Page:A series of intercepted letters in Mexico.djvu/49

 results of the battles of the 19th and 20th, and of the misfortunes of our Mexican nation.

Gen. Valencia was pushed near the factory of Magdalena, where he was attacked by 10,000 Americans on the 19th, who endeavored to force their passage that way against 4,000 Mexicans, and had not General Perez come to the assistance of Valencia, taking position on his left flank, the same results would have occurred that day which happened the morning following. The enemy yesterday morning, by a decided and bold attempt, took possession of Valencia's camp near Magdalena, completely routing him and taking possession of the greatest part of his artillery. But you must bear in mind that had the troops which came to his assistance the day previous been there, the result would have been different. Magdalena once in possession of the Americans, they immediately proceeded and attacked our main body of unconquerable Mexicans, who were in their fortifications, and only listened to the musketry of the enemy, as they had no artillery with them. We only waited for two discharges of their musketry, and our troops were put to flight in terrible confusion, and it is remarkable what a state of fear extended throughout our entire army. This circumstance enabled the Americans to take possession of our fortifications with the greatest ease, and more so as the National Guards (Polkas), whose name is so renowned, behaved with an ignominy lamentable to relate.

It is supposed that it will be favorable to peace, but you must be well aware, that should it be effected, of which I have no doubt, it will be a disgrace to the Mexican people.

August 21, 1847.

''Senorita Dna. M. de J. M.:''

My Dear Young Lady:—Yesterday I arrived at home without accident, having escaped the dangers of the fight by privilege, or because the Yankees took pity on us, for, on leaving our camp, such was the disorder and confusion, that if the enemy had attacked us with whips, not a single one of us would have been left. The generals gave orders and the camp-women screamed, the mules would not pull, the soldiers did not wish to retreat without fighting, and General Bravo, our commander, would not allow it, and at last we escaped, saving some part of our munitions, but losing much, which could not be removed. The Yankees undertook to outflank us, but meeting with the division, they commenced a fire. We stood on the defence, and they, certainly through pity,