Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, April 17, 1847, Image 2

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

    From Ihe Phi la Ledger, 13th inst.
olohiovi unusi
IVIna Ir Later from Tarn Crux.
O'pilulvlinn of the Vitif nrf Ctfjie Sue
render of Ihe Garrison I
Arrival of the rrincetnn at Pensacols, wiih
Commodore Connor -Five Genera's, Three
Hundred and Thirty Officers and Four Thou
anud Mn Prisoners The American Flag
Filiating; over the City ami Csetlo America u
Loss only S xty five in Killed and Wounded
Remil.e ol Gen. Ln Vege with Sx Thou
sand Mexicans, by Harm y's Ufa goon Ter
rible Slaughter!
We received by special enA extrsordlnary ex
' press from the South, on Saturday morning, the
iinnortant intelligence from Vera Crut, which it
announced below. Tke swain Tart, the rspiluta
r n of Vera Crus ami tha Castls to our army,
tret' rted in all of our regular edition not yet
ktuirk orTat the hour of its arrival, and the grati
fying intelligence was aoon spread throughout
the whole city. Full particulars, as below,
were mean-while put in type and afterwards is
, sm-d in ar. Extra. The excitement was as tre
mendous as the news was gratifying, and Gene
ral Scott and our gallant troops received unquali
li 'd praise for this great and glorious, victory,
eri'at because the result of an admirably planned
mid scientific attack, which shows the true mili
tary genius of the Hero of Chippewa, and proves
t lint the laurels are as great to crown .bis latter
years as those which float isfeed proudly iyonhis
yosrriiftiJ brow glorious, because, rhis ibrmida
Vie undertaking, the capture of a city considered
the most impregnable in tha world, was accom
plished without any material loss of our own
gallant soldiers. It is a triumph for Scott which
confirms and vindicates his military character.
The whole conduct of the expedition makes it
one of the most brilliant achievements in histo
ry ; it stands unrivalled in the skilfulness of its
management and the completeness of its success.
Scott and Taylor ! what proud names to adorn
the pages of our country's history 1
Mobile Advertises., Extra, ?
SiiRitay morning, April 4, 10 o'clock. $
The eastern mail of this morning brings us
tha following glorious intelligence from our ar
my at Vera Cruz. We delay not a moment in
laying it before aur readers.
From the Pensacola Gatette, Saturday, April 3
The V. S. war ateamer Princeton, bearing the
hiuud pennant of Commodore Connor, arrived at
this pott this morning, and came to anchor off
our wharf, at half-past nine o'clock exchanging
salutes with the navy yard as she passed. The
Piinct-tnn sailed from Vera Crux on the 39th ult ,
and brings the glorious intelligence of the reduc
tion of that city with the Castle of San Juan de
1'lloa, and their entire unconditional surrender
to our arms.
We are indebted to one of the officers of the P.
for the following summary of the proceedings in
this most brilliant achievement an achievement
that will redound more to the glory of our army
and marine, among tha nations abroad, than any
that haa yet had place in our military annala.
March Otb. Disembarkation of troops com
menced.
13th Investment of the city completed.
13th. Trenches opened, at night.
22d City aummonded to surrender on re
fual, seven mortars opened a (ire of bombs.
21th. Navy battery, three lone 35 pounders
they Lad not provisions in the rastle to sustain a
protracted siege.
The Princeton is commanded by Cap!. Engle;
as she sailed from Vera Crux. Com. Connor'a flag
was sainted from the rastle of San Juan d'lflloa.
The Commodore is a passenger on board, ha
ving been relieved by Com. Perry before the
commencement of the operations. The Prince
ton having landed the bearer of despatches for
Washington, and Col. Tot ten, at this place, aails
immediately for Philadelphia via Havana.
We have not been able to obtain a list of her
officers ; and, .indeed, owing to Ike lateness of
her arrival, we have been compelled to throw
together the foregoing particulars in the utmost
possible haste. '
'From the N. O. Delta, of Sunday, April 4
AXOTIIKIt. AMRIMCesj 1HIVNPH.
Vora Crsta ! Cast la Tnkewlil
Surrender of Vera C'lix ard the Castle of Kan
Jnsnde Ulloe Minolta and I'aticuler of
each day's Operations, from the Commence
ment of the Bombardment until the Final
Surrender The American Flag hoisted on
the Enemy, with the Surrender of Arm.
Ammunition, die The Un te I States Army
in llm CWIe and City Cm mony of Sur
render, Ate, Ac.
Correspondence of the Daily Delta.
From I hi- Fleet,
lit, so, of VnfiA Cxt'x, March 98, 1SI7.
Ed Dr!tn. From this drlectsble place I once
more have the pleasure of greeting you and
now 1 can give you something that will proba
bly interest you. Well, we have had a regular
Wateiloo lieht, barring that the killed and
wounded have been titiprecedently smalt ennsi
dering the showers of sb.'lls, solid, grape and ea
Ulster shot poured into us by the Vera Pruzanos
But I wish to inform you of the share that we of
the Navy have had in this last affair.
You must know that on Monday, the 23d inst
we landed a battery consisting of four Paixhan
08 and two 32 and Captain Lee, of the F.ngi
neers, selected for us an admirable site, over
looking the whole city, within sevrn hundred
yards of the walls. A lull growth of chaparal
hid the operations of the Engineers, with two
hundred workmen, during the construction of
our aand bag fort, but when it was completed
on Wednesday, the 24th inst , our guns were un
masked and the chaparal cleared away so as to
bring us a view of the strongholds to be battered
down, As aoon as the enemy obtained a sight
of our nice little arrangement, he opened a tre
mendoos and well directed fire upon it, and then
our men returned the favor with unmitigated
pleasure, and up to mend. an that day the firing
was incessant on both sides.
Tnx Navy As soon as Com. Perry pcrceiv
ed the land forres engaged, ha ordered Captain
Tatnatl, with what ia called the "Mosquito
Fleet,,' consisting of the steameis Spitfire and
Vixen and five gunboats, vie : Reefer, Ronita,
Tampico, Falconer, and Petrel, to attack, ('apt.
T. inquired at what point he should engage T
Com. Perry very emphatically replied. "Where
ever you can do the most execution, sir." Ac
cordingly the little fleet took position under a
point of land known as the "Lime Kiln," about
mile from the city, where they were protected
from a point blank shot of the Castle. As soon
as they got their position in line they opened a
fire of round ahot and shell at a rapid rate, and
threw them 'handsomely' into the town and Foit
seem to require that temporary cessation of
hostilities should take place tinder such circum
stances. War is terrible in its most modified
lorm ; but the besieging of city like Vera Crnx
when we know that we are battering down the
bouses over some fellow creatures' heads, but
csnnot tell whether we are destroying the sol
diers, our real antagonists, or the women and
children. And then to witness the burning
houses lighting up the church spires and domes
ofthe prominent buildings, with the families
moving about on the tops of the houses in the ut-
mot consternation and apparent despair, can
not do otherwise than excite a feeling of commiseration.
Mnrrh'ii After the fire in town last niebt.
our batteries acain opened and continued until
morning. During the day the army guns have
worked very slow on account of a short supply
of ammunition, being prevented from lauding
any yesterday by the norther.
Farly in the day Gen Patterson let the town
hear fiom him. The entrenchments and guns
were entirely undiscovered by the Mexicans, un
til the 'sailorlads' commenced unmasking. They
soon commenced pouring into the city a severe
and effective fire, until about 4 o'clock their
position being only .'.00 yar.ls from the walls of
the town, and with such a range to enable them
to flank mot of the fortifications and works from
whence the enemy was firing.
The following is the size and weight of the
eons, with their officers, as far as I could learn
them:
Potomac 3 33 pounders, 63 cwt. Capt. An
lick and Lieut. Baldwin.
Karitan 1 32 pounder, 61 cwt, Lieut. Inger-
him. He immediately deployed, and from the
head ofthe line ordered charge. When lie
approached within about 20 ysrdaof the ene
my's lino they care him a fire from their side
arms, but overshot. Then came the test of
strength and skill--the Dragoon, with sword in
hand, Met the confiding Lsncor, with pointed
lance, ready to receivo him. The contest was
but lor a short time.
In many instances lance were twisted (mm
their clench' d hinds,' the Mexicans were un
saddled and driven, heller-kt ll r, in every di
rection, and pursued by the dragoons in detach
nmnl. (VI. Harney and several of his officers
met their men in single combat, hut none of j ties as becume litem in tl.eir poHium, and endu
' ' i x- . i x
The deatruction in the city is most awful
one half of It iadesiioyed. Houses sre blown
to pieces and furniture scsltered in every di
rection the streets torn up, and the strongest
buildings seriously damaged.
(Jen. Scott lias certainty achieved a great,
glorious snd almost blood It ss victory over an
enemy in a position that was com-ulured im
pregnable. Throughout the whole ulliiir he
has pruserved the most perfect equilibrium ot
temper, and the characteristic coolness and cour
age of a crest General and noble soldier, and
while, from the necessities of demanding troin
ihc enemy his own terms, he In tempered the
vigor ol the ciruumstunces with humanity the
bust evidence of a brave ami competent oilier.
Tim Kn ( int er Corps, under Col. Totten, have
applied themselves to Ilm discharge of tlieirdu-
sol!.
Mississippi I 8 inch gun, C3 cwt., Lieut. Lee.
Albany 1 S inch gun, 63 cwt , Lieut Perry.
St Mary's 1 8 inch gun, 63 cwt., Lieut Ken
nedy. The navy battery set the town on fire again
to-day.
The Mexicans did not fail to return Gen. Pat
terson's fire with great energy anil rapidity, and
I am sorry to say with some effect killing 4
and wounding 6 among the latter was Lieut.
Baldwin of the Potomac.
Dt'Ai ii of MipsHirMsx Sn r r.a ice . 25th To
day the combatants appear to be more eager on
lioth sides, and the filing more rapid the army
battery mounts 11 ten-inch mortars, four long
34s and four Cohorns During the morning, the
Mexicans concentrated their fire as much as pos
sible upon Grn. Patterson and the Navy, but the
return (ire through the day silenced 2 of their bat
teties and the Nuvy breached the walls indiffer
ent placea. Midshipman Shubrick and three sai
lors were killei!, and one mortally wounded.
Mr Shubrick's death was announced at Head
quarters in the fotlowing laconic note, by the
commander at the entrenchments : 'Mr Shubrick
has been killed at his gun fight.' On inquiry, 1
learned the further particulars as follows : He
was shooting at a gun in one ofthe baslnns in the
rear of the city, and was watching the effect of
his shot upon that piece of artillery, when a ball
from the piece he was shoot ine at struck bim
but I be last shot he fired dismounted the piece
that killed him thus, in all probability, both
artillerists lost their lives in shooting at one
another almost simultaneously.
Coi. HsaNKv'a Dsunttos Fioht Informa
tion was received in esmp this morning that a
and three 08 pounders Taixhan guns opened a Santiago
fire in the morning ; distance 700 yards. The Castle soon paid its respect to Capt. Tat-
23th. Another battery of four 24 pounders nail, and ihe powerful engines of havoc snd des-
and three mortars opened. This day the Navy truction were now in full blast from every quar-
h.ittery opened a breach in the wall of the city ; ter, hurling their dreadful and deadly missiles
the fir was very destructive to the town. I into each other's ranks in rapid succession, w hir-h
26th Early in the morning the enemy pro- J they kept up until about daik, when the Mexi-
posed for a surrender. Commissioners on the
American side General's Worth and Pillow, and
Col. Totten.
20th. Negotiations completed City and Cas
tle surrendered Mexican troops ma;ched out
and laid down their arms. The American troops
occupied the city and batteries of the town and
castle at noon of that day the American Ensign
wus hoisted over both, and was saluted by our
vesrels The garrison, of about 4,000 men, lay
ing down their arms as prisoners of war, and be.
in,; sent to their homes on parole. Five Gener
als, sisty superior officers, and two hundred and
seventy company officers being amongst the pri
soneis
The total loss of the American army, from the
day of landing, (March 9,) is 65 persons kilted
and wounded.
Officer i Killed. Captain John U. Vinton, 2d
Artillery; Captain Alburtis, 3d Infantry; Mid
shipman T. B. Shubrick. Navy.
Officrrt Wuu:ulcd. Lieut. Col. Dickinson,
South Carolina volunteers, severely ; Lieut. A
S. Baldwin, Navy, slightly ; Lieut. Delozin Da
vidson, 3d infantry, very slightly ; Lieut. Lewis
Neill. 2d Drasoons, severely. All the wounded
are doing well.
Of the Mexicans, Ibe slaughter ia said to have
been immense. The commanding General was
stationed in the city, while bis second in com
maud held the castle. The regular force was
about 3000, and they had about the same number
of irregulars. Outside- the city was Gen. La
Vega, with a force of from 6,000 to 10,000 ea
valry.
Col. Harney, with between 200 and 300 U. S.
can batteries comparatively ceased and the'Mus-
quito Fleet' also held off for the night.
At 8 o'clock the party that were in the tren
ches were relieved by another detail. The troops
who returned from the entrenchments were li
terally covered with smoke and dust, and to
much disfigured that they could not be recogni-
xed except by their voicea. Shell after shell ex
ploded in their midst, and shot after shot threw
barrels of earth from the embarkments over their
beads as they lay in the trenches. Their escape
aeema to have been miraculous, indeed, and eve
ry person is surprised that at least one half of
their number was not slain.
March 23. Just as daylight was approaching
Capt. Tatnall's Musquito Fleet weighed anchor
and under cover'of a moon somewhat clouded,
approached within 600 yards of the Castle. As
soon as (hey bad got their respective positions
they opened a broadside fiom the Fleet, which
was answered by the Castle with great spirit
both hy round shot and shell. Capt T. eontin
ued the engagement for about half an hour, al
though the aignal Irom Ihe l nmmeilore s ship
calling him ofT, had been hoisted lor some time
but, I suppose, was not seen, on account of
cloud ol smoke which hung around the shipping
Thia attack of Capt. T. on the Castie is con
aidered one of the must daring feats that has been
attempted since the commencement of bostili
ties.
Tuetduy .Mtmhig, Alurch 23 A bout 200 vol
unteers and sailors were attached to each piece
of ordnance, which was by them conveyed over
sand hills and hollows half knee deep in sand
and through lagoon about 2 fret deep and 73
Dragoons, charged on and repulsed this immense yards wide, with a so It bottom They were all
force with terrible carnage; scattering them in placed in position, about three miles from where
all directions. They had barricaded a bridge to they lauded, during Ihe night. The sailors and
protect themselves, but our artillery soon knock- the volunteers worked admirably together,
ed away this obstacle, and gave Harney's com- During the early part of last evening, the town
mand a chance at them. was lighted up by a building on fire, which was
"Let slip the dogs of war, and rry havoc" ignited by tha bomb shells. It waa impossible
In the attack on the town and castle only our to tell what building it was, but it was supposed
smaller vessels, drawiof not over nine feet were by the engioeers to be the barracks. As soon
available. But few she! and shells were thrown as the lire was discovered from ear mortar bat-
into the castle the attack bS mainly open tery, I was very much gratified to observe the
Ihe town. None of the enemy's mls.Jes struck cessation of our (ire for, notwithstanding w
our vessels ( and Mid.bipman Sbubrick whs) .. were endeavoring to destroy the town or com-
killed, was serving over a battery on shore. r.' them to surrender it, with their other strong-
With tbs city the hopes ofthe enemy fell, as holds tui fortifications, still humanity would
ly nf Mexican were hanging on our rear.
intending to force the lines if possible and make
ths ir way into the city w'th a number ot rattle
Col Harney . with one hundred and twenty dra
goons, w-aa ordered out in search of them, and
to report his observations. He iliec vered ilmm,
about two thmi'si d in numhrr, entrenched at a
hridge, and supported by I wo pieces of artillery.
three miles from Gen. Patloreon'e head quar
ters. (Ttd. Harney started on I i return, in
tending to prepaie properly and aituck them the
next morning. Hut the gallant o'd soldier
knowing thnt delays arn dangerous, could not
hear lh" idea ol leaving the enemy alter having
come insight of them without having a brutdi.
Accordingly he returned tn Ihe place, took a
poeilion where he cou'd watch their movements
ai d keep his nun see or it from Ihe enemy's fire
The Mexicans comniMidd firing at him, and
threw a perfect shower of balls all around him.
but wilhi iit injury.
Col. Iltirm y llieii despatched a messenger to
camp for a email reiulori-t'iiieiii, and son e artil
lery to break the breaM works. He was reinf tr
ied from (ien. I'd Hereon' division by l-ieut.
Jinld, wiih two pieces ol artillery, about sixiy
drsgion. disinounlri', and six companies ofthe
11 and 'J.I Tenora-re V. lunli cru, under the
command of Col. Hat kt ll, arcompnnied by Gen
ernl I'.itti rn'ii in person, although he did not
take the command from Col. Harney. Col.
Harney then formed the Tenne-eeans on the
right, his drsgoons on ihe left, anr! ail vinci d
low ly. In tlra w Ihe lire i f tl.e Mexicans, until
Lieut Jndd got bis uttilh ry in such a position
as he e'esin d.
The irinvi no lit succeeded admirably : l.it ul.
Judd gnl hiit ground with'h 1.0 yard of the
Mexicans, and Commenced firing Ihey at
tempted to return it, but va soon as a vlight
lleach was made in Ihe purapi't, (.'ol. Harney
ord-red a charge, which was answered tiy a
yell fom Ihe Dragoons and TenneHseeans.
Col. IKekcll, Capt. Cheatham and Capt. Foster
were the firi men In leap over the breastwork,
and as a naval officer remarked, who witnessed
Ihe whole a flair, the balance went over ao much
like a 'thousand of brick" that there waa no
telling who waa first or lal. As might have
been expected, the Mexicans were unable to
a and a charge from ' the boys who stood the
fire ofthe Black Fort at Monterey."
A few of Ihe incumbrances were soon thrown
out of tba way, and Col. Harney, with his dra
goons, leaped the breastwork and gave cbase.
He had not proceeded more than a mile before
he found the enemy formed ia line to receive
them received any injury except I.irut. Neill.
Adjutant of the Regiment, who was wounded
severely in two places from his insgnaniinity in
attempting tn capture a Mexican instead ol kil
ling him. In lull rim he overtook the retrea
ting Mexican, and placing hie sword in front of
him rommanded him tn surrender, whereupon
the Mexican drove bis lance into hi magnani
mous adversary. As the Lieutenant wimpled
li s horse lo despatch him, another Mexican
charged up and struck him with a lance. How
ever, severely wounded as he was, in two pla
ces, he cniitpiered one of his foes, and n corpo
ral rame up in lime to "nettle accounts" w ith
the other.
In thisafTiir Gil. Harney hod 4 wounded and
1 killed. Lent. Judd had one killed; and the
Tenure-cretin had Messrs FfX, lnng, Woodly,
and one other of Cipt. McCown's company,
whose name I rould not ascertain, wounded.
Mr. Young, a Texan Ranger, who was acting
as guide, waa sIho wounded slightly. Nine
teen Mexicans were found dead, et Ihe bridge
behind the brenr-twmk. Col. Harney killed
50 and wounded aliout Ihe same number. Tim
Mexican force near 'JtHIO; Col. Harney's StHI
Col. Haskell, Captains Chestlism, Foster.
Snend, Lieut. Judd, and all the ( timers and men
in ihe command, are spoken of in the very high
est terms by Col. Harney fur their gallant con
duel throughout the whole affair.
March 20 lst night (.. Morales was
strongly importuned by the inhabitants, who
are .nd lobe sufii-ring severely, In surrender
the town hut he was obatinatu and would not
aurrender the garrisoned works until every man
was buried underneath the ruins snd nut one
stone lett on top of snot her. Thereupon a meet'
ing ofthe National Guard waa held, and Guv
Morales was deposed, and Gen. Laudt ru placed
in command.
Our batti ries workul last night, snd up tn
'J o'clock this morning, w ith apparent increased
vigor, w hen a Hsg of tiuce waa recieved by Gen.
ticcti, w ith a p i AW on the jtart ol Ihe Mex
icans to treat lor a Mirrender. Accordingly a
commission on our pari was appointed, consis
ting of G. i s. Worth and Pillow, Col. Totten,
and Cnpt. Aulick, of the Navy, who met the
Mexican comiiiiteioii at the Lime Kiln, on Ihe
right id our battery, about one mile distant, and
they continued in session during the day.
March 27 Thia morning the Mexicans did
not accede lo the terms of the commissioners.
and orders were given to fire again a! 9 o'clock
However, about that hour the enemy solicited
another meeting of the commissioners
March 28 - Cam. Perry, was preparing tn
land another battery of 10 guns from the Ohio
but the necessity was obviated by the ratifies
tion by bolh parties of the stipulations agreed
upon by the Commissioners
The Mexicans surrendered the city ol Vera
Crux and castle of San Juan de I'l'oa, and the
armanent and munitions of war, together with
their small arms. The officers retained their
side arms, and the whole surrendered as prison
ers of war, and are allowed lo retire into the
countrv on their parole. Gen. Scott furnishing
them four days' tations.
At 0 u'clock. Gens. Wotth and Tillo'' bri
gade Ii rmi'd about IftK) yards aparl, opaaiti
each other, and Ihe M- X'caua marched nut,
rlacked tliuir srmsand marched off. Our troops
then moved in column into the city al '2 o'clock
planted ihe star spangled banner on the walls
where but a short time previous had waved thai
of a vain and conceited foe. The stars and
stripes went op fiisl on Furl Suitia.o, and then
on Fori Conception and then on Ihe Castle and
other p'aces. Fitch flag as it went op received
Ihe national salute, which was answered by the
Mpiailron ihe yarila of Iho vessels were man
ned and our colore hailed wild three cheers.
Com. Ferry w as present in the Munpiilu fleet
under Capt. Talnal! al lite evacuation and sur
render. The Mexican variously estimated their lia
at from 501 lo 1(MM) killed and wounded, but all
agree I hat the loss among the soldiery i cm-
j paralively small, end I list tleoiructimi among the
women ami children is very great. Among
their k ills d is (Jen. Ft-lX Vuhb z, an oflieer ol
some celebrity. Our loss in ilm Army and Na
vy H about 23 killed and about 4(1 wounded, but
red the privations and exposure lo tin; weather
ai.d the fire of I ho tin-my without regard to
health or loss of life.
Nod, vision or nntionolilm army lias boon
belter conducted than thai ut the Ordnuiice
throughout the whole ol the operations, and no
un-n are entitled lo a greater degree of credit
than Capt. Hugerand Lieut. Hagner; tlieirdu
ty Ui been arduous, and Ihey have labored
night and day to discharge it, in lair weather
and fool, both at the general depot and in the
entrenchment!", and 1 saw these oncers up to
their knees in water during the prevalence of
the heavy uorlher, to rescue their stores Irom
loss
Gen. Patterson hss acquired for himself a
hiih reputation as a gallant soldier snd s'i able
officer. His oflicial duties hnvo necessarily
been heavy and l iboruMi; in which ho has
been well sm-tained bv an efficient slit If, con
sistine of Msj (. A.' MeC.,11. Cipt. McCkl-
land. 1.1 8. Williams and l.t. M ad.
Gen. Quitman's Brigade is to take up Us line
of march for Alvaradn on tlio IKIth, and Gen
Twiiigs will move in co'uuiii on Iho Nationul
Rrulgp, 1)0 nulca Irom Vera Cruz, where it is
expected, some resis'niice will be made.
I learn that Com. Perry has put in a c'sim
for ilm captured property as pnzrt to the Na
vy. The army ia not entitled to prize money,
and I can see no good reason why the Nnvy
should i.ot receive at least one halt of the captu
red property.
'
nnny of them a'iglitly. Among our killed are
two officers of the army and one of Iht? navy.
Captain Alburtis and Vinton, of ilm army, and
Midshipman Shubrick, ofthe navy.
Lieut. Col. Dickinson, Lieut. Neil and Rild
win, I am happy lo slate, are recovering very
lukt.snd Ihe wounded generally are doing well.
Al the lime of Ihe surrender, ihe Mexicans
bad but two days ammunition and three days'
subsidence, which, accounts tor their generally
withholding their fire during the night.
During the bombardineut, our army have
thrown ibe following number and size of shot
Asm Battxxt.
3000 ten-inch shells, 90 lbs each,
300 tound shot, 23 lbs each,
200 eigbt-incb bowitxer shells. 68 lbs each,
Gin. Psjiision's Navy Bsttssy.
1000 Paixhan shot, 63 lbs each,
BOO round shot, 32 Iba each,
Mi'sqeiTo Fleet Can. Tisti
1200 sbot and shell, aversging, 62 lbs rach,
Mskmg ia all 6,700 shot aud shell, weighing
433,600 lbs.
From the Phila. Ledger, 13th inst.
Official Drssmtchee fOeistriil SettM,
(ticinir mn Account of the fall Siirrrnitrr.
anil unconditional t .nfiiltibilion oA" the City
of Vera Cruz, and the (Juttle of San Juan
iri'lUut.
The Washington Cnion, of Saturday evening,
brings us the Official Despatches from General
Scott and Com. Perry, giving their report ofthe
grand achievement of the American Arms, which
we laid before our readers by Overland Express,
on Saturday morning. The documents are quite
voluminous, and we merely therefore give the
most important of them in our Extra. ,
The following are the despatches and docu
ments civine the actual results.
I If AO Ql'ARTERft OP THS AaMV.
Camp Washington, before Vera Crux.
March 2H, 184?
Sir Yei-terday, seven of our ten-inch mor
tars being in Ihe bat' cry, and the labors for
planting the remainder ol our heavy metal be
ing in progress, I addressed, at two o'clock, 1.
M , a summons to the Governor of V era Cruz,
and within the two hours limited by the bearer
of the flag, received the Governor' answer
copies ofthe two pipers, (marked respectively
A and IV) are herewith enclosed.
It will be perceived that the governor, who,
it turna out, is the commander o both places,
chose, against the plain terms ol the summons,
tosiippose nm to have demanded the soireuilcr
of the castle nm! the city when, in fact, from
the non-arrival of our heavy metal principally
mortars I was in no condition to threaten the
former.
On the return ofthe (lag, with that reply, I
at once ordered the seven mortars in battery,
lo open upon the city. In s short time the smal
ler vessels of Commislore Perry's squadron
two steamers and five, schooneis sccordingto
previous arrangement with him, approached the
city wi'hin about mile and an eighth, whence
being partially covered from the castle an es
sential condition to their safety they also open
ed a brisk fire upon the cily. This lias been
continued, uninterruptedly, by the mortars, and
only with a few intermissions, by the vessels.
up to nine o'clock this morning when tlm com
modoie very properly called them off from a
position ton daringly assumed.
Our ihrre remaining mortars are now (12 o'
clock, M.) in battery, and the whole ten in ac
livity. Tomorrow, early, if tne city should
continue nhiinatc, batteries No. I and 5 will
be ready tn add their fire; No. I. consisting of
four 24 pounders and twn8 inch Paixhan guns,
snd No .r, (naval battery) nf three Jlvl-pounders
and three H inch I'aixhans Ihe guns, officers
ami sai'ors landed from ibe squadron our friends
of ihe navy being unremitting in their zcab us
co-operation, in every mode and form.
Solar, we know that our fire upon the fily
Ims h i ii highly t fiWliv virlirulurly from tlm
naileries of 10 inch mortars, planted at about
NK) yards from the city. Including the prepn
lalsHi and ilelence of the balletic, from the
beginning now many d.iys and not with
standing (he heavy fire of the enemy, Irom Ihe
city aud cattle we have only hud four or five
meit wounded, and one officer and ono man kil
led, in or near ihe Irenchee. That officer was
Captain John H. Vii.lon, of Iho United States
Ikl artillery, one of the most talented, accom
plished, and rtlective members of iho sriny,
and who was highly distinguished in the bril
liant operations at Monterey. He fell, last
evening, in the trenches, where he was on duty
as field and cornmsnding officer, universally re
gretted. have just attended his honored re
mains to a aoldier's grave in full view of the
enemy and within reach of hia guns.
Thirteen of the long needed mortars leav
ing 27, besides besvy guns, behind have arriv
ed, and two of them landed. A heavy norther
then set in (at meridian) that stepped thsl oper
ation, aud also the landing of shells. Hence the
fire of our mortar batteries has been slackened
since V! o'clock, to-day, and cannat be remvigo
ratcd until we shall nguia have a smooth Ben
in the mean time I shall leave this report open
for journalizing events that may occur up to the
departure of the steaimliip of war, the Prince
ton, with Coin. Conner, who, 1 learn, expects to
leave the snchorajre ofTSncrificios, lor the Uni
ted States, the 2otli innf,
March 21. The storm hating subsided n
the nigh', we cmiim'Micpd this forenoon, ss tnon
is Ihe sm became a litlle smooth, to land shut,
shell snd mortsrs. The naval battery No. 5 watt
opened with great nctivity, under Capt. A ilick.
the second in rank ol the squadron, at about
111 A M. His liru was continued to -2 o'clocl
I' M.. n li'ilo before hi was relieved by Cupiniu
Mnyo, w tin landed with a Iresh supply of ammu
nition, Capt. A. having exhausted the sui'ply
he had brought with him. He lost four sailur;
killed, and hod one officer, Lieut. Baldwin
slightly hurt.
The mortor bstteries, Noe. 1, 2, and 3, hivt
fired but languidly during the day lor want t,
she He, which are now going out irom the beac!)
The two reports of Col. Dsnklmad, chief o
artillery, both ol this date, copies of which I en
close, give the incidents of those three buiu-r
ics.
B.ittery No. 4, which will mount four 51.
pounders and two 8 inch Paixhan guns, hi
been much delayed in Ihe hands ofthe iudcfjii
gable engineers' by the Norther that filled -
the work with sand nearly as fast as it could
be opened by the half-blinded laborers. It will
however, doubtless be in full activity early to
morrow morning.
March 23 The Princeton being ab.ml ti
start for Philadelphia, I have but a inutnent U
continue this report.
All the batteries, Nos. 1,2, 3, 4 and 5, an
in awlul activity this morning. The rfiect is
no doubt, very groat, and I think the city cart
not hold out beyond tn-day. To-morrow morn
ing, many ol the new mortars will be in a posi
tion to add their fire, when, or after the delay o
some twelve hours, if no proposition In surren
tier should be received, I shall organize p:trli-'
for currying the city by assault. So fur the do
fence has been spirited and obstinate.
I enclose a copy of a memorial received las
night, signed by the Consuls of Great Britain
France, Spain and Prussia, within Vera Cruz
asking me in grant a truce, to enable the net)
trals, together with Mexican women and chil
dren, tn withdraw from the scene of havoc abou
t Im in. shnll reply the moment thatanoppor
tunity may be taken, to say
1. That a Iruce can only be granted on t!
application of Governor Morales, with a viei
to fiiirem'er; 2. That in sending safeguards!
the different consuls, beginning as far back a
in I3ih inst, I dittinctly admonished trmm
p'articularly the French and Spanish consuls
ami, of course, through the two, the other con
suls ofthe dangers thai have followed; 3. Thi
although, at that date, I had already refused I
allow any person whatsoever tn pass the liu u
investment either way, yet the blockade hat
been left open to the consuls and other neutral
to pass out to their respective ships of war u;
tolhe22d instant, and
4th. I shall enclose to the mcmnratists a cup;
of my summons to the governor, tn show tha
I hud fully considered Ihe impending hardship
snd distresses ol the place, including tlue r
women and children, before one gun had heoi
fired in that direction. The intercourse he
Iween tlm neutral ships of war and the pilv wa
stopped st Ihe late mentioned dale hy Com on
dore Ferry, with my concurrence, which I pla
Ct'd on Ihe ground that the intercourse eoul
not tail to give to the enemy moral aid and com
fort.
It will lie seen Irom the memorial, that on
lotteries have already luid a terrible cfT ct ni
tlm city, (also known through other sources,
and hence the inference that a surrender mils'
soon be interp'ised, In haste,
I have the honor to remain, sir, with rrspec
your ml obedient servant,
Vi!inEi.D Scott.
lion. Win. L. Msrey, Secretary of War.
The following were the terms of capitulatio
finally agreed on :
1 The whole garrison, or garrisons to be siit
rendered to the arms ofthe Cnited States, as n
soners of war, the J0th inst., at 10 o'clock,.
M ; the garrisons to be permitted to march u
with all the honors of war, and to lay down thi
aims to such officers as may be appointed by th
general-in-rhief of the Cnited States armies,
at a jKiint to be ajreed upon by the coinmissionris
2. Mexican officers shall preserve their arm
and private effects, including horses and hoi
furniture, and to be allowed regular and irreguls
officers, as also the rank and file, five days to ic
tire to their respective homes, on parole, as hire
inafter prescribed.
3. Coincident with the surrender, as t I pnIjt-
in article one, the Mexican iLtjis of the vanou!
Inrls and stations shall be struck, saluted by thi-il
own batteries; and immediately thereafter, Mt
S.inti2n and Conception and the cattle of Ml
Juan de Ulloa, occupied by Ihe Ibices of the U.
J-tales.
I. The rank and file of the regular portion of
the prisoneis to be disposed of, after sui render
and parole, as their general in chief may desi",
and Ihe irregular permitted to return to lh'T
homes. The officers, in respect to all arms i"d
descriptions of force, giving the usual parolo, that
the said rank and file, as well as themselves, slu'l
nut serve aijaiii until duly exchanged.
3. All the material ol war, and all public p"
perty of every description found in Ihe city, tfle
castle of San Juan de I'lloa and Ibeir depend"
ciee, lo belong to the Cnited States ; but Ihe r
mament of Ihe same (not injured or destroyt'l in .
ths further prosecution of the sctual war) may be
considered as liable to be restored to Mexico by
a definitive treaty of peace.
6. The sick and wonnded Mexicans to be ai
lowed to remain in the city, with such medit al
officers ofthe srmy ss may be necessary to their
care and treatment.
7. Absolute protection is solemnly guarantied
to persona in Ihe city, and property, and it is
clearly understood that no piivate building or
property is to be taken or used by the forces of
Ihe Cnited States without previous arrangement
with th owners, anj far a fair equivalent.
8. Absolute frrednm of religious worship snd
ceremonies is solemnly guarantied.