After the flag of the United States had been planted upon the National
Palace of the capital, by General Quitman, General Scott, with the main
army, entered the city. The officers were dressed in full uniform,
the military bands poured forth the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and “Hail
Columbia,” and every thing was arranged in such a manner as to gratify
the toil-worn, but triumphant troops.
The Mexicans were now disposed to listen to the overtures of peace made
by the commissioner, Mr. N. P. Trist. They appointed commissioners,
who met Mr. Trist, at Guadalupe Hidalgo. After considerable discussion,
a treaty of peace was agreed upon, by which New Mexico, Upper
California, and the territory between the Nueces and Rio Grande were
ceded to the United States. This treaty was ratified by the two
governments, and in the spring of 1848, the American army evacuated
Mexico.
The Mexican war thus brought to a close forms one of the most brilliant
epochs in the military history of our country. It was signalized by
astonishing displays of bravery and military skill; and added to our
union, several states, among which is California, the richest gold
region in the world.
Transcriber’s Notes.
1. Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical
errors.
2. Some of the illustrations have been moved to the nearest paragraph
break.
3. The officers’ portraits on pages 91, 112, 120, and 135 have been
identified on the internet. Their names have been added as captions
to their respective portraits.