Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/104

98 city. The regulars and sailors were formed opposite to us, and Col. W. S. Harney's dragoons and several pieces of artillery on the right, leaving an aisle for the Mexican soldiers and their followers to march out in the circle to surrender.

After the arrangements were all completed, a signal was given, requesting the Mexicans to march out. At 10 o'clock,, the Mexicans blowed their trumpets announcing their coming, and all eyes were then cast towards the Mexicans. It was a beautiful sight to see the Mexican army with their drums, fifes and bands of music playing and their flags flying in the air, marching out of their doomed city, which they have so bravely and gallantly defended to the last hour.

As they marched, we could see them now and then look back to Vera Cruz, kiss and wave their hands and bidding it good-bye, when they came to a halt opposite the flag-staff. The Mexican officers then came to Gen. Scott's head-quarters, who was surrounded in full uniform, by his staff Commissioners, and Commodores Oliver H. Perry and Tatnall, and their staff officers. After greeting one another, some conversation took place in regard to the stipulation and agreement. After this the signal was given for the Mexican soldiers to stack their arms, or muskets, cartridge boxes, belts, and other munitions and implements of war, after which they were let go to their homes.

Some showed signs that they were glad to get rid of their arms, and seemed to lay them down cheerfully, while others slammed their muskets and accoutrements down on the ground with an oath and anger. One fellow could be seen taking the flag off the pole and hiding it away in his bosom, no doubt presented to him by some fair lady of Vera Cruz, and he swore by the great God of the Universe, that he would forever protect it, stand by and defend it from falling into the hands of the enemy. He was let keep it. He was o rejoiced over it that he cried like a child.

The whole number of prisoners were nearly six thousand soldiers. They were all well uniformed and drilled, but they