Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/468

448 wanting even Mexican writers who exonerate Scott from the charge of inhumanity.

Scott had now obtained the best base for his advance upon the capital that the country afforded, and he made his preparations for that movement with the utmost expedition. A delay of some days, however, occurred from want of transportation means, during which time he gave his attention to restoring order in Vera Cruz. On the 11th of April he published a proclamation, in which he informed the public that the Americans were not hostile to the Mexican people, but to their bad rulers; he reiterated his assurance of extending protection to their civil rights and religion; and invited the natives to return to their occupations in which they would be unmolested and meet with just dealing. Under his provisions for the maintenance of tranquillity, and by the prompt punishment of American offenders, confidence was greatly restored, and the inhabitants who had fled soon returned to the town and pursued their vocations.

At this time the capture of Alvarado was at last achieved. After the surrender of Vera Cruz, Quitman had been sent with a brigade against that port to coöperate with the fleet, but on his arrival found it in possession of Lieutenant Hunter of the Scourge, to whom it had been surrendered by the authorities.