Page:A series of intercepted letters in Mexico.djvu/38

 morning. I woke up early on the 20th, and thought that I heard a distant sound like thunder. I ascended to the roof of the house at a quarter past six, and saw a heavy smoke immediately over the broken ground of San Geronimo. It was an active fire of artillery, which lasted but a very short time, and I left the top of the house under the firm belief that the enemy had either been routed or repulsed, as the position which Valencia occupied was very advantageous. But what was my astonishment when, at about 10 o'clock, the news spread that Valencia had been surprised by the enemy's attacking him on all sides, and completely routing him. I would not at first believe it, and cannot describe my feelings, when I found it to be the truth. I was overpowered by rage and desperation. No event has ever caused me such an impression. At about 12 o'clock, an attack was made at Churubusco, the hacienda of Tlalpam and San Antonio. The firing lasted until 2 more or less, and the result was, that our troops were driven and retired from their positions, which positions had been occupied by the largest portion of the national guards, and on whom every body had confided. The cause of the disaster is attributed to Valencia, who, it is said, did not obey the orders of Santa Anna, and attacked before the proper time. According to public opinion, Santa Anna was the only general who behaved well, for he sustained the fire of the enemy at San Antonio for two hours, and covered the retreat of the Polkas (gentlemen soldiers), who, but for him, would have been destroyed, plunging the whole city in grief and mourning. Santa Anna was obliged to retire to the city, and the enemy occupied the positions.

The battalions of Victoria and Hidaglo, (the Polkas), entered the city without loss, and that of Independence was captured. To-day we have no news, but I suspect that the enemy is arranging his plans to take the city, where we have more forces than he imagines.

Aug. 21, 1847.

* * Heartstick, and filled with indignation, I was preparing to give you, by mail, news of the fatal rout our army had suffered, when we had the satisfaction to receive your favor, and in answer to which I will merely give you the most essential particulars, and true, leaving for the present small matters that are of little moment.

On the evening of the 19th, Gen. Valencia met with the enemy, who, not fulfilling the imprudent hopes of our chiefs, took the route, as ought to have been expected, by San Angel, to the hills of Santa Fe, to gain possession of Chepultepec.—