Page:A series of intercepted letters in Mexico.djvu/48

 complete rout of the brilliant northern division under the command of Valencia, who was posted in the tower of San Geronimo (Contreras), I hastened to the city to see what I should do with my house. During the day I heard of the death of Guadalupe Pedrigan. The battalions of Victoria and Hidalgo abandoned San Antonio without entering into the fight, but those of Independence and Bravo sustained themselves well at Churubusco until they were abandoned. The enemy is now at the Hacienda Portalis. The division under Rangel was formed this morning in the Plaza, and ordered to march and take possession of a place called La Viga. Gen. Tornel, with many staff officers, have gone to the same place. Gen. Santa Anna has just passed here with General Lombardini. The troops have been ordered to their quarters, but have left the cannons at the garitas, prepared to meet an attack in the morning. * * The invaders will certainly enter the city on Monday.

(Another letter of the 21st Aug. says:)

The brilliant and selected division under Gen. Valencia, who occupied an advantageous position on the hills near San Angel, near the factory of Magdalena, had a skirmish with some of Scott's troops, who attempted to force their way to Tacubaya on Thursday last. The fire was sustained well on our part until dark, without losing an inch of ground. But on Friday morning the Americans, who were keen, attacked Valencia in the front and on both flanks, forced their way into his camp, routing him completely, and remained in possession of his artillery and all his munitions of war. I cannot account for this result, and I do not give you any further facts, for I prefer to ignore them. * * * * *

The battalions of Victoria and Hidalgo abandoned San Antonio, and were not in the fight. They arrived in the city without loss, only suffering from fatigue. Gen. Salas, Pedrigan and Frontera are prisoners.

Santa Anna sustained a heavy fire in his retreat, causing the enemy great injury, but thereby protected the retreat of the troops. It is also said that Gen. Rincon is prisoner.

* * We have yet a respectable body of troops in Mexico, but Gen. Scott has allowed an armistice in order to allow Congress to meet and consider the subject of peace. There is no telling what will happen to-morrow.

Aug. 21, 1847.

L. R.—My Dear Uncle:—My heart is oppressed with grief, and I can give you but a very slight sketch of the unfortunate