A complete history of the Mexican war

Front matter

aass,_IEr ^o^

COMPLETE HISTORY

OF THE

Preface

In relation to the origin of the Mexican War, which now forms an important part of the history of our country, public opinion has been divided, and much affected by the political bias of the two leading parties; so that it is impossible for an impartial chronicler to please both, and difficult even to avoid giving offence to either.

I have therefore reviewed the causes which led to the war between the sister republics, unaffected by any party preferences or prejudices whatever ; and after a careful examination of all the points at issue, and the diplomatic action of the two governments, have endeavoured at least to arrive at just and candid conclusions.

In the record of the events of the war — which may challenge comparison with the military achievements of any age or nation — I have endeavoured to award to each arm of the service — cavalry, artillery, and infantry, and to our navy — the meed of praise it has so nobly won; and if, in any case, the claims of particular persons may have been overlooked, it is to be hoped that the circumstance will not be attributed to 3 disposition to do injustice to any.

Vi ; PREFACE.

For the details of the history, I am indebted mainly to the perusal of the diplomatic correspondence and public records — the letters and official reports of the ijeneral and subordinate officers, and interviews and correspondence with those who were active participators in the scenes described.

The subscribers to The History of the Mexican- War, who have patiently waited some time for the reception of their copies, will pardon a delay which lias insured the authenticity of the work and enhanced its value.

BaltimorKj July Ath^ 1849.

Chapter I

Calses of the Mexran VVak— Revolution ol tlu' Ilisiiaiio- American Provinces —Consequent irregularities— Neutrality ot the United States— Violations oC it by Mexico— Forbearance of the United States— Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation— Revolt of Texas— Neutrality of the United States— Troops under General Gaines— Conduct of M. Gorostiza, the Mexican Minister . . Page 5

. CHAPTER n. liijuncs and Insults oticred by Mexico— Outrages on the Persons and Property of American Citizens— Insults to the American Flag— Application of Texas for the recognition of her Nationality— Just and candid Policy of General Jackson— Recognition of Texas— Refusal of Mexico to redress or even admit the Injuries committed against the United States- Jackson's special Message— Action of Congress— Special Messenger despatched— Promises of redress— Neglect oi Mexico to perform her Promises— Renewal of Negotiations— Convention for the Settlement of Claims— Procrastination and Evasion of Mexico- Failure ot Mexico to comply with the Stipulations ^''

CHAPTER 111.

Early Condition of Texas— Grant to Moses Austin by the Spanish Authorities- Colony led to Texas by Stephen F. Austin in 1821— Overthrow of the Spanish Power in Mexico— Contirmation of the Grant to Austin— Mexican Constitution of 1824 — Coahuila and Texas provisionally united as a State — Guaranty ot future State Sovereignty to Texas— Its Political Condition— Election of Pedraza as President of Mexico overthrown by the Military Power of Santa Anna— 'niirrero declared President— Deposition and Death of Guerrero by Bustamente —Tyranny of Bustamente— Troops sent to harass Texas— Expelled by the Tf'xans- Bustamente overthrown by Santa Anna and Pedraza recalled— Santa Anna President— Overthrow of the Constitution and Federal System- A Central (Jovernment organized— Resistance of the Mexicans— Zacatccas— Butchery oi the People— Call of a Texan Congress of Consultation— Arrival of (Jencral Cos in 'IVxas— Resistance of the Texans— Fall of the Mexican Forts— General Cos capitulaies with his Troops— Declaration of the People of Texas-Provisional

24 Govrrnment

■? 0)

Mil CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.

Rumours of Invasion— Want of Preparation by tlie Texans— Convention of the People— Intelligence of the Advance of the Mexican Army— Declaration of Independence —Constitution in conibrniity to it— General Houston's Orders- Lorenzo de Zavala, the Refugee— Advance of the Mexican Army— Urea marches on Goliad— Santa Anna marches on San Antonio— Colonel Travis in the Alamo —Besieged by General Siesnia— Arrival of Santa Anna and Fall of the Alamo- Surrender of Colonel Fannin at Goliad— Massacre of the Prisoners after Capitulation-Policy of General Houston— Battle of San Jacinto— Complete Victory- Capture of Santa Anna — Texan Independence established ...... S'j

CHAPTER V.

Political Existence of Texas— Proposals for Annexation to the United States- Attempt to effect the Recognition of the Independence of Texas by Mexico- President Tyler's Treaty of Annexation — Its Rejection by the Senate — Mr. Bocanegra — Protest of Almonte — Letter of General Jackson — Joint Resolution for the Aimexation of Texas — Protest and Departure of the Mexican Minister — Action of the Mexican Government — Measures for the Defence of Texas — General Taylor Commander of the Forces of the United States for its Defence — Letter of Instructions — Acceptance of the Terms of Annexation by Texas — The Army of Occupation at Corpus Christi — Attempt to open Negotiations with Mexico- Mr. Slidell's Mission — Downfall of Herrera and Accession of Paredes — Refusal to receive Mr. Slidell except as a Special Envoy — Advance of the United States «Army to the Rio Grande — The Texan Boundary considered — Arrival of the American Army at the Colorado — Crossing disputed — Point Isabel invested — March resumed — Encampment on the Rio Grande — Correspondence . . 'iO

CHAPTER VI.

Interview between General Worth and the Authorities of Matamoros — Intrencliments thrown up — Fort Brown — Murder of Colonel Cross — Arrival of General Ampudia — Artful Address to the Foreigners in the American Army — Correspondence between Ampudia and General Taylor — Blockade of the Rio Grande — First Rencontre — Body of Colonel Cross found — The Burial — Arista's Arrival — Prt)- clamation of Paredes — Correspondence between Arista and Taylor — Recapitulation of the Causes of the War 90

CHAPTER VII.

Capture of Captain Thornton's Command — Exultation of the Enemy — Council-of-war — Contemplated Attack of Arista — Arrival of Captain Walker — Skirmish with the Mexicans — Arista crosses the Rio Grande — March of General Taylor to Point Isabel — Garrison of Fort Brown — Religious Ceremonies — Bombardment of Fort Brown — Death of Major Brown — Arista's Summons to Surrender — Hawkins's Reply — Battle of Palo Alto heard at Fort Brown — Resaca de la Palma — Mexican Fugitives 10.5

CHAPTER VIII.

Bombardment of Fort Brown heard at Point Isabel — Captain Walker sent with a Communication to Major Brown — May charges the Enemy's Lancers — Return of Captain Walker — March of General Taylor for Fort Brown— Published Order

CONTENTS, IX

— Enemy discovered — Arista's Order of Battle — Taylor's Order of Battle — Daring Service of Lieutenant Blake — Enemy's B'irc opened — Duncan's Battery — Ringgold's Artillery — ChurchhiU's 18-poundcrs — Charge of Cavalry — Lieutenant Ridgely — Fall of Ringgold — Artillery Battalion — Lieutenant-Colonel Childs — The Prairie fired — Duncan's Movement — Forces of the two Armies — The Lost on each side — Taylor's Despatch — Arista's Despatch . , 12:?

CHAPTER IX.

A Council-of-War — Taylor's March resumed — Mexicans killed and wounded — Advance-Guard under Captain McCall — Skirmish with the Enemy — His Position at Resaca de la Palma — Commencement of the Battle — Ridgely's Artillery — The 5th Infantry — The 4th Infantry — Service of the Cannon — 8th Infantry brought up — ]May ordered to take the Enemy's Battery — May's brilliant Charge — Death of Lieutenant Inge — Capture of General Vega — Bravery of Lieutenant - Colonel Belknap — Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh w-ounded — Capture of Arista's Camp — Lieutenant Cochrane killed — The Tampico Battalion — Capture of its Flag — Rout of the Enemy — General Taylor's Report — Burial of the Dead — Humanity of General Taylor — Exchange of Prisoners — Congratulatory Orders — Manifesto of the Mexican Commander l;n

CHAPTER X.

Assistance aflbrded by Commodore Conner — Reduction of Barita — Taylor's arrival at Fort Brown — Preparations for attacking Matamoros — Cause of Taylor's inactivity after the Battles of the 8th and 9th of May — Letter to the War Department — Occupation of Matamoros — Arista's Flight — He is ordered to lay down his command — The War announced to Congress — President's Proclamation — Inefficient preparations for War — Rejoicings in the United States for the victories at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma — Taylor breveted a Major-General — Act of Congress promoting him to full rank — Appointment of General Officers — Occupation of Reynosa — Capture of Camargo — Of Mier — Organization of tlw Army — Departure for Seralvo — Letter to the Adjutant-General — March on Monterey 15 1

CHAPTER XI.

Monterey — Defences of the City — Mexican Forces — Reconnois.'sances — Worth's Column of Attack — Occupation of the Pass in the west — Defences in that direction — Operations of the First Division — Colonel Garland's command — Severe firo from the Enemy's Batteries — Fall of Major Barbour and Colonel Watson — Captain Backus — 4th Infantry — General Quitman's Attack on Redoubt No. 1 — Redoubt taken and guns turned on the Enemy — General Butler's command — Cavalry repulsed by Bragg's battery — Worth's Operations — Engagement wiiii the Lancers — Storming-party under Captain Smith — 7th Infantry under Captain Miles — Reinforcement under General Smith — Attack on Federacion Hill and Fort Soldada — Taken and occupied — Storming-party under Lieutenant Childs — Independence Hill — Sortie from the Bishop's Palace — Palace taken — Operations under General Taylor — Approach to the (irand Piaxa — Capitulation — Terms of the Convention ... I7.I

X CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XII.

Evacuation of Monterey— Policy of the Capitulation— Views of the Administra- „on— General Taylor's Letter— Retrospect of Mexican affairs— Elevation oi Paredcs— Pronuncianiento in favour of Santa Anna— His arrival at Vera Cruz- Permission to pass through the Fleet— Termination of the Armistice— Projected Expedition against Tamaulipas— Opinions of General Taylor relative to the Prosecution of the War— Saltillo occupied by the American troops— Protest of the (;overnor of Coaluiila— Advance to Agua Nueva— General Wool's Expedition against Chihuahua— Arrival of Wool's column at Monclova— Marches to Parras— Tampico occupied— General Taylor marches upon Victoria— Reconnoissances towards Labradores and Linares— Arrival of General Scott in Mexico— Withdrawal of troops from General Taylor— Orders consequent thereon- Santa Anna's March from San Luis Potosi against General Taylor— Ruse of General Taylor- Forces of Santa Anna— Angostura— February 22d— Summons of Santa Anna to (Jcneral Taylor to surrender— Taylor's Reply— Battle of Buena Vista— Skirmishes — Result of the Action 190

CHAPTER XIII.

Action of the 23d— Commencement on the American left — Enemy's Columns of Attack — Advance of Lombardini's and Pachecho's Divisions — O'Brien, with his Artillery and 2d Indiana Regiment, ordered to repulse them — Retreat of the 2d Indiana Regiment — American Reserve ordered up — Second Column of Attack repulsed at Angostura — Troops on the Plateau reinforced by Artillery and Infantry — Arrival of General Taylor on the Field — Confidence restored — The gallant Mississippi Regiment — The Enemy driven back on the American left — The contest on the Plateau — Movement of the Cavalry on the Enemy's right checked — Batteries of Sherman and Bragg— Baggage-train threatened by Cavalry— Dangerous Position of the Enemy's Cavalry — Biise of Santa Anna — Mexican Reserve ordered up — Terrible Service of O'Brien's Artillery — Slaughter of the Illinois and Kentucky Regiments — Deaths of Colonels Hardin, McKce, and Clay — Washington's Battery — Gallantry of Lieutenant O'Brien — Repulse of Minon's Cavalry — Close of the Battle — American and Mexican Losses .... 212

CHAPTER XIV.

Co.NQCEST OF N EW Mexico. — Recognition of the War, and Disposition of the Forces — General Kearny — Army of the West — Instructions from the War Department—March from Fort Lcavenworth—Arrival at Cotmcil Grove — The Prairies —Bent's Fort— Proclamation by Colonel Kearny— March resumed— Las Vegas — E.xpected Battle — Tacolete— Pecos — The Canon — Captiu-e of Santa Fc — Appointment of Officers — Departure of General Kearny for California. — Co.\- uiEST OF California. — Commodore Stockton — Colonel Fremont — Kit Carson -Counter-revolution — Battle of San Pasqual — San Bernardo — Battle of the Son Gabriel — Reoccupation of Los Angeles — Return of General Kearny . 224

CHAPTER XV. (.'olonel Doniphan's Expedition against the Navajoes — Treaty with the Indians — The Zumians— March upon Chihuahua— Battle of the Brazito— Town and Valley of El Paso — March continued — Enemy's position at the Sacramento — Battle of the Sacramento — Occupation of Chihuahua — March for Saltillo — Aflairs in

CONTENTS. XI

New Mexico — Plot discovered — Second Conspiracy — Governor Bent murdered — Pueblo de Taos — Insurrection quelled '2GG

CHAPTER XVI.

Govornnient determines upon making Vera Cruz the base of a new Lino of Operations — Vera Cruz — Description of the City — San Juan d'UIloa — By whom founded — Description of the Fortress — Its Capture by Aclc, Lorencillo, and Bodin — Taylor notified of the intention to reduce his Force — Scott ordered to Mexico — Reaches the Rio Grande — Appoints the Island of Lobos as the place of Rendezvous — Description of Lobos — The Arrival of Volunteers — Reconnoissance by Scott and Conner — Preparations for Disembarking upon the Beach at Vera Cruz — Disembarkation of the Troops — Investment of the City — Gallant co-operation of the Navy — Skirmishes with the Enemy — Investment completed — Scott's Despatch to the War Department — The Batteries opened — Skirmish at Fuente del Medio — Harney's brilliant affair at Medellin — Overtures for the Surrender of Vera Cruz and San Juan d'UlIoa — Commissioners appointed — Ceremony of Capitulation — Scott's Despatch to the War Department — Alvarado — Effects of the bombardment of Vera Cruz 291

CHAPTER XVII.

Scott receives information of the Battle of Buena Vista — The course of Santa Anna — Forced Levy attempted by Gomez Farias — Civil War in the Capital — March of Santa Anna upon the Capital from San Luis Potosi — He is met by a Deputation from the City — Enters Mexico in triumph — Is installed President of the Republic — Reconciles conflicting Parties — Collects a new Army — Fortifies the Road to the Capital — Formation of Guerrilla Bands — Address of Santa Anna to the Mexican People 31()

CHAPTER XVIII.

Scott commences his March for the Capital — Twiggs thrown forward in advance — Reaches Plan del Rio — Is joined by the General-in-ehief — Description of Cerro Gordo — Scott determines upon turning the Position — A new Road cut — Twiggs ordered to take up his Position — Is met by the Enemy — Gallantry of 7th Infantry — Dashing Charge of Harney's Brigade — They capture a Hill in the rear of Cerro' Gordo — Mount a Battery in the Night — Wonderful Exertions of the men — Morning of the ISth of April — Scott's celebrated Order — Position of the Mexicans — Battle of Cerro Gordo — Storming of the Heights — Operations of Shields's Brigade — Shields dangerously wounded — Defeat of the Enemy — Fruits of Victory Scott's Despatch to the War Department — Worth enters Puebla .... 321

CHAPTER XIX.

Astonishment of the Pueblanos — Appearance of the American Troops — Their Characteristics — Embarrassing Position of the General-in-chief — Discharge ol the twelve months Volunteers — Prospects of Peace — Mexican Aflair-s — Defiance of the Mexican Congress — Proclamation of General SaJas — Anaya dccku'es the Capital in a state of Siege — Coalition of the Mexican States — Scott's Address to the Mexican People — Feeling of the United States Government — Buchanan's Letters — American Commissioner appointed — Mexico refuses to Treat — Condition of the American Armv — Arrival of Reinforcements 340

Xll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XX.

The American Army concentrated at Puel)]a — Scott determines to advance on the Capital — Description of the Route — Twiggs reaches Ayotla — The Divisions close up — Rcconnoissanccs upon EI Pcnon — Advance by the National Road abandoned — The Army moves round Lake Chalco to the Acapulco Road — Description ot the March — Concentration of the Divisions upon the Acapulco Road . . 35:*

CHAPTER XXI.

The Defences around Mexico — National Road ; El Pcfion, Mexicalcingo — Acapulco Road; San Antonio, Churubusco, and Contrcras — Toluca Road; El Molino del Rey, Chapultcpec — Interior Defences — Position and Force of the Mexicans — Movement of Worth's Division tipon San Antonio — Reconnoissances across the Pedrcgal — Twiggs marches upon Contreras — Valencia's Fortifications — Indecisive Result of the Day — Smith bivouacs in the Village of Contrcras — Perilous Position of our Troops — Victory of Contrcras 362

CHAPTER XXII.

Contreras — San Antonio — Worth's Operations on the 20th — Topography of the Battlc-Grounds of Contreras, San Antonio, and Churubusco — The Advance on Churubusco — Scott's Plan of Battle — Description of the Mexican Defences at Churubusco — The Battle commenced — Operations of Twiggs — 'Terrible Position of Taylor's Battery — Attack of Shields upon the Mexican Reserve — Bravery of the Mexicans — Gallant conduct of the New York and South Carolina Regiments — Mexican Defence of San Pablo — The Deserters — San Antonio forced and turned by Worth — His advance upon Churubusco — Storm of the Tete-du-Pont — Eflcct of Duncan's Battery — Storm and Surrender of San Pablo — The Mexicans routed at all Points — Daring Charge of Harney's Dragoons — Result of the Victory — Mexican and American Loss 37.5

CHAPTER XXIII.

Scott's Note to Santa Anna — The Reply — Armistice — Its questionable Policy — Peace Negotiations — Mexican Commission — Boundaries — American Project — Mexican Counter- Project— Failure of Negotiations— Infringements of Armistice — Warlike temper of the Mexicans- Scott's Letter to Santa Anna — His Answer — Trial of the Deserters — Sentence and Execution 38(i

CHAPTER XXIV.

Hostilities recommenced — Reconnoissances — Valley of Mexico — Defences around the City — Description of Chapultcpec — Molino del Rey — Casade Mata — Strength of the Mexican Lines — Storm of I\Iolino del Rey — Capture of the Mexican Bat tery — Repulse of the Victors — The Battery retaken — Storm of Casa de Mala— Terrible Fire of the Mexicans — Mcintosh's Brigade repulsed — Duncan's Bat tor >■ — Surrender of Casa de Mata — Mexican Loss — American Loss I. . . . 402

CHAPTER XXV.

Defences of tho Southern Gates — Pronounced impracticable — Scott determines lo assault Chapultcpec — Formidalile Character of the Works'— Mask Movement upon the Southern Gates — Movements of Pillow and Quitman — Tiic Batteries opened upon Chapultcpec — Operations of Twiggs on the San Angel Road — As-

CONTENTS. Xlll

sault of Chapultcpcc — Its Capture — Wortli's Movement against the Garita ot San Cosine — His Success — Tacubaya Causeway crossed by Quitman — Garita Belen carried — The City of Mexico taken — Surrender by the Mexican Autiiorities — Quitman Marclics to the Grand Plaza — American Colours hoisted on the National Palace 411

CHAPTER XXVI.

Isolated Condition of the American Army — Guerrilla Warfare — Attack on Mcintosh's Train — Reinforced by Cadwaladcr — Skirmish at the National Bridge — Arrival at Jalapa — Battle of La Iloya — Gallantry of Captain Walker — Cadwalader's Report — Pillow's Reinforcement — General Pierce — Attack on Lally's Train — Skirmish at Paso de Ovcjas — At the National Bridge — At Cerro Gordo —At Las Animas — Arrival at Jalapa — American Loss 443

CHAPTER XXVII.

American Army in Mexico — Quitman appointed Governor — Scott's General Orders —A Contribution levied on the Capital — Arrangement of the Troops — 'Difliculties of General Scott — Approach of Reinforcements — Establishment of new Posts along the line — Peace Prospects — Circumstances favourable to Negotiation — Mexican Prisoners — Correspondence between the Archbishop of Mexico and General Scott — Arrival of Reinforcements— Assessment of the Mexican States — Contemplated Operations — Condition of General Santa Anna — Increase of the Peace Party — Election of Herrera — Negotiations — Recall of Scott . . . 457

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Naval Operations in the Gulf of Mexico — Capture of Tuspan — Perry determines on the Capture of Tabasco — The Squadron assembled off Tabasco bar — Organization of a Flotilla — The ascent of the River — The Flotilla fu-ed upon by a Party of Mexicans under General Bruno — The Enemy repulsed — Perry casts anchor at the Seven Palms — Divides his force — Assaulted by the Enemy — Debarkation of the Naval Army — Hidalgo's breastworks forced — Capture of Fort Iturbide — The City surrenders 468

CHAPTER XXIX.

Consequences of the Occupation of the Capital — Condition of the Mexican Government — Disorganization of its Army — Santa Anna retires to Guadaloupe Hidalgo — Circular of Seiior Alcorta to the Commandants- General — Resignation of the Presidency by General Santa Anna — His Letter to the Mexican People — Circular of Scnor Pacheco — Reasons for abandoning the Capital — The future intentions of the Government developed — Santa Anna sets out for Puebla — Reflections upon his Reverses 475

CHAPTER XXX.

City of Puebla threatened by General Rea— Situation of the Garrison — Loss of an American Detachment — Puebla invested — Summons of General Santa Anna to Colonel Childs — His noble Reply — Operations of the Besiegers — General Santa Anna leaves the city to intercept General Lane — Successful SortiO from the Garrison — The Besiegers Reinforced — Severe Street-fight — Approach of General Lane — The Siege raised 489

XIV CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXI.

Communication with the Coast reopened — Steady increase of Reinforcements from the United States — The Guerrilleros driven from their Strongliolds — Advance of General Lane — Battle of Iluainantla — Heroism of Captain Walker — Repels tho Lancers in repeated charges — Hemmed ih by the Enemy — His during Stratagem — His Death — Chivalric Character of Walker — Official Tribute to his Memory — Lane marches to Pucbla 4i)"i

CHAPTER XXXIL Battle of Atlixco— Running Fight with the Guerrilleros — Atlixco taken— Expedition to Matamoros — Its Capture — Lane returns to Pucbla — Is attacked — Daring Bravery of Colonel Hays — Peace Prospects — Anaya elected President — Secret E.xpedition to Tchuacan — Escape of General Santa Anna — Orizaba captured — Garrisoned 50S

CHAPTER XXXIIL

Election of General Hcrrcra — Situation of Public Affairs — Mr. Trist — Assumption of Power — Negotiations for Peace opened — Mutual Concessions — Adoption of a Treaty of Peace — Sanctioned by tlie IMexican Congress — Treaty amended and adopted by the United States Senate — Ratifications exchanged — Evacuation of tiie Mexican Capital by the American Forces — Territory acquired by the Treaty — Description of the Country — New Mexico — Resources of the Country — Upper California — The Sierra Nevada — The Great Basin — Great Salt Lake — Productions of the Country — Temperature — The Gold Mines — Valley of the Sacramento — Nueva Helvetia — Captain Sutter — Discovery of Gold by Sutter — Richness of the Deposit — Consequences of the War — Consequences to the United States — To the Inhabitants of the Territory acquired — To Mexico — To the Countries adjacent — To the Isles of the Pacific 520

Appendix. — Treaty of Peace 541

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Frontispiece — Portrait of Major- General Zachary Taylor.

Portrait of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna Page 2.>

Portrait of Commodore David Conner 55

Portrait of Brigadier- General W. J. Worth 7^

Portrait of Captain Samuel H. Walker lOS

Topography of Fort Brown and Matamoros 113

Plan of the Battle of Palo Alto 12'i

Battle of Palo Alto and Death of Major Ringgold ]'M

Portrait of Major Ringgold IS.i

Plan of the Battle of Resaca de la Palma 13')

Battle of Resaca de la Palrna 141

Portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel May 143

Portrait of Major-Gcneral Robert Patterson 162

Portrait of Major- General William 0. Butler 165

Plan of the City of Monterey and its Defences 174

Portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Wm. H. Watson ITS

General Ampudia signing the Capitulation of Monterey 18S

Portrait of Brigadier- General John E. Wool 199

Plan of the Battle of Buena Vista 20S

Battle of Buena Vista 214

Portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Clay, Jr. 221

Plan of the Battle of San Pasqual 253

Plan of the Battle of Los Angelos 25S

Plan of the Battle of Sacramento 276

Portrait of Major-General Winheld Scott 2!)!

Portrait of Commodore M. C. Perry 302

Surrender of the City of Vera Cruz 31'>

Plan of the Defences of Cerro Gordo 322

Portrait of Brigadier-General Twiggs 327

Storming of Cerro Gordo 330

Portrait of Brigadier-General Shields 332

Portrait of Brigadier-General Pillow 337

View of the City of Jalapa 33'J

3 (15)

Xvi ILLUSTRATIONS.

J»ortraitof Brigadier- General Pierce Page 352

ftlap of the Valley of Mexico 357

Storming of Contreras 369

Portrait of Brigadier- General Smith 374

Storming of Churubusco . . 383

Plan of the Battles around the City of Mexico - - 403

Storming of Molino del Rcy - - - 407

Plan of Chapultepec ; 416

Storming of Chapultepec 420

View of the City of Mexico 424

Portrait of General Quitman 435

Portrait of Brigadier-General Cadwalader 448

Portrait of Brigadier- General Childs 494

Map of Upper and Lower California 523

IIISTOllY OF THE MEXICAN ^y^Vx.

CHAPTER I.

Causes of the Mexican War — Revolution of the Hispano-Amcrican Provinces — Consequent irregularities — Neutrality of the United States — V'iolationsof it by Mexico — Forbearance of the United States — Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation — Revolt of Texas — Neutrality of the United States — Troops under General Gaines — Conduct of M. Gorostiza, the Mexican Minister.

While in every war the civil authority of the country in which it is carried on, will be, to some extent, subordinate to the military power, it is an aggravation of the unnatural character of a civil war, that the disregard of law is general, and that the rights of persons and property, being without any adequate security, anliable to continual molestation. The overthrow of the existing government of a country, or resistance to its authority, with the excitement and confusion incident to the struggles of antagonistic factions for ascendancy, all tend directly to produce a lawless and aggressive spirit, which is hostile to personal liberty, while tinwasting of the public resources of the country by the doubk' exactions of intestine war, give rise to those pressing necessities which are often supplied by the forcible impressment and ajijuopriation of private property.

This was exemplied in the struggles of the ditlercnt Hispano- American countries for independence. The people were continually sul)jectcd to seizure of their property either by the republicans or monarchists, just as one party or the other happened to prevail, and was in want of necessary funds.

Nor in their eflbrts to raise means to support the contest in which they were engaged, did tliey evince much more respect for the law of nations than they did for the laws of their own country ; the property belonging to citizens of a neutral power, was appropriated to their own use, without scruple or reserve, whenever it was necessary to their purpose. Although, during the protracted struggle between Spain and her revolted colonies, the most perfact neutrality was observed by the government of the United States, this impartial course did not shield her from the depredations of both the belligerents. An extract from the first annual message of President Monroe, in 1817, will exhibit the aggressive conduct of the contending parties, and the just and liberal policy of the United States towards both .—

" It was anticipated, at an early stage, that the contest between Spain and the colonies would become highly interesting to the United States. It was natural that our citizens should sympathize in events which affected their neighbours. It seemed probable, also, that the prosecution of the conflict, along our coasts and in contiguous countries, would occasionally interrupt our commerce, and otherwise affect the persons and property of our citizens. These anticipations have been realized. Such injuries have been received from persons acting under the authority of both the parties; and, for which, redress has in most instances been withheld. Through every stage of the conflict, the United States have maintained an impartial neutrality, giving aid to neither of the parties in men, money, ships, or munitions of war. They have regarded the contest not in the light of an ordinary insurrection or rebellion, but as a civil war between parties nearly equal, having, as to neutral powers, equal rights. Our ports have been open to both, and every article, the fruit of our soil or of the industry of our citizens, which either was permitted to take, has been equally free to the other. Should the colonies establish their independence, it is proper now to state, that tliis government neither seeks nor would accept from them any advantage in commerce or otherwise,

VIOLATIONS OF NEUTRALITV. 7

which will not be equally open to all other nations. The colonies will, in that event, become independent states, free from any obligation to, or connexion wiUi us, which it may not then be their interest to form on the basis of a fair reciprocity."

The property of American citizens, resident in the Spanish colonies, was often impressed, and merchandise protected by the American flag was confiscated under a pretended violation of blockades of extensive coasts ; which, considering the small force employed to sustain them, were merely declaratory, and had not the slightest foundation in any acknowledged principle of international law on which to rest their pretensions. So outrageous were some of these spoliations in their character, that the same President in a subsequent message designated them as " piratical practices," and asserted it was " incumbent on the United States to claim of each, with equal rigour, the faithful observance of the well-known law of nations."