Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/93

Rh It is believed that the whole force of the Mexicans, in these brilliant engagements, was about thirty-two thousand men. They lost between five and six thousand, including thirteen generals and forty-five pieces of cannon. Our army consisted of seven thousand, eleven hundred of whom were killed or wounded. What a terrible slaughter!

After the armistice was agreed upon, various meetings took place between Mr. Trist, the American minister, and Mexican Commissioners, and endeavors were made to effect a treaty of peace, until September 2d, when Trist handed in his ultimatum in reference to the boundary line, and the Commissioners were to meet again on the 16th.

Some infractions of the truce were made by the enemy, in reference to our supplies from the city; but the Mexicans apologized.

It appears that as soon as the propositions of Trist were considered in a grand council of ministers and others. Santa Anna, on the 4th and 5th., without giving any notice to General Scott, commenced again fortifying the city, directly in opposition to the armistice. Scott immediately sent him a note, which was answered in a false and impudent manner.

Our arrangements were delayed more than two weeks by the armistice. It is probable that Santa Anna only entered into it for the purpose of gaining time.