Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/524

518 Last Sunday was a beautiful day, so a small party of us got permission from Lieut. Haines to go to the city of Mexico and visit the bull-fight in the Plaza de Toros. We started early and went by the way of Churubusco, and examined all the breastworks and fortifications, and, through the politeness of the old priest, we were admitted, and passed through the old church, or convento—which was well fortified during the battle—and saw where one of our cannon-balls—an eighteen pounder—went just along the side of the altar, carrying away some of the fancy fixtures; the interior of the church suffered very severely from our artillery. We then went on, and passed through Villeta de Miscoac, the general depot of Gen. Scott's army during the battles of Chapultepec and San Cosmo gates. Here we took a good drink of polque, and then went on to Tacubaya, the headquarters of Gen. Scott during the above battles. After looking around awhile, we left for the Castle of Chapultepec, and examined its defences and the damages done by our artillery on the 12th and 13th of September last. After spending an hour, we left for the boiling springs, and took a good bath, after which we went to Molino del Rey, or King's Mill. This place is at the foot of Chapultepec.

There is a fine grove of trees from the castle to Molino Del Rey. It was once a strong fortress, and strongly garrisoned by the Mexicans during the battle: and it was here where Gen. Worth was defeated and lost nearly one-half of his men. It was here where the Mexicans had a foundry casting cannons and making other arms during the armistice or military convention, and it was here where Gen. Scott first saw Gen. Santa Anna violating the armistice. Afterwards these fortresses were captured, after which Gen. Scott ordered them to be blown up; so there is nothing now remaining except the bare walls and plenty of ruins.

From here we went to the Plaza de Toros. I have been in here several times before, but with no very agreeable impressions. But time hung heavily without books; and, as the boy said of the skinned eels, I was getting used to the sport. We