the United States be authorized and requested to have a medal of
gold procured, with appropriate devices and inscriptions thereon,
and presented to General Taylor, in the name of the Republic, as
a tribute to his good conduct, valor, and generosity to the
vanquished.
Approved July 16, 1846.
_____
_General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army._
To Headquarters, Army of Occupation,
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Camp at Palo Alto, Texas,
Washington, D. C. May 9, 1846.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I was met near this place
yesterday, on my march from Point Isabel, by the Mexican forces,
and, after an action of about five hours, dislodged them from
their position and encamped upon the field. Our artillery
consisting of two eighteen-pounders and two light batteries, was
the arm chiefly engaged, and to the excellent manner in which it
was manoeuvred and served is our success mainly due.
The strength of the enemy is believed to have been about (p. 283)
6000 men, with seven pieces of artillery and 800 cavalry. His
loss is probably at least one hundred killed. Our strength did
not exceed, all told, twenty-three hundred, while our loss was
comparatively trifling: four men killed, three officers and
thirty-seven men wounded, several of the latter mortally. I
regret to say that Major Ringgold, 2d Artillery, and Captain
Page, 4th Infantry, are severely wounded. Lieutenant Luther, 2d
Artillery, slightly so.
The enemy has fallen back, and it is believed has repassed the
river. I have advanced parties now thrown forward in his
direction, and shall move the main body immediately.
In the haste of this report, I can only say that the officers and
men behaved in the most admirable manner throughout the action. I
shall have the pleasure of making a more detailed report when
those of the different commanders shall be received.
I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. A._, _commanding_.
_____
_General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army._
Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp at Resaca de la Palma, 3 miles from Matamoros,
To 10 o'clock P.M., May 9, 1846.
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D. C.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I marched with the main body
of the army at two o'clock to-day, having previously thrown
forward a body of light infantry into the forest, which covers
the Matamoros road. When near the spot where I am now encamped,
my advance discovered that a ravine crossing the road had been
occupied by the enemy with artillery. I immediately ordered a
battery of field artillery to sweep the position, flanking and
sustaining it by the 3d, 4th, and 5th regiments, deployed as
skirmishers to the right and left. A heavy fire of artillery and
of musketry was kept up for some time, until finally the enemy's
batteries were carried in succession by a squadron of dragoons
and the regiments of infantry that were on the ground. He was
soon driven from his position, and pursued by a squadron of
dragoons, battalion of artillery, 3d Infantry, and a light
battery, to the river. Our victory has been complete. Eight
pieces of artillery, with a great quantity of ammunition, three
standards, and some one hundred prisoners have been taken; among
the latter, General La Vega, and several other officers. One
general is understood to have been killed. The enemy has
recrossed the river, and I am sure will not again molest us on
this bank.
The loss of the enemy in killed has been most severe. Our (p. 284)
own has been very heavy, and I deeply regret to report that
Lieutenant Inge, 2d Dragoons, Lieutenant Cochrane, 4th Infantry,
and Lieutenant Chadbourne, 8th Infantry, were killed on the
field. Lieutenant-Colonel Payne, 4th Artillery,
Lieutenant-Colonel McIntosh, Lieutenant Dobbins, 3d Infantry;
Captain Hoe and Lieutenant Fowler, 5th Infantry; and Captain
Montgomery, Lieutenants Gates, Selden, McClay, Burbank, and
Jordan, 8th Infantry, were wounded. The extent of our loss in
killed and wounded is not yet ascertained, and is reserved for a
more detailed report.
The affair of to-day may be regarded as a proper supplement to
the cannonade of yesterday; and the two taken together, exhibit
the coolness and gallantry of our officers and men in the most
favorable light. All have done their duty, and done it nobly. It
will be my pride, in a more circumstantial report of both
actions, to dwell upon particular instances of individual
distinction.
It affords me peculiar pleasure to report that the field-work
opposite Matamoros has sustained itself handsomely during a
cannonade and bombardment of 160 hours. But the pleasure is
alloyed with profound regret at the loss of its heroic and
indomitable commander, Major Brown, who died to-day from the
effect of a shell. His loss would be a severe one to the service
at any time, but to the army under my orders it is indeed
irreparable. One officer and one non-commissioned officer killed,
and ten men wounded, comprise all the casualties incident to this
severe bombardment.
I inadvertently omitted to mention the capture of a large number
of pack-mules left in the Mexican camp.
I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. A._, _commanding_.
_____
_General Order Congratulating the Army._
Head Quarters, Army of Occupation,
Resaca de la Palma, May 11, 1846.
The commanding general congratulates the army under his command
upon the signal success which has crowned its recent operations
against the enemy. The coolness and steadiness of the troops
during the action of the 8th, and the brilliant impetuosity with
which the enemy's position and artillery were carried on the 9th,
have displayed the best qualities of the American soldier. To
every officer and soldier of his command, the general returns his
thanks for the noble manner in which they have sustained the
honor of the service and of the country. While the main body of
the army has been thus actively employed, the garrison left
opposite Matamoros has rendered no less distinguished service, by
sustaining a severe cannonade and bombardment for many successive
days. The army and the country, while justly rejoicing in this
triumph of our arms, will deplore the loss of many brave (p. 285)
officers and men who fell gallantly in the hour of combat.
It being necessary for the commanding general to visit Point
Isabel on public business, Colonel Twiggs will assume command of
the corps of the army near Matamoros, including the garrison of
the field-work. He will occupy the former lines of the army,
making such dispositions for defence and for the comfort of his
command as he may deem advisable. He will hold himself strictly
on the defensive until the return of the commanding general.
By order of Brig. Gen. Taylor.
W. W. BLISS, _Act. Adj. Gen._
_____
_General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army._
Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation,
To Camp near Matamoros, May 16, 1846.
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D. C.
"Sir: The main body of the Army of Occupation marched under my
immediate orders from Point Isabel on the evening of the 7th of
May, and bivouacked seven miles from that place.
"Our march was resumed the following morning. About noon, when
our advance of cavalry had reached the water-hole of 'Palo Alto,'
the Mexican troops were reported in our front, and were soon
discovered occupying the road in force. I ordered a halt upon
reaching the water, with a view to rest and refresh the men, and
to form deliberately our line of battle. The Mexican line was now
plainly visible across the prairie, and about three-quarters of a
mile distant. Their left, which was composed of a heavy force of
cavalry, occupied the road, resting upon a thicket of chapparal,
while masses of infantry were discovered in succession on the
right, greatly outnumbering our own force.
"Our line of battle was now formed in the following order,
commencing on the extreme right: 5th Infantry, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel M'Intosh; Major Ringgold's Artillery; 3d
Infantry, commanded by Captain L. N. Morris; two
eighteen-pounders, commanded by Lieutenant Churchill, 3d
Artillery; 4th Infantry, commanded by Major G. W. Allen; the 3d
and 4th regiments composed the Third Brigade, under command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Garland; and all the above corps, together
with two squadrons of dragoons, under Captains Ker and May,
composed the right wing, under the orders of Colonel Twiggs. The
left was formed by the battalion of artillery, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, Captain Duncan's Light Artillery, and
the Eighth Infantry, under Captain Montgomery; all forming the
First Brigade, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap. The
train was parked near the water, under direction of Captains
Grossman and Myers, and protected by Captain Ker's squadron.
"About 2 o'clock, we took up the march, by heads of columns, in
the direction of the enemy, the eighteen-pounder battery
following the road. While the columns were advancing, (p. 286)
Lieutenant Blake, Topographical Engineer, volunteered a
reconnoissance of the enemy's line, which was handsomely
performed, and resulted in the discovery of at least tyro
batteries of artillery in the intervals of their cavalry and
infantry. These batteries were soon opened upon us, when I
ordered the columns halted and deployed into line, and the fire
to be returned by all our artillery. The Eighth Infantry, on our
extreme left, was thrown back to secure that flank. The first
fires of the enemy did little execution, while our
eighteen-pounders and Major Ringgold's artillery soon dispersed
the cavalry which formed his left. Captain Duncan's battery,
thrown forward in advance of the line, was doing good execution
at this time. Captain May's squadron was now detached to support
that battery and the left of our position. The Mexican cavalry
with two pieces of artillery were now reported to be moving
through the chapparal to our right to threaten that flank, or
make a demonstration against the train. The Fifth Infantry was
immediately detached to check this movement, and, supported by
Lieutenant Ridgely, with a section of Major Ringgold's battery
and Captain Walker's company of volunteers, effectually repulsed
the enemy, the Fifth Infantry repelling a charge of lancers, and
the artillery doing great execution in their ranks. The Third
Infantry was now detached to the right as a still further
security to that flank, yet threatened by the enemy. Major
Ringgold, with the remaining section, kept up his fire from an
advanced position, and was supported by the Fourth Infantry.
"The grass of the prairie had been accidentally fired by our
artillery, and the volumes of smoke now partially concealed the
armies from each other. As the enemy's left had evidently been
driven back, and left the road free, the cannonade having been
suspended, I ordered forward the eighteen-pounders on the road
nearly to the position first occupied by the Mexican cavalry, and
caused the First Brigade to take up a new position still on the
left of the eighteen-pounder battery. The Fifth was advanced from
its former position and occupied a point on the extreme right of
the new line. The enemy made a change of position corresponding
to our own, and after suspension of nearly an hour the action was
resumed.
"The fire of artillery was now most destructive; openings were
constantly made through the enemy's ranks by our fire, and the
constancy with which the Mexican infantry sustained this severe
cannonade was a theme of universal remark and admiration. Captain
May's squadron was detached to make a demonstration on the left
of the enemy's position, and suffered severely from the fire of
artillery to which it was for some time exposed.
"The Fourth Infantry, which had been ordered to support the
eighteen-pounder battery, was exposed to a most galling fire of
artillery, by which several men were killed, and Captain Page
dangerously wounded. The enemy's fire was directed against our
eighteen-pounder battery, and the guns under Major Ringgold in
its vicinity. The major himself, while coolly directing the fire
of his pieces, was struck by a cannon ball and mortally wounded.
"In the mean time, the Battalion of Artillery, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, had been brought up to support the
artillery on our right. A strong demonstration of cavalry was now
made by the enemy against this part of our line, and the column
continued to advance under a severe fire from the eighteen-pounders.
The battalion was instantly formed in square, and held ready (p. 287)
ready to receive the charge of cavalry, but when the advancing
squadrons were within close range, a deadly fire of canister from
the eighteen-pounders dispersed them. A brisk fire of small-arms
was now opened upon the square, by which one officer, Lieutenant
Luther, 2d Artillery, was slightly wounded, but a well directed
volley from the front of the square silenced all further firing
from the enemy in this quarter. It was now nearly dark, and the
action was closed on the right of our line, the enemy having been
completely driven back from his position, and foiled in every
attempt against our line.
"While the above was going forward on our right, and under my own
eye, the enemy had made a serious attempt against the left of our
line. Captain Duncan instantly perceived the movement, and by a
bold and brilliant manoeuvring of his battery, completely
repulsed several successive efforts of the enemy to advance in
force upon our left flank. Supported in succession by the 8th
Infantry and Captain Ker's squadron of dragoons, he gallantly
held the enemy at bay, and finally drove him, with immense loss,
from the field. The action here and along the whole line
continued until dark, when the enemy retired into the chapparal
in rear of his position. Our army bivouacked on the ground it
occupied. During the afternoon the train had been moved forward
about half a mile, and was parked in rear of the new position.
"Our loss this day was nine killed, forty-four wounded, and two
missing. Among the wounded were Major Ringgold, who has since
died, and Captain Page dangerously wounded. Lieutenant Luther
slightly so.
"Our own force is shown by the field report to have been 177
officers and 2111 men: aggregate 2288. The Mexican force,
according to the statements of their own officers, was not less
than 6000 regular troops, with ten pieces of artillery, and
probably exceeded that number; the irregular force not known.
Their loss was not less than 200 killed and 400 wounded; probably
greater. This estimate is very moderate, and formed upon the
number actually counted upon the field, and upon the report of
their own officers.
"As already reported in my first brief despatch, the conduct of
our officers and men was everything that could be desired.
Exposed for hours to the severest trial, cannonade of artillery,
our troops displayed a coolness and constancy which gave me
throughout the assurance of victory.
"I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_Brevet Brigadier-General U.S.A._, _commanding_."
_____
_The Secretary of War to Doctor Patterson._
To War Department,
DOCTOR R. M. PATTERSON, December 9th, 1846.
Director of the United States Mint, Philadelphia.
Sir: By a resolution of Congress, approved the 16th of July last,
the President is authorized and requested to have a medal of gold
procured, with appropriate devices and inscriptions thereon, (p. 288)
and presented to General Taylor. Preliminary arrangements are
being made to carry out the object of the resolution, and as soon
as a likeness of the general can be procured, the Department will
be prepared to place the design of the medal in the hands of the
die sinker. In the meantime it is desired to know whether the
work can be executed at the Mint, under your direction, and what
measures it may be necessary to take to insure a speedy
compliance with the resolution. May I request to be furnished
with your views on the subject, with such suggestions as may
facilitate the object contemplated.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Wm. L. MARCY, _Secretary of War_.
_____
_Doctor Patterson to the Secretary of War._
To the Honorable
William L. MARCY, Mint of the United States,
Secretary of War. December 12, 1846.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 9th inst., regarding the execution of the Medal voted by
Congress to General Taylor, and asking me to present "my views on
the subject with such suggestions as may facilitate the object
contemplated."
I comply cheerfully with this request, and recommend the
following measures:
_First._ That a likeness of General Taylor be procured in
profile. A good daguerreotype would answer very well.
_Secondly._ That a medallion of the head and bust be made in wax,
on a plate of about four inches in diameter. Mr. Chapman, of New
York, would be competent to make it.
_Thirdly._ This being done, the remainder of the work required
for making the obverse die can be committed to Mr. Franklin
Peale, the chief coiner of the Mint. A cast is made from the
medallion in iron. This is used as a pattern, and a reduced copy
of it is cut in steel, by the action of an apparatus called a
portrait lathe, which we have in our possession here.
When the likeness is thus cut on the die, the legend is to be
struck in, and will consist, I presume, of the name and title,
MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.
For the reverse, I would recommend that no emblematic design
should be attempted, but that it be composed of a wreath,
enclosing the words:
RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS
JULY 16, 1846.
PALO ALTO
MAY 8, 1846.
RESACA DE LA PALMA
MAY 9, 1846.
The medal awarded General Scott presents an example of that which
is now suggested.
For the dies thus described (hardened and polished complete), (p. 289)
Mr. Peale estimates the whole cost at $600.
For the gold medal the estimate is as follows:
8 oz. fine gold at $20.67 $165.36
Striking and wastage 20.00
Case 5.00
-------
$190.36
Whole cost $790.36
May I venture to make another suggestion? It is, that besides the
medal of gold which is sent to General Taylor himself, there be a
large number of copies struck in bronze, to be distributed in
such manner as may be determined by the War Department.
In this case, it would be necessary to make _hubs_ for the
purpose of replacing the dies when injured.
Including this work Mr. Peale presents the following estimates:
500 bronze medals, at $1.50 $750
500 cases, at $1.00 500
------
$1,250
Mr. Peale asks me to present the medals which are sent with this
letter. That in bronze is for yourself, and that in silver gilt
we request you to give to the President.
They were made by the process recommended in this letter. The
medallion was modelled by Mr. Chapman. You will not fail to
observe that the head and shoulder are in too great relief, the
former to such an extent as partially to overshadow the features
of the face. This is a fault easily avoided in a new medallion.
I beg you to be assured that any services which I can render to
you in this matter are fully at your command.
Very respectfully,
Your faithful servant,
R. M. PATTERSON, _Director_.
No. 60. (p. 290)
PLATE LXI.
_September 24, 1846._
Major General Zachary Taylor, [Rx]. Resolution of Congress March
2nd 1847, etc.
MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.
[_Taking of Monterey._]
MAJOR GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. Bust of General Taylor, in uniform,
facing the right.
Within a wreath of oak: RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS MARCH 2nd 1847 MONTEREY
SEPTEMBER 1846.
_____
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Taylor._
_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to
Major-General Zachary Taylor, his officers and men, for the
fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage which distinguished the
late brilliant military operations at Monterey.
_Resolved_, That the President be requested to cause to be struck
a gold medal, with devices emblematical of this splendid
achievement, and presented to General Taylor as a testimony of
the high sense entertained by Congress for his judicious and
distinguished conduct on that memorable occasion.
_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be further
requested to cause swords, with suitable devices, to be presented
to Major-General Butler, Major-General Henderson, and to
Brigadier-General Quitman, in testimony of the high sense
entertained by Congress of their gallantry and good conduct in
storming Monterey.
_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be further
requested to present a sword, with suitable devices, to the
nearest male relative of Brigadier-General Hamer, and to
communicate to him the deep regret which Congress feels for the
loss of a gallant man, whose name ought to live in the (p. 291)
recollection and affection of a grateful country.
_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to General
Taylor, and through him, to the army under his command.
Approved March 2d, 1847.
_____
_General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army._
Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation,
To Camp Near Monterey, October 9, 1846.
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D. C.
Sir: I have now the honor to submit a detailed report of the
recent operations before Monterey, resulting in the capitulation
of that city.
The information received on the route from Seralvo, and
particularly the continual appearance in our front of the Mexican
cavalry, which had a slight skirmish with our advance at the
village of Ramas, induced the belief, as we approached Monterey,
that the enemy would defend that place. Upon reaching the
neighborhood of the city, on the morning of the 19th of
September, this belief was fully confirmed. It was ascertained
that he occupied the town in force; that a large work had been
constructed commanding all the northern approaches; and that the
Bishop's Palace, and some heights in its vicinity near the
Saltillo road, had also been fortified and occupied with troops
and artillery. It was known, from information previously
received, that the eastern approaches were commanded by several
small works in the lower edge of the city.
The configuration of the heights and gorges in the direction of
the Saltillo road, as visible from the point attained by our
advance on the morning of the 19th, led me to suspect that it was
practicable to turn all the works in that direction, and thus cut
the enemy's line of communication. After establishing my camp at
the "Walnut Springs," three miles from Monterey, the nearest
suitable position, it was, accordingly, my first care to order a
close reconnoissance of the ground in question, which was
executed on the evening of the 19th by the engineer officers,
under the direction of Major Mansfield. A reconnoissance of the
eastern approaches was at the same time made by Captain Williams,
Topographical Engineer. The examination made by Major Mansfield
proved the entire practicability of throwing forward a column to
the Saltillo road, and thus turning the position of the enemy.
Deeming this to be an operation of essential importance, orders
were given to Brevet Brigadier-General Worth, commanding the
second division, to march with his command on the 20th; to turn
the hill of the Bishop's Palace; to occupy a position on the
Saltillo road, and to carry the enemy's detached works in that
quarter, where practicable. The first regiment of Texas mounted
volunteers, under command of Colonel Hays, was associated with
the second division on this service. Captain Sanders, Engineers,
and Lieutenant Meade, Topographical Engineers, were also (p. 292)
ordered to report to General Worth for duty with his column.
At 2 o'clock P.M., on the 20th, the second division took up its
march. It was soon discovered by officers who were reconnoitering
the town, and communicated to General Worth, that its movement
had been perceived, and that the enemy was throwing
reinforcements towards the Bishop's Palace and the height which
commands it. To divert his attention as far as practicable, the
first division, under Brigadier-General Twiggs, and the field
division of volunteers, under Major-General Butler, were
displayed in front of the town until dark. Arrangements were made
at the same time to place in battery during the night, at a
suitable distance from the enemy's main work, the citadel, two
twenty-four pounder howitzers, and a ten-inch mortar, with a view
to open a fire on the following day, when I proposed to make a
diversion in favor of General Worth's movement. The 4th Infantry
covered this battery during the night. General Worth had, in the
mean time, reached and occupied for the night a defensive
position just without range of a battery above the Bishop's
Palace, having made a reconnoissance as far as the Saltillo road.
Before proceeding to report the operations of the 21st and
following days, I beg leave to state that I shall mention in
detail only those which were conducted against the eastern
extremity of the city, or elsewhere, under my immediate
direction, referring you for the particulars of General Worth's
operations, which were entirely detached, to his own full report.
Early on the morning of the 21st, I received a note from General
Worth, written at half-past nine o'clock the night before,
suggesting what I had already intended, a strong diversion
against the centre and left of the town, to favor his enterprise
against the heights in rear. The infantry and artillery of the
first division, and the field division of volunteers, were
ordered under arms and took the direction of the city, leaving
one company of each regiment as a camp guard. The 2d Dragoons,
under Lieutenant-Colonel May, and Colonel Wood's regiment of
Texas mounted volunteers, under the immediate direction of
General Henderson, were directed to the right to support General
Worth, if necessary, and to make an impression, if practicable,
upon the upper quarter of the city. Upon approaching the mortar
battery, the 1st and 3d regiments of infantry and battalion of
Baltimore and Washington volunteers, with Captain Bragg's field
battery, the whole under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Garland, were directed toward the lower part of the town, with
orders to make a strong demonstration, and carry one of the
enemy's advanced works, if it could be done without too heavy
loss. Major Mansfield, Engineers, and Captain Williams and
Lieutenant Pope, Topographical Engineers, accompanied this
column, Major Mansfield being charged with its direction and the
designation of points of attack. In the meantime the mortar,
served by Captain Ramsay, of the Ordnance, and the howitzer
battery under Captain Webster, 1st Artillery, had opened their
fire upon the citadel, which was deliberately sustained, and
answered from the work. General Butler's division had now taken
up a position in rear of this battery, when the discharges of
artillery, mingled finally with a rapid fire of small arms,
showed that Lieutenant-Colonel Garland's command had become
warmly engaged. I now deemed it necessary to support this attack,
and accordingly ordered the 4th Infantry and three regiments of
General Butler's division, to march at once by the left (p. 293)
flank in the direction of the advanced work at the lower
extremity of the town, leaving one regiment (1st Kentucky) to
cover the mortar and howitzer battery. By some mistake two
companies of the 4th Infantry did not receive this order, and
consequently did not join the advance companies until some time
afterward.
Lieutenant-Colonel Garland's command had approached the town in a
direction to the right of the advanced work (No. 1) at the
northeastern angle of the city, and the engineer officer, covered
by skirmishers, had succeeded in entering the suburbs and gaining
cover. The remainder of this command now advanced and entered the
town under a fire of artillery from the citadel and the works on
the left, and of musketry from the houses and small works in
front. A movement to the right was attempted with a view to gain
the rear of No. 1, and carry that work, but the troops were so
much exposed to a fire which they could not effectually return,
and had already sustained such severe loss, particularly in
officers, that it was deemed best to withdraw them to a more
secure position. Captain Backus, 1st Infantry, however, with a
portion of his own and other companies, had gained the roof of a
tannery, which looked directly into the gorge of No. 1, and from
which he poured a most destructive fire into that work and upon
the strong building in its rear. This fire happily coincided in
point of time with the advance of a portion of the volunteer
division upon No. 1, and contributed largely to the fall of that
strong and important work.
The three regiments of the volunteer division, under the
immediate command of Major-General Butler, had in the mean time
advanced in the direction of No. 1. The leading brigade, under
Brigadier-General Quitman, continued its advance upon that work,
preceded by three companies of the 4th Infantry, while General
Butler, with the first Ohio regiment, entered the town to the
right. The companies of the 4th Infantry had advanced within
short range of the work, when they were received by a fire that
almost, in one moment, struck down one-third of the officers and
men, and rendered it necessary to retire and effect a conjunction
with the two other companies then advancing. General Quitman's
brigade, though suffering most severely, particularly in the
Tennessee regiment, continued its advance, and finally carried
the work in handsome style, as well as the strong building in its
rear. Five pieces of artillery, a considerable supply of
ammunition, and thirty prisoners, including three officers, fell
into their hands. Major-General Butler, with the 1st Ohio
regiment, after entering the edge of the town, discovered that
nothing was to be accomplished in his front, and at this point,
yielding to the suggestions of several officers, I ordered a
retrograde movement; but learning almost immediately from one of
my staff that the battery No. 1 was in our possession, the order
was countermanded; and I determined to hold the battery and
defences already gained. General Butler, with the 1st Ohio
regiment, then entered the town at a point farther to the left,
and marched in the direction of the battery No. 2. While making
an examination, with a view to ascertain the possibility of
carrying this second work by storm, the general was wounded and
soon after compelled to quit the field. As the strength of No. 2
and the heavy musketry fire flanking the approach rendered it
impossible to carry it without great loss, the 1st Ohio regiment
was withdrawn from the town.
Fragments of the various regiments engaged were now under (p. 294)
cover of the captured battery, and some buildings in its
front, and on the right. The field batteries of Captains Bragg
and Ridgely were also partially covered by the battery. An
incessant fire was kept up on this position from battery No. 2,
and other works on its right, and from the citadel on all our
approaches. General Twiggs, though quite unwell, joined me at
this point, and was instrumental in causing the artillery
captured from the enemy to be placed in battery, and served by
Captain Ridgely against No. 2, until the arrival of Captain
Webster's howitzer battery, which took its place. In the mean
time, I directed such men as could be collected of the 1st, 3d,
and 4th regiments, and Baltimore battalion, to enter the town,
penetrating to the right, and carry the 2d battery if possible.
This command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, advanced beyond
the bridge "Purisima," when, finding it impracticable to gain the
rear of the 2d battery, a portion of it sustained themselves for
some time in that advanced position; but as no permanent
impression could be made at that point, and the main object of
the general operation had been effected, the command, including a
section of Captain Ridgely's battery, which had joined it, was
withdrawn to battery No. 1. During the absence of this column, a
demonstration of cavalry was reported in the direction of the
citadel. Captain Bragg, who was at hand, immediately galloped
with his battery to a suitable position, from which a few
discharges effectually dispersed the enemy. Captain Miller, 1st
Infantry, was dispatched with a mixed company to support the
battery on this service. The enemy's lancers had previously
charged upon the Ohio and a part of the Mississippi regiment,
near some fields at a distance from the edge of the town, and had
been repulsed with a considerable loss. A demonstration of
cavalry on the opposite side of the river was also dispersed in
the course of the afternoon by Captain Ridgely's battery, and the
squadrons returned to the city. At the approach of evening, all
the troops that had been engaged were ordered back to camp,
except Captain Ridgely's battery, and the regular infantry of the
first division, who were detailed as a guard for the works during
the night, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Garland. One
battalion of the 1st Kentucky regiment was ordered to reinforce
this command. Intrenching tools were procured, and additional
strength was given to the works, and protection to the men, by
working parties during the night, under the direction of
Lieutenant Scarritt, Engineers.
The main object proposed in the morning had been effected. A
powerful diversion had been made to favor the operations of the
2d Division, one of the enemy's advanced works had been carried,
and we now had a strong foot-hold in the town. But this had not
been accomplished without a heavy loss, embracing some of our
gallant and promising officers. Captain Williams, Topographical
Engineers, Lieutenants Terrett and Dilworth, 1st Infantry,
Lieutenant Woods, 2d Infantry, Captains Morris and Field,
Brevet-Major Barbour, Lieutenants Irwin and Hazlitt, 3d Infantry,
Lieutenant Hoskins, 4th Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Watson,
Baltimore battalion, Captain Allen and Lieutenant Putman,
Tennessee regiment, and Lieutenant Hett, Ohio regiment, were
killed, or have since died of wounds received in this engagement,
while the number and rank of the officers wounded gives
additional proof of the obstinacy of the contest, and the good
conduct of our troops. The number of killed and wounded (p. 295)
incident to the operations in the lower part of the city on the
21st is 394.
Early in the morning of this day (21st), the advance of the 2d
Division had encountered the enemy in force, and after a brief
but sharp conflict, repulsed him with heavy loss. General Worth
then succeeded in gaining a position on the Saltillo road, thus
cutting the enemy's line of communication. From this position the
two heights south of the Saltillo road were carried in
succession, and the gun taken in one of them turned upon the
Bishop's Palace. These important successes were fortunately
obtained with comparatively small loss; Captain McKavett, 8th
Infantry, being the only officer killed.
The 22d day of September passed without any active operations in
the lower part of the city. The citadel and other works continued
to fire at parties exposed to their range, and at the work now
occupied by our troops. The guard left in it the preceding night,
except Captain Ridgely's company, was relieved at midday by
General Quitman's brigade. Captain Bragg's battery was thrown
under cover in front of the town to repel any demonstration of
cavalry in that quarter. At dawn of day the height above the
Bishop's Palace was carried, and soon after meridian the palace
itself was taken, and its guns turned upon the fugitive garrison.
The object for which the 2d Division was detached had thus been
completely accomplished, and I felt confident that with a strong
force occupying the road and heights in his rear, and a good
position below the city in our possession, the enemy could not
possibly maintain the town.
During the night of the 22d the enemy evacuated nearly all his
defences in the lower part of the city. This was reported to me
early in the morning of the 23d by General Quitman, who had
already meditated an assault upon those works. I immediately sent
instructions to that officer, leaving it to his discretion, to
enter the city, covering his men by the houses and walls, and
advance carefully as far as he might deem prudent. After ordering
the remainder of the troops as a reserve, under the orders of
Brigadier-General Twiggs, I repaired to the abandoned works and
discovered that a portion of General Quitman's brigade had
entered the town, and were successfully forcing their way towards
the principal plaza. I then ordered up the 2d regiment of Texas
mounted volunteers, who entered the city dismounted, and, under
the immediate orders of General Henderson, co-operated with
General Quitman's brigade. Captain Bragg's battery was also
ordered up, supported by the 3d Infantry; and after firing for
some time at the cathedral, a portion of it was likewise thrown
into the city. Our troops advanced from house to house, and from
square to square, until they reached a street but one square in
rear of the principal plaza, in and near which the enemy's force
was mainly concentrated. This advance was conducted vigorously,
but with due caution, and although destructive to the enemy, was
attended with but small loss on our part. Captain Ridgely, in the
mean time, had served a captured piece in battery No. 1 against
the city, until the advance of our men rendered it imprudent to
fire in the direction of the cathedral. I was now satisfied that
we could operate successfully in the city, and that the enemy had
retired from the lower portion of it to make a stand behind his
barricades. As General Quitman's brigade had been on duty the
previous night, I determined to withdraw the troops to the (p. 296)
evacuated works, and concert with General Worth a combined
attack upon the town. The troops accordingly fell back
deliberately, in good order, and resumed their original
positions, General Quitman's brigade being relieved after
nightfall by that of General Hamer. On my return to camp, I met
an officer with the intelligence that General Worth, induced by
the firing in the lower part of the city, was about making an
attack at the upper extremity, which had also been evacuated by
the enemy to a considerable distance. I regretted that this
information had not reached me before leaving the city, but still
deemed it inexpedient to change my orders, and accordingly
returned to the camp. A note from General Worth written at eleven
o'clock P.M., informed me that he had advanced to within a short
distance of the principal plaza, and that the mortar (which had
been sent to his division in the morning) was doing good
execution within effective range of the enemy's position.
Desiring to make no further attempt upon the city without
complete concert as to the lines and mode of approach, I
instructed that officer to suspend his advance until I could have
an interview with him on the following morning at his
head-quarters.
Early on the morning of the 24th, I received, through Colonel
Moreno, a communication from General Ampudia, proposing to
evacuate the town; which, with the answer, were forwarded with my
first despatch. I arranged with Colonel Moreno a cessation of
fire until twelve o'clock, at which hour I would receive the
answer of the Mexican general at General Worth's head-quarters,
to which I soon repaired. In the mean time, General Ampudia had
signified to General Worth, his desire for a personal interview
with me, to which I acceded, and which finally resulted in a
capitulation, placing the town and the material of war, with
certain exceptions, in our possession. A copy of that
capitulation was transmitted with my first despatch.
Upon occupying the city, it was discovered to be of great
strength in itself, and to have its approaches carefully and
strongly fortified. The town and works were armed with forty-two
pieces of cannon, well supplied with ammunition, and manned with
a force of at least 7000 troops of the line, and from 2000 to
3000 irregulars. The force under my orders before Monterey, was
425 officers and 6220 men. Our artillery consisted of one
ten-inch mortar, two twenty-four-pounder howitzers, and four
light field batteries of four guns each; the mortar being the
only piece suitable to the operations of a siege.
Our loss is twelve officers and one hundred and eight men killed;
thirty-one officers and three hundred and thirty-seven men
wounded. That of the enemy is not known, but is believed
considerably to exceed our own.
I take pleasure in bringing to the notice of the government the
good conduct of the troops, both regulars and volunteers, which
has been conspicuous throughout the operations. I am proud to
bear testimony to their coolness and constancy in battle, and the
cheerfulness with which they have submitted to exposure and
privation. To the general officers commanding divisions,
Major-Generals Butler and Henderson, and Brigadier-Generals
Twiggs and Worth, I must express my obligations for the efficient
aid which they have rendered in their respective commands. I was
unfortunately deprived, early on the 21st, of the valuable
services of Major-General Butler, who was disabled by a wound
received in the attack on the city. Major-General Henderson,
commanding the Texan volunteers, has given me important aid (p. 297)
in the organization of the command, and its subsequent
operations. Brigadier-General Twiggs rendered important services
with his division, and as the second in command after
Major-General Butler was disabled. Brigadier-General Worth was
intrusted with an important detachment which rendered his
operations independent of my own. These operations were conducted
with ability, and crowned with complete success.
I desire also to notice Brigadier-Generals Hamer and Quitman,
commanding brigades in General Butler's division;
Lieutenant-Colonels Garland and Wilson, commanding brigades in
General Twiggs' division; Colonels Mitchell, Campbell, Davis, and
Wood, commanding the Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, and 2d Texas
regiments, respectively; and Majors Lear, Allen, and Abercrombie,
commanding the 3d, 4th, and 1st regiments of infantry; all of
whom served under my eye, and conducted their commands with
coolness and gallantry against the enemy. Colonel Mitchell,
Lieutenant-Colonel McClung, Mississippi regiment, Major Lear, 3d
Infantry, and Major Alexander, Tennessee regiment, were all
severely wounded, as were Captain Lamotte, 1st Infantry,
Lieutenant Graham, 4th Infantry, Adjutant Armstrong, Ohio
regiment, Lieutenants Scudder and Allen, Tennessee regiment, and
Lieutenant Howard, Mississippi regiment, while leading their men
against the enemy's position, on the 21st and 23d. After the fall
of Colonel Mitchell, the command of 1st Ohio regiment devolved
upon Lieutenant-Colonel Weller; that of the 3d Infantry, after
the fall of Major Lear, devolved in succession upon Captain
Bainbridge and Captain Henry, the former being also wounded. The
following named officers have been favorably noticed by their
commanders: Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, and Adjutant Heiman,
Tennessee regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel McClung, Captains Cooper
and Downing, Lieutenants Patterson, Calhoun, Moore, Russell, and
Cook, Mississippi regiment; also Sergeant-Major Hearlan,
Mississippi regiment, and Major Price, and Captain J. Smith,
unattached, but serving with it. I beg leave also to call
attention to the good conduct of Captain Johnston, Ohio regiment,
and Lieutenant Hooker, 1st Artillery, serving on the staff of
General Hamer, and of Lieutenant Nichols, 2d Artillery, on that
of General Quitman. Captains Bragg and Ridgely served with their
batteries during the operations under my own observation, and in
part under my immediate orders, and exhibited distinguished skill
and gallantry. Captain Webster, 1st Artillery, assisted by
Lieutenants Donaldson and Bowen, rendered good service with the
howitzer battery, which was much exposed to the enemy's fire on
the 21st.
From the nature of the operations, the 2d Dragoons were not
brought into action, but were usefully employed under the
direction of Lieutenant-Colonel May, as escorts, and in keeping
open our communications. The 1st Kentucky regiment was also
prevented from participating in the action of the 21st, but
rendered highly important services under Colonel Ormsby, in
covering the mortar battery, and holding in check the enemy's
cavalry during the day.
I have noticed above the officers whose conduct either fell under
my immediate eye, or is noticed only in minor reports which are
not forwarded. For further mention of individuals, I beg leave to
refer to the reports of division commanders. I fully concur in
their recommendations, and desire that they may be considered as
a part of my own report.
From the officers of my personal staff, and of the engineers, (p. 298)
topographical engineers, and ordnance, associated with me,
I have derived valuable and efficient assistance during the
operations. Colonel Whiting, assistant quartermaster-general,
Colonels Croghan and Belknap, inspector generals, Major Bliss,
assistant adjutant general, Captain Sibley, assistant
quartermaster, Captain Waggaman, commissary of subsistence,
Captain Eaton and Lieutenant Garnett, aids-de-camp, and Major
Kirby and Van Buren, pay department, served near my person, and
were ever prompt, in all situations, in the communication of my
orders and instructions. I must express my particular obligations
to Brevet-Major Mansfield and Lieutenant Scarritt, corps of
Engineers. They both rendered most important services in
reconnoitring the enemy's positions, conducting troops in attack,
and strengthening the works captured from the enemy. Major
Mansfield, though wounded on the 21st, remained on duty during
that and the following day, until confined by his wound to camp.
Captain Williams, Topographical Engineer, to my great regret and
the loss of the service, was mortally wounded while fearlessly
exposing himself in the attack of the 21st. Lieutenant Pope, of
the same corps, was active and zealous throughout the operations.
Major Munroe, chief of the Artillery, Major Craig and Captain
Ramsay, of the Ordnance, were assiduous in the performance of
their proper duties. The former superintended their mortar
service on the 22d, as particularly mentioned in the report of
General Worth, to which I also refer for the services of the
engineer and topographical officers detached with the second
division.
Surgeon Craig, medical director, was actively employed in the
important duties of his department, and the medical staff
generally were unremitting in their attentions to the numerous
wounded; their duties with the regular regiments being rendered
uncommonly arduous by the small number serving in the field.
I respectfully enclose herewith, in addition to the report of
division commanders, a field return of the force before Monterey
on the 21st of September; a return of killed, wounded and missing
during the operations, and two topographical sketches, one
exhibiting all the movements around Monterey, the other on a
large scale illustrating more particularly the operations in the
lower quarters of the city, prepared respectively by Lieutenants
Meade and Pope, Topographical Engineers.
I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_Major-General U. S. A._, _commanding_.
No. 61. (p. 299)
PLATE LXII.
_December 10, 1846._
Somers navis Americana. [Rx]. Pro vitis Americanorum conservatis.
LOSS OF THE UNITED STATES BRIG-OF-WAR SOMERS.
[_for Having Saved the Lives of Americans._]
SOMERS NAVIS AMERICANA. (_The American vessel Somers._) The United
States brig-of-war Somers knocked down at sea. Exergue: ANTE VERA CRUZ
DEC. 10{TH} 1846. (_Off Vera Cruz, December 10th, 1846._) C. C.
WRIGHT. F. (_fecit_).
PRO VITIS AMERICANORUM CONSERVATIS. (_For having saved the lives of
Americans._) Three men-of-war's boats, English, Spanish, and French,
pulling for the Somers. Exergue: A vacant space for the name of the
recipient. ENG. (_engraved_) BY C. C. WRIGHT.
I saw, in 1872, in the office of the chief clerk of the Navy
Department, Washington, two small paintings of both sides of this
medal. They were signed: Butterworth, pinxit.
CHARLES CUSHING WRIGHT was born in Maine in 1796. He was a bank note
engraver and a die sinker, and made several medals, among others those
voted to General Taylor for Buena Vista, to General Scott for Mexico,
to Colonel Bliss by the State of New York, to General Taylor by the
State of Louisiana, to the Volunteers in Mexico by the City of New
York, and the Somers medal. He died in New York, June 7, 1854.
_____
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 300)
_Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to British, French, and Spanish
Officers, etc._
_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States is hereby authorized and requested
to cause suitable gold and silver medals to be prepared and
presented to the officers and men belonging or attached to the
French, British, and Spanish ships of war in the harbor of Vera
Cruz, who so gallantly and at the imminent peril of their lives,
aided in rescuing from a watery grave many of the officers and
crew of the United States brig Somers.
Approved March 3d, 1847.
_____
_Lieutenant Semmes to Commodore M. C. Perry._
To U. S. frigate Raritan,
COMMODORE M. C. PERRY, Anton Lizardo, December 10, 1846.
Second in command, Home Squadron.
Sir: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the loss of the
U.S. brig Somers, late under my command, and of the drowning of
more than half of her crew. The details of this sad catastrophe
are briefly as follows:
After having been forty-five days maintaining the blockade off
Vera Cruz, I anchored on the evening of the 7th instant under
Verde Island, where it had been my practice to take shelter from
the N. W. gales, which blow with such frequency and violence
along this coast at this season of the year. Soon after sunrise
the next morning, a sail having been descried from the masthead,
I immediately got under way, and commenced beating up between the
Verde Island and Pascoros reefs. In a short time I was enabled,
with my glass, to make out the strange sail to be a man of war,
whereupon I hoisted my number, and had the satisfaction in
fifteen or twenty minutes more to see the stranger show that of
the "John Adams." The wind, which had been blowing from the W. N.
W. when we got under way, gradually hauled to the northwest and
settled for a while at N. N. E. The barometer having fallen the
night previous to 29.80 in., and being still down, and the
weather looking still unsettled, I was apprehensive of a gale. As
soon, therefore, as the "John Adams" showed her number, I wore
round and ran down towards Verde Island, with a view of coming
to, and getting my vessel snug before the gale should come on.
When I had nearly approached the anchorage, the look-out at the
masthead cried "Sail ho!" a second time. On applying my glass to
the direction indicated from aloft, I perceived this second sail
to be a brig in the N. E., standing apparently for Vera Cruz (she
did afterwards run between the inner Anegada and the Blanquilla).
I immediately abandoned my intention of anchoring, as the gale
had not yet set in, and hauling on a wind, under top-sails and
courses, commenced to beat up the passage a second time, (p. 301)
with the view of placing myself between the strange sail
and the Port, to prevent the possibility of her running the
blockade, if she should be so inclined. I made one tack towards
the Pascoros reefs, and at the time of the catastrophe, was
standing on the larboard tack, with the northern point of the
Verde Island reef a couple of points on my lee bow. We were still
under topsails, courses, jib and spanker, and the Brig did not
appear too much pressed. I was myself standing on the lee
arm-chest, having just passed over from the weather quarter, and,
with my spy-glass in hand, was observing the reef on our lee bow
to see whether it were possible to weather it, or in the event of
our not being able to do this, to give timely notice to the
officer of the deck to tack ship. I had not been long in this
position before the officer of the deck, 2d Lieut. Jas. L.
Parker, remarked to me that he thought it looked a little squally
to windward. I immediately passed over to the weather side, and
as it looked a little darker than it had done, I ordered him to
haul up the mainsail, and brail up the spanker, and directed the
helm to be put up. These orders were promptly obeyed. Lieut.
Parker took the mainsail off her, and had got the spanker about
half brailed up, when the squall struck us. It did not appear to
be very riotous, nor was its approach accompanied by any foaming
of the water, or other indications which usually mark the
approach of heavy squalls. But the Brig being flying light,
having scarcely any water or provisions, and but six tons of
ballast on board, she was thrown over almost instantly, so far as
to refuse to obey her helm, the pressure of the water on the lee
bow rather inclining her to luff; seeing which, I directed the
helm to be put down, hoping that I might luff and shake the wind
out of her sails, until the force of the squall should be spent.
The quartermaster at the helm had hardly time to obey this order,
before the brig was on her beam ends, and the water pouring into
every hatch and scuttle. Being now convinced that she must
speedily go down unless relieved, I ordered the masts to be cut
away. The officers and men, who, with few exceptions, had, by
this time, gained the weather bulwarks of the vessel, immediately
began to cut away the rigging. But as this was a forlorn hope,
the brig filling very fast, and her masts and yards lying flat
upon the surface of the sea, I placed no reliance whatever on
their efforts. A few moments more, and I was convinced that, in
spite of all our exertions, she must inevitably go down in a very
short time. I accordingly turned my attention to the saving of as
many lives as possible. The boats secured in the grips amidships,
and the starboard-quarter boat, were already several feet under
water, so that it was impossible to reach them, but we succeeded
in disengaging the larboard-quarter boat from her davits, a small
boat pulling five oars, and dropped her, fortunately, to leeward
of the brig to prevent her being thrown upon the vessel's side,
and crushed by the sea. I ordered Midshipman F. G. Clark to take
charge of this boat, and with the purser, surgeon, and seventeen
men, make for Verde Island, if possible, and after having landed
all but the boat's crew, to return and save others. It was now
blowing a strong gale, with a heavy sea running, and I deemed it
imprudent to trust more men in so small a boat. Besides, I was
anxious to shove her off, before the vessel should sink, lest
there might be a rush for her, and no life at all should be
saved. I cannot refrain from expressing, in this place, my
admiration of the noble conduct of several of the men embarked in
this boat, who implored the officers by name to take their (p. 302)
places, saying they would willingly die by the wreck, if the
officers would but save themselves. Of course, none of the
generous fellows were permitted to come out, and they were all
subsequently safely landed, as they deserved to be. Midshipman
Clark fortunately succeeded in shoving off, and pulling some
twenty paces from the brig before she went down. When she was on
the point of sinking beneath us, and engulfing us in the waves, I
gave the order: "Every man save himself who can." Whereupon there
was a simultaneous plunge into the sea, of about sixty officers
and men, each one trying to secure some frail object that had
drifted from the wreck, for the purpose of sustaining himself in
the awful struggle with the sea, which awaited him. Some reached
a grating, some an oar, some a boat's mast, some a hen-coop, &c.,
but many poor fellows sprang into the sea to perish in a few
minutes, not being able to find any object of support. Lieut.
Parker and myself, being both swimmers, were fortunate enough to
reach one of the arm-chest gratings, which afforded us partial
support, but on which we should inevitably have been drowned, if
we had not, when we had swam some twenty or thirty paces, secured
an upper half port which came drifting by us. We lashed this with
lanyards attached to it to our grating, and thenceforth got along
much better. Midshipman Clark, after he had landed the officers
and men under his charge at Verde Island, shoved off a second
time, in obedience to the orders I had given him, at the imminent
peril of his life, for the gale was now blowing with such
violence, and the sea running so heavy, that it seemed impossible
that so small a boat could live, and skirted the Verde Island to
see if it were possible to rescue any of us from the waves. His
efforts were rewarded with partial success, as he picked up
Lieutenant Parker and myself and one of the seamen. As soon as I
landed I sent Midshipman Clark out again, who ventured as far
from the island as he thought his boat would live, but this time
he returned unsuccessful, having been able to descry no floating
object whatever. Lieutenant Claiborne saved himself on a small
hatch about two feet square, used for covering the pump-well, and
which he found floating near the wreck. He was thrown with great
violence upon a reef near Sacrificios, but fortunately escaped
without serious injury. As strange as it may appear to you, there
could not have elapsed more than ten minutes between our being
struck with the squall and the total disappearance of the
"Somers." I feel that I would not be doing justice to the
officers and men who were under my command on this melancholy
occasion, if I were to close this report without bearing
testimony to their uniform coolness and self-possession under the
trying circumstance under which we were placed, the alacrity with
which they obeyed my orders, and when all was over the generosity
with which they behaved to each other in the water, where the
struggle was one of life and death. I have thus concluded what I
had to say in relation to the causes of the disaster, and our own
exertions; but with heartfelt acknowledgments, it remains for me
to inform you of the gallant and feeling manner in which all the
foreign men-of-war lying at Sacrificios came to our rescue. They
hoisted out and manned boats immediately, and at the hazard of
their lives, put out towards the wreck. They were at first driven
back by the violence of the wind and sea, but renewed their
efforts upon the first lull, and had the unhoped for satisfaction
of saving fourteen more of our unfortunate companions. To Captain
Lambert, of the English frigate "Endymion;" Captain (p. 303)
Frankland, of the English corvette "Alarm;" Commander Matson, of
the English brig "Daring;" Captain Dubut, of the French brig
"Mercure;" Captain de Labédoyère, of the French brig "Pylade;"
and Captain Puente, of the Spanish corvette "Louisa Fernandez;"
who all sent boats, and supplied us with clothing, and hospitably
entertained us on board their ships, we owe a lasting debt of
gratitude.
In conclusion, I respectfully request that at as early a date as
convenient you will order a Court of Inquiry to investigate my
conduct in this unfortunate affair.
R. SEMMES, _Lieutenant commanding_.
No. 62. (p. 304)
PLATE LXIII.
_1847._
Major General Winfield Scott. [Rx]. Vera Cruz. Cerro Gordo.
Contreras, etc.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCOTT.
[_Mexican Campaign._]
In a pendant: MAJOR GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT. Undraped bust of General
Scott, facing the left. Fifteen stars on each side. Exergue:
RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS MARCH 9. 1848. S. ELLIS DEL. (_delineavit._) On
the edge of bust, C. C. WRIGHT, F. (_fecit_).
Six crowns of laurel and oak intertwined; in each the name of one of
the Mexican victories of General Scott: VERA CRUZ. CERRO GORDO.
CONTRERAS. SAN ANTONIO & CHURUBUSCO. MOLINO DEL REY. CHAPULTEPEC. In
the centre is the taking of the capital, CITY OF MEXICO, which General
Scott is observing on horseback. G. C. HUMPHRIES DEL. (_delineavit._)
C. C. WRIGHT FECt. (_fecit_).
SALATHIEL ELLIS was born in Vermont in 1806, and followed his parents
to St. Lawrence County, New York. He became a portrait painter, cameo
cutter and die sinker. He settled in New York city about 1842, and
designed the obverses of the medals awarded to General Taylor for
Buena Vista, and to General Scott for Mexico; he engraved the obverses
of the medals of Presidents Fillmore, Pierce, Buchanan, and Lincoln,
and also of that given to Cornelius Vanderbilt.
G. C. HUMPHRIES, who designed the reverse of this medal, died in
London, England.
_____
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 305)
_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Scott._
_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, presented to Winfield
Scott, Major-General commanding-in-chief the army in Mexico, and
through him to the officers and men of the regular and volunteer
corps under him, for their uniform gallantry and good conduct,
conspicuously displayed at the siege and capture of the city of
Vera Cruz and castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, March 29, 1847; and in
the successive battles of Cerro Gordo, April 18; Contreras, San
Antonio, and Churubusco, August 19 and 20; and for the victories
achieved in front of the city of Mexico, September 8, 11, 12, and
13; and the capture of the metropolis, September 14, 1847; in
which the Mexican troops, greatly superior in numbers, and with
every advantage of position, were in every conflict signally
defeated by the American arms.
_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be, and he is
hereby, requested to cause to be struck a gold medal, with
devices emblematical of the series of brilliant victories
achieved by the army, and presented to Major-General Winfield
Scott, as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress
of his valor, skill, and judicious conduct in the memorable
campaign of 1847.
_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to
Major-General Scott in such terms as he may deem best calculated
to give effect to the objects thereof.
Approved March 9, 1848.
_____
_General Scott to the Secretary of War._
To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army,
William L. MARCY, Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. March 12, 1847.
Sir: The colors of the United States were triumphantly planted
ashore, in full view of the city and castle, and under the
distant fire of both, in the afternoon of the 9th inst. Brevet
Brigadier-General Worth's brigade of regulars led the descent,
quickly followed by the division of United States volunteers
under Major-General Patterson, and Brigadier-General Twiggs'
reserve brigade of regulars. The three lines successively landed
in sixty-seven surf-boats, each boat conducted by a naval
officer, and rowed by sailors from Commodore Conner's squadron,
whose lighter vessels flanked the boats so as to be ready to
protect the operation by their cross-fire. The whole army reached
the shore in fine style, and without direct opposition (on the
beach), accident or loss, driving the enemy from the ground to be
occupied.
The line of investment, according to General Orders, No. 47, was
partially taken up the same night; but has only been completed
to-day, owing to most extraordinary difficulties: 1. The environs
of the city, outside of the fire of its guns and those of the (p. 306)
castle, are broken into innumerable hills of loose sand, from
20 to 250 feet in height, with almost impassable forests of
chapparal between; and 2. Of all our means, of land
transportation: wagons, carts, pack-saddles, horses and mules,
expected to join us from Tampico and the Brazos, weeks ago, but
fifteen carts and about one hundred draught-horses have yet
arrived. Three hundred pack-mules are greatly needed to relieve
the troops in taking subsistence alone, along the line of
investment of more than five miles, as, at present, our only
depot is south of the city. On the cessation of the present
raging norther, which almost stifles the troops with sand,
sweeping away hills and creating new, I hope to establish a
second depot north of the city, which will partially relieve the
left wing of the army.
In extending the line of investment around the city, the troops
for three days have performed the heaviest labors in getting over
the hills and cutting through the intervening forests, all under
the distant fire of the city and castle, and in the midst of many
sharp skirmishes with the enemy. In these operations we have lost
in killed and wounded several valuable officers and men. Among
the killed I have to report Brevet Captain Alburtis, of the
United States 2d Infantry, much distinguished in the Florida war,
and a most excellent officer. He fell on the 11th inst., and
Lieutenant-Colonel Dickenson, of the South Carolina Regiment, was
badly wounded in a skirmish the day before. Two privates have
been killed in these operations, and four or five wounded. As yet
I have not been able to obtain their names.
As soon as the subsistence of the troops can be assured, and
their positions are well established, I shall, by an organized
movement, cause each brigade of regulars and volunteers to send
detachments, with supports, to clear its front, including
sub-bourgs, of the enemy's parties, so as to oblige them to
confine themselves within the walls of the city.
I have heretofore reported that but two-sevenths of the
siege-train and ammunition had reached me. The remainder is yet
unheard of. We shall commence landing the heavy metal as soon as
the storm subsides, and hope that the five-sevenths may be up in
time.
The city being invested, would, no doubt, early surrender, but
for fear that, if occupied by us, it would immediately be fired
upon by the castle. I am not altogether without hope of finding
the means of coming to some compromise with the city on this
subject.
So far, the principal skirmishing has fallen to the lot of
Brigadier-General Pillow's and Quitman's brigades. Both old and
new volunteer regiments have conducted themselves admirably.
Indeed, the whole army is full of zeal and confidence, and cannot
fail to acquire distinction in the impending operations.
To Commodore Conner, the officers and sailors of his squadron,
the army is indebted for great and unceasing assistance, promptly
and cheerfully rendered. Their co-operation is the constant theme
of our gratitude and admiration. A handsome detachment of
marines, under Captain Edson, of that corps, landed with the
first line, and is doing duty with the army.
_March 13th._ The enemy, at intervals, continues the fire of
heavy ordnance, from the city and castle, upon our line of
investment, both by day and night, but with little or no effect.
The norther has ceased, which has renewed our communication (p. 307)
with the storeships at anchor under Sacrificios. We shall
immediately commence landing the few pieces of heavy ordnance,
with ordnance stores, at hand, and hope soon to have the
necessary draught mules to take them to their positions. Any
further delay in the arrival of those means of transportation
will be severely felt in our operations.
I have the honor to remain, Sir, with high respect, your obedient
servant,
Winfield SCOTT.
_____
_General Scott to the Secretary of War._
To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army,
William L. MARCY, Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. March 23, 1847.
Sir: Yesterday, seven of our 10-inch mortars being in battery,
and the labors for planting the remainder of our heavy metal
being in progress, I addressed, at two o'clock P.M., a summons
to the Governor of Vera Cruz, and within the two hours limited by
the bearer of the flag, received the governor's answer. Copies of
the two papers (marked respectively A and B) are herewith
enclosed.
It will be perceived that the Governor, who, it turns out, is the
commander of both places, chose, against the plain terms of the
summons, to suppose me to have demanded the surrender of the
castle and of the city; when, in fact, from the non-arrival of
our heavy metal, principally mortars, I was in no condition to
threaten the former.
On the return of the flag with the reply, I at once ordered the
seven mortars, in battery, to open upon the city. In a short time
the smaller vessels of Commodore Perry's squadron, two steamers
and five schooners, according to previous arrangement with him,
approached the city within about a mile and an eighth, whence,
being partially covered from the castle, an essential condition
to their safety, they also opened a brisk fire upon the city.
This has been continued uninterruptedly by the mortars, and only
with a few intermissions, by the vessels, up to 9 o'clock this
morning, when the commodore, very properly, called them off from
a position too daringly assumed.
Our three remaining mortars are now (12 o'clock A.M.) in
battery, and the whole ten in activity. To-morrow, early, if the
city should continue obstinate, batteries Nos. 4 and 5 will be
ready to add their fire; No. 4 consisting of four 24-pounders and
two 8-inch Paixhan guns, and No. 5 (naval battery) of three
32-pounders and three 8-inch Paixhans: the guns, officers, and
sailors, landed from the squadron; our friends of the navy being
unremitting in their zealous co-operation, in every mode and
form.
So far, we know that our fire upon the city has been highly
effective, particularly from the battery of 10-inch mortars,
planted at about 800 yards from the city. Including the
preparation and defence of the batteries, from the beginning, now
many days, and notwithstanding the heavy fire of the enemy, from
city and castle, we have only had four or five men wounded (p. 308)
and one officer and one man killed, in or near the trenches. That
officer was Captain John R. Vinton, of the United States third
Artillery, one of the most talented, accomplished, and effective
members of the army, and who was highly distinguished in the
brilliant operations at Monterey. He fell last evening in the
trenches, where he was on duty as field and commanding officer,
universally regretted. I have just attended his honored remains
to a soldier's grave, in full view of the enemy and within reach
of his guns.
Thirteen of the long needed mortars, leaving twenty-seven,
besides heavy guns, behind, have arrived, and two of them landed.
A heavy norther then set in (at meridian) that stopped that
operation, and also the landing of shells. Hence the fire of our
mortar batteries has been slackened since two o'clock to-day, and
cannot be reinvigorated until we shall again have a smooth sea.
In the mean time I shall leave this report open for journalizing
events that may occur up to the departure of the steam
ship-of-war, the Princeton, with Commodore Conner, who, I learn,
expects to leave the anchorage off Sacrificios, for the United
States, the 25th instant.
_March 24th._ The storm having subsided in the night, we
commenced this forenoon, as soon as the sea became a little
smooth, to land shot, shells, and mortars.
The naval battery, No. 5, was opened with great activity, under
Captain Aulick, the second in rank of the squadron, at about 10
A.M. His fire was continued to 2 o'clock P.M., a little before
he was relieved by Captain Mayo, who landed with a fresh supply
of ammunition, Captain Aulick having exhausted the supply he had
brought with him. He lost four sailors, killed, and had one
officer, Lieutenant Baldwin, slightly hurt.
The mortar batteries Nos. 1, 2, and 3, have fired but languidly
during the day for want of shells, which are now going out from
the beach.
The two reports of Colonel Bankhead, chief of artillery, both of
this date, copies of which I enclose, give the incidents of those
three batteries.
Battery No. 4, which will mount four 24-pounders and two 8-inch
Paixhan guns, has been much delayed in the hands of the
indefatigable engineers by the norther that filled up the work
with sand nearly as fast as it could be opened by the
half-blinded laborers. It will, however, doubtless be in full
activity early to-morrow morning.
_March 25th._ The Princeton being about to start for
Philadelphia, I have but a moment to continue this report.
All the batteries, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, are in awful activity
this morning. The effect is, no doubt, very great, and I think
the city cannot hold out beyond to-day. To-morrow morning many of
the new mortars will be in a position to add their fire, when, or
after the delay of some twelve hours, if no proposition to
surrender should be received, I shall organize parties for
carrying the city by assault. So far the defence has been
spirited and obstinate.
I enclose a copy of a memorial received last night, signed by the
consuls of Great Britain, France, Spain, and Prussia, within Vera
Cruz, asking me to grant a truce to enable the neutrals, together
with Mexican women and children, to withdraw from the scene of
havoc about them. I shall reply, the moment an opportunity may be
taken, to say: 1. That a truce can only be granted on application
of Governor Morales, with a view to surrender. 2. That in (p. 309)
sending safeguards to the different consuls, beginning so far
back as the 13th inst., I distinctly admonished them,
particularly the French and Spanish consuls, and of course
through the two, the other consuls, of the dangers that have
followed. 3. That although at that date I had already refused to
allow any person whatever to pass the line of investment either
way, yet the blockade had been left open to the consuls and other
neutrals to pass out to their respective ships of war up to the
22d instant; and 4. I shall enclose to the memorialists a copy of
my summons to the Governor, to show that I had fully considered
the impending hardships and distresses of the place, including
those of women and children, before one gun had been fired in
that direction. The intercourse between the neutral ships of war
and the city was stopped at the last mentioned date by Commodore
Perry, with my concurrence, which I placed on the ground that
that intercourse could not fail to give to the enemy _moral aid
and comfort_.
It will be seen from the memorial that our batteries have already
had a terrible effect on the city (also known through other
sources), and hence the inference that a surrender must soon be
proposed. In haste,
I have the honor to remain, Sir, with respect, your most obedient
servant,
Winfield SCOTT.
_____
_General Scott to the Secretary of War._
To the Honorable Head-Quarters of the Army,
William L. MARCY, Vera Cruz, March 29, 1847.
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.
Sir: The flag of the United States of America floats triumphantly
over the walls of the city and castle of San Juan d'Ulloa.
Our troops have garrisoned both since 10 o'clock; it is now noon.
Brigadier-General Worth is in command of the two places.
Articles of capitulation were signed and exchanged at a late hour
night before last. I enclose a copy of the document.
I have heretofore reported the principal incidents of the siege
up to the 25th instant. Nothing of striking interest occurred
till early in the morning of the next day, when I received
overtures from General Landero, on whom General Morales had
devolved the principal command. A terrible storm of wind and sand
made it difficult to communicate with the city, and impossible to
refer to Commodore Perry. I was obliged to entertain the
proposition alone, or to continue the fire upon a place that had
shown a disposition to surrender; for the loss of a day, or
perhaps several, could not be permitted. The accompanying papers
will show the proceedings and results.
Yesterday, after the norther had abated, and the commissioners
appointed by me early the morning before had again met those
appointed by General Landero, Commodore Perry sent ashore his
second in command, Captain Aulick, as a commissioner on the part
of the navy. Although not included in my specific arrangement
with the Mexican commander, I did not hesitate, with proper (p. 310)
courtesy, to desire that Captain Aulick might be duly introduced
and allowed to participate in the discussions and acts of the
commissioners who had been reciprocally accredited. Hence the
preamble to his signature. The original American commissioners
were Brevet Brigadier-General Worth, Brigadier-General Pillow,
and Colonel Totten. Four more able or judicious officers could
not have been desired.
I have to add but little more. The remaining details of the
siege; the able co-operation of the United States squadron,
successively under the command of Commodores Conner and Perry,
the admirable conduct of the whole army, regulars and volunteers,
I should be happy to dwell upon as they deserve; but the steamer
Princeton, with Commodore Conner on board, is under way, and I
have commenced organizing an advance into the interior. This may
be delayed a few days, waiting the arrival of additional means of
transportation. In the mean time, a joint operation, by land and
water will be made upon Alvarado. No lateral expedition, however,
shall interfere with the grand movement towards the capital.
In consideration of the great services of Colonel Totten, in the
siege that has just terminated most successively, and the
importance of his presence at Washington, as the head of the
engineer bureau, I intrust this despatch to his personal care,
and beg to commend him to the very favorable consideration of the
department.
I have the honor to remain, Sir, with high respect, your most
obedient servant,
Winfield SCOTT.
_____
_Terms of Capitulation agreed upon for the surrender to the arms of
the United States of America of Vera Cruz, the castle of San Juan
d'Ulloa and their dependencies, with their armaments, munitions of
war, garrisons, and arms._
I.
The whole garrison, or garrisons, to be surrendered to the arms
of the United States of America, as prisoners of war, the 29th
instant at 10 o'clock A.M., the garrisons to be permitted to
march out with all the honors of war, and to lay down their arms
to such officers as may be appointed by the general-in-chief of
the United States army, and at a point to be agreed on by the
commissioners.
II.
Mexican officers shall preserve their arms and private effects,
including horse and horse furniture, and to be allowed, regular
and irregular officers and also the rank and file, five days to
retire to their respective homes, on parole, as hereinafter
prescribed.
III.
Coincident with the surrender, as stipulated in Article I, the
Mexican flags of the various forts and stations shall be struck,
saluted by their own batteries; and, immediately thereafter,
forts Santiago and Conception and the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa,
occupied by the forces of the United States.
IV.
The rank and file of the regular portion of the prisoners to (p. 311)
be disposed of, after surrender and parole, as their
general-in-chief may desire, and the irregular to be permitted to
return to their homes. The officers, in respect to all arms and
descriptions of force, giving the usual parole, that the said
rank and file, as well as themselves, shall not serve again until
duly exchanged.
V.
All the _materiel_ of war, and all public property of every
description found in the city, the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa,
and their dependencies, to belong to the United States; but the
armament of the same (not injured or destroyed in the further
prosecution of the actual war) may be considered as liable to be
restored to Mexico by a definite treaty of peace.
VI.
The sick and wounded Mexicans to be allowed to remain in the
city, with such medical officers of the army as may be necessary
to their care and treatment.
VII.
Absolute protection is solemnly guaranteed to persons in the
city, and property, and it is clearly understood that no private
building or property is to be taken or used by the forces of the
United States, without previous arrangement with the owners, and
for a fair equivalent.
VIII.
Absolute freedom of religious worship and ceremonies is solemnly
guaranteed.
_____
_General Scott to the Secretary of War._
To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army,
William L. MARCY, Plan del Rio, 50 miles from Vera Cruz,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. April 19, 1847.
Sir: The plan of attack, sketched in General Orders, No. 111,
forwarded herewith, was finely executed by this gallant army
before two o'clock P.M. yesterday. We are quite embarrassed with
the results of victory, prisoners of war, heavy ordnance, field
batteries, small arms and accoutrements.
About three thousand men laid down their arms, with the usual
proportion of field and company officers, besides five generals,
several of them of great distinction: Pinson, Yarrero, La Vega,
Noriega, and Obardo. A sixth general, Vasquez, was killed in
defending the battery (tower) in the rear of the whole Mexican
army, the capture of which gave us these glorious results.
Our loss, though comparatively small in numbers, has been
serious. Brigadier-General Shields, a commander of activity, zeal
and talent, is, I fear, if not dead, mortally wounded. He is (p. 312)
some five miles from me at the moment. The field of operations
covered many miles, broken by mountains and deep chasms, and I
have not a report, as yet, from any division or brigade.
Twiggs' division, followed by Shields' (now Colonel Baker's)
brigade, are now at Xalapa, and Worth's division is en route
thither, all pursuing, with good results, as I learn, that part
of the Mexican army, perhaps six or seven thousand men, who had
fled before our right had carried the tower, and gained the
Xalapa road.
Pillow's brigade alone is near me at this depot of wounded, sick,
and prisoners; and I have time only to give from him the names of
1st Lieutenant F. B. Nelson, and 2d Lieutenant C. J. Hill, both
of the 2d Tennessee foot (Haskell's regiment), among the killed,
and in the brigade one hundred and six, of all ranks, killed or
wounded.
Among the latter, the gallant Brigadier-General himself has a
smart wound in the arm, but not disabled; and Major R. Farqueson,
2d Tennessee, Captain H. F. Murray, 2d Lieutenant G. T.
Sutherland, 1st Lieutenant W. P. Hale, Adjutant, all of the same
regiment, severely, and 1st Lieutenant W. Yearwood, mortally
wounded. And I know, from personal observation on the ground,
that 1st Lieutenant Ewell, of the Rifles, if not now dead, was
mortally wounded in entering, sword in hand, the intrenchments
around the captured tower.
Second Lieutenant Derby, Topographical Engineers, I also saw, at
the same place, severely wounded, and Captain Patten, 2d United
States Infantry, lost his right hand. Major Sumner, 2d United
States Dragoons, was slightly wounded the day before, and Captain
Johnston, Topographical Engineers (now Lieutenant-Colonel of
Infantry), was very severely wounded some days earlier while
reconnoitering. I must not omit to add that Captain Mason, and 2d
Lieutenant Davis, both of the rifles, were among the very
severely wounded in storming the same tower.
I estimate our total loss, in killed and wounded, may be about
two hundred and fifty, and that of the enemy at three hundred and
fifty. In the pursuit toward Xalapa (25 miles hence), I learn, we
have added much to the enemy's loss in prisoners, killed and
wounded. In fact, I suppose his retreating army to be nearly
disorganized, and hence my haste to follow, in an hour or two, to
profit by events.
In this hurried and imperfect report I must not omit to say that
Brigadier-General Twiggs, in passing the mountain range beyond
Cerro Gordo, crowned with the tower, detached from his division,
as I suggested the day before, a strong force to carry that
height, which commanded the Xalapa road at the foot, and could
not fail, if carried, to cut off the whole, or any part of the
enemy's forces, from a retreat in any direction.
A portion of the 1st Artillery, under the often distinguished
Brevet-Colonel Childs, the 3d Infantry, under Captain Alexander,
the 7th Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Plympton, and the
Rifles, under Major Loring, all under the temporary command of
Colonel Hamey, 2d Dragoons, during the confinement to his bed of
Brevet Brigadier-General P. F. Smith, composed that detachment.
The style of execution, which I had the pleasure to witness, was
most brilliant and decisive.
The brigade ascended the long and difficult slope of Cerro Gordo,
without shelter, and under the tremendous fire of artillery and
musketry, with the utmost steadiness, reached the breastworks,
drove the enemy from them, planted the colors of the 1st (p. 313)
Artillery, 3d and 7th Infantry, the enemy's flag still flying,
and, after some minutes' sharp firing, finished the conquest
with the bayonet.
It is a most pleasing duty to say that the highest praise is due
to Harney, Childs, Plympton, Loring, Alexander, their gallant
officers and men, for this brilliant service, independent of the
great results which soon followed.
Worth's division of regulars coming up at this time, he detached
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Smith, with his light battalion,
to support the assault, but not in time. The general, reaching
the tower a few minutes before me, and observing a white flag
displayed from the nearest portion of the enemy towards the
batteries below, sent out Colonels Harney and Childs to hold a
parley. The surrender followed in an hour or two.
Major-General Patterson left a sick bed to share in the dangers
and fatigues of the day; and after the surrender went forward to
command the advance forces towards Xalapa.
Brigadier-General Pillow and his brigade twice assaulted with
great daring the enemy's line of batteries on our left; and
though without success, they contributed much to distract and
dismay their immediate opponents.
President Santa Anna, with Generals Canalizo and Almonte, and
some six or eight thousand men, escaped toward Xalapa just before
Cerro Gordo was carried, and before Twiggs' division reached the
national road above.
I have determined to parole the prisoners, officers and men, as I
have not the means of feeding them here, beyond to-day, and
cannot afford to detail a heavy body of horse and foot, with
wagons, to accompany them to Vera Cruz. Our baggage train, though
increasing, is not half large enough to give an assured progress
to this army.
Besides, a greater number of prisoners would, probably, escape
from the escort in the long and deep sandy road without
subsistence, ten to one, than we shall find again, out of the
same body of men, in the ranks opposed to us. Not one of the Vera
Cruz prisoners is believed to have been in the lines of Cerro
Gordo. Some six of the officers, highest in rank, refuse to give
their paroles, except to go to Vera Cruz, and thence, perhaps, to
the United States.
The small arms and accoutrements, being of no value to our army
here or at home, I have ordered them to be destroyed, for we have
not the means of transporting them. I am, also, somewhat
embarrassed with the pieces of artillery, all bronze, which we
have captured. It would take a brigade, and half the mules of our
army, to transport them fifty miles.
A field battery I shall take for service with the army; but the
heavy metal must be collected and left here for the present. We
have our own siege-train and the proper carriages with us.
Being much occupied with the prisoners and all the details of a
forward movement, besides looking to the supplies which are to
follow from Vera Cruz, I have time to add no more, intending to
be at Xalapa early to-morrow. We shall not, probably, again meet
with serious opposition this side of Perote; certainly not,
unless delayed by the want of the means of transportation.
I have the honor to remain, Sir, with high respect, your most
obedient servant,
Winfield SCOTT.
_____
_General Orders No. 111._ (p. 314)
Headquarters of the Army,
Plan del Rio, April 17, 1847.
The enemy's line of intrenchments and batteries will be attacked
in front, and at the same time turned, early in the day,
to-morrow, probably before ten o'clock A.M.
The second (Twiggs') division of regulars is already advanced
within easy turning distance towards the enemy's left. That
division has instructions to move forward before daylight
to-morrow and take up a position across the national road in the
enemy's rear, so as to cut off a retreat towards Xalapa. It may
be reinforced to-day if unexpectedly attacked in force, by
regiments, one or two taken from Shields' brigade of volunteers.
If not, the two volunteer regiments will march for that purpose
at daylight to-morrow morning, under Brigadier-General Shields,
who will report to Brigadier-General Twiggs, on getting up with
him, or the general-in-chief, if he be in advance.
The remaining regiment of that volunteer brigade will receive
instructions in the course of this day.
The first division of regulars (Worth's) will follow the movement
against the enemy's left at sunrise to-morrow morning.
As already arranged, Brigadier-General Pillow's brigade will
march at six o'clock to-morrow morning along the route he has
carefully reconnoitered, and stand ready as soon as he hears the
report of arms on our right, or sooner if circumstances should
favor him, to pierce the enemy's line of batteries at such point,
the nearer the river the better, as he may select. Once in the
rear of that line, he will turn to the right or left, or both,
and attack the batteries in reverse; or, if abandoned, he will
pursue the enemy with vigor until further orders.
Wall's field battery and the cavalry will be held in reserve on
the national road, a little out of view and range of the enemy's
batteries. They will take up that position at nine o'clock in the
morning.
The enemy's batteries being carried or abandoned, all our
divisions and corps will pursue with vigor.
This pursuit may be continued many miles, until stopped by
darkness or fortified positions, towards Xalapa. Consequently the
body of the army will not return to this encampment, but be
followed to-morrow afternoon, or early the next morning, by the
baggage trains of the several corps. For this purpose, the
feebler officers and men of each corps will be left to guard its
camp and effects, and to load up the latter in the wagons of the
corps. A commander of the present encampment will be designated
in the course of this day.
As soon as it shall be known that the enemy's works have been
carried, or that the general pursuit has been commenced, one
wagon for each regiment and one for the cavalry will follow the
movement, to receive, under the direction of medical officers,
the wounded and disabled, who will be brought back to this place
for treatment in general hospital.
The Surgeon-General will organize this important service and (p. 315)
designate that hospital, as well as the medical officers to
be left at it.
Every man who marches out to attack or pursue the enemy will take
the usual allowance of ammunition and subsistence for at least
two days.
By command of Major-General Scott.
H. L. SCOTT,
_Acting Assistant Adjutant-General_.
_____
_General Scott to the Secretary of War._
To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army,
William L. MARCY, Tacubaya, at the Gates of Mexico,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. August 28th, 1847.
Sir: My report, No. 31, commenced in the night of the 19th
instant, closed with the operations of the army on that day.
The morning of the 20th opened with one of a series of
unsurpassed achievements, all in view of the capital, and to
which I shall give the general name: _Battles of Mexico_.
In the night of the 19th, Brigadier-Generals Shields, P. F.
Smith, and Cadwallader, and Colonel Riley with their brigades,
and the 15th Regiment, under Colonel Morgan, detached from
Brigadier-General Pierce, found themselves in and about the
important position, the village, hamlet or _hacienda_, called
indifferently, Contreras, Ansalda, San Geronimo, half a mile
nearer to the city than the enemy's intrenched camp, on the same
road, towards the factory of Magdalena.
That camp had been, unexpectedly, our formidable point of attack
in the afternoon before, and we had now to take it, without the
aid of cavalry or artillery, or to throw back our advanced corps
upon the direct road from San Augustin to the city, and thence
force a passage through San Antonio.
Accordingly, to meet contingencies, Major-General Worth was
ordered to leave early in the morning of the 20th, one of his
brigades to mask San Antonio, and to march with the other six
miles, via San Augustin, upon Contreras. A like destination was
given to Major-General Quitman and his remaining brigade in San
Augustin, replacing, for the moment, the garrison of that
important depot with Harney's brigade of cavalry, as horse could
not pass over the intervening lava, etc., to reach the field of
battle.
A diversion for an earlier hour (daylight) had been arranged the
night before, according to the suggestion of Brigadier-General P.
F. Smith, received through the engineer, Captain Lee, who
conveyed my orders to our troops remaining on the ground,
opposite to the enemy's centre, a point for the diversion or the
real attack, as circumstances might allow.
Guided by Captain Lee, it proved the latter, under the command of
Colonel Ransom of the 9th, having with him that regiment and some
companies of three others, the 3d, 12th, and Rifles.
Shields, the senior officer of the hamlet, having arrived in (p. 316)
the night, after Smith had arranged with Cadwallader and Riley
the plan of attack for the morning, delicately waived
interference; but reserved to himself the double task of holding
the hamlet with his two regiments (South Carolina and New York
Volunteers) against ten times his numbers on the side of the
city, including the slopes to his left, and in case the enemy's
camp in his rear should be carried, to face about and cut off the
flying enemy.
At three A.M., the great movement commenced on the rear of the
enemy's camp, Riley leading, followed successively by
Cadwallader's and Smith's brigades, the latter temporarily under
the orders of Major Dimick of the 1st Artillery, the whole force
being commanded by Smith, the senior in the general attack, and
whose arrangements, skill and gallantry always challenge the
highest admiration.
The march was rendered tedious by the darkness, rain, and mud;
but about sunrise, Riley, conducted by Lieutenant Turner,
Engineer, had reached an elevation behind the enemy, whence he
precipitated his columns; stormed the intrenchments, planted his
several colors upon them, and carried the work, all in seventeen
minutes.
Conducted by Lieutenant Beauregard, Engineer, and Lieutenant
Brooks of Twiggs' staff, both of whom, like Lieutenant Tower,
had, in the night, twice reconnoitred the ground; Cadwallader
brought up to the general assault two of the regiments: the
Voltigeurs and the 11th, and at the appointed time Colonel
Ransom, with his temporary brigade, conducted by Captain Lee,
Engineer, not only made the movement in front, to divert and to
distract the enemy, but, after crossing the deep ravine,
advanced, and poured into the works and upon the fugitives many
volleys from his destructive musketry.
In the mean time Smith's own brigade, under the temporary command
of Major Dimick, following the movements of Riley and
Cadwallader, discovered, opposite to, and outside of the works, a
long line of Mexican cavalry, drawn up as a support. Dimick
having at the head of the brigade the company of Sappers and
Miners, under Lieutenant G. W. Smith, engineer, who had conducted
the march, was ordered by Brigadier-General Smith to form his
line, faced to the enemy, and in a charge against the flank,
routed the cavalry.
Shields, too, by the wise disposition of his brigade and gallant
activity, contributed much to the general results. He held masses
of cavalry and infantry, supported by artillery, in check below
him, and captured hundreds, with one general (Mendoza), of those
who fled from above.
I doubt whether a more brilliant or decisive victory, taking into
view ground, artificial defences, batteries, and the extreme
disparity of numbers, without cavalry or artillery on our side,
is to be found on record. Including all our corps directed
against the intrenched camp, with Shields' brigade at the hamlet,
we positively did not number over four thousand five hundred rank
and file; and we knew by sight, and since, more certainly, by
many captured documents and letters, that the enemy had actually
engaged on the spot seven thousand men, with at least twelve
thousand more hovering within sight and striking distance, both
on the 19th and 20th. All, not killed or captured, now fled with
precipitation.
Thus was the great victory of Contreras achieved; one road to the
capital opened; seven hundred of the enemy killed; eight hundred
and thirteen prisoners, including, among eighty-eight (p. 317)
officers, four generals; besides many colors and standards;
twenty-two pieces of brass ordnance, half of large calibre;
thousands of small arms and accoutrements; an immense quantity of
shot, shells, powder, and cartridges; seven hundred pack mules,
many horses, etc., etc., all in our hands.
It is highly gratifying to find that, by skillful arrangement and
rapidity of execution, our loss, in killed and wounded, did not
exceed, on the spot, sixty; among the former the brave Captain
Charles Hanson, of the 4th Infantry, not more distinguished for
gallantry than for modesty, morals, and piety. Lieutenant J. P.
Johnstone, 1st Artillery, serving with Magruder's battery, a
young officer of the highest promise, was killed the evening
before.
One of the most pleasing incidents of the victory is the
recapture, in their works, by Captain Drum, 4th Artillery, under
Major Gardner, of the two brass 6-pounders, taken from another
company of the same regiment, though without the loss of honor,
at the glorious battle of Buena Vista; about which guns the whole
regiment had mourned for so many long months! Coming up a little
later I had the happiness to join in the protracted cheers of the
gallant 4th on the joyous event; and, indeed, the whole army
sympathizes in its just pride and exultation.
The battle being won before the advancing brigades of Worth's and
Quitman's divisions were in sight, both were ordered to their
late positions: Worth, to attack San Antonio, in front, with his
whole force, as soon as approached in the rear by Pillow's and
Twiggs' divisions; moving from Contreras, through San Angel and
Coyoacan. By carrying San Antonio, we knew that we should open
another, a shorter and better road to the capital for our siege
and other trains.
Accordingly, the two advanced divisions and Shields' brigade
marched from Contreras, under the immediate orders of
Major-General Pillow, who was now joined by the gallant
Brigadier-General Pierce of his division, personally thrown out
of activity, late the evening before, by a severe hurt received
from the fall of his horse.
After giving necessary orders on the field, in the midst of
prisoners and trophies, and sending instructions to Harney's
brigade of cavalry (left at San Augustin) to join me, I
personally followed Pillow's command.
Arriving at Coyoacan, two miles by a cross road, from the rear of
San Antonio, I first detached Captain Lee, Engineer, with Captain
Kearny's troop, 1st Dragoons, supported by the Rifle regiment,
under Major Loring, to reconnoitre that strong point; and next
despatched Major-General Pillow, with one of his brigades
(Cadwallader's), to make the attack upon it, in concert with
Major-General Worth on the opposite side.
At the same time, by another road to the left, Lieutenant Stevens
of the Engineers, supported by Lieutenant G. W. Smith's company
of sappers and miners, of the same corps, was sent to reconnoitre
the strongly fortified church or convent of San Pablo, in the
hamlet of Churubusco, one mile off, Twiggs with one of his
brigades (Smith's, less the Rifles) and Captain Taylor's field
battery, were ordered to follow and to attack the convent. Major
Smith, senior Engineer, was despatched to concert with Twiggs the
mode and means of attack, and Twiggs' other brigade (Riley's) I
soon ordered up to support him.
Next (but all in ten minutes) I sent Pierce (just able to (p. 318)
keep the saddle) with his brigade (Pillow's division),
conducted by Captain Lee, Engineer, by a third road a little
farther to our left, to attack the enemy's right and rear, in
order to favor the movement upon the convent, and to cut off a
retreat toward the capital. And finally, Shields, senior
brigadier to Pierce, with the New York and South Carolina
Volunteers (Quitman's division), was ordered to follow Pierce
closely, and to take the command of our left wing. All these
movements were made with the utmost alacrity by our gallant
troops and commanders.
Finding myself at Coyoacan, from which so many roads conveniently
branched, without escort or reserve, I had to advance for safety
close upon Twiggs' rear. The battle now raged from the right to
the left of our whole line.
Learning on the return of Captain Lee, that Shields in the rear
of Churubusco was hard pressed, and in danger of being
outflanked, if not overwhelmed, by greatly superior numbers, I
immediately sent under Major Sumner, 2d Dragoons, the Rifles
(Twiggs' reserve) and Captain Sibley's troop, 2d Dragoons, then
at hand, to support our left, guided by the same engineer.
About an hour earlier, Worth had, by skillful and daring
movements upon the front and right, turned and forced San
Antonio: its garrison, no doubt, much shaken by our decisive
victory at Contreras.
His second brigade (Colonel Clarke's) conducted by Captain Mason,
Engineer, assisted by Lieutenant Hardcastle, Topographical
Engineer, turned to the left, and by a wide sweep came out upon
the high road to the capital. At this point the heavy garrison
(three thousand men) in retreat was, by Clarke, cut in the
centre: one portion, the rear, driven upon Dolores, off to the
right, and the other upon Churubusco, in the direct line of our
operations. The first brigade (Colonel Garland's), same division,
consisting of the 2d Artillery, under Major Gait, the 3d
Artillery, under Lieutenant-Colonel Belton, and the 4th Infantry,
commanded by Major F. Lee, with Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan's field
battery (temporarily) followed in pursuit through the town,
taking one general prisoner, the abandoned guns (five pieces),
much ammunition and other public property.
The forcing of San Antonio was the _second_ brilliant event of
the day. Worth's division being soon reunited in hot pursuit, he
was joined by Major-General Pillow, who, marching from Coyoacan
and discovering that San Antonio had been carried, immediately
turned to the left according to my instructions, and, though much
impeded by ditches and swamps, hastened to the attack of
Churubusco.
The hamlet or scattered houses bearing this name, presented
besides the fortified convent, a strong field-work
(_tête-de-pont_) with regular bastions and curtains, at the head
of a bridge over which the road passes from San Antonio to the
capital.
The whole remaining forces of Mexico, some twenty-seven thousand
men, cavalry, artillery and infantry, collected from every
quarter, were now in, on the flanks, or within supporting
distance of those works, and seemed resolved to make a last and
desperate stand; for if beaten here, the feebler defences at the
gates of the city, four miles off, could not, as was well known
to both parties, delay the victors an hour. The capital of an
ancient empire, now of a great republic, or an early peace, the
assailants were resolved to win. Not an American, and we were
less than a third of the enemy's numbers, had a doubt as to the
result.
The fortified church or convent, hotly pressed by Twiggs, (p. 319)
had already held out about an hour, when Worth and Pillow,
the latter having with him Cadwallader's brigade, began
to manoeuvre closely upon the _tête-de-pont_, with the convent
at half gunshot to their left. Garland's brigade (Worth's
division), to which had been added the light battalion under
Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Smith, continued to advance in front and
under the fire of a long line of infantry off on the left of the
bridge; and Clarke, of the same division, directed his brigade
along the road or close by its side. Two of Pillow's and
Cadwallader's regiments, the 11th and 14th, supported and
participated in this direct movement; the other (the Voltigeurs)
was left in reserve. Most of these corps, particularly Clarke's
brigade, advancing perpendicularly, were made to suffer much by
the fire of the _tête-de-pont_, and they would have suffered
greatly more by flank attacks from the convent, but for the
pressure of Twiggs on the other side of that work.
This well-combined and daring movement at length reached the
principal point of attack, and the formidable _tête-de-pont_ was
at once assaulted and carried by the bayonet. Its deep wet ditch
was first gallantly crossed by the 8th and 5th Infantry,
commanded respectively by Major Waite and Lieutenant-Colonel
Martin Scott, followed closely by the 6th Infantry (same
brigade), which had been so much exposed on the road, the 11th
regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Graham, and the 14th,
commanded by Colonel Trousdale, both of Cadwallader's brigade,
Pillow's division. About the same time the enemy in front of
Garland, after a hot conflict of an hour and a half, gave way in
a retreat toward the capital.
The immediate result of this _third_ signal triumph of the day
were three field pieces, one hundred and ninety-two prisoners,
much ammunition, and two colors taken at the _tête-de-pont_.
Lieutenant I. F. Irons, 1st Artillery, aid-de-camp to
Brigadier-General Cadwallader, a young officer of great merit and
conspicuous in battle on several previous occasions, received in
front of the work a mortal wound. (Since dead.)
As the concurrent attack upon the convent favored physically and
morally the assault upon the _tête-de-pont_, so reciprocally, no
doubt, the fall of the latter contributed to the capture of the
former. The two works were only some four hundred and fifty yards
apart; and as soon as we were in possession of the
_tête-de-pont_, a captured four-pounder was turned and fired,
first by Captain Larkin Smith, and next by Lieutenant Snelling,
both of the 8th Infantry, several times upon the convent. In the
same brief interval, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan (also of Worth's
division) gallantly brought two of his guns to bear at a short
range from the San Antonio road, upon the principal face of the
work and on the tower of the church, which in the obstinate
contest, had been often refilled with some of the best
sharpshooters of the enemy.
Finally, twenty minutes after the _tête-de-pont_ had been carried
by Worth and Pillow, and at the end of a desperate conflict of
two hours and a half, the church or convent, the citadel of the
strong line of defence along the rivulet of Churubusco, yielded
to Twiggs' division, and threw out on all sides signals of
surrender. The white flags, however, were not exhibited until the
moment when the 3d Infantry, under Captain Alexander, had cleared
the way by fire and bayonet, and had entered the work. Captain I.
M. Smith and Lieutenant O. L. Shepherd, both of that regiment,
with their companies, had the glory of leading the assault. (p. 320)
The former received the surrender, and Captain Alexander
instantly hung out from the balcony the colors of the gallant 3d.
Major Dimick, with a part of the 1st Artillery, serving as
infantry, entered nearly abreast with the leading troops.
Captain Taylor's field battery, attached to Twiggs' division,
opened its effective fire at an early moment upon the outworks of
the convent and the tower of its church. Exposed to the severest
fire of the enemy, the captain, his officers and men, won
universal admiration; but at length, much disabled in men and
horses, the battery was by superior orders withdrawn from the
action thirty minutes before the surrender of the convent.
Those corps, excepting Taylor's battery, belonged to the brigade
of Brigadier-General P. F. Smith, who closely directed the whole
attack with his habitual coolness and ability: while Riley's
brigade, the 2d and 7th Infantry, under Captain T. Morris and
Lieutenant-Colonel Plympton respectively, vigorously engaged the
right of the work and part of its rear. At the moment the Rifles,
belonging to Smith's, were detached in support of
Brigadier-General Shields on our extreme left, and the 4th
Artillery, acting as infantry, under Major Gardner, belonging to
Riley's brigade, had been left in charge of the camp, trophies,
etc., at Contreras. Twiggs' division at Churubusco had thus been
deprived of the services of two of its most gallant and effective
regiments.
The immediate results of this victory were: the capture of seven
field pieces, some ammunition, one color, three generals, and one
thousand two hundred and sixty-one prisoners, including other
officers.
Captains E. A. Capron and M. J. Burke, and Lieutenant G. Hoffman,
all of the 1st Artillery, and Captain J. W. Anderson and
Lieutenant Thomas Easley, both of the 2d Infantry, five officers
of great merit, fell gallantly before this work.
The capture of the enemy's citadel was the _fourth_ great
achievement of our arms in the same day.
It has been stated that some two hours and a half before,
Pierce's, followed closely by the volunteer brigade, both under
the command of Brigadier-General Shields, had been dispatched to
our left to turn the enemy's works; to prevent the escape of the
garrisons and to oppose the extention of the enemy's numerous
corps from the rear upon and around our left.
Considering the inferior numbers of the two brigades, the objects
of the movement were difficult to accomplish. Hence the
re-enforcement (the Rifles, etc.,) sent forward a little later.
In a winding march of a mile around to the right, this temporary
division found itself on the edge of an open wet meadow, near the
road from San Antonio to the capital, and in the presence of some
four thousand of the enemy's infantry, a little in rear of
Churubusco, on that road. Establishing the right at a strong
building, Shields extended his left parallel to the road, to
outflank the enemy toward the capital. But the enemy extending
his right, supported by three thousand cavalry, more rapidly
(being favored by better ground) in the same direction, Shields
concentrated the division about a hamlet and determined to attack
in front. The battle was long, hot and varied; but, ultimately,
success crowned the zeal and gallantry of our troops, ably (p. 321)
directed by their distinguished commander, Brigadier-General
Shields. The 9th, 12th and 15th regiments, under Colonel Ransom,
Captain Wood, and Colonel Morgan respectively, of Pierce's
brigade (Pillow's division), and the New York and South Carolina
Volunteers, under Colonels Burnett and Butler respectively, of
Shields' own brigade (Quitman's division), together with the
mountain howitzer battery, now under Lieutenant Reno of the
Ordnance Corps, all shared in the glory of this action, our
_fifth_ victory in the same day.
Brigadier-General Pierce, from the hurt of the evening before,
under pain and exhaustion, fainted in the action. Several other
changes in command occurred on this field. Thus Colonel Morgan
being severely wounded, the command of the 15th Infantry devolved
on Lieutenant-Colonel Howard; Colonel Burnett receiving a like
wound, the command of the New York Volunteers fell to
Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter; and, on the fall of the lamented
Colonel P. M. Butler, earlier badly wounded, but continuing to
lead nobly in the hottest of the battle, the command of the South
Carolina Volunteers devolved, first, on Lieutenant-Colonel
Dickenson, who being severely wounded (as before in the siege of
Vera Cruz), the regiment ultimately fell under the orders of
Major Gladden.
Lieutenants David Adams and W. R. Williams of the same corps;
Captain Augustus Quarks and Lieutenant J. B. Goodman of the 15th,
and Lieutenant E. Chandler, New York Volunteers, all gallant
officers, nobly fell in the same action.
Shields took three hundred and eighty prisoners, including
officers; and it cannot be doubted that the rage of the conflict
between him and the enemy, just in the rear of the _tête-de-pont_
and the convent, had some influence on the surrender of those
formidable defences.
As soon as the _tête-de-pont_ was carried, the greater part of
Worth's and Pillow's forces passed that bridge in rapid pursuit
of the flying enemy. These distinguished generals, coming up with
Brigadier-General Shields, now also victorious, the three
continued to press upon the fugitives to within a mile and a half
of the capital. Here, Colonel Harney, with a small part of his
brigade of cavalry, rapidly passed to the front, and charged the
enemy up to the nearest gate.
The cavalry charge was headed by Captain Kearny, of the 1st
Dragoons, having in squadron with his own troop, that of Captain
M'Reynolds of the 3d making the usual escort to general
headquarters; but, being early in the day detached for general
service, was now under Colonel Hamey's orders. The gallant
captain not hearing the _recall_, that had been sounded, dashed
up to the San Antonio gate, sabring in his way all who resisted.
Of the seven officers of the squadron, Kearny lost his left arm;
M'Reynolds and Lieutenant Lorimer Graham were both severely
wounded, and Lieutenant R. S. Ewell, who succeeded to the command
of the escort, had two horses killed under him. Major F. D. Mills
of the 15th Infantry, a volunteer in this charge, was killed at
the gate.
So terminated the series of events which I have but feebly
presented. My thanks were freely poured out on the different
fields, to the abilities and science of generals and other
officers, to the zeal and prowess of all, the rank and file
included. But a reward infinitely higher, the applause of a
grateful country and government, will, I cannot doubt, be
accorded in due time to so much merit of every sort displayed (p. 322)
by this glorious army, which has now overcome all difficulties:
distance, climate, ground, fortifications, numbers.
It has in a single day, in many battles, as often defeated
thirty-two thousand men; made about three thousand prisoners,
including eight generals (two of them ex-presidents), and two
hundred and five other officers; killed or wounded four thousand
of all ranks, besides entire corps dispersed and dissolved;
captured thirty-seven pieces of ordnance, more than trebling our
siege train and field batteries, with a large number of small
arms, a full supply of ammunition of every kind, etc. etc.
These great results have overwhelmed the enemy. Our loss amounts
to one thousand and fifty-three: _killed_, one hundred and
thirty-nine, including sixteen officers; _wounded_, eight hundred
and seventy-six, with sixty officers. The greater number of the
dead and disabled were of the highest worth. Those under
treatment, thanks to our very able medical officers, are doing
well.
I regret having been obliged, on the 20th, to leave Major-General
Quitman, an able commander, with a part of his division, the fine
2d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and the veteran detachment of United
States marines, at our important depot, San Augustin. It was
there that I had placed our sick and wounded, the siege, supply
and baggage trains. If these had been lost, the army would have
been driven almost to despair; and considering the enemy's very
great excess of numbers, and the many approaches to the depot, it
might well have become, emphatically, the post of honor.