Santa Anna saved the capital from immediate assault after the battle of
Churubusco, by procuring an armistice for peace negotiations. His real
object was to gain time to prepare munitions of war and strengthen
the defences of the city. General Scott discovered this, and put an
end to the armistice. He then resolved to attempt the capture of
Molino del Rey, a strongly fortified and garrisoned foundry. General
Worth, with three thousand one hundred and fifty men, was detached for
this service. General Worth was ignorant of the great strength of the
works, but he made skilful disposition and was determined to succeed.
There were three assaulting columns. The first was to assail Molino
del Rey, covered by the fire of some heavy artillery. The centre was
to consist of five hundred picked men, commanded by Major Wright. The
third column was commanded by Colonel M’Intosh, and consisted of
the second brigade, supported by Duncan’s artillery. A strong body of
troops were held in reserve. On the morning of the 8th of September,
the columns advanced to the assault, a tremendous fire from the
batteries having shaken the walls of the enemy’s works. The central
position was carried after a bloody struggle, in which Major Wright
and one half his force were either killed or wounded. The Mexicans
had masked batteries, which the Americans could not see till they
were within range of them. On the right of the field, the assailants
were completely successful, carrying the works, and slaughtering the
enemy without mercy. On the left Duncan kept up a heavy fire upon the
stone foundry, called Casa Mata. The assault was here repulsed; but
Duncan’s artillery restored the fortune of the contest, and compelled
the Mexicans to evacuate the foundry, even while they were playing
triumphant music for victory. Thus General Worth was victorious in
every part of the field, and the enemy were in flight. But the victory
was purchased by the loss of one half of the division. The loss of the
Mexicans in killed, wounded and prisoners was immense.
[Illustration: DUNCAN, AT MOLINO DEL REY.]
[Illustration: CANNONADE AND BOMBARDMENT OF CHAPULTEPEC.]
[Illustration]