Page:A series of intercepted letters in Mexico.djvu/60

 that the armistice was asked for by both parties at one and the same time. I was likewise told by Noriego, that the President had addressed Congress, stating that a meeting was indispensibleindispensable [sic] by twelve o'clock, but that only 26 deputies met.

From all these dates you will form your own opinion. For my part I believe it will end in a most shameful manner for us.

The Yankees occupy the hacienda of Portalis, Churubusco, and Coyoacan, and this gives me some concern for my house, but according to what I have been able to hear they do no injury.

(There are many errors in this letter, which was evidently written by one who partook of the general alarm, and is only valuable as a general testimony to the standard of feeling in Mexico, during the progress of events.)

Aug. 21, 1847.

I take my pen in hand with sorrow to communicate to you the sad news that, without knowing how, we have in a few hours lost all.

A great deal of time would be needful to give you even a slight sketch of what has occuredoccurred [sic] since our starting on the 9th, until our entrance into the capital yesterday evening, tired and low spirited, after a fatigue since 4 o'clock, A.M., but luckily we find ourselves with life, giving thanks to providence that has saved us from the imminent peril in which we were placed at 11 o'clock yesterday, when we were on the point of perishing with the Battalions of Hidalgo and Victoria. Whilst this happened, our companions of Independence and Bravo have been nearly exterminated, and the Brigade of Gen. Perez has disappeared with the artillery that guarded the bridge of Churubusco, and there was lost here what we had saved from San Antonio.

I have been in peril, and twelve days well worked; but I count them as well employed, having witnessed the military knowledge of this unfortunate country. It has caused us the necessity of opening our gates to the enemy, and I cannot perceive the least grounds for the expectation of a triumph hereafter.

My blood boils when I recollect the unfortunate disasters of yesterday; and when I am more composed, I will refer again to the subject, or I will see you personally if the diligence leaves to-morrow or Monday.

We do not certainly know to what extent our misfortunes may go.