Page:A series of intercepted letters in Mexico.djvu/19

 The general, after directing in person the entire operations of the day, giving the most minute and exact instructions for every movement, finally returned after dark to Tacubaya. where he was called upon in the night, towards morning, by a deputation from the city council, with information that Gen. Santa Anna had left the city and had withdrawn the army, and they desired the general to give them some assurances or conditions before entering the city. This he declined doing, telling them in substance, that he would agree to no conditions until he should first go into the city, and then only to such as should be self-imposed, but that his course would be such as the dignity and honor of the United States required.

At 9 o'clock on the morning of the 14th of September, the general dismounted within the court of the National Palace, and ascending the broad flight of stairs to the saloons above, sat down and wrote a brief order, announcing his occupation of the capital of Mexico.

99th August.

Yesterday we commenced firing upon the enemy with our cannon, and killed some men and horses. To-day, up to 12 M., we have fired but few shots, and the enemy are retreating, with the object, } suppose, of going to Tacubaya by the way of Pedregal [Contreras.] They have a long distance to"' march, and I do not know what will become of them in their unfortunate situation. Every day is a loss to them and a gain to us. The struggle will be severe but favorable to us, as the measures we have taken are very good, and they v/ill not this time laugh in their beard, as the have on former occasions.

The following letter is from a member of the Mexican Congress, and is marked private:

August 21st, 1847.

My Bear Friend:—I have before me your welcome letter of the 10th inst., in which, among other things, you are pleased to point out to me the reasons why you had suspended our correspondence. The idea you present to me, that I ought not to leave this place before having arranged every thing relative to that, is a good one, but cannot be realized at present, owing to the afflicting circumstances which overwhelm us, every thing being in the greatest disorder, and there being in fact, no Congress and government occupying