Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/338

288 for home, before the sickly season came on, and the commanding general very properly acceded to their request, in the belief that the new levies raised under the ten regiment bill would soon reach his camp. On the 4th of May seven regiments, and two independent companies, in all numbering more than 3,000 men, were ordered to be discharged. The design of advancing promptly into the heart of the country, however, was by no means abandoned. The elements of the strength and weakness of the Mexican government were concentrated in her capital, and it was of the highest importance that the army should move as far in that direction as was compatible with its safety and security. Reinforcements were expected in a few weeks, and early in the month General Worth was ordered to proceed to Puebla, seventy-eight miles beyond Perote, and about ninety miles from Mexico, with his division, followed by the brigade under General Quitman.

The Mexican army which General Scott had encountered on the heights of Cerro Gordo, was almost totally dispersed. Santa Anna escaped to the vicinity of Puebla, with a few followers, and Ampudia, at the head of 3,000 cavalry, in a most disastrous plight, passed through Perote, on his way to the interior. The infantry were utterly disorganized, and fled before their pursuers in small bodies, — some throwing away their arms, and others selling them in the towns through which they passed, for two or three reals. Finding that the American army did not advance immediately