Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/174

168 law to listen to no peace propositions, and to carry on the war which the government of the United States is waging against the Mexican government. They, the enemy, having declared to preserve and defend their country with all the energy which the country demands.

This evening there is a report from Gen. Worth's division, that while on his way to Puebla, he had a little fight with some of Gen. Santa Anna's cavalry, about two thousand strong, at a small town called Amozoquco, about ten miles from Puebla on the National Road. After Col. Duncan and Maj. Bonneville, of Capt. Steptoes' battery, got into position they commenced to fire, and the way our fellows poured the grape, canister and shell in and among them was a caution, killing over eighty Mexicans, besides wounding many; our loss was two killed and a few wounded. The victory was complete, and the enemy fled in all directions.

After the enemy's defeat Gen. Worth marched on to the city of Puebla, and entered it without any opposition from the enemy or its citizens, without the firing of a gun. He marched into the main plaza, stationed his artillery in the centre, and the soldiers laid down with their fire-arms as independently and unconcerned and slept as if there was no enemy in the country.

Friends, think of it, an army, a little over four thousand, marching into a city with a population of seventy-five or eighty thousand, without firing a gun! Why it even astonishes the Mexicans here at Perote. The Mexicans say, " Mucho bueno! Mucho valentons!" (Very brave and gallant).

This news has caused a little excitement among the Mexicans, and inspired new life into our soldiers, and they are laughing heartily at the idea of our government wanting to make peace, with such glorious victories and prospects of conquering the Mexicans.

"A little nonsense now and then Is relished by some of the wisest men."