Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/465

Rh in the city was one of desolation. Numbers, both of the garrison and non-combatants, had fallen, and provisions, after twelve days' close investment, began to fail.

Late on the night of the 24th the American commander received a communication from the consuls of Great Britain, France, Spain, and Prussia, praying him to suspend hostilities and grant a truce to enable the subjects of their respective nations, as well as the Mexican women and children, to leave the place on account of the frightful results of the bombardment. Scott had already, on the 13th, sent in safeguards to the foreign consuls, covering their respective subjects, and as they had persisted in remaining in the city, with military severity, but with undeniable justice to his position, supported by his previous action, he would not listen to an application made too late, according to the rules of war. He informed the foreign representatives that no truce could be granted, except on application of the commander-in-chief of Vera Cruz.

Each day the cannonade and bombardment had become nore destructive, as fresh guns were brought On the 25th another battery of four 24-pounders and two 8-inch Paixhan guns was opened, and a terrible fire sustained during the day. The foreign inhabitants were now convinced of the uselessness of further resistance, and their consuls pressed Morales to take measures, for the sake of humanity, to save the non-combatants. This he could only do by capitulation, and on the night of the 25th he called a council of war at which the advisibility of surrender was generally expressed. To this he was obstinately opposed, and he resigned the command to General