After the capture of Monterey, as the Mexicans did not seem disposed
for peace, the government of the United States determined to prosecute
a more decisive campaign. A large army was collected at Anton
Lizardo, and Major-General Winfield Scott took command of it. A
land and naval attack upon the city of Vera Cruz and the Castle of
San Juan Ulloa was fixed upon as the first object. The fleet, under
Commodore Conner, transported the army to a landing place selected
by General Scott, and the landing was effected on the 9th of March,
1847. Four thousand five hundred men were thrown upon the shore at
once, the Mexicans making no resistance. Very soon the rest of the
army was landed, and then they formed a great line around the city.
Then the great guns were brought ashore and a brisk fire opened by
the besiegers. The Mexicans returned the fire from the city and
castle. While the soldiers were doing this, a few small steam vessels
sailed up near to the castle and commenced firing upon it. This was a
bold exploit, and if the Mexicans had been equal to the Americans in
gunnery, they would have made the vessels pay for the boldness of their
commanders. A tremendous fire of cannon balls and bomb-shells was kept
up by the naval and land forces until the morning of the 26th of March,
when the inhabitants, who had suffered much, compelled the governor
to surrender the city and castle to General Scott. Commissioners were
appointed by the commanders of both armies, as is usual in such cases,
and terms of capitulation agreed upon. The Mexican troops were to
march out of the city, lay down their arms, and then march for the
interior, being prisoners of war on parole, and the city and castle,
with all their artillery and ammunition and public stores were to be
given up to the United States troops.
[Illustration: LANDING OF THE TROOPS.]
After the capitulation, General Worth was appointed military governor
of the city, and the troops had a short rest from the constant
exertions of the siege. During this siege, General Scott lost very few
men; but the enemy suffered a great deal. So that this fine city and
strong castle did not cost the captors much, while it gave them an
entrance to the great road leading to the city of Mexico.
[Illustration: THE MOSQUITO FLEET AT VERA CRUZ.]
[Illustration: BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO.]
[Illustration: GENERAL SANTA ANNA.]