Page:A series of intercepted letters in Mexico.djvu/34

 Aug. 21, 1847.

Dear * *—I will tell you something I know and something I have seen in this accursed Babylon. It is said there is a suspension of arms, with the object of hearing some propositions made by Scott, but what is most probable is that the Mexican army will abandon the city, taking all their train, that the enemy may occupy it. A member of Congress has just said to me that there is a commission actually sitting on this subject at the lodge.

The greatest consternation reigns in the city. Some accuse Valencia (among others the charlatan F. Carbajal); others, and the larger part, throw the blame on Santa Anna. The troops are at the southern gate, but I perceive much cowardice. The city is fall of dispersed, drunken, roguish soldiers. Almost all the houses are shut, and in the coffee houses the same officers are boasting a great deal whom we saw run from the battle-field ground. The end is, the capital is lost.

Santa Anna has ordered out the cavalry by Guadalupe, the object of which you know as well as I. The battalion of Toluca came last night from the Penon, to occupy one of the gates of the city, I know not which. The other force, that of General Norrigo, is at San Francisco, and the guerrilla of Mr. Rivera is in the citadel. Having been found in the rout yesterday from Churubusco, the battalions of Victoria and Hidalgo have been dissolved, while those of Independence and Bravo who escaped with life, are prisoners.

To all appearance, this farce will be finished to-morrow.

MANUEL N. G.

Aug. 21, 1847.

My Dear Mother:—In great haste I write to you this letter, so that you may receive news of your husband and son. Yesterday the division of Valencia and other troops from that place were routed by the Yankees—and as it may be of interest to you (at Morelia) I advise you that the troops from that place have not yet come into action. All those from Morelia are in good health, and although the Yankees have lost a good many—the devil be with them!—nevertheless, things are in a bad state. May God help us happily out. Manuel is still in Chapultepec, and it appears that they do not intend to attack that place, as they extend from the Penon to the San Antonio Abad. Who knows what is to come of this? Pray to God to deliver us. My dear Mother, it is impossible to give an idea of the present state of Mexico. It is in the most deplorable condition. Only mournful faces are seen. May the Supreme Being defend us. Do not believe all you hear, for many lies