4th
artillery,--the whole under the command of Major Gardner. The Peñon was
found to be an extensive and commanding position, entirely surrounded
by water,--Lake Tezcuco stretching miles to the north. The base of the
hill, four hundred feet high, was surrounded by a continuous parallel
armed with batteries, and the defenses rose in amphitheatre to the top,
which was crowned by a small work. The only causeway of approach was
swept by two lines of works, and the defenses of the whole position were
formidable. A road branching off from the main road, two miles from the
Peñon, and leading to Mexicalcingo, was pursued some two miles, and
found to be exceedingly good. The Indians in the neighborhood reported
that the road was equally good throughout its whole extent, but that the
bridge at Mexicalcingo was broken down.
An amusing incident occurred in the progress of this reconnoissance.
Three officers--Major Gaines, of the Kentucky volunteers, Captain Mason
and Lieutenant Stevens, of the engineers--approached the causeway some
three quarters of a mile in advance of the escort, and advanced towards
a group of Mexican officers, some eight or ten in number, who were
flourishing their lances and curveting their horses as if to frighten
the American officers away. The latter, well mounted, continued their
course in a deliberate walk; and when they arrived within about three
hundred yards, the valiant Mexicans discharged their pistols, and,
finding no effect had been produced upon the American officers, who
still continued to advance, they immediately took to flight along the
causeway.
In the afternoon Captain Lee and Lieutenant Beauregard reconnoitred the
road on the northern shore of Lake Chalco, as far as the causeway
between Lakes Chalco and Xochimilco. The causeway was knee-deep in
water. The object of the reconnoissance (to get boats) was not effected.
During the progress of the reconnoissance of the Peñon the Mexican
troops, in expectation of an attack, were brought out from the city in
large numbers. Major Smith and Lieutenant Tower, from a hill one
thousand feet high, in advance of Ayotla, observed the passage of troops
from the city to the Peñon during the progress of this reconnoissance.
On the 3d a minute reconnoissance of the ground between the lakes was
made by the engineers, supported by Shields's brigade, who at nine
o'clock left camp to block up the Peñon.
Captain Mason, supported by Sibley's dragoons and the rifles, and
accompanied by Lieutenants Beauregard and McClellan, examined the
position of Mexicalcingo, seven miles from the Peñon, pursuing the road
that was partially examined yesterday. This bold movement, almost under
the guns of the Peñon, and extremely hazardous in presence of an
enterprising enemy, was accomplished in the most successful manner.
After arriving at Mexicalcingo the party was joined by Captain Lee and
Lieutenant Tower, who, with a squadron of dragoons, had taken the route
of the lakes to examine the roads.
Mexicalcingo was found to be a strong position, defended by seven
batteries, and entirely surrounded by water and marshy ground.
The Peñon was minutely examined by Lieutenant Stevens, who entered the
inundation at several points, and succeeded in examining the whole
position, excepting a very inconsiderable portion on the western slope.
He entered the lake, and for a whole mile the water did not rise above
the fetlocks of his horse. South of the causeway the water was carefully
examined to determine the best crossing-place. Two were found where
water was not over two feet in depth, and the bottom very hard. The
positions of the several batteries and the paths of approach were
discovered. The position was even more formidable than it seemed
yesterday. Over thirty guns were in position. New batteries were being
erected, and stockades on the hill. The whole inundation was swept by
powerful batteries. Lieutenant Stevens was engaged seven hours in this
reconnoissance, most of the time within twelve hundred yards of the
enemy's guns.
We all returned late, much fatigued with our day's work. The general
expressed much gratification at the information furnished by the several
reconnoissances.
The general has not yet entirely decided upon his course. He listens to
everything, weighs everything, and, when he sees his way clear, will act
with promptitude. Pillow arrived to-day, and immediately proceeded to
Chalco.
August 14. Little was done to-day in the way of reconnoissances. Captain
Mason and Lieutenant Beauregard were assigned to duty with the division
of General Worth, and joined him at Chalco. Lieutenant Tower commenced a
reconnoissance of the lakes, to determine the practicability of
transport by water to Mexicalcingo, but did not succeed in getting into
the canal of Chalco. In the afternoon Colonel Duncan arrived at general
headquarters with the information that the road south of the lakes was
practicable. (He had explored ten miles of the road with a column.)
Accordingly, the plan of the general to attack Mexicalcingo in front,
sending Worth's division around to attack in rear, was abandoned, and it
was determined to move the whole army around the lakes.
August 15. Headquarters left Ayotla at eleven, and proceeded to Chalco,
Worth pushing from Chalco the same evening, and Quitman entering Chalco.
Captain Lee and Lieutenant Tower were assigned to the brigade of Harney
for temporary duty with the advance. The engineer company also joined
the advance of Worth.
August 16. All the divisions in motion this morning. The road around the
lakes was narrow and rough, in many cases passing through a narrow
defile on the very edge of the lake, on one side abrupt acclivities, and
on the other a quagmire, into which the least false step would plunge
one several feet deep.
Headquarters, before reaching the camping-ground of Worth of the
previous night, had to pass Quitman's and Pillow's train. On arriving at
Chimalpa, headquarters remained some hours for authentic intelligence
from Twiggs, it having been reported that in marching out from Ayotla,
early in the morning, he had encountered a large force of the enemy
under Alvarez. On learning that Taylor's battery, in firing seven
rounds, dispersed the large body of enemy's lancers which made a
demonstration against Twiggs at the point where the route left the
national road to wind round Chalco, headquarters moved forward to
Tulancingo, where we passed the night. This village is remarkable for
its large and ancient olive groves. The olive-trees on either side of
the road, stretching out their arms, form an arch above like the elms of
New England.
August 17. Headquarters reached Xochimilco this day with Pillow's and
Quitman's divisions, Worth advancing as far as San Augustin, and Twiggs
reaching Pillow's camping-ground of last evening. The road to-day was
extremely difficult, and required some working to fill up cuts, and
remove stones and other obstructions placed in the road. The march was
very laborious in consequence of the continual halts.
Early on the morning of the 18th General Scott reached San Augustin,
called the engineers, observed, "To-day the enemy may feel us, to-morrow
we must feel him," and ordered reconnoissances to determine the best
mode of reaching the position of Tacubaya. There were two roads,--the
direct by San Antonio, which was already ascertained to be occupied in
strength by the enemy, and one to the west passing through Contreras and
San Angel, known, however, for a portion of the distance to be simply a
mule-path.
Major Smith directed in person the examination of the San Antonio route,
assisted by Captain Mason, Lieutenants Stevens and Tower, and Captain
Lee that to the west, assisted by Lieutenant Beauregard. The
instructions of the general as to reconnoissances had been already
anticipated by General Worth as regards the Contreras route, who had
pushed his division forward, and dispatched Captain Mason, escorted by
Thornton's dragoons, to reconnoitre the enemy's position at San Antonio.
Whilst in the discharge of this duty two shots from a battery of the
enemy were fired, killing Captain Thornton outright and severely
wounding Fitzwater, an interpreter.
General Worth immediately placed his division in the occupancy of the
Hacienda Cuapa, thus affording the most ample protection to the escorts
of the engineers. Major Smith now ordered Captain Mason and Lieutenant
Tower to examine the enemy's right, and Lieutenant Stevens his left.
Captain Mason first went to the steeple of a church near by to determine
the best mode of conducting his reconnoissance, and then with Colonel
C.F. Smith's light battalion he passed over a field of pedregal to our
left, till he got a full view of the rear of the enemy. He traced paths
leading to Mexicalcingo, interrogated the peons, and came to the
conclusion that the whole position might be turned and the enemy made to
abandon it, by crossing an infantry force on the line he had just
pursued, and falling upon the enemy at daylight with the bayonet.
Lieutenant Stevens was twice recalled whilst pushing his reconnoissance,
first, by order of Colonel Garland in consequence of an apprehended
attack from the enemy, and second, by direction of Major Smith, the
senior engineer. This officer did not deem it necessary to do anything
further, observing to General Worth that he had examined the whole
vicinity from the top of the hacienda, and had also interrogated the
residents, and was satisfied that the ground was firm on our right, and
afforded a route to turn the enemy's position. Lieutenant Stevens
expressed doubts as to this, and was permitted to go on with his
examination. He persevered until night, and found that the ground was
marshy, intersected with canals, and that operations in this direction
were not practicable.
In the mean time Captain Lee, with Kearny's dragoons and Graham's 11th
infantry, reconnoitred the route by Contreras. At about a mile and a
half it became a mule-path, requiring to be worked to be practicable for
artillery, and on ascending a hill a mile and a half farther on, a large
intrenched camp opened to view at a mile's distance, occupied in
strength by the enemy, and completely closing the Contreras route, which
for the intervening distance passed through a bed of pedregal, a lava
rock of honeycomb projection. After passing the intrenched camp, the
road was known to be good. At the hill the party had a successful
skirmish with the enemy's pickets, and then returned to San Augustin.
In the afternoon General Scott examined in person the San Antonio front,
and at his quarters that evening, after hearing the reports of the
engineers, he decided to mask San Antonio, and force the intrenched camp
at Contreras. Captain Mason alone of the engineers advocated the forcing
of San Antonio.
On the 19th Twiggs's division, on coming up from Xochimilco, was pushed
forward to the support of General Pillow, already on his way to furnish
parties to work the road. The engineer company, with its tools on the
backs of mules, was ordered back from Worth early that morning and
assigned to Captain Lee, who, assisted by Lieutenants Beauregard and
Tower, located the road and superintended the working parties.
Major Smith, assisted by Lieutenant Stevens, designated the positions to
be occupied by the trains and the division of Quitman at San Augustin,
now become the general depot and key of operations. Captain Mason
continued on duty with Worth in front of San Antonio.
General Twiggs passed the division of Pillow just as the tools of his
working parties were being packed away, they being no longer able to
work the way in consequence of having come within range of the enemy's
batteries; and the engineers, now joined by Major Smith and Lieutenant
Stevens from San Augustin, advanced to and entered the pedregal to
examine the enemy's position. As observed yesterday by Captain Lee, he
was found to be in a strong intrenched camp on the opposite side of a
deep ravine, which, with the almost impracticable bed of pedregal that
intervened, completely separated the two armies. All the efforts of the
engineers, who advanced close to the enemy's pickets, Lieutenant
McClellan having his horse shot under him, could discover no other route
than the mule-path, completely commanded by the long guns of the
intrenched camp. This path wound through the rocks, and afforded at
points some little cover for men and guns. The pickets of the enemy were
in large force and well pushed forward. In the mean time a heavy
cannonade, shells and round-shot, opened from the camp. At this
juncture, with the rifles thrown forward as skirmishers, the howitzer
battery of Callender and the field battery of Magruder were brought
forward to a position indicated by Captain Lee to drive in the pickets
and make a bold demonstration, to cover the true and very different
movement, indicated by Lieutenant Stevens on returning from the advanced
position gained by the engineers under cover of the rifles to
communicate Captain Lee's request for the batteries, and before the
order to move forward the batteries had been given. This officer
(Lieutenant Stevens) observed to Twiggs, the senior officer in front,
"The true point of attack is the enemy's left. Attack his left, you cut
him off from his reserves and hurl him into the gorges of the
mountains." Major Smith expressed similar opinions. Riley was now sent
against the enemy's left, and the whole brigade of Smith to cover the
demonstration in front. Callender brought his battery into action with
extraordinary promptness and efficiency, and pushed it rapidly forward.
The heavier guns of Magruder could not be so easily handled, and great
delay occurred in getting them into battery; a position was found
partially sheltering them, and they were brought into action. Callender
was soon severely, and T. Preston Johnston of Magruder's battery
mortally wounded. Lieutenant McClellan, who assisted to carry Callender
to the rear, now took command of his battery, Lieutenant Reno being at
the time detached with the rockets. Lieutenant Foster also, at Captain
Magruder's request, took charge of one of his pieces, and when Johnston
fell, carried him to the rear. Both these officers distinguished
themselves by their exertions in pushing forward the two batteries as
well as in serving them.
[Illustration: BATTLEFIELDS IN THE VALLEY OF MEXICO
_Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, Chapultepec,
Capture of City_]
Riley was still struggling through the pedregal, Lieutenant Tower
guiding his brigade, and Cadwallader was sent in the same direction.
Smith's brigade, closely followed by Pierce, now came to the front, and
entered a cornfield to the left, three companies of the 3d infantry,
Captain Craig, being detailed as a guard to the batteries, and
Lieutenant Haskin with twenty men to make good Magruder's losses. The
fire from the camp--shot, shells, and small-arms--on the front was
terrible, and the enemy's pickets advanced in force, threatening the
batteries. The leading regiment of Pierce, the 9th infantry, Colonel
Ransom, conducted by Lieutenant Stevens, now gallantly dashed forward
through the fire that swept the path, crossed a cleared cornfield in
direct view of the enemy's battery, pressed from cover to cover, driving
clouds of the enemy's skirmishers before them, crossed the rapid stream
that ran in the ravine, and gained the opposite bank, within three or
four hundred yards of the camp. This important position it maintained
till dark, forming with the 12th infantry, the detachments of Craig and
Haskin, and scattered bodies of the rifles, the sole force in front; the
15th infantry, Colonel Morgan, having been sent in the trail of
Cadwallader immediately on the arrival of the general-in-chief on the
ground, and Smith with his brigade following at a later period.
Riley on emerging from the pedregal came upon the village of San
Geronimo, through which he swept, and continued to advance in the
direction of a ravine that was found to extend to the rear of the camp.
In this isolated position he had two successful encounters with the
enemy's lancers, killing their general, Frontera, and awaited only the
coming up of reinforcements to order the assault. But Cadwallader, not
put in motion till Riley was well on his way, had barely time to reach
the village and hold it against the reserves of the enemy, estimated at
ten thousand men, foot and horse, which now came up from the city under
Santa Anna in person. The village, the key to the position, was to be
maintained at all hazards. Cadwallader presented a bold front and kept
the enemy in check. The arrival of Morgan an hour later, and of Smith
towards night, made the position impregnable against an infantry attack.
About sunset Riley returned to the village, and Smith, now senior in
command, resolved to attack the reserves, but, dark coming on before his
dispositions were made, an attack upon the intrenched camp was resorted
to as an alternative.
A dark and stormy night now closed in upon the scene, and the soldiers
in their dreary bivouac were placed in readiness for the morrow's work.
All thus far had gone on well. Worth in front of San Antonio maintained
the front and rear. Smith in the village of San Geronimo held the key of
the offensive movement to the enemy's left; his rear, thanks to the
pedregal and Pierce, still held in front of the intrenched camp, being
safe against attack.
The general-in-chief returned at nightfall to San Augustin. Many bodies
of stragglers were to be seen on the field. Even the two commanders of
divisions, Pillow and Twiggs, failed in reaching the village, where
their commands were in position, and within reach of an overwhelming
force. As the fire of our batteries died away and they were withdrawn,
cheer on cheer rose from the enemy's extended line. Rain coming on, many
bodies of stragglers not being able to find their commands, the
principal force hemmed up in a little village within reach of the
enemy's heavy batteries and within striking distance of his large force,
for the first time a feeling of despondency seized upon the minds of our
men. Happily, General Smith, the officer in command at the village, was
equal to the emergency, and extricated our force from its perilous
situation.
He determined upon a night attack, and sent Captain Lee to San Augustin
to confer with the general-in-chief in reference to supporting it by a
diversion in front. In consequence of the lateness of the hour, the
general deemed it impracticable to get any portion of Worth's command
upon the ground in season, but gave full powers to Captain Lee to
collect all the stragglers in front to operate as a diversion to the
main attack projected by General Smith.
In the course of this interview General Pillow and General Twiggs came
in, stating that, in consequence of the darkness and having no guide,
they had found it impracticable to reach the village, and were obliged
to retrace their steps; Pillow adding that they fell upon one of the
enemy's pickets while thus groping their way, or came so near as plainly
to hear their voices. Twiggs, a heavy man advanced in years, fell into
one of the hollows of which the formation was full, and injured himself
considerably.
I was present during almost the entire interview, having entered the
room shortly after the arrival of Captain Lee, and everything I
witnessed increased, if it were possible, my confidence in General
Scott. Himself on the ground till dark came on, he had grasped the whole
field of operations, and had determined to adhere to his original plan.
He listened with perfect composure and complacency to Captain Lee's
statement of the field, occasionally introducing a pertinent question,
and with the utmost patience weighed the various suggestions of the
officers, and particularly General Smith's plan of a night attack.
Neither General Pillow nor General Twiggs made any suggestions as to
what should be done. Captain Lee, having been in all parts of the field,
and having full information on almost every point, was, as it were, the
only person whom it was necessary to listen to.
The general listened with equal patience to what I had observed on the
front attack. In the very commencement, and before the batteries had
been ordered forward, I stated with much emphasis to General Twiggs that
the attack should be against the enemy's left. "Attack his left, you cut
him off from his reserves and hurl him into the gorges of the
mountains." I, however, conducted the batteries forward, and with the
assistance of Lieutenants McClellan and Foster, placed them in position.
After reconnoitring towards the right in the attempt to find a better
path for our guns and troops, and without success, I returned to the
batteries, which in the mean time had been considerably advanced, and
were exposed to a tremendous fire of grape. The howitzer battery was
being served with great effect, and had almost cleared the ground in
front of the ravine of the enemy. But very great delay occurred in
bringing forward Magruder's battery and opening its fire. Everything
seemed to go wrong with him. The enemy's grape, within point-blank
range, in a measure disabled the howitzer battery, wounding many of the
gunners and finally disabling Callender, who was wounded in both legs,
and at this moment some little delay occurred in getting a supply of
spherical case-shot. The supporting party was reduced to some eight
rifles, and the enemy's skirmishers advanced. General Smith's brigade
came up, and entered the cornfield to the left of the battery. At my
request, two or three companies of the 3d infantry advanced to the front
and right to protect the batteries. Soon the 9th infantry came up, with
general orders to support the batteries, and were conducted by me over a
cut and open cornfield, under a shower of the enemy's grape, to the
cover of a ledge, from which, passing from cover to cover, driving the
enemy's skirmishers before them, they reached the ravine, and crossing
which they sheltered themselves on the opposite bluff on the edge of a
cornfield. Colonel Ransom showed great gallantry and force in the
management of his command, and to show the promptness of his command in
following him, this anecdote is related. Only some eight or ten men were
seen lagging behind, and these an officer of the regiment was cursing
most lustily to urge them forward.
Just as the regiment had reached its position I met General Twiggs, and
we both ascended to a little ridge, where we had a full view of the
enemy's intrenched camp. Soon a shower of grape came in our direction.
General Twiggs remained in his exposed position without moving a muscle,
till I suggested the propriety of his stepping down to a little
depression which afforded cover.
He informed me that Riley had been moving against the enemy's right for
more than an hour. I remarked, "I will go and find him, and bring you
back word of where he is," to which General Twiggs assented, and I
immediately started in search of Riley. I was, however, much exhausted
by my previous exertions, and the ground was of the difficult and almost
impracticable honeycomb lava rock, and I was obliged to abandon the
attempt, and returned to the advanced position of the 9th infantry.
On an elevated ridge just on the edge of the ravine, and partly
sheltered by a cedar-tree, I had a distinct view of the whole position.
I observed the encounter of the lancers with our own troops (which I
afterwards ascertained to be Riley's command), and after an interval the
enemy's reserves advancing in great force. They continued to advance in
two lines of lancers and infantry, with clouds of skirmishers in front,
and halted, their right nearly opposite the village of San Geronimo.
Whilst these reserves were advancing, there was an evident slackening,
and at length a total cessation, of our return fire in front to the
almost continual fire of grape and escopettes of the enemy. This led me
to suppose that a change had taken place in our dispositions, involving
great exposure perhaps to the 9th, and I returned for information. On my
return I met many bodies of stragglers, who could afford no information
as to the state of the field, heard the triumphal shouts from the
Mexican lines, and finally fell upon General Pillow and General Twiggs.
General Pillow was in much perplexity, was intent upon finding the
village of San Geronimo, and wished me to conduct the 9th to that place.
Not having been to the village, and dark coming on, I confessed my
inability to conduct the regiment as he desired, and after considerable
hesitation he directed me to bring back the regiment to the position of
Magruder's battery. I accordingly went in the direction of the ravine,
my chief guide being the discharge of the enemy's guns from the position
of the reserve; but that failing, and the night becoming quite dark, I
lost my way and wandered about, until finally I heard voices approaching
in my direction, which I soon discovered to be from our own troops.
Calling out to them, I was answered by Lieutenant Foster, of my own
corps, who informed me that he was retiring with a party of about thirty
rifles and 9th infantry men, having just been driven out from a small
building, higher up and on the same stream with the position of the 9th
infantry, by a large force of the enemy. At this time I was so exhausted
that I could walk only with great difficulty, and was obliged to abandon
going in quest of the 9th, and returned with Foster, who gave me the
support of his arm till we reached Sibley's troop of dragoons, near the
foot of the hill from which General Scott had overlooked the field. As
we wended our way along the rain fell, small bodies of troops were to be
seen from time to time, and everything had the appearance of a broken
and dispirited army. It, was perhaps the only desponding moment our
troops had seen since the opening of the campaign.
After resting about half an hour, I returned with Sibley, and reported
what I had observed as above.
During the whole of this memorable evening, not only was General Scott
perfectly composed and assured, but, in his intercourse with those
present, neglected none of the courtesies due to guests. All those who
came in tired and wet from the field he made sit down at his table and
break their fast.
About twelve o'clock General Twiggs and Captain Lee set out on their way
back to the field, Pillow remaining in town to sleep; and on arriving on
the ground of the front attack Twiggs, entirely exhausted by his
exertions, sought a little rest, and Lee collected the 9th and 12th,
with some sappers and rifles, to make a diversion in front.
This note-book is not the place for a detailed account of the brilliant
conflict planned by General Smith. Suffice it to say that, in
consequence of the darkness and constant rain of the night, the attack
projected to be made at three was not actually made till daylight. It
was eminently successful, and without doubt was the most brilliant
affair of the war. The principal charge was made by Riley on their
reverse and rear, led by Tower, and supported by Smith's and
Cadwallader's brigades, respectively commanded by Dimick and
Cadwallader, Ransom in front making a diversion with the troops that had
been collected in that quarter. The position was carried with little
loss on our part, and the whole force of the enemy either killed,
wounded, taken prisoners, or driven solitary fugitives from the field.
General Valencia made his escape with the lancers in an eccentric
direction, and was afterwards heard of at Toluca.
Our troops pushed on in pursuit and soon entered the town of San Angel,
through which Santa Anna had passed that very morning with his reserves
of fifteen thousand men. After a short halt at San Angel, Pillow in
command ordered the column to move on Coyoacan, where an unimportant
skirmish took place.
Here General Scott joined the column, and ordered a halt to reconnoitre
and bring up the captured guns. Captain Lee went towards San Antonio
with a dragoon escort to communicate with Worth, and I to the steeple of
the church to use my glass. Turning it on the San Antonio road, I
observed the enemy in full retreat, the whole road from San Antonio for
more than a mile towards the city being filled with troops, pack-mules,
and wagons. On reporting this to General Scott, he ordered Twiggs to
advance to cut off their retreat, and assigned me to duty as the senior
engineer officer of his division.
CHURUBUSCO.
On the head of the column reaching the fork of a road, whither a party
of one hundred lancers had been driven by the mounted rifles, it was
halted and a very rapid reconnoissance made of the roads in advance.
Lieutenant McClellan taking the left-hand road and I the right, they
were found to lead respectively to, and directly in front of, a church,
which was observed to be occupied in strength. McClellan observed one
gun, and a prisoner taken on the ground reported there were two guns.
The engineer company was advanced in front of the building to support
and continue the reconnoissance. Whilst on this duty it became engaged
with the enemy, and the 1st artillery was ordered up in support.
Thus the action, on the part of Twiggs's division, commenced. It having
been entered on, it was determined to make a bold and quick matter of
it. Taylor's battery was ordered up, and took a position in the open
space in front of the church. It was expected it would drive the enemy
from the roof,[1] and enable the division--Smith in front, Riley on the
left, and perhaps a regiment along the direct road--to carry the work by
a _coup de main_. This course, recommended by myself to Twiggs, was
taken. Some delay, however, occurred before Riley got in position and
opened his fire. Meantime Taylor, serving his battery with extraordinary
coolness and energy, was met by a terrific return from the enemy, who
poured upon him an unceasing deluge of grape, his whole battery
consisting of eight guns, one a 16-pounder. Taylor breasted it manfully
for an hour and a half, when, two of his officers wounded and many of
his men and horses killed and disabled, he was compelled most
reluctantly to retire.
Soon after this Riley got in position and opened a sharp fire, producing
an immediate and evident abatement in the enemy's fire. The 1st
artillery had been in position from the commencement of the attack, and
was now followed by the 3d infantry. The work attacked in front and rear
by our infantry, all retreat cut off by Shields and Pierce occupying the
causeway in rear, Worth in possession of the _tête-de-pont_, Duncan
opening two guns on one of the long faces of the work, and Larkin Smith
directing a 4-pounder against the convent, the white flag was hung out
at the very moment the 2d and 3d infantry from the rear and front
carried the work at the point of the bayonet. Immediately the flag of
the 3d infantry was planted on the roof of the building; and over one
thousand prisoners, including three general officers, surrendered to
Twiggs.
The battle of Contreras and the subsequent advance upon San Angel and
Coyoacan led to the evacuation of San Antonio. Whilst this was in
progress, Clarke's brigade, conducted by Captain Mason, of the
engineers, made a flank movement to the left, and cut the enemy's
retreating column of three thousand in two, dispersing the rear portion
and preventing its reaching the main body and entering into the
subsequent fight. Worth, with both brigades, now pushed forward with
great energy upon the heels of the other portion, till the column was
arrested by a fire of grape from a strong bastioned field-work of
fourteen feet relief and wet ditches in front, covering the passage of a
canal, and somewhat in rear of the work attacked by Twiggs, and which,
like the latter work, had not been noticed in the previous
reconnoissances. Both brigades were formed in the cornfields on the
right; the charge was ordered, Clarke in advance; and after a desperate
but short conflict the work was carried at the point of the bayonet, the
6th infantry and 2d artillery particularly distinguishing themselves.
In the mean time Shields, in command of Shields's and Pierce's brigades,
conducted by Captain Lee, the Palmetto regiment in advance, pursued a
route to the left, and finally came in contact with the enemy near the
hacienda on the great San Antonio causeway, a mile from the
_tête-de-pont_. The enemy were in great force lining the causeway, and
the lancers advancing towards the canal. The Palmettoes advanced most
gallantly, led by their gallant colonel, Butler; but some hesitancy was
manifested by the other commands, who retired under cover of the
hacienda or crowded behind the Palmettoes. Notwithstanding the utmost
exertions of the officers, a pause took place at good escopette range,
and a considerable loss was experienced. The Palmettoes lost their
colonel, shot dead, their lieutenant-colonel, wounded, four successive
color-bearers, shot down, and nearly half their rank and file killed
and wounded. Finally the movement was commenced, the enemy was charged
through, and the causeway was filled with fugitives to the city.
The dragoons, who thus far had continued inactive, now took the causeway
in pursuit, and the most gallant feat of the war was enacted. Captain
Kearny, in advance with a squadron, pursued the fugitives to the very
garita, where he charged directly up to a battery under a fire of grape,
dismounted, calling upon his men to follow him, and entered the gorge of
the work to take it by assault. Looking around, he found himself alone,
the few men immediately following him having been shot down, and the
remainder having retired in obedience to the return call from the rear,
which for Kearny's safety had just at this moment been inauspiciously
sounded. Surrounded by a crowd of fugitives, who pressed too closely
upon him to use their weapons, he retreated, making a passage with his
sword, mounted a jaded Mexican horse, and commenced to retire. Finding
that the sorry speed of the brute would long time expose him to the
enemy's grape, he dismounted and sought a better steed. Scarcely was he
mounted when his arm was carried away by a grape; but he succeeded in
making good his retreat. His first lieutenant, Ewell, had two horses
shot under him, and his second lieutenant, Graham, was wounded in the
hand.
This was the terrible and decisive conflict of the war, and was a case
of a combined movement of all the divisions. The enemy's intrenched
works were carried at the point of the bayonet. Surrounded on all sides,
the strong defensive building attacked by Twiggs was obliged to
surrender; the reserves, vigorously pushed, fled from the field; and the
army, which in the morning was estimated to be 27,000 strong, scarcely
presented in the evening a sorry array of 4000. We could have entered
the city the same day had we chosen. But our troops had made
extraordinary exertions, our casualties were great, and the general
determined to operate against the city after deliberately weighing its
capacity for defense.
After this disastrous defeat of the enemy General Scott rode through his
lines, addressing with terseness, brevity, and feeling the troops as he
passed them, who received him with great enthusiasm, and exhibiting all
that moderation and equanimity which has eminently characterized his
course throughout this campaign. Towards night he returned to his
quarters at San Augustin.
All the divisions suffered in nearly equal proportion, the casualties
amounting to 1066, of which about one fourth were killed or permanently
disabled.
The 1st artillery suffered most severely in officers, losing in all the
battles five gallant officers, Captains Capron and Burke, Lieutenants
Irons, Johnson, and Hoffman.
It is probable the same and perhaps more decisive results could have
been effected, and with far less loss, had Twiggs and Worth stopped in
mid-career, and an hour been taken to reconnoitre the enemy's position.
Pillow and Shields with Garland's brigade and Duncan's battery
demonstrating in front, Twiggs's whole division with Taylor and the
howitzer battery on the enemy's right, Clarke's brigade on their left,
both making considerable detours, Clarke as a demonstration, Twiggs the
great attack, the causeway might have been gained; Taylor's battery sent
thundering on the enemy's rear, with Harney's horse and Riley's brigade
cutting off all hope of succor, the enemy's works and the reserves
inclosed by our troops must have immediately surrendered. Then, the
prisoners and their works left in charge of Pillow, all the other
divisions united could have been pushed forward in support of Riley, and
the city could have been stormed with little or no loss.
This is expecting impossibilities. We knew nothing of the enemy's works,
but we saw them in full retreat, we pushed forward to cut off their
retreat, and, coming upon the enemy's intrenched position, we became
engaged in the very act of reconnoitring it. The result was most
glorious to our arms, and will, we trust, conclude the war.
Major Smith, the chief engineer, was present during the battle of
Churubusco, and was distinguished for gallantry. He is suffering with
the same disability as myself.
We were both exceedingly fatigued with our exertions, and were glad to
get a night's rest at our quarters at San Augustin. Shortly after our
return Captain Lee and Lieutenant Tower came in.
Captain Lee had made the most extraordinary exertions, having been on
foot for two days and a night without a moment's rest. It was almost the
only instance in this war I have seen him fatigued. His services were of
the most important character, not second to those of any individual in
this army. Lieutenant Tower, in his night reconnoissance and subsequent
services in leading Riley's brigade against Valencia's intrenched camp,
exhibited great resolution and high military qualities.
It seemed to be conceded by the whole army that the engineers in these
important operations had done their duty, and that every individual
officer had shown a readiness to participate in the perils incident to
their service. In truth, the whole army, officers and men, were gallant,
and in several instances exhibited all the terrible energy of the
Anglo-Saxon race.
The night attack by Smith, and the storming of the works at Churubusco
by Worth and Twiggs, are unsurpassed in war. The former was a rare
combination of science and force, the latter an instance of desperate
valor.
I slept little that night. The picture was mingled sunshine and clouds.
The mangled forms of Capron, Burke, Johnston, and others whom I
personally knew and respected, I could not keep from my mind. The
experience of war is saddening. The terrible scenes of the battlefield
cannot be effaced from the memory. We realize the observation of
Franklin, "I scarcely ever knew a good war or a bad peace."
Lieutenant Stevens gained great reputation, both at headquarters and in
the army generally, by the part he took in these brilliant operations.
His reconnoissance of El Peñon was considered one of the most daring and
complete of the war, and, as he modestly remarks, "General Scott was
very much pleased with my reconnoissance, and I got more credit for it
than I deserved." General William H. French (commander of the third
corps, Army of the Potomac, in 1863) writes of this reconnoissance, in
which he participated as one of the covering party: "It brought
Lieutenant Stevens conspicuously before the army. That night the reports
of the different officers of engineers were made to the general-in-chief
in person; that of Lieutenant Stevens was so full and clear, it in a
great measure decided General Scott to take the route around Lake
Chalco, and attack the City of Mexico in reverse. From this time the
general-in-chief recognized his ability and talents."
His exertions at El Peñon overtasked his strength, however, and in
consequence he was obliged to ride for three days in an ambulance on the
march around Lake Chalco as far as Rochimilco.
In the movement on the intrenched camp at Contreras, Lieutenant Stevens,
advancing with the skirmishers to reconnoitre the position, saw at once
that the decisive movement would be to turn the enemy's left, and seize
the road between the camp and the city, thus isolating the former and
cutting it off from reinforcements. Hastening to General Twiggs, he
urged this movement upon that officer in his earnest and forcible
manner, saying, "The true point of attack is the enemy's left. Attack
his left, you cut him off from his reserves, and hurl him into the
gorges of the mountains." The movement was at once decided upon. Riley's
brigade was directed to the right (enemy's left) over the pedregal,
followed by Cadwallader, and later by Shields and Smith; San Geronimo
was seized, and the dashing victory of Contreras was the result.
Lieutenant Stevens was the first to see and urge this decisive movement,
and his advice was immediately adopted by the veteran Twiggs.
The terrific conflict of Churubusco, which followed hard on Contreras,
was brought on, or perhaps it may be said precipitated, by Lieutenant
Stevens. From the church steeple in Coyoacan he discovered the enemy in
full retreat down the San Antonio causeway, and on his report to that
effect, General Scott at once ordered Twiggs forward, and Lieutenant
Stevens to accompany him as his senior engineer officer. Leading the
division with the engineer company, he discovered the fortified church,
or convent, barring the road; the company became engaged, and, the
action having thus commenced, General Twiggs adopted almost implicitly
the suggestions of the ardent young officer, and gave free rein to his
efforts "to make a bold and quick matter of it." Lieutenant Stevens
personally led and placed in position Taylor's battery, the 1st
artillery (infantry), and other troops, greatly exposing himself during
the action. The position, however, proved much stronger than was
expected, a strong earthwork and breastwork being screened and partially
concealed by tall, waving corn, which covered the fields in front, and
cost the bloody and protracted fight before it fell. Lieutenant Stevens
did not altogether escape criticism for putting the battery where it
was so badly cut up; indeed, seems to have reproached himself; but his
superiors, the veteran Twiggs and Scott, found no fault, knowing full
well that great boldness and exertion are the price of great
achievements in war. General H.J. Hunt relates that, after entering the
city, a party of wounded officers were talking over matters, and
Lieutenant Stevens reproached himself for having too severely criticised
Magruder at Contreras, and remarked: "The very next day at Churubusco I
did worse myself, acting on my judgment and eyesight, which deceived me,
for I had not a knowledge of all the facts bearing on the situation. It
was therefore my fault that Taylor's battery was knocked to pieces."
"Here, again," remarks General Hunt, "is his characteristic frankness
and honesty, and _sense of justice_ to others, breaking out, and
carrying him further than was necessary, and into doing injustice to
himself."
ARCHBISHOP'S PALACE, 3-1/2 MILES FROM THE MAIN PLAZA
OF THE CITY OF MEXICO, Sunday, August 22, 1847.
MY DEAREST WIFE,--The great battle of Mexico has been fought, and
our arms have achieved a glorious triumph. Commissions are now
sitting to treat of an armistice that will terminate, as we all
trust, in a permanent and honorable peace to both countries. Mexico
is again without an army, and the gates of the capital are open to
us. Terrible was the conflict, severe our loss, particularly in
efficient and gallant officers; the whole army was engaged, and the
whole public force of Mexico struck down, large numbers of prisoners
and a great amount of material of war falling into our hands.
My heart is filled with gratitude to the Most High that I had the
strength to do my duty with the other officers of my corps, and
that, although much exposed in three different reconnoissances and
two hard-fought battles, I have escaped without a wound, and without
any abatement of my health and strength. I cannot feel exultation.
We have lost many brave officers and men, some my personal friends;
streams of blood have in reality flowed over the battlefield. The
hearts of the whole Mexican nation are thrilling with anguish and
dismay. Such is war, so glittering and imposing on parade and in
anticipation, so terrible in reality.
Puebla is about seventy-five miles from Mexico. On referring to the
map, you will find that the direct road passes between lakes Tezcuco
on the north, Chalco and Xochimilco on the south. At the Venta de
Chalco, about twenty miles from Mexico, the road turns off to pass
southward of the lakes. El Peñon, about eight miles from Mexico, is
a high hill entirely surrounded with water, along the edge of which
the great direct road to Mexico passes, consisting of a causeway for
about a mile and a half approaching it, and also of a causeway the
whole distance after leaving it, till we reach the City of Mexico.
General Twiggs with his splendid division was in the advance,
followed on successive days by Quitman, Worth, and Pillow. In five
days Twiggs was pushed up to Ayotla, fifteen or sixteen miles from
Mexico, General Scott continuing with him in the advance, and the
other divisions five, fifteen, and twenty-five miles in rear. As
they came up (it required two days), they were held in reserve at
the head of Lake Chalco, whilst the proper reconnoissances and
examinations were made to determine the general plan of attack. The
first day, a reconnoissance was made of the Peñon, supported by a
squadron of dragoons, a regiment of infantry, and two pieces of
artillery. The Peñon was found to be fortified and occupied in
force. Captain Mason, of the engineers (my friend Mason), Major
Gaines, of the Kentucky volunteers (taken prisoner just before the
great battle of Buena Vista, and who made his escape only one or two
days before the march of the army from Puebla), and myself rode some
distance in the advance, and observed near the causeway some eight
or ten Mexican officers. We were at least three quarters of a mile
from the rest of our force. We advanced upon them, they curveting
their horses and advancing upon us. When within about three hundred
yards they discharged their pistols, but we continuing our advance,
they all turned their horses and returned full speed across the
causeway, carrying with them a troop of lancers. The whole affair
was very amusing and afforded much sport. It did not diminish our
contempt of Mexican prowess.
The second day a splendid reconnoissance was made of the whole
country between the lakes, including the Peñon and Mexicalcingo at
the head of Lake Xochimilco. The particular reconnoissance of the
Peñon was intrusted to me. On my little horse, one of the most
enduring, spirited, and beautiful animals in the service, with two
dragoons, I went half way round the Peñon, and was for seven hours
within almost point-blank range of its guns, examining the different
batteries, determining the various approaches, and particularly the
character of the inundation. Frequently I was in the water up to the
belly of my horse. General Scott was very much pleased with my
reconnoissance, and I got more credit for it than I deserved. The
same day Mason made an admirable reconnoissance of Mexicalcingo.
Our spies had given information that the road around Chalco was
impracticable for our trains, and in consequence thereof the general
almost made up his mind to force Mexicalcingo, and at that point and
westward, fight the great battle of the war. He, however, determined
to wait one day for additional information.
Worth, who had now come up, was sent to Chalco, and a column under
the orders of Colonel Duncan reconnoitred the road around the lakes.
Our spies were found to have given wrong information, and the road,
though bad, was found to be practicable. That same evening General
Scott, with the whole field before him, determined to move around
Chalco, and ordered the movement to commence on the morrow.
The prompt advance of Twiggs to Ayotla, the brigade of dragoons of
the famous Colonel Harney two miles farther in advance, and the
brilliant reconnoissances of the two succeeding days impressed the
enemy with the belief that the Peñon was to be attacked, and they
lost no time in filling the place with troops, and putting in
position formidable batteries of nearly forty guns.
In the movement around the lakes Worth was in the advance, followed
by Pillow, Quitman, and Twiggs. The road was exceedingly bad and
narrow, in many places a perfect defile, obstructed by cuts, stones
from the hills in some cases formed into walls, and requiring great
patience, energy, and perseverance for the passage of the trains.
The third day Worth reached San Augustin, General Scott and staff
resting at Xochimilco with the divisions of Pillow, Quitman, and
Twiggs respectively some five and ten miles in rear; no obstruction
of moment occurring either in front or rear, unless we except a
demonstration of a large force of lancers on the movement of General
Twiggs's division from Ayotla, a demonstration brought speedily to a
close by the opening of Taylor's battery.
Early the next morning, Wednesday, August 18, Scott joined Worth;
developed his general plan of attack, and ordered the engineers
immediately to make vigorous reconnoissances of the position and
force of the enemy. He remarked, "To-day the enemy may feel us,
to-morrow we must feel him."
Accordingly two reconnoissances were made,--one, of the position of
San Antonio, three miles from San Augustin, on the great southern
road to Mexico, conducted by Major Smith; the other, of the road to
San Angel, turning the position of San Antonio, and bringing us to
the next great and adjacent causeway to the west. This latter
reconnoissance was conducted by Captain Lee.
The first reconnoissance was supported by the whole of Worth's
division. Captain Mason had charge of one party, I had charge of the
other. Whilst the whole party of engineer officers with a portion of
the escort were examining the position of San Antonio within twelve
hundred yards of its guns, and in the causeway itself, the enemy
discharged his battery of two large brass 16-pounders, blowing to
pieces the body of the gallant Captain Thornton, commanding the
escort, and severely wounding an interpreter. The second
reconnoitring party (that of Captain Lee) were brought into pretty
close contact with a body of the enemy, whom they completely
dispersed without any loss. Thus, the enemy felt us the first day.
Pillow and Quitman had now come up to San Augustin (ten miles from
Mexico), and Twiggs to Xochimilco, four miles in rear.
It was determined to move the main body on San Angel, Worth
remaining in front of San Antonio, and by a vigorous combined
movement forcing this position and advancing upon Tacubaya.
Accordingly, on Thursday Pillow and Twiggs were pushed forward over
a most difficult road, requiring much labor to make it practicable
for field-guns, and in full view of a large force of the enemy, who,
divining our intentions from the reconnoissance of Wednesday, had
intrenched himself in a strong position, barring our passage. As our
troops approached, they were brought gallantly into action.
Callender's howitzer battery was advanced to a very exposed position
for the temporary purpose of driving in a picket, was not withdrawn
in time, and, exposed to a formidable battery of twelve guns, was
entirely cut up, its gallant commander receiving severe wounds in
both legs. Magruder's battery of 12-pounders was in like manner
advanced and cut up. These batteries were supported by Smith's
brigade on the left, and the 9th infantry on the right. The 9th
infantry I led across an open field, exposed to the enemy's grape,
without the loss of a man. They advanced to a strong position in a
ravine, which they maintained till dark.
Riley's brigade and the greater portion of Pillow's division were
pushed forward against the enemy's right to cut him off from his
reserves, and by a vigorous charge take him in flank and hurl him
into the gorges of the mountains.
The whole field of approach was a perfect honeycomb of lava
projections, entirely impracticable for horse and difficult for
foot. Nothing was known of the ground. All the troops advanced with
difficulty. That intrepid veteran, Riley, with his gallant brigade,
pushed forward and encountered the enemy's lancers in large force,
repulsing them in successive charges. He organized his brigade to
charge the battery, but felt it his duty to await orders and
support.
Smith, somewhat late in the day withdrawn from the right, reached a
village on the left of the enemy's position, to which Riley had
withdrawn, and was reinforced by the greater portion of Shields's
and a portion of Pierce's brigade. An attack under the direction of
Smith was organized, but could not be executed in consequence of the
gathering shadows of the night.
At this moment, all offensive operations on our side having ceased
and no impression made on the enemy's line, their reserves coming up
in great force and bringing with them additional guns, cheer on
cheer rose from their whole line, whilst on our part there was much
gloom and despondency. Our commands were much scattered, our
batteries had become disabled, and every one was overcome with the
fatigues of the day. During the latter part of the day I was
reconnoitring in the advanced position of the 9th infantry, and, not
knowing the progress of the day in other parts of the field,
returned to the rear for orders. I found General Pillow, who seemed
somewhat perplexed with the posture of affairs, and gave me no
orders till dark was coming on. I endeavored to find my way back,
but could not succeed. I was so entirely exhausted that it was with
the greatest difficulty that I could drag one foot after the other.
Finally I fell upon a small party of rifles and 9th infantry, led by
Lieutenant Foster, of the engineers, who were making good their
retreat from a house somewhat higher up on the same stream with the
position of the 9th infantry, and from which they had been expelled
by a whole regiment of the enemy. On hailing the party, Foster
recognized my voice, and I concluded to return with him, but so
entirely worn down that I required his support. We made our way with
great difficulty, occasionally meeting little parties of soldiers
seeking their commands. It had already commenced raining. On passing
near the place where I left my horse, I could not find him, and was
obliged to pursue my way on foot. At length we reached some dragoons
near the foot of a hill, where General Scott had placed himself to
observe the field, and there learned that he had left half an hour
before for San Augustin, three miles distant. I inquired for my
horse, but could not find him. Foster kindly lent me his, and after
waiting some half an hour I set out on my return to San Augustin in
company with Captain Sibley's troop of dragoons.
On my way back my feelings were not desponding, but I was sad. The
9th infantry, called the New England regiment, who had gallantly
followed my lead, and had occupied for hours an exposed position, I
had not succeeded in bringing back to the place indicated by the
general. I felt deeply my physical inability to support
long-continued exertion. It seemed to me that I had abandoned a
body of men who were relying on me. The regiment had acted nobly,
and none more so than Pitman, acting as major. He was cool and
intrepid throughout.
On my way home the rain poured in torrents much of the time. I
overtook my intrepid friend Callender, whom some men of his company
were carrying home on a litter. He seemed to be comfortable, and is
now rapidly recovering from his wound.
On reaching my quarters, getting some supper, and changing my
clothes, I went to see General Scott. He was surrounded by his
personal staff, and was attentively listening to Captain Lee's
account of the state of the field. Soon after, General Pillow and
General Twiggs entered the room. Twiggs is a gray-haired veteran of
sixty, large in person, of rather blunt address, and of little
advantages of education, but possessing in an eminent degree
decision of character, great sagacity as to men and events, and an
aptitude for labor. He has the most splendid division in the
service, the fruit in great measure of his own unwearied exertions.
Captain Lee is an officer of engineers to whom I have before
alluded, and one of my mess-mates. He is one of the most
extraordinary men in the service. In the very prime of manhood, of
remarkable presence and address, perhaps the most manly and striking
officer in the service, of great grace of manner and great personal
beauty, he has established an enduring reputation. His power of
enduring fatigue is extraordinary, and his strength of judgment and
perfect balance are conspicuous. For counsel, General Scott relies
more upon him than any other man in the service.
I never shall forget that evening,--Captain Lee in calm, even,
well-weighed words, giving a full view of the state of our force,
suggesting the various methods of reëstablishing affairs, and
proffering his own services and exertions to carry out the views of
the general; Scott, composed, complacent, weighing every word he
said, finding fault with no one's blunders, and taking in all cases
the best view of things, indulging in no apprehensions, and
exhibiting entire confidence in the ultimate event. At length
General Twiggs and Captain Lee returned to the battlefield with full
powers to retrieve affairs as their best judgment should dictate. It
had been proposed by General Smith, one of Twiggs's brigadiers, to
make a night attack upon the enemy's position, defended by twelve
guns and five thousand of their best troops. Captain Lee's principal
object in seeing the general was to procure his sanction. It was not
denied. On returning to the field, all arrangements were made to
carry it into execution.
My dear wife, I am spinning out a long letter, and I must be more
brief. This night attack, in consequence of rain and the difficult
nature of the ground, was not carried into execution till dawn of
day. It was organized by General Smith. The reconnoissance of the
route was made in the night by my friend Tower, of the engineers.
The principal column of attack consisted of Riley's brigade led by
Tower. Two other columns were pushed in the same general direction,
one of which was commanded by our friend Major Dimick. In front a
column was formed of the scattered commands, mostly new levies.
Riley's column pursued its way over slippery and uneven ground,
crossing two deep ravines, halting from time to time to keep the
command together. Finally it reached the brow of a hill in rear of
the enemy's position, and was formed in two columns, just as the
coming day disclosed them to the enemy. Immediately the charge was
ordered, and the gallant brigade made its terrible charge, ably
supported by the other columns. The contest was brief but decisive.
In fifteen minutes one thousand dead and wounded of the enemy lay on
the field, nearly a thousand more were taken prisoners, and the
remainder were flying in all directions. Every one speaks in the
most exalted terms of the conduct of Tower. Some say he led the
brigade and did the whole work.
As for myself, broken down the evening before, greatly in need of
rest, I complied with the advice of Major Smith and Captain Lee and
remained in town, giving directions to my servant to be called at
three, in order that I might return to the field to be in season for
the fight. My servant did not wake me till five. One delay after
another occurred, and I was finally detained by General Scott to
conduct to the field a brigade of General Worth's command. We
started and had got half way out, when information came of the
brilliant success of the night attack, and the brigade was ordered
back. I continued my way, and finally came across Tower very
quietly eating his breakfast in company with Lieutenant Beauregard
of our corps, who was also conspicuous in the same attack. I rode
on, passed over the battlefield, reached the advance, and exchanged
greetings with my friends of the 9th regiment, who had felt as
anxious for me as I had for them. They informed me that they had
withdrawn to a safe place about nine in the evening, and were
engaged in the night attack. My friends of the 1st artillery, Major
Dimick, Captains Capron, Burke, etc., I also shook warmly by the
hand, and finally rode up to General Twiggs. I congratulated him on
the brilliant victory achieved by his command. "General Smith
deserves the whole credit, but it was my division," was his reply.
The order was soon given to advance upon the San Antonio road,
General Twiggs in advance, the object being to cause the enemy to
evacuate it and open the way for the advance of Worth. I accompanied
the advance. We soon reached the village of Coyoacan, from which a
picket of about two hundred lancers was expelled. There we halted
till General Scott rode up. He proposed to wait half an hour to
reconnoitre, determine the position of the enemy, and the proper
mode of attack. General Worth had previously received orders not to
attack the enemy till he heard the fire on the other line.
Calling for the engineer officers, Captain Lee was directed, after
examining a prisoner, to communicate with General Worth at San
Antonio, and I went to the steeple of the church to use my glass. I
turned it upon the San Antonio road, and observed the enemy in full
retreat, the causeway for more than a mile being filled with troops,
pack-mules, and baggage-wagons. I immediately reported the fact to
General Scott, who ordered Twiggs to advance, and directed me to
accompany his division. Twiggs pushed on, and I went forward with
the officers of the engineer company to reconnoitre. We came to a
fork of a road. I took to the right, Lieutenant McClellan to the
left. Mine passed directly in front of a strong building (a church),
occupied in force by the enemy; his led directly to the building. At
a little distance before me I saw the enemy in retreat, and we took
one prisoner, who informed us that the place was defended by two
guns.
My dear wife, perhaps I had not better at this time go into the
details of the most terrible fight of the war, which now commenced.
General Twiggs has said publicly that by my reconnoissance and
efforts it was brought on, as regards his division. We all felt the
strongest determination to fight the enemy, and put him to a perfect
rout. At all events, it so happened that I was extremely active in
pushing forward columns of attack, etc. Our friend Major Dimick's
regiment I directed to its position. So with Taylor's battery.
General Twiggs, in almost every case, agreed to my suggestions. By
my efforts and those of the junior engineer officers, the troops
were brought under fire and the battle commenced.
The veteran division of Twiggs, already engaged in two hard-fought
battles, the desultory and galling conflict of the day before and
the brilliant victory of the morning, exposed to the rains of the
night, and the whole without the least rest from the wearisome march
around Lake Chalco, came gallantly into action against the enemy,
intrenched in a position of remarkable strength,--a bastioned
field-work of high relief, wet ditches, armed with eight guns, some
of large calibre, and protected by a church converted into a
defensive building of great strength. Taylor, whom you knew in
Newport, came into action in most gallant style, and opened his fire
upon the enemy, driving him from the roof of the building. But so
destructive was the return fire of the enemy behind his earthen
breastworks that in a short time his battery was cut up, and he was
obliged to withdraw, losing many men and horses, and two of his
officers were wounded. Lieutenant Martin, formerly stationed in
Newport, lost his arm. Riley opened his fire with great spirit and
effect against the left; Smith's brigade, headed by our gallant
engineer company, against the right. Worth, hearing our fire,
hastened up his command, and attacked a strong bastioned field-work
on the great San Antonio causeway, and a little in rear of the work
attacked by Twiggs. The 6th infantry and Duncan's battery were
conducted directly up the causeway. A terrible fire of grape
temporarily checked the advance of the 6th, and compelled Duncan to
put his battery under cover. An attack was directed, headed by the
2d artillery, to turn the left of the position. The whole command
of Worth was rushed to the attack, not in the most orderly manner,
and the greatest gallantry was displayed by both officers and men. A
continued blaze of fire proceeded from the extended line of the
enemy, resting on the two field-works, and was returned with great
spirit by both Twiggs and Worth. The roar of battle did not for a
moment cease, and at times the stoutest hearts would quail.
In the mean time the brigades of Shields and Pierce, conducted by
the intrepid Captain Lee, were directed around the enemy's right to
get into his rear and cut off his retreat. The enemy appeared in
such great force that it was with the greatest difficulty that the
command could be brought to the attack. The gallant Colonel Butler,
leading most nobly the Palmetto regiment, was shot dead, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Dickinson was wounded. After exceeding effort
they were made to charge the enemy, the causeway was gained, and his
retreat cut off. In this action both Shields and Pierce were
conspicuous for their gallantry, and the latter was wounded.
Previous to the attack of Worth, the work attacked by Twiggs had
been nearly silenced by the destructive fire of his two gallant
brigades, the gunners were shot down, and the guns were served only
at intervals. Still the church held out, and the line in rear was
not touched. Worth, after one repulse and at heavy loss, took by
assault the work on the causeway, the guns of which, together with
two from Duncan's battery, were opened upon the work attacked by
Twiggs. Shields and Pierce had now cut the causeway. Seeing no hope
of escape, the white flag was hung out, and immediately the division
of Twiggs occupied the work, taking over one thousand prisoners, of
whom three were general officers.
The panic was now universal. Our troops pushed forward on the great
causeway, the dragoons in hot pursuit, sabring the enemy in their
path. They fled in all directions. The gallant Captain Kearny
charged up almost to the very walls of the city, receiving a severe
wound in the arm, which rendered its amputation necessary.
This is a meagre account of this terrible fight, more protracted and
severe than anything seen at the Resaca, at Monterey, or the Cerro
Gordo. Our loss is great, some forty officers in killed and
wounded, and over seven hundred rank and file; nearly half the
officers of the 1st artillery were killed or wounded. Major Dimick
commanded the regiment in three battles and escaped without a wound.
As I have before said, I was on duty with the division of Twiggs.
This veteran was greatly exposed during the whole contest, and was
conspicuous for his coolness and judgment. General Scott himself was
wounded. The chief engineer, Major Smith, was also conspicuous for
gallantry and good conduct. Our gallant engineer company nobly
sustained its reputation as the first company in the service. At the
close of the action General Scott rode over the whole field,
speaking words of encouragement to the wounded, and addressing the
several regiments as he passed them. On all sides he was received
with the greatest enthusiasm. His words were the eloquence of the
heart, and told with great effect.
General Scott and staff returned to San Augustin, some five miles
from the battlefield, to pass the night. We were all greatly in need
of rest. To our great satisfaction, on comparing notes it was found
that not a single engineer officer had been touched, and only three
soldiers of the company wounded.
Notwithstanding the great fatigues of the day, I slept little that
night. The battlefield was before me with its scenes of terror and
of blood. The gallant officers who fell haunted me. The loss of
human life was appalling. I reflected that with less precipitation
the works could have been carried with much less loss. I was
precipitate like the rest, and felt in a measure culpable.
The next morning, after issuing the proper orders for the movements
of the troops,--orders given verbally from his horse to his aides,
and with admirable precision,--General Scott proceeded to the
village of Coyoacan, and there met a white flag from the city. We
then learned that consternation sat on that devoted place, and that
her army of twenty-six thousand to thirty-two thousand men had
become reduced to four thousand indifferent troops. The result of
the white flag was the appointment of commissioners to treat of an
armistice. This morning (Monday) the articles were duly signed, and
there is now every prospect that the war has come to a close. The
armistice is made by authority of the supreme government, and its
avowed object is to negotiate a treaty of peace. This armistice
provides generally that the two parties shall remain as they are.
Hostilities are to cease within a circuit of twenty-eight leagues of
the city, the guerrillas are to be withdrawn from the national road,
and our communications are to be free with Vera Cruz.
Monday evening. I have sad news to-day. The first day of the
armistice the Mexicans have commenced trifling with us. The
armistice provided that our army should draw supplies from the city,
and in consequence we commenced drawing specie in exchange for
drafts. The Mexicans denied this construction of the article, and in
consequence, at three o'clock, General Scott gave notice of the
termination of the armistice (the articles guarantee forty-eight
hours' notice). The Mexicans dare not again invoke the power of our
arms, and will yield the point. But it looks bad.
Tuesday, August 24. The commissioners have met again to-day, and the
articles have been modified to meet General Scott's views.
Thursday, August 26. Yesterday Santa Anna issued a proclamation
referring to his great exertions to defend his country, and to the
circumstances of the present crisis, and stating his conviction that
an honorable peace would promote the best interests of his country.
Accordingly to-day commissioners to negotiate a treaty of peace were
appointed on his part, who are to meet our commissioner, Mr. Trist,
to-morrow.
Friday, August 27. This has been a white day for me. The
archbishop's palace is a very good place for the general and his
personal staff. It has a splendid view from its top. But since our
arrival it has been crowded with the general staff and with a
company of dragoons. The courtyard was filled with horses, and the
whole place was becoming filthy in the extreme. The chief engineer,
Major Smith, and myself occupied a small, dirty room, which we used
for a sleeping-room, an eating-room, and an office. Accordingly we
determined to seek other quarters. After much inquiry, I fell to-day
upon a splendid suite of apartments belonging to a judge in the City
of Mexico, which I have secured, and am now occupying with Major
Smith. We have a large parlor, dining-room, two large
sleeping-rooms, a spacious kitchen, stable, and flower garden. As
throughout all Mexico, our apartments extend to the rear, looking
upon an open court, with one apartment only on the street. The house
is of one story, and each window extends to the floor and opens upon
the court. We feel quite comfortable in our new home. The
corresponding suite of apartments on the opposite side of the court
is occupied by the judge's clerks and law students. We have been
much indebted in securing these apartments to the good offices of
Mr. Jameson, a Scotch merchant of wealth in the City of Mexico, who
resides in Tacubaya. He is our next-door neighbor, and will make a
most pleasant acquaintance. Just opposite us, he is now building a
most elegant mansion in the midst of a garden laid out in the
English style. Last evening Mason and myself took a walk to the top
of an eminence in rear of the palace, where we had a most beautiful
view of the City of Mexico and its neighboring lakes. We both
thought of Newport, and of the thousand delightful recollections
that cluster around it. Mason is in fine health, and has greatly
distinguished himself in the recent operations. We both hope to see
Newport before the close of the year.
Saturday, August 28. To-day I have for once felt entirely recovered
from the fatigues of the recent operations in the valley, and have
twice mounted my horse, and to-morrow I think of going to the
village of Mixcoac, some two and a half miles from this place, where
Pillow's division is quartered. Captain Pitman is there with the 9th
infantry. The colonel of this regiment, Ransom, is a very fine
officer. I saw General Pierce to-day. He was not recovered from the
effects of a fall from his horse on the battle-ground of the 19th
instant, but was able to be about. He was not wounded, as I have
before written. He is making a fine impression upon the whole
service.
The casualties are much higher than any one anticipated,--over one
thousand killed and wounded (about 1060). General Pierce's command
suffered to the extent of about 160; General Cadwallader's, about
100; General Shields's, 200; General Worth's, 336; General Twiggs's,
260.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The flat roof on the convent and most of the buildings in Mexico
afforded strong positions for defense, being surrounded by parapets,
known as azoteas, formed by carrying the walls some four feet above
the roofs. The convent azotea was lined with infantry.