To Mexico with Scott

12–13 September 1847

Battle of Chapultepec

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To the north, less than a mile from Tacubaya, lies Chapultepec, anciently the country residence of the Montezumas — the cannon and troops on the walls plainly visible, while the palace around which the fortifications are built appears across the deep valley between us, as if a leap would place us in its marble halls. To the northeast, apparently at but a little greater distance, lies amid its lakes and marshes the boasted city of the Aztecs, its spires and domes, its walls and aqueducts, all plainly visible. Look round over the rich, broad valley of Mexico. What a glorious scene lies before us! I am now standing in the lofty belfry of this old Franciscan Monastery. In the centre of the valley is the reedy lake of Chalco, its waters shining through the long lines of the arbor vitae, ash, cypress, and other trees which border the broad causeways that cross its bosom in various di rections, while around it and around us rise on every side the white haciendas of the wealthy owners of the soil, looking like lordly castles — and all appears fair,

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September 7. Since the second, until yesterday, nothing occurred worthy of note, though I thought there were abundant signs that Santa Anna was only " humbugging " us, indeed, as my journal shows, I have thought from the beginning that it was only a scheme on his part to keep us out of the city and to gain time. It truly seemed wonderful to me that in the truce the immediate surrender of Chapultepec, Mexicalingo, and El Penon was not demanded — it could not have been refused; the city itself must at once have given up ; they could not for some days after the battle of the twentieth have made any resistance.

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In my opinion a much bloodier battle is to be fought than any which have preceded it. When will our rulers learn wisdom! How many times must they be gulled and deceived before they will learn to treat all Mexican promises with scorn! This morning a heavy column of the enemy were seen marching from the city by Chapultepec. Their right was established at a large building, said to be a foundry, something more than a mile from Chapultepec, and their left resting on that strong fortification. Their line is along an aqueduct and a deep ditch covered by bushes and trees bordering an extensive pasture and grain field — an extremely strong position.

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I have just learned that the plan of attack is arranged. A forlorn hope of five hundred men com manded by Major G. Wright is to carry the foundry and blow it up. At the same time an attack from our artillery, the rest of the first division and Cad- walader's Brigade is to be made upon their line and Chapultepec, our battalion forming the reserve. This operation is to commence at three in the morning. Tomorrow will be a day of slaughter. I firmly trust and pray that victory may crown our efforts though the odds are immense.