Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/261

Rh name being in every soldiers' mouth in praise, is now, and his hair order, cursed.

This afternoon there is a rumor that the train had arrived at Perote, but it comes from very poor sources. Also a rumor that Gen, Scott was compelled to counter-march, and fall back to a little town called Ayotla to avoid a battle at El Penon. This accounts for the Mexicans last evening having inscribed on their banners, "Gen. Scott whipped and defeated, but say nothing about losing one-half of his army;" which the Mexicans, no doubt, since found out to be false, for they seemed to very quiet about the city all day.

No corner mobs or procession this evening.

To-day is the three hundred and twenty-eighth anniversary of Conqueror Cortez, leaving Vera Cruz for the capital of Mexico, it being on August 16, 1519. The second invaders, the grand army of the United States, commanded by Conqueror Winfield Scott, is now battering against the walls of the ancient capital of Montezumas.

Tuesday August 17, 1847.—This morning we received information through our spy that some of the Mexican officers, who were captured and taken prisoners at the battle of Cerro Gordo, and now on parole of honor, were holding a council of war in this city.

So this evening about 10 o'clock Gov. Childs sent a guard after them, who marched on until they came to a romantic looking building, situated at the outskirts of the city, a place well calculated for such purposes. The guard took charge of the front door, and, at the same time, surrounded the building; after which they rushed into the building, and succeeded in arresting three of their paroled officers. Also found a large quantity of small arms and ammunition concealed in the building. The prisoners, and other booty, were escorted to Gov. Childs' headquarters, and from there to the calaboos de crimonel to await for further hearing. After this arrest Gov. Childs received information from good authority that this city would soon be surrounded by a band of guerillas,