Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/33

Rh General Taylor Brevet Major General, after the battles of Palo Alto and Resca de la Palma.

Numerous reinforcements soon came in and the army moved forward. Monterey, Reynosa, Camargo, Mier and other towns were soon taken without resistance. When our army left Matamoras, Lieutenant Colonel Clark was appoined to the command of the city. Poor Page after suffering intensely, died July 12th.

The U. S. army proceeded up the Rio Grande as far as Mier and then left that noble river and turned to the south towards Monterey.

Sept. 14th, Capt. McCullough, with thirtv-five men, had a brush with two hundred Mexicans, near Ramos. Two of the enemy were wounded, and the Capt. lost one horse. Reports seemed to be confirmed that the enemy were preparing for a hard battle at Monterey. It was expected that we should have a fight at Marin, where the enemy under General Torrejon were seen, just before our army entered the town. When we arrived the enemy had left. At this place the mountains at the foot of which Monterey stands, were distinctly visible, about twenty-five miles distant.

Sept. 17th General Taylor was addressed by the Spanish Consul at Monterey inquiring whether the property of foreigners would be respected. Taylor replied that he could not be responsible for anything if the city was taken by assault.

Sept. 19th at 9 P. M. the advance of our forces arrived within three miles of Monterey. Some heavy cannon were heard and our men pushed forward: but before they came within reach of the guns General Taylor ordered them to halt. It seems that some lancers came out of the city and endeavored to draw our men within reach of the shot. When our advance halted the enemy opened upon us in