The Americans now advanced to attack the strong defences of the
capital. By General Scott’s plan, General Twiggs kept up a heavy fire
upon the southern part of the city, to divert the attention of the
enemy, while General Worth advanced to attack the San Cosmo gate, and
General Quitman the Belen gate. The troops of these divisions were
exposed to a tremendous and destructive fire from batteries placed
along the roads and at the gates. But the men now seemed insensible to
danger, and pressed on with a valor that never was surpassed. Many
valuable officers fell at their head, and this excited a spirit of
revenge among the troops, which led them to give but little quarter to
the enemy. By night-fall, both gates were carried, and the conquerors
had gained a foothold in the city. The next morning, while General
Scott was preparing to complete the work, the government surrendered.
The Mexican army had fled from the city. On the 14th of September, the
Americans entered Mexico in triumph.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: ATTACK AT THE NATIONAL BRIDGE.]