NNR 73.147 example of expenditure in the war
NNR 73.148 resolution of Whigs of New Hampshire, Whig state convention of Vermont, Gov. Horace Eaton's message
NNR 73.150 protest of the city council of Mexico City
NNR 73.151 resolution of synod of New School Presbyterians
NNR 73.151 practical view of war
NNR 73.151 Gen. Winfield Scott's general order no. 287 declaring martial law
NNR 73.152 revolt of the Massachusetts regiment at Veracruz over uniforms
NNR 73.152 Gen. Joseph Lane's advance without adequate ammunition
NNR 73.152 Lt. Robert M. Morris' appeal to the Marines
NNR 73.152 account of Capt. G. White's escort of a train to the National Bridge
NNR 73.152 arrival of the Baltimore light artillery at Veracruz
NNR 73.152 expedition against guerrillas, attack by guerrillas on a company of Texas Rangers
NNR 73.153 burning of Santa Anna's hacienda
NNR 73.152 account of the camp at Veracruz, difficulties of soldiers at the hospital
NNR 73.152 general order for opening the line of communication from Veracruz to the interior
NNR 73.152-NNR 73.153 Mexican official reports on termination of the armistice
NNR 73.153 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's summons to Col. Thomas Childs, reply, the siege, Santa Anna deserted by his troops
NNR 73.153-154 desertion of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's troops, rumors of his departure from Mexico
NNR 73.154 guerrilla warfare, character the war assumes, incidents on the route
NNR 73.155 everything quiet in California
NNR 73.155 comment on the "slanders" against Gen. Sterling Price
NNR 73.155 hubbub and confusion among troops at Santa Fe, confusion and disorder in the territory
NNR 73.155 seizure of a British ship freighted with merchandise for a merchant in California
NNR 73.156 letter from a participant in actions against the Mexicans in California
NNR 73.156-157 account of the New York California regiment in California
NNR 73.160 "what is to be done with Mexico? her voice is still for war!", subjugation contemplated
NNR 73.160 operations fof Gen. Joseph Lane's division
NNR 73.160 Taylor's camp quiet and healthy
NNR 73.160 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at Huamantla
NNR 73.160 Capt. Jack Hays' rangers and the guerrillas
NNR 73.160 yellow fever in Vera Cruz
NNR 73.160 Mariano Paredes y Arillaga at Tulansingo, preaching monarchy
NNR 73.167-171 official documents concerning the dispute between Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny and Col. John Charles Fremont
NNR 73.173-.174 account of the leperos
NNR 73.174 description of the penetration of the fortress of Chapultepec
NNR 73.174 letter from Capt. John B. Magruder on his experiences in Mexico
NNR NNR 73.176 account of the fighting at Huamantla, death of Capt. Samuel Walker
NNR 73.176 Gen. Robert Patterson's command to leave Veracruz
NNR 73.176 Gen. Persifor Frazer Smith appointed governor of Mexico City
NNR 73.176 health of the
Army in the valley of Mexico, rumors of peace
NNR 73.176 Col. William Selby Harney to supervise train from Mexico City
NNR 73.176 letter from an English house at Puebla about American movements
and Mexican guerrillas
NNR 73.176 deaths of various officers noted
NNR 73.176 account of the fighting at Huamantla, death of Capt. Samuel Hamilton Walker
NNR 73.176 Atixco taken, Orizaba believed taken
NNR 73.176 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna suspended as head of the Army
NNR 73.177 Gen. Winfield Scott's dispatches reach Washington, "Union"'s notice of them
NNR 73.177 Nicholas Philip Trist said to have invited the Mexican government to a conference
NNR 73.177 re-capture of American deserters at Nassau
NNR 73.177 quiet at Santa Fe, reports of assembling of Mexicans, attacks by Indians
NNR 73.177 Gen. Zachary Taylor's request for a leave of absence
NNR 73.178 President James Knox Polk overrules Gen. John Ellis Wool and restores Lts. Singletary and Pender
NNR 73.178-179 Com. Robert Field Stockton's return from California, his quarrel with Gen. Stephen Watts Kearny over authority
NNR 73.179 California tranquil, activities and distribution of troops
NNR 73.180 difficulties of raising volunteers in Loco-Foco Alabama
NNR 73.180 skirmish at the National Bridge
NNR 73.180 incidents and actors in the campaign
NNR 73.181 voting for governor among Pennsylvania volunteers at Perote in Mexico
NNR 73.181-184 Gen. Winfield Scott's force at Mexico, his official report on the battles of Contreras and Churubusco
NNR 73.184 Gen. Winfield Scott's report on the Battle of Molino del Rey
NNR 73.184-186 Gen. Winfield Scott's report on the taking of the city of Mexico
NNR 73.186-188 Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow's official report on the actions of the forces in his command
NNR 73.188-189 Gen. William Jenkins Worth's official report of action at Churubusco and before the gates of Mexico
NNR 73.189-190 Henry Clay's resolutions at Lexington
NNR 73.192 letter describing the fighting at Huamantla and the death of Capt. Samuel Walker
NNR 73.192 list of killed and wounded
NNR 73.192 US money market affected by shipments of specie to Europe and to Mexico
NNR 73.192 conflicts on the route from Puebla to Veracruz, the Mexican spy company
NNR 73.192 fight among the
Mexican guerrillas
NNR 73.192 progress of Gen. Robert Patterson's train
NNR 73.192 remarks on Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's destiny, his whereabouts
NNR 73.192 delay in a quorum for the Congress at Queretaro, Paredes y Arrillaga's suggestion of a monarchy for Mexico
NNR 73.195 need for a loan if the war with Mexico procrastinates
NNR 73.195 account of the battle at Huamantla
NNR 73.195 operations and incident, affairs at Huamantla and death of
Capt. Samuel Hamilton Walker
NNR 73.195-73.196 list of killed and wounded during the siege of Puebla
NNR 73.196 proclamation of Col. Thomas Childs as military governor of Puebla
NNR 73.196-73.197 official account of the siege of Puebla
NNR 73.197 Capt. Robert Bronaugh killed near Puebla
NNR 73.197-73.200 Henry Clay's speech at Lexington
NNR 73.200-73.201 Gen. David Emanuel Twiggs' official report on the battles at Contreras and Churubusco
NNR 73.201 Gen. John Anthony Quitman's report concerning the reserves during the recent battles before the city of Mexico
NNR 73.201-73.202 Gen. James Shields' report on operations of August 20
NNR 73.202 Col. William Selby Harney's report on his operations at Mexico
NNR 73.202-73.204 Gen. Persifor Frazer Smith's report on his operations of 19 and 20 August
NNR 73.204 Gen. John Anthony Quitman's report of taking the capital
NNR 73.206 Gen. David Emanuel Twiggs' report concerning the assault at Mexico City
NNR 73.206-73.207 Maj. Edwin Vose Sumner's report on the attack on the foundry near Chapultepec
NNR 73.207 Capt. Benjamin Huger's report
NNR 73.207 Col. William Selby Harney's report about his operations against Chapultepec and the city of Mexico
NNR 73.207 Capt. P.B. Riley's report
NNR 73.209 inspection by Gen. Zachary Taylor of forts from Monterey toward the Rio Grande
NNR 73.209 tariff of duties imposed on Mexico
NNR 73.213 arrival of officers in the United States from the seat of the war
NNR 73.213 captured documents from Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
NNR 73.213 Mexican Congress assembles at Queretaro
NNR 73.213 question of the election of a Mexican president
NNR 73.213 position of the
several corps of troops
NNR 73.213 arrival of officers in the United States from the seat of the war
NNR 73.213 train from Mexico City arrives at Veracruz
NNR 73.213 publications of Senor Otero
NNR 73.213 Gen. Antonio Canales reported dead
NNR 73.213 Capt. Robert H. Taylor's Rangers sent to rectify a theft against a Mexican
NNR 73.213 Squire Collins
NNR 73.213 Thomas H. O'S. Addicks
NNR 73.213 departure of parties from Buena Vista for Santa Fe and San Antonio
NNR 73.213 trial of Mexican prisoners accused of murder
NNR 73.213 unsuccessful revolution at Guadalajara on behalf of Valentin Gomez Farias against the sacerdotal party
NNR 73.213 Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga pronounces in favor of plan of Iguala
NNR 73.213 Mexican war spirit unallayed
73.213 Gen. Rea waiting at Orizaba to attack a train
NNR 73.213 Michael Leonard the teamster executed
NNR 73.214 council of war at Puebla between Nicholas Philip Trist and Gen. Winfield Scott, debate over use of the "three million"
NNR 73.214 death of an American sailor aboard the transport ship Empire
NNR 73.214 "revelling in the halls of the Montezumas"
NNR 73.214 divisions among parties in Mexico, exactions on the clergy
NNR 73.215 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's manifesto to the Mexican nation
NNR 73.216 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's decree that Gen. Jose Joaquin de Herrera and Gen. Nicholas Bravo should exercise executive power in case of his fall, Rosa orders Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna to trial and divests him of command
NNR 73.216 Atlixco taken, a Mexican account
NNR 73.216-73.217 manifesto of Gen. Mariano Paredes y Arillaga
NNR 73.217 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's farewell address, items, Mexican force in the field, affairs in the capital
NNR 73.218 liberty of the press restored in Mexico City
NNR 73.222 official report on the actions of the first regiment of US volunteers of New York in the storming of Chapultepec and the advance on Mexico City
NNR 73.222 Gen. Joseph Lane's report on the relief of Puebla
NNR 73.222-73.223 Gen. Joseph Lane's official report of the engagement at Huamantla
NNR 73.223 Gen. Joseph Lane's report on the battle of Atlixco
NNR 73.235-73.239 address of Albert Gallatin to the people of the United States on the subject of the war with Mexico
NNR 73.239 terms of peace suggested
NNR 73.241 ravages of the war on the second regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers
NNR 73.256 "Revelling in the Halls of the Montezumas;" murder and disease at Mexico City
NNR 73.256 list of deaths of officers of the Gulf Squadron in the last year
NNR 73.256 official order for levying contributions on Mexico by collecting export duties and taxes
NNR 73.256 account of troops in and around Santa Fe
NNR 73.256 American troops moving against Chihuahua or Mexicans at El Paso
NNR 73.260 resolution of New Hampshire legislature on the Wilmot Proviso
NNR 73.272 Pedro Maria Anaya elected provisional president, his cabinet
NNR 73.272 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's pronunciamento against proceedings at Queretaro
NNR 73.272 arrest of Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow, Gen. William Jenkins Worth, and Col. James Duncan
NNR 73.272 Gen. Robert Patterson's train leaves Jalapa
NNR 73.272 execution of two American teamsters and two guerrilla officers
NNR 73.272 Padre Martin captured
NNR 73.272 Otero's proposition to forbid alienation of Mexican territory rejected, guerrilla affairs near Veracruz
NNR 73.147 Nov. 6, 1847 smuggling
Smuggling powder to Vera Cruz- Jose Maria Carabajal, the Mexican who was
arrested at New Orleans on the 4th inst. for shipping powder,
invoiced as "cigaritos."to Vera Cruz, has been discharged from a criminal
prosecution, the case not being embraced in the statute. He was required
to five bail, however in the sum of $3200, for violating the city municipality,
which, not being able to give, he was committed to jail.
[KAS]
NNR 73.147 6 NOV 1847 example of expenditure in the war
War Expenditures- The secretary of the treasury, since the first of January lst, has sent upwards of twelve million of dollars to N. Orleans, on account of army disbursements.
A letter to the New Orleans Bee, from the Rio Grande, says: “Two hundred government horses were sold at auction, a few days ago, at an awful sacrifice, not averaging more that ten dollars a head. They probably cost each ten times the same.”
This reminds us of the transaction of the
Florida war, when steamboat wood was furnished to the government at fifty
dollars per cord, and bacon which cost the government twelve cents a pound
was sold at two and three cents, and bought up by contractors to be again
sold to Uncle Sam. When we see the items in the account of this Mexican
war, this sale of horses will, by comparison, prove to be a mere circumstance.
Many large fortunes will be made by government favorites at he expense
of the people of the United States. There are a class of men in this country
who if consulted, would never have the country in a state of peace; not
that they fight the battles of the country, or are inspired by the ambition
to win a name. NO such idea enters into their heads. They stay at home
and make money. Jobs and contracts are the fields of their ambition, and
the greater the expense incurred by the country the wider is the field
of their exploits. [Petersburg Int.
[MDT]
NNR 73.148 6 NOV 1847 resolution of Whigs of New Hampshire, Whig state convention of Vermont, Gov. Horace Eaton's message
New Hampshire- The Whigs have nominated Nathaniel S. Berry for governor- Gov. Colby having declined a nomination for re-election.
A whig county convention lately held in the state of N.H. lately adopted the following resolution:
That, as citizens of a free country, we claim and shall exercise the right at all times in a candid but fearless manner, of expressing our opinions of the acts whether of the state or national administration, and whether those acts relate to peace or war; and that we regard the attempt of the president of the United States in his last message to brand as traitors all those citizens of the republic who do not yield a blind obedience to his will, and approve his conduct in the unconstitutional commencement of the present war with Mexico, as an insult to freemen, and fit only to emanate from one who rules over slaves.
The war is to be avoided at all times as a great calamity, especially by this country, as not congenial to the spirit of our institutions, or the feelings that should animate us in our intercourse with the nations of the earth; but that we regard the present war with Mexico as doubly hateful, inasmuch as it was unconstitutionally commenced by the act of the president, in disregard of the rights of congress, and as it is waged for the dismemberment of a sister republic, upon pretexts that are false, and for a purpose that is abhorrent to all feelings of humanity and justice; and that, although we award to the officers and men engaged in that war all the praise that is due to skill, energy, and courage, yet we regard the glory acquired by our arms as an inadequate compensation for the blood that has been shed, the treasure that has been wasted, and the indelible stain that has been cast upon our national character by the prosecution of a war of conquest and ambition, the first, as we hope it may be that last, in the history of the republic.
That is the duty of the whigs of the country, by all exertion in their power, to extricate the country from the condition into which it has been plunged by the madness of its rulers, and to procure a peace with Mexico as soon as it can be done consistently with the true honor and dignity of the American name, and, by the termination of the war, set an example of justice and magnanimity that shall reflect as much honor upon the character of the American people for exercise of the moral virtues as they have acquired by the display of those of a military and heroic kind.
Vermont- Gov. Eaton’s message, transmitted to the legislature of the 16th ult., is brief and in good taste. HE recommends a good law for the protection of the property of married women, similar to that which has been enacted in other states. The public schools are in a flourishing condition. The geological survey of the state is nearly completed. Ex governor Paine and MR. Marsh have been appointed to correspond with Hiram Powers respecting the statue of Ethan Allen and T. Crittenden, to be placed in the capital.
On national affairs, the governor says:
“I believe that the position of Vermont is distinctly understood in regard to all these great questions of national policy which are from time to time agitating the national councils, and in which Vermont, in common with other states of the Union, has so deep an interest, it affords occasion for the most profound regret that the unhappy war with a neighboring republic has not yet been terminated, but on the contrary, is making still greater and greater demands upon the blood and treasure of the nation. It is believed that Vermont has seen nothing in the progress of the contest: to change her sentiment, either in regard to the insufficiency of the grounds on which the war was commenced, or the unworthiness of the purposes for which it has been waged. She cannot recognize the general government as committed to any career of conquest, nor will she regard any unaccomplished schemes of territorial aggrandizement as presenting an obstacle to the speedy adjustment of existing difficulties. Peace she unequivocally and earnestly desires, and asks for no territory, whether slave or free, as a condition of its establishment and security.”
A Whig state convention was held at Montpelier on the 21 ult., Hon. Carlos Coolidge, presiding. Hons. Solomon Foote and Horace Everett were appointed delegates at large to the national convention to nominate a president, and A.P. Lyman, H. Cutts, H.E. Royce and Portus Baxter, delegates from the several districts.
Resolutions were adopted denouncing the
war, approving of the Wilmot proviso, objecting tot he acquisition of territory
by conquest.
[MDT]
NNR 73.150 6 NOV 1847 Protest of the city council of Mexico City
Protest of the city council of Mexico
The city council of Mexico, in the most solemn manner, in the name of their constituents, and in the face of the world, and of the commander in chief of the army of the United States, protest.-That though the chances of war have reduced the city of Mexico under the forces of the United states, is has never entered their mind to submit voluntary to any chief, person or authority, unless such as are recognized by the federal constitution, and sanctioned by the government of the republic of Mexico, whatever be the length of time for which the foreign power may continue its existence de facto. Resolved in the deliberation hall of the city council of Mexico, September 13th, 1847, at 11 o’clock, P.M. Signed by Manuel R. Veramendi and sixteen other members.
Next we have the propositions submitted by them to Gen. Scott, on his entrance into the city, which the general good naturedly told them he would take into consideration, and would assure them all the protection which the welfare of his command and the requirements of the war would permit. The propositions, considering the source whence they come, leave one in doubt whether to laugh at their folly or grow angry at their insolence.
First proposition-The churches and monasteries of both sexes, hospitals, and archives, colleges, and schools, private dwellings, and in general every species of property, movable and immovable, whether belonging to the commonwealth, to corporations or to individuals, shall be individually respected; nor shall the desecration, violation or occupation of any of them, by the forces of the United states, or by the chiefs and privates who compose them, be in any case allowed.
Second- The city shall be governed by the existing laws, and it will enjoy, as theretofore, its privileges; nor shall the forces of the United States, and their respective chiefs, in any case, enjoin upon it the observance of any enactment; which , in its nature, should belong to the legislative order.
Third- The administration of justice, in civil and criminal matters, shall be strictly carried on by the respective authorities of the country, and in accordance with the provisions of the federal constitution of the republic of Mexico.
Fourth- Should a vacancy occur in the government of the district, the members of the council will fill it up according to the requirements of law, without the direct or indirect interference of the armed forces in the designation of the individual who may be selected to fill such vacancy.
Fifth-Any vacancies or absences, among the judges of first, second, and third instance, shall be temporarily supplied, by the district governor, upon due submission by the municipal body.
Sixth- the forces of the United States shall not affect the municipal rents, nor the manner of their collection; but they will allow the free administration thereof and of the direct taxes, paid to the municipal body, whose duty it will be to apply them to the branches with which they are charged, and to the speedy and full dispensation of justice.
Seventh-The city council shall be permitted to keep up such armed force as may be necessary to maintain the security of the jails and the domestic peace of the community, upon agreement, with the general in chief of the forces of the United States, as to the number of said force,and the nature of the arms to be used for the objects in view.
Eighth- The national standard shall be kept flying over the municipal buildings.
Ninth- The forces of the United States shall be quartered in such places as may, on agreement with the general in chief, be assigned to them. Said officers will be pleased to forbid them any unnecessary rambling through the streets of the city, particularly at night; especially are they to be cautioned against entering into any political discussions, or indulging in any mention of the campaign, with the inhabitants of the city.
Tenth- The general and chief of the army of the United States will be pleased not to allow counter guerrillas or the rangers to enter the city.
Eleventh- The council will retain, for public purposes under its direction, the timbers, materials, and other appliances, which were used to maintain the war.
Twelfth- This agreement shall be religiously observed on the part of both the general in chief and the council of the city.
Hall of deliberation, of the city council of Mexico,
September 13, 1847.
(signed) Manuel R. Veramendi and sixteen others.
[MDT]
NNR 73.151 6 NOV 1847 resolution of synod of New School Presbyterians
Preamble and Resolutions just adopted by the Synod of the New School Presbyterian Church of New York and New Jersey
The synod of New York and New Jersey, considering the tendency of war to impede the progress of the gospel, by putting the innings of men in a state unfavorable to the influence of truth and the Holy Scripture, deem it proper and seasonable, in view of the fact that our country is now engaged in war with a neighboring nation, which, as far s it has proceeded, has been unusually sanguinary and disastrous, to express their solemn convictions in the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the synod regard this war both as an exhibition of human wickedness and as a dreadful scourge from the hand of God, which should lead the Church of Christ to great searching of heart, to deep humiliation and [prosination] of spirit, and to earnest supplication before the Thorne of Mercy.
Resolved, That it be recommended to all the ministers of the word belonging to this synod to labor, by prayer, preaching, and all other appropriate means, to impress the minds of men with a sense of the sinfulness and the evils of war, and especially of the existing war with Mexico.
Resolved, That the synod express the earnest
desire that all the people, see eye to eye in reference to the present
and prospective evils of the existing war, and the desirableness of its
speedy termination.
[MDT]
NNR 73.151 6 NOV 1847 practical view of war
Practical View of the War- If there is any subject of the present day on which it is unnecessary to do more than give a plain statement of facts, in such a manner as may carry it home practically, to the minds of our readers it is the war in which this country is now engaged. The method by which the president and his party have secured to themselves an immense amount of patronage and pecuniary benefits, by virtually mortgaging their country, is a fearful instance of power wrongfully usurped. The cost so far as it can be calculated in dollars and cents is a very small portion of the evils incurred. Nothing of this kind can convey an idea of the value of the twenty thousand American lives already said to have been expended during this war. Men of all parties are tired of the war. The bloody triumphs of the battle field are heard now rather as alleviations of anxiety that as gratifying from their glory. Men are inclined to count their cost. Up to the third day of this month the expenses were more than one hundred and sixty seven millions of dollars. The calculations given below, are based upon the supposition that 120000000 are all that have been thus expended. Buffalonians are congratulating themselves upon the intended expenditure of 150000 in improving our harbor. Let us see what a portion only of the debt so recently contracted in war would have done for the country it invested in peaceable objects:
With $120000000 a school house and church might crown every hill top from the Penobscot to the Rio Grande, and teachers of knowledge and righteousness might do their mission of good without money or price for any one.
With $120000000, we might connect every town in our land by railroad; and the magnetic telegraph might be made to stretch its magic wires alone every thoroughfare, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
With $120000000, we might build such a navy as the world never saw, and carry on such a commerce as Venice, in the palmiest days, never dreamed of; our flag might float on every breeze, our sails whiten every sea, and our name be heard and feared in every house between the poles.
With $120000000, we might feed every poor man, clothe every beggar, and relieve every distress, not only once, but always, as long as the population of the globe did not exceed 950000000. Starvation, poverty and famine need never find a foothold on earth.
And more, with $120000000 we might give the Bible and tell the tidings of our holy faith to Heathen lands, to every foreign nation and to every human soul.
The government complains that the post office department is a heavy tax upon the treasury, on account of the low rates of postage. Devote four months interest of the Mexican war debt to this end, and our people would never hear the word “ postage.”
The government doles out with a miser’s hand, and a miser’s spirit, trifling, pitiful sums, for harbors in our western rivers and lakes. Devote two months interest of the Mexican war debt to this end, and no more petitions for appropriations would come from the people of the west.
This is the way to calculate the cost of the war; and these are not idle fancies. Let no reader be satisfied, until he works, with his pencil, each one of these statements. Figures will verify them all. Is our country able to squander money in this wise? IS gold a matter of such little concern, as to be disposed of in this summary manner? What says the farmer, whose taxed lands help to heap up these hoards of wasted money? What says the mechanic, whose taxed “occupation” aids in amassing this squandered treasure? What say the people, who pay for it, in their clothes, food, books, houses, furniture, and property? Can we afford it? We might be doing good with it, such as no country has ever done.
Is this, then, the much boasted destiny
of our great country-to tax her people, collect and borrow an immense sum,
and spend it in shedding blood and killing men. [North American
[MDT]
NNR 73.151 6 NOV 1847 Gen. Winfield Scott's general order No. 287 declaring martial law
The general in chief republishes his order No. 2 of 19th February 1847, declaring martial law, with important additions.
1. It is to be feared that many grave offenses may be committed by or against the persons composing the armies engaged in the present war between the two republics, which are not provided for in the act of congress “establishing rules and regulations for the government of the armies of the United States,” approved the 10th April, 1806. Those offences are here alluded to, which, it committed in the United States, or in their organized territories, would be tried and severely punished by the ordinary civil tribunals of the country.
2. The following offences are meant: assassination, murder, poisoning, rape, or the attempt to commit either of these crimes; violent assaults, theft or robbery, the profanation of temples, cemeteries or other sacred places; the interruption of religious ceremonies, or the destruction of public or private property without the express order or a superior officer.
3. For the welfare of the military service, for the interest of humanity, and for the honor of the United states, it is absolutely essential that all the crimes above mentioned should be severely punished.
4. But the code commonly called the “rules and articles of war,” does not provide any punishment for he said crimes, not even in case they are perpetrated by individuals in the army against the persons and property of the same, except in the very restricted case in Apr. 9; and they are only partially referred to in Arts. 51, 52, and 55, when committed by individuals of the army against the person and property of a hostile people; and the said code does not refer to the injuries which may be committed by individuals of a hostile country in violation of the laws of war upon the person and property composing the army.
5. It is evident that Article 99, independent of any reference to the restriction in Art. 87, is entirely nugatory and does not reach these capital crimes.
6. Therefore, a supplementary code, covering the crimes mentioned in the second paragraph of this order, whether committed on, by, or against the army, is absolutely necessary.
7. This unwritten code is simply martial law, and is an addition to the military code prescribed by congress in the "“rules and articles of war,” and all armies in a hostile country should adopt the martial law, not only for their own security, but for the protection of the peaceful inhabitants and their property from detriment on the part of the army in violation of the laws of war.
8. In consequence of this overpowering necessity, martial law is declared as a supplemental code, and it will be observed in and about all posts, cities, villages, camps, hospitals, and other places which may be occupied by portions of the army of the United States in Mexico; and it will be equally observed in the columns, escorts, convoys, guards, and detachments of said army, during the present war with that republic, and while it shall remain in the same.
9. Consequently all the crimes mentioned in the second paragraph, whether perpetrated, 1st. BY a Mexican citizen, inhabitant of or sojourner in this republic, against the persons or property of those belonging to or following said army of the United States of America; or 2 nd. By any individual belonging to or following said army, against the persons or property of the citizens or inhabitants of , or sojourners in this country; or 3rd. By any individual belonging to or following said army, against the persons or property of any persons appertaining to the same shall be judged and punished under the supplemental code.
10. For this purpose it is ordered, that every delinquent in the above mentioned cases shall be promptly arrested, and notice thereof given, that he may be tried before a military commission, which shall be convoked in conformity with that fellows.
11. Every military commission under this order shall be named, governed, and conducted, as far as practicable, in accordance with articles 65,66 and 67 or the rules and articles of war, and the proceeding of the said commission shall be duly recorded in writing, revised, and corrected, approved or disapproved, and the sentences executed, so far as practicable, in conformity with the proceeding and sentences of court martial, under the following limitations: NO military commission shall have jurisdiction in any case that may be properly tried by a court martial, and no sentence of any military commission shall be executed against any person belonging to the American army, unless the nature and grade of his offence be established by evidence, and then he shall be punished in the same manner that similar cases are punished in any state of the United States.
12. The sale, waste, and loss of warlike stores, horses, arms, clothing, and provisions of soldiers, shall be punished by law under the Nos. 37 and 38 of the articles of war, and whatever Mexican, whether a resident or a transient person, who shall buy from any soldier, arms, ammunition, provisions, or clothing, horses, or their trappings, shall be tried and severely chastised by a military commission.
13. The administration of justice, both civil and criminal, shall be meted out in all the established courts throughout the country, without the slightest interruption or hindrance from the officers or soldiers of the American army, excepting the following cases: 1st. In case the person be an officer, soldier, agent, servant, or other person following the North American army. 2d. IN political cases, that is to say, suits against other individuals, in which it is alleged that friendly information, protection or kind reception, has been given to American army.
14. For the convenience and protection of both parties, in all cities and towns occupied by the American army, a body of Mexican police shall be established and organized to act in concert with the military police of the said army.
15. This beautiful capital, its churches and its religion, its convents, and monasteries, its inhabitants and their property, are placed under the especial safeguard of the good faith and honor of the American army.
16. As a consideration for the aforesaid protection, a contribution of $150000 is levied on the capitals, payable in four payments, at the rate of $37500 per week, commencing on Monday next the 20th instant, and terminating on Monday, the 11th of October.
17. The ayuntamiento, or municipal council, of this city, is especially charged with the collection and payment of these sums.
18. From the entire contribution which is to be paid to this army, $ 20000 shall be appropriated for the purchase of some very necessary supplies for the wounded and sick in the hospital; $90000 to purchase blankets and shoes, which shall be distributed gratuitously amongst the soldiers of the army, and $40000 shall be retained for other military wants.
19. This order shall be read to and circulated amongst all the companies of the American army now in service in Mexico, and shall be translated into Spanish for the information of the Mexicans.
By order of the commander
in chief,
H.L. SCOTT, A.A.A. Gen.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 revolt of the Massachusetts regiment at Veracruz over uniforms
Revolt of the Massachusetts regiment over uniforms
The Massachusetts Regiment- The other day it became necessary to clothe the Massachusetts regiment anew; their old grey uniform having become seriously dilapidated. Grey clothing could not, of course be produced here, and the United States blue (the best soldier’s clothing in the world) was substituted for it. The regiment accepted the clothing, with the exception of one company, the members of which positively refused, on the ground that it was disgraceful for them to wear the national uniform! They could not clothe themselves in any thing else; they were becoming ragged, and were on the point of marching to the interior, where there is no clothing at all. General Cushing ordered them out of ranks and sent them to the castle to perform laborer’s duty.
Yesterday the prisoners were marched from the camp to the castle, under charge of Captain Carr’s company, 11th infantry. On reaching the mote some fifteen of them endeavored to beg off, saying that if they were permitted to return to duties they would wear the blue cloth, but it was too late.
Major Webster arrived at N. Orleans on the
25th, on his way to join his regiment, the Massachusetts, in route
from Vera Cruz to the interior, with the train under Gen. Patterson. [letter
from Vera Cruz.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 Gen. Joseph Lane's advance without adequate ammunition
Gen. Lane’s Advance without Adequate Ammunition
The fact that Gen. Lane had to halt his
command on reaching the Governor’s Bridge, and send Capt. Cook for ammunition
for his forces, has been already noticed. In reference to this, the writer
quoted above says: “I have previously stated that Gen. Lane’s command left
here with forty rounds of ammunition. All the facts of the case are not
yet known. ON his arrival at the National Bridge, he had an average of
eight rounds. The amount that he started with from here is not known. If
he started with less than forty rounds, the usual quantity, then the general
is responsible, for the act was neglectful; but if he started with the
full complement, then his men are also inexcusable, they for divesting
themselves, he for allowing it.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 Lt. Robert M. Morris' appeal to the Marines
Lieut. Morris’ appeal to the Marines
Lieut. Morris of the rifles- It happened soon after Maj. Twiggs, of the
marines, was killed, that Lt. Morris, of the rifles, was ordered to make
a charge in order to attain a certain point. Deeming his own men too few
for the undertaking, and seeing the marines without an officer, he ordered
them to help him. They replied, that he was no officer of theirs, and refused-he
remonstrated, and they still refused. Finding authority and remonstrance
of no avail, he shouted to them-“Marines, I am the son of Commodore Morris-if
you have any veneration for his memory, follow me.” This appeal was irresistible;
their sailor hearts were touched, and with a cry, as of joy, they pounded
forward, and shared his dangers and his perils, until success was obtained.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 Nov. 6, 1847 Baltimore light artillery
Capt. Tilghman's company of light artillery. Amongst the late arrivals of troops at Vera Cruz, is Captain Tilghman's company of Baltimore light artillery. They are a fine looking set of men, and their uniform remarkably tasteful and neat, though almost too fine for the rough usage it will be subject to in a campaign. They have been supplied with excellent horses, and six beautiful pieces of cannon, forges, caissons, &c., in proposition. [KAS]
NNR 73.152 Nov. 6, 1847 expedition against guerrillas
The Genius of Liberty of the 15th inst., gives an account of an expedition against the guerrillas, sent out by Gen. Patterson, in which several parties of bandits were encountered and destroyed, and a large amount of arms of all kinds were captured.
Some excitement was occasioned at Vera Cruz on the 18th by
the arrival of an express from a company of Texas Rangers, announcing that
they had been attacked about twelve miles from Vera Crux by a large guerrilla
force, that they had lost one man killed and about eighteen were missing.
The report was current that the whole command, excepting two had been
cut off and the immediate departure of the rangers at full speed induced
the citizens to believe that the report was true.
[KAS]
NNR 73.152 Nov. 6, 1847 Burning of Santa Ann's Hacienda
A Vera Cruz correspondent of the New Orleans National insists that Captain Lewis of the Louisiana volunteers was justifiable in destroying the seat of the Mexican commander, as it had been made the headquarters of a band that were infesting the line of communication between Vera Cruz and Gen. Scott's army.
The latest dates received here from the National Bridge, by a letter from
Major Kenly, informed us that Santa Anna's hacienda was permanently occupied
by Col. Hughes and his staff, and how it could have been the resort of
guerrillas, we are at a loss to conceive.
[KAS]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 account of the camp at Veracruz, difficulties of soldiers at the hospital
Correspondence of the New Orleans Picayune
Vera Cruz, October 16, 1847
This city and camp Bajara present the most interesting scenes at this time. At the latter place are some 35000 troops encamped-say the 13th infantry, Massachusetts regiment, new Ohio regiment, two Florida companies, Captain Stapp’s Illinois mounted men, ninety recruits for the 1st dragoons, two companies of the 11th infantry, sixty voltigeur recruits, and last (though by no means the least) Capt. Tilghman’s magnificent light artillery battery. About half a mile beyond this camp are four companies of Texan Rangers.
Gen. Patterson has put his shoulder to the wheel in earnest, first, to put an end to certain abuses that have been too long overlooked here, and practiced by officers going up in the several columns that have left for the interior. For instance, a large number of men, belonging to both regular and volunteer forces, have been sent into the general hospital here by their officers without descriptive rolls. Numbers of these poor fellows have remained in hospital six and eight months, some have died, and many are still suffering, who, for want of this light duty on the part of their officers, cannot by honorably discharged or paid. To send them off sick, without pay, and with no papers by which they can claim their land bounty, or perhaps pension, would by treating them badly indeed, and the surgeons will not do it. The pay and board of those who die in hospital are lost to their heirs, if the officers under whom they have served have been so criminal as to neglect to furnish the hospital surgeon with their descriptive rolls and clothing accounts. TO prevent a recurrence of this evil Gen. Patterson has issued orders that every officer who shall send men to the hospital without the proper papers shall be arrested and tried. Other healthy orders have been issued and are stringently executed, and the general is determined that the guerrillas, as well in this vicinity as on the road, shall feel the weight of our power.
Day before yesterday he dispatched two companies of Texas rangers and some other mounted men to scour the country between the Jalapa and Orizaba roads, where guerrillas were known to be quartered and arms and ammunitions to be stored. A few miles about Santa Fe a party of rangers came upon a ranch, and then discovered, by the numerous explosions, that loaded firearms were concealed there. In the vicinity of Medellin, another party discovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, and killed some sixty guerrillas.
Whilst, however, the mounted men are employed
in ferreting out and destroying guerrillas and guerrilla depots, the general
does not forget to protect the innocent and defenseless. The following
general order will show his policy in this respect.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152 6 NOV 1847 general order for opening the line of communication from Veracruz to the interior
Headquarters Volunteer Division
Vera Cruz, Mexico, October 12, 1846
Orders, No. 5.- The commanding General of the division being charged with the duty of opening the line of communication with the main army in the interior of Mexico, directs that:
1. The commanders of all corps, detachments, and posts under his command, or left by him on the line from Vera Cruz to the headquarters of the army, shall protect from injury and insult all unarmed and peaceable inhabitants.
2. NO private property shall be taken, except by the order of the commanding officer of the corps, detachment, or post, and then only for the use of the troops, for which, in all cases when the owner can be found, a reasonable compensation shall be paid.
3. The frequent robberies and murders committed by guerrillas and other banditti, who live by plundering Mexican as well as Americans, thereby rendering life and property insecure, and interrupting trade and intercourse with the interior, requiring a prompt remedy, no Mexican will be allowed to bear arms, except by the written permission of the commander of a department of war.
4. Commanders of all armed parties will apprehend armed Mexicans found without proper authority, and should they resist they will be shot.
By orders of Maj. Gen. Patterson:
J.J.Abercrombie, Lt. Col. And A.A.A.g.
Among the other arrangements a depot is
to be immediately established at the National Bridge. This is certainly
a most judicious measure. The army will probably move to the interior in
about a week.
[MDT]
NNR 73.152-73.153 6 NOV 1847 Mexican official reports on termination of the armistice
The Matamoros Flag, furnishes the following translation of Mexico officials, issued upon the termination of the armistice and the renewal of hostilities. The first is the Mexican secretary’s letter to Gen. Urrea-the second is Urrea’s announcement to the governor of the province of Tamaulipas.
Excellent sir-It is probable that tomorrow at 12 pm. the enemy will commence hostilities, in consequence of the refusal of the supreme government to precede to advise you of this event. The first magistrate of the nation has never had the power, nor has he wished to make concessions derogatory to the rights, and honor of the republic-and he has therefore, during the time the negotiations were pending, fanned the flame of national spirit and reorganized the army. HE is therefore, to day, in an attitude to rebel force by force, which seems to be the only title of the enemy to acquisitions which the supreme government never could concede, much less admit stipulations which has their origin in the law of force. Your excellency may rest assured, that whatever may be the success of arms, the government will always sustain at all costs, the independence and honor of he republic. God and liberty!
ALCORTA
Mexico, Sept. 6,1847.
[MDT]
NNR 73.153 6 NOV 1847 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's summons to Col. Thomas Childs, reply, the siege, Santa Anna deserted by his troops
Santa Anna’s Demonstration At Puebla.
Summons to surrender, dated
Headquarters- Mexican Army I have taken possession of this city with the army under my command, for the purpose of operating upon the several points fortified and occupied by your excellency, and also with the view of liberating its inhabitants from the dominion of the forces of ht United States, from whom they have already suffered too much. But before commencing any operations of a military character, I have considered it my duty to act in obedience to the impulses of humanity, and consequently request that your excellency will please evacuate this city within a certain and peremptory space of time, it being known to you at the same time that you can depart with all the honors of war, either to form a junction with General Scott, or the forces of your country at Perote, according as it best suits your pleasure. But should this courteous request of mine be unheeded by your excellency, then, although to me it is a painful alternative, I shall commence to assault your positions the consequences of which act will be felt by your garrison, because there exists in the vicinity of your excellency 8000 men who are determined that the rights of their nation shall be maintained and respected.
God and liberty, headquarters in Puebla, September 25th
1847.
ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA.
To Senior Col. D. Thomas Childs, commander of the United States army, situated in Loreto.
Headquarters, City of Puebla, Mexico
September 25, 1847.
TO his excellency, D Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, General in chief of the Mexican army in front of this city.
Sir- I had the honor of receiving, at 2 o’clock this afternoon, your excellency’s letter of this date. In it you were pleased to notify me of the fact that you had taken possession of this city, for the purpose as you declare, of restoring to the full enjoyment of their liberty its citizens who have hitherto suffered so much from the U.S. army. You likewise were pleased to offer certain stipulations to this garrison, provided that it would, within a fixed time, abandon the point of defense which it now occupies. With regard to the assertion of your Excellency, which implies that the inhabitants of Puebla have been maltreated by the US troops, I wholly deny it. ON the contrary, I assure you that the property and privileges of all have been maintained and respected with the greatest scrupulousness, indeed, so much so has it been done, that its parallel cannot be found in the annals of war. And I would most willingly leave it to the most intelligent and impartial portion of the population of the city to decide, from which of the two contending parties they have received the most injury and molestation; whether it is from their own countrymen or the troops of the United States.
With regard to that particular part of your excellency’s letter which demands the surrender, within a fixed time, of all the positions now occupied by the troops under my command, I can only say in reply, that having been honored with the duty of guarding and protecting them, it is equally my greatest wish and paramount obligation to preserve them to the last; and I am fully satisfied that I shall be able to defend all the resources essential to its full and complete accomplishment.
With considerations in the highest degree respectful, I have the honor to be your excellency’s most obedient servant,
Thomas Childs, Col. U.S. Army
Civil and military governor.
The Genius of Liberty furnishes the following sequel to the above correspondence
Puebla, 28th-At 5 in the evening of yesterday the point of San Juan de Dios, Santa Rosa and Santa Monica commenced a heavy cannonade upon the American works. The letter immediately began to throw cannon shot, bombs and grenades into the centre of the city, which suffered in consequence some considerable injury.
Don Mariano del Rio, was standing with his wife on the back balcony of his house was struck dead by a cannon ball. About 8 P.M. the cannonade deceased, but command again at the dawn of the following day.
Puebla 29th-By order of Santa Anna a body of troops was yesterday posted in the convent of Santa Teresa, at one of the corners of which a breastwork of cotton bales was erected. Four hundred cotton bales have already been demanded of the house of Velasco for the defense of the city. TO prevent the completion of this work the Americans from the fork of San Jose kept up a continual fire upon the workmen, which being stoutly returned by the Mexicans, the discharge of bombs and grenades from the American lines greatly increased. At this moment a considerable number of private citizens went to Santa Anna, who was at Carmen, and requested of him a piece of artillery, which being granted, together with a small body of men for its management, they quickly marched for the Convent Santa Rosa and opened a will directed fire upon the American works. We were in the greatest construction, but night at last supervening, everything became quiet.
Puebla, Sept. 30- Today partial tranquility reigns in the city. Now and then can be heard the report of a cannon, and the explosion of some grenades thrown in the direction of San Juan del Rio, in the rear of whose church Gen. Rea last night concluded a battery, with which he intends to open on San Jose. Our soldiers are complaining very much, and say they are ready die of hunger, not having received anything in the shape of provisions for some considerable time. The greatest enthusiasm against the Americans prevails throughout the entire city.
Puebla, Oct. 2- Since Santa Anna’s departure
the cannonading has totally slackened off. The cotton store house of Velasco
took fire last night, and was burned down to the ground-and 200 bales of
the same article were totally consumed in the convent of Santo Domingo,
without any one’s being able to account for the mode in which they were
fired. The inhabitants hearing the ringing of bells which announced the
incendiarism, were very much alarmed, believing that the Americans had
left their entrenchments, and were storming the city.
[MDT]
NNR 73.153-73.154 6 NOV 1847 desertion of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's troops, rumors of his departure from Mexico
Nov. 6, 1847
Santa Anna Deserted
From the same source we derive the following narrative of events subsequent to those above detailed. Santa Anna is evidently reduced to great straits:
On the 1st of the present month Gen. Santa Anna, at he head of 2000 cavalry and infantry and three pieces of artillery, sailed out of Puebla, intending to attack the American train which left Jalapa on the 1st, and reached Perote on the 4th . But before arriving at Tepeyahualeo the designs of the commander in chief of the Mexican forces where wholly frustrated, all his men, with the exemption of 130 hussars of his personal guard, having pronounced against him. As an excuse for this proceeding the officers and privates alleged that hey were firmly convinced that their further continuance at the disposal and under the orders of the ex president would only be followed by their complete sacrifice; and that withal, their country would not derive the slightest benefit for it.
They attributed the unfortunate events of the war, and their want of success in their battles against the invaders, to his incapacity and unskillfullness. Even some of them fondly declared him to be a traitor, and consequently to be unworthy of holding any command in the Mexican army. The greater part of these transactions took place at Nopalucan
Santa Anna having got to Tepeyahualea with his 130 hussars, he received an order from the government at Queretaro directing him to proceed thither at once with all the troops under his orders. But the general did not deem it convenient to comply with the mandate of his government and took up his line of march for Oaxaca, whither by the latest account he was wending his way. He publicly declared that his intentions in going to Oaxaca were to see whether he could raise there another army, with which he might return to renew the combat with the enemies of he republic.
All the letters from the interior coincide in saying that Gen Santa Anna, conscious of his impotency to effect anything more either in carrying on of the war, or of adjusting the terms of peace, is making his way towards Guatemala, for the purpose of leaving the republic of Mexico forever, and that his march to Oaxaca is only a pretext tot he quiet accomplishment of his designs.
The reports that Gen Santa Anna was endeavoring to reach Guatemala, and that Gen Scott had given him a passport to embark free from Vera Cruz if he should think it best, is denied by La Voz de la Patria, a Mexican newspaper which we find extensively copied in the Arco Iris. HE is resolved, say La Voz, not to abandon the cause of the country, and to continue the war without respite upon the enemies of Mexican independence and religion.
The genius of Liberty says that Senor Pena
y Pena is discharging the duties of recognize as his associate in power,
the individuals nominated and appointed by Santa Anna. He proposes that
congress shall take upon itself the office of selecting men to that important
and high office.
[MDT]
NNR 73.154 Nov. 6, 1847 Guerrilla Warfare
A letter from the army, dated Buena Vista, Aug. 20, says:
"A ranger is missed; search is made for him by his comrades; his body is
perhaps found, perhaps not. The nearest Mexicans to the vicinity of his
disappearance are required to account for him; they will not, or cannot.
The bowie knife is called upon, and deliberately every male Mexican in
that rancho is speedily done for, guilty or not guilty. But this is not
enough to make an effort for the life of a Texan. Another rancho receives
the fearful visit, and again blood flows. The number killed on some occasions
in this way has been fearfully great, and has been gathered from what fell
from the Texans, but no one but themselves knew about it, as a report of
any such doings to the nearest commanding officer, would only be followed
by a ten-fold retaliation on the nearest 'customers.' This is all horrid,
it is true, but it has had the salutary tendency of causing the well disposed
and honest Mexicans to ferret out and inform of those who practice murder
and robbery. Going about at some distance from camp is considered much
more safe."
[KAS]
NNR 73.155 6 NOV 1847 comment on the "slanders" against Gen. Sterling Price
General Price.- The Glasgow News says, that Gen. Price has applied to the war department for permission to raise a company of mounted men, to act as an escort for him across the plains to Santa Fe.
The same paper says, that “the slanderers
of this officer are very quiet since his return from Santa Fe.” We do
not know who are meant by this term “slanderers” but if reference be
had to the truths which have been published in regard to his military command
in New Mexico, the want of subordination and discipline in his camp, and
the dissolute conduct of those whom he ought to have controlled, and over
whom he had full authority, we must says that his presence has not prevented
the publication of the facts. Gen. Price proposes, it is said, a visit
to Washington. IF he feels himself aggrieved, let him ask a court of inquiry,
with full power to investigate his military conduct in New Mexico, and
witnesses will not be wanting to prove his total unfitness for the station
which he occupied, his failure to preserve anything like military subordination
in his camp, and the licentiousness which he encouraged, by suffering his
men to do very much as they pleased. Gen. Price is now a military man,
and if he has anything of the chivalry of an officer about him, he will
not willingly rest under accusations which are ringing against him from
one end of the state to the other. [St. Louis Repub 4th Oct.
[MDT]
NNR 73.155 6 NOV 1847 hubbub and confusion among troops at Santa Fe, confusion and disorder in the territory
Santa Fe, New Mexico, Aug, 13, 1847
All is hubbub and confusion here, discharged
volunteers are leaving, drunk, and volunteers not discharged are remaining
drunk. B company 1st dragoons arrived here escorting a train
of wagons with 350000 in specie, on the 6th. Col. Price will
give up the command and depart early next week. There will only be left
here for the government of this territory, which has a population of 90000,
250 troops. None of the newly enlisted volunteers have arrive
yet. [N.Y. Cour & Enq.
[MDT]
NNR 73.155 6 NOV 1847 seizure of a British ship freighted with merchandise for a merchant in California
Affairs in the Pacific.- Capture and condemnation of a British merchantman.-Despatches have been received in Washington from Com. Biddle, dated on aboard the line of battle ship Columbus, on the 10th of April last, giving an account of the seizure by the squadron, of a British merchant vessel, of light tonnage, freighted with merchandise of an English merchant resident in Mexico.
There had been organized in California by Gen. Kearney, at the instance of Com. Biddle, a court of admiralty to adjudicate in such cases. This court took cognizance of this seizure, and condemned the vessel as a lawful prize, on the principle that a merchant permanently residing in Mexico, no matter of what power he may be a subject, is to be treated in time of war as a citizen of the country in which he resides and done business.
This decision is sustained by the practice
of the British admiralty courts during the war between France and England,
and also during the war of 1812 and ’15, between the U. States and Great
Britain. [NY Herald.
[MDT]
NNR 73.156 Nov. 6, 1847 letter from a participant in actions against the Mexicans in California
Events in California – A Late Springfield Journal contains a long letter from California, written by Wm. S. Todd, Formerly of Springfield, from which we make the following extract.
When I wrote to you in January last, I expected to leave this country this spring, but I was so long detained in the army, under Fremont, that I am compelled to alter my intention, and even if I had got off in time, seeing the opportunities I now do of making something to repay me for coming to the country, I doubt whether I should leave. The country has just passed through a war of then months, and is beginning to recover from the evil effects of that war, although military despotism still governs it. General Kearney is the governor of the country, and governs it with martial law.
In January, 1847, the foreign residents here became disgusted with the tyrannical and unprincipled acts of the men in power in this country, and raised a revolution against them. The authorities has commenced by declaring that all Americans should leave the country, or “their bones should bleach upon the plains of California,” and were preparing a force to carry out the threat, but the Americans took the start and seized the fortress of Sonoma, with several pieces of cannon, small arms, ammunition, &e ; and at the same time General Vallejo, Salvador Vallejo, and Captain De la Torre crossed the bay of San Francisco with near one hundred men.—We whipped them and drove them back over the bay, and then prepared to march against General Castro.
On our march
down, an express overtook us, stating that Com. Sloat, Had taken position
of Monterey and San Francisco, and had hoisted the American flag.
Fremont (who had joined us a few days before we left Sonoma,) … our leader,
hoisted the starts and stripes over out camp. From that time until
the retaking of Pueblo, in the month of January last, I have been in the
service of the United States, I may say, until the 6th of March
last, when I was discharged. There were many others, who, like myself
served during the whole war, and were discharged at that same time.
In November last, Commodore Stockton came to San Diego, and there told
us that we must enlist as common soldiers or remain as prisoners on board
the Congress until he could send us home. After the retaking of Pueblo
we were promised our immediate discharge, and our pay, by Commodore Stockton;
but we obtained neither of them. Some two or three weeks after out
term of service has expired, Col. Fremont consented to discharge us, and
did so on the 6th of March - paying us but twenty dollars each
to purchase horses, saddles and provisions, to take us home – a distance
of 800 miles!
[ATT]
NNR 73.156-73.157 Nov. 6, 1847 account of the New York California regiment in California
THE NEW YORK CALIFORNIA REGIMENT AT HOME
The Northampton Gazette, says: A young gentleman of Worthington, in this county, who became enamored of them western regions, by the representations which he gathered from this reading, and who connected himself with the 7th regiment of New York volunteers, under the famous Colonel Stevenson, and sailed fro California last autumn, writes to his friends from San Francisco, under date of May, in which he gives rather an unfavorable color to the destines of that command, and of the country, so much eulogized by hose desires of a… our national domain. A few extracts will show pretty clearly the disappointed feelings of those who were looking for a western paradise. He says:
“The land here is very poor, not a vegetable is raised. All it is fit for is grass, and that all dries up in summer and blows away. There is no rain from May to September. Not a tree grows within twenty miles of this. A few scrub bushes are seen, and they hardly furnish wood enough to cook with. All I can say about the land here, .. make within a circuit of twenty miles, is, that it is one large sand bank, where vegetation starts-up in the spring then dries up and blows away. If there is any with you that wish to emigrate, let them go to any other place in the world than California. Never way any taken in so bad as was the 7th regiment of New York volunteers. We expected to find it almost a paradise, and here we are, poor dogs, living on sea biscuit, pork and beans, in face of an enemy, exposed to wind, weather, and bullets rattling among us, and all for seven dollars a month. Blue coasts, red patches, stripes and death, perhaps – a gloomy prospect, indeed.”
These are the deluded men, who consented, upon the representation of the government adventurers, to be discharged at the expiration of the war, where-ever they may be, and find their way home as they may, or spend their lives in California. Not a very enviable condition truly.
Another member of the regiment, a correspondent of the Troy N. York Whig, writes as follows:
Santa Barbara, Alta California, May 19, 1847.
Entertaining an idea that there are doubtless many who would like to know the whereabouts of one, who in former days “danced and sang a …song,” and who was most familiarly known to the good citizens of his birth place; who, perhaps, think him in another world, as he doubtless would have had not fortune smiled most favorably upon him. I am alive and well, never more so, and may if I meet with no pull-backs, see you again some time in the course of then years if we can satisfy these cursed Mexicans, and make them come to terms. Ere this you must have heard of our arrival and the distribution of our regiment if you have not, Major Harde is stationed with three companies, G, H & K. at the Presidio at St. Francisco; Lieut. Col. Barton with three companies at this place, having arrived here on 7th April; and Col. Stevenson at Monterey with four companies, C. D. E. & … within the last week. Col. C. has been ordered to the “Puebla des los Angelos” with two companies G & E., 90 miles below this, where there are some 400 Mormon soldiers, and once company U.S. dragoons, engaged in throwing up a breast work preparatory not having occasion to use it, as they expect to have hot work soon. Lieut. C. Burton with two companies A. & B. is ordered down the coast, (place unknown) out a short distance this side of Mazatlan, to take position of the country. We sail next week. We may possibly meet General Wool’s division and join him; what’s next will for low is all speculation. Capt. Naglee from Philadelphia in command of company D has mounted his company, and is out in the mountains scouting. Capt. Brackett of company C is stationed at Sonoma, 60 miles up the Sacramento from St. Francisco, the balance being in quarters, ready at a moments notice for any emergency. We have had two alarms here, … calling every man to his post in less than a minute. Never did I see men obey a call quicker than on those occasions, it was remarkable by Col. Barton, an old campaigner, that during all his fighting in the Florida war he never saw much promptness in falling into ranks before. Some were without shoes, some without caps, and some without coats, but every man had his musket and his 20 rounds of cartridge in his cartridge box. The alarm was caused by some Indians lurking around the camp, and one of them coming too near the sentry, and not obeying his orders to “stand,” he fired upon and killed him – of late things have worn a more peaceful appearance.
The men are contented, having provided for them most comfortable quarters, and a braver set of men I do not believe ever went into the field; they are composed of those careless, reckless d-ls, (yet of good heart) from the Bowery and East River side, that are the terror of the N. York police. They are in good discipline, always respectful and obedient, and the only thing they want is to have a chance of fighting. They occasionally get a fight up on a small scale; pounding an Indian or Californian who does not exactly think as they do, most unmercifully. They love their commander (Col. B.) and well they may, for he is very attentive to their wants, and they in return try to please him in every thing. Santa Barbara is a pleasant little town with a population if some 1,00 inhabitants, and a jurisdiction extending to over 3,000; it is built upon a beautiful piece of table land, situated between lofty ranges of mountains on its side and rear, with its front opening to the sea. Fruits during the summer season may be had in abundance, and out table of late groans under the weight of delicious dishes, fruits and wine, sent us as presents from the fair hands of the many beautiful Senoritas; while we in return guard and protect them from the hostile Indian depredations. Fandangos’ we have almost nightly, rich treats they are. The waltz is the same as out own; but the other dances wholly different. A native stands a poor chance for a partner, when there are enough “Americanos” present. I’m worst feature in the whole case is my morality to reply to their beautiful lingo , I never felt the disagreeable reality before of wanting to talk, and not being able to. Ideas rush in from all sources, but I have to check them or only utter them in most miserable Spanish.
The horsemen
of the Californians cannot be surpassed; children from 6 to 8 years of
age, rise with much ease and grace as out grown people do at home, and
it is not uncommon, occurrence to see them strapped on, riding as the races.
Visiting, business, and every thing else is done on horseback, they being
to lazy to walk. Daily may be seen from six to a dozen at different
corners of the streets seated on their horses all day long, and it they
are fortunate enough to get any thing to eat, it is devoured while seated
on their horses. The length of the race never exceeds is a quarter
of a mile, and the time is never made as we can make it home, an American
betting $50 on a race is looked at with surprise, that amount being too
large for the Californian’s pocket. Their betting is from $5 to
$10, and side betting from $4 upwards is not that heavy. Horses that
we would willing pay from $100 to $150, you can purchase here for $15,
$20 and $25, once more I am again the owner of a horse! Each part
of the command which was left in New York when we sailed have arrived,
and joined their respective companies; the… belonging to the companies
stationed here joined yesterday. We have received news from the
states as late as the 24th No. files of the New York Herald
and Courier and Enquirer. Eagerly do we scan the proceedings and
doings of those at home, and trust provision may be… rising of troops for
five years… and those men who wish to remain in the service belonging to
the 7th regiment may not be forgotten. It is a general
feeling among the officers and as we are already here, would it not be
much easier and cheaper fir the United States to muster us for that time.
I hope that Congress and the secretary of war will have an eye open favorably
for us. – General Kearney, Col. Fremont, and one or two others whose names
I forget, leave during this month for the states. Col. F must feel
very much chagrined in being obliged to return to the states with Gen.
K. after having stood out against him so long, disobeying all orders which
have been given him before you will before this reaches you have learned
after consequently unnecessary to repeat here. Cornel Mason will
be in command of the forces as soon as the general leaves, which will much
dampen the spirits of our gallant. French leaving taking colonel
From the others on board his ship I learn that he had made all his appointments
from secretary of state down, and intended carrying them out upon arrival,
but on his arrival, he having learned that Col. Mason was here, never did
man’s… hopes change more suddenly than was duplicated in the countenance
and bearing of Col. Stevenson. Hard stories are told of the colonel
during the passage, and many a time and oft’ does he catch a drubbing from
some luckless wight who has been most shamefully wronged. It is
the prevailing wish that he may be dislodged from command, recalled home,
and the command given to Lieut. Col. Barton, a gentleman and soldier, and
a man beloved by all officers and men. On the 22nd we
give a grand ball, now it will terminate if I have time, I will let you
now in another letter My remembrance to the good people, and oblige.
Frank
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 "what is to be done with Mexico? her voice is still for war!", subjugation contemplated
“What’s to be done with Mexico?”
Whilst the British government are embarrassed with the difficult questions of “What is to be done with Ireland,” our own government is occupied with a no less perplexing question as to what is to be done with out southern neighbor. The views of the cabinet being but imperfectly and unofficially shadowed forth by the official organ, leaves the scores of “letter writers” full latitude for their occupation, which is improved accordingly. The decided tone of such of those as are well known to occupy stations that afford opportunities for being well informed, is scarcely to be misunderstood.
“X.” the Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Sun, on the 31 st wrote: “The papers, as you will perceive, hint at the revolution in public sentiment which has been effected in Mexico since our seizure of the capital – private letters confirm the same, and there is no doubt but that the true friends of peace, who always consider the continuation in power of Santa Anna worse to the state than the loss of half a dozen provinces, will make a vigorous effort to bring about some kind of an arrangement, especially if they learn that henceforth they must pay for all the expenses of the war, instead of getting money from us, and that in lieu of pay they must lose other provinces in proportion to the duration of the war. Should there be any such revolution in public sentiment, Mr. Trist, I opine, may yet figure as commissioner; but he will listen, not make propositions on his part.
“The Mexican tariff, as soon as Gen. Patterson and Col. Jack Hays shall have established a permanent safe communications with the interior, will yield a handsome revenue, especially if a few slight alterations in its present rates of duty shall be ordered, such as experience has shown to be beneficial to out merchants, producers, and manufacturers. Such alterations, I believe, are in progress of preparation.”
“Ion,” another correspondent of the same paper, writes of the same date: “In my letter of the 26th inst., I said “sufficient intimation had been thrown out in regard to the orders recently sent to General Scott, to convince me” that those orders were so and so. I have had ample reason since, to believe that I have fallen into no error in regard to the policy of the government on this subject. Others may have arrived at different conclusions as to the course which the executive will purse, and no one assumes to speak upon authority in relation to it – not even the editor of the Union.
“What are the “intimations thrown out” by the “Union” in the article of the 27th, and in previous articles? They fully confirm my own convictions, as forced upon me by information derived from other sources. “What now remains?” says the Unions – “Subjugation and occupation.” If others have not been able to foresee, or, it seeing, do not choose to state, the means by which the end in view is to be accomplished, it does not follow that my references, and those, I may ass, of the most intelligent and judicious observers here, are imaginary.
“I do not suppose that the cabinet is unanimous in their views, either as to these ends or these means. We shall know something about both, five weeks hence. In regard to Gen. Scott’s future relations towards the fluttering shadow of the supreme government, lately supposed to be at Queretaro, I stated that his orders were “to leave it undisturbed.” – That I am correct in this suggestion has been made apparent. It is the hope of some – I do not say of every one of the cabinet – that the government at Queretaro will sue for peace. It is a vain hope, in my opinion. But I was perfectly aware, and so stated in, my second, that Gen, Scott was to deal tenderly with Santa Anna’s multitude at Queretaro and with the fugitive congress, which may or may not assemble there. I said that Gen Scott was to “leave that shadow of a government undisturbed.” Am I not correct in this? Is it not confirmed by your own correspondent, “X?” and I need go no further for evidence of its correctness.
“AS to the first proposition, every one knows that I was correct, for the “Union” has repeatedly announced that the late armistice was unauthorized, and I know that the rumored movements of General Scott in favor of peace, since the capture of Mexico, were met with disappointment by this government. Gen. Scott, I repeat, is to enter into no more armistices, nor truces, until Mexico has ratified a treaty.
“Next comes the proposition that Gen. Scott is to occupy and pacificate the country. It is the sole object of the reinforcements lately sent to him to enable him to do this. The thirty thousand troops are there for that purpose, and no other; and, for the same purpose, twenty thousand more are to be asked for from congress, at the next session, if need be.
“There remain but two more propositions, to with that Gen. Scott is to disarm the Mexicans found in arms; and that he is to levy contributions on the Mexican states, cities, and people. Here again I have an authority, representing at least a portion of the cabinet, for this assertion. But all this is no more than Gen. Scott is now actually doing under previous discretionary orders, and from necessity.
“I dismiss the matter by asserting that my five propositions have not been and cannot be denied by authority, nor disproved by facts.”
“I stated them, the other day, only as my own convictions. I now repeat them as well known, authentic, and indisputable facts – startling as they may be to those who are yet unprepared to meet the responsibility for the state of things which they have contributed to produce.”
A letter to the N. Orleans National, from Vera Cruz. Dated October 11, says:
The Mexican “voice is still for war.” Let our people no longer flatter themselves with the hope of an early peace; but let the next congress prepare for a long war; for Mexican obstinacy and false pride is aroused, and so long as they can resist they will do it – even unto their own destruction. There is but one course left to attain a speedy peace, and that is by virtue of fear.
The Washington correspondent of the Charleston Mercury wrote on the 7th ult: “There is no good reason to believe that congress will be disposed to limit the appropriations for war, still less to withhold them. Besides, the government will take at once, or before congress shall act, such measures as will lead to vast expenses, and congress cannot undertake to repudiate them. It is a matter of doubt, too, how far congress can exercise any supervision order the conduct of the war. If the war be carried on at all it must be by the executive.”
On the 15th October, the correspondence of the Baltimore Sun wrote-
I have ascertained, since my last, that there remains as yet uncalled for, the sum of six millions and one hundred thousand dollars for the last loan. This sum will, together with the accruing revenue from customs and lands, be ample to carry on the operations of the war, and to meet the ordinary expenses of the government till next spring. There is no danger that the war will lag for the want of means. Whatever may be the delay of action in congress, the operations of the war will go on, and after expenses have been incurred, we shall see how many members will vote their repudiation.”
On the 30th August, before the late renewal of hostilities, the “trusted friend and organ of the administration,” the Washington correspondent of the Philadelphia Ledger wrote-
“I alluded, in one of my letters to the Ledger, the fact that the programme of the administration is now completed, and that, through the “union” as yet forbears to save a word, it is intended to prosecute the war, if need be, to the entire subjugation of Mexico , if she persists in rejecting our offers of peace. Connected with this resolution is the determination to oppose the Wilmot proviso, ex officio, as utterly useless and impractical, and only calculated to distract parties,”
Another letter to the Charleston Mercury says-
The result of the late election in Pennsylvania is hailed as an administration triumph, and as a strong evidence that Pennsylvania is in favor of acquiring, by war, the whole territory of Mexico. As Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Dallas are rivals, in that state, for the support of the democracy, in the next presidential contest, their respective friends now vie with each other in claiming for them all the advantages to result from their advocacy of territorial extension. It is therefore rumored, and indeed asserted, that Mr. Trist’s treaty project was not Mr. Buchanan’s ultimatum; and that Mr. B. had sent to Mr. Trist instructions which he has not received at the date of the armistice, to demand the 26th parallel of latitude as the boundary.
The Augusta Constitutionalist has the following paragraph:
“The rights of the Mexican republic exist now only in the sic volo, sic jubeo of the American people. Their will is the law of the case.
The Washington correspondent of the N. Y Journal of Commerce writes on the 25th ult:
The Government
sends frequent messages to General Scott. A messenger left this morning
this dispatches for him. I learn, from various sources, that the
administration has given such orders to General Schott as will prevent
him from again offering to accepting an armistice, or inviting the Mexican
government to make peace. The day has gone by, too, for offering
any pecuniary inducements to the Mexican rulers, or compensation for territory.
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 heavy northers
Mexico – Latest – The steamer Alabama, at New Orleans, left Vera Cruz on the 20th, Tampico on 22nd off Brazos the 24th, and Galveston the 25th. Experienced a heavy northern all the way, which prevented her from communicating with Brazos. She brings from Galveston fifteen cabin passengers and fifty discharged soldiers that had reached Galveston in… in the U.S. propeller Ashland, which put in there in distress. The Alabama brings dispatches from General Scott for government.
Gen. Patterson was expected to start with reinforcements from Vera Cruz, on the 24th.
City of Mexico dates to the 7th October left all quiet.
Congress had
met at Queretaro on the 5th. Santa Anna is reinvested
with executive power and the command of the Army.
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 operations of Gen. Joseph Lane's division
Gen. Lane’s division, advancing on the 11th October so suddenly
entered the town of Huamantla, situated half way between Perote and Puebla,
that Santa Anna has barely time to escape, leaving two pieces of artillery
which were taken by Gen. Lane. La Vega, and a son of Iturbide were
made prisoners.
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 - General Taylor's camp, all quiet
From Gen. Taylor's and Gen Wool's headquarters we have dates to the 4th
Oct. All quiet-troops healthy.
[KAS]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at Huamantla
Santa Anna
left Huamantla at the head of 1,000 horses, and was joined soon after
by 1,500 men, Under command of Gen. Reyes, and together they re-entered
Huamantla as soon as General Lane left it, and following the Americans,
killed seventy men and took twenty prisoners. They had two pieces
of artillery with them, and contrived to be very annoying. A considerable
force that left Puebla under Reyes was waiting Lane’s approach at El Pinal,
a few miles south of Huamantla.
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 Capt. Jack Hays' rangers and the guerrillas
A dozen of Hays’ Texan rangers, on the 18th, had quite and
affair with about 200 guerrillas that charged twice upon them between Vera
Cruz and Santa Fe. Rifles first, and then Colt’s revolvers were
used, with effect. The Texans arrived all safe.
[ATT]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 yellow fever in Vera Cruz
Yellow fever still claims its victories. Lieut. Jenkins, 1 st
dragoons, died of it at Vera Cruz on the 19th . Capt. Wm. H.
Churchill, 31 artillery died at Point Isabel on the same day, also of the
fever which was prevailing at Matamoros.
[KAS]
NNR 73.160 Nov. 6, 1847 Mariano Paredes y Arrillaga at Tulancingo, preaching monarchy
Paredes is in Tulancingo, still preaching monarchy – Valencia is rusticating at his hacienda. Bravo is on parole at Mexico. The other leading men and generals have gone for the most part to Cuernavaca, in the terra caliente, a town seventeen leagues south of the city of Mexico, on the road to Acapulco.
Peace is as
far off as ever; the feelings of the people are still said to be most strenuously
opposed to any compromise with the North Americans; in fact the hostility
which exists against us in the interior towns, cites and villages, is
reported to be of the most bitter kind.
[ATT]
NNR 73.167-171 Nov. 13, 1847 official documents concerning the dispute between Gen. Stephen Watts Kearney and Col. John Charles Fremont
Army Court Martial. Trail of Col. Fremont.
Second Day
It being ascertained that Major McCall was detained from attending the court by indisposition, the president of the court applied to the war department to detail another officer to serve in his place, and suspended the proceedings until, about midday, Col. Hunt of the quartermaster’s department, appeared as a substitute for Maj. McCall.
The court was then organized by the members taking the prescribed oaths, &c.
The accused was then called upon to object, as of the right he might, to any member of the court. He signified that he has no objection to make.
The judge advocate (Capt. J. F. Lee) then proceeded to read the charges.
Charges against Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army.
Charge I.-Mutiny.
Specification 1. – In this, that he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers, organized in California for the United States service, having received the lawful command of his superior officer, Brigadier General S.W. Kearney, in the following words, to wit:
“Headquarters Army of the West,
Cuidad de los Angeles, January 16, 1847.
“By direction of Brigadier General Kearney, I send you a copy of a communication to him from the secretary of war, dated June 18. 1846, in which is the following” ‘These troops, and such as many be made in the organized in California, will be under your command.’ The general directs that no charge will be made in the organization of your battalion of volunteers, or officers appointed to it, without his sanction or approval being first obtained.
“Very respectably, WM. H. Emory,
Lieut. And Acting Assistant Adj. Gen.
“To Lieut. Col. J. C. Fremont, mounted riflemen, commanding battalion California volunteers.”
And having received with this order a copy of instructions from the war department to Gen. Kearney, in the following words, to wit:
“War department Washington, June 19, 1846.
“Sir **** I have nothing if importance to add to the dispatches which have been already forwarded to you.
“Since my last letter it has been determined to send a small force around Cape Horn to California.
“The arms, cannon, and previsions to be sent to the Pacific will be accompanied by one company of artillery of the regular army. Arrangements are not on foot to send a regiment of volunteers by sea.
“These troops and such as may be organized in California will be under your command.
More than common solicitude will be felt here in regard to the expedition committed to you, and it is desired that you should avail yourself of all occasions to inform the government of your progress and prospects.
“The president desires your opinion, as early as you are in a situation to give it, of the practicability of your reaching California in the course of this autumn or in the early part of the next winter. I need no repeat the expression of his wishes that you should take military possession of that country as soon as it can be safely done.
“I am, with great respect, your ob’t sev’t,
“W.L. Marcy, Secretary of war.
“To Col. S. W. Kearney”
Did reply to General Kearney and his order aforesaid in a written answer, in the following words, to wit”
“Ciudad de los Angeles, Jan. 17, 1847.
“Sir: I have the honor to be in receipt of your favor of last night, in which I am directed to suspend the execution of orders which, in my capacity of commandant of this territory, I had received from Commodore Stockton, governor and commander –in-chief in California.
“I avail myself of an early hour this morning to make such a reply as the brief time allowed for reflection will enable me.
“I found Commodore Stockton in possession of the country, exercising the functions of military commandant and civil governor, as early as July of last year; and shortly thereafter I received from him the commission of military commandant, the duties of which I immediately entered upon, and have continued to exercise to the present moment. I found also on my arrival at this place, some three or four days since, Commodore Stockton still exercising the functions of civil and military governor, with the same apparent deference to his rank on the part of all officers ( including yourself) as he maintained and required when he assumed in July last.
“I learned also in conversation with you that, on the march from San Diego recently to this place, you entered upon and discharged duties implying an acknowledgement of your part of supremacy to Commodore Stockton.
“I fell myself therefore, with great deference to your professional and personal character, constrained to say that, until you and Commodore Stockton adjust between yourself the question of rank, where I respectfully thin the difficulty belongs, I shall have to report an receive orders as heretofore from the commodore.
“With considerations of high regard, I am, sir, your ob’t serv’t, J.C.
Fremont
“Lt. Col.
U.S. army, and military commandant of the territory of California.
“To Brig. Gen S.W. Kearney, U.S. Army.”
And did thereby refuse to obey the aforesaid lawful command of his superior officer Gen Kearney, or to receive and obey any other order from him; but did declare himself to be the military commandant of the territory of California; thereby resisting and throwing off the authority of his superior officer. This at Ciudad de los Angeles, California, on the seventeenth of January, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, officially reported his battalion to Brigadier General Kearney, by writing, in words following, to wit”
“On the March, January 13, 1848.
Dir Sir: I have the honor to report to you my arrival at this place with 400 mounted riflemen and six pieces of artillery, including among the latter two pieces lately in the possession of the Californians. Their entire force, under the command of Don Andre Pico, Have this day laid down their arms and surrendered to my command.
“Very respectfully, your ob’t serv’t,
J.C. Fremont,
“Lt. Col.
U.S. army, and military commandant of the territory of California.
“To Brig.
Gen S.W. Kearney, Commanding
U.S. forces, Pueblo de los Angeles.”
Specification 2.-In this, that he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers, organized in California, which were placed by the aforesaid orders of the secretary of war of June eighteenth, eighteen hundred and forty-six, under command of Brigadier General Kearney, did issue an order to Captain J. K. Wilson, at Angeles, January twenty-five eighteen hundred and forty-seven, in the following words, to wit:
“Angles, January 25, 1847.
“To Capt. J. K. Wilson, light artillery.
“Sir: You are hereby authorized and directed to raise a company of men to constitute the second company of artillery in the California service, and for that purpose are detached from your present command.
“You will please report the number you may be able to enlist with as little delay as possible. You are authorized to enlist the men for three months and to promise them as compensation twenty-five dollars per month.
“Respectfully,
J.C. Fremont
“Lt. Col.
Commanding California forces in the U.S. Service.”
Thereby raising and attempting to raise troops in violation and contempt of the lawful command aforementioned of his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, of date January sixteenth, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, and thereby acting openly in defiance of and in mutiny against the authority of his superior officer aforesaid, by raising and attempting to raise troops, and by proclaiming himself to be and assuming to act as the commander of the United States forces in California.
Specification 3. – In this, that he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of mounted riflemen organized in California for the United States service, which was placed by orders aforesaid from the secretary of war of June eighteenth, hundred and forty-six, under command of Brigadier General Kearney, did, at Ciudad de los Angeles, California, on the fifth day of February, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, issue an order to Louis McLane, a passed midshipman in the United States nay, in the following words, to wit:
Ciudad de los Angeles, February 5, 1847.
“Sir, I feel it my duty, as the representative of the United States government in California, to instruct you to proceed forthwith north, as far as in your discretion may seem necessary, and exercise your best efforts in enlisting troops for the term of six months, compensation to be $- per month, to be employed in the service of the United States and at such points in the territory of California as in my judgment they are most required. Your are further more instructed to proceed as far as the town of Yerba Buena, on the San Francisco Bay, and examine diligently into the state of the navel or military defense of that town, and particularly to inquire into the best means of fortifying the mouth of the bay, against the ingress of all enemies, and I particularly recommend to you to cause to be forthwith commenced the erection of a fort or battery on White Island, calculated when completed to prevent the entrance of any ship or vessel that may be forbidden to do so by the United States.
“To enable you to carry into effect the foregoing instructions, you are hereby authorized and required to call on all officers under my command to extend to you any assistance of money, men, or property that in your judgment may be necessary fully to accomplished the same
“In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, at the capital of California, this date before written
“J.C. Fremont,
Governor
of California.
“Attest: Wm H Russell, Secretary of State.
“To Major
Louis McLane,
U.S. Army, California
regiment.”
Thereby raising and attempting to raise troops in violation and contempt of the aforesaid lawful command of his superior officer, Brigadier Gen. Kearney, dated January sixteenth, eighteen hundred and forty-seven; and thereby acting in defiance of the authority and in mutiny against his superior office aforesaid, in raising and attempting to raise these troops, and in proclaiming himself to be and in assuming to act as the governor of California.
Specification 4.-In this, that he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of mounted riflemen organized in California for the United States service, and which was placed by orders aforesaid from the secretary of war of June eighteenth, hundred and forty-six, under command of Brigadier General Kearney, did, at Ciudad de los Angeles, California, on the seventh day of February, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, write to Commodore Shubrick, commanding the United States naval forces in the Pacific, a letter in words following, to wit:
“Ciudad de los Angeles, February 7, 1847.
“Sir: I had the honor, at a late hour last night, to receive your favor of the 25th ultimo, and, fully coinciding with your opinion that you express, that a co-operation of our respective commands, as a precautionary measure at least, is of primary importance, I hasten to acknowledge its receipt, and signify to you my earnest desire to see you and consult on the measures calculated in our judgments to be most certain of making out labors conduce the interest of out government.
“Not having had, as you remarked, and communication since your arrival on this coast with Commodore Stockton, you seem not to have been made acquainted with the fact that, by a commission from the commodore, I have been placed in command of the territory as the civil governor, which I beg leave herewith to communicate to you.
“It is also proper to advise you that Gen. Kearney, who comes to California with instructions from the secretary of war, dated as early as June last – designed for a state of affairs which he by no means found, to wit, the country still unconquered, and which of course being intended for very different circumstances, cannot have application here – claims himself to have supreme command in California; which position I felt it is my duty to deny him, and, in language respectful but decisive of my purpose, communicated to him.
“The subjoined reasons led me to the conclusion I adopted: The conquest of California was under taken and completed by the joint efforts of Commodore Stockton and myself, in obedience to what we regarded paramount duties from us to our government. That done, the next necessary step in order was the organization of a civil government, designed to maintain the conquest, by the exercise of mild and wholesome civil restraints over the people rather than by the iron rule of a military force.
“The result of our labors- which were precisely what were contemplated by the instructions of Gen. Kearney– were promptly communicated to the executive of the Union by an express, which has not yet brought back the approval of disapproval of the government. General Kearney’s instructions being, therefore, to the letter fully anticipated by others, I did not fell myself at liberty to yield a position so important to the interests of my country until after a full understanding of all the grounds, it would be the pleasure of my government that I should do so.
“I trust the foregoing explanation will fully satisfy you that position I take is an incident to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding me, and is borne out by rigid adherence to the line of duty.
“The insurrection which broke out here in September last, and which required a considerable force and large expenditure of money to put down, has left me in rather an embarrassed condition for funds to redeem my men, and to cancel the necessary obligations created by the quartermaster and commissariat department of the command. If, therefore, you can at and early day advance me a considerable sum of money it will tend greatly to subserve the interests of the country and relive an embarrassment which, as an officer of the government, heavily presses me.
“I start, simultaneously with this, a courier to the United States with important dispatches, but thinking that perhaps you might with to avail yourself of so good an opportunity of forwarding dispatches, I have ordered him to remain on the boarder of the settlements until the return of my courier from you. The precise point where my courier will remain recruiting his animals being at this time unknown to me, you will please send your dispatches by the return courier to me, and I will forward them to the party homeward bound.
“With considerations of high respect, I am, sir, your ob’t ser’y, J.C.
Fremont
Governor of California
“To Commodore
W. Branford Shubrick,
Commanding
U.S. navel forces in the Pacific ocean, Bay of Monterey.”
Thereby continuing and reasserting his resistance of the lawful authority of his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, assuming to be governor of California, and endeavoring to persuade the said naval commander to support and countenance him in his mutiny against his said superior and commanding officer.
Specification 5. – In this, that he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of mounted riflemen organized in California for the United States service, and under command of Brigadier General Kearney by aforesaid orders from the war department, dated June 18, 1846, did, at Angeles, on the 11th of February, 1847, write to Willard O. Hall, in the following words, to wit:
“Government house, Angeles, Feb. 11, 1847.
“To Hon. Willard P. Hall.
“Sir: The position I occupy as the chief representative of the United States government in California renders it an imperative duty on me that I should prudently but with energy exert all the power with which I am clothed to retain the conquest with have made, and strengthen it all by all means possible.
“The executive office of California, which I understand, centers supreme, civil and military command in the territory, was actually assigned me as early as September last, and my entering on the duties of the same was postponed only in consequences of an insurrection that broke out in this portion of the territory, which it took some months to quell; that done, I assumed the office of governor, as had been previously arranged.
“I learn with surprise and mortification that Gen. Kearney, in obedience to what I cannot but regard as obsolete instructions from the secretary of war, means to question my right, and , viewing my position and claim clear and indisputable, I cannot, without considering myself derelict to my trust, and unworthy the station of an American officer, yield or permit myself to be interfered with by an other, until directed to do so by the proper authorities at predicated on full and ample dispatches that I forwarded to Washington as early as August of last year.
“I require the co-operation, with a view to the important object of preserving the peace and tranquility of California, of every American citizen and solider in the territory, and must expressly inhibit from all quarters all arguments and intimidations that may trend to weaken my authority, by inducing the belief that my weaken my authority, by inducting the belief that my present position is an act of usurpation, unjust and will no be sanctioned by my government.
“Intimidations, not perhaps susceptible of positive proof, have reached me that you were using your talents and high character as a member of the American congress, in your intercourse with the citizens of this place and the troops under my immediate command, to raise doubts, if not questioning altogether the legitimacy of validity of my tenure of office.
“I feel myself constrained therefore, in obedience to the behest and high interests of my government, as well as respects I cherish for the position you occupy, to inquire of you in frankness whether the intimations alluded to have any foundations in fact or truth.
“Cherishing a confident belief that you must, on reflection, concur with me in thinking that at this juncture any move calculated to weaken me, or embarrass, must be inexpedient and improper, I trust a negative answer from you will dissipate my doubts, and admonish me that the inquiry I have made was altogether unnecessary.
“With considerations of high respect, I am your obedient servant, J.C. Fremont
Governor of California
Thereby avowing and justifying his resistance and mutiny against his superior officer, Brigadier Gen. Kearney, and endeavoring to persuade and… the said Hall a person of influence in California, to aid and abet him therein, and to prevent said Hall from supporting the lawful authority of Brigadier Gen. Kearney
Specification 6. –In this, that the, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, U.S. army, did, at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the second of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, in contempt of the lawful authority of his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, assume to be and to act as governor of California, in executing a deed or instrument of writing in the following words, to wit:
“In consideration of Francis Temple having conveyed to the United States of North America a certain island, commonly called White or Bird island situated near the mouth of San Francisco Bay, 1, J.C. Fremont, governor of California, and in virtue of as the legal representative of the United States, and my successors in office, to pay the said Francis Temple, his heirs, or assigns, the sum five thousand dollars, ($5,000) to be paid as early a day as possible after the receipt of funds from the United States.
“In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and have caused the seal of the territory of California to be affixed, at the Ciudad de los Angeles, the capital of California, the 2nd day of March, A. D. 1847.
J.C. Fremont,
Governor of California.
“Attest: Wm H, Russell, secretary of state”
Specification 7. – In this, that he Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, U.S. army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers organized in California for the United States service, which by aforesaid orders from the war department, dated June eighteenth, eighteen hundred and forty-six, were placed under command of Brigadier General Kearney, and having been officially informed by W. Branford Shubrick, as commander-in-chief of the naval forces in the Pacific, in a letter dated U.S. ship Independence, Monterey, February twenty-three, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, in the following words, to wit: “General Kearney, I am instructed, is the commanding military officer in California, and invested by the president with the administrative functions of government over the people and territory;” and having received, on the eleventh of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, from Gen. Kearney, by the hands of Capt. H. S. Turner, U.S. army, a circular proclamation, in the following words, to wit:
Circular.
“To all whom it may concern: Be it known, that the president of the United States, desirous to give secure to the people of California a share of the good government and happy civil organization enjoyed by the people of the United States, and to protect them at the same time from the attack of foreign foes and from internal commotions, has invested the undersigned with separate and distinct powers, civil and military, a cordial co-operation in the exercise of which, it is hoped and believed, will have the happy results desired.
“To the commander-in-chief of the naval forces the president has assigned the regulation of the import trade; the conditions on which vessels of all nations, our as well as foreign, may be admitted into ports of the territory; and the establishment of all port regulations
“To the commanding military officer the president has assigned the direction of the operations on land, and has invested him with administrative functions of government over the people and territory occupied by the forces of the United States.
“Done at Monterey, capital of California, this first day of March, A.D. 1847.
“W. Banford Shubrick,
Commander in chief of the navel forces,
“S. W. Kearney,
Brigadier General U. States Army,
And Governor of California
And having at the same time, on the eleventh day of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, received from Brigadier General Kearney, by the hands of Captain H.S. Turner, the following order, in terms to wit:
“Orders, No. 2.
Headquarters 10th Mil. Department,
Monterey, March 1, 1847.
“I. With a view to regular payment, it is necessary that the battalion of California volunteers, now under the command of Lieut. Colonel Fremont, of the army, and stationed at Ciudad de los Angeles, if not originally mustered under the law of May 13th, and the supplement law of June 18th, 1846, should now be mustered into service under those laws. This muster will be made at once by Lieutenant Colonel Fremont. Should any men of that battalion be unwilling to continue in service under the above named laws, they will be conducted by Lieut. Colonel Fremont to Yerba Buena, via Monterey, and be there discharged.
“III. Lieutenant Colonel P. St. G. Cooke, now in the command of the Mormon battalion, is entrusted with the supervision of the southern military district, for the protection and defense of which he will make the necessary provision, posting his command (to consist of company C, first dragoons, the Mormon battalion, and the California volunteers) at such places as he may deem most eligible.
“By order of Brig. Gen. S.W. Kearney,
“H.S. Turner,
Captain, A.A.A. General.”
Did, at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the fifteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, issue orders to Captain Richard Owens, in the words following, to wit:
“Ciudad de los Angeles, March 15, 1847.
“Sir: In the performance of a portion of my official duties it becomes necessary that I should visit in person the northern district of the territory, where I shall probably be detained some fifteen or twenty days, and the better to possess you of my views in my absence, and to render your authority in the mean time undoubted, I have considered it proper to issue the following orders:
“1st. You will continue with the entire battalion as San Gabriel, observing order, valiance, and exercising as much discipline as in your discretion can be prudently enforced.
2d. You will make no move whatever from San Gabriel in my absence unless to repel an actual invasion, or obey the order of any officer that does no emanate from me.
3d. You will take the best possible care of the public arms and munitions belonging to the command, and turn them over to no corps without my special order.
4th. The general police of the garrison and strict regard to the public interest will of course, as commandant ad interim , constantly engage your best efforts.
“Very respectably, your obedient serv’t.,
“J.C. Fremont
Lieutenant
Colonel U.S. Army, and Commander of California battalion
To Capt. Richards
Owens,
Acting commandant of California battalion.
Thereby himself resisting the authority and disobeying the orders of Brigadier General Kearney, as conveyed to him in the aforesaid order No. 2 of the 10th military department, by continuing in service the entire California battalion contrary to said orders; and by ordering the battalion to remain at San Gabriel, contrary to the said orders from Brigadier General Kearney to march them to Yerba Buena. – Thereby further inciting and ordering said Captain Owens, with the force of this battalion which he had placed under said Owen’s command, to disobey the order and resist the authority of any officer but himself, and specially ordering him not to surrender the arms and munitions of the battalion. In obedience to which order from Lieutenant Colonel J.C. Fremont, said Owens did , at Ciudad de los Angeles , on the 24th of March, 1847, refuse to submit to the authority of Lieut. Col. P. St. G. Cooke, appointed in the aforesaid department orders by Brigadier Gen. Kearney to command the district in which his battalion was stationed; did refuse to surrender to said Lieutenant Col. Cooke, or to permit Lieut. Col. Cooke to take possession of two howitzers, brought by the 1st dragoons from Fort Leavenworth and then at San Gabriel; which said mutiny and resistance of lawful authority by said Capt. Owens was the incitement and positive order as aforesaid of Lieutenant Colonel J. C. Fremont; not withstanding he, Lieutenant Colonel J.C. Fremont, had officially informed Captain Turner, at Pueblo de los Angeles, on the 12th day of March, 1847, that he would obey and execute the said orders of Brigadier General Kearney, to wit: 10th military department order No. 2, dated March 1, 1847.
Specification 8. - In this, that he, Lieut. Col. John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers organized in California for the United States service, having on the 11th day or March, 1847, received the lawful order of his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, to wit, the aforesaid orders No. 2, dated headquarters 0th military department, Monterey, March 1, 1847, whereby he was ordered to march such part of said battalion as refused to be mustered into service to Yerba Buena, there to be discharged, did refuse to obey said order, and did make known his refusal to Lieutenant Colonel Cooke, commanding the district in which his battalion was serving by a written communication in terms to wit:
“Ciudad de los Angeles, March 16, 1847.
“Sir: I am directed by Gov. Fremont to acknowledge a few moments since the receipt of your communication of the 14th instant, and in reply to say that the volunteers constituting the California battalion decline, without and individual exception, to be mustered into the United States service conformable to order No. 2 of the 10th military department referred to by you.
“The Governor considers it unsafe at this time when rumor is rife with a threatened insurrection, to discharge the battalion, and will decline doing so; and, whilst they remain in service, he regards its forces quite sufficient for the protection of the artillery and ordnance stores of the mission at San Gabriel. “I am, with considerations of respect, your obedient servant,
WM H. Russell,
Secretary of State.
“To P. St. George Cooke,
Lt. Col.
Commanding mission San Louis Reg.”
Therein still assuming to be and act as governor of California, retaining in service an armed force contrary to the order of his superior officer, Brig. Gen. Kearney, and refusing to march them according to his orders.
Specification 9. – In this, that he, Lieutenant Col. John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers organized in California for the United States service, and under the lawful command of Brigadier General Kearney; and, having received, on the 11th of March, 1847, at Ciudad de los Angeles, as set out in the seventh specification to this charge, due and official notification from Brigadier General Kearney, and Commodore Shubrick that the president of the United States had invested General Kearney with the military command in California, and with the administration functions of government over the people and territory occupied by the forces of the United States, did, nevertheless, at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the 21st day of March, 1847, issue the following order to the collector of the port of San Pedro, in terms, to wit:
“Ciudad de los Angeles, March 21, 1847.
Sir: Your are hereby ordered and permitted, in the case of F. Huttman, to receive government paper in payment of his customs house dues, Very Respectfully,
J.C. Fremont
Governor of California
By William H Russell
Secretary of State
To David W. Alexander,
“Collector
of the Port of San Pedro.”
Thereby assuming to be and to act as governor of California, in contempt of the authority and in usurpation of the power of his superior officer; whereby the collector aforesaid did receive payment of customs the certificates of the staff officers of his battalion of Californian volunteers, to the amount of seventeen hundred and thirty-one dollars forty-one and a half cents, which paper was purchased by the holder from whom the collector was ordered to receive it at a discount of thirty per cent.
Specification 10.- In this, the he, Lieutenant Col. John C Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, U. States army, after he had been duly informed by his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, that he, General Kearney, had been invested by the president of the United States with the command of the troops in California, by exhibiting to him, Lieutenant Colonel Fremont, on the 16th day of January, 1847, at Ciudad de los Angeles, the aforesaid orders from the war department, dated June 18th, 1846, did, notwithstanding, disregard and set aside the lawful authority of said superior officer, and did himself usurp and exercise the functions of said superior officer in the following official acts and matters, to wit:
First. In ordering a general court martial at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the 24th of January, 1847, by his own authority, and in the order proclaiming himself to be and assuming to act as “the military commander in-chief of California.
Second. In publishing a general order at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the 25th day of January, 1847, in which he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, is styled “the military commander-in chief of California.”
Third. In approving, at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the 27th of January, 1847, the proceedings of a general court martial, called as aforesaid by his order of January 24, 1847, by which court martial private George Smith, of the California volunteers, was sustenance to twenty-two months at hard labor, and Lieut. Roch sentenced to be cashiered; and in declaring himself to be, and in assuming said proceedings, as “the governor of California.”
Fourth. In accepting, by a general order published at Angeles, on the 13th of February, 1847, the resignation of the following commissioned officers of the California battalion of volunteers, to wit: Capt. H. L. Ford, Captain Samuel Gibson, Capt. Winham Findlay, Lieutenants W. Baldridgem Rhensaw, W. Blackburn, J. Scott, J. R. Barton, and J. M. Hadspeth, in contempt and violation of the aforesaid order, dated 16th of January, 1847, which he had received from Brig. Gen. Kearney, at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the 16th day of January, 1847.
Specification 11. – In this, that he, Lieutenant Col. John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, did fail to obey the order of Brig. General Kearney, to repair to Monterey, as communicated to him verbally by Brig. Gen. Kearney, on the 26tg day of March, 1847, and repealed to him in writing on the 28th of March, 1847, in the words following, to wit:
“Headquarters 10th Military Department,
Monterey, California, March 28th, 1847.
“Sir: This will be handed to you by Col. Mason, 1st dragoons, who goes to the southern district clothed by me, with full authority to give such orders and instructions in that section of country as he may deem proper and necessary. Any instructions he may give to you will be considered as coming from myself.
“I deem it proper to suggest to you that, should there be at Pueblo any unsettled accounts or demands against the government, incurred by your orders or approval, which you may not have already authenticated and completed for the action of the disbursing officers, you at once do so, as it may be necessary for you to proceed from here to Washington city; and should there be any of the party which accompanied you from Missouri still with you, and under pay from the Topographical department, you will cause them to come to… place, that they may be returned, and discharged, and be of no further expense to the United States, unless they prefer being discharged at once in the country.
“In twelve days … volunteers at San Pedro… you in this place.
“Very respectfully, your obedient serv’t
S.W. Kearney,
Brig. Gen. and Governor of California
“Lieut. Col. J.C. Fremont,
Regiment
of mounted riflemen,
Commanding battalion of California volunteers.”
But did remain at Ciudad de los Angeles, until after the arrival there of Brig. Gen. Kearney, on the 9th of May, 1849, and till the order was then there verbally repeated to him.
Charge II. – Disobedience of the Lawful Commands of His Superior Officer.
Specification 1. – In this, that he, Lieut. Colonel John. C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers, organized in California for the United Stated service, having received the lawful command of his superior officer, Brigadier General S. W. Kearney, in the following words, to wit:
Headquarters Army of the West,
Ciudad de los Angeles, January 16, 1846.
“By direction of Brigadier General Kearney, I send you a copy of a communication to him from the secretary of war, dated June 18, 1846, in which is the following: “These troops, and such as many be organized in California, will be under your command.” The general directs that no change will be made in the organized in your battalion of volunteers, or officers appointed in it, without his sanction or approval being first obtained.
Very respectfully, WM. H. Emory
Lieut. And acting assistant Adjt. General.
“To Lieut.
Col J. C. Fremont,
Commanding battalion of California volunteers.”
And having received with this order a copy of instructions from the war department to Gen. Kearney, in the following words, to wit:
War Department Washington, June 18, 1846.
“Sir: *** I have nothing of importance to ass to the dispatches which have been already forwarded to you.
“Since my last letter it has been determined to send a small force around Cape Horn to California.
“The arms, cannon, and previsions to be sent to the Pacific will be accompanied by one company of artillery of the regular army. Arrangements are not on foot to send a regiment of volunteers by sea.
“These troops and such as may be organized in California will be under your command.
More than common solicitude will be felt here in regard to the expedition committed to you, and it is desired that you should avail yourself of all occasions to inform the government of your progress and prospects.
“The president desires your opinion, as early as you are in a situation to give it, of the practicability of your reaching California in the course of this autumn or in the early part of the next winter. I need no repeat the expression of his wishes that you should take military possession of that country as soon as it can be safely done.
“To Col. S. W. Kearney”
Did reply to General Kearney, and his order aforesaid, in a written answer, in the following words, to wit:-
Ciudad de los Angeles. January 17, 1847.
“Sir: I have the honor to be in receipt of your favor of last night, in which I am directed to suspend the execution of orders which, in my capacity of military commandant of this territory, I have received from Com. Stockton, governor and commander in chief of California.
“I avail myself of an early hour this morning to make such a reply as the brief time allowed for reflection will enable me.
“I found Commodore Stockton in possession of the country, exercising the functions of military commandant and civil governor, as early as July of last year; and shortly thereafter I received from him the commission of military commandant, the duties of which I immediately entered upon, and have continued to exercise to the present moment. I found also on my arrival at this place, some three or four days since, Commodore Stockton still exercising the functions of civil and military governor, with the same apparent deference to his rank on the part of all officers (including yourself) as he maintained and required when he assumed in July last.
“I learned also in conversation with you that, on the march from San Diego recently to this place, you entered upon and discharged duties implying an acknowledgement of your part of supremacy to Commodore Stockton.
“I fell myself therefore, with great deference to your professional and personal character, constrained to say that, until you and Commodore Stockton adjust between yourself the question of rank, where I respectfully thin the difficulty belongs, I shall have to report an receive orders as heretofore from the commodore.
“With consideration of high regard,
I am sir your obedient servant,
“J.C. Fremont, Lieut. Col.
U.S. Army, and military commandant of
the territory of California
“To Brigadier General S.W. Kearney, U. States Army.”
And did thereby refuse to obey the aforesaid lawful command of his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, and did thereby refuse to receive and obey any other order from him. This at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the 17th day of January, 1847, notwithstanding he had on the 13th January, 19847, officially reported his battalion Brig, General Kearney, by writing, in words following in wit:
“On the march, January 13, 1846.
“Dear Sir: - I have the honor to report to you my arrival at this place with four hundred mounted riflemen and six pieces of artillery, including among the latter two pieces formally in the possession of the Californians.
“Their entire force, under the command of D Andre Pico, have this day laid down their arms, and surrendered to my command.
“Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.C. Fremont
Lieut. Col. U.S. army and military commandant of the territory of California.
“Brig. Gen S.W. Kearney
com’g, U.S. forces Pueblo de los Angeles.”
Specification 2.- In this, that he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, U.S. army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers organized in California, which were placed by the aforesaid orders of the secretary of war, of June 18, 1846, under the command of Brigadier General Kearney, did issue and order to Capt. J.K. Wilson, at Angeles, January 25, 1847, in the following words, to wit:
“Angeles, January 25, 1847.
“Capt. J.K. Wilson, light artillery:
Sir:- Your are hereby authorized and directed to raise a company of men to constitute the second company of artillery in the California service, and for that purpose are detached from your present command.
“You will please report the number you may be able to enlist with as little delay as possible.
“You are authorized to enlist the men for three months, and to promise them as compensation twenty-five dollars per month. Respectfully,
Lieut. Col. Commanding California forces in the U.S. service.”
And did thereby disobey the aforesaid lawful command of his superior officer, Brig. General Kearney, dated January 16, 1847.
Specification 3.- In this, that he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, U.S. army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers organized in California, which were placed by the aforesaid orders of the secretary of war, of June 18, 1846, under the command of Brigadier General Kearney, did at Ciudad de los Angeles, California, on the 5th day of February, 1847, issue an order to Louis McLane, a passed midshipman in the United States navy, in the following words, to wit.
Ciudad de los Angeles, February 5, 1847.
“Sir, I feel it my duty, as the representative of the United States government in California, to instruct you to proceed forthwith north, as far as in your discretion may seem necessary, and exercise your best efforts in enlisting troops for the term of six months, compensation to be $- per month, to be employed in the service of the United States and at such points in the territory of California as in my judgment they are most required. Your are further more instructed to proceed as far as the town of Yerba Buena, on the San Francisco Bay, and examine diligently into the state of the navel or military defense of that town, and particularly to inquire into the best means of fortifying the mouth of the bay, against the ingress of all enemies, and I particularly recommend to you to cause to be forthwith commenced the erection of a fort or battery on White Island, calculated when completed to prevent the entrance of any ship or vessel that may be forbidden to do so by the United States.
“To enable you to carry into effect the foregoing instructions, you are hereby authorized and required to call on all officers under my command to extend to you any assistance of money, men, or property that in your judgment may be necessary fully to accomplished the same
“In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, at the capital of California, this date before written
“J. C. Fremont,
Governor
of California.
“Attest: Wm H Russell, Secretary of State.
“To Major
Louis McLane,
U.S. Army,
California regiment.”
And did thereby disobey the aforesaid lawful command of his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, dated January 16, 1847.
Specification 4.- In this, that he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, U.S. army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers organized in California, which by aforesaid orders, from the war department, dated June 18, 1846, were placed under the command of Brigadier General Kearney, and having been officially informed by W. Branford Shubrick, as commander-in-chief of the navel forces in the Pacific, in a letter dated U.S. ship Independence, Monterey, February 23, 1847, in the following words, to wit: “General Kearney, I am instructed, is the commanding military officer in California, and invested by the president with the administrative functions of government over the people and territory;” and having received, on the 11th March, 1847, from Gen. Kearney, by the hands of Captain H.S. Turner, U.S. army, a circular proclamation in the following words, to wit:
“Circular.
“To all whom it may concern: Be it known, that the president of the United States, desirous to give secure to the people of California a share of the good government and happy civil organization enjoyed by the people of the United States, and to protect them at the same time from the attack of foreign foes and from internal commotions, has invested the undersigned with separate and distinct powers, civil and military, a cordial co-operation in the exercise of which, it is hoped and believed, will have the happy results desired.
“To the commander-in-chief of the naval forces the president has assigned the regulation of the import trade; the conditions on which vessels of all nations, our as well as foreign, may be admitted into ports of the territory; and the establishment of all port regulations
“To the commanding military officer the president has assigned the direction of the operations on land, and has invested him with administrative functions of government over the people and territory occupied by the forces of the United States.
“Done at Monterey, capital of California, this first day of March, A.D. 1847.
“W. Banford Shubrick,
Commander in chief of the navel forces,
“S. W. Kearney,
Brigadier General U. States Army,
And Governor of California
And having at the same time, on the eleventh day of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, received from Brigadier General Kearney, by the hands of Captain H.S. Turner, the following order, in terms to wit:
“Orders, No. 2.
Headquarters 10th Mil. Department,
Monterey, March 1, 1847.
“I. With a view to regular payment, it is necessary that the battalion of California volunteers, now under the command of Lieut. Colonel Fremont Of the army; and stationed at the Ciudad-de los Angeles, if not originally mustered under the law of May 13, and the supplemental law of June 18, 1846, should be now mustered into service under those laws. This muster will be made at once by Lieut. Col. Fremont. Should any men of the battalion be unwilling to continue in service under the above named laws, they will be conducted by Lieut. Col. Fremont to Yerba Buena, via Monterey, and be there discharged.
“III. Lieut. Col. P. St. G. Cooke, no in command of the Mormon battalion, is entrusted with the supervision of the southern military district, for the protection and defense of which he will make the necessary provision, posting his command (to consist of company C 1st dragoons, the Mormon battalion, and the California volunteers) at such places as he may deem for eligible.
“By of Brig. Gen. S. W. Kearney,
“H.S. Turner,
Captain A. A. A. General”
Did, at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the 15th day of March, 1847, issue orders to Captain Richard Owens, in the words following, to wit: “Ciudad de los Angeles, March 10, 1847
“Sir: ”In the performance of a portion of my official duties, it becomes necessary that I should visit in person the northern district of the territory, where I shall probably be detained some fifteen to twenty days; and the better to possess you of my views in my absence, and to render you authority in the mean time undoubted, I have considered it proper to issue the following orders:
“1st. You will continue, with the entire battalion at San Gabriel, observing order, vigilance, and exercising as much discipline as in your discretion can be prudently enforces.
“2d. You will make no move whatever from San Gabriel in my absence, unless to repel an actual invasion, or obey the order of any officer that does not emanate from me.
“3d. You will take the best possible care of the public arms and munitions belonging to the command, and turn them over to no corps without my special order.
“4th. The general police of the garrison, and strict regard to the public interest will, of course, as commandant ad interim, constantly engage your best efforts.
“Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. FREMONT,
Lieut. Col. U.S. army and
Commandant of California battalion.
“To: Capt. RICHARD OWENS,
Acting Commandant California Battalion.”
And did, thereby disobey the lawful command of his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, as conveyed to him in the aforesaid order No. 2, of the 10th military department, by continuing in service the whole California battalion contrary to said orders, and by ordering the battalion to remain at San Gabriel, contrary to said orders from Brigadier Gen. Kearney to march them to Yerba Buena, notwithstanding he, Lieut. Col. John C. Fremont, Had officially Captain Turner, at Pueblo de los Angeles on the twelfth of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, that he would obey and execute the said orders of Brig. Gen. Kearney, to wit: Order No. 2 of the 10th military department, dated March one, eighteen hundred and forty-seven.
Specification 5. -In this, that he, Lieut. Colonel J. C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, U.S. army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers organized in California for the U. States service, having, on the eleventh day of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, received t he lawful order of his superior officer, Brig. Gen. Kearney, to wit: the aforesaid orders, No. 2, dated headquarters 10 military department, Monterey, March first, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, whereby he was ordered to march such part of said battalion as refused to be mustered into service to Yerba Buena, there to be discharged, did refuse to obey said order, and did make known his refusal to Lieut. Colonel Cooke, commanding the district in which his battalion was serving by a written communication in terms, to wit:
“Ciudad de los Angeles, March 16, 1847
“Sir: I am instructed by Gov. Fremont to acknowledge a few moments since the receipt of your communication of the 14th instant, and to say, in reply, that the volunteers constituting the California battalion declining, without an individual exception, to be mustered into the U. States service conformable to Order No. 2 of the 10th military department, referred to by you.
“The governor considers it unsafe at this time, when rumor is rife with a threatened insurrection to discharge the battalion, and will decline doing so; and, whilst they remain in service, he regards his force quite sufficient for the protection of the artillery and ordnance stores at the mission of San Gabriel.
“I am, with considerations of respect, you obedient servant.
“WM. H. RUSSELL, Secretary of state.
“To P. St. Geo. Cooke.
Lieut. Col. Com’g Mission San Louis Reg.”
Specification 6. –In this, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, U.S. army, after he had been duly informed by his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, that he, Brigadier General Kearney, had been invested by the president of the United States with the command of the troops in California, by exhibiting to him, Lieut. Col. John C. Fremont, on the sixteenth of January, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, at Ciudad de los Angeles, the aforesaid orders from the war department dated June eighteen, eighteen hundred and forty-six; and after he had duly received, on the sixteenth of January, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, the aforesaid lawful command of his superior officer, Brigadier General Kearney, on that day, to make no changes in the organization of his battalion or officers appointed in it, except with the approval of said Brigadier General Kearney, did, notwithstanding, disobey said lawful command of his superior officer, by accepting, in a general order, published at Angeles, on the thirteenth of February, eighteen hundred and forty –seven, the resignation of the following commissioned officers of the California battalion of volunteers, to wit: Captains H. L. Ford, Samuel Gibson, Wm. Findlay,
And Lieutenants W. Baldridge Rhensaw, W. Blackburn, J. Scott, J. R. Barton, and J. M. Hudspeth.
Specification 7 –In this, that he, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, U.S. army, did fail to obey the order of Brigadier General Kearney, to repair to Monterey, as communicated to him verbally by said Brigadier General Kearney, on the twenty-sixty of March, eighteen hundred and forth-seven, and repeated to him in writing on the twenty-eight of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, in words following, to wit:
“Headquarters, 10th Military Department
“Monterey, California, March 28, 1847.
“Sir: This will be handed to you by Col. Mason, 1st dragoons, who goes to the southern district clothed by me with full authority to give such orders and instructions upon all matters, both civil and military, in that section of country, as he may deem proper and necessary. Any instructions he may give to you will be considered as coming from myself.
“I deem it proper to suggest to you that should there be at the Pueblo any unsettled accounts or demands against the government, incurred by your orders or approval, which you may not have already authenticated and completed for the action of the disbursing officers,” that you at once do so, as it may be necessary for you to proceed from here to Washington city, and should there be any of the party which accompanied you from Missouri still with you, and under pay from the topographical department, you will cause them to come to this place, that they may be returned home and discharged, and be of no further expense to the United States, unless they prefer being discharged at once in this country.
“In twelve days after you have embarked the volunteers at San Pedro, I desire to see you in this place.
“Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
“S. W. Kearney,
“Brig. Gen. and Governor of California,
“Lieut. J.C. Fremont, reg’t of mounted riflemen, commanding battalion California volunteers, Ciudad los Angeles.”
But did remain at the Ciudad de los Angeles, until after the arrival there of Brig. Gen. Kearney, on the 8th of May, 1847, and till the order was then and there verbally repeated to him.
CHARGE III---CONDUCT TO THE PREJUDICE OF GOOD
ORDER AND MILITARY DISCIPLINE
Specification 1. –In this, that he, Lieut. Col. John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of mounted riflemen, organized in California for the United States service, and placed, by orders aforesaid from the secretary of war of June 8th 1846, under command of Brig. Gen. Kearney, did at Ciudad de los Angeles, California, on the 7th February, 1847 write to Commodore Shubrick, commanding the United States naval forces in the Pacific, a letter in words as hereinbefore recited in the 4th specification to the 1 st charge, thereby officially informing said naval commander that he had refused to acknowledge the lawful authority of his superior officer, Brig. Gen. Kearney, and endeavoring to persuade said naval commander to support and countenance him therein. This to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.
Specification 1 –In this, that he, Lieut. Col. John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, being in command of a battalion of volunteers organized in California for the U. States service, and placed under command of Brig. Gen. Kearney by aforesaid orders from the war department, dated June 18, 1846, did, at Angeles, on t he 11th of February, 1847, write to W. P. Hall in words as hereinbefore recited in the 5th specification to the 1st charge, thereby avowing his resistance of the authority of his superior officer, Brig. Gen. Kearney, and endeavoring to prevent said Hall from supporting the lawful authority of Brig. Gen. Kearney This to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.
Specification 3 –In this, that he, Lieut. Col. John. C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States, army, did, at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the 2d of March, 1847, in contempt of the lawful authority of his superior officer, Brig. Gen. Kearney, assume to be and act as governor of California, in executing a deed or instrument of writing in words as hereinbefore recited in the 6th specification to the 1st charge, thereby assuming and exercising the functions and authority of his superior officer, Brig. Gen. Kearney, to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.
Specification 4 –In that, that he, Lieut. Col. John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army being in command of a battalion of volunteers organized in California for the U. States service, which, by aforesaid orders from the war department, Dated June 18, 1846, were placed under command of Brig. Gen. Kearney, and having been officially informed by W. Branford Shubrick, and commander-in-chief of the naval forces in the Pacific, in a letter dated U.S. ship Independence, Monterey, February 23, 1847, in the following words, to wit: “Gen. Kearney, I am instructed, in the commanding military officer in California, in invested by the president with the administrative function of government over the people and territory.” And having received on the 11th of March, 1847, from Gen. Kearney, by the hands of Capt. H. S. Turner, United States army, a circular proclamation in words as hereinbefore recited in the 7th specification to the 1st charge, did, notwithstanding, at Ciudad de los Angeles, on the 15th of March, 1847, issue written orders to Capt. Richard Owens, of the California battalion, in words as hereinbefore recited in the 7th specification to the 1st charge, thereby ordering said Owens not to obey the orders of any officer but himself. This to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.
Specification 5 –In this, that he, Lieut. Col. John C. Fremont, of the regiment of mounted riflemen, United States army, after he had been dully informed by his superior officer, Brig. Gen. Kearney, that he, Gen. Kearney, had been invested by the President of the United States with the command of the troops in California, by exhibiting to him, Lieut. Col. Fremont, on the 6th of January, 1847, at Ciudad de los Angeles, the aforesaid orders from the war department, dated June 18, 1846, did notwithstanding, disregard the lawful authority of said superior officer, and did himself usurp and exercise the functions of said superior officer in the several official acts and matters, to wit, as heretofore recited in the 10th specification to the 1st charge; that is to say, in ordering a general court martial at Ciudad de lost Angeles on the 24th of January, 1847, and approving at Ciudad de los Angeles, in the 27th of January, 1847, the proceedings of the court; and in accepting at Angeles, on the 13th of February, 1847, the resignations of officers in the California battalion: all this being in usurpation of the functions and authority of his superior officer, Brig. Gen. Kearney, and to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.
The reading of the charges being finished, the accused was called upon to plead to them.
“Not guilty,” was the response.
He was informed that it was his privilege to except any particular charge.
Col. Fremont them asked to read the court the following paper.
“Mr. President: In preferring the usual request to be allowed counsel in the case, I wish to state that it is no part of my intention or desire to make deference on any legal or technical point, but only to have friendly assistance in bringing out the merits of the case in lucid and proper order, and in obtaining a full trial on the merits, in the shortest time, and with the least amount of the trouble to the courts. With this view, no objection can be made to the relevancy or legality of any question proposed by the prosecution, the court, or any member of the court: not to any question which goes to show my motives, either by words or acts, in aggravation of the offences alleged against me; not to the authenticity of any evidence, written or printed, which I know or believe to be authentic; not will any question be proposed, or motion made, on my part, knowingly, of a nature to give just ground of objection on the part of the prosecution, or to cause delay in the trial, or give trouble to the court. But this waiver of proof to authenticity of papers is made on the express condition that all the persons brought from California by Gen. Kearney as witnesses, and listed as such, with the charges, and summoned, shall be sworn on the part of the prosecution, so as to save to me my right of cross-examination.
“In this way I hope to facilitate the progress of the trial, to get at once into the merits, to spare this court, the most unpleasant part of an unpleasant duty, and enable them the sooner to obey the feelings which call them to a very different duty.
“I was named as the counsel asked to be allowed me the two friends who accompany me, Thomas H. Benton and William Carey Jones, Esquires.”
The Judge Advocate here brought forward for the decision of the court applications on the part of several reporters for the press to be allowed to take notes with a view to the publication of the proceedings in the trial. Whereupon the accused offered the subjoined paper:
“Mr. President: So far as a prohibition to publish the proceeding of the court is intended for the benefit of the accused, I do hereby renounce and waive all such benefit, and agree to the publication of everything.”
The president now ordered the court-room to be cleared, with a view to consulting on the application submitted. This being done, the court remained with closed doors for about an hour. At it re-opening, a paper was ready by the judge advocate, in which the court, though declaring that its proceeding were open to the public, declined to take any such order as that asked for by the application, or in any matter to sanction or approve the publication of the evidence which might be disclosed in the course of the trial.
It being now
too late (near 3 o’clock PM) to enter into examination of evidence, the
court was adjourned until 10 o’clock A.M. next day.
[ATT]
NNR 73.173-73.174 Nov. 13, 1847 account of the leperos
Leperos –
“nobody can tell the lepero’s occupation; God only knows how he lives.
He has [the rest of this paragraph and article is too poorly microfilmed
to transcribe]
[ATT]
NNR 73.174 Nov. 13, 1847 description of the penetration of the fortress of Chapultepec
Capt. John E. Howard, of the Voltigeurs. – It will be exceedingly gratifying to the many relatives and friends id the young and gallant officer to learn, that he has passed through the fiery ordeal of the recent terrible conflicts, and around in the city of Mexico with safety - and not only so, but with distinguished credit to himself and to his native sate, Maryland.
Nothing has been heard directly from Capt. Howard himself, but a brother officer in the same regiment has written to his relatives in this state, from which the following short extracts have been kindly permitted to be taken. They are from a description of the storming of the Hill and Castle of Chapultepec, one of the most gallant and probably the most perilous and sanguinary contests in the whole war.
“We rose to the crest of the hill and, amid the most weathering fire of grape and canister and the musketry of near two thousand Mexicans, planted the ladders and, with a cheer, mounted. The first man who entered alive was Captain Howard – he was followed instanter,” &c., &c.
“The first then or fifteen inside the works met some resistance, as they fell back into the building that in the center of the works, but we charged then and there, Captain Howard of Baltimore, with his own hand killed three, and by the time, the poor devils were calling for quarters,” &.
Well may Maryland be proud of her sons. The name and fame of one of the most distinguished soldiers of the Revolution, Col. John E. Howard, have descended upon a grandson, if whom he might well be proud and who is able to uphold both. The laurels gathered by the ancestor at Cowpens, and at Entaw, will but bloom with fresh and renewed… by the side of those plucked by his chivalrous descendants at Chapultepec and Mexico.
The gallantry of Lieut. Tilton also of the Voltigeurs, was no less conspicuous. When about seizing the colors of his regiment, as they were falling from the hands of the mortally wounded standard bearer a partially spent ball struck him in the face, prostrating him instantly, so that all thought he was killed. In a moment, or two, however he recovered, and springing forward, after Howard, was the fifth man who entered the almost impregnable fortress alive.
General Pillow, who was in the van, but had just been wounded severely, at the distance of a few yards, was witness to the courage and conduct of both these daring young officers.
To those desirous
of forming some idea of the nature of the fortress of Chapultepec, the
Mexican West Point, and of the difficulties to be overcome in an assault
upon it, we would mention that a small oil painting, taken in 1837, may
be seen at the Patriot office.
[ATT]
NNR 73.174 Nov. 13, 1847 Letter from Capt. John B. Magruder
Capt. John Magruder-The Charlottesville, (Va.) Advocate, publishes the subjoined extract of a letter from the gallant Capt. J.B. Magruder, who married in Baltimore, where his family now reside. Capt. M. is a native of Port Royal, Caroline County, (Va.) The Charlottesville Jeffersonian says, that Capt. Geo A. Magruder, of the U.S. Navy, a brother of an army officer, is now in that town on a visit to his relatives, having just returned from service in the Gulf of Mexico, where he has been in command of the bomb brig Vesuvius, and was stationed at Laguna as the governor of that Island. he was also engaged in the attack of Tuxpan and Tobasco, where he distinguished himself by his bravery and efficient services.
Extract of a letter from Capt. J.B. Magruder.
I was engaged in the 8th , 10th , 12th , and 13th of September, with the enemy. On the 13th , I was struck four times-knocked off my horse by a grape shot which struck me in the neck, but wounded me very slightly-enough, however, to make me faint-but I recovered in a few moments and went on in the action. I was afterwards wounded in the hand by a musket ball, but can now write. I had two horses shot, though not killed, under me, and my battery under my immediate command, repulsed five charges of the enemy's calvary and infantry. My health is pretty good, though I am thinner than usual.
We want reinforcements dreadfully.
Let us regulate the tariff of this country here and we can support our
army without costing the United States a cent. Every battle we have fought,
from Palo Alto to the last, has been a forlorn hope. The Mexicans cannot
make peace with a corporal guard. They are ashamed to do it, and hence
them smallness of out army encourages the war; we will get no peace; less
now than ever. I have not heard from home for two months. here we never
part with our swords and pistols for a moment as assassinations are in
every corner and in every house.
[KAS]
73.176 Nov. 13, 1847 Health of the Army
LATEST FROM MEXICO.
The steamship New Orleans, Capt. Auld, arrived at N. Orleans on the 4th inst. having left Vera Cruz on the 1 st .
The British courier arrived at Vera Cruz on the 31 st of October, having left Mexico on the 29th , to which date we have letters and papers.
Gen. Lane entered Puebla on the 13th Oct. with 3,000 men and six pieces of artillery--so says a dispatch of Santa Anna. The latter could effect nothing against him on the Pinal.
Gen. Patterson's command was to leave Vera Cruz on the 2d inst. It will be composed of at least 5,000 men. The Texan Rangers go up with him.
Gen. Smith has been appointed governor of the city of Mexico. Gen. Quitman is about to return to the U. States. Gen. Shields, Capt. Philip Kearney, Captain Davis, Lieut. Kiger and other officers, will accompany him.
From the Durango Journal, of the 14th ult., is derived the information that the U.S. frigate Portsmouth arrived in the waters of Mazatlan on the 22d of September, from Monterey, in California.--The United States squadron, consisting of the frigates Congress, Deale, the Cyane, and a transport, left Monterey on the 1 st of September, for Mazatlan and San Blas, and for those of Guaymas and Acapulco.
The health of the army is far from being good--The climate of the valley of Mexico is not, as it appears, congenial to the constitutions of the south. It is just as enervating and fatal to our southern, as is that of Vera Cruz to the northern constitutions. The effective force of the entire army is reduced ten or fifteen per cent.
The city of Mexico was filled with rumors of peace. It was said that a quorum had met at Queretaro, and that the majority decided in favor of an amicable adjustment of difficulties.
The train which is to come down will be under the command of Col. Harney. A great number of wounded officers are to accompany.
Major Gaines, Capt. Cassius M. Clay, Capt. Heady, Maj. Borland, Capt. Danley and Midshipman Rogers come home, and we are happy to add our associate, Mr. Kendall.
Mr. Bankhead, the British minister, arrived at Vera Cruz on the 30th ult., and was received with military honors.
[JNA]
NNR 73.176 Nov. 13, 1847 Deaths, death of Capt. Walker, Huamantla, guerrillas
Deaths-Lt. E.B. Daniels, 2d. art. of wounds; Lt. Steen, of South Carolina regiment, of wounds, Capt. Huddleston 11th inf. of a bowel complaint on the 11th ; Col. Roberts, assist. surg. 5th inf. of wound received at King's Mill died on 12th ; sergeant Sutliffe, of riffles, assassinated on the 15th , assistant surgeon Treadwell, of vomito at Vera Cruz on 24th .
A long list of officers have received leave of absence and will shortly have returned to the U. States.
Death of Capt. Walker.-Gen. Lane having arrived at Perote was there joined by Capt. Walker and his command, and both advance together on the Puebla road until they reached the town of Vreves.
At this place Capt. Walker, by order of the commanding General, took up his line of march to Huamantla. On his arrival at Huamantla a sanguinary engagement ensued in the streets, between the forces of Capt. Walker, consisting of 250 men, and that of the Mexicans numbering 1,600, the result of which was the total expulsion of the enemy from the town, and its occupation by our valiant little army.
But the gallant Walker, after performing prodigies of valor and feate of the most daring character, fell in a single combat, pierced by the spear of an enraged father, who, goaded to actual frenzy by the death of this son, whose fall beneath the arm of Capt. Walker he had just witnessed, rushed forward, heedless of all danger, to avenge his death, and attacking the captain with almost irresistible violence, plunged his spear into his body, and slew him almost instantly.
The Mexicans last two hundred mean and three pieces of artillery. The latter were thrown into a gullery in the rear of the town by the visitors, who, after the achievement of their object, the dispersion of the guerrillas, for which they were dispatched to Huamantla, evacuated the place, and directed their course towards Pinal, on the Puebla road, which they reached without any opposition, and there meeting with Gen. Lane again, the combined American force continued its march upon Puebla.
Into this city, which was in a state of insurrection, it entered in platoons, delivering at ever step a constant and well directed fire of musketry, which ceased not until the enemy retreated and order was restored in every quarter.
Gen. Rea, of whom we have heard so much of late, fled with 400 guerrillas towards Atlixco. Gen. Santa Anna was, by last accounts, at Tehuacan de las Grandes, having been deserted by all his followers except about 200.
The Delta also says: "Our correspondent, writing at a later date than the 25th ult. gives the following account of the death of Capt. Walker: "The death of Capt. Walker is fully confirmed by a later arrival. It is stated that he was shot by a cannon ball from a masked battery, about 12 miles from the main road, at a point 16 leagues from Puebla. The ball also killed Capt. Loyall, of the Georgia mounted company, and eleven men are also reported to have been killed in the same action."
Atlixco has been taken possession of by 1,000 of our forces. This large city has wisely yielded, without the least resistance. Orizaba is, also, by this time, in possession of the American forces.
The Mexican government has superceded Santa Anna in the command of the
army. Gen. Rincon has been appointed to that office. Santa Anna loudly
protested against the violation of his rights as the first magistrate of
the nation, and, refusing obedience to the government, retires Tehuacan.
Gen. Scott and staff have lately visited the city of Guadalupe. Gen. Almonte
reached Queretaro on the 7th ult.
[KAS]
NNR 73.176 Nov. 13, 1847 Gen. Robert Patterson's command to leave Veracruz
Gen. Patterson’s
command was to leave Vera Cruz on the 2nd inst. It will
be composed of at least 5,000 men. The Texan Rangers go up with him.
[ATT]
NNR 73.176 Nov. 13, 1847 Gen. Persifor Frazer Smith appointed governor of Mexico City
Gen.
Smith has been appointed governor of the city of Mexico. Gen Quitman
is about to return to the U. States. Gen Sheilds, Capt. Philip Kearney,
Captain Davis, Lieut. Kiger and other officers, will accompany him.
[ATT]
NNR 73.176 Nov. 13, 1847 deaths of various officers noted
Deaths
– Lt. E. B. Daniels, 2d art. Of wounds; Lt. Steen, of South Carolina regiment,
of wounds, Capt. Huddleston 11th inf. Of a bowel complaint on
the 11th; Col. Roberts, assit. Surg. 5th inf. Of
wound received at Kings Mill died on 12th; Sergeant Suthffe,
of riles, assassinated on the 15th, assistant surgeon Treadwell,
of vomito at Vera Cruz, on the 24th.
[ATT]
NNR 73.176 Nov. 13, 1847 account of the fighting at Huamantla, death of Capt. Samuel Hamilton Walker
Death of Captain Walker. – Gen. Lane having arrived at Perote was there joined by Capt. Walker and his command, and both advanced together on the Puebla road until they reached the town of Vreves.
At this place Capt. Walker, by order of the commanding General, took up his line of march to Huamantla, by way of the towns of San Francisco and Guapastla. On his arrival at Huamantla a sanguinary engagement ensued in the streets, between the forces of Capt. Walker, consisting of 250 men, and that of the Mexicans, numbering 1,660, the result of which was the total expulsion of the enemy from the town, and its occupation by our valiant little army.
But the gallant Walker, after performing prodigies of valor and feats of the most daring character, fell into a single combat, pierced by the spear of an enraged father, who, goaded to actually frenzy by the death of his son, whose fall beneath the arm of Capt. Walker he had just witnessed, rushed forward, heedless of all danger, to avenge his death, and attacking the captain with almost irresistible violence, plunged his spear into his body, and slew him almost instantly.
The Mexicans lost two hundred men and three pieces of artillery. The later were thrown into a gully in the rear of the town by the victors, who, after the achievement of their object, the dispersion of the guerrillas, for which they were dispatched to Huamantla, evacuated the place and directed their course towards Pinal, on the Puebla road, which they reached without any opposition, and there meeting with Gen. Lane again, the combined American force continued its march upon Puebla.
Into this city, which was in a state of insurrection, it entered its platoons, delivering at every step a constant and well directed fire of musketry, which ceased not until the enemy retreated and order was restored in every quarter.
Gen. Rea, of whom we have heard so much of late, fled with 400 guerrillas toward Atlixco. Gen. Santa Anna was, by last accounts, at Tehuacan de las Granades, having been deserted by all his flowers except about 200.
The Delta
also says: “Our correspondent, writing at a later date than the
25th ult., gives the following account of the death of Capt.
Walker: “The death of Capt. Walker is fully confirmed by a later
arrival. It is stated the he was shot by a cannon ball from a masked
battery, about 12 miles from the main road, at a point 16 leagues from
Puebla. The ball also killed Capt. Loyall, of the Georgia mounted
company, and eleven men are also reported to have been killed in the same
action.
[ATT]
NNR 73.176 Nov. 13, 1847 Atlixco taken, Orizaba believed taken
Atlixco
has been taken possession of by 1,000 of our forces. This large city
has wisely yielded, without the least resistance. Orizaba is, also,
by this time, in possession of the American forces.
[ATT]
NNR 73.176 Nov. 13, 1847 Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna suspended as head of the Army
The
Mexican government has superceded Santa Anna in the command of the army.
Gen Rincon has been appointed to that office. Santa Anna loudly protested
against the violation of his rights as the first magistrate of the nation,
and, refusing obedience to the government, retires to Tehuacan.
[ATT]
NNR 73.177 Nov. 20, 1847 Gen. Winfield Scott's dispatches reach Washington, "Union"'s notice of them
General Scott’s Official Dispatches. We commence in this number the publication of dispatches at length, received at Washington from the commander-in-chief of our armies in Mexico, detailing the operations before, and the final capture of the city of Mexico.
The Washington “Union” of the 13th, from which the first order of these dispatches are extracted, publishes a letter from Mr. Penn, the postmaster at New Orleans, which says: “The channel through which the dispatches arrived at New Orleans is not understood. No dispatches were received though the same mail by the other departments, nor have the other reports referred to by Gen. Scott in his letter, reached the adjutant general.”
The Union adds: “By this mail I forward you some public documents which I believe to be important from the army in Mexico. They were brought to this city by Mr. Hays, one of the editors of the Delta. It seems they were forwarded to Vera Cruz by some private conveyance, and brought by him from that place to New Orleans. The editors of the Delta deserve the thanks of the government.”
The Union of the 15th, in which the subsequent package of dispatches appears, appends the following editorial:
“The official dispatches. We lay before our readers the second budget of dispatches which have been forwarded by Gen. Scott, and received by the secretary of war, on Friday night, with the exception of four reports Cols. Harney and Riley, Maj. Summer, and Captain Huger, and the list killed and wounded. These we shall layover for the “Union” of to-marrow evening.
“In addition to these dispatches, a very late letter ( being a duplicate sent the 29th of October) from Gen. Scott to the secretary of war, dated “Headquarters of the army, Mexico, October 27,” was received on Saturday evening. It is very brief. He states that he encloses “two very interesting reports made to (him) from below: 1. From Col. Childs, governor and commander at Puebla, dated the 13th distant, detailing the defense of that place, which, though highly arduous, gallant, and triumphant, has not exceeded what was expected at the hands of that excellent commander, his officers and men. 2. from Brig. Gen. Lane, dated at Puebla, the 18th, giving a brief account of a brilliant and successful affair between him and a body of the enemy at Huamantla.” These reports, however, have not… on to the war department.
“The general adds: ‘After establishing the new . . . below, as indicated in my circular letter of instructions, (of October 13,) I hope to have the means of occupying Atlixco, some 18 miles from Puebla, and Toluca, the state capital of Mexico, 40 miles hence, and perhaps Orizaba; but probably shall not attempt anymore distant expedition without further reinforcements, or until I shall have received the views of the department of the plans submitted in my report.’
“The last
reports in the newspapers are, that the general has taken the three places
indicated above, and it is also certain that he has received further reinforcements.”
[ATT]
NNR 73.177 Nov. 20, 1847 Nicholas Philip Trist said to have invited the Mexican government to a conference
A letter,
said to be from a very respectable house in the city of Mexico, dated
29th October, 1847, says: Mr. Trist has again invited
our government to new conferences. May God grant that the result
of them may be peace, which we so much desire.” [We doubt Mr. Trist having
so done. – Editor Nat. Reg.]
[ATT]
NNR 73.177 Nov. 20, 1847 Re-capture of American deserters at Nassau
DESERTERS. The Nassau (New Providence) Gazette , of the
3d November, says: "Several of the American soldiers recently wrecked
have since their arrival here, made their escape to the shore and deserted.
The police force have however been on the alert, and have succeeded in
recapturing two of them, for which they have received sixty dollars, the
amount made payable by the U.S. government, being $30 a head for each one
who may be caught. We have no doubt, that those who are still on
shore will be also captured by the now efficient and active police body.";
[JNA]
NNR 73.177 Nov. 20, 1847 quiet at Santa Fe, reports of assembling of Mexicans, attacks by Indians
Santa Fe. Mr. McCoons, of St. Louis, brings Santa Fe dates to the 19th October, at which time all was quiet there, but numerous reports were in circulation of the forces assembling at El Paso and Chihuahua.
The Indians
continue to attack parties on the route. Mr. McC. Furnished details
of several skirmishes. There is a great scarcity of grass on the
plains and prairies, which have been burnt over as far as the eye could
reach. Fire was seen every night on the Semerone. He also experienced
snow storms on the route. Great suffering on the part of the men
and the teams on the route are apprehended.
[ATT]
NNR 73.177 Nov. 20, 1847 Gen. Zachary Taylor's request for a leave of absence
General Taylor. The Washington Union says.
It is understood that Gen. Taylor – who has been absent from his family and private business for more than two years and a half, and during the whole of that time has been engaged in the most important and arduous duties – has asked for leave of absence to return to the United States for six months.
His letter to that effect was received by the adjutant general yesterday evening; in the course of which, Gen Taylor states that he thinks, in consequence of the present character of the war, his services may not be wanted at this time. He purposes to remove to Matamoras early this month, where he awaits the answer of the government, and expresses a desire to be in New Orleans by the 1st of Dec.
We understand
the leave of absence has been granted to him; and we have no doubt that,
if events should arise to call for his services on that frontier, he will
fly to place himself at the head of his gallant army.
[ATT]
NNR 73.178 Nov. 20, 1847 President James Knox Polk overrules Gen. John Ellis Wool and restores Lts. Singletary and Pender
The Lieutenants Reinstated. - Lieuts. Singletary and Pender, who were “dishonorably discharged” by General Wool for being concerned in the late mutinous occurrences in the North Carolina regiment at Buena Vista, have been restored to their commands by order of president Polk. The Standard quotes the words : “The order of the president in this case makes General Wool’s order of discharge null and void, and Lieut. Singletary is considered as never having been out of service.” And a similar order has of course been given as to Lieut. Pender.
The Raleigh Register, after a testimony to the chivalrous personal qualifications of Lieut. Singletary has the following remarks:
“But certainly, the president has acted most improperly about this affair. We do not question his power in the premises, for as he can remove, we take it for granted that he can also restore. But would any other president have reversed the order of an officer, so high in rank as General Wool, who was on the spot at the time of the occurrences, which led to Lieut. Singletary’s discharge, and must therefore be presumed to have acted on information satisfactory to his own mind – would, we say, any other president have interfered in the matter without examining into the facts if the case, or consulting with Gen. Wool? Mr. Polk’s conduct in this business, is a second edition, “revised and enlarged,” as we printers say, of his high handed assumption of power with regard to the mutiny in the Mecklenburg Rowan companies, last winter. It appears to us perfectly folly, to expect subordination in the army, when the president by his mere sic volo, sic jubeo, thus over rides all military rule and etiquette, and proclaims from the house tops- “I am the state! ”
“We know
not what steps Gen. Wool may deem it proper to take, to rebuke this interference
by the executive, but we are confident Col. Paine will promptly resign
his command, and return home.”
[ATT]
NNR 73.178-179 Nov. 20, 1847 Com. Robert Field Stockton's return from California, his quarrel with Gen. Stephen Watts Kearney over authority
California. – Return home of Commodore Stockton. The squabble for authority – and for such laurels as the conquest of California has afforded, is likely to prove edifying to the people of this republic. A trial is progressing at the seat of government which every day develops incidents worthy of attention, and for which we regret not having room in out columns for a more detailed report. The path of what passes will be given. Meantime another Richmond enters the field. Commodore Stockton, and suite reached St. Louis Mo. On the 4th inst., by an over land route from California, having been one hundred days in performing the journey. He met with some detention owing to his men being attacked by measles, but finally they arrived all in good health. On their route the Indians were occasionally troublesome. – one occasion received a slight wound from an arrow, said to have been a poisoned arrow, but no serious injury resulted.
On arriving at St. Joseph, an invitation was given to the commodore to accept a public dinner which was declined. He embarked the day of his arrival at St. Louis, for his residence, Princeton, N. J.
The St. Louis Republican of the 5th says:
In a conversation with the commodore, we learned from him his determination to demand, on his arrival at Washington a full and complete investigation of all the occurrences in California, involving the conquest of that country, and the official regulations of Commodore Stockton, General Kearney, and other functionaries. As our readers are aware, many and very contradictory statements have been presented in relation to public affairs in California, and nothing but a full investigation, sifting error from misstatement, and giving to each officer the credit which his acts deserve, is likely now to satisfy the public. For this reason, we hope that the demand will be acceded to, at and early day. The conduct of out public officers in California has been strangely misrepresented and misconceived, at home, under wrong imputations of charges of official misconduct.
Com. Stockton speaks unreservedly of his public course in California. It will be seen, by a communication which he has addressed to us, and which we publish below, that he claimed for himself the office of “commander in chief of the forces,” taking issue, on this question, with a writer in the “Californian” newspaper, who had spoken of Gen. Kearney in this relation. In regard to this publication, and to the reply of Com. Stockton, it is explained to us, that the letter from Com. Stockton was sent to the press before Gen. Kearney’s departure from California – that it was withheld from the public by the editor on the representations of Gen. Kearney; that afterwards, and when that officer had left the country, it was proposed by the editor that the letter should appear in his columns, but that Com. Stockton would not yield to his suggestion, and that it was after he had left for the states, and in opposition to his desire, that the publication was actually made.
Com. Stockton, in the conquest of California, acted upon his own responsibility before the arrival of General Kearney, and this being the case, that the conditional powers vested in Gen. Kearney were inoperative, and that he had no authority to act as “commander in chief” in California. He assures, that Gen. Kearney, on his arrival at San Diego, did acknowledge him as commander in chief, and offered his services and aid. That after the arrival of Gen Kearney at San Diego, Com Stockton repeatedly proffered him the command of the expeditionary against Los Angeles, which Gen. Kearney declined – preferring to serve as second to Com. Stockton. That, during the expedition, in the battle of San Pasqual, and for several days after their arrival in the city of Los Angeles, General Kearney continued to recognize the commodore as commander in chief. It is even stated, that General Kearney, by letter, requested the permission of the commodore, as commander in chief, to employ a portion of the troops on a particular duty. Some days following this, Gen Kearney set up the claim of being himself the military and civil commander of the Californians. In the correspondence which followed, the commodore denied this authority, and suspended General Kearney He asserts, that the government at Washington has sustained his view of his powers, in as much as he of major general, and that of General Kearney was only brigadier general.
Whatever may have been the origin of the difficulties which unquestionably have attended the exercise of power in California, it is due alike to each of the officers concerned that the full inquiry should be made into all their public acts in that region, and that the people should be made acquainted with them. The necessity is the more obvious, as differences of opinion exist now which cannot be reconciled, which justice to anybody, without explanations which can only be derived from a full investigation.
Steamboat Meteor, Nov. 3, 1847.
To the Editors
of the Missouri Republican:
Gentlemen: I have not yet seen the papers, but I am informed that it has been stated in yours, as well as other newspapers in the United States, that I was not “commander-in chief” of the United States forces in California, on their march from San Diego to the Ciudad de los Angeles, in January last.
The same attempt to deprive me of that responsibility was made in California. My reply to the editor of the Californian, whom it turned out was the mere cat’s paw, with the accompanying letter, signed by all the staff officers then in California, settled the matter there.
I now send the same papers to you, and request that you publish them, in the hop that they will produce the same result here.
My respect for the government and the people of the United States, will not permit me to characterize such unworthy attempts in the manner they deserve; but those who have been guilty of misrepresentation, will not go unwhipped of justice.
I have been forced, quite unwillingly, before the public, in self defense; and if it should be that the misstatements by which the second in command has been converted into “commander in chief”, have not arisen from any “malus animus”, but simply from a confusion of ideas on the field of battle nevertheless, I will be excused for having written on this letter without further information on the subject, because I wish that the people of Missouri, who have treated me with so much consideration and kindness, should be informed that I have nailed one falsehood to the counter, and that I intend to back up all I have said or written, or that others have said or written by my authority.
Faithfully, your obedient servant
R.F. Stockton.
From the Californian, July 17, 1847.
U.S. Frigate Congress
Harbor of San Diego, March 10th, 1847
To the Editors of the Californian, Monterey :
Gentlemen:: In an editorial article in the Californian of the 13th February, you may find the following paragraph:
“Commodore Stockton announced to the officers that the whole expedition was placed under the command of Gen. Kearney, himself holding his station as commander in chief of California, and the General Kearney did command the whole expedition.”
I take the first opportunity to say to you, that the above paragraph is not true in any one of its important particulars. It is not true that I placed the whole expedition under the command of Gen. Kearney, nor did I so announce it.
On the request of Gen. Kearney, and with the consent of Lieut. Rowan,(to whom with the consent of Lieut. Minot, who had previously held it, I had given the command only the night before,) I appointed Gen. Kearney to command the troops, and so announced it; at the same time stating distinctly, that I still retained my position as commander in chief – the word California did not pass my lips upon that occasion.
Now Messrs. Editors, if you say that I delegated or intended to delegate my duty or authority as the director of the expedition or commander in chief of the forces, or that Gen. Kearney, or any other person but myself, exercised, or pretended to exercise, any such power or authority, from the time we left San Diego until we arrived at the Ciudad de los Angeles, there I must say to you that all such statements are false.
But, Messrs, Editors, it id quite true that “Com. Stockton did leave San Diego at the head of the forces of his command,” and marched into the Ciudad de los Angeles in the same way.
There are other most glaring misstatements in the editorial referred to, which no doubt in due season will be corrected. In the meantime, go on.
“Sic itur ad astra.”
Your obedient
servant, R.F. Stockton
P.S. This communication has been delayed, in the hope that I could be at Monterey before this time.
San Diego, 9th March, 1847
Sir: In answer to your letter from the 8th inst, we the Ciudad de los Angeles, was conceived and fitted out by Commodore Stockton, and commanded by cogence from its conception, to its successful termination at the Ciudad de los Angeles.
Commodore Stockton gave all orders and directions during the march, compartting with dignity of commander in chief, and all flags of truce were referred to him (Commodore Stockton) as commander in Chief and Governor of California.
We considered Gen. Kearney as second in command of the time we left San Diego to the termination of the expedition, and we believe he was so considered by all of the officers of the expedition.
With the highest regard
S.C Rowan, Lieut. U.S.N
and Major George Minor, Lieut U.S.N,
and Q.M J. Zeilin, 1st Lieut. and Brevet Captain, and Adj’t
of the battalion.
W. Speiden, Purser U.S.N. and com’y
I beg leave further to add that the tactics used in this expedition, were the same as those introduced and practiced on the first march from San Pedro for Gen. Castro’s camp, in August last, when California was conquered by the forces under the command of Commodore Stockton. J.Zeilin, 1st Lieut. and Brevet Captain, and Adj,t U.S. Forces.
We certify
that the above is true copy of the original,
T.P. Green, Lieut.
S. Mosely, Surgeon
I fully concur in the above statement, as I know them all to be true from my own personal knowledge, having carried orders from commodore Stockton, as commander in chief, to Gen. Kearney, as second in command; besides, during our march from San Diego to the Ciudad de los Angeles, Gen. Kearny told me himself, that he considered Com. Stockton as commander in chief.
Archi H. Gillespie
1st Lieut. Marine corps., late Major California Battalion of
Mounted Riflemen.
[ATT]
NNR 73.179 Nov. 20, 1847 California tranquil, activities and distribution of troops
A Letter to the editor of the Albany Argus, from and officer in Col. Stevenson’s regiment, dated Pueblo des los Angeles, California, June 22, 1847, represents the country as being tranquil, and that nothing of importance had transpired there if importance since Gen. Kearny had left there for the U. States. Some of the Californians who had left there for Sonoria, were returning, with deplorable accounts of the condition of the country, in consequence of which, says the writer, many respectable families at Sonoria were making arrangements to remove to California, from a conviction that they will be sure of a permanent and good government under the American flag. The letter says:
“We have now at this post nearly completed a strong fortress. It has been erected by the troops on a hill that commands the town and the surrounding country. This, of course, will effectually suppress any attempt at insurrection, as every effort must inevitably involve all engaged in it, in a common calamity.
The Mormon force here and at San Diego, consists of about 360 men. Their term of service expirers on the 16th of July. They have been invited to re-enter the service for another year. But at present there is not much prospect of their doing so. – This is extremely to be regretted, for they are a… , quiet and peaceable set of men, submitting without resistance or a murmur to the severest discipline, and altogether a most useful and efficient body of men.
The regiment of New York volunteers is now very much scattered – being distributed among different posts from Sutter’s Settlement, on the Sacramento, to La Paz, in lower California – a distance of 1509 miles. The regiment will never probably be together again while in service. They will dearly earn all they receive from the government. The… of American industry and enterprise is plainly to be seen wherever our troops are stationed. Brieks are burned, ovens chimneys erected, saw-mills put in operation, and comfortable houses constructed wherever timber can be had. Watchers and… too, are sent to these stations from a distance of 50 miles, to be repaired; cloths brought to be made into clothing, leather to be made into boots and shoes – and at one of the posts, a tannery has been established – and at Monterey two of the N.Y. volunteers, who are employed by the commissary, have opened a stall at which beef, lamb, veal, and mutton can be purchased, dressed in Fulton market style. – They are doing remarkably well, and even the inhabitants who have been in the habit of slaughtering a bullock in the streets for their own use are abandoning the habit and patronizing the New York brothers.
These are specimens of what is going forward here in the way of civilization and improvement under the sway of the United States government and its arms. …do well here who choose to help themselves and become useful. But I have no more time to write.
Position of the troops &c.- We find the following statements as reported by those arrived overland with Commodore Stockton.
At Sonoma- Capt. Brackett’s company, Stevenson’s regiment.
At San Francisco – Maj. Hardin commanding, with two companies of Col. Mason military and civil governor – company F., 3d regiment of artillery. Lts. Sherman, Loeson, and Minor. Capts. Naglee and Shannon’s companies of N.Y. volunteers, Stevenson’s.
At Santa Barbra, Capt. Lippe’s company N. York volunteers.
At the Crudad de los Angeles, Col. Stevenson and two companies of his regiment; company c, 1st dragoons, Lieut. Smith commanding, Lieuts. Davidson and Stevenson. And Asst’t. Surgeon John Griffin.
Four companies of Mormon volunteers were discharged July 16th . A considerable number then were passed by Com. Stockton’s party on their return to the United States for their families to take them to the new settlement at Salt Lake. At San Diego, one company of Mormon volunteers; since discharged.
One bastion of the fort at Monterey was early done, then guns were mounded, and on the 4th of July a salute was fired from it.
The country quiet. Few merchants were upon the coast with goods, a supply was much wanted, particularly coffee, tea, sugar, dry goods, and tools for agriculture
Te Louisville Journal says: “Com. Stockton arrived at St. Joseph, Mo., on the 26th ult., with and escort of 45 men, commanded by Major Gillespie; left Sacramento valley July 19th; journey across very pleasant, had but two days rain; saw many Indians upon the road from California to the Missouri; met large numbers of emigrants for Oregon and California; 1,172 wagons passed Fort Laramie for the west, 140 of which were Mormons on their road to the new Zion, at the Great Salt Lake.”
In the commodores’ suit we find named Lieut. Wm. H. Thompson, U.S.N.,
Major Arch’d. H. Gillespie, and Capt. Saml. J. Hensley, Mr. J. Parker
Norris, and Mr. Wm. Simmons. They accompany the commodore on to the
seat of government.
[ATT]
NNR 73.180 Nov. 20, 1847 difficulties of raising volunteers in Loco-Foco Alabama
Alabama.
- Proclamation - Gov. Martin has just issued his third proclamation calling
on the war patriots to volunteer and fill up the five companies required
of that state some six months ago. Only one company has yet been raised
in that thorough loco-foco state, from which it seems that the locofocos
greatly prefer to talk against Mexico to fighting against her. Where
are the locofoco editors and demagogues of Alabama who have written and talked
so much of the justice of this war, and of the duty of all patriots to volunteer
their service in it? – There are enough of them to form a regiment, but
these persons refuse to enlist, not withstanding it is their duty to do
so according to their own doctrine.
[ATT]
NNR 73.180 Nov. 20, 1847 Skirmish at the National Bridge
WAR WITH MEXICO.
SKIRMISH AT THE NATIONAL BRIDGE, SPET. 9.
A letter from a member of the Maryland regiment, dated National Bridge, Oct. 19th says:
"When within four hundred yards of the fort, we at once commenced throwing round shot and shells. Just before our cannon made a break at them, the Mexicans could be seen waving their swords from the ramparts. They left, however, very suddenly the moment the first shell struck near him. Just at this time an order passed down the line for Captains Brown, Barry and Dolan's companies to take position upon the left. Headed by mjor Kenley, we soon entered the chaparral, and after tugging and climbing the rocks and grape vines for about three hours, we obtained our position, and were soon formed into line of battle. An order was then given to charge. Our men did so with a tremendous shout, and soon gained the ramparts, in time to see the enemy scampering over the hills with the utmost precipitancy. The hill upon which the fort is situated is about 600 feet from the base.
"I see it stated in one of the Baltimore papers that Gen. Lane took possession of this place. Such is not the fact. Gen. Lane did not arrive till we had been there three weeks. He reviewed us several times and then moved on."
Officers--In another part of his letter the writer remarks:--"The appointment of Lt. Col. Hughes as colonel of the regiment has just been read to us on parade. I presume Major John R. Kenly will be made lieut. Colonel. A more popular appointment with the regiment could not be made. The major is the most popular man out here, and the officers of the regiment all go in for him. It is thought that we will leave for Jalapa in the course of two weeks."[JNA]
NNR 73.180-181 Nov. 20, 1847 Incidents and actors in the campaign
INCIDENTS AND ACTORS IN THE CAMPAIGN.A father's life saved by his son.--Among the deserters tried and sentenced to be hung at Mexico, was a man named Edward McHenry, of the 4th artillery. Gen. Scott, as commander-in-chief-, had the power to approve or disapprove the sentence of the court. In passing on that of McHenry, the general made these remarks: "A like remission [from hanging] is made in the case of Edward McHenry, company G, out of consideration for a son, a private in the same company, who has remained faithful to his colors."[JNA]
NNR 73.181 Nov. 20, 1847 voting for governor among Pennsylvania volunteers at Perote in Mexico
Pennsylvania election at Perote . - By a late act of the Pennsylvania legislature, the volunteers from that state, now serving in Mexico, are entitled to vote for state officers at the time of a general election. – On the 12th of October, a poll was opened at Perote, and the Pennsylvania volunteers, in garrison there, exercised the right to suffrage, at the close of the vote stood for governor: Francis R Shunk, 66; James Irwin, 20. For canal commissioner: Morris Longstreth, 66, G. W. Patton, 19; Robert H. Morton, 1. [ATT]
NNR 73.181-184 Nov. 20, 1847 Gen. Winfield Scott's force at Mexico, his official report on the battles of Contreras and Churubusco
Battles of Contreras and Churubusco
Report of Major General Scott
[No. 31]
Headquarters of the Army
San Augustin, Acapulco Road,
9 miles from Mexico, August 19, 1847
Sir: Leaving a competent garrison at Puebla, this army advanced upon the capital as follows: -Twiggs’s division preceded by Harney’s brigade of cavalry, the 7th; Quitman’s division of volunteers, with a small detachment of United States marines, the 8th ; Worth’s division, the 9th; and Pillow’s division the 10th -all in the month. On the 8th I overtook and then continued with the leading division. The crops were at no time beyond five hour or supporting distance apart; and, on descending into the basin of the capital, (seventy-five miles from Puebla, (they became more closely approximated about the head of Lake Chalco, with Lake Tescueo a little in front and to the right. On the 12th and 13th we pushed reconnoisssances upon the Penon, an isolated mound, (eight miles from Mexico) of great height, strongly fortified to the top, (three tiers of works,) and flooded around the base by season of rains and sluices from the lakes. This mound, close to the national road, commands the principal approach to the city from the east. No doubt it might have been carried, but at a great and disproportionate loss, and I was anxious to spare the lives of this gallant army for a general battle, which I knew we had to win before capturing the city or obtaining the great object of the campaign-a just and honorable peace.
Another reconnaissance was directed (the 13th) upon Mexicalcingo, to the left of the Penon, a village at a fortified bridge across the outlet or canal leading from Lake Jochimilco to the capital-five miles from the latter. It might have been easy (masking the Penon) to force the passage; but on the other side of the bridge, we should have found ourselves four miles from this road, on a narrow causeway, flanked to the right and left by water or boggy grounds. Those difficulties, closely viewed, threw me back upon the project, long entertained, of turning the strong eastern defenses of the city by passing around south of Lakes Chalco and Jocuimilco, at the foot of the hills and mountains, so as to reach this point, and hence to manoeuvre on hard ground, though much broken, to the south and southwest of the capital, which has been more or less under our view since the 10th instant.
Accordingly, by a sudden inversion-Worth’s division, with Harney’s cavalry brigade, leading-we marched on the 15th instant. Pillows and Quitman’s divisions followed closely and then Twigg’s division which was left till the next day, at Ayotia, in order to threaten the Penon and Mexicalcingo, and to deceive the enemy as long as practicable.
Twiggs, on the 16th, marching from Ayotia towards Chalco, (six miles, met a corps of more than double his numbers-cavalry and infantry-under General Valencia. Twiggs halted, deploying into line, and by a few rounds from Captain Taylor’s field battery, dispersed the enemy, killing or wounding many men and horses. No other molestation has been experienced except a few random shots from guerrilleros on the heights; and the march of twenty-seven miles, over a route deemed impracticable by the enemy, is not accomplished by all the corps-thanks to their indomitable zeal and physical prowess.
Arriving here, the 18th, Worth’s division and Harney’s cavalry were pushed forward a league to reconnoitre and to carry or to mask San Antonio on the direct road to the capital. This village was found strongly defended by field works, heavy guns, and numerous garrison. It could only be turned by infantry, to the left, over a field of volcanic rocks and lave; for, to our right the ground was too boggy. It was soon ascertained by the daring engineers, Capt. Mason and Lieuts. Stevens and Tower, ‘that the point could only be approached by the front, over a narrow causeway, flanked with wet ditches of great depth. Worth was ordered not to attack, but to threaten and to mask the place.
The first shot fired from San Antonio (the 18th) killed Captain S. Thornton, 21 dragoons, a gallant officer, who was covering the operations with his company.
The same day a reconnoissance was commenced to the left of San Augustin, first over difficult mounds, and farther on, over the same field of volcanic rocks and lava which extends to the mountains, some five miles, from San Antonio, towards Magdalena. This reconnoissance was continued to-day by Captain lee, assisted by Lieutenants Beauregard and Tower, all of the engineers; who were joined in the afternoon b Major Smith of the same cops. Other diversions coming up, Pillow’s was advanced to make a practicable road for heavy artillery, and Twiggs’s thrown farther in front, to cover that operation; for, by the partial reconnoissance of yesterday, Captain Lee discovered a large corps of observation in that direction, with a detachment of which his supports of cavalry and foot, under Captain Kearny and Lieut. Col. Graham, respectively, has a successful skirmish.
By three o’clock this afternoon the advanced division came to a point where the new road could only be continued under the direct fire of 22 pieces of the enemy’s artillery, (most of them of large caliber) placed in a strong entrenched camp to oppose our operations, and surrounded by every advantage of ground, besides immense bodies of cavalry and infantry, hourly reinforced from the city over an excellent road beyond the volcanic field, and consequently entirely beyond the reach of our cavalry and artillery.
Arriving on the ground an hour later, I found that Pillow’s and Twigg’s divisions ad advanced to dislodge the enemy, picking their way (all officers on foot) along his front, and extending themselves toward the road from the city and enemy’s left. Captain Magruder’s field battery of mounted howitzers and rockets, had also; with great difficulty, been advanced within range of the entrenched camp. These batteries, most gallantly served, suffered much in the course of the afternoon from the enemy’s superior metal.
The battle, though mostly stationary, continued to rage with great violence until night fall. Brevet Brig. Gen. P.F. Smith’s and Brevet Col. Riley’s brigades, (Twiggs’s division,) supported by Brig. Generals Pierce’s and Cadwallader’s brigades, (Pillow’s division,) were more than three hours under a heavy fire of artillery and musketry, along the almost impassable ravine in front and to the left of the entrenched camp. Besides the 22 pieces of artillery, the camp and ravine were defended closely by masses of infantry, and these again supported by clouds of cavalry, at hand and hovering in view. –Consequently no decided impression could be made by day light on the enemy’s most formidable position, because independent of the difficulty of the ravine, our infantry, unaccompanied by cavalry and artillery, could not advance in column without being mowed down by the grape and canister of the batteries, no advance in line without being ridden over by the enemy’s numerous cavalry. All our troops, however, including Magruder’s and Callender’s last batteries, not only maintained the exposed positions early gained, but all attempted charges upon them respectively, particularly on Riley’s, (twice closely engaged with cavalry in greatly superior numbers,) were repulsed and punished.
From an eminence, soon after arriving near the scene, I observed the church and hamlet of Contreras, (or Ansalda,) on the road leading up from the capital, through the entrenched camp, to Magdalena, and seeing at the same time the stream of reinforcements advancing by the road from the city, I ordered (through Maj. Gen. Pillow) Col. Morgan, with his regiment, the 15th, till then held in reserve by Pillow, to move forward and occupy Contreras (or Ansalda) being persuaded, if occupied, it would arrest the enemy’s reinforcements and ultimately decide the battle.
Riley was already on the enemy’s left, in advance of the hamlet. A few minutes later, Brig. Gen. Shields, with his volunteer brigade, (New York and South Carolina regiments, Quitman’s division,) coming up under my orders from San Augustin, I directed Shields to follow and sustain Morgan. – These corps, over the extreme difficulties of ground, partially covered with a low forest, before described, reached Contreras, and found Cadwallader’s brigade in position, observing the formidable movement from the capital and much needing the timely reinforcement.
It was already dark, and the cold rain has begun to fall in torrents upon our unsheltered troops; for the hamlet, though a strong defensive position, can only hold the wounded men, and, unfortunately, the new regiments have little or nothing to eat in their haversacks. Wet, hungry, and without the possibility of sleep, all our gallant corps, I learn, are full of confidence, and only wait for the last hour of darkness to gain the positions whence to storm and carry the enemy’s works.
Of the seven officers dispatched, since about sun down, from my position opposite the enemy’s centre, and on this side of the field of rocks and lava, to communicate instruction to the hamlet, no one has succeeded in getting through those difficulties, increased by darkness. They have all returned. But the gallant and indefatigable Capt. Lee, of the engineers, who has been constantly with the operating forces, just in from Shields, Smith, Cadwallader &t, to report as above, and to ask that a powerful diversion be made against the centre of the entrenched camp towards morning.
Brig. Gen. Twiggs, cut off, as above, from the part of his division beyond the impracticable ground, and Capt. Lee, are gone, under my orders, to collect the forces remaining on this side, with which to make that diversion about five o’clock in the morning.
And here I will end this report, commenced at its date; and, in another, continue the narrative of the great events which them impended.
I have the honor to be, sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant,
Winfield Scott
Hon. Wm. L. March, Secretary of War
[NO. 32]
Headquarters of the Army
Tacubaya, at the gates of Mexico,
August 28, 1847
Sir: My report No. 31, commenced in the night of the 19th instant closed the operations of the army with 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-battle 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 then the enemy’s entrenched camp on the same road, towards the factory of Magdalena.
That camp has been, unexpectedly, our formidable point of attack the afternoon before, and we had not to take it, without the aid of cavalry or artillery, or to throw back our advanced corps upon the 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, on 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, garrison of that important depot with Harney’s brigade of cavalry, as horse could not pass over the intervening rocks, &t. 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 Smith, received through the engineer, Captain lee, who conveyed my orders to our troops remaining on the ground opposite the enemy’s centre-the point for the diversion or a 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 at the hamlet, having arrived in 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 camp in his rear should be carried, to face about and cut off the flying enemy.
At 3 o’clock 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 order 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, and mud; but about sunrise, Riley, conducted by Lieut. Tower, engineer, had reached an elevation behind the enemy, whence he precipitated his columns; stormed the entrenchments; planted his several colors upon them, and carried the work-all in seventeen minutes.
Conducted by Lieut. Beauregard, engineer, and Lieutenant Brooks, of Twiggs’s staff-both of whom like Lieut. Tower, had, in the night, twice reconnoitered the ground-Cadwallader brought up to the general assault two of his regiments-the voltigeurs and the 11th and the appointed time, Col. Ransom, with this temporary brigade, conducted by Captain, Lee, engineer, no only made the movement to divert and to distract the enemy, but, after crossing the deep raving in his front, 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 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 Lieut. Smith, engineer, who had conducted the march, was ordered by Brigadier General Smith to form line faced to the enemy, and in a charge, against a 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 deference, batteries, and the extreme disparity of numbers- without cavalry or artillery on our side-is to be found on record. Including al our corps directed against the entrenched camp, with Shield’s brigade at the hamlet, we positively did not number over 4500 rank and file; and we knew by sight, and since more certainly by many captured documents and letters, 7000 men, with at least 12,000 more hovering with 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: on road to the capital opened; 700 of the enemy killed; 813 prisoners, including, among 88 officers, 4 generals; besides many colors and standards; 22 pieces of brass ordnance-half of large caliber; thousand of small arms and accoutrements; and immense quantity of shot, shells, powder, and cartridges, 700 pack mules, many horses, &t. -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, 60; among the fore the brave Captain Charles Hanson, of the 7th infantry-not more distinguished for gallantry than for modesty, morals and piety. Lieut J. P. Johnston, 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 the works, by Captain Drum, 4th artillery, under Major Gardner, of the two brass six pounders, taken from another company of the same regiment, though without 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 back to their later positions-Worth to attack San Antonio in front with his whole force, as soon as approached in the rear by Pillow’s and Twiggs’s 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 to other trains.
Accordingly, the two advanced divisions and Shield’s brigade marched from Contreras, under the immediate orders of Major Gen. Pillow, who was now joined by the gallant, Brig. Gen. Pierce, of his division, personally thrown out of activity late in 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 Augustine, to join me. I personally followed Pillow’s movement.
Arriving at Coyoacan, two miles by a cross road, from the rear of San Antonio, I first detached Capt. Lee, engineer, with Cap. Kearney’s troop (1st dragoons,) supported by the rifle regiment under Major Loring, to reconnoitre that strong point; and next dispatched 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 to reconnoitre the strongly fortified church or convent of San Pablo in the hamlet of Churubuseo-one mile off. -Twiggs, with one of 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 dispatched 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 n ten minutes) I sent Pierce (just able to 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 moment upon the convent, and cut off the retreat towards the capital. And, finally, Shields, senior brigadier to pierce, with the New York and South Caroline 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 Churubuseo, was hard pressed, and in danger of being out flanked, if not overwhelmed, by greatly superior numbers, I immediately sent, under Major Sumner, 24 dragoons, the rifles (Twiggs’ reserve) and Capt. Sibley’s troop, 24 dragons, 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 out decisive victory at Contreras.
His second brigade (Colonel Clarke’s) conducted by Captain Mason, engineer, assisted by Lieutenant Hardcastle, topographical engineer, turned the right flank and by a wide sweep came out upon the high road to the capital. At this point the heavy garrison (3,000 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 Churubuseo, in the direct line of our operations. The first brigade (Colonel Garland’s) same division, consisting of the 2d artillery, under Major Galt, the 3d artillery, under Lieutenant Colonel Belton, and the 4th infantry, commanded by Major 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 Maj. Gen. Pillow, who marching, from Coyoaean and discovering that San Antonio had been carried, immediately turned to the left, according to my instructions, and though much impeded by ditched and swamps, hastened to the attack of Churubuseo.
The hamlet of scattered houses, bearing this name, presented, besides the fortified convent, a strong field work (tete 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 27,000 men-cavalry, artillery, and infantry, collected from every quarter-were not in, on the flanks or within supporting distance of, those works, and seemed resolved to make a last and desperate stand; or if beaten here, the feebler defenses 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, had already held out about an hour, when Worth and Pillow-the latter having with him only Cadwallader’s brigade-began to manoeuvre closely upon the tete 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 Lieut. Col. Smith, continued to advance in front, and under the fire of a long line of infantry, off on the left of t he 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 Clark’s brigade-advancing perpendicularly, were made to suffer much by the fire of the tete 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 tete 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 Maj. Waite and Lieut. Colonel Scott followed closely by the 6th infantry (same brigade) which had been so much exposed in the road-the 11th regiment, under Lieut. Col. Graham, and 14th, commanded by Col. Trousdale, both of Cadwallader’s brigade, Pillow’s division. About the same time, the enemy, in front of Garland, and after a hot conflict of an hour and a half, gave way, in a retreat towards the capital.
The immediate results of this third signal triumph of the way were: three field pieces, 192 prisoners, much ammunition and two colors, taken in the tete de pont.
Lieut. J. F. Irons, 1st artillery, aid-de-camp to Brigadier Gen. Cadwallader, a young officer of great merit and conspicuous in battle on several previous occasions, received in front of the work, a mortal would. (Since dead.)
As the concurrent attack upon the convent favored, physically and morally, the assault, upon the tete de pont, so, reciprocally, no doubt, the fall of the latter contributed to the capture of the former. The two works were only some 450 yards apart; and as soon as we were in possession of the tete de pont, a captured four pounder was turned and fired-first by Captain Larkin Smith, and next by Lieutenant Snelling, both of the eighth 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 sharp-shooters of the enemy.
Finally, twenty minutes after the tete 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 defense along the rivulet of Churubuseo-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 J. M. Smith and Lieutenant O. L. Shephered, both of that regiment, with their companies, had the glory of leading the assault. 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 out works of the convent and the tower of its churches. 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, belonging to the brigade of Brig. Gen. Smith, who closely directed the whole attack in front, with his habitual coolness and ability; while Riley’s brigade-the 2d and 7th infantry, under Capt. T. Morris and Lieut. Col. 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 Brig. Gen. Shields’ on our extreme left; and the 4th artillery, acting as infantry, under Maj. Gardner, belonging to Riley’s brigade, had been left in charge of the camp, trophies, &c., at Contreras. Twiggs’ division, at Churubuseo, has 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 7 field pieces, some ammunition, one color, three generals, and 1,261 prisoners, including other officers.
Captains E.A. Capron and M.J. Burke, and Lieut. S. Hoffman, all of the 1st artillery, and Capt. J.W. Anderson and Lieut. 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--—d been detached to our left to turn the enemy’s works;-to prevent the escape of the garrisons, and to oppose the extension of the enemy’s numerous corps, from the read, upon and around our left.
Considering the inferior numbers of the two brigades, the objects of the movements were difficult to accomplish. Hence the reinforcements (the rifles, &c.,) 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 4,000 of the enemy’s infantry, a little in the rear of Churubuseo, on that road. Establishing the right at a strong building, Shields extended his left, parallel to the road, to outflank the enemy towards the capital. But the enemy extending his right, supported by 3,000 cavalry, more rapidly (being favored by their 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 directed by their distinguished commander, Brig. Gen. Shields. The 9th, 12th , and 15th regiments, under Col. Ranson, Captain Wood, and Col. Morgan, respectively, of Pearce’s brigade, (Pillow’s division) and the New York and South Carolina volunteers, under Cols. Burnett and Butler, respectively of Shields’ own brigade, (Quitman’s division) together with the mountain howitzer battery, now under Lieut. 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 of Lieutenant Colonel Dickenson, who being severely wound (as before in the siege of Vera Cruz) the regiment ultimately fell under the orders of Major Gladden.
Lieuts. David Adams and W.R. Williams of the came corps; Capt. Augustus Quarles, and Lieut. J.B. Goodman of the 15th, and Lieut. E. Chandler, New York volunteers-all gallant officers, nobly fell in the same action.
Shields took 380 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 tete de pont and the convent had some influence on the surrender of those formidable defenses.
As soon as the tete 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, Col. 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 Kearney, of the 1st dragoons, having in squadron, with his own troop, that of Captain McReynolds, of the 3rd-making the usual escort to general headquarters; but being early in the day detached for general service, was now under Col. Harney’s orders. The gallant captain now hearing the recall that had been sounded, dashed up to the San Antonio gate, sabreing, in his way all that resisted. Of the seven officers of the squadron, Hearney lost his left arm, McReynolds and Lieut. Lorimer Graham were both severely wounded, Lieut. 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 by freely poured out on the different fields-to the abilities and science of generals and other officers-to the gallantry 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 by this glorious army, which has now overcome all difficulties-distance, climate, ground, fortifications, numbers.
If has a single day, in many battles, as often defeated 32,000 men; made about 3,000 prisoners, including eight generals (two of them ex-presidents) and 205 other officers; killed or wounded 4,000 of all ranks-besides entire corps dispersed and dissolved; captured 37 pieces of ordinance-more than trebling our siege train and field batteries with a large number of small arms, a full supply of ammunition of every kind, &t., &t.
These great results have overwhelmed the enemy.
Our loss amounts to 1,052 –killed 139, including 16 officers; wounded 876, with 60 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 generally doing well.
I regret having been obliged, on the 20th, to leave Major General Quitman, an able commander, with a part of a division-the fine 2d Pennsylvania volunteers and the veteran detachment of U. States marines-at our important depot, San Augustin. It was there that I had place 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.
After so many victories, we might, with but a little additional loss, have occupied the capital the same evening. But Mr. Trist, commissioner, &co. as well as myself, had been admonished by the bet friends of peace-intelligent neutrals and some American residents-against precipitation; lest, by wantonly driving away the government and others-dishonored-we might scatter elements of peace, excite a spirit of national desperation, and thus indefinitely postpone the hope of accommodation. Deeply impressed with this danger, and remembering our mission-to conquer a peace-the army very cheerfully sacrificed to patriotism-to the great wish and want of our country-the eclat that would have followed an entrance-sword in hand-into a great capital.-Willing to have something to this republic-of no immediate value to us-on which to rest her pride, and to recover temper-I halted our victorious corps at the gates of the city, (at least for a time,) and have them now cantoned in the neighboring villages, where they are still sheltered and supplied with all necessaries.
On the morning of the 21st, being about to take up battering or assaulting positions, to authorize me to summon the city to surrender, or to sign an armistice with a pledge to enter at once into negotiations for a peace- a mission came out to propose a truce. Rejecting its terms, I dispatched my contemplated not to president Santa Anna-omitting the summons. The 22d commissioners were appointed by the commanders of the two armies; the armistice was signed the 23rd, and ratifications exchanged the 24th.
All matters in dispute between the two governments have been thus happily turned over to their plenipotentiaries, who have now had sever conferences, and, with I think, some hope of signing a treat of peace.
There will be transmitted to the adjutant general reports from divisions, brigades, &c., on the foregoing operations, to which I must refer, with my hearty concurrence in the just applause bestowed on corps and individuals by their respective commanders. I have been able-this report being necessarily a summary-to bring out, comparatively, but little of individual merit no lying directly in the way of the narrative. Thus I doubt whether I have, in express terms, gibe my approbation and applause, to the commanders of division and independent brigades; but left their fame upon higher grounds-the simple record of their great deeds and the brilliant results.
To the staff, both general and personal, attached to the general headquarters, I was again under high obligations for services on the field, as well as in the bureaux. I add their names, &c.; Lieut. Col. Hitchcock, acting inspector general; Major J.L. Smith, Captain R. E. Lee, (as distinguished for felicitous execution as for science and daring) Captain Mason, Lieuts. Stevens, Beauregard and Tower-all of the engineers; Major Turnbull, Capt. McClellan and Lieut. Hardcastle, topographical engineers; Captain Huger and Lieut. Hagner, of the ordinance; Captains Irwin and Wayne, of the quartermaster’s department; Capt. Grayson, of the commissariat; Surgeon General Lawson, in his particular department: Captain H. L. Scott, acting assistant adjutant general; Lieut. Williams, aide de-camp, and Lieut. Lay, military secretary. Lieut. Schuyler Hamilton, another aid de-camp, had a week before, been thrown out of activity by a severe wound received in a successful charge of cavalry against cavalry, and four time times his numbers; but on the 20th, I have the valuable services, as volunteer aids, of Majors Kirby and Van Buren, of the pay department, always eager for activity and distinction; and of a third, the gallant Major J. P. Gaines, of the Kentucky volunteers.
I have the honor to be, sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
[ATT]NNR 73.184 Nov. 20, 1847 Gen. Winfield Scott's report on the Battle of Molino del Rey
Section 31
To hon. Wm. L. Marcy secretary of War
Reports of Major Generals Pillows and WorthTothe Commander-in-Chief
Headquarters third Division
Mixcoac
August, 24, 1847
Captain: In compliance with the order of the general in-chief, I moved with my division, consisting of the 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, and 15th infantry, and the voltigeur regiment, and the field battery of Captain Magruder and the howitzer battery under Lieutenant Callender, early on the morning of the 13th instant, and, opened the road over the mountain on the route indicated by Captain Lee of the engineer corps, assisted by Lieutenants Beauregard, Stephens, Tower, Smith McClellan, and Foster. -Brigadier General Twiggs, with his division, reported to me for duty, under instructions from the general-in-chief, whilst my own division was moving over the mountain.
Perceiving that the enemy was in large fore on the opposite side of the valley, with heavy batteries of artillery commanding the only roll, through a vast plain of broken volcanic lava, rent into deep chasms and fissures, effectually preventing any advance except under his direct fire, I resolved to give him battle. For this purpose I ordered General Twiggs to advance with his finely disciplined division, and with one brigade to assault the enemy’s works in front, and with the other to let in his left flank, and assail it in reverse. Captain Magruder’s fine field battery and Lieutenant Callender’s howitzer battery (both of which constitute part of my division) were placed at the disposal of Brig. Gen. Twiggs.
This officer, in executing my order of attack, directed Brevet Brig. General Smith to move with his brigade upon the enemy’s from, whilst Colonel Riley, with his, was ordered to turn to his left and assail him in rear. To sustain the movements, Brig. General Cadwallader was ordered to advance with his brigade and support Colonel Riley, and Brigadier General Pierce, with his command, to support the column moving upon the enemy’s front, under Brigadier Gen. Smith. This last command was soon closely engaged with the enemy, as were also the batteries of Captain Magruder and Lieutenant Callender.
Col. Riley’s command, having now crossed the case broken up plain of lava, passing the village on the right, and whilst in t he act of turning the enemy’s left, was confronted by several thousand lancers who advanced to the charge, when a well directed fire from the brigade twice compelled them to fall back in disorder, under cover of their artillery. About this time, Brigadier General Cadwallader’s command has also crossed the plain, when some 5.000 or 6,000 troops of the enemy were observed moving rapidly from the direction of the capital to the field of action. Colonel Morgan, with his large and fine regiment, which I had caused to be detached from the rear of Pierce’s brigade, was now ordered to the support of Cadwallader by direction of the general-in-chief, who had now arrived upon the field.
This general, having discovered this large force moving upon his right flank and to the rear, with decided military tact and promptitude threw back his right wing and confronted the enemy, with the intention to give him battle, notwithstanding the overwhelming force.
This portion of the enemy’s force moved steadily forward until a conflict seemed inevitable, when Col. Morgan’s regiment having reached this part of the field. Presented a front so formidable as to induce the enemy to change his purpose, and draw off to the right and rear of his former position.
During all this time, the battle raged fiercely between the other portions of the two armies, with a constant and destructive fire of artillery. Magruder’s battery, from its prominent position, was much disabled by the heavy shot of the enemy, as were also Callender’s howitzers. A part of the enemy’s artillery has been turned upon Riley’s command, whilst actively engaged with large bodies of lancers; but even the combined attacks could only delay the purpose of the gallant old veteran and his noble brigade.
The general-in-chief having arrive upon the field with General Shields’s brigade of volunteers-consisting of the New York and S.Carollina regiments-ordered them to move up to the support of the forces under Brigadier General Cadwallader; but it had now grown so late in the evening that Gen. Shields did not get into position until after dark. Night having com on(*but not until entire dark.) this fierce conflict was suspended, to be renewed on the morrow.
The battle all this day was conducted under by immediate orders, and within my view; a short time before sunset, having previously engaged in the fight all the forces at my disposal, myself and staff started to cross the plain, to join in the terrible struggle on the immediate field of action.
On my way hither I was joined by Brig. General Twiggs and staff; but the darkness of the light, rendered by more obscure by a heavy rain, caused us to miss our way thought the broken up lava, and to wander to the close neighborhood of the hordes of the enemy; and it was not until the shrill blasts of his bugles apprized us of our position, that we became satisfied we could not reach, during the night. [ATT]
NNR 73.184-186 Nov. 20, 1847 Gen. Winfield Scott's report on the taking of the city of Mexico
Battles of Mexico-Capture of the City
Report of Major General Scott
[No. 34]
Headquarters of the Army
National Palace of Mexico
September 18, 1847
Sir: At the end of another series of arduous and brilliant operations of more than forty-eight hours continuance, this glorious army hoisted, on the morning of the 14th, the colors of the U. States on the walls of this palace.
The victory of the 8th, at he Molinos del Rey, was followed by daring reconnoissances on the part of our distinguished engineers-Capt. Lee, Lieuts. Beauregard, Stevens, and Tower, Major Smith, Sr., being sick, and Captain Mason, third in rank, wounded. –Their operations were directed principally to the south-towards the gates of the Piedad, San Angel, (Nino Perdido,) San Antonio, and Pasco de la Viga.
This city stands on a slight swell of ground, near the centre of an irregular basin, and is girdled with a ditch in its greater extent-a navigable canal of great breadth and depth-very difficult to bridge in the presence of an enemy, and serving at once for drainage, custom0house purposes, and military defenses; leaving eight entrances or grates, over arches-each of which we found defended by a system of strong works, that seemed to require nothing but some men and guns to be impregnable.
Outside and within the cross fires of those gates, we found to the south other obstacles but little less formidable. All the approaches near the city are over elevated causeways, cut in many places (to oppose us) and flanked, on both sides, by ditches, also of unusual dimensions. The numerous crossroads are flanked, in like manner, having bridges at the intersections, recently broken. The meadows thus checkered, are moreover, in many spots, under water or…, for, it will be remembered, we were in the midst of the wet season, though with less rain than usual, and we could not wait for the fall of the neighboring lake and the constant drainage of the wet grounds at the edge of the city-the lowest in the whole basin. After a close personal survey of the southern gates, covered by Pillow’s division and Riley’s brigade of Twiggs’-with four times our number concentrated in our immediate front-I determined on the 11th, to avoid that network of obstacles, and to seek, by a sudden inversion, to the southwest and west, less unfavorable approaches.
To economize the lives of our gallant officers and men, as well as to insure success, it became indispensable that this resolution should be long, masked from the enemy; and again, that the new movement, when discovered should be mistaken for a feint, and the old as indicating our true and ultimate point of attack.
Accordingly, on the spot, the 11th, I ordered Quitman’s division from Coyoacan, to join pillow, by day-light, before the southern gates, and then that the two major generals, with their divisions, should by night, proceed (two miles) to join me a Tacubaya, where I was quartered with Worth’s division, Twiggs, with Riley’s brigade and Captains Taylor’s and Steptoe’s field batteries-the latter of twelve pounders was left in front of those gates, to manoeuvre, to threaten, or to make false attacks, in order to occupy to deceive the enemy. Twigg’s other brigade (Smith's) was left at supporting distance, in the rear, at San Angel, till the morning of the 13th, and also to support of general depot is Miscoac. The stratagem against the south was admirably executed throughout the 12th and down to the afternoon of the 13th, when it was too late for the enemy to recover from the effects of his decision.
The first step in the new movement was to carry Chapultepec, a natural and isolated mound, of great elevation, strongly fortified at its base, on it activities and heights. Besides a numerous garrison, here was the military college of the republic, with a large number of sub-lieutenants and other students. Those works were within direct gun-shot of the village of Tacubaya, and until carried, we could not approach the city on the west, without making a circuit too wide and too hazardous.
In the course of the same night (that of the 11th) heavy batteries within easy ranges were established. No.1, on our right, under the command of Capt. Drum, 4th artillery, (relieved later next day, for some hours, by Lieutenant Andrews, of the 3 rd,) and No. 2 commanded by Lieutenant Hagner, ordinance-both supported by Quitman’s division, Nos. 3 and 4, on the opposite side, supported by Pillow’s division, were commanded, the former by Captain Brooks and Lieut. S.S. Anderson, 2d artillery, alternately; and the latter by Lieut. Stone, ordinance. The batteries was traced by Capt. Hagner, and Capt. Lee, engineer, and constructed by them, with the able assistance of the young officers of those cops and artillery.
To prepare for an assault, it was foreseen that the play of the batteries might run into the second day; but recent captures had not only trebled our siege pieces, but also our ammunition, and we knew that we should greatly augment both, by carrying the place. I was, therefore, in no haste in ordering an assault, before the works were well crippled by our missiles.
The bombardment and cannonade, under the direction of Captain Huger, were commenced early in the morning of the 12th. Before nightfall, which necessarily stopped our batteries, we had perceived that a good impression had been made on the castle and its outworks, and that a large body of the enemy had remained outside, towards the city, from an early hour, to avoid, our fire, and to be at hand on its cessation, in order to reinforce t he garrison against an assault. The same outside force was discovered the next morning, after our batteries had re-opened upon the castle, by which we again reduced its garrison to the minimum needed for the guns.
Pillow and Quitman had been in position since early in the night of the 11th. Major Gen. Worth was now ordered to hold his division in reserve, near the foundry, to support Pillow; and Brig. General Smith, of Twiggs’s division, had just arrived with his brigade from Piedad, (w miles) to support Quitman. Twiggs’s guns, before the southern gates again reminded us, as the day before, that he, with Riley’s brigade and Taylor’s and Steptoe’s batteries, was in activity, threatening the southern gates, and there holding a great part of t he Mexican army on the defensive.
Worth’s division furnished Pillow’s attack with an assaulting party of some 250 volunteer officers and men, under Captain McKenzie, of the 2d artillery and Twiggs’s division supplied a similar one, commanded by Capt. Casey, 2d infantry, to Quitman. Each of those little columns was furnished with scaling ladders.
The signal I had appointed for the attack was the momentary cessation of fire on the part of our heavy batteries. About 8 o’clock in the morning of the 13th, judging that the time had arrived, by the effect of the missiles we had thrown, I sent a aid-de-camp to Pillow, and another to Quitman, with notice that the concerted signal was about to be given. Both columns now advanced with an alacrity that gave assurance of prompt success. The batteries, seizing opportunities, threw shots and shells upon the enemy over the heads of our men, with good effect, particularly at every attempt to reinforce the works from without to meet our assault.
Major General Pillow’s approach, on the west side, lay through an open grove, filled with sharp shooters, who were speedily dislodged; when, being up with the front of the attack, and emerging into open space, at the foot of a rocky acclivity, that gallant leader was struck down my an agonizing wound. The immediate command devolved on Brigadier General Cadwallader, in the absence of the senior brigadier (Pierce) of the same division-an invalid since the events of August 19. On a precious call of Pillow, Worth had just sent him a reinforcement-Col. Clark’s brigade.
The broken acclivity was still to be ascended, and a strong redoubt midway, to be carried, before reaching the castle on the heights. The advance of our brace men, led by brace officers, though necessarily slow, was unwavering, over rocks, chasms, and mines, and under the hottest fire of cannon and musketry. The redoubt now yielded to resistless valor, and the shouts that followed announced to the castle the fate that impended. The enemy were steadily driven from shelter to shelter. The retreat allowed not time to fire a single mine, without the certainty of blowing up friend and foe. Those who at a distance attempted to apply matched to the long trains, were shot down by our men. There was death below, as well as, above the ground. At length the ditch and wall of the mail work were reached, the scaling ladders were brought up and planted by the storming parties; some of the daring spirits first in the assault were cast down-killed or wounded, but a lodgment was soon made; streams of heroes followed; all opposition was overcome, and several of our regiment colors flung out from the upper walls, amidst long continued shouts and cheers, which sent dismay into the capital. No scene could have been more animating or glorious.
Major General Quitman noble supported by Brig. Generals Shields and Smith (P. F.) his officers and men, was up with the part assigned him. Simultaneously with the movement on the west, he had gallantly approached the southeast of the same works over a causeway with cuts and batteries, and defended by an army strongly posted outside, to the east of the work.
Those formidable obstacles Quitman had to face, with but little shelter for his troops or space for maneuvering. Deep ditches, flanking the causeway, made it difficult to cross in either side into the adjoining meadows, and these again were intersected by other ditches. Smith and his brigade had been early thrown out to make a sweep to the right, in order to present a front against the enemy’s line, (outside) and to turn two intervening batteries near the foot of Chapultepec. This movement was also intended to support Quitman’s storming parties, both on the causeway. The first of these furnished by Twiggs’s division, was commanded by succession by Capt. Casey, 2d infantry, and captain Paul, 7th infantry, after Casey had been severely wounded; and the second, originally under the gallant Major Twiggs, marine corps, killed, and then Capt. Miller, 2d Pennsylvania volunteers. The storming party now commanded by Capt. Paul. Seconded by Capt. Roberts of the rifles, Lieut. Stewart, and other of the same regiment, Smith’s brigade, carried the two batteries in the road, took some guns, with many prisoners, and drove the enemy posed behind in support. The New York and South Caroline volunteers (Shield’s brigade) and the 2d Pennsylvania volunteers, all on the left of Quitman’s line, together with portions of his storming parties, crossed the meadows in front, under a heavy fire, and entered the outer enclosure of Chapultepec just in time to join in the final assault from the west.
Besides Major Generals Pillow and Quitman, Brigadier Generals Shields, Smith, and Cadwallader, the following are the officers and corps most distinguished in those brilliant operations: The voltigeur regiment, in two detachments, commanded respectively by Col. Andrews and Lieut. Colonel Johnstone-the latter mostly in the lead, accompanied by Major Caldwell, Captains Barnard and Biddle, of the same regiment-the former the first to land a regimental color, and the latter among the first in the assault; -the storming party of Worth’s division under Capt. McKenzie, 2d artillery, with Lieut. Seldon, 8th infantry, early on the ladder and badly wounded; Lieut. Armistead, 6th infantry, the first to leap into the ditch to play a ladder; Lieut. Rodgers of the 4th, and J. P. Smith of the 5th infantry-both mortally wounded; -the 9 infantry, under Col. Ranson, who was killed while gallantly leading that gallant regiment; the 15th infantry under Lt. Col. Howard and Major Woods, with Capt. Chase, whose company gallantly carried the redoubt, midway up the acclivity; Col. Clarke’s brigade, (Worth’s division) consisting of the 5th , 8th, and part of the 6th regiment of infantry, commanded respectively, by Cap. Chapman, Major Montgomery, and Lieut. Edward Johnson-the latter specially noticed, with Liets. Longstreet (badly wounded-advancing-colors in hand) Picket and Merchant-the last three of the 8the infantry; -portions of the United States marines, New York, South Carolina, and 2d Pennsylvania volunteers, which delayed with their division (Quitman’s) by the hot engagements below, arrived just in time to participate in the assault of the heights-particularly a detachment, under Lieut. Reid, New York volunteers, consisting of a company of the same, with one of the marines; and another detachment, a portion of the storming party (Twiggs’ division serving with Quitman) under ST. Steele, 2d infantry-after the fall of Lieut. Ganit, 7th infantry.
In this connexion, it is but just to recall the decisive effect of the heavy batteries, Nos. 1,2,3, and 4, commanded by those excellent officers-Capt. Drum, 4th artillery, assisted by Lieuts. Benjamin and Porter of his own company; Capt. Brooks, and Lieut. Anderson, 2d artillery; assisted by Lieut. Russell, 4th infantry, a volunteer; Lieuts. Hagner and Stone, of the ordinance and Lieut. Andrews, 3d artillery-the whole superintended by Captain Huger, chief of ordinance with this army-an officer distinguished by every kind of merit. The mountain howitzer battery, under Lieut. Reno, of the ordinance, deserves, also, to be particularly mentioned. Attached to the voltigeurs, to follow the movements of that regiment, and again it won applause.
In adding to the list of individuals of conspicuous merit, I must limit myself to a few of the many names which might be enumerated: Capt. Hooker, assistant adjutant general, who won special applause, successively, in the staff of Pillow and Cadwallader; Lieut. Lovell, 4th artillery, (wounded,) chief of Quitman’s staff; Capt. Page, assistant adjutant general, (wounded,) and Lieut. Hammond, 3d artillery, both of Shields’ staff, and Lt. Van Dorn, (7th infantry,) aid-de-camp to Brig. Gen. Smith.
Those operations all occurred on the west, south-east, and heights of Chapultepec. To the north, and at the base of the mound, inaccessible on that side, the 11th infantry, under Lieut. Col. Herbert, the 14th, under Col. Trousdale, and Capt. Magruder’s field battery, 1st artillery-one section advanced under Lieut. Jackson-all of Pillow’s division-had, at the same time some spirited affairs against superior numbers, driving the enemy from a battery in the road and capturing a gun. In these, the officers and commander, though twice, wounded, continued on duty until the heights were carried.
Early in the morning of the 13th I repeated the orders of the night before to Major Gen. Worth, to be, with his division, at hand, to support the movement of Major Gen. Pillow from our left. The latter seems to have word for the entire division, standing, momentarily in reserve, and Worth sent him Col. Clark’s brigade. The call, if not unnecessary, was a least, from the circumstances, unknown to me at the time; for, soon observing that the very large body of the enemy, in the road, in from of Major Gen. Quitman’s right, was receiving a half to the east-I sent instructions to Worth, on our opposite flank, to turn Chapultepec with his decision, and to proceed, cautiously, by the road at it northern base, in order, of not met by very superior numbers, to threaten or attack, in rear, that body of the enemy. The movement, it was also believed, could not fail to distract and to intimidate the enemy generally.
Worth promptly advanced with his remaining brigade-Col. Garland’s-Lieut. Col. C.F. Smith’s light battalion, Lieut. Col. Duncan’s field batter-under Major Sumner, which I had just ordered up to join in the movement.
Having turned the forest on the west, and arriving opposite to the north centre of Chapultepec, Worth came up with the troops in the road, under Colonel Trousdale, and aided by a flank movement of a part of Garland’s brigade in taking the one gun breastwork, then under the fire of Lieutenant Jackson’s section of Captain Magruder’s field battery. Continuing to advance, division passed Chapultepec attacking the right of the enemy’s line resting on that road, about the moment of the general retreat consequent upon the capture of the castle phrase and its outworks.
Arriving some minutes later, and ascending to the top of the castle, the whole field, to the east lay plainly under my view.
There are two routes from Chapultepec to the capital-the one on the right entering the same gate, Belen, with the road from the south, vie Piedad; and the other, obliquing to the left, to intersect the great western, or San Cosme road, in a suburb outside of the gate of San Cosme.
Each of the routes (an elevated causeway) presents a double roadway on the sides of an aqueduct of strong masonry, and great height, resting on open arches and massive pillars, which, together, afford fine points both for attack and defense. The side-ways of both aqueducts are, moreover, defended by many strong breastworks at the gates, and before reaching them. As we had expected, we found the four tracks unusually dry and solid for the season.
Worth and Quitman were prompt in pursuing the retreating enemy-the former by the San Cosme aqueduct, and the latter along that of Belen. Each had now advanced some hundred yards.
Deeming it all important to profit by our successes, and the consequent dismay of the enemy, which could not be otherwise than general, I hastened to dispatch from Chapultepec-for Clarke’s brigade, and then Cadwallader’s, to the support of Worth, and gave orders that the necessary heavy guns should follow. Pierce’s brigade was at the same time, sent to Quitman and in the course of the afternoon I cause some additional siege pieces to be; added to his train. Then, after designating the 15th infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Howard-Morgan, the colonel, has been disabled by a wound at Churubuseo-as the garrison of Chapultepec, and giving directions for the care of the prisoners of war, the captured ordinance and ordnance stores, I proceeded to join the advance of Worth within the suburb, and beyond the turn at the junction of the aqueduct with the great highway from the west to the gate of San Cosme.
At this junction of roads, we first passed one of those formidable systems of city defenses, spoken of above, and it had not a gun! -a strong proof-1. That the enemy had expected us to fail in the attack upon Chapultepec, even if we meant any more than a feint; 2. That, in either case, we designed in his belief, to return and double our forces against the southern gates-a delusion dept up by the active demonstrations of Twiggs and the forces posted on that side, and 3. That advancing rapidly from the reduction of Chapultepec, the enemy had not time to shift gun-our previous capture had left him, comparatively, but few-from the southern gates.
With those distinguished works, I found our troops engaged in a street fight against the enemy posted in gardens, at windows, and on house tops-all flat, with parapets. Worth ordered forward the mountain howitzer of Cadwallader’s brigade, preceded by skirmishers and prisoners, with pick-axes and crowbars, to force windows and doors, or to burrow through walls. The assailants were soon in an equality of position fatal to the enemy. By I o’clock in the evening, Worth had carried two batteries in this suburb. According to my instructions, he here posted guards and sentinels, and places his troops under shelter for the night. There was but one more obstacle-the San Cosme gate (custom house) between him and the great square in front of the cathedral and palace-the heart of the city; and that barrier, it was known could not, by daylight, resist our siege guns thirty minutes.
I had gone back to the foot of Chapultepec, the point from which the two aqueducts begin to diverge, some hours earlier, in order to be near that new depot, and in east communication with Quitman and Twiggs as well as with Worth.
From this point I ordered all detachments and stragglers to their respective corps, then advance; sent to Quitman additional siege guns, ammunition, entrenching tools; directed Twiggs’ remaining brigade (Riley’s) from Piedad, to support Worth and Capt. Steptoe’s field battery, also at Piedad, to join Quitman’s division.
I had been, from the first, well aware that the western, or San Cosme, was the less difficult route to the centre and conquest of the capital, and therefore, intended that Quitman should only maneuver and threaten the Belen or southwestern gate, in order to favor the main attack by Worth-knowing that the strong defenses at the Belen were directly under the guns of the much stronger fortress, called the citadel, just within. Both of theses defenses of the enemy were also witting easy supporting distance from the San Angel (or Nino Perdido ) and San Antonio gates. Hence the greater support, in numbers, given to Worth’s movement as the main attack.
Those views I repeatedly, in the course of the day, communicated to Maj. Gen. Quitman; but, being in hot pursuit-gallant himself, and ably supported by Brigadier Gens. Shields and Smith-Shields, badly wounded before Chapultepec, and refusing to retire-as well as by all the officers and men of the column-Quitman continued to press forward, under flank and direct fires; - carried an intermediate battery of two funs, and then the gate, before two o’clock in the afternoon, but no without proportionate loss, increased by his steady maintenance of that position.
There, of the heavy battery-4th artillery-Capt. Drum and Lieut. Benjamin were mortally wounded and Lieut. Porter, its third in rank, slightly. The loss of those two most distinguished officers the army will mourn. Lieutenants J.B. Morange and Wm. Canty, of the South Carolina volunteers, also of high merit, fell on the same occasion-besides many of our bravest non-commissioned officers and men-particularly in Captain drum’s veteran company. I cannot, in this place, give names of numbers; but full returns of the killed and wounded of all corps, in their recent operations, will accompany this report.
Quitman, within the city-adding several dew defenses to the position he had won, and sheltering his corps as well as practicable-now awaited the return of daylight under the guns of the formidable citadel yet to be subdued.
At about 4 o’clock next morning (sept.4) a deputation of the ayuntamiento (city council) waited upon me to report that the federal government and the army of Mexico had fled from the capital some three hours before, and to demand terms of capitulation in favor of the church, the citizens and the municipal authorities. I promptly replied, that I would sign no capitulation; that the city had been virtually in our possess from the time of the lodgments effected by Worth and Quitman the day before; that I regretted t he silent escape of the Mexican army; that I should levy upon the city a moderate contribution, for special purposes, and the that American army should come under no terms, not self-imposed-such only as its own honor, the dignity of the United States, and the spirit of the age, should, in my opinion, imperiously demand and impose.
For the terms so imposed I refer the department to subsequent general orders. Nos. 287, and 289, (paragraphs 7,8, and 9 of the latter,) copies of which are herewith transmitted.
At the termination of the interview with the city deputation, I communicated, about daylight, order to Worth and Quitman to advance slowly and cautiously (to guard against treachery) towards the heard of the city and to occupy its stronger and more commanding points. Quitman proceeded to the great plaza or square, planted guards and hoisted the colors of the United States on the national palace, containing the halls of congress and executive apartments of federal Mexico. In this grateful service Quitman night have been anticipated by Worth, but for my express order halting the latter at the head of the Alameda -a green park-within three squares of that goal of general ambition. The capital, however, was not taken by any one or two corps, but by the talent, the science, the gallantry, the prowess of this entire army. In the glorious conquest, all had contributed-early and powerfully-the killed and wounded, and the fit for duty-at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, San Antonio, Churubuseo-three battles-The Molmos del Rey and Chapultepec-as much as those who fought at the gates of Belen and San Cosme.
Soon after we entered, and were in the act of occupying the city, a fire was opened upon us from the flat roofs of the houses, from the windows and corners of the streets, by some 2,000 convicts, liberated the night before by the flying government, joined by perhaps as many Mexican soldiers, who has disbanded themselves and thrown off their uniforms. This unlawful war lasted more than twenty four hours, in spite of the exertions of the municipal authorities, and was not put down till we had lost many men, including several officers, killed or wounded, and punished the miscreants. Their objects were to gratify national hatred; and in the general alarm and confusion to plunder the wealthy inhabitants, particularly the deserted houses. But families are now generally returning; business of every kind had been resumed, and the city is already tranquil and cheerful under the admirable conduct-with exceptions very few and trifling-of our gallant troops.
This army has been more disgusted than surprised that, by some sinister purpose on the part of certain individuals at home, its numbers have bee, generally almost trebled our public papers-beginning at Washington.
Leaving, as we all feared, inadequate garrisons at Ver Cruz, Perote, and Puebla-with much larger hospitals; and being obliged most reluctantly from the same cause-general paucity of numbers-to abandon Jalapa, we march [August 7-10.] from Puebla, with only 10,738 tank and file. This number includes the garrison of Jalapa, and the 2,429 men brought up by Brig. Gen. Pierce Aug. 6.
At Contreras, Churubuseo, &t., [Aug. 20,] we had about 8,497 men engaged-after deducting the garrison of San Augustin, (our general depot) the intermediate sick and the dead; at the Molinos del Rey (Sept. *) but three brigades, with some cavalry and artillery, making in all 3,251 men-were in the battle; in the day days Sept12 and 13-out whole operating force, after deducting, the recent killed, wounded, and sick, together with the garrison of Miscoae (the then general depot) and that of Tatcubaya, was but 7.180; and finally, after deduction the new garrison of Chapultepec, with the killed and wounded of the two days, we took possession-Sept. 14-of this great capital with less than 6.000 men! And I reassert, upon accumulated and unquestionable evidence, that, in not one of those conflicts was this army opposed by fewer than three and a half times its numbers-in several of them, by yet greater excess.
I recapitulate our losses since we arrived in the basin of Mexico:
August 19, 20-Killed 137, including 14 officers. Wounded 877, including 62 officers. Missing (probably killed) 38 rank and file. Total 1,052.
Sept. 8-Killed 116, including 9 officers. Wounded 665, including 49 officers. Missing 18, rank and file. Total 780.
Sept. 12, 13, 14. -Killed 130, including 10 officers. Wounded 703, including 68 officers. Missing 20 rank and file. Total 862.
Grand total of losses, 2,703, including 383 officers.
On the other hand, this small force has beaten on the same occasions, in view of their capital, the whole Mexican arms, of (at the beginning) thirty odd thousand men-posted, always, in chosen position, behind entrenchments, or more formidable defenses of nature and art; killed or wounded of that number, more than 7,000 officers, and men, taken 3,730 prisoners, on-seventh officers, including 13 generals, of whom 3 had been presidents of this republic; captured more than 20 colors and standards, 75 pieces of ordnance, besides 57 wall –pieces, 20,000 small arms, an immense quantity of shot, shells, powder, &t., &t.
Of that enemy, once so formidable in numbers, appointments, artillery, &t., twenty odd thousand have disbanded themselves in despair, leaving, as is known, not more than three fragments-the largest about 2,500-now wandering in different directions, without magazines a military chest, and living at free quarters upon their own people.
Gen. Santa Anna, himself a fugitive, is believed to be on the point of resigning the chief magistracy and escaping to neutral Guatemala. A new president, no doubt, will soon be declared, and the federal congress is expected to re-assemble at Queretaro, 125 miles north of this on the Zacatecas road, some time in October. I have seen and given safe conduct through the city to several of its members. The government will find itself without resources, no army, no arsenals, no magazines, and but little revenue, internal or external. Still, such is the obstinacy, or rather infatuation, of this people, that it is very doubtful whether the new authorities will dare to sue for peace on the terms which in the recent negotiations, were made known by our minister…
In conclusion, I beg to enumerate, once more, with due commendation and thanks, the distinguished staff officers, general and personal, who, in our last operations in front of the enemy, accompanied me, and communicated orders to every point and through every danger. Lieut. Col. Hitchcock, acting inspector general; Major Turnbull and Lieut. Hardcastle, topographical engineers; Major Kirby, chief paymaster; Capt. Irwin, chief quartermaster; Copt. Grayson, chief commissary; Capt. H.L. Scott, chief in the adjutant general’s department; Lieut. Williams, aid-de-camp; Lieut. Lay, military secretary, and Maj. J. P. Gaines, Kentucky cavalry, volunteer aide-de-camp. Captain Lee, engineer, so constantly distinguished, also bore important order from me (Sept. 13) until he fainted from a wound and the loss of two night’s sleep at the batteries. Lieuts. Beauregard, Stevens, and Lower, all wounded, were employed with the division, and Lieuts. G.W. Smith and G. C. McClellan with the company of sappers and miners. Those five lieutenants of engineers, like their captain, won the admiration of all about them. The ordnance officers, Capt. Huger, Lieuts. Hagner, Stone, and Reno were highly effective and distinguished at the several batteries; and I must add that Capt. McKinstry, assistant quartermaster, at the close of the operations, executed several important commissions for me as a special volunteer.
Surgeon Gen. Lawson, and the medical staff generally, were skilful and untiring in and out of fire, in ministering to the numerous wounded.
To illustrate the operations in the basin, I enclose two beautiful drawing prepared under the direction of Major Turnbull, mostly from actual survey.
I have the honor to be, sir, with high respect, you most obedient servant.
WINFIELD SCOTT
[ATT]
NNR 73.186-188 Nov. 20, 1847 Gen. Gideon Johnson Pillow's official report on the actions of the forces in his command
Headquarters Third Division
Mixcoac
August, 24, 1847
Captain: In compliance with the order of the general in-chief, I moved with my division, consisting of the 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, and 15th infantry, and the voltigeur regiment, and the field battery of Captain Magruder and the howitzer battery under Lieutenant Callender, early on the morning of the 13th instant, and, opened the road over the mountain on the route indicated by Captain Lee of the engineer corps, assisted by Lieutenants Beauregard, Stephens, Tower, Smith McClellan, and Foster. -Brigadier General Twiggs, with his division, reported to me for duty, under instructions from the general-in-chief, whilst my own division was moving over the mountain.
Perceiving that the enemy was in large fore on the opposite side of the valley, with heavy batteries of artillery commanding the only roll, through a vast plain of broken volcanic lava, rent into deep chasms and fissures, effectually preventing any advance except under his direct fire, I resolved to give him battle. For this purpose I ordered General Twiggs to advance with his finely disciplined division, and with one brigade to assault the enemy’s works in front, and with the other to let in his left flank, and assail it in reverse. Captain Magruder’s fine field battery and Lieutenant Callender’s howitzer battery (both of which constitute part of my division) were placed at the disposal of Brig. Gen. Twiggs.
This officer, in executing my order of attack, directed Brevet Brig. General Smith to move with his brigade upon the enemy’s from, whilst Colonel Riley, with his, was ordered to turn to his left and assail him in rear. To sustain the movements, Brig. General Cadwallader was ordered to advance with his brigade and support Colonel Riley, and Brigadier General Pierce, with his command, to support the column moving upon the enemy’s front, under Brigadier Gen. Smith. This last command was soon closely engaged with the enemy, as were also the batteries of Captain Magruder and Lieutenant Callender.
Col. Riley’s command, having now crossed the case broken up plain of lava, passing the village on the right, and whilst in t he act of turning the enemy’s left, was confronted by several thousand lancers who advanced to the charge, when a well directed fire from the brigade twice compelled them to fall back in disorder, under cover of their artillery. About this time, Brigadier General Cadwallader’s command has also crossed the plain, when some 5.000 or 6,000 troops of the enemy were observed moving rapidly from the direction of the capital to the field of action. Colonel Morgan, with his large and fine regiment, which I had caused to be detached from the rear of Pierce’s brigade, was now ordered to the support of Cadwallader by direction of the general-in-chief, who had now arrived upon the field.
This general, having discovered this large force moving upon his right flank and to the rear, with decided military tact and promptitude threw back his right wing and confronted the enemy, with the intention to give him battle, notwithstanding the overwhelming force.
This portion of the enemy’s force moved steadily forward until a conflict seemed inevitable, when Col. Morgan’s regiment having reached this part of the field. Presented a front so formidable as to induce the enemy to change his purpose, and draw off to the right and rear of his former position.
During all this time, the battle raged fiercely between the other portions of the two armies, with a constant and destructive fire of artillery. Magruder’s battery, from its prominent position, was much disabled by the heavy shot of the enemy, as were also Callender’s howitzers. A part of the enemy’s artillery has been turned upon Riley’s command, whilst actively engaged with large bodies of lancers; but even the combined attacks could only delay the purpose of the gallant old veteran and his noble brigade.
The general-in-chief having arrive upon the field with General Shields’s brigade of volunteers-consisting of the New York and S. Carolina regiments-ordered them to move up to the support of the forces under Brigadier General Cadwallader; but it had now grown so late in the evening that Gen. Shields did not get into position until after dark. Night having come on, (but not until entirely dark.) this fierce conflict was suspended, to be renewed on the morrow.
The battle all this day was conducted under by immediate orders, and within my view; a short time before sunset, having previously engaged in the fight all the forces at my disposal, myself and staff started to cross the plain, to join in the terrible struggle on the immediate field of action.
On my way hither I was joined by Brig. General Twiggs and staff; but the darkness of the light, rendered by more obscure by a heavy rain, caused us to miss our way through the broken up lava, and to wander to the close neighborhood of the works of the enemy; and it was not until the shrill blasts of his bugles apprized us of our position, that we became satisfied we could not reach, during the night, our destination. We then returned and reported to the general-in-chief.
During the night Brigadier Gen. Smith disposed the forces present to renew the action at daylight, and complete the original order of attack; before dark, however, the enemy had placed two pieces of artillery on a height nearly west of Cadwallader’s position which had opened with several discharges upon his forces. Brig. General Smith, just before daylight, moved a portion of the forces up the ravine to the rear of the enemy’s position, so as to be within easy turning distance of his left flank, leaving Col. Ransom with the 9th and 12th infantry to make a strong diversion in front. The day being sufficiently advanced, the order was given by Brig. Gen. Smith for the general assault; when, Gen. Smith’s command upon the left and Colonel Riley with his brigade upon the right, supported by General Cadwallader with his command, moved up with the utmost gallantry, under the furious fire from the enemy’s batteries, which were immediately carried; a large number of prisoners were taken, including four generals, with twenty-three out of the original twenty-eight original twenty-eight pieces of artillery, and a large amount of ammunition and public property.
The retreating enemy was compelled to pass through a severe fire, both from the assaulting forces and Cadwallader’s brigade as well as Shields’s Command, who had remained at the position occupied by the former General the previous night with the purpose of covering the movement upon the battery. -The forces of the enemy engaged at this place, including the reinforcements of the preceding evening constituted a force of about 126,000 men, 5,000 of whom were cavalry; the whole were under the immediate command of General Santa Anna in person, assisted by Gens. Valencia, Salas, Blanco, Mendoza, Garcia, and others; the last four mentioned were taken prisoners.
Our forces, consisting of my division, Generals Twiggs’ and Shields’ commands, amounted to about 4,500 men. The loss of the enemy, as nearly as I can ascertain, was between 21,500 and 2,000 killed and wounded, and eight hundred prisoners, including the four generals previously mentioned, four colonels, thirty captains, and many officers of inferior grades.
The reports of t he different corps engaged in this part of the battle, which were temporarily under my command, being properly made to their respective chiefs, and not have come before me, I am unable to give our loss. Though many brave and gallant souls have fallen, it is believed, however, when the strength of the enemy’s position, his enormously heavy artillery, and his superior forces are considered, our loss is comparatively small. It is a matter of just pride and exultation that amount the guns captured in the batteries were the two pieces taken by the Mexican army at Buena Vista, belonging to Captain Washington’s battery, (at that battle under the immediate command of Capt. O’Brien,) and it is no less remarkable than gratifying that the good fortune and honor or recapturing them belong to the 4th regiment of artillery, of which Captain Washington’s company forms a part.
Throughout this engagement every corps engaged the enemy wherever he was met, with the most determined resolution, and behaved with a degree of gallantry rarely equaled, certainly never surpassed in any engagement known to the American arms-Brig. Gen. Twiggs, next in command to myself, and charged with the immediate execution of my order of battle, was distinguished by the judgment, promptitude, and courage displayed by him throughout the engagement.
Brigadier General Smith, the senior officer who remained across the plain, and disposed the forces for the final assault, deserved and will doubtless received the thanks of the army and the honor due to the constancy of purpose and daring which distinguished his conduct on this great occasion. Brig. Gen. Cadwallader displayed great judgment and high military skill and heroic courage in the manner in which he met the sudden and trying emergency, when all parties were in great anxiety for the safety of his comparatively small command, when about to be assailed by the overwhelming reinforcement of the enemy on the preceding evening; and also in the manner in which he brought up his command to the support of the gallant Riley. This veteran officer distinguished himself no less by the manner in which he contended almost single-handed with greatly superior numbers on the first day, then his gallant and successful charge upon the works of the enemy on the second.
Brigadier General Pierce, though badly injured by the fall of his horse while gallantly leading his brigade into the thickest of the battle on the 19th, did not quit the field, but continued in command of his brigade, two regiments of which-the 9th and 12th, under the immediate command of the gallant Colonel Ransom and Lieut. Colonel Bonham on the 19th, and Captain Woods on the 20th -assailed the enemy’s works in front at daylight, with great intrepidity, and contributed much to the glorious consummation of the work so handsomely commenced on the preceding day.
The commanders of regiments and inferior officers all behaved with gallantry no less distinguished, though in subordinate positions to those named above as commanding divisions and brigades; but the space proper for this report will not admit of further details.
In justice, however, to officers of this class, I beg to call the attention of the commander-in-chief to the detailed reports of the officers of the several corps engaged in this action. It is due to Capt. Magruder and Lieut. Callender, who have no other organization than as parts of my division, to testify to their great gallantry and daring, the proof of which is found in their losses, and in the fact that both of their batteries were much cut up by the terrible fire of the enemy’s heavy guns. During the cannonade, Lieut. T. P. Johnston, whilst gallantly serving the advanced section of Magruder’s battery, fell mortally wounded; and Lieut. Callender, in command of the howitzer, at nearly the same time received so severe a wound as to disable him from commanding his pieces, which consequently devolved upon Lieut. Reno, of the ordnance corps, who for the remainder of the battle, conducted the service of his battery with equal gallantry and judgment.
I cannot in justice omit to notice the valuable services of Captain Lee, of the engineer corps, whose distinguished merit and gallantry deserve the highest praise, and who, in the execution of his duties, was ably assisted by his assistants previously mentioned. They were important aids in the combination of elements brought to bear with success, no less triumphant than glorious to our arms, upon the most powerful collection of artillery (supported by a forces of four to one of our forces) every successfully assailed in any battle upon this continent.
Having myself crossed the plain and reached this bloody theatre as the last scene of the conflict was closing, as soon as suitable dispositions were made to secure the fruits of the victory I resolved upon pursuing the discomfited enemy, in which I found that Brigadier Generals Twiggs and Smith had already anticipated by having commenced the movement. At the same time a appraised the general-in –chief of my advance, and requested his authority to proceed with all the forces still under my command, and sweep around the valley, and attack the strong works at San Antonio in the rear, and requested the cooperation of Gen. Worth’s division, on an assault of that work in front, which the general-in-chief readily granted and directed accordingly-having, as I learn, upon being advised of the victory, previously given the order. I had moved rapidly forward in execution of this purpose until I reached the town of Coyoacan, where the command was halted to await the arrival of the general-in-chief, who I was informed was close at hand. Upon his arrival the important fact was ascertained that the enemy’s forces at San Antonio, having perceived that the great battery had been last and the total defeat and rout of their forces at Contreras, by which their rear was opened to assault, had abandoned the work at San Antonio, and fallen back upon their strong entrenchments in rear at Churubuseo.
Upon the receipt of this information the general-in-chief immediately ordered Brig. General Twiggs’ division to move forward and attack the work on the enemy’s right, and directed me to move with Cadwallader’s brigade and assault the tete du pont on its left. Moving rapidly in execution of this order, I had great difficulty in passing the command over some marsh fields and wide and deep ditches, filled with mud and water. I was compelled to dismount in order to cross the obstacles, which were gallantly overcome by the troops, when the whole force gained the main causeway; at which place I met General Worth, with the advance is his division, moving upon the same work. It was then proposed our united divisions should move on to the assault of the strong tete du pont, which with its heavy artillery enfolded the causeway. This being determined upon, the troops of the two divisions moved rapidly to attack the work on its left flank, and notwithstanding the deadly fire of grape and roundshot from the work, which swept the roadway with furious violence, on and onward the gallant and noble troops moved with impetuous valor and terrible and long was the bloody conflict. But the result could not be doubted. At length the loud and enthusiastic cheer of the Angle Saxon soldier told that all was well and the American colors waved in triumph over the bloody scene.
The larger portion of General Worth’s veteran division was engaged in this fierce conflict, together with the 11th and 14th regiments of infantry, constituting a part of my division, under the commands respectively of Lieut. Colonel Graham and Colonel Trousdale. To the 14th infantry belongs the honor of capturing a flag on this fort, and taking a large number of prisoners in the fort, among whom was the body of deserters.
The voltigeur regiment, then under command of Lieutenant Colonel Johnston, had been leg on by my adjutant general, Captain Hooker, to the assault of the strong fortification on the right, with which General Twiggs’s division was hotly engaged; but finding the artillery of the enemy, as well as his small arms, bore directly on his advance, which was entirely uncovered, the regiment was placed in rear of a church, where it remained until it received an order from myself in person to move to the assault in conjunction with the lively play of Duncan’s battery. This fine regiment was rapidly executing this order now under Colonel Andrews, and led by General Cadwallader, when that work surrendered, and was taken possession of by General Twiggs’s division.
General Worth, (to whose great gallantry during the action it affords me pleasure to bear witness,) with his division, and myself with the 11th and 14th regiments of my command, pressed rapidly on in pursuit of the flying enemy, until we had arrived with our commands nearly under the fire of the guns of the enemy, planted in the suburbs of the capital, where we were overtaken by an order from the general-in-chief to call off our troops from further pursuit. During this movement I met with Colonels Ransom’s and Morgan’s regiments, 12th infantry under Captain Wood, and the howitzer battery under Lieutenant Reno, parts of my division, forming General Pierce’s brigade, which had been moved by order of the general-in-chief, under command of General Pierce, against a large body of the enemy to the right and rear of the main work, where they had been, in conjunction with Gen. Shields’s brigade, engaged in a fierce open field fight with a large force.
Brig. Gen. Pierce, though still suffering severely from his injury of the preceding day, had nevertheless been on duty, and in command of this brigade during the day, and until a few moments before, when he had fainted from pain and exhaustion, and had been carried from the field. In the last engagement, the gallant Col. Morgan was wounded severely, when the command of the 15th regiment devolved on Lieut. Col. Howard.
During this long-continued battle, which lasted nearly two days, every part of the army in the field participated in the engagement. The consequence was, that all share justly in the honor and glory of the brilliant victory. I cannot distinguish between the conduct of the commanders of regiments in my division: they all acted a distinguished part, as did their field and company officers; though the circumstances of battle caused Ransom’s, Morgan’s Graham’s and Trousdale’s regiments, and the 12th infantry, under command of Lieut. Colonel Bonham of the 19th and of Captain Wood on the 20th, to be selective engaged. My division was composed entirely of recruits whom the exigencies of the service had not allowed time to become well disciplined; but they emulated in the deeds of valor and constancy the veterans of the old divisions; and I am proud to testify to the general-in-chief my high appreciation of their good conduct.
I cannot withhold the expression of my sense of the deep obligations I am under for the success and honor due to my command and my two gallant brigadier generals, whose promptitude, skill, and daring were equal to every emergency, and who, in the absence of discipline in their commands, met and overcame every obstacle and led on their brigades to honor and distinction.
I will be pardoned, I trust, by the general-in-chief for travelling beyond the legitimate bounds of a report to notice becomingly the patriotic conduct of the pious chaplain of Col. Clarke’s brigade. Whilst the battle raged furiously, my column had great difficulty in crossing a deep ditch without damaging their ammunition. The worthy chaplain, besides encouraging the passing soldiers to their work, actively set the example of filling the excavations, so as to enable the troops to press onward to the assault. My medical staff (particularly Surgeon Jordon, though infirm and aged, and Surgeon Slade) distinguished themselves by their great activity and energy in keeping with the column throughout the action, and attending to the wounded and dying on the spot where they fell, as did also the entire medical staff of my division.
During the arduous duties of my command on the 19th, my personal staff being all engaged on duty, I was compelled to make use of the services of some of my friends my civil life among these, I am indebted to Mr. Kendall for his assistance in promptly bearing and delivering orders; also to Paymaster Burns I express my indebtedness for his valuable services; to Capt. O’Hara, chief of the quartermaster’s department of my division, I am especially under obligations for his assistance, as well as to Lieutenant Davis, of the 14th regiment, acting ordnance officer.
My personal staff-Captain Hooker, my adjutant general and chief of my staff; Lieutenant Rams, 4th artillery, and Lieutenant Ripley, 2nd artillery, aids-de-camp; and Passed Midshipmen Robt. C. Rodgers, volunteer aid-de-camp-greatly distinguished themselves by their fearless and gallant conduct, as well as by their judgment and skill in leading forward my different commands and placing them in position for effective service throughout these long and desperate conflicts. I trust the general-in-chief will deem their conduct worthy in his special notice.
I must also notice the extraordinary activity and gallant conduct of Lieutenant Irons, 1 st artillery, aid-de-cam to Gen. Cadwallader, who received a wound, probably mortal, whilst in the discharge of his duties.
Lieutenant Caldwell, of the marines, on duty with my division as senior officer of the commissary department, rendered invaluable services in his department, as well on the long march to this place as during the long-continued action. Lieutenant Reno, in command of the howitzer battery on the 20th , rendered valuable services under the orders of Brigadier General Pierce in his engagements with the enemy.
Generals Pierce and Cadwallader speak in the highest terms of the good conduct and gallantry of the officers of their respective staffs; and, concurring fully in their expression of opinion, I beg to call them to the special notice of the general-in-chief.
Captain Mason, of the engineer corps, rendered me important services in indicating position for portions of my command, during the action of the 20th at Churubuseo. Lieut. Rams, my aid-de-camp, was stunned, by the fragments of stone thrown from a wall by a cannon shot-at the same place.
Captain Kearney, of 1st dragoons, commanding a squadron composed of his own and Captain McReynolds’s companies, was on duty with my division during the action, and made his way with great difficulty across the wide and marshy fields and deep ditches. Seeing no field for the action of his fine squadron until the tete do pont was carried, I held him in reserve. I them let him loose. Furious was his charge upon the retreating foe, dealing death with the unerring sabre until he reached the very suburbs of the city, and drew from the enemy’s batteries at the garita a heavy and destructive fire, by which the gallant captain lost his left arm. Lieut. J.L. Graham, of 10th infantry, serving with Capt. Kearney, was wounded in the left arm; and Captain McReynolds, 3d dragoons, who nobly sustained the daring movements of his squadron commander, was also wounded in the left arm. Both of these find companies sustained severe losses in their rank and file also.
By detachments to secure prisoners taken in the first engagements at Contreras, and captured public property, my force was reduced to about 1,800 men. My total loss in killed, wounded, and missing, is 211 officers and privates. The loss of the enemy in this last section I have no means of ascertaining. The whole field and road for miles was covered with the dead and dying. In these engagements, constituting one continued battle, the enemy himself estimated his loss in killed, wounded, and missing, at about 7,000. This includes prisoners taken by our forces.
Among the many gallant officers whose loss we have to deplore is the brace Major Mills, of the 15th infantry, who, after having participated most actively in the fierce struggle in which that regiment had its colonel wounded and one-third of its force cut down, joined Capt. Kearney’s squadron in pursuit of the enemy, and was killed by the fire of the enemy’s artillery at the very garita of the city.
Attended is a list of killed and wounded of my division.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient serv’t,
GID. J. PILLOW,
MAJOR GEN. UNITED STATES ARMY
NNR 73.188-189 Nov. 20, 1847 Gen. William Jenkins Worth's official report of action at Churubusco and before the gates of Mexico
Report of Major General Worth.
Headquarters First Division
Tacubaya, August 23, 1847
Sir: In obedience to the instructions of the General in chief, I have the honor to report that the first division took position on the 18th inst. On the cause way leading from San Antonio, distant fifteen hundred yards from its well fortified front, which by means of heavy guns, commanded the approach through the whole length and at various angles of the direct route.
A glance discovered the impracticability of assault in front without battering in breach, and the secondary means of scaling ladders, fascines, &c. Reconnoissance was immediately commenced, and continued on the 19th, to determine a route for turning the whole system of defence by the enemy’s right. This accomplished, with satisfactory results, acting under the general instructions and discretion granted by the general in chief, a movement, delayed by the necessary temporary withdrawal of one brigade to sustain the division occupied in the direction of Contreras, was commenced at 11 o’clock a. m., as follows: The 2d brigade, composed of the 5th, 6th, and 8th infantry, commanded by colonel Clarke, 6th , supported by the light battalion, composed of two companies from the 2d artillery, and one from each of the 5th and 8th regiments of infantry, under Brevet Lieut. Col Smith; the whole under the guidance of Captain Mason, corps of engineers, assisted by Lieut. Hardcastle, topographical engineers—moved to the left and divergent from the causeway, taking such a direction as to strike the high road from San Antonio, with the double object of enveloping the right of the enemy’s position, and at the same time cutting off his retreat towards the capital. Lieut. Col. Duncan’s artillery (light battery) and the 1st brigade, composed of the 2d and 3d artillery and 4th infantry, commanded by Brevet Colonel Gartland, was advanced to an angle in the causeway which partially marked it from the enemy’s direct fire, and held in readiness for a rapid direct movement when the 2d brigade should become engaged, and have attracted attention to that quarter. Subsequently the 4th infantry was placed on the left of the causeway, and instructed to move by a flank, under guidance of Assistant Adj’t General Mack H, between that route and the 2d brigade, either to sustain the latter, or, if opportunity offered, rush upon one of the batteries. Discovering these dispositions, and particularly the movement of the 2d brigade, and doubtless somewhat influenced by the operations going on in the direction of Contreras, the enemy sent troops to check out the advance of our left, and commenced an evacuation of the works. After having brushed away the troops in the front, Col Clarke’s command approached a point on the high road occupied by the enemy’s retreating column, and by a rapid movement, particularly of two companies of th 5th infantry, under Captains Morrill and M. Phail, commanded by Lieut. Colonel Scott, guarded by Captain Mason, cut this column nearly in the center; advanced portion of it moving upon Churubusco; (where we shortly afterwards discovered the enemy’s main array of battle,)and the remainder, about two thousand in number, under General Bravo, with four pieces of artillery, retreated upon Dolores. The instant Clarke’s fire opened, Garland was instructed to advance rapidly in column and attempt a direct assult, previously detaching a company in advance; which, by drawing the enemy’s fire, might discover the magnitude of his batteries in that quarter; but it appeared that the guns at that point had been hastily withdrawn, in the hope of getting them away. Garland’s column was soon in, unresisted, and rapidly passed through the works, and on the high road to the capital. Some six hundred yards beyond the works the division was reunited and, disregarding the force retreating upon Dolores, the whole moved rapidly and in good order to the higher object. Approaching Churubsco—that place being on the left and near the road—it was discovered to be strongly occupied with troops, and protected by batteries and infantry defences. Further in advance was discovered a regular field work, garnished with heavy guns, and crowded with troops. Between the two, a continuous line of infantry; and on the left and rear of the work. (tete de point,) a dense line of infantry as far as the eye could reach. On getting within cannon shot, and so of musketry, the enemy opened with effect upon the head of the battalion. Garland’s brigade was now thrown promptly to the right of, and in line of columns obliquely to the road; which order would, in its advance and deployment, strike the enemy’s line at a like angle; the light battalion on its right. The 2d brigade was ordered to move also to the right (except the 6th infantry,) and by a flank parallel to the road, while the 6th infantry was directed to advance by the high road and storm the tete de pont in front. The field to the right was filled with standing corn, while masked large bodies of th enemy, and from whose tire, in consequence, every command suffered greatly in the first instance. Running over these, Garland’s brigade was soon engaged with their more regular lines and masses. Clarke’s, as soon as it could be got in the position above described—and it came at double quick time—became engaged in like manner. The 6th regiment of infantry moved with a steadiness worthy of its established reputation, to assault the work in front, as directed; but being exposed to a combined fire of grape, cannister, and musketry, which raked the road, it was of necessity, momentarily checked.
Meantime, the 8th and 5th of Clarke’s brigade, more favorably situated to effect results, but under a terrible fire, dashed past the deep and wet ditch that entirely surrounded the work, carried it by the bayonet, and as quickly as thought, turned the captured cannon upon that portion of the enemy stationed in the town, and which was combating out troops approaching from the direction of Contreras, occasionally reversing their fire upon our left flank. Previous to this period, and when in the act of giving direction to the battalions, I was joined by Major Gen. Pillow, who came in from the left with three regiments of his division—Cadwalladers brigade—having with great difficulty made his way through the marshes; thence, to the close of the day, I had the pleasure of his gallant association and assistance. Lieut. Col. Duncan’s battery of light artillery, which had been directed to be masked, being unable to counter batter the heavier metal in front, and the intersected character of the ground rendering it impossible to move it from the high road, was now rapidly advanced by its gallant commander, and opened at a position some two hundred yards distant from the work around the church of San Paolo, situated in and constituting the key of that portion of the enemy’s defences; seizing up the prolongation of a principal face, in a space of five minutes, by a fire of astonishing rapidity, the enemy was driven from his guns in that quarter, and the infantry from their entrenchments; the body taking refuge in the church and under cover of its yard walls. The fire was then turned upon the church, and, after a few rounds, several white flags were thrown out by the enemy, the fire ordered to cease, and an officer dispatched to accept the surrender of the place. To this period there had been no perceptible abatement from the fire from the town in the direction of our troops attacking the opposite face. Immediately there after, our troops in the vicinity pushed on to the point where portions of Garland’s and Clarke’s brigades ere yet engaged in hand to hand conflicts with the masses of infantry on the left and rear of the captured field work first referred to; but, under the triple influence of our musketry, the capture of the tete de pont, and the silencing of the fire in the town, (directed upon the other division of our army,) the main body of the enemy was soon discovered to be in full and confused retreat. Pressing along the highway in pursuit of the enemy, the division was soon intersected by the brigade of Gen. Shields approaching from the left, with the remainder of his brave command, consisting of the South Carolina and New York regiments, and also by the arrival of Lieut. Col. Graham wit the small remains of his battalion of the 11th regiment of infantry; these were a portion of the main army assulting, in the opposite direction of the town, the right and reserve of th enemy, under the immediate direction of the general in chief. The pursuit of the enemy by the 1st division, acting in concert and cordial co-operation with these forces, was continued to within a mile and half of the gate of Mexico, (La Candelaria). At this point, ignorant first of the magnitude of the defences of the garita, and secondly with Major Gen. Pillow and Brig. General Shields.
Col. Harney coming up at this instant with two squadrons of cavalry, was permitted to make a dash at the rear of the enemy’s retiring forces. In the eager pursuit, the head of the column pressing on too closely, and disregarding or not hearing their commander’s recall, came under fire of the battery, and suffered severely. The ground on which the troops operated, off the high road, is remarkably intersected; loose soil, growing grain, and at brief intervals, deep ditches for the purpose of drainage and irrigation. These ditches vary from six to eight feet in depth, and about the same width, with from three to four feet of water—the reserve banks lined with the enemy’s light troops.
When I recur to the nature of the ground, and the fact that the division (2,600 strong of all arms) was engaged from two to two and a half hours in a hand to hand conflict with from 7,000 to 9,000 of the enemy, having the advantage of position and occupying regular works—which our engineers will say were most skilfully constructed—the mind is filled with wonder and the heart with gratitude to the brave officers and soldiers whose steady and indomnitable valor has, under such circumstances, aided in achieving results so honorable to our country; results not accomplished, however, without the sacrifice of many valuable lives. The little professional skill the commander may have possessed was intensely exerted to spate the met; and yet, with the utmost care, we have to mourn the loss, in killed and wounded, of thirteen officers and three hundred and thirty six rank and file. Our country will lament the fate and honor he memory of these brave men! A list of captured ordinance has already been handed in, as also of prisoners, from generals down to privates.—Of prisoners we paused to make but few; although receiving the surrender of many, to disarm and pass them was decided sufficient. Among them, however are secured twenty seven deserters from our own army; arrayed in the most tawdry Mexican uniforms. These wretches served the guns, the use of which they had been taght in our own service and with fatal effect, upon the persons of their former comrades!
And now, in closing this report, hastily and inconveniently prepared, comes the pleasing and yet difficult task of bringing more particularly to the notice of the general in chief and government the behaviour of the officers and men under my command. Every officer of every grade, and every soldier, from chief of brigade, through rank and file, to the humblest, have bravely and nobly done their duty; and the delicacy is felt in full force of distinguishing, even by a separation of one from the other; and yet those in whose path fortune threw her special favors are entitled to the benefit.
As least exceptionable, corps will be referred to in order of formation, and persons in connexion with their corps.
1st. Brevet Lieut. Col. Duncan commanded and directed the light artillery, with the zeal and gallantry, judgment and effect which have so often distinguished and presented him to the notice of his general in chief and the government.
2d. Brevet Lieut. Col. Smith commanded and directed his light battalion with characteristic gallantry and ability.
3d. Brevet Col. Garland (Lieutenant Colonel 4th infantry) commanded the 1st brigade, conspicuous in many fields in the present war; in this last great combat, by skill, conduct, and courage, he has greatly added to an already established reputation for patriotism and soldiership. Of his brigade, Maj. Galt commanded and gallantry led the 2d artillery, [acting as infantry;] Lieut. Col. Belton, the 3d artillery, [also acting as infantry;] and Major Lee, the 4th infantry. The chief of the brigade speaks in terms of commendation of each of these commanders.
A list of officers engaged, as also of non commisioned officers and privates in each regiment, will be found in the regimental reports, to which reference is respectfully made.
4th.Col. Clarke’s commanding the 2d brigade—a veteran of the war of 1812, and heretofore distinguished by zeal and intelligence in this war, was while gallantly leading his brigade into battle, struck from his saddle and disabled for several hours, whereupon the command devolved upon Brevet Col. McIntosh [Lt. Colonel 5th infantry,] who led on with the pressige of many well fought fields, and acquitted himself, as always, with high courage and devotion. The command of the 5th infantry devolved, in turn, upon Brevet Lieut. Col. Scott, and the mantle could not have fallen upon a better or braver soldier; he most gallantly led the regiment to its assigned work, and, in doing, came to the close support and joint action with the corps to whose lot it fell to carry with the bayonet the main work. One wing of the 6th infantry, a portion of which was under the gallant lead of Captain Hoffman, did all that it was in the power of men to do to carry the tete de pont, by direct attack on the main road. The 8th infantry, although from its position coming up last, but the zeal and energy of its commander, Major Waite, and by the circumstances of the ground, which impeded the advance of other and proximate corps, found itself in position to … most gallant and effective service. The companies of Captain James Bomford and Larkin Smith, under the direction of Brevet Maj. Wright, preceded by Adjutant Longstreet, colors in hand, were led on most bravely to the assault of the tete de pont; crossing the ditch under a heavy fire of musketry, they mounted the rampart, and finished the work with the bayonet, closely supported by the 5th and detachments of other corps. The regimental reports of this brigade are also respectfully referred to. The medical corps, consisting of Surgeons Satterlee (senior) and Wright, Assistant Surgeons Simpson, DeLeon, Simons, Holden, Roberts, and Deyerle, presents claims to especial thanks and admiration—ever among the most fearless and indifferent to hazard during the conflict. It is after the battle, when others seek repose, that they are found skilfully and noiselessly fulfilling the duties of their high vocation, in administering comfort to the crushed and sorrowful soldier.
The following named officers and noncommissioned officers are conspicuously presented by commanders: Staff 1st brigade—Brevet Capt. Nichols, A. A. A. Gen.; Lieut. Thorn, aide de camp. 2d brigade—Lieut. Burwell, aid de camp; Lieut. Kirkham, A. A. A. Gen. Light battery—Lieuts. Hung, Hays, Clark, and Sergeant Platt. Light battalion—Lieuts. Elzey, Peck, company A and Serg’t Mickek, company K, 2d artillery; Capt. E. K. Smith, Lieut. Fakely, Serg’ts Updegraff, Argher, and Flynn, company H, 5th infantry; Capt. Reeve, Lieuts. Holloway and Pitcher, 8th infantry. 2d Artillery—Capts. McKensie and Brooks, Lieuts. Shackelford and Daniels. 3rd artillery—Capt. Burke, Brevet Capt. Avres, and Serg’t Heck. 4th infantry—Lieut. Adj. Prince and Brevet Maj. Buchanan. 5th infantry—Capt. Merrill and McPhail; Lieuts. Rossell, Fowler, and Adjutant Lugenbeel; Serg’ts Golding, Dudley, Johnson, Cartman, and O’Brion. 6th infantry—Capts. Hoffman and Walker; Lieuts. Armstead, Buckner, and Adj’t Ernst; Serg’t Maj. Thompson, Batallion Serg’t Maj. Owens, Color Sergeant McCam. Serg’ts Staniker, Williams McIntyre, Crossy, and Downs. 8th infantry—Brev. Maj. Wright, Capts. Bomford and Smith, Adj’t Longstreet and Lieut. Selden, (the latter present at many battles, honorably wounded at Resaea, and not behind the foremost in zeal and courage here.) color bearer Sergeant Maj. Pink, Serg’t Ford, and Serg’t Edward Bortram. Injustice would be done to the whole division in failing to bring to the notice of the general in chief the praiseworty—if he will pardon the expression—the courageous conduct of the Rev. Mr. McCarty, Chaplain to the 2d brigade. That excellent man and christian was seen in the midst of the conflict administering comfort and consolation to the stricken, and patriotically encouraging the soldier in his forward path of duty.
The division commander cannot forego the opportunity presented to acknowledge his obligations and express his admiration of the gallant bearing of Maj. Gen. Pillow and Brig. Gens. Shields, Cadwallader and Pierce, with whom he had the gratification of concert and co-operation at various critical periods of the conflict. And it may now, in closing, be permitted to speak of the staff of the division, general and personal. The subordinate reports will be found to speak with one sentiment of Capt. Mason, of engineers; but these are not to debar my testimony and warm acknowledgements of the intelligent and gallant services of this accomplished officer; in the estimation of all, he has won higher rank. Lieut. Hardeastle, topographical engineers, has been distinguished by zeal, intelligence, and gallantry, in his particular department, as also in combat. To Surgeon Satterlee, senior medical officer, the highest praise is due. Capt. Myers, division quartermaster, has highly distinguished himself by energy and devotion in his particular department, and by gallantry in combat. Lieut. Armstrong, division commissary, is also highly distinguished for energy and devotion in his particular department, and by gallantry in combat. Of the gallantry and efficient assistance of Capt. Mackall, assistant adjutant general, (but in a different relation,) of Brevet Capt Pe…ton and Lieut. Wood, aids de camp, it has been my pleasing duty heretofore to speak under similar circumstances. On this occasion each member of the staff has fulfilled every duty of his station to the entire satisfaction of their chief, and established new claims to professional distinction and reward. To Lieut. Semmes, of the navy, volunteer aid decamp, the most cordial thanks of the general of the division are tendered for his uniform gallantry and assistance; and the general in chief is respectfully requested to present the conduct of this accomplished and gallant officer to the special notice of the chief of his distinguished branch of the public service—our glorious navy.
I have the honor to present to the general a national standard, a trophy secured from the enemy by the 1st division.
Herewith are reports:
1st—Of commanders and brigades, regiments, and corps, lettered from A to N.
2d—Tabular report of killed and wounded.
3d—Report of killed and wounded by name.
4th—Map exhibiting the operations of the 1st division, executed by Lieut. Hardcastle from a survey jointly by Captain Mason and himself.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. J. WORTH
Brevet Major Gen. U. S. A.
Capt. H L Scott, A A A G
[350 men were
absent on baggage, train, and other guards.]
[ATT]
NNR 73.189-190 Nov. 20, 1847 Henry Clay's resolutions at Lexington
Mr. Clay’s Resolutions.
A grand whig mass meeting was held at Lexington, Ky., on Saturday the 13th November. It having been publicly announced that Mr. Clay would attend and address the meeting and submit resolutions for their consideration, the concourse was immense. The Lexington Observer and Reporter, of 13th, says:
“The anxiety to hear the Sage of Ashland was intense. Among those present were individuals who had travelled over a thousand miles. I never witnessed a deeper feeling. All ages participated—the father as well as the son—all classes and conditions of society. And no wonder. The announcement had gone forth that Henry Clay—the patriot—the statesman—the sage—was about to address his countrymen on the most important topic of the day—the war with Mexico, its origin and its objects! Surely such an announcement was calculated to excite the minds and move the hearts of men—and not only of immediate residents of Lexington and its vicinity, but of every American citizen—of all who love their country and feel pride in its honor and prosperity.
Precisely at the hour named, the distinguished orator mounted the platform amidst the shouts of the assembled thousands. It had rained all the morning, and every thing looked Novemberish. The fourth estate represented by a gentleman from Louisville, and the writer hereof had obtained comfortable seats at a table on the platform, with pens, ink, and paper, all ready, when Mr. Clay came forward, and stated that he was opposed to any report of his speech being taken, as he ad been so frequently misrepresented; and that he intended to have it printed under his own supervision, and would furnish copies then to all. In vain we remonstrated and offered to allow him to revise our notes. The fiat had gone forth, and he declared that if we persisted in reporting, he would not speak. I mention these circumstances in order that you ma account for the slight sketch only which I have deemed it proper to give.
Gen. Leslie Coombs called the meeting to order, and hoped that perfect silence might be observed as it was probably the last time that the illustrious individual now before them, would ever address a populous assembly, and he had resolved to do it on this occasion, from a high sense of duty to himself and the country. The momentous question now presented to the American people, of annexation by conquest or purchase, immense foreign territory inhabited by millions of people of different races and colors, and placing them on an equal footing with the free white citizens of this republic, permitted no man who loved his country to remain silent, and Henry Clay would have been unworthy of his past history, if he had allowed any selfish considerations to palsy his tongue. He had “rather be right than be president.”
On motion of Gen. Coombs, the hon. W. Robinson was appointed president, with a long array of vice presidents and secretaries.
Mr. Clay then rose and submitted the following resolutions. They are of the deepest interest and importance, as they imbody the text or principles of this great speech.
RESOLUTIONS
Submitted by the hon. Henry Clay at the public meeting held in Lexington, Ky., Nov. 13, 1847.
1st. Resolved, As the opinion of this meeting, that the primary cause of the present unhappy war existing between the United States of America, and the United States of the Republic of Mexico, was the annexation of Texas to the former, and the immediate occasion of hostilities between the two republics, arose out of the order of the President of the United States, for the removal of the army under the command of Gen. Taylor, from its position at Corpus Christi, to a point opposite to Matamoros, on the east bank of the Rio Bravo, within the territory, claimed by both republics, but then under the jurisdiction of Mexico, and inhabited by its citizens—that the order of the president for the removal of the army to that point, was improvident and unconstitutional, it being without the concurrence of congress, or any consultation with it, although it was in session; but that congress, having by subsequent acts recognized the war thus brought into existence with out its previous authority or consent, the prosecution of it became thereby national.
2d. Resolved . That in the absence of any formal and public declaration by congress of the objects for which the war ought to be prosecuted, the President of the United States, as chief magistrate, and as the commander in chief of th army and navy of the United States, is left to the guidance of his own judgement to prosecute it to such purposes and objects as he may deem the honor and interests of the nation to require.
3d. Resolved , That, by the constitution of the U. States, congress being invested with powers to declare war and grant letters of marque and reprisal, to make rules concerning captures on land and water, to raise and support armies, to provide and maintain a navy, and to make rules for the government of the land and naval forces, has the fullest complete war-making power in the United States, and so possessing it has a right to determine upon the motives, causes, and objets of war, when once commenced, or at any time during the progress of its existence.
4th. Resolved. As the further opinion of the meeting, it is the duty of congress to declare by some authentic act to what purpose and object the existing war ought to be further prosecuted, that it is the duty of the president, in his official conduct to conform to such a declaration of congress; and if after such declaration the president should decline or refuse to endeavor, by all the means, civil, diplomatic, and military, in his power, to execute the announced will of congress, and in defiance of its authority should continue to prosecute the war for purposes and objets other than those declared by that body, it would become the right and duty of congress to adopt the most efficacious measures to arrest the further progress of the war, taking care to make ample provision for the honor, the safety, and the security of our arms in Mexico in every contingency; and if Mexico should decline or refuse to conclude a treaty with us, stipulating for the purposes and objects so declared by congress, it would be the duty of the government to prosecute the war, with the utmost vigilance, until they were attained by a treaty of peace.
5th. Resolved, That we view with serious alarm, and are utterly opposed to any purpose of annexation of Mexico to the United States, in any mode, and especially by conquest—that we believe the two nations could not be happily governed by one common authority, owing to their great difference of race, law, language, and religion, and the vast extent of their respective territories, and large amount of their respective populations—that such a union against the consent of the exasperated Mexican people, could only be effected and preserved by large standing armies, the constant application of military force, in other words, by despotic sway exercised over the Mexican people in the first instance, but which there would be just cause to apprehend might in process of time be extended over the whole people of the United States—that we deprecate, therefore, such a union as wholly incompatible with the genius of our government, and with the character of our free and liberal institutions, and we anxiously hope that each nation may be left in the undisturbed possession of its own labors, language, cherished religion, and territory, to pursue its own happiness according to what it may deem best for itself.
6th. Resolved, That considering the series of splendid and brilliant victories achieved by our brave armies and their gallant commanders during the war with Mexico, unattended by a single reverse, the United States, without any danger of their honor suffering the lightest tarnish, can practise the virtues of moderation and magnanimity toward their discomfitted foe; we have no desier for the dismemberment of the republic of Mexico, but only the just and proper fixation of the limits of Texas.
7th. Resolved, That we do positively and emphatically disclaim and disvow any wish or desire on our part to acquire any foreign territory whatever, for the purpose of propagating slavery, or of introducing slavery from the United States into such foreign territory.
8th. Resolved, That we invite our fellow citizens of the United States, who are anxious for the restoration of the blessings of peace, or if the existing war shall continue to be prosecuted, desirous that its purposes and objects shall be defined and known, who are anxious to avert present and further perils and dangers with which it may be fraught, and who are also anxious to produce contentment and satisfaction at home, and to elevate the national character abroad, to assemble together in their respective communities, and to express their views, feelings, and opinions.
We refrain from inserting the outlines of Mr. Clay’s speech as given by the reporter, preferring to wait for his own report. [ATT]NNR 73.192 Nov. 20, 1847 US money market affected by shipments of specie to Europe and to Mexico
Money Matters
The current specie is now setting towards Europe on one hand and towards Mexico, for support of our armies, on the other, in such forces as to affect the money market. Boston, New York and Philadelphia papers mention the comparative rates for discounts as considerable higher and the difficulty of obtaining them as far greater within the last ten days.
That specie would be shipped to Europe in any considerable amount at the present rates for exchanges, was stoutly disputed by most of the commercial journals. Facts are stubborn things however.
The exports of specie from New York and Boston, within a few days past are thus stated—
|
By Steamer Caledonia, By Steamer Washington, By Ship John R. Skiddy, for Liverpool, By Ship Fidelia, By Ship Burgundy, for Havre, By Ship Wellington, for London, By Ship Mendoza, for Rio, |
$662,500 190,000 195,000 242,000 80,000 100,000 32,000 |
| __________ | |
| $1,501,500 |
The agents of the steamer Washington had an application to carry out a further sum of $150,000, but were unable to agree with the proposed shippers on the terms.
The total exports of specie from the United States for the month of November, it is believed, will not fall short of two millions of dollars, and will, of course, produce a corresponding effect on the money markets and operations of the banks.
Besides the above we see notices are shipments by several of the other packet ships to a considerable amount.
Treasury notes, have fallen below par. Considerable amounts have been disposed of …99.. The banks no longer receive them in payment except for the accommodation of such of their customers as have duties or other payments to make to the sub-treasurers. So long as treasury notes remains at or below par, they will of course be paid, instead of specie, for public dues. The amount of specie in sub treasury notes at New York, on Thursday last, was, it is said, about $1,500,000. The payments into the custom house about $40,000 per day,--of which from $5,000 to $7,000 was in treasury notes. Should treasury notes continue to decline, very little specie will be received as long as they are in the market. [ATT]NNR 73.189 Nov. 20, 1847 Killed and wounded
1st Brevet Lieut. Col. Dinenn commanded and directed the light artillery, with the zeal and gallantry, judgment and effect which have so often distinguished and presented him to the notice of his general in chief and the government.
2d. Brevet Lieut Col. Smith commanded and directed his light battalion with characteristic gallantry and ability.
3d. Brevet Col. Garland (Lieutenant Colonel 4th infantry) commanded the 1 st brigade, conspicuous in many fields in the present war; in this last great combat, by skill, conduct, and courage, he has greatly added to an already established reputation for patriotism and soldiership. Of his brigade, Maj. Galt commanded and gallantry led the 2d artillery, [acting as infantry;] Lieut. Col. Belton, the 3d artillery, [also acting as infantry;] and Major Lee, the 4th infantry. The chief of the brigade speaks in terms of commendation of each of these commanders.
A list of officers engaged, as also of non commissioned officers and privates in each regiment, will be found in the regimental reports, to which reference is respectfully made. [JNA]
NNR 73.192 Nov. 20, 1847 Letter describing the fighting at Huamantla
BATTLE OF HUAMANTLA--We have seen a letter from a member of the late Captain Walker's company to his wife in this city, from which we make a few extracts.--Speaking of the entrance of Captain Walker's command into the town of Huamantla, he says:
"We scoured the streets, and took several prisoners. Among them were Col. La Vega, brother to Gen. La Vega, and Major Iturbide, son of a former emperor of Mexico, and a nephew of General Herrera. The later conversed with us in very good English, and recognized several of our men, particularly Frederick Crey, with whom he had been associate at St. Mary's College."
The writer thus describes the manner in which the intrepid Walker was killed:
"Captain Walker moved out of the gateway of the church yard, in which we were drawn up in line, for the purpose of giving orders, when he was fired upon from the right of the street. One ball entered his back, and came out through his breast. He immediately fell, and some men ran out and carried him in. His last words were to this effect--"Boys, fight to the last; I am dying; do not lose time in attending to me; go and tell Capt. Lewis not to surrender this place as long as there is a man breathing." He expired in a few moments, the service losing an invaluable officer, and we a brave and good commander.
"The body of Capt. Walker was conveyed, after the fight, with military honors, to a carriage supposed to belong to Gen. Santa Anna, escorted by the Pennsylvania regiment, under the command of Col. W.F. Wynkoop. This officer, who had been at variance with Capt. W., burst into tears on looking at the body of the deceased, and exclaimed, "I would have given six years of my existence if I could have spoken to Capt. Walker before he died."
"Our dead and wounded were--Capt. Walker, killed; corporal J.E. Merriken,do.; privates B. Hughmen, do.; Tarbos, do.; sergeant Thos. Goslin, missing; privates Sam McClay, do.; R. Dement, do.; Darlington, Richards, do.; and John Collins; corporal Glanding, wounded severely, since dead; privates Raborg, wounded severely; Meacham, do. Wayne, do.; Scott, do; slightly, Myers, do; McGill, do.; and the sergeant major of the battalion, severely wounded. David, Capt. Walker's servant, was killed."[JNA]
NNR 73.192 Nov. 20, 1847 remarks on Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's destiny, his whereabouts
Santa Anna’s Whereabouts?
The Mexican child, puzzles alike politicians and generals. Romance and fiction are distanced—his movements are more in the style of eastern fable than of veritable history. First dexterously cajoling the invaders of his native country, we find him availing of a free pass through their close blockade, throwing himself upon the country from which a few months before he had narrowly escaped, denounced as a traitor and hunted as a fugitive. A few weeks only elapsed, and we find him received by that country, elevated to the chief executive power, and without either money or credit, raising as if by magic an army five and twenty thousand men—organizing and disciplining them, and what was more wonderful, without resources of any kind, without adequate munitions or even provisions, we see him marching this army over a desert region which has arrested the advance of our own armies—and precipitating apparently an overwhelming force upon the most exposed and vulnerable point of our whole time of approach. Miracles alone saved the army under Gen. Taylor. All the ingredients requisite for certain victory, even to that of desperation of circumstances which must follow defeat, were combined in Santa Anna’s enterprize upon that occasion. All was unavailing however, against General Taylor and his men. Santa Anna’s best generalship and his best troops were doomed to such an overwhelming defeat, as left him apparently in the most hopeless flight, beyond retrieve. His disciplined army was annihilated here.
The forces that he subsequently mustered in his conflicts with Gen. Scott, were hurriedly huddled together on the spur of the moment, without either organization or discipline. An effective scientific was is not the creation of a bugle blast. The difference between a disciplined army and an undisciplined crowd, is told in the issue of the campaign.
Santa Anna had the double task on his hands, of controlling contending and distracting factions and of defending, as well as he could, from invading armies. We find him by turns obliged to march his fragment of forces one day to the capital, to restore something like order, and the next day wheeling them about to encounter the approaching fires under Gen. Scott. Each movement is by turns denounced as being desperate as well as treasonable, both by his enemies and his countrymen.
The battle of Cerro Gordo again doomed Santa Anna to the severest fate to which a defeated general could well be subjected—the suspicion of treason—as well as the total loss of his army and munitions.
Once more we see him surmounting all difficulties making a most formidable defence of the capital. Whatever may be said of the superiority of his positions and numbers that he evinced courage and generalship seldom surpassed, is a fact that will be duly authenticated whenever the true history of the siege and capture of Mexico shall be written. Our armies and our generals had brave and able men to encounter and to overcome, in achieving their victories. It was no child’s play.
Once more defeated—expelled the capital—officially denounced by his own second officer as a coward and traitor, and by his own civil officers also, we find Santa Anna emerging from utter prostration, as if by magic. The accounts say that at the battle of Huamantla, in which the gallant Walker fell, Gen. Santa Anna himself charged the American forces in the place at the head of 2,500 cavalry.
Defeat seems to have been his destiny. Again he is said to have been deserted by his forces—even to his life-guard. After spending his last dollar, he is now, according to one of the latest letters from Vera Cruz, a prisoner of one of the opposing factions of his own countrymen and to be tried for his life. According to another letter, he has made his escape from Mexico and has got on board the British mail steamer which left Vera Cruz on the 1st of November, by means of a craft from near Tampico. The latter account we place little confidence in.
Santa Anna, fairly considering the difficulties he has had to contend with,
has done more than it would seem possible for any one man to have accomplished.
[ATT]
73.192 Nov. 20, 1847 letter describing the fighting at Huamantla and the death of Capt. Samuel Hamilton Walker, list of killed and wounded
Battle of Huamantla
We have seen a letter from a member of the late Captain Walker’s company to his wife in the city, from which we make a few extracts—Speaking of the entrance of Captain Walker’s command into the town of Huamantla, he says:
[Balt. Amer.
“We scoured the streets, and took several prisoners. Among them were Col. La Vega, brother to Gen. La Vega, and Major Iturbide son of a former emperor of Mexico, and a nephew of General Herrera. The latter conversed with us in very good English, and recognized several of our men, particularly Frederick Crey with whom he had been associated at St. Mary’s College.”
The writer thus describes the manner in which the intrepid Walker was killed:
“Captain Walker moved out of the gateway of the church yard, in which we were drawn up in line, for the purpose of giving orders, when he was fired upon from the right of the street. One ball entered his back, and came out through his breast. He immediately fell, and some of his men ran out and carried him in. His last words were to this effect—‘Boys, fight to the last; I am dying; do not lose time in attending to me; go and tell Capt. Lewis no to surrender this place as long as there is a man breathing.’ He expired in a few moments, the service losing an invaluable officer, and a brave and good commander.
“The body of Capt. Walker was conveyed, after the fight, with military honors, to a carriage supposed to belong to Gen. Santa Anna, escorted by the Pennsylvania regiment, under the command of Col. W. F. Wynkoop. This officer, who had been at variance with Capt. W. burst into tears on looking at the body of the deceased, and exclaimed, “I would have given six years of my existence if I could have spoken to Capt. Walker before he died.”
“Our dead and wounded were—Capt. Walker, killed; corporal J. E. Merriken, do.; privates B, Hughmen, do.; Tarbox, do.’ Sergeant Thos. Gosling, missing; privates Sam McClay, do.; R. Demert, do.; Darlington, Richards, do.; and John Collins; corporal Glancing, wounded severely, since dead; privates Raborg, wounded severly; Meacham, do. Wayne, do.; Scott, do.; slightly, Myers, do.; McGill, do.; and the sergeant major of the battalion, severely wounded. David, Capt. Walker’s servant, was killed.” [ATT]
NNR 73.192 Nov. 27, 1847 delay in a quorum for the Congress at Queretaro, suggestion of monarchy
General Cushing, with his command, left Vera Cruz on the 30th,
and General Patterson with the residue forces at Vera Cruz, marched for
Puebla on the 31 st October. Between that period and the 5th November, some 1200 to 1500 additional troops had arrived at Vera
Cruz from the U. States.
The Mexican congress would not be able to form a quorum at Queretaro before the 29th Oct., if then. Senor Pena y Pena had invited the governors of all the states to assemble at Queretaro to consult on affairs.
Paredes is said to have made himself rather ridiculous by again suggesting his scheme of monarchy. - He has made a long proclamation that only his great desire of serving his country had brought him to it. Said general having received an intimation from the government to go and wait orders at Teloloapan, (or Orizaba,) he answered that it was impossible for him to go there, as he was stuck and without resources, promising that wherever he might remain, the government might rest assured that he had no intention of disturbing the public tranquility. [RLLW]
73.192 Nov. 20, 1847 Fight among the Mexican guerrillas
WAR WITH MEXICO
Our latest dates from Vera Cruz are to the 5th inst., brought to N. Orleans by the steamer James L. Day. Amongst the passengers of the Day were Maj. Iturbide, prisoner of war, and Lieut. Sears, bearer of dispatches from Gen. Scott to the department at Washington. These dispatches left the city of Mexico between the 12th and the 15th October, escorted by a company of 100 Mexican lancers, under command of Col. Dominguez. The company left Puebla on the 19th . On the same night they were attacked by a strong force under General Torrejon, and shortly after by a party under Col. Vamos. In the two engagements they lost fifteen of their men, but, fighting as may be said, with halters round their necks, they of course fought furiously, and killed and wounded far more of the Mexicans. They returned to Puebla, and General Lane placed the dispatches in the hands of his adjustant general, Lieut. Sears, who came down with his Mexican escort to Vera Cruz, accompanied as far as Plan del Rio by the 1 st Pennsylvania regiment, under Col. Wynkoop, Capt. Loyall's mounted men, and three companies of artillery. The American portion of the escort halted at Plan del Rio, and were to return with Gen. Patterson.
The Mexican spy company is described as a rough looking set of men. They fight with ropes round their necks, as the saying is, and therefore fight gallantly. Col. Cominguez is thought to know the road intimately, from long experience upon the line in a different capacity. We understand that we have altogether about four hundred and fifty of this description of force in our pay.
Gen. Lane's command is quartered in the heart of Puebla, the general occupying the palace. He retains all the force he took up with him.
Gen. Scott orders a garrison of 750 men to be stationed at the National Bridge, 1200 at Jalapa, and 2000 at Puebla. Gen. Patterson assigns Gen. Cashing to the command of Jalapa. Gen. Patterson reached the National Bridge on the 4th , with the whole of the forces, unmolested on his route from Vera Cruz.
The guerrillas have had a fight between themselves, in which Jarauta's band killed some 20 or 30 of Cenobio's band, whom he has denounced as a traitor, aiding the Americans.
Santa Anna was at Tehuaca on the 26th Oct., having given up the idea of going to Orizaba.
From Mexico nothing material.
A report was in circulation oin the 15th ot Mexico, that another serious affair took place between a part of our troops and some Mexican inhabitants of Mexicalcingo.
Congress had not met at Queretaro on the 13th October.
The remains of the lamented Captain Walker, and his faithful servant David were in the Castle of Perote on the 5th --having been brought from Huamantla by order of Col. Wynkoop, and will be forwarded to the United States. [JNA]
NNR 73.195 Nov. 27, 1847 Killed and wounded.
Siege of Puebla. List of killed and wounded at San Jose, between the commencement and termination of the siege of Puebla:
First Pennsylvania battalion of volunteers.--Company A--Wounded, George Rusheberger, James McCutcheon, severely; John Hoover, David Lindsay, Henry Linch, Mansfield Mason, James Bowden, R. Wilson, John Donlan, slightly. Company C--Wm Eurick, killed; Charles Collison, John B. Herron, wounded. Company I--John Preece, killed; D.W. Yarlott, James Ellis, Sergeant Domminick Devanny, slightly wounded; Luke Floyd, severely. Company K--Corporal E.H. Jones, John C. Gilchrist, John H. Herrod, F.B. Johns, H. Krutzolman, Jas. Phillips, Wm. A. Phillips, S.D. Sewell, Wm. Smitz, D.S. Vernoy, F. Vandyke, Joseph Wilson, Samuel Troyer, killed; Capt. John Herron, Thomas B. Furnam, A. E. Marshall, W.C. Winebiddle, R. Reed, slightly wounded; John McLellan, James Lambert, severely. Missing--John Lonstaff, company K; M. Stemlar, company C.
Voltegeur regiment.--Private John H. Burgess, killed; John Wilson, company A, slightly wounded; David Ricketts, company F, do.
Mounted rifles.--Private Cornwell, 2d dragoons attached to mounted rifle detachment, private Smith, H, killed. Privates Blair, company D, Campbell, company B, wounded.
Company D, 3d dragoons.--Eli Stewart, wounded.
Quartermaster's department.--A.B. Duncan, Wm. Waddell, slightly wounded; Wm. Johnson, severely.
Guadalupe.--Wm. Patterson, company E, 2d artillery, severely wounded; Josiah Blair, mounted rifles, do; Samuel Houpt. Wm. Schultz, slightly.
General hospital.--J.P. Hardy, company G, voltigeurs, John H. Rowney, company K, 2d artillery, T. Russell, 2d regiment light dragoons, severely wounded.
Dr. Bunting's hospital.--Sergeant William Deal. John Biers, 2d Pennsylvania volunteers, and Wm. Curry, 2d artillery, severely wounded. Sergeant Diel's conduct is highly spoken of by Dr. Bunting. All the invalids of the hospital capable of firing a musket did good service from the roof of the building.
Spy company.--Officer John Mose, wounded; since killed. J. Gordero, two brothers Dominguez and Jose Servezo, wounded.
Servant to Col. Childs--Daniel Sims, wounded.
In the battle of Atlixco the enemy are said to have left two hundred dead on the road. The Flag gives the following as our loss:
Wounded--Bernard Rork, mortally, [since dead;] Mathas Rautler, slightly; Josiah Corwin, severely. All three men were attached to or serving with Capt. Ford's company (D) 3d dragoons. [JNA]
NNR 73.195 Nov. 27, 1847 need for a loan if the war with Mexico procrastinates
If the war with Mexico be procrastinated our government will probably require a considerable loan soon after congress assembles. [RLLW]
NNR 73.195 Nov. 27, 1847 account of the battle at Huamantla; operations and incident, affairs at Huamantla and death of Capt. Samuel Hamilton Walker
Battle of Humantla. Death of the brave Captain Walker.
The "Flag of Freedom" published at Puebla, of the 24th , contains the following details of the affair in which the gallant Walker fell. We have an official account of it since.
On the evening of October 8th, the train halted at a hacienda two and a half leagues from Nopaluca. Gen. Lane sent out a spy to the town of Huamantla that night, having received information that Gen. Santa Anna had gone thither during the day before. The next morning he returned and reported that the cavalry of the enemy had left town, leaving behind six pieces of artillery. Orders were immediately issued for the cavalry under Captain Walker, Col. Gorman's regiment, Major Lally's battalion, Col. Wyonkoop's regiment, Capt. Taylor's battery and Capt. Heitzelman's battalion to be in readiness to march for the town, leaving the train with about eleven hundred men and two pieces of artillery, under the command of Col. Brough.
At 11 o'clock the whole moved off in fine style. - The cavalry were ordered to keep some distance in advance. We had gone about two miles when Capt. Walker determined to push on at a gallop and surprise the enemy. For five miles the cavalry moved at a very rapid pace until we reached the outskirts of the town, when Capt. Walker gave orders to form fours and close up. He then entered a very narrow lane, both sides of which were lined with thick maguey, so narrow in many places that the sets of fours had to be broken and the column moved by twos. - One we went at a trot, until the lane opened into the main street leading to the plaza, when, in column of four, the order was given to draw sabres and charge. Then rose a wild yell, and such a charge! The flashing of the sabres, the thundering of the horses' feet over the paved streets, were enough to strike terror into the hearts of the enemy. Two of their cannon were pointed up the street, another pointed down a cross street, and the fuse was burning in it. The terrified artillerymen moved merely to the sides of the houses, at whom our men made their thrusts and right and left cuts, killing many in this manner. - The cavalry rushed over their cannon, the lancers (how many we did not know, but supposed there were three or four hundred) fled, and our men separated into small parties, pursuing them beyond the town, on the outskirts of which a good many were killed. Capt. Walker went beyond the town for the purpose of overtaking the artillery which had left the place. Capt. Lewis went in another direction for the same purpose. Capt. Besancon was ordered to follow the road to see if the artillery could be overtaken. In the mean time, most of our men having gone in pursuit, Capt. Loyall with a few men, assisted by Adj. Claiborne, secured some fifty or sixty prisoners at their quarters, together with their arms, &c. Lieut. Claiborne then proceeded to secure and bring up the plaza the cannon (three pieces) we had captured. Capt. Walker returned about this …[illegible]… brother of the general's,) and a lieutenant; these he delivered to Capt. Walker. Lieut. Claiborne, assisted by Corporal Hescock and private Myers and one or two others, limbered up the six pounder and brought it to the plaza; leaving it limbered up and the mules standing in it, and returning to get the four pounder, the lieutenant was in the act of bringing it up when he was forced to leave it by the appearance of all Santa Anna's cavalry, 2500 strong. Corporal Tilghman, of company C, (rifles,) brought up a small howitzer. Private Dusenbery, of company C, took a lieutenant of artillery prisoner and turned him over to Surgeon Reynolds. By this time a good many of our men had returned and were in the plaza in scattered groups, when the lancers charged them suddenly and unexpectedly. Our men received them with great bravery, and kept the plaza with the exception of a few under Capt. Walker, who retired by a street leading west from the plaza - the enemy close on them at a charge; he turned the next street to his left, while the enemy, seeing the 4 pounder, rushed to take it. It was fortunate for the few men with Capt. Walker they saw this piece, for at the very next corner a still larger force met him; he wheeled and dashing swiftly past the rear of those who had cut him off from the plaza, again entered it. Here the men dismounted and occupied the convent-yard, together with a large house on the corner of the square.
Capt. Lewis and Lieut. Waters, with some ten or twelve men, charged twice upon the enemy, who gave way, and were pursuing them, when they discovered they were being surrounded by a vast number of lancers. They gallantly forced their way to the plaza; Capt. Besancon barely returned in time to save himself.
Private Hugenen and Corporal Merrillen, of company C, rifles, being entirely surrounded, drove right into their midst, and fell covered with wounds.
Capt. Walker gave the orders promptly to form the men to receive the enemy, who now made their appearance on our right, in front, and on our left. - They had also run up the four pounder to open on us.
Lieut. Claiborne, assisted by Corporal Tilghman, unlimbered the six pounder and pointed it at the column on our left. Having no port fire, he prepared to fire it with a horse pistol; the enemy came nearer and nearer, until at about sixty yards off, when they halted. At this moment the lieutenant fired the pistol, but the fuse of the cannon would not catch, and being left alone in the plaza he retired to the corner house, and posted some riflemen to keep the piece from recapture.
At this juncture Capt. Walker, while examining the approach of the enemy, and looking at the four pounder on our right, was shot from behind, from a house that displayed a white flag. He sunk down immediately and was borne into the yard, the men bursting into tears as the cry spread among them, "Capt. Walker is killed."Capt. Walker directed that we should "never surrender," and died in about thirty minutes. Capt. Lewis made a detail of eight men, who sent out and brought the six pounder and placed it at the gate. The enemy menaced us a long time, and fired the four pounder six or eight times loaded with grape, one of which discharges shattered the leg of Frederick Raborg, Capt. W.'s interpreter, and a private of company C. Seeing the determination of our men they hesitated, faltered, and fell back. Capt. Lewis formed the men after Walker fell, and by his energy and address assisted materially to suppress disorder.
Lieut. Lilly distinguished himself by his daring. Surgeon Lamar was in the first charge by the side of Walker; was in the plaza when the charge was made, and was saved by the devoted act of Captain Walker's slave David, who caught at the lance aimed at him and received it himself. He died in a few minutes. He was honest and faithful, and a favorite of his noble master.";In death they were not divided."
The infantry came up as the enemy were retiring - Col. Gorman's being the only portion of the infantry that got a shot at the enemy. There is much praise due them for the gallant manner in which they strove to be with the cavalry. They ran themselves out of breath, and then ran on. Never were men more anxious to reach an enemy. They had discovered the immense body of cavalry that was making its way in a gallop by a parallel road to the town, and both tried to reach town first. When they got to town we had possession. Surgeon Reynolds behaved very gallantly, and his whole energies after the fight were bestowed upon the wounded.
The whole force of Capt. Walker's command did not exceed 195. The enemy dispersed on five hundred, and in the subsequent fight they were two thousand five hundred strong. Company C lost its gallant captain, whose fame needs no eulogy, and whose loss is irreparable. His valor, often tried, is appreciated by the whole of his countrymen. Peace to the ashes of he noble and gallant captain!
Killed-Corporal Merriken, privates Hugenen and Tarbox. Wounded - Corporal Glanding, [since dead;] Meachem [severely;] Raborg, [lost a leg;] Weich, Wayne, McGil, Scott, and Myers, slightly. Missing - Sergeant Goslin; privates Dement, Darlington, Collins, McCleary, and Richards, of company C, rifles. Capt. Lewis' company, private Murray wounded. Capt. Loyall's company, killed, private Richardson; slightly wounded, privates Fornely and Milton.
The enemy lost over one hundred men, two pieces of artillery, and large quantities of ammunition. - Most of prisoners escaped during the charge.
The whole command behaved in the most gallant manner, and received the highest praises from the commanding general. The whole force under Gen. Lane returned to camp last night. [RLLW]
NNR 73.196 Nov. 27, 1847 proclamation of Col. Thomas Childs as military governor of Puebla
Proclamation of Col. Childs, Military Governor of Puebla, after the evacuation of that place by the guerrillas:
Office of the Civil and Military Governor.
Proclamation. Order having been restored in the city of Puebla, and a force put at the disposal of the chief of police, it is fondly hoped that nor further acts of violence will occur.
The undersigned, in connection with his excellency the Prefect of Puebla, will use his best exertions to maintain the peace and quiet of the city.
The citizens are earnestly requested to open their stores and shops, under the positive assurance that they will be sent to their place of business, and every means taken to protect them.
Officers of the army are respectfully requested to assist in securing any person guilty of improper conduct that may come under their notice in passing through the streets.
THOMAS CHILDS, Col, U.S.A.,
Civil and Military Governor.
Alphonso De Wengierski secretary.
[RLLW]
NNR 73.196-73.197 Nov. 27, 1847 official account of the siege of Puebla
SIEGE OF PUEBLA - OFFICIAL ACCOUNT.
Report of Colonel Childs.
Headquarters military department of Puebla, Puebla, October 13, 1847.
Sir: I have the honor to report, that, after twenty-eight days' close investment, the enemy yesterday raised the siege, and left Atlixco.
I will avail myself in command of Capt. Ford's company of cavalry, 46 strong; Capts. Kendrick's and Miller's companies of artillery, numbering 100; together with six companies of the first Pennsylvania volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Col. Black - his total effective strength being 247 - and hospitals filled with 1,800 sick.
With this command, San Jose, the grand depot in the city, Loreto, and Guadalupe, were to be garrisoned, and held against the combined efforts of the military and the populace.
The isolated position selected for the hospitals compelled me to remove them within their protection of San Jose, on the first demonstration of hostility. This was not long in exhibiting itself, when I put myself, with such means as I had at my disposal, in the best possible state for defence, continuing my efforts to the squares immediately around San Jose; and from those points the enemy during the entire siege were not able to force in (but for a single moment) the sentinel.
No open acts of hostility, other than the murdering of straggling soldiers, occurred until the night of the 13th of September, when a fire opened from some of the streets. On the night of the 14th it recommenced, and from every street, with a violence that knew of no cessation for twenty eight days and nights.
The enemy with their numerous cavalry, succeeded in cutting off, at once, every kind of supply, and vainly attempted to change the current of the stream of water, that we might become more easy prey. The night, however, before the cattle and sheep disappeared from the vicinity, two well directed parties obtained 30 of the former and 400 of the latter.
The various points to be defended for the preservation of San Jose, on which the safety of the other posts depended, demanded the untiring vigilance of every officer and man.
The enemy augmented in numbers daily, and daily the firing was increased; and finally, on the 22 nd of September, General Santa Anna arrived with large reinforcements from Mexico, much to the delight of the besiegers, on which occasion a general ringing of bells took place, and was only stopped - as it had been several times before - by a discharge of shells and round shot from Loreto into the heart of the city.
On the 25th of September General Santa Anna demanded my surrender. A copy of his demand together with the reply, are herewith enclosed, marked A.
I here beg to pay a passing tribute to my gallant troops. So soon as I had dispatched my answer, I supposed not a moment would be lost by the general, who was to attack me at all points with his 8,000 troops. I rode to the different posts, and announced to the troops the demand, the force with which it was backed, and my reply. Their response convinced me that all was safe; that a hard and bloody battle must be fought ere the great captain of Mexico could overcome my little band.
The point of attack was San Jose, commanded by Lieut. Col. Black, with Captain Ford's company of cavalry, and Capt. Miller's company of 4th artillery, and four companies of his own regiment, and one hospital, the guard of which was in command of Capt. Rowe, of the 9th regiment of infantry.
The duty required of this command that I have before observed, in consequence of the various points to be defended, demanded an untiring effort on the part of every officer and soldier. A shower of bullets was constantly poured from the streets, the balconiee, the house tops, and churches, upon their devoted heads.
Never did troops endure more fatigue by watching night after night, for more than thirty successive nights, nor exhibit more patience, spirit, and gallantry. Not a post of danger could present itself, but the gallant fellows were ready to fill it. Not a sentinel could be shot, but another was anxious and willing to take his place. Officers and soldiers vied with each other to be honored martyrs in their country's cause. This is the general character of the troops I had the honor to command, and I was confident the crown of victory would perch upon their standard when the last great effort should be made. Their bold and determined front deprived them of what they anxiously desired.
On the 30th ult. Gen. Santa Anna had established his battery bearing upon San Jose, and opened with much spirit. Having anticipated this movement, I had thrown up a traverse on the plaza, and withdrawn a 12-pounder from Loreto, by which means I was enabled to answer his shot. Towards night his battery ceased, and on the next morning was withdrawn, together with from 3,000 to 4,000 of the besieging force, to meet the reinforcements then daily expected at Pinal.
On the 2 d inst. I availed myself of some reduction of the enemy's numbers to make a sortie against certain barricades and buildings, whose fire had become very annoying. One of the expeditions was confined to Captain Small, of the 1st Pennsylvania volunteers. Passing through the walls of an entire square with fifty men, he gained a position opposite the barricade, and drove the enemy with grewat loss, they leaving seventeen dead on the ground. The barricade, consisting of 150 bales of cotton, was consumed. In this affair, Capt. Small and his command behaved with great gallantry, and for twenty four hours were unceasing in their labors in accomplishing the object; when I saw Lieut. Laidley, of the ordnance corps, to blow up a prominent building, which was done by that excellent officer in good style; when the entire party was withdrawn, with few wounded.
At the same time Lieut. Morgan, of the 14th regiment, with a detachment of marines, and Lieut. Merrifield, of the 15th regiment, with a detachment of rifles, attempted to gain possession of certain buildings from which we were receiving a most galling fire. Lieut. errifield entered the building. - Lieut. Morgan was not so fortunate. The enemy being present in great force, I directed him to fall back, with the loss of one man killed. On the 5th inst. Capt. Herron was detached with his company to take possession of a building, from which the enemy had been enfilading the plaza. This he did in a very handsome manner, and to my entire satisfaction, with only a few men wounded.
Other minor sets of gallantry and good conduct were exhibited by officers and men at San Jose; and from Guadalupe one or two successful sorties were made upon the enemy, when engaged in their daily attacks on San Jose.
From Lieut. Col. Black, the immediate commander of San Jose, and his officers, I have received the most cordial support. Col. Black for more than thirty days was untiring in his efforts and zeal for the safety of that point. Officers and men were at their posts night and day, without regarding the pelting storm; and I cannot say too much in praise of the gallant colonel, his officers and men, before and during the siege.
Lieut. Laidley, of the ordnance corps, commanded the 12-pounder, the mountain howitzer, and four rocket batteries at the barricade, and there stationed himself night after night; and, as often as the batteries were opened, it was effect. Capt. Ford, commanding the cavalry, although no opportunity occurred, in consequence of the limited number of his troops, to engage the enemy, was at all times ready. Capt. Miller, of the 4th artillery, was particularly successful in managing the 12-pounder in one of the general attacks, and showed himself a good officer and skillful artillerist.
Major Gwynn, commanding Loreto, although not attacked, was vigilant, and his command was of great assistance to me. Several detachments from his post occupied exposed points, and received heavy fires from the enemy - especially detachments under Lieuts. Carroll and Moore, who for forty eight hours stood their guard, and were of essential service to me.
I cannot speak too highly of Capt. Kendrick and his management of his batteries. His shells and shot fell beautifully upon houses and churches, where the enemy were great in numbers. Wherever his shot took effect the firing soon ceased. The limited number of these missiles compelled us to use them with great caution. I am much, very much, indebted to Capt. Kendrick for his vigilance and exertions before and during the siege. I will take this occasion to mention Sergeant Owell, of company B 2d artillery, as a most skilful artillerist. I never saw shot thrown more accurately from his gun.
I take great pleasure in speaking of Capt. Morehead, commanding Guadalupe. The place and defences were in a most dilapidated condition. Capt. Morehead, with his bas command, succeeded in placing himself in a perfect state of defence, by great and constant labor. The enemy several times left him, but, finding him always on the alert, made no serious attack. By sorties upon the enemy, when attacking San Jose, he was of essential service to us, and killed many of them. I consider him an excellent and gallant officer. Lieut. Edwards, 2d artillery, in charge of the mountain howitzer, threw his shells with great accuracy, and commanded a successful sortie.
To Captain Rowe, of the 9th infantry, who commanded the guard of one of the hospitals, (a constant point of attack, both day and night,) I am greatly indebted for able defence of that position, and his gallant bearing before the enemy.
To Surgeon Mills, chief of the medical department, and to his assistants, great praise is due for their unwearied and laborious services. Left with 1,800 sick, and limited supplies, with buy six assistants, their utmost exertions were necessary to administer timely remedies to so many patients. Their attention to the wounded deserves my notice and thanks. These gentlemen were not only occupied in their professional duties, but the want of officers and men compelled me to make large requisitions for the defence of the hospitals on surgeons and invalids, and they were nightly on guard marshalling their men upon the roots and other points. To them I am greatly indebted.
Capt. Webster, A. Q .M., and Lieut. Rhett, A. C. S., rendered valuable services in defending their premises with men in their employ; and with men in the quartermaster's department I was enabled to occupy a position that was all important, and to which I had neither officers nor soldiers to send. - Messrs. Spencer and Brown were particularly active and of good service.
I should be unjust to myself, and the spy company under Capt. Pedro Arria, if I did not call the attention of the general in chief to their invaluable services. From them I received the most accurate information of the movements of the enemy, and the designs of the citizens; through them I was enabled to apprehend several officers and citizens in their nightly meetings to consummate their plans for raising the populace. The spy company fought gallantly, and are now so compromised, that they must leave the country when our army retires.
I have now only to speak of my A.A.A. General, Mr. Waelder, of the 1 st Pennsylvania volunteers, and my secretary, Mr. Wengierski. The gallant charge of Lieut. Waelder upon the enemy, although rash, exhibits him as an officer not to be intimidated by numbers. His duties have been arduous and dangerous, having daily to carry orders through the thickest fire. I take great pleasure in recommending him to the favorable notice of the general in chief.
To Mr. Wengierski, secretary and translator, I am much indebted for invaluable services. Mr. W., in addition to his appropriate duties, conducted the operations of the spy company, and through his suggestions and active exertions, I received much valuable information, and many successful expeditions of the spies into the city were made. Mr. W. commanded the detachment on the roof of my quarters, and was the first man wounded. From his efforts, his wound proved severe and painful; still he performed his various duties night and day, and is worthy of my approbation.
I regret that the health of Capt. De Hart, lieutenant governor, prevented him from taking an active part in the stirring scenes I have related, and in which he was anxious to participate. Until confined to his quarters by sickness, he was of great assistance to me in directing the defences of Guadalupe, and heading a command in the city to disperse the populace.
I herewith enclose a return of the killed and wounded, together with the sub reports.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Childs.
Col. U.S.A., civil and military governor.
To Capt. H.L. Scott. A. A. A. G.,
Headquarters of the army in Mexico. [RLLW]
NNR 73. 197 Nov. 27, 1847 Capt. Robert Bronaugh killed near Puebla.
Death of Capt. Bronaugh - We learn that Captain Bronaugh, formerly of the Baltimore battalion, was recently killed near Puebla, where he had been acting as postmaster. It appears that, before the siege of that place, 26 of them went on an expedition to retake a number of mules that had been capture by Mexicans. Soon after starting there were surrounded by a large body of lacers, and almost annihilated. Ten were killed on the spot, two or three severely wounded, and a few taken prisoners. A son of Captain Nones, of the U.S. revenue service, commanded the party, and was severely wounded, but has since recovered. [Balt. Clipper [RLLW]
NNR 73.197-200 Nov. 27, 1847 Henry Clay's speech at Lexington
SPEECH OF MR. CLAY
At the Mass Meeting in Lexington, KY, on Saturday November 13, 1847.
From the Lexington Observer .
After the organization of the meeting, Mr. Clay rose and addressed it substantially as follows: Ladies and Gentlemen:
The day is dark and gloomy, unsettled and uncertain like the condition of our country, in regard to the unnatural war with Mexico. The public mind is agitated and anxious, and is filled with serious apprehensions as to its indefinitely continuance, and especially as to the consequences which its termination may bring forth, menacing the harmony, if not the existence of the Union.
It is under these circumstances, I present myself before you. No ordinary occasion would have drawn me from the retirement in which I live; but whilst a single pulsation of the human heart remains, it should if necessary be dedicated to the services of one's country. And I have hoped that, although I am a private and humble citizen, an expression of the views and opinions I entertain, might form some little addition to the general stock of information, and afford a small assistance in delivering our country from the perils and dangers that surround it.
I have come here with no purpose to attempt to make a speech, or an ambitious oratorical display. I have brought with me no rhetorical bouquets to throw into this assemblage. In the circle of the year autumn has come, and the season of flowers has gone by, and I too am in the autumn of life, and feel the frost of age. My desire and aim are to address you, earnestly, calmly, seriously, and plainly, upon the grave and momentous subjects which have brought us together. And I am solicitous that not a solitary word may fall from me, offensive to any party or person in the whole extent of the Union.
War, pestilence, and famine, by the common consent of mankind, are the three greatest calamities which can befal our species; and war, as the most direful, justly stands foremost and in front. Pestilence and famine, no doubt for wise although inscrutable purposes, are inflections of Providence, to which it is our duty, therefore to bow with obedience, humble submission and resignation. Their duration is not long, and their ravages are limited. They bring indeed, great affliction whilst they last, but society soon recovers from their effect. War is the voluntary work of our own hands, and whatever reproaches it may deserve to be directed to ourselves. When it breaks out, its duration is indefinite and unknown - its vicissitudes are hidden from our view. In the sacrifice of human life, and in its burthens, it affects both belligerent nations, and its sad effects of mangled bodies, of death, and of desolation, endure long after its thunders are hushed in peace. War, unhinge society, disturbs its peaceful and regular industry, and scatters poisonous seeds of disease and mortality, which continue to germinate and diffuse their baneful influence long after it has ceased. Dazzling by its glitter, pomp and pageantry, it begets a spirit of wild adventure and romantic enterprise, and often disqualifies those who embark in it, after their return from the bloody fields of battle, from engaging in the industrious and peaceful vocations of life.
We are informed by statement which is apparently correct, that the number of our countrymen slain in this lamentable Mexican war, although it has yet been of only 18 months existence, is equal to one, half of the whole of the American loss during the seven years of the revolution! And I venture to assert that the expenditure of treasure which it has occasioned, when it shall come to be fairly ascertained and tooted up will be found to be more than half of the pecuniary cost of the war of our Independence. And this is the condition of the party whose arms have been every where and constantly victorious.
How did we unhappily get involved in this war? - It was predicted as the consequence of the annexation of Texas to the United States. If we had not Texas, we should have no war. The people were told that if the event should happen, war would ensue. They were told that the war between Texas and Mexico had not been terminated by a treaty of peace; that Mexico still claimed Texas as a revolted province and that, if we received Texas in our Union, we tool along with her, the war existing between her and Mexico. And the minister of Mexico formally announced to the government at Washington, that his nation would consider the annexation of Texas to the United States as producing a state of war. But all this was denied by the partizans of annexation. They insisted we should have no war, and even imputed to those who lore told it, sinister motives for their groundless prediction.
But, notwithstanding a state of virtual war necessary resulted from the fact of annexation of one of the belligerents to the United States, actual hostilities might have been probably averted prudence, moderation, and wise statesmanship. If General Taylor had been permitted to remain, at the point of Corpus Christi; and if a negotiation had been opened with Mexico, in a true spirit of amity and conciliation, war possibly might have been prevented. But, instead of this pacific and moderate course, whilst Mr. Slidell was bending his way to Mexico, with his diplomatic credentials, Gen. Taylor was ordered to transport his cannon, and to plant them, in a warlike attitude, opposite to Matamoros, on the east bank of the Rio Bravo, within the very disputed territory, the adjustment of which was to be the object of Mr. Slidell's mission. What else could have transpired but a conflict of arms?
Thus the war commenced, and the president, after having produced it, appealed to congress. A bill was proposed to raise 50,000 volunteers, and in order to commit all who should vote for it, a preamble was inserted falsely attributing the commencement of the war to the act of Mexico. I have no doubt of the patriotic motives of those who, after struggling to divest the bill of that flagrant error, found themselves constrained to vote for it. But I must say that no earthly consideration would have ever tempted or provoked me to vote for a bill, with a palpable falsehood stamped on its face. Almost idolizing truth, as I do, I never, never, could have voted for that bill.
The exceptionable conduct of the federal party, during the last British war, has excited an influence in the prosecution of the present war, and prevented a just discrimination between the two wars. That was a war of national defence, required for the vindication of the national rights and honor, and demanded by the indignant vote of the people. President Madison himself, I know, at first reluctantly and with great doubt and hesitation, brought himself to the conviction that it ought to be declared. A leading, and perhaps the most influential member of his cabinet, (Mr. Gallatin), was, up to the time of its declaration, opposed to it. But nothing could withstand the irresistible force of public sentiment. It was a just war, and its great object, as announced at the time, was, "Free Trade and Sailors Rights," against the intolerable and oppressive acts of British power on the ocean. The justice of the war, far from being dented or controverted, was admitted by the federal party, which only questioned it on considerations of policy.
Being deliberately and constitutionally declared, it as, I think, their duty to have given it to their hearty cooperation. But the mass of them did not. They continued to oppose and thwart it, to discourage loans and enlistments, to deny the power of the general government to march the militia beyond our limits, and to hold a Hartford Convention, which, whatever the real objects, bore the aspect of seeking a dissolution of the Union itself. They lost and justly lost the public confidence. But has not an apprehension of a similar late, in a state of a case widely different, repressed a fearless expression of their real sentiments in some of our public men?
How totally variant is this present war? This is no war of defence, but on unnecessary and of offensive aggression. It is Mexico that is defending her firesides, her castles and her altars, not we. And how different also is the conduct of the whig party of the present day from that of the major part of the federal party during the war of 1812! Far from interposing any obstacles to the prosecution of the war, if the whigs in office are reproachable at all, it is for having lent too ready a facility to it, without careful examination into the objects of the war. - And, out of office, who have rushed to the prosecution of the war with more ardor and alacrity than the whigs? Whose hearts have bled more freely than those of the whigs? Who have more occasion to mourn the loss of sons, husbands, brothers, fathers, than whig parents, whig wives, and whig brothers in this deadly and unprofitable strife?
But the havoc of war is in progress, and the no less deplorable havoc of an inhospitable and pestilential climate. Without indulging in an unnecessary retrospect and useless reproaches on the past, all hearts and heads should unite in the patriotic endeavor to bring it to a satisfactory close. Is there no way that this can be done? Must we blindly continue the conflict, without any visible object, or any prospect of a definite termination? This is the important subject upon which I desire to consult and to commune with you. Who, in this free government, is to decide upon the objects of a war, at its commencement, or at any time during its existence? Does the power belong to the nation, in the collective wisdom of the nation in congress assembled, or is it vested solely in a single functionary of the government?
A declaration of war is the highest and most awful exercise of sovereignty. The convention, which framed our federal constitution, had learned from the pages of history that it had been often and greatly abused. It had seen the war had often been commenced upon the most trifling pretexts; that it had been frequently waged to establish or exclude a dynasty; to snatch a crown from the head of one potentate and place it upon the head of another; that it had often been prosecuted to promote alien and other interests than those of the nation whose chief had proclaimed it, as in the case of English wars for Hanoverian interests; and, in short, to be confided to the perilous exercise of one single man. The convention, therefore, resolved to guard the war making power against those great abuses, of which, in the lands of a monarch, it was so susceptible.
And the security against those abuses which its wisdom devised, was to vest the war making power in the congress of the United States, being the immediate representatives of the people and the states. So apprehensive and jealous was the convention of its abuse in any other hands, that it interdicted the exercise of power to any state in the Union, without the consent of congress. Congress, then, in our system of government, is the sole depository of that tremendous power.
The constitution provides that congress shall have power to declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, to raise and support armies, to provide and maintain a navy, and to make rules for the government of the land and naval forces. Thus we perceive that the principal power, in regard to war, with all its auxiliary attendants, is granted to congress. Whenever called upon to determine upon the solemn question of peace or war, congress must consider and deliberate and decide upon the motives, objects, and causes of the war. And, if a war be commenced without any previous declaration of its objects, as in the case of the existing war with Mexico, congress must necessarily posses the authority, at any time, to declare for what purposes it shall be further prosecuted. If we suppose congress does not possess the controlling authority attributed to it; if it be contended that a war having been once commenced, the president of the United States may direct it to the accomplishment of any objects he pleases, without consulting and without any regard to the will of congress; the convention will have utterly failed in guarding the nation against the abuses and ambition of a single individual.
Either congress or the president, must have the right of determining upon the objects for which a war shall be prosecuted. There is no other alternative. If the president possesses it and prosecute it for objects against the will of congress, where is the difference between our free government and that of any other nations which may be governed by an absolute Czar, Emperor, of King.
Congress may omit, as it has omitted in the present war, to proclaim the object for which it was commenced or has been since prosecuted, and in cases of such omission the president, being charged with the employment and direction of the national force, is necessarily, left to his own judgment to decide upon the objects, to the attainment of which that force shall be applied. But, whenever congress shall think proper to declare, by some authentic act, for what purposes a war shall be commenced on continued, it is the duty of the president to apply the national force to the attainment of those purposes. In the instance of the last war with Great Britain, the act of congress by which it was declared was preceded by a message of President Madison enumerating the wrongs and injuries of which we complained against Great Britain. That message therefore, and without it the well known objects of the war, which was a war purely of defence, rendered it unnecessary that congress should particularize, in the act, the specific objects for which it was proclaimed. The whole world knew that it was a war waged for free trade and sailors' rights.
It may be argued that the president and senate possess the treaty making power, without any express limitation to its exercise; that the natural and ordinary termination of a war is by a treaty of peace; and therefore, that the president and senate must posses the power to decide what stipulations and conditions shall enter into such a treaty. But it is not more true that the president and senate possess the treaty making power, without limitation, than that congress possesses the war making power, without restriction. These two powers then ought to be so interpreted as to reconcile the one with the other; and, in expounding the constitution, we ought to keep constantly in view the nature and structure of our free government, and especially the great object of the convention in taking the war making power out of the hands of a single man and placing it in the safer custody of the representatives of the whole nation. The desirable reconciliation between the two powers is effected by attributing to congress the right to declare what shall be the objects of a war, and to the president the duty of endeavoring to obtain those objects by the direction of the national force and by diplomacy.
I am broaching no new and speculative theory. - The statute book of the United States is full of examples of prior declarations by congress of the objects to be attained by negotiations with foreign powers, and the archives of the executive department furnish abundant evidence of the accomplishmdnt of those objects, or the attempt to accomplish them, by subsequent negotiations.
Prior to the declaration of the last war against Great Britain, in all the restrictive measures which congress adopted, against the two great belligerent powers of Europe, clauses were inserted in the several acts establishing them, tendering to both or either of the belligerents the abolition of those restrictions if they would repeal their hostile Berlin and Milan decrees and orders in council, operating against our commerce and navigation. And these acts of congress were invariably communicated, through the executive, by diplomatic notes to France and Great Britain, as the basis upon which it was proposed to restore friendly intercourse with them. So, after the termination of the war, various acts of congress were passed, from time to time, offering to foreign powers the principle of reciprocity in the commerce and navigation of the U. States with them. Out of these acts have sprung a class, and a large class, of treaties, (four or five of which were negotiated, whilst I was in the department of state,) commonly called reciprocity treaties concluded under all the presidents, from Mr. Madison to Mr. Van Buren, inclusive. And with regard to commercial treaties, negotiated with the sanction of prior acts of congress, where they contained either appropriations or were in conflict with unrepealed statutes, it has ever been held as the republican doctrine, from Mr. Jay's treaty down to the present time, that the passage of acts of congress was necessary to secure the execution of those treaties. If in the matter of foreign commerce, in respect to which the power vested in congress to regulate it and the treaty making power may be regarded as concurrent, congress can previously decide the objects to which negotiation shall be applied, how much stronger is the case of war, the power to declare which is confided exclusively to congress?
I conclude, therefore, Mr. President and fellow citizens, with entire confidence that congress has the right either at the beginning or during the prosecution of any war, to decide the objects and purposes for which it ought to be continued. And I think it is the duty of congress, by some deliberate and authentic act, to declare for what objects the present war shall be longer prosecuted. I suppose the president would not hesitate to regulate his conduct by the pronounced will of congress, and to employ the force and the diplomatic power of the nation to execute that will. But, if the president should decline or refuse to do so, and, in contempt of the supreme authority of congress, should preserve in waging war, for other objects than those proclaimed by congress, then it would be the imperative duty of that body to vindicate its authority by the most stringent and effectual and appropriate measures. And if, on the contrary, the enemy should refuse to conclude a treaty, containing stipulations securing the objects designated by congress, it would become the duty of the whole government to prosecute the war, with all the national energy, until those objects were attained by a treaty of peace. There can e no insuperable difficulty in congress making such an authoritative declaration. Let it resolved, simply, that the war shall, or shall not, be a war of conquest, and if a war of conquest, what is to be conquered. Should a resolution pass, disclaiming the design of conquest, peace would follow in less than sixty days, if the president would conform to the constitutional duty.
Here, fellow citizens, I might pause, having indicated a mode by which the nation, through its accredited and legitimate representatives in congress, can announce for what purposes and objects this war shall be longer prosecuted, and can thus let the whole people of the United States know for what end their blood is to be further shed, and their treasure further expended, instead of the knowledge of it being locked up and concealed in the bosom of one man. We should no longer perceive the objects of the war varying, from time to time, according to the changing opinions of the chief magistrate charged with its prosecution. But I do not think it right to stop here. It is the privilege of the people, in their primitive assemblies, and of every private man, however humble, to express an opinion in regard to the purposes for which the war should be continued; and such an expression will receive just as much consideration and consequence as it is entitled to, and no more.
Shall this war be prosecuted for the purpose of conquering and annexing Mexico, in all its boundless extent, to the United States?
I will not attribute to the president of the United States any such design; but I confess I have been shocked and alarmed by manifestations of it in various quarters. Of all the dangers and misfortunes which could befal this nation, I should regard that of its becoming warlike and conquering power the most direful and fatal. History tells the mournful tale of conquering nations and conquerors. The three most celebrated conquerors, in the civilized world, were Alexander, Caesar and Napoleon. The first, after overrunning a large portion of Asia, and sighing and lamenting that there were no more worlds to subdue, met a premature and ignoble death. His lieutenants quarreled and warred with each other, as to the spoils of his victories, and finally lost them all.
Caesar, after conquering Gaul, returned with his triumphant legions to Rome, passed the Rubicon, won the battle of Pharsalia, trampled upon the liberties of his country, and expired by the patriot hand of Brutus. But Rome ceased to be free. War and conquest had enervated and corrupted the masses. The spirit of true liberty was extinguished, and a long line of emperors succeeded, some of whom were the most execrable monsters that ever existed in human form. And that most extraordinary man, perhaps in all history, after subjugating all continental Europe, occupying almost all its capitals, seriously threatening, according to Mr. Thiers, proud Albion itself, and decking the brows of various members of his family, with crowns torn from the heads of other monarchs, lived to behold his own dear France itself in the possession of his enemies, was made himself a wretched captive, and far removed from country, family, and friends, breathed his last on the distant and inhospitable rock of St. Helena. The Alps and Rhine had been claimed as the natural boundaries of France, but even these could not be secured in the treaties to which she was reduced to submit. Do you believe that the people of Macedon or Greece, of Rome, or of France, were benefitted, individually or collectively, by the triumphs of their great captains? Their sad lot was immense sacrifice of life, heavy and intolerable burdens, and the ultimate loss of liberty itself.
That the power of the United States is competent to the conquest of Mxico is quite probable. But it could not be achieved without frightful carnage, dreadful sacrifices of human life, and the creation of an onerous national debt; nor could it be completely effected, in all probility, until after the lapse of many years. It would be necessary to occupy all its strongholds, to disarm its inhabitants, and to keep them in constant fear and subjection. To consummate the work, I presume that standing armies, not less than a hundred thousand men, would be necessary, to be kept perhaps always in the bosom of their country. These standing armies, reveling in a foreign land, and accustomed to trample upon the liberties of foreign people, at some distant day might be fit and ready instruments, under the lead of some daring and unprincipled chieftain, to return to their country and prostrate the public liberty.
Supposing the conquest to be once made, what is to be done with it? Is it to be governed, like Roman Provinces, by Proconsuls? Would it be compatible with the genius, character, and safety of our free institutions, to keep such a great country as Mexico, with a population of not less than nine millions, in a state of constant subjection?
Shall it be annexed to the United States? Does any considerate man believe it possible that two such immense countries, with territories of nearly equal extent, with populations so incongruous, so different in race, in language, in religion and in laws, could be blended together in one harmonious mass, and happily governed by one common authority? Murmurs, discontent, insurrections, rebellion, would inevitably ensure, until the incompatible parts would be broken asunder, and possibly, in the frightful struggle, our preeent glorious union itself would be dissevered or dissolyed.
We ought not so forget the warning voice of all history, which teaches the difficulty of combining and consolidating together, conquering and conquered notions. After the lapse of eight hundred years, during which the Moors held their conquest of Spain, the indomitable courage, perseverance, and obstinacy of the Spanish race finally triumphed, and expelled the African invaders from the Peninsula. And even with our own time, the colossal power of Napoleon, when at its loftiest height, was incompetent to subdue and subjugate the proud Castilian. And here with in our own neighborhood, Lower Canada, which near one hundred years ago, after the conclusion of the seven years war, was ceded by France to Great Britain, remains a foreign land in the midst of the British provinces, foreign in feelings and attachment, and foreign in laws, language and religion. And what has been the fact with poor gallant, generous and oppressed Ireland? Centuries have passed since the overbearing Saxon overran and subjugated the Emerald Isle.
Rivers of Irish blood have flowed, during the long and arduous contest. Insurrection and rebellion have been the order of the day; and yet, up to this time, Ireland remains alien in feeling, affection and sympathy, toward the power which has so long borne her down. Every Irishman hates, with a mortal hatred, his Saxon oppressor. Although there are great territorial differences between the condition of England and Ireland, as compared to that of the United States and Mexico, there are some points of striking resemblance between them.
Both the Irish and the Mexicans are probably of the same Celtic race. Both the English and the Americans are of the same Saxon origin. The Catholic religion predominates in both the former, the Protestant among both the latter. Religion has been the fruitful cause of dissatisfaction and discontent between the Irish and the English nations. Is there no reason to apprehend that it would become so between the people of the United States and Mexico, if they were united together? Why should we seek to interfere with them in their mode of worship of a common Saviour? We believe that they are wrong especially in the exclusive character of their faith, and that we are right. They think that they are right and we are wrong. What other rule can there be than to leave the followers of each religion to their own solemn convictions of conscientious duty towards God? Who but the great Arbiter of the Universe, can judge in such a question? For my own part, I sincerely believe and hope that those who belong to all the departments of the great church of Christ, if, in truth and purity, they conform to the doctrines which they profess, will ultimately secure and abode in those regions of bliss, which all aim finally to reach. I think there is no potentate in Europe, whatever his religion may be, more enlightened or at this moment so interesting as the liberal head of the Papal See.
But I suppose it to be impossible that those who favor, if there be any who favor the annexation of Mexico to the United States, can think that it ought to be perpetually governed by the military sway. Certainly no votary of human liberty could deem it right that a violation should be perpetuated of the great principles of our own revolution, according to which, laws ought not to be enacted and taxes ought not to be levied, without representation on the part of those who are to obey the one, and pay the other. Then, Mexico is to participate in our councils and equally share in our legislation and government. But, suppose she would not voluntarily choose representatives to the national congress, is our soldiery to follow the electors to the ballot box, and by force to compel them, at the point of the bayonet, to deposit their ballots? And how are the nine millions of Mexican people to be represented in the congress of the United States of America and the congress of the United States of the Republic of Mexico combined? Is every Mexican, without regard to color or caste, per capita, to exercise the elective franchise? How is the quota of representation between the two republics, to be fixed? Where is their seat of common government to be established? And who can foresee or foretel, if Mexico, voluntarily or by force, were to share in the common go ernment what would be the consequences to her or to us? Unprepared, as I fear her populations yet is, for the practical enjoyment of self government, and of habits, customs, language, laws and religion, so totally different from our own, we should present the revolting spectacle of a confused, distracted, and motley government.
We should have a Mexican party, a Pacific Ocean party, an Atlantic party, in addition to the other parties, which exist, or with which we are threatened, each striving to execute its own particular views and purposes, and reproaching the others with thwarting and disappointing them. The Mexican representation, in congress, would probably form a separate and impenetrable corps, always ready to throw itself into the scale of any other party, to advance and promote Mexican interests. Such a state of things could not long endure. Those, whom God and geography have pronounced should live asunder, could never be permanently and harmoniously united together.
Do we want for our own happiness or greatness the addition of Mexico to the existing Union of our states? If our population was too dense for our territory, and there was a difficulty in obtaining honorably the means of subsistence, there might be some excuse for an attempt to enlarge our dominions. But we have no such apology. We have already, in our glorious country, a vast and almost boundless territory. Beginning in the north, in the frozen regions of the British provinces, it stretches thousands of miles along the coasts of the Atlantic ocean and the Mexican gulf, until it almost reaches the tropics. It extends to the Pacific ocean, on those great inland seas, the lakes, which separate us from the possessions of Great Britain, and it embraces the great father of rivers, from its uppermost source to the Balize, and the still longer Missouri, from its mouth to the gorges of the Rocky Mountains.
It comprehends the greatest variety of the richest soils, capable of almost all the productions of the earth, except tea and coffee and the spices, and it includes every variety of climate, which the heart could wish or desire. We have more than ten thousand millions of acres of waste and unsettled lands, enough for the subsistence of ten or twenty times our present population. Ought we not to be satisfied with such a country? Ought we not be profoundly thankful to the Giver of all good things for such a vast and bountiful land? Is it not the height of ingratitude to Him to seek by war and conquest, indulging in a spirit of rapacity, to acquire other lands, the homes and habitations of a large portion of his common children? If we pursue the object of such a conquest, besides mortgaging the revenue and resources of this country for ages to come, in the form of an onerous national debt, we should have greatly to augment the debt, by an assumption of the sixty or seventy mililons of the national debt of Mexico. For I take it that nothing is more certain than that, if we obtain voluntarily or by conquest, a foreign nation, we acquire it with all the incumbrances attached to it. In my humble opinion, we are now bound, in honor and morality, to pay the just debt of Texas. - And we should be equally bound by the same obligations, to pay the debt of Mexico if it were annexed by the United States.
Of the possessions which appertain to man, in his collective or individual condition, none should be preserved and cherished, with more sedulous and unremitting care than that of an unsullied character. It is impossible to estimate it too highly, in society, when attached to an individual, nor can it be exaggerated or too greatly magnified in a nation. Those who lose or are indifferent to it become just objects of scorn or contempt. Of all the abominable transactions which sully the pages of history, none exceed in enormity that of the dismemberment and partition of Poland, by the three great continental powers - Russia, Austria and Prussia. Ages may pass away, and centuries roll around, but as long as human records endure all mankind will unite in execrating the rapacious and detestable deed. That was accomplished by overwhelming force, and the unfortunate existence of fatal dissentions and divisions in the bosom of Poland. Let us avoid affixing to our name and national character a similar, if not worse stigma. I am afraid that we do not now stand well in the opinion of other parts of Christendom. - All the nations, I apprehend, look upon us in the prosecution of the present war, as being actuated by a spirit of rapacity and an inordinate desire for territorial aggrandizement. Let us not forfeit altogether their good opinions. Let us command their applause by a noble exercise of forbearance and justice. In the elevated station which we hold, we can safely afford to practise the godlike virtues of moderation and magnanimity. The long series of glorious triumphs, achieved by our gallant commanders and their brave armies, unattended by a single reverse, justify us, without the least danger of tarnishing the national honor, in disinterestedly holding out the olive branch of peace.
We do not want the mines, the mountains, the morasses and the sterile lands of Mexico. To her the loss of them would be humiliating, and be a perpetual source of regret and mortification. To us they might prove a fatal acquisition, producing distraction, dissension, division possibly disunion. Let therefore the integrity of the national existence and national territory of Mexico remain undisturbed. - For one, I desire to see no part of her territory torn from her by war. Some of our people have placed their hearts upon the acquisition of the Bay of San Francisco in Upper California. To us, as a great maritime power, it might prove to be, of advantage hereafter in respect, to our commercial and navigating interests. To Mexico which can never be a great maritime power, it can never be of much advantage. - If we obtain it by fair purchase with a just equivalent, I should be happy to see it so acquired. As, whenever the war ceases, Mexico ought to be required to pay the debts due to our citizens, perhaps an equivalent for that bay may be found in that debt, our government assuming to pay to our citizens whatever portion of it may be applied to that object. But it should form no motive in the prosecution of the war, which I would not continue a solitary hour for the sake of that harbor.
But what, it will be asked, shall we make peace without any indemnity for the expenses of war? If the published documents in relation to the late negotiations between Mr. Trist and the Mexican commissioners be true, and I have not seen them any where contradicted, the executive properly waived any demand of indemnity for the expenses of the war. And the rupture of that negotiation was produced, by our government insisting upon a session from Mexico, of the strip and mostly barren land between the Nueces and the Rio Bravo and and New Mexico, which Mexico refused to make. So that we are now fighting, if not for the conquest of all Mexico as intimated in some quarters, for that narrow strip, and for the barren province of New Mexico, with its few miserable mines. We bought all the Louisiana Purchase for fifteen millions of dollars, and it is, in my opinion, worth more than all of Mexico together. We bought Florida, at five millions of dollars, and a hard bargain it was, since, besides that sum, we gave up the boundary of the Rio Bravo, to which I think we were entitled, as the western limit of the province of Louisiana, and were restricted to that part of the Sabine. And we are now, if not seeking the conquest of all Mexico, to continue this war indefinitely for the inconsiderable objects to which I have just referred.
But it will be repeated, are we to have no indemnity for the expenses of the war? Mexico is utterly unable to make us any pecuniary indemnity, if the justice of the war on our part entitled us to demand it. Her country has been laid waste, her cities burned or occupied by our troops, her means so exhausted that she is unable to pay even her own armies. And every day's prosecution of the war, whilst it would augment the amount of our indemnity, would lessen the ability of Mexico to pay it. We have seen, however, that there is another [illegible]…
Among the resolutions which it is my intention to present for your consideration at the conclusion of this address, one proposes, in your behalf and mine, to disavow, in the most positive manner, any desire, on our part, to acquire any foreign territory whatever for the purpose of introducing slavery into it. I do not know that any citizen of the U. States entertains such a wish. But such a motive has often been imputed to the slave states, and I therefore think it necessary to notice it on this occasion. My opinions on the subject of slavery are well known. - They have the merit, if it be one, of consistency, uniformity and long duration. I have ever regarded slavery as a great evil, a wrong, for the present I fear an irredeemable wrong to its unfortunate victims. - I should rejoice if not a single slave breathed the air or was within the limits of our country. But here they are, to be dealt with as well as we can, with a due consideration of all circumstances affecting the security, safety and happiness of both races. Every state has the supreme, uncontrolled and exclusive power to decide for itself whether slavery shall cease or continue within its limits, without any exterior intervention from any quarter. In states where the slaves outnumber the whites, as is the case with several, the blacks could not be emancipated and invested with all the rights of freemen, without becoming the governing race in those states. Collisions and conflicts between the two races, would be inevitable, and after shocking scenes of rapine and carnage, the extinction or expul