three miles from General Patterson's head-quarters, he discovered them intrenched near a bridge, and stationed himself so as to watch their movements, while his own men were secure. The Mexicans soon perceived him, and opened their fire. Finding his force too small to cope with them, Harney despatched a messenger to camp for a reinforcement and artillery to break their breastworks. General Patterson sent him sixty dragoons, and infantry and artillery sufficient to swell his force to more than five hundred.

Colonel Harney then formed the Tennessee volunteers on the right, the dragoons on the left, and advanced slowly to draw the Mexican fire, covering his artillery until it could reach a desirable station. On arriving within one hundred and fifty yards of the works, the artillery opened, and soon after the colonel ordered a charge. This was executed with such impetuosity, that the enemy were routed on every side, and pursued for more than a mile. Here the Americans met the main body of lancers, drawn up in line of battle, and, notwithstanding the disparity in numbers, were ordered to charge. After sweeping unscathed through a volley of pistol-shot, they broke headlong among the lancers. Numbers sunk down under the first shock, and then the heavy dragoon met the high spirited lancer hand to hand in mortal fray. For awhile the spectacle was most exciting; but it closed over the Mexicans in rout and disorder. Horses were crushed to earth, their riders unsaddled, lances twisted from their hold, and the main body of the enemy driven in every direction The Americans lost two killed and nine wounded; the enemy

nearly one hundred. Their total force was supposed to number two thousand.

On the 29th of March, the Mexicans evacuated both city and castle, marching to an open plain behind the city, stacking their arms, and then proceeding towards the interior. Women and children accompanied them, bearing heavy burdens, and exhibiting the melancholy consequences of the assault. After their flag was struck, the Americans entered the city amid the strains of national music, the shouts of the overjoyed soldierv, and the loud booming of cannon

from boin feet and castle. General Twiggs was appointed governor, and soor. restored quiet and confidence. An immense quantity of guns, ammunition, and other military stores were captured.

Ever keeping in mind the instructions of government-to conquer a peace-General Scott used every effort to conciliate the Mexican population, and convince them that so far from entertaining hostile feelings towards them, the American government regarded them in a spirit of amity and forbearance. A proclamation was issued, solemnly promising them protection in the enjoyment and exercise of all their rights, social and religious; while at the same time they were exhorted to remain neutral, and avoid every thing which might foster a spirit of distrust and retaliation between themselves and the American soldiers.

A few days before the commencement of the assault upon Vera Cruz, Commodore Conner had been superseded in the command of the gulf squadron by Commodore Perry, who had charge of the fleet during the whole siege. On the 21st of March a detachment, under Lieutenant Hunter, appeared before the town of Alvarado and demanded its surrender. This was complied with, and thus the place which had been a desired object to the Americans for nearly a year, was attained without bloodshed. Hunter was subsequently called to account for exceeding his orders, and after being severely reprimanded by the commodore, was dismissed from the squadron; but, on reporting himself at Washington, he was ordered on other duty.

News of the taking of Vera Cruz was received in the United States with the wildest demonstrations of joy. Thanks and tokens of esteem were voted to Scott and his army, and public illuminations were held in most of the great cities. It was indeed a great feat, that, with the loss of only a few men killed and wounded, our troops should subdue a fortress, considered by all the world as impregnable.

MARCH TOWARDS THE CAPITAL, AND BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO.

HE American army remained at Vera Cruz until the 8th of April, when General Twiggs, with his division, marched for the interior. Other divisions followed in regular order. At the close of the third day, the van reached the foot of the great mountain range in sight of Orizaba, and the tall peaks that look up towards it. Through the rocky defiles of this stupendou chain, the great national road winds towards the city of Mexico; and on the precipitous cliffs commanding it was posted, in strong intrench

ments, the Mexican army, numbering eleven thousand, and com manded by Santa Anna.

This officer, after his repulse at Buena Vista, had succeeded in

raising and equipping another army, with which he hoped to check the advance of the Americans. He chose a position which entirely commanded the road, and where he hoped that the nature of the ground, and the bravery of his soldiers, would enable him to defeat General Scott, and redeem what had been lost at Angostura and Vera Cruz.

On ascertaining the vicinity of the enemy, General Scott resolved to reconnoiter his position daily, so as to open a road in their rear, which would enable him to attack them at two points simultaneously. This most difficult design was executed as far as the height of Cerro Gordo, the key of the enemy's position, when it became evident that farther advance in that direction was impossible, without a battle. The general therefore made the requisite preparations for an attack, and on the 17th issued his celebrated order, in which, with prophetic accuracy, he detailed each movement of both armies, as well as the line of pursuit. In the evening of that day, Twiggs's division was thrown into position, and, while the advance parties were working upon the road, they were fired upon with grape and musketry. A rather severe skirmish ensued, which lasted until Colonel Harney