The New York Herald Newspaper, May 11, 1847, Page 1

“the killed, and in the brigade 106, of all ranks killed or Vol. XIII, No. 130—Whole No, 4727. pM ad ee e NEW YORK, TUESDAY MORNING, MAY 1, 1847. an paseo THE BATTLE OF TUSPAN. others Wounded. HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM THE CITY OF MEXICO. Spirit of the Mexican Government. MAJOR GENERAL SCOTT, RELATIVE TO THE BATTLE OF CHRRO GORDO. Advance to Jalapa. LATEST FROM MATAMORAS & VERA CRUZ. MILITARY MOVEMENTS. " &e. &e. Be. THE CAPTURE OF TUSPAN. [From the N. 0. Picayune Ex/ra, May 3.) Captain Jackson, of the schooner General Patterson, reports, that on the day of siling he fell in with tl erican squadron. twenty-five miles north of Vera Cruz, Commodore Perry in command. aie Squadron was returning from the Tuspan expe- ion. ‘Tho General P. was boarded from the United States steamer Scorpion, and received a mail. = Captain Jackson learned that Tuspan was tho 10th April, after sovere resistance from the Oops, ‘Tho Americans had four mon killed, and about four- teen wounded. Among the | wounded were four officers, viz: Com- mander Tattnall, slightly ; Lieutenant Parker, severely; Lieutenunt Hartstene, slightly ; and Passed’ Midship: man Lowne, slightly, [The last name is doubtless in- correctly reported. There is Passed Midshipman Lowry in the navy register.) The guns of the Mexicans at Tuspan were all spiked, and the place rendered defenceless, “It was thon aban- one wEN. SCOTT'S DESPATCH. Heap Quanrers or tHe Army, Plan del Rio, 60 miles from Vera Cruz, April 19, 1847, Sin: The plan of attack, sketched in General Orders No. 111, [published in zosterday's Herald.) herewith, ‘was finely executed by this gallant army, before 2 o'clock P.M. yesterday. We are quito embarrassed with the results of victory—prisoners of war, heavy ordnance, field batteries, sinall arms and accoutrements. About 3,000 men laid down their arms, with the usual propor- tion of fleld and company officers, besides five generals, several of them of great distinction—Pinson, Jarrero, La Vega, Noriega and Obando. A sixth general, Vas- quez, was killed in defending the battery (tower) in the rear of the whole Mexican army, the capture of which Gave us those glorious results. Our loss, thongh comparatively small in numbers, has been serious, Brigadier General Shields, a commander of activity, zeal,, and talent, is, I fear, if not dead, mor- tally wounded. “He is some five miles from me at the moment. The field of operations covered many miles, broken by mountains and deep chasms, and | have not a report, as yet, from any division or brigade. Twiggs’s di- visidn, followed by Shields's (now Col. Baker's) brigade, are pew at or near Xalapa, and Worth’s division is in rouvé thither, all pursuing, with good results, as I learn, that part of the Mexican army---perhaps six or seven thousand men. who fied before our right had carried the tower, and gained the Xalapa road. Pillow’s brigade alone, is near me at this depot of wounded, sick, and prisoners, and I have time only to give from him the names of Ist Lieutenant F. B. Nelson, and 2d C. G. Gill, both of the 2d Tenessee foot (Haskell’s regiment) among wounded.’ Among the latter, the gallant brigadier gene- Tal himself has a smart wound in tho arm, but not disa- bled, and Maj. R. Farqueson, 2d Tennessee ; Capt, H. F. Murray, 24 Lieutenant G. D: Sutherland, Ist Lieutenant W. P. Hale (adjutant) all of the same regiment, severely, and Ist Lieutenant W. Yearwood, mortally wounded. And I know, from personal observation on the ground, that Ist Lieutenant Ewell, of the rifles, if not now dead, was mortally wounded, in entering, sword'in hand, the entrenchments around the captured tower. 2d Lieut. Derby, topographical engineers, [ also saw, at the same place, severely wounded, and Captain Patten, 2d United States infuntry, lost his right hand. Major Sumner, 2d United States dragoons, was slightly wounded the day before, and Capt. Johuston. topographical engineers, (now lieutenant colonel of infantry) was very severly ‘wounded some days carlier while reconnoitring. I must not omit to add that Captain Mason and 2d Lieutonant Davis, both of the rifles, were among the very severely wounded In storming the same tower. 1 estimate our total loss, in killed and wounded, may be about 250, and that of the enemy 360. In the pursult towards Xalapa (25 miles hence) I learn we have added much to the enemy’s loss in prisoners, killed, and wounded. in fact, I suppose his retreating army to be nearly disorganized, and hence my haste to follow, in an hour or two, to pro- fit by eventa. In this hurried and imperfect report I must not omit to say that Brigadier General Twiggs, in passing the moun- taln range beyond Cerro Gordo, crowned with the towe detached from his division, as | suggested the day before, a strong force to carry that height, which commanded the Xalapa road at the foot, and could not fail, if carried, to cut off the whole, or any part of the enemy's for from arotrent in any direction. A portion of the 1 artillery.under the often-distinguished Brevet colonel Childs, the 3d infaatry, under Captain Alexander, the 7th infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Plymton, and the rifles, under Major Loring, all ‘under the temporary command of Colonel Harney, 2d dragoons, during the confinement to his bed of Brevet Brigadier General P. F. Smith, composed that detachment. The style of exeoution, which I had the pleasure to witness, was most brilliant and decisive. The brigade ascended tho Jong and difteult slope of Certo Gordo, without abelter, and under the tremendous fire of artillery and musketry with the utmost steadiness, reached the breastworks, drove the enemy from them, planted the colors of the Int artillery, 3d and 7th infantry—the enemy's flag still flying—and, after some minutes of sharp firing, finishod the conquest with the bayonet. It {8 a most pleasing duty to say that the highost praise is due to Harney, Childs, Plymvon, Loring, ‘Alexander, their gallant officers and men, for this brilliant service, independent of the great results which soon followed. Worth’s division of regulars coming up at this time, he detached Brevet Lioutenant Colonel C. F, Smith, with his light battalion, to support the assault, but not in time. The General reaching the tower afew minutes before me. and observing a white fing dixplayed from the nearest portion of the enemy towards the batteries be- Jow, sent out Colonels Harney and Childs to bold « prr- ley. ‘The surrender followed in an hour or two. {Major General Patterson lett a sick bed to share in the dangers and fatignes of the day; and after the surren- der went forward to command the advanced forces to- wards Xalapa, Brigadier General Pillow and his brigade twice as- saulted with great daring the enemy's line of batteries on our left; and though without success, they contri- Duted much to distract and dismay their immediate op- ponents President Santa Anna, with Generals Canalizo and Almonte, and some six or eight thousand men, escaped towards Xulapa Just before Cerro Gordo was carried, and before Twiggs’ division reached the national road above. I have determined to parole the prisoners—ofMcers and men—as I have not the means of feeding them here, beyond to-day, and cannot afford to detach a heavy body of horse and foot, with wagons, to accom- pany, them to Vera Cruz, Our baggage train, though increasing, is mot yet half large enough to give an as- sured progress to this army. Besides, a greater number of prisoners would, probabiy, escape from the escort in the long and deop sandy road, without subsistence—ten to one—-that we shall find again, out of the same body of men, inthe ranks opposed to us. Not one of the Vera Cruz prisoners is believed to have been in the lines of Cerro Gordo, Some six of the officers, highest in rank, refuse to give their paroles, except to go to ‘Vera Cruz, and thence, perhaps, to the United States. ‘Tho small arms and their accoutrements, being of no value to our army here or at home, | have ordered them to be destroyed ; "for we have not the meai porting them, i am, also, somewhat embarrassed with the —— pieces of artillery—all bronze—which we ha captured. It would take @ brigade, and half the mules of this army, to transport them fifty miles. A field bi tery I shall take for service with the army ; but the heavy metal must be collected, and left here for the pre- sent. We have our own siego-train and the proper carriages with us, Being much occupied with the prisoners, and all the details of a forward movement, besides looking to the vupplies which are to follow from Vera Crug, | have time to add no more—intending to be at Xal to-morrow. Wo shall not, probably, again meet wit! serious opposition this side of Perote—certainly not, unless delayed by the want of the means of transporta- tion Femain, sir, with high respect, Ihave the honor to your most obedient servant, WINFIELD SCOTT. P. 8.—T invite attention to the tooapanying fetter to tho President Santa Anna, taken in his eurringe yeater- ; sleo to his proclamation, issued ont bearing that we had captared Vers Craz, &e., in which he anys :. it © one Keep more, the national ind 1 the aby's of the pact.) WV h that step. W. 8. make second postscript, to say that there — hope, ! am happy to learn, that Gen. Shields may sur- vit wounds. ne of the princi ers of war is, to dim! sons in our march. Hon, Wo» L. Maney, Secretary of War. INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE. {From the New Orleans Delta, May 2.) We are indebted to Capt. Hughes, of the Topographi- cal Corps, for much valuable and interesting information relating to the late glorious victory of Cerro Gordo. Capt. Hughes is the very able and intelligent officer who accompanied Gen. Wool on his march from San Antonio to Monclova, and rendered important services to the ar- my and the country, pie valuable reconnolsances of the important part of Mexico through which Wool’s col- umn marched. His descriptious have been published in the papers of the country, and commanded great atten- tion and admiration at tho time. To Capt. Hughes be- longs the high distinction of having selected the position occupied by Gen. Taylor at Buena Vista. On the occa- sion of an encampment of Wool’s Division near Buena Vista, Capt. Hughes was struck with the advantages which this position presented for defence, and suggested to Gen. Wool to occupy it in case Santa Anna advanced upon him. In the late battle of Cerro Gordo, Captain Hughes acted « conspicuous and most useful part in his appropriate sphere, and after the battle he accompanied the captured Mexican officers to Vera Cruz, From we gather the following particulars of THE BATTLE, On the arrival of the other divisions of the army at the encampment of Gen. Twiggs. on the 16th of April, Gon, Scott, after taking a reconnoisance of the enemy's works, determined to storm them. The position occu- pled by the enemy was regarded by them as impregna. le, and truly, to any other than American soldiers it mast have appeared an insurmountable and impractica- ble undertaking to carry it by storm, or turn it by stra- ‘Phe road from Vera Crus, as it passes the Plan del Rio, which is a wide, rocky bed of a once large stream, is commanded by a series of high cliffs, rising one above the other, and extending several miles, and all well forti- fied. The road then debouches to the right, and curv- ing around the ridge, passes over a high cliff, which is completely enfiladed by forts and batteries. ‘This ridge is the commencement of the Terra Templada, the upper or mountainous country. ‘The high ahd rocky rayino of the river protected the right flank of the position, and a series of most abrupt and apparently impassible moun- tains and ridges covered their left. Between these points, running a distance of two or three miles, a suc- cession of strongly fortified forts bristled at every turn, and seemed to defy all bravery and skill. The Cerro Gordo commanded the road on a gentle declination, like a glacis, for nearly » mile—an approach in that direction was impossible. A front attack must have terminated in the almost entire annihilation of our army. But the enemy expected such an attack, confiding in the despe- rate valor of our men, and believing that it was impossi- ble to turn their position to the right or left. Gen. Scott, however, with the eye of a skilful general, perceived the trap set for him, and determined to avoid it. He, there- fore, had a road cut to the right, so as to escape the front fire from the Cerro, and turn his position on the left flank. This movement was made known to the enemy by a deserter from our camp, and consequently a large inereaso of force under General La Vega was sont to the forts on their left. General Scott, to cover his flank movements, on the 17th of April, ordered forward General Twiggs against the fort on the steep ascent, in front and a little to the left of the Cerro, Colonel Harney commanded this expedition, and at the head of the rifles and some detachments of infantry and artillery carried this position under a heavy fire of grape and musketry. Having secured this position in front and near the enemy’s strongest fortification, and having by incredible labor elevated one of our large guns to the top of the fort, Gen. Scott prepared to follow up his ad- vantages. A demonstration was made from this posi- tion against another strong fort in the rear, and near the Cerro, but the enemy were considered too strong, and the undertaking was abandoned, A like demon- stration was made by the enemy. On the next day, the 18th, Gen. Twiggs was ordered forward from the position he had already captured against the fort which commanded the Cerro. Simul- taneously an attack on the fortifications on the enemy's left, was to be made by Gens. Shields’ and Worth’s divi- sion, who moved in separate columns, whilst Pillow ad- vanced against the strong forts and dificult ascents on the right of the enemy's position. ‘The enemy, fully acquainted with Gen. Scott's intended movement, had thrown large bodies of men into the various positions to attacked. The most serious enterprise was that of ‘Twiggs. who advanced against the main fort that com- manded the Cerro. Nothing can be conceived more difficult than this undertaking. ‘The steep and rough character of the ground, the constant fire of the enemy in frout, and the cross fire of the forts and bat- teries which enfiladed our lines, made the duty arsign- ed to General Twiggs one of surpassing difficulty. No- thing prevented our men trom being utterly destroy- ed, but the steepness of the ascont under which thuy could shelter. But they sought no shelter, and on- ward rushed against a hailstorm of balls and musket shot, led by the gallant Harney, whose noble bearing elicited the applause of the whole army. His conspicu- ous and stalwart frame at the head of his brigade, his long arin waving his men on to the charge, his sturdy voice ringing above the clash of arms and din of con- flict, attracted the attention and admiration alike of the enemy and of our own army. On, on, he led the columns, Whose front lines melted before ‘the enemy's fire like snow flakes in a torrent, and staid not their course until leaping ver the rocky barriers and bayo- neting their gunners, they drove the enemy pell mell from the fort, delivering a deadly fire into their ranks, from their own guns, as they hastily retired. This was truly a gallant deed, worthy of the Chevalier Bayard of our army, as the intrepid Harney is well styled. Gen, Scott, between whom and Col. Harney there had existed some coolness, rode up to the Colonel after this ment, and remarked to him, “Col, Harney, I cannot now adequately express my admiration of your gallant achievement, but at the proper time I shsll take great pleasure in thanking you in proper terms.”” Harney, with the modesty of true valor, claimed the praise as due to his officers and men, Thus did the division of the gallant veteran Twiggs carry the main position of y the fort which commanded the ’o enemy received their heaviest lons, and their General. Vasquez, was killed. A little after, Gen. Worth having, by great exertions, passed the steep and craggy heights on the enemy's left, summoned a strong fort in the rear of the Cerro, to surrender. ‘This fort was manned by # large force under General Pinzon, a mulatto officer of considerable ability and courage, who seeing the Cerro carried, thought prudent to surrender, which he did, with all his force. General Shields was not so fortunate in the battery which he tacked, and which was commanded by General La Ve A heavy fire was opened on him, under which the fort was carried with some loss, by the gallant iIlinoisians, under Baker and Bennett, supported by the New York- ers; under Burnett. Among those who fell under this fire was the gallant General, who received a grape shot through his lungs, by which he was completely paralized, and at the last accounts was ina lingering state. On the enemy’s right, General Pillow commenced theattack against the strong forts near the river. The Tennessec- ans, under Haskell, led the column, and the other volun- toor regiments followed. This eolumn unexpectedly en- countered a heavy fire from a masked battery, by which Haskell’s regiment was nearly cut to pieces, and the other volunteer regiments were severely handled. General Pillow withdrew his men, and was preparing for another attack when the operations at the other points having proved successful, the enemy con- cluded to surrender. Thus the victory was complete, and four Generals and about 6000 men wero taken pri. soners by our army, One of their principal Generals and a large number of other officers killed.” ‘The Mext. can foree on this occasion certainly exceeded our own, The Mextean officers admitted that Santa Anna had 8000 men in the lines, and 6000, including 2000 lancers, outside of the entrenchments.’ Gen, Scott's force was about 8000, Gen. Quitman’s brigade not having arrived in time to take part in the engagement. Gen, Ampudia was second in command of the Mexicans, and superin- tended the operations of the enemy. When the Cerro was carried he was seon retreating on afine white charg. er, his hat falling off as he gallopped away. Many of the Mexicans escaped by a bye puth which Funs off from the main road between the Cerro and the fort carried by Gen. Worth. As to Santa Anna and Canalizo, they retrented in time to escape by the main road, ‘Their ‘vonduct was regarded as most cowardly. Some of the Mexican officers who were taken prisoners, do not hesitate to attribute their defeat to the cowardice or corruption of Santa Anna, ‘The tore: T 1 motives for paroling the prison- the resistance of ‘sare garri- gt road. Were present. Some of the offlcers whom Scott released at the capitulation of Vera Cruz, ore oa the parolg on account of their gal- id among the Killed and wounded. “A er name; inlzinger, a German irth, who extorted the admiration of our army, in the bombardment of Vera Crus, by seining a flag which was cut down by our balls, and holding it up in his hand un- til a staff could be prepared, poy Bad released by Gon. Scott withouta parole. He was found among the despe- rately wounded at Cerro Gordo. The enemy's loss (in killed and wounded) was about as ‘a8 Our own; but in addition to this, the loss of 6,000 prisoners and ‘some of their best officers. Our army capture hi pleces of beautiful brass cannon, of large seine ced mostly manufactured at the royal foun large Soak of fixed ammunition, quality, was also taken. The privat age and money chest of Santa Anna, containing $20,000, was also cap. tured. ‘The latter was delivered over to the Pay Depart- ment. ‘The volunteers who wore employed in carrying the specie into camp, cracked many aijcks over the pros- pect of being soon paid off in Mexican coin and free of expense to Uncle 8am. When our forces had carried the varic tions of the enemy, and the road was cleared, Gen. Twiggs start- edin hot pursuit of the fugitive Santa Anna, and press- od close upon his heels. A ne] Pp) five miles west of Cerro Gordo, fortified a1 lefended by a fine battery of long brass guns, was abandoned by without Jantry, were fou allant young off 0 nd of Saville. A very superior my and occupied by our poy a en. Twiggs bivouac! within three miles of the ty 4 town of Jalapa. In concluding our imperfect sketch of this brilliant achievement, we cannot sufficiently express our admira- tion of the extraordinary of our gallant army and ‘able General. Searcely a month has elapsed since our ps, under Scott, landed on the enemy's shores. In that time astrong walled city has been captured. to- ge with an impregnable fortress—a p&tched battle as been fought under the most unfavorable cir- cumstances and against the mest formidable natural de- fenece—twelve thourand prisonerahave been taken, in cluding some half « dozen general oflicers — 00 splendid cannon, and an immense amount of munitions of war, we been added to the national trophies, ‘Truly, such ——— aad A We aida ‘ TITEL itty, Wi EZ WW / Cy thy 4 ley. descending towards th (—Main road frot through dense chaj e road. Crus to Jala} ral. almost perpendicular, E—Large field and encampment, situated just beyond the ¥—Cerro Gordo Mountain—about 1000 feet high, with « grees in ascent. It will be seen, by the references, that the American army was encamped in the small valley of the Plan del Rio at its crossing; that from the west, and resting upon the loft bank of the river, a commanding mouptain ridge rises, which extends, though descending, to Plan del Rio. This mountain is about 1000 fect above the bed of the alll ALIZT Stn iii | i| Hil! Ay iy 3 hina ge FROME TEE < G gen oe a HD? 4 « < jn ) Wye ay ii NAY YA ug/l Y) GY Yi) If WI! Sag camp at Plan del Rio. Two stone bridges. in & valley. B—Centre of crest of mountain and position of Mexican army—about 1000 feet high— Tung along the side of the mountain and I—Gore of ¢ D—River running nearly east, and fordable—banks on cach side 1000 feet high, and gorge of mountain. fort on its top—about 35 de- PROFILE OR SECTIONAL VIEW OF CERRO GORDO. THE POSITION OF THE AMERICAN AND FMEXICAN ?FORCES, tay | APRIL 17 AND 18,31847,) cHAPPARAL he My) | TLL Pp TM YY YY WU Wj} Y yyy. —=S “vy Wij} HH i D’S EYE VIEW OF THE :JBATITLIE GROUND’. AAAAA LA AM" ARMY H ANWR “Wy 77) 2 ef a ii\y y Lag yn Wind \ Mi MW Ny nei Se MOUNTAINS & C LL HY ATS SS I Z TIHIE REFERENCES: church, etc. here, Camp away in advance. 1—Trail of Amer G—Eastern or advance line of defence, constructed of sand and stones—tim ber cu f bridge—deserted—on elevation 800 feet high. H—Ravine lying between L and position of enemy—steep and precipitous Crest of Mountain, but lower than B—whole mountain cov. From M to B about 1200 yards—M d with dense chaparral and B on about same clevation Reconnoissance on 15th. 2—Trail of American Reconnoissance on 12th, river, The enemy occupied this mourtain, The main Toud to Jalapa from Plan del Rio (after ascending near Plan del Rio) runs along the side of this mountain (which iy descending from the river) and nearly parallel to its superior crest. After running some five miles from Plan del Rio, some two of which were defended by works, it then passes through a narrow gorge formod by the Cerro Gordo on the right and the river precipice on the left, where the enemy had works. The road then emerges into an open plain or field, where the enemy had his encampment, his light artillery and cavalry. After this, the roud disappears from view among the hills. results are glorious testimonials of the valor of our sol- diers, and of the skill, gallantry and perseverance of the accomplished General who led'them. {From the Philadelphia Ledger, May 10.) Prax Det. Ro, April 19, 1847, We have just achieved a most glorious victory. Yes- terday afternoon Sante Anua’a army of 15.000 men, posted in the hitherto impregnable pass of Vaechi, of Cerro Gordo, and upon the field of one of that General's most brilliant and successful efforta,were defeated, their entrenched camp, with 6000 prisoners, five general officers, and about thirty pieces of artillery, captured, and he himself, with the broken and terror-stricken remnant of his’ army, driven as fugitives beyond the gates of Jalapa, Our loss doos not exceed 500 killed and wounded, and it probably does not begin to reach that amount. Gen, Twiggs’ division of regulars and the Second Ten- nesace volunteers have been the greatest sufferers. ‘The former commenced tho action day before yesterday, the 17th, by making a detour of seven miles and taking up 8 porition on an eminence at or near Cerro Gordo, in the rear, or rather flank, of the enemy's lines. It required some little skirmishing, you may be sure, to effect this object, and while it was going on we, inour camp at this place, on the Rio Del Plan, listened to the firing wih the most intense interest. When, however, an express arrived to inform ua of Twiggs's success, our satisfaction was great. Steptoe’s battery of 24 pound howitzers and aheavy battering long twenty-four was immediately des- patched to the spotywith the corps of Sappers and Miners and a detachment of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, the latter wider Lieut Wm. Bryan, and by morning an entrenchment was thrown up add the pieces placed in buttery. During this operation a heary cannonade was kept up by the enemy’s batteries, and several attempts were made to drive our troops from their ground, but without success, Seven thousand of the best of Mexico's regulars were hurled by Santa Anna three several times ayainst our little band of about twenty-five hundred, but they were each time repulsed with slaughter. ‘They then desisted, In the morning the whole army was put in motion. Gen. Worth’s whole division had in the mean time arrived, and was despatched to support ‘Twiggs on the enemy's left. ‘The attack upon his right was given to Gen. Patterson's division of volunteers, 10 which I belong. I had almost forgot to mention that General Shields’ brigade of Gen. Patterson's division, composed of the New York regiment, and four Illinois ragiments of voluntecrs, had on the first day: beon despatched to the aid of Twiggs, and most gallantly did they sustain him. ‘The opening of Twiggs’ batteries on the morning of the 17th, was the signal for our brigade, commanded by General’ Pillow, to move. ‘The first Pennsylvania and second ‘Tennessee rogiments led the van, to which the first ‘Tennessecans and the second Pennsylvanians formed a supporting column. The utmost enthusiasm and confidence prevailed, Gen. Patterson, though In- boring under severe illness, rode on horseback in front of our line, as wo were leaving the main road for the chaparral, and was received with tromendous cheering. After leaving the main road, we marched along mere sheep tracks, through dense -chaparral, in Indian file, which in tho presence of any other enemy must have ensured our destruction. In. this manner we marched about four miles, whon we oame to an open # received orders to hasten forward at double quick time, At this moment the enemy's bugies sounded the alarm, and just as we cleared the space, and were rising a hill the other sido, the enemy opened upon us with musketry and grape, But we, 1 mean, the first Pennsylvanians, bad passed the point of oxtreme danger, and the fire took nt little effect upon us, parsing principally over our honda, and falling among the second Tennesseeans, ‘The second Pennsylvanians and first Tennesseeans re- ceived a portion of this fire, whieh the annexed list of wounded will show. Orders had been given to our troops not to fire till the word of command had been given, and most rigidly were the orders obeyed. Although exposed to the most galliny fire, the ot falling like hail among us, and cutting o' the limbs of the trees over and around us, yet when we had taken our position to be ready to charge the en- trenchments, uot a musket had been emptied. A more signal piece of gallantry and coolness never before was displayed by the most well-tried and veteran troops, At this moment, General Pillow was wounded in the arm and left the field. We waited in position for half an hour without orders, when at length we received an order to move away, lest we should be raked by three pieces of artillery which commaded our fimnk, and which, but for the consternation of the enemy, would have cut us all to pieces. We moved about twenty yards down the hill, when we discovered a party of the enemy gaining, as we thought, our rear, but soon found that it was of truce, Our reconnoiterers reported, also, that a white flag was waving hg Se ments, and presently we had the able information that Sante Anna had retreated with the love of all his artillery, and that nix or seven thousand of his troops surrend prisoners of.war. We marched down to the camp with our blue home-made ee flag, borne by Sergeant Matthew Gilfry, waving {n triumph escorting the six thousand prisoners to a place of secu- rity. Tom astonished at the small extent of our loss, when I reflect upon the tremendous fire we were under. #0 ‘near were we to the enem: inn, that rome of our men Were powder burned by their discharger, and their burning cartridge paper and wads struck us, and set fire to our clothing in several instances. Among the wounded was General Shields, of [llinols. Ile received a shot in his br nd is ina critical state He was reported dead last night, but the report was not Se Colonel Harney, of the dragoons, and Duncan’s light battery, pursued the fugitive army last night, and, I understand, strewed the road with carnage. Gen, Santa Anna’s carriage was captured, but the General himself escaped ona mule; but Harney is in full chase, and perhaps may get him yet. Among our prisoners ls Gen. La Vega. Several Generals are killed. A plain, back of our camp, is covered with prisoners, but what isto bs done with them I don't know. I must close with the list of killed and wounded in the two Pennsylvania regiments. lei Pennsylvania Regiment.—Company A, Pittsburg Blues, under acting Lieut. Furguson—Mortally wound- ed, John Lindbart; severely, David Lindsey. A Company B, Capt. Nagle, of Pottavillo-— None. Cr ‘m. F Company ¢, under ’ Small—Severely wounded, John Sheldon; slightly, Geo. Sutton. Company D. Capt, Hill—Albert Cudney and Joseph Davis slightly wounded. Company G, Capt. Morehead—Benjamin F. Keyser, slightly wounded, the side of his head grazed by a grape shot. Company I, Capt. Dana, (the Wyoming Artillerists)— Dani. Morrison, severely, perhaps mortally wounded; B. W, C. Kitehen alightly wounded. Among the deaths from disease in the regiment, I am called upon to record that of private Roberts, son of the comedian, of Capt. Scott's company. .Also of Henry Lower, of the same corps. The severe march from Vera Cruz to this place is chargeable with these deaths, 2d Pennsylvanic Regiment.—Company A, Captain Leasher—Abraham Rowland, mortally wounded; John Sheats, wounded in the leg. Company C. Lieut. .Frick—John Smith, mortally wounded. Company F, C: ‘and J pt Naylor —Jacob Simons, Edward Cruse loin Chambers, severely. perhaps mortally wounded; Thomas Hand, slightly. Company E, Capt. Johnson—Jacob Miller, slightly wounded. 2 Company H, Capt. Quail—James Shaw, slightly wounded. Company K) Capt. Miller Wm. Wilhelm, Josiah Horn and Fred. Somers, slightly wounded. THE MEXICAN PRISONERS. Steamex McKim, in Mississippi River, April 30, 1847. ‘The namo of the pass where the battle was fought, is “! Cerro Gordo, not “ Sierra Gorda.”’ It is fifteen miles cast of Jalapa, and is on the first slope of the Tierras ‘Templada, just beyond the termination of the Tierras Callientes. I nend you no details, because I suppose the despatches of General Scott, now on board, will reach Washington at the same time with this. ‘They are not, however, in my charge, but left Plan del Rio by express a few hours after my departure with the prisoners, and reached Vera Cruz before me. Tho party of dragoons who carried them waa fired on, and the sergeant aad one'man badly wounded. The whole country is in arms against ua, and all straglers are killed without mercy. A black man, near Santa Fe, is known to have murdered nine of our men, principally volunteers. | found one killed as I came by, within five miles of Plan del Rio, the genoral headquarters of the army. List of Mexican offlcers captured on the 18th April, at the battle of Cerro Gordo, who havo given thelr parole of honer to report themselves without delay to the Commandant of the Ameriean foros at Vera Crus, ‘as prisoners of war— 1, Jose Maria Jarero, brigadier general. 2. Romulus de la Vega, brigadier general. 3. P. Ruiz y Baranda, captain of Mexican navy, com- manding artillery. 4. Vicente Arguellez, captain artillery. 6. Jose Maria Mata, captain of tirailleurs. 6, Antonio Maria Gallegos, commandant grenadiers of Tesuiltan. 1 7. Mariano Camacho, first lieutenant of artiller; 8. Bortolome Amable, second lieutenant of artillery 9, Jone R. Cobarrubias, second lieutenant of artillery. 10 Jose de Lastor Bras y Soller, second Meutenant of volunteers—battalion de la Libertad. 11, Jose Nanez, captain 6th regt. infantry 19, Jose Maria Moreno, captain Cazadores, 6th regt. in- try. 18. Gregorio det Callejo, ptain 6th regt, infantry. 14 Rafael de Benabidas, 2d lieut. 6th regt. infantry. 15, Silverio Velex, aid-de-eamp to Gen, de In Vega. 16. Francisco Fernandes, Ist lieut. nay: A 4, HTC COCK, . Col. A. Insp, Gen. Pian pet Rio, April 19, 1847, 3 The above named prisoners arrived at Vera Cruz on the 2ist of April, in charge of Capt. Geo. W. Hughes. corps of topographical engineers, U. 8. army, about one hour be- fore th sailing of the McKim, in’ which Capt. H. came assenger to New , on his way, under orders, for ‘ashingtoncity. The 16 officers mentioned in the above Wt, are those who refused to give their general parole, and wero left by General Scott the election of remaining close prisoners in the castle of San Juan d’Ulua, or of proceeding to New Orleans, where they would detained prisrnors of war till exchanged. They preferred the latter alternative, but expressed a wish to remain a fe sin Vera Cruz, to which Col. Wilson, the govern’ he district, acceded, and directed a vessel to be hold in readinoss to rail with them for New Orleans by the 26th of April. Tho other prisoners, officers and men, were liberated on their parole d'honneur not to serve against the Ties States during the existence of the present war, OF until lawfully exc! ——, Fi officers, (and one killed.) over 5,000 pi 40 piesos of artillery, were the fruits of this fa tory. The army under General Scott has taken, since it landed near Vera Cruz, besides the reduction of that important city, and the “Mexican Gibraltar,” about 500 pieces of artillery, and prisoners equal to its whole numerical force. INCIDENTS OF THE BATTL [From the New Orleans Picayune, May 2.} The victory on the 18th of April will be memorable in our history. The Mexicans had abandoned several strong points of defence, nearer to Vera Cruz, to concen- trate here their opposition to our advance. ‘The natu- ral strength of the position was most formidable, but Santa Annahad diligently fortified it, and twenty-five ieces of artillery thundered deflance upon our arins.— ‘e need not repeat the story of the gallant assault, which madeus masters of six thourand of the enemy and tho whole of his artillery. We may bo permitted to make particular mention of the check which the brave Tennesseeans met in thelr as- sault upon one of the Mextean positions. That they wore cheoked, if not temporarily repulsed, appears un- doubted. A letter which we palin in another column upon the death of a young eflccr from Memphis shows this, ‘Tho explanation wo understand to be briofly this. In leading his brigade into action, Gen. Pillow had the Tennessee regimont considerably in advance. While thus in advance, they encountered a masked battery, the situation of which had been entirely unknown to Gon, Pillow. It opened a terrific fire upon the regiment, which the men encountered with the most manly hearts and rushed upon the foe. Gen. Pillow distinguished himself by his personal gallantry upon the occasion, be- ing in the thickest of the fight, ‘Finding his force innde- quate to seize the position, he drow off his men, but not until a fourth of them had been killed or wounded. The rest of the brigade was immediately ordered up, and the whole formed with the brave Tennesseoans in the midst, and the attack was upon the very point of being renew- ed, when the Mexicans ran up the white flag. We havo endeavored to give the facts as we believe them to have occurred, and shall willingly modify this statement if it be in any degree erroneous Fhe hardihood and daring ‘enneaseoans were proved and applauded at Cerro Gordo, as were the like qualities in another regi- ment from that State at Monterey. In this connection we may rei upon a peculiarity | in the mode in which the Mexicans are carrying on this war. They avail themselves of the strong defensive po- sitions which their country affords; sheltered by fortifi- cations they pour upon our troops the most destructive fires from their well-served artillery; but at the moment when the energy and the heroic Anglo-Saxon valor of our men have surmounted their defences and obtained an opportunity for a hand to hand conflict with the foe, they run up ® white flag, and demand to capitulate And what follows? Our generals can with difficulty feed thetr own troops—what is to be done with the some thou- sands of Mexican prisoners? ‘Thus far they have neces- sarily been released upon the parole of their offleers not to take up arms again, but in truth to unite at the first favorable position from which they may again pour de- struction upon our ranks. We are told that at Cerro Gordo the blood of our men was up; that it was with dif. culty the officers could restrain them from falling upon the wore eager for the strife, and reluctant! stinets of humanity and of discipline | a President and Vice President of ies their words, rf pay: we (whieh by. vena ad create considerable alarm among the invading y mh the snail att atthe ernment have them of the might = a from the great duty of Seutiog ‘for eir country. At a session of Congress, on the 30th of March. « let- ter was received from Santa Anna, stating that he was compelled to leave the Presidency, to proceed towards Ver. Cruz, to defend the by nt Hy inst the invaders. Permission was given to the Presi ‘to leave according- ly. A provisional President was authorized to be appoint ed, according to the Constitution of 1624. There was some opposition to this measure, and it was only carried by jority of nin». Rijon and others presented and sup- pov 7 proposition thet the jures of the differ- ent States should, on the lst Si in May next, elect Republic, accord- jing to the constRution of 1824 n the 6th of April Sr. Gamboa addressed the Me: can Congress to the following effect : “Gextiemey—-Vera Cruz has suceumbed, and it has been indicated that an army ‘of 9,000 to 10,000 man is marching to the interior of this Republic. This, as It bas been seen by every one of us, has caused @ general sensation, and itis feared that at the end of the present month, or beginning of the next, the Vandalic arm ce North America will reach the capital of our Ri . remove several In consequence of this, it has been to the Sovereign Congress to another , and measures have been proposed, but mone of these have reference to fortifying or putting our city in a proper state of defence, or of making a ny sacrifices which patriotism mey require, in order to offer a proper defence. It is feared, however, that a resistance may be useless; that all wili give up to the impulse of the enemy; and, lastly, that our beautiful and costly buildings will be destroyed and the city ruined. I donot know how any such thing could be expected; and even if | should see the city of Mexico taken by that handful of adventurers, I would still doubt iy eyes. I flatter myself that the army that Gen. Santa Anna is now commanding, will undoul \y sustain the glory of the nation; and this I believe, not from what the love of our country makes me believe, but from the conviction of my mind, free from all partiality. Gen. Santa Anna takes with him an army composed of 5000 men, brought from San Luis; of , which we have seen take up the line of march a few days ago; and of 2000, which will join bim near far in all more than 10,000 men. It is to be presum: ikewise. that a multitude of National Guards, from the States of Mexico and Puebla, \d the (jarochada) rabblo from the department of Vera Cruz, will join him. Tho enemy's army, according to information from eve- raon who has seen it, has only about 6000 regulars, the remaining forces are ¢ of banditti, without the slightest knowledge mi cn, without instructions of any description, without con- fidence, and generally easily terrified. ‘And is it pos- sible to imagine that only by ite powerful artillery the enemy will conquer and exterminate our troops 1 hepe that the God of justice cannot afford a visible pro- tection to these banditti, the blind instruments of perversity, and of the most ous usurpa- tion which could be found in modern or ancient hii But should it be decreed by Providence that we mast suffer this blow, and that we should ence in taste of the cup of bitterness, will this be a motive why weshould leave open and unprotected the gatos of our capital, and allow the enemy to penetrate into the very heart of our Republic, to oarry on their customary depredations? | would. in no case, recommend such a course, and will urge the necessity of defending ourselves, and of oppos- ing them with all the strength and resources we have at hand, should such an unfortunate event take . Let us su} for a moment, that the American army, without losing a single man, should arrive even wit! sight of this city—would it be possible that 9, 10, 15, or even 20,000 men should cause a ~ of more than 260,000 inhabitants to surrender? Ifsuch a thing should happen—if we should consent to such a surrender, with- out the strongest resistance—the whole world would for ever refer to us as an example of the vilest, most cowardly and contemptible race on earth, and we would not deserve from any nation the slightest regard or com- passion. 1 will not propose what | would wish to see— that is, that the Mexicans should imitate the Numidians and Carthagenians, when attacked by the Romans in ancient times; or should follow the example of the me- morable Saragossa, which, under the command of that great hero, Palafox, was reduced to a pile of ruins, bury- ing 100,000 combatants beneath them; but I do wish to seo that we should do what has been done throughout the world, on similar occasions—that is, we shall resist the enemy to the last possible extreme. Paris, in 1814, did not capitulate against the whole forces of Russia, Prussia, England and Austria, until it had suffered considerale losses under Generals Marmont and Mortier. ‘That same city, Paris, after the battle of Waterloo, where the immortal Napoleon. lost forever bis glory, endeavored to defend herself against the immense torrent that threatened to destroy her, and organiz! anarmy with the divisions of Generals Davourt a h Grouchy, they still fought hard battles at Sevres and Ialy. Even M Arid, the capital of the nation to which we were with the bayonet. Nay, the officers themselvor | obeyed the in- | f we are ever to | once united, did, by herself, resist the powerful army that France sent against her; and notwithstanding her oppression, a popular movement was formed against the French—and there Murat exercised his most bloody vengeance. And can it be imagined that the Mexicans will be frightened and quail at the sight of a handful of adven- turers? Such a conquest would surprise the world more than that which Cortez obtained over the empire of Montezuma; for, at that time, it was necessary, tn or- der to cause this city to surrender, that it should be be- sieged by more than 200,000 Flascaltecs, united with the Spaniards, and that every resource of subsistence should have been exhausted. And, at that tin he natives had not the incomparable means ef d which we now pox cans which | will not mention here~us by so doing | suppose it would bo an insult to persons of eom- mon se In accordance with what I have here manifested, | am of opinion that the city should be immediately put in a state of defence, and this is the object of my first pro- position. 1, also, beg that Congress should not be removed, un. leas the extreme case should arrive of the occupation of the city by the enemy. My object is not to request of the Reprosentatives of Mexico to repeat before tho werld the pathetic scone of the Romons, when Brennus, gen. eral of the Gauls, attacked Rome—when sitting in open ground, in their council chairs, they awaited the enemy and challenged the death, which they received. I re- poat that this isnot my desire ; but’! wish that we may not act on the opposite extreme—deserting thir pluce with a shameful hurry—that we may remain here until the moment when prudence and necessity should dictate that we must move elsewhere, as in similar cases has been done by civilized assemblies, When the Spaniards had nearly lost all their Poninsu- ln, a regency was established at Cadiz, which convoked the,Cortes of the kingdom, and immediately promulgated the political eonstitution of the Spanish monarchy. ‘These events took place in the midst of the bombs and shells, which the French army was throwing into the city, and when they were (unsuccessfully) besieged by General Victor. In France, when the allies conquered for the first time, the Senate did not change its residence, and in its stead constituted a provisional government. The like happened after the fall of Napoleon, and the Chamber of Representatives appointed a commission of govern- ment, of which Fouchs was the president. All foreign nations have their eyes fixed on our war.— And what judgment can we expect them to form of our valor and of our cause, if we are thrown into » sudden dismay and disquietude ? It is utterly necessary, for this ery reason.that we should, by our extraordinary efforts, prove the of our rights; and lastly, we must show that we come from the unconquerable Spanish race, and we have in our veins the blood of Guatimotzin, Hidalgo, Morelos, and thousands of others, who shed the last drop of it in honor and defence of their country, and who taught us by their examples the course we are to pursue. ‘These considerations have caused me to make the following proposals to Congress, “Ist. That our government will proceed immediately to place the city in a manner fit to resist the invasion of the North Americans. 2d. That every power which may be considered necessary for thix object, shall be granted to the Exeeutive. 3d. That should the means of resistance be exhausted, and the capital be occupied the Americans, Congress will meet where the Presi- ine, 4th. When the removal of Con- 1 be determined, any majority will beanMolent GAMBOA. great horror. The Mexico, April 2, 1847."° Our volunteers are viewed with meet our enemy ina fair field, terribly will be avenged | Monitor quotes from New Orloans papers the accoants the blood of those who have fallen in front of the murder- ous batteries of Cerro Gordo and Monterey, Nevertheless, it is pleasing to be able to note a hun- | dred acts of kindness on the part of our troops fifteen | for the present minutes after the action was over. Stern old soldiers transformed into tender nurses, and the wounded Mexicans were cared for with as much kindness and hu. manity as our own officers | IMPORTANT MEXICAN INTELLIGENCE | (From the N. O. Delta, May 2.) We have received a copy of El Monitor, published in the city of Mexico, of the date 6th of April. The lead- er of this paper is a warm appeal to the patriotiam of th people to te fend their wives and children, their hor and firesides, against the invading foe; to disregard its superior means and resources, and to dispute every inch of ground with him. The Mexicans are counselled to change their mode of conducting the war; and instead of con- fining themselves in defenceless cities to be murdere 1 by the enemy's cannon, they are advised to guard the many natural passes and strong defences which the country affords, and to carry on flerce partisan warfare. ‘The Mexican government is duly impressed with the ne- coasity of thus conducting the war, and of the complete ruin which mast be the fate of Mexico if an oppor course is pursued 2," nays El Monitor, is « jasting testimonial of the savage manner in which our enemy is waging the war, and of the brutalitics of a reckless soldiery. Shall we continue this mode of de- fending our country in proference to selecting the in- numerable mountains, passes, the cliffs, which the invaders must traverse before they roach tho capital of this Republic? Shali we expose delicate wo- | men and innocent children to cruel deaths, and still more cruel out by megging up this disastrous system of warfare ” ut,” the writer, “it fs not alone necessary that we should avail ourselves of the natural defences of the country ; it is also necessary that every citizen, without any exception, should aid {n maintain- Ing the independence of the country No profession or social relation should exempt any ian from the duty of hearing arms in defence of the country,” ‘The government 1 then appealed to, to compel all citi zens to share in the labors and glories of the wur, and to reward those who with alacrity take up arms. The Mexicans, in the conclusion, are appealed of the bad conduct of the volonteers, when pees below the city, and exclaims, “ Gracious God! what barbarians!” Bntwe must here close our quotations [From the New Orleans Picayune, May 2 Various projects wore started in Mexico by the ene- mies of Gomez Farias to remove him from power. When Sante Anna assumed the reins of Government as President, there was no deposition or overthrow of Gomer Farias, as bas heen generally stated in the Rreee of the United States. He retained his office of View President, and would enter vpon the discharge of the functions the moment Sante Anna should Notable were xecutiv proceed to take command of the arm: the devices of his enemies to get rid of him, w! could only do by some form of constitutional action ; Santa Anna would allow no other course. At last they hit upon this plan; They brought in # bill declaring that © the Vice Presidency of the Republic, created by the deeree of the 2ist December, 1846, should be sup- pressed. The debate upon this was of the most ani- mated natare, the friends and enemies of Farias show- ing equal vehomence in sustaining their views, On the Bist day of March the vote was taken, and the proposi- tion earried by a vote of 38 to 36, ‘Tho following day a deeree was passed embodying the above proposition, which decree is otherwise important. It is as follows 1. Permiasion is granted to the actual President of the Republic to take command in person of the forces whieh i may place under his command, to ern ideney of the Repablie established by the law of 2ist December last, ix suppreseod. %y ‘The place of the provisional President shall be flied by a sabetitute, named by Congress according to the terms of the law just cited. 4. If in this election the vote of the deputations to,to make | should be tied, in place of determining the choice by Congr ail decide, voting by person : ‘The functions of the substitute shall conse when ovisional President shall return to the exerelae of t Power the Lath day of May next the legislatures of the fi to the election of a President of the Republic, asoordl Jording to the form preseribed by the eom-