Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48

12–13 September 1847

Battle of Chapultepec

CONTENTS.

IX. — Bull Fights in Mexico — Visit to the Castle Chapultepec—Alameda Park — 77/6- Cypress Trees— The Catholic Cathedral : its Dimen sions, its Idols, IVcalth, o°r. — The Song of11 Deny Down " — Tlas- calla City and its Ancient History — The Removal of Gen. Scott from his Victorious Army — Gen. Wm. O. Butler Appointed in his Place — 'Excitement Amongst the Soldiers — The Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, freeing t/icm from the Spanish Rule — Gen. Winfield Scott's Letter of Grievance to the Secretary of War, Hon. Wm. L. Marcv.

NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 245

Maj. Twiggs was afterwards killed at the storming of the Castle of Chapultepec, September 13, 1847.

NOTES OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 475

Wednesday, February 2, 1848. — This morning Alburtus Welsh and myself went over to Miscpac, a small village, about three miles from San Angel, and about the same distance from the city. Here is where Col. W. S. Harney hung the balance of the thirty-two Irish- American deserters, who were captured at Churubusco. They were executed on the I3th of September, the day the battle of Chapultepec was fought. As soon as the Castle fell, and our flag triumphantly swung over its strong fortress, Col. Harney told the deserters to cast their eyes toward the Castle of Chapultepec, and once more look upon our glorious flag that they had deserted. After which they were all hung on crosses already erected.

JOHN ROBINSON, ESQ.

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 1 2th and 1 3th 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.