Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/45

Rh was aided by Texans under Walker, and found his way through gardens and houses until he came very near the enemy in Cathedral Plaza. Lieut. Colonel Duncan was sweeping the street with his battery. Major Brown was ordered to join the Texans in the Plaza and aid Col. Childs. They worked their way towards the enemy with pickaxes, and soon came up with them, and cracked away. Night came on and our men kept possession of the houses taken, excepting Capt. Holmes who thought best to go back a little as he was far in advance and had many wounded. Our troops in the Plaza took possession of the houses on both sides and rested till morning. Lieutenant Lovell threw shells into the city during the night with great effect, and the enemy returned the compliment from their howitzers. Lieutenant Gardner of the 7th, manifested much bravery in leading the advance with ladders and pickaxes. At one time nearly all of his men were killed or wounded.

After reveille, on the morning of Sept. 24th, General Ampudia sent Colonel Murino into our camp with a flag of truce, and an offer to surrender the city, if General Taylor would allow him to march out with his troops and all the public property. Of course when the city was nearly in our hands, such an offer was declined. But General Taylor sent back his terms, saying that an answer would be received at General Worth's headquarters at 12 M. Murino said that he had been informed that commissioners had been appointed to negotiate for peace and that no reinforcements would be sent them, and that it would cost us two thirds of our command to take the city, if we could do it at all. The action was to commence again if terms were not agreed upon.

The commissioners on our side were Generals Worth and Henderson and Colonel Davis. On the other side they