The New York Herald Newspaper, December 7, 1847, Page 2

fires nonrequence of the that fell during the night, ordered @ piquet o dred horse to retire which had been posted to orevent precisely what afterwards ocourred (Nore —This refors to the night movement of the Am-riown troops; which was made along a ravine to the rear of Valencia’s camp by means of which a surprise was effected on the morning of the 20th.) ‘At the break of day, the following morning, Santa Anna notified Valencia not to continue the action, and he sent the euxiliary brigade tothe capital, he himself returning to San Antonio, leaving Valencia isolated, who could not then retreat, as he was surrounded bythe enemy, who had availed themselves of the night to se- lect their own positions as they pleased. Valencia, therefore, continued in his pertice, and met the enemy in @ fight, which did pot last over ten minutes af most, as one of the ene: tacked hi ~ columns at- in the rear, and with impunity took posses- rion of aerwe pieces of artillery, which were point- owards the principal bo@Y of the enemy in the front. { assault lasted ‘seventeen minutes by the w.tch.) ‘This, together with the conduct of Santa Auna, depres- sed the enthusiasm of our troops, and they were dis- persed ; and Valencia, it is said, isgone te the South with Alvarez, whose cavalry, it appears, were unable to act. owing to the nature of the ground, although it is said that the day previous the cavalry made a charge upon the enemy. As far asT have been able to ascertain, it appears that the troops attacked Valencia were not superior to his in bers ; besides that, Valencia had artillery, the choice of » commanding position ; consequently, during the fight of the afternoon of the 19th, the advantages were on our side, and the enemy, ‘we are assured. lost over two thoussnd men, and we much less (The American loss, on the contrary, was very small, not even fifty men) The results of this affair depended entirely upon the operations of the enemy under cover of the night, the natural careleesness of our generals, and of the conduct of Santa Anna We are assured that some of Valencia’s officers advised him to change his position on che morning of the 20th, but Valencia, determined to carry out his own plans, did not yn to their advice, giving the enemy time to surprise him by an attack upon his rear. Every one agrees, that the reciprocal conduct of Santa Anna and Valencia can only be explained by supposing ‘that each wanted to have glory ofa triumph ; and ge, each upon the other, the sense of previous grievances. I can assure you, that I heard Santa Anna give the order, after he heard cf the defeat of thi should be shot, wherever he could be you this news in time, that you may advise his friends. [ {Tbe action, of which thefabove is brief account, althongh partial one, and very costly to the enemy, owing to the number they lost, was still a decisive one, ne [ vhall explain, Soon after Santa Anna returned to Churubusco, he hoard the newsof the rout ef Valencia, and as be there- by lost the only point which could protect San Antopio, he ordered that place to be abandoned ; but, withbut doubt, there was not one among our generals who knew how to direst this difficult operation—-not even Santa Anna himself, whose head is not inventive. |Note—when Valencia’s camp was forced, the oto San Angel sae p00, ‘and. thus San Antonio wes turned. by its rig 1 had forgotten to tell you—and it is necessary for you to know it—that Coapa was the head-quarters of the Americans ; that is to say, halfsleague from San Antonio, a place which the enemy ocoupied with tran- quillity, notwithstanding the fire of our heavy artillery. From Coaps, the enemy could easily perceive, without glasses, our movements at San Antonio, and attack us in our retreat. Well, then, after Santa Anna heard the news of the rout of Valencia, he ordered the troops at San Antonio to retire and sustain Churubusco ; and also ordered the bri which had left San Angel in the morning for Mexioo, to retura and defend the bridge. (Note—There was here a regular té'e de pont, according to the best privoiples of fortification.) The first part of the order ‘was executed at San Antonio, some of the guns there Deing spiked and abandoned. This movement was ob- served by the Americans, who had not, up to this mo- ment, moved out of their position ; but when they ob- served our troops retire, and some confusion in our camp. nnd understood our design, they ordered a column to pasa by the way of the pedregal, and cut off our retreat. At the pedrigal they met some of the victorious troops from Valencia’s camp, passing by San Angel with the xame object. Then, although many of our troops, inciuding our best battalions of national guards, wished to engage in battle, there being much enthusiasm awongst them, still the principal officers in charge of this retreat would not allow them to fire, but urged their retreat by @ forced march. the empmy being on their left, without firing, which circumstastee we cannot under- stand. as they could have cut up our troops, the Hidalgo aud Victoria national guards. In this manner our forces arrived at Churubusco, from which place their pursuers had to receive the fire of our musket y, and of one or more cannons, which gave our retreating troops time to take breath, and lengthen the distance that separated them from the enemy, by check- ing the advance of the latter. It would be difficult to make re understand the disorder which characterised thia whole retreat. Only « few of the cannon tak n from San Antonio used at the bridge, as the greater part arrived too I and while some of the retreating troops ‘were going towards Mexico, they were met by others, from the city. going out to their assistance. Wagons of ammuni. tion were going in pony directions,some of which broke down, obstructing the road ; le on foot and those op horsebaok were coming in collision, and many generals were giving contradictory orders, ko’ &o. &o. Whilst this was going on, the fight commenced at Churubusco, under the immediate orders of Santa Anna, but as at this place there was no artillery, aad no other troops but those of the national guards, Bravo's and In- dependence, the enemy easily cut them to pleces, before fresh troops arrived, not even gigmmg us sufficient time to use the artillery brought from SimAntonio. Moreover, the fresh troops did not find ammunition in readiness, on aecount of which the 11th regiment of the line retired to. Mexicaleingo, without having engaged in the fight. Finally, my friend, the bric Churubusco was lost almost ‘without resistance, and at a great sacrifice. The bridge was lost before the advance of the retreating troops arrived at the garita of Mexico. The passage at the garita was very narrow, owing to the parapets, and made more difficult by a wagon which had been broken down intheroad. The bridge once lost, a party of Ame rican cavalry, small in number, drove before them a thousand of our horsemen, then drove before them the retreating infantry, and the confusion became general. Wander these circumstances, the small garrison at the garita fired rather upon our own men than upon the enemy. This will give you an idea of the disorder which reigned threughout this retreat. How the enemy’s cavalry still advanced up to the very ditches, and one officer, horse and all, jumped into our parape! other wes captured and made prisoner, while we saw two or three of their cavalry fall. Whilst ouc troops were running into the city, dispers- ing in ail directions, filled with terror, and crying that the enemy was coming in immediately after , the enemy halted without the fond and everything is to-day tranquil on both sides, probably owing to an armistice obtained by the English Minister, or rather a capitula- tion, abandoning the city to the enemy. upon whicn the “nglish Minister and our Minister of Foreign relations had a talk about one o’clock last night. Congress has been ordered to meet. but it must fail. A great ead of the members are absent. | have only recited what I know from ocular witnesses, separating the credible from the incredible. I conclude from want of time, and because both pen and writer are used up. Good bye, my friend,—and I hope that God will not permit you to witnsss as many misfortunes as your ae Don J. P. F.:— [After detailing the events as usual, down to the t ng the fight at Churubusco, the writer goeson to er, The cavalry was ordered to make a charge, but these cowards refused to do it—nevertheless the action was well sustained; but the Yankees advanced their right wing a8 far asthe edge of the river, so that the river oaly separated us from them—then our infantry in front dispersed, and at their example the fortifications in front (on the road, i e., the tete de pont,) were aban- doned, afterwards the right, (i, ¢., Churubusco,) when it raw itself alone—and then the retreat beoame a dis- persion, the enemy following close upon the rear guard, even to the very ditches of the garita (gate). At twenty yards from the garita, there was an American officer killed, who was about to kill Santa Anna with his sword. ‘This is the history of the battles The morale of the army has been lost, and all enthu- siasm extinguished; nevertheless, the enemy has lost about 2.000 men, while we still have 16,000; and if there was a head to these, we could still conquer. ‘The regiments of Victoria and Hidalgo have dissolved, 50 as not to fight An armistice is; in discussion, on the basis that the capital shall not be attacked, and that the Yankees will take nothing without paying for it—and they will en- camp inthe neighborhood. ‘This armistice will serve to collect the dead, and arrange a peace. The reflections which these events give rise to are so natural that | the olty, taking ail their train, that oupyit.' A member of Congress | that there is « commission actually ject at the lodge. ‘The greatest consternation to the city. Some accuse Valencia, (amongst others the chariatan F. Car- er part, throw the blame on | beast sine anc. the de the soutbern gate, but | Sant ‘he troops are eer oho The oly is full of dispersed, drunken, rougish soldiers. Alm all the houses are shut, and in the coffee houses the same officers are boasting a great deal whom we saw run from the battle- \d, The end is, the eapital is lost. a yon has ordered out the cavalry by Gau‘ Jupe, the object of which you,know as well as I. The battalion of Toluca came iast night from the Penon to occupy one of the che of the city, | know not which. The other force, t of Gen Norrigo, is at San Francisco, and the guerilla of Mr. Rivera is in the oita- del. Having been found in rout yestontiay from Churubusco, the battalions of Victoria aud Hidalgo jenoe and ‘isoners. faroe will be finished to- MANUEL N, G. Mexico, Aug. 21, 1847. My deer mother—Ia great hi write to Fee letter, so that you may reoei 1s of your husband and son. Yesterday the divisio Valencia and other troops from that piace, were routed by the Yankees— and as it may be of interest to you (at Morel fa) I advise you that the troops irom that place have t yet come into action. All those from is are in and although the es have lost a good many—th vil be with !—nevertheless, thi @ in w bad state May God help us happily out. 1 is still in-Chapulte- pec, and it appears that they do not intend to attack that place. as they extend from the Penon to the San Antonio Abad. Who knows what isto come of this? Pray t6 God to deliver us. My dear mother.it is imporsi- dle to give an ides of the present state of Mexico. It is in the most deplorable condition. Only mournful faces areseon. May the Supreme Being defend us. Do not believe ali you hear, for many lies are circulated Mother, God of Heaven alone can assist us in our trouble. Things are in a terrible state. His Divine Majesty has sent thi se devils to punish us for our sins. ‘These are the fruits of our domestic q for only by this could these devils have s0 scorned it is very difficult for them to conquer us. | again re- iterate my loveand affection to — ——- (feamil; people.) J.M.G. [From a Taming aay. ] zxico, Aug. 21, 1847. My much-loved Unole :—-Considering that you would ‘be uneasy on our account, under presenticlroumstances, I write to relieve your mind. Everyt is lost, and! believe there is no hope left forus. Day yester- day Valencia had a set with the enemy near Contreras, and it was supposed he was victorious ; but the next morning he lost everything. Yesterday some national guards, at San Antonia, had a small talions of Hidalgo and Victoria ran like cowards, as also did the cavalry, and the 11th and 3d light infantry. [The battalions of Hidalgo and Victoria, also those of Independence and Bravo, were called Polkas, and were composed of the more independent citizens of Mexico. The two first were ordered to retire from San Antonio, and did not engage inthe fight. The two last were at Churubusco and were taken prisoners, those that were not killed. Thisis the Mexican account, in many let- ters. This is a strange fatality, and it seems that our troops sre good for nothing but to boast. [ only heard them ory “there come the Yankees,” overcome with terror and running a whole league without stopping to take breath; from which fact | have no hope that resistance can be made at the garitas, as is intended. You will see what will happen if a defence is attempted; they will all run, and there their history will end. Ruperto saved himeelf, as he had the luck to run awa: in company with the Victorias, and he is now safe w: his dear sunt and quite tranquil. It appears imporsible that 12,000 men, under the oom- mand of Scott, should have put to flight and entirely cowed 32,000 of our men. [The American Army was less than 10,000, and there were not over 7,000 in the fight. } It confounds reason. It is opposite to reason and almost incredible, but nevertheless true. This misfor- tune has no remedy, and the affair must soon end, as we can do nothing. Do not believe the thousand lies our troops may tell, and of which they boast. You know that even here a thousand lies are told, comin; our next neighbor,—therefore how much more exagge- rated ther wil be when travelling to you! Do not be afflicted, but hold all you hear in quarantine. Reoom- mend yourself to God and trust in him, and he will take care of ut MARIA. P. 8. Dear Uncle, | refer you to my sister’s letter for yw. | oan add nothing to it, but that we, Mia one re . @ blank is mot filled in the original } Mexico, Aug. 20th, 1847, ° - 1 know not how to begin to write these lines, giving you the destiny of this unfortunate city, the theatre of one of the most horrible of wars. Yesterday the enemy and the division of Valencia came in contact am the hills of San Angel, and maintained on one and the other side, a most horrible firing from 12 until night. ‘This morning it was seen that Valencia had abandon- ‘ed his position, and it is said they are prisoners,with the artillery. At 3 o'clock, P. M., we have had another well disputed action between San Antonio and another little town called “Los Arcos,” [Churubusco ?] It was like- wise lost, the troops retiring in disorder to the gate of San Antonio Abad, where it is expected they will fight to-morrow and the day after, probably, at the palace. It is ashame to have it said, that ten thousand men subjugated a city of two hundred thousand inhabitants, and an army of thirty thousand men that defended it It appears that there is neither tactics, nor genius, nor fortune among us. God save us, for certainly his justice has decreed our ruin. M. 8. August 20th. tered the city ot Mexico to witness the ignomy y country. Fear and consternation rvade the whole city. 1do not fear the enemy, who Ieve suffered much, but I have no confidence in our dis- persed soldiers, who are all of them robbers, most of them drunk, and may break open the houses. To-mor- row this farce must be concluded. To-morrow I go to Tiahupantle, to lament, in the bosom of my ‘amily, the misfortune of being a Mexican, and having children born in this nation of corruption and evil. M. G. [The following letter is well writt n, giving the usual account of the defeat of Valencia, and the successful at- tack at Churubusco, and concludes as follows :)— Mexico, August 21st. J. O.—In fact, we have lost the greatest part of the flower of the army, and almost all of our artillery. However, we have still from seven to eight thousand men, who are in charge of the garitas, (city entrances) which, if well protected, we could still in a day of glory for our nation, routing the enemy, who have lost nearly balf of their forces, and are now stationed within gun-thot of the garitas,at * * * and San Angel. All T oan say, is, that the events of the day are inconceiva- ble, considering the immense number of troops we have brought together, the instruction and discipline they have undergone, and the resources we have obtained with great labor. Our triumph appeared to be certain. cher [Seoond Extract.] Mexico, A’ gust 21, My Dear Jesusita :—It never paesed my ima, nor could | have believed that I should to give you newer so 0) the resistance which Anita :- I hat 2 to impede the march of the enemy from San ‘Augustin, through the Pedregal, [i. ¢., broken volcanic unds, full of ‘pointed stones, and great chasms nearly impassa- ble from their own character,] to take possession of ta Feand Tacubaya. In this manner it appeared at ever i, thing for defence was perfectly well arranged. But on Thursday afternoon, (the 19ta August) we heard ted sound like that of cannon. | instantly top of the house, and distinotly saw a large volume of smoke towards the village of San onimo, near San Angel. From the direction of the suibke, as looked through a glass, I supposed that Valencia was at- tacking the my with a n (A fire of artillery, not answered by the enemy, who retired at dusk, thereby leaving me to believe he had been repulsed. | therefore ‘went to bed, indulging hopes ; but the enemy was too as- omit them. We shail soon see each other; for, if peace is made, I am going where you are, and no less if the army take Mexico, as 1 am resolved never to live in a place commanded by them. I will never witness the degradation of the occupation of our capital by the ene- my. My blood boils at witnessing so much cowardi 0 much inaptitude and infamy; and one must either dle or fly from this couatry, which is stamped with the seal of Divine reprobation, anv God seems to have writ- u ainst us the words of feast of B ir. ‘Tears spring from th es, and despair seiz oul, when it is evn that there is only among us a capacity for vice, and that everything is desecrated by a demo- ralized people. [recommend to you my family. Give my love, &e , &e., I. U [The following letter was written by a member of Congress.) Mexico, Aug 21, 1847. To J. M. & J.—My dear friend—I bave none ‘of your esteemed letters to answer, but I take the pen to recite some lamentable evente—not lamentable on account of the blood shed,which has been but little, considering the number of combatants e: , but because we have not the shadow of honor left. The battle commenced about noon on the 19th, against Valencia’s division, which lasted until 2 P. M the next day, there being nothing but a continual series of routs and a series of errors committed by our gencrals and subordinate officers, who were filled with fear, terror, and cowardice, causing @ confusion among ible to reduce to order, lone better. The consequence of all thisis, that all our ma/eriel of war fell into the hands of the enemy.together with the partic!- pations, from Mexicalcingo to San Angel, including San Antonio, Churabuseo, Paizzacola, and in fact all the for- tiflentions in the valley. The dead, wounded, and dis- reed were horrible to bo seen in the city, and ao Even wo- immense cloud of officers rapidly traversing the streets, | entered the city without los bout some- | was captured. | that the enemy is haa been left for the salvation of the capital | Where we have more forces than he imagines, al tbh Ne but an armistice obtained by the British minister, ae | the American army is at our very g and we have | ing left but the dirt that fies through our streets, to defend the eapital—that is to say, there is no morale | Joft among us. | You will nee, my dear friend, from my solemn predic. tions, that I have the aad vanity of always approaching the truth. However, 1 ph fe Nya this gloomy picture abe entirely, and take myself to the bosom of my Samily, these to mourn the errors Of my too ambi- it appear that they were occupi in order to avoid meeting the ene: | for the pres | Oa the tute to goto sleep. It is said that the enemy intended to Sop fy the way of Contreras, but | believed that their only object that afternoon (the 19th] was to make a re- connoisance of Valencia’s camp, as proved to be the case. During the night there was a heavy full ot rain, which continued till morning. I woke up early on the twentieth, and thought | heard a distant sound, like that of thunder—| ascended to the roof of the house at s quarter past six, and saw a heavy smoke immediately over the broken ground of San Geronimo. It was anactive fire of artillery, which lasted but a very short time, and | left the ut of the house under the firm belief, that the enemy had vither been routed or repulsed, as the position which Valencia occupied was very advantageous But what was my astonishment when, about ten o'clock, the news spread that Valencia had been sur. prised by the enemys attacking him on all rides, aod completely routing him! | would not at first beli-ve it, and I cannot desoribe my feelings w! it to be the truth. { was everpowered by raj peration. No event has ever caused me such an impres sion. At about 12 o’clock an attack was made at Chu- | raburco, the hacienda de Tialpam and San Antonio. The firing lasted until 2 P.M., more (r less, and the re- | sult was, that our troops were driven and retired from their positions, which positions bad been occupied by the largest portion of the national guards, and cn whom | everybody had confided. ‘The cause of the disaster is at- tributed to Valencia, who, it is said, did not obey the orders of Santa Anna, and attacked before the proper time. Aocording to public opinion, Santa Anna was the only general who behaved well, for he sustained the fire of the enemy at San Antonio fortwo hours, and covered the retreat of the Polka’s (gentlemen soldiers), who, but for him, would have destroyed, plunging the whole city in grief and mourning. Santa Anna was obliged to | retire to the olty, and the enemy occupied the positions. The battalion of Victori: Ui and Hidalgo (the Polkaa) }, and that of Independence To-day we have no news, but | suspect ging his plans to take | ay, a Aug, 21, 1847. * * Heartsick, and filled with indignation, | was pre- paring to give you, by mail, news of the fatal rout our army had suffered, when we had the eatiafaction to re ceive your favor, and in answer to which | will merely give you the most essential particulars, and true, leaving nt small matters that are of little moment. ening of the 19th, General Valengis met Mexic a well dis- action, and if our army did not acquire s com- h, it could not at any rate be said, that e pase was fiercely ited by each of the foroea, whioh retained their po- jon at nfght, Valencia for the time checking the ad- vance of theenemy. But, as the Americans are sharp ey took advantage of the darkness of fhe night, mad’ dark by ‘and placed ni J more dari rai their troops, without bein; ry to open a fire on the 20th, om both Valeycia and San Antonio. At 5 A.M.. his batteries commenced an active and terrible fire on the points referred to, and General Valencia (it is said, disobeying the orders of Santa Anos) marched with his force against them, but was entirely routed. [The writer gives the rumors, as they reached the cit —Gen. V. was attacked in his camp, and did not vance}. Gen. Santa Anna went to assist him, with all those who were at his commandat hand. But the ene- my had it #0 advantageously, that the camp was surrow: by a circle of fire, s0 constant that our troops lost spirit, and accustomed by bad luck to run, they broke up in such disorder, that by 12 o’olook, the oamp wasin the hands of theenemy, and the few troops we had left, entered the capital at 3 o’clock P.M. with Gen. Senta Anna, follo by the Cer A within gun shot of the fortifications, at the gate of San Antonio Abad— from whence they returned. when some shots were fired from the fortifications. Trains of artillery, caanon, ammunition, all that belong to our army, fell into the of the enemy, for the dispersion was horrid. Our loss in dead, wounded and dispersed, is reckoned at six thousand men. The loss of the enemy is said to be greater, but you know that this we of expression among us ie the fashion. The account I have given you I re- ceived from Olacta, who was among the |, and as an eye witness, can be upon. ‘The enemy are now at the gates of the cit; + Rosseaned of Churubusco. Some of our mange are at EI ‘ino Per- dido la Piedad, aud the rest are in barracks, and since 3 o’clook y: %, there has been @ profound silence. I cannot tell why the enemy has not entered the capital; nor why, if it is still to be defended, that our troops have retired to their barricks, from which they bave not moved all day. The gp. has entirely ceased. The enemy are at the gates, and our troops are in their bar- racks; the one advances no further, the other makes no movement for defence. It isnot known that a cessstion of hostilities has been agreed upon in this state of things we are all stupified. You hear nothing in the streets but the question, what has happened? A'l throw the fault on Sante Anna. ’Tis said he throws the fault on Valencia, accusing him of disobedience of orders. * * The only news we have at present is, that it ap- pears that we intend to defend the capital, and that we expect every moment that the enemy will begin to bom- bard it. Ifthis should happen, ou oan figure to your: self how much would be sui ed by this ea olty ‘and its inbabitants; and, in the end, we shall have to suffer the humiliation of witnessing the entrance of our conquerors, for | do not percieve the smallest hopes of a triumph. We have no artillery—we have no troope— . Our army ran at the first. We suf- we have fered yesterday @ complete defeat, and still talk about making resis:ance! | do not disapprove of it, for it is necessary to defend the capital at its last entrenoh- ments, because the national rum requires it; but I repeat that it is useless. ‘his is the situation at present of the Mexicans, | had better say of those that unhappily are Mexicans. It is not difficult to see the future; a nation of eight millions of souls domineered over by twenty thousand vandals! Ifat any tims we have deserved compassion among na- tions, we now merit opprobrium. Iam a Mexican, and ifGod does not deprive me of life, I shall have to out- live this humiliation, and witness to-morrow, perhaps, to-morrow itself—the destruction of one half of the ca- pital, and the occupation by our conquerors; and not to be permitted to fight for its defence for fear of ano- therignominy. This is a most desperate situation. It is three years thu 11th of the present month, since I en- tered public life, and I have suffered all that y: aware of, but I did not know what it was to suffer till wi 8 chastisement from hibited, but in the t night, the Divine oat was shown in the churchof Mexico. The temples were full of Mexicans, praying to Ged for a triumph ofourarms. The day fc ing, from7 A.M. to 9 P M., it was entirely @ different spectacle; the streets wore fall of soldiers, bathed in blood, who were continually rending the air with their cries and lamentations, min- gled with words of insolence for their bad fortune, as they crawled to their doors or the hospitals. Carts might be seen, with litters, carrying the severely wound- ed, who could not travel on foot, and from their beds of angels was heard the most heart-rending complaints, which were mingled with the shrieks of women, who, fight ot the 19th, and until 9 o’cloo! like demented people. straggled about the streets with- out any particular object, enting the fate of their friends, of whose fate they were ignorant. The church steeples and most jevated ints were crowd- ed by numbers of Lae el who still remained in their posit after witnessing the issue of the combat, their countenances the pictures of consternation. During tke combat some were immoveably transfixed, others were violently startled by cannon; soldiers were seen ruoning without muskets, and Polkas (national gu rds) wrapped in their blankets, their heads covered with slouched hats. at gave the last sad coloring to this ere was, the retiring of the soldiers to their barracks in the evening, about one-eighth of their original num- ber, some without cartridge boxes, some without arms, and all bedaubed with mud from head to foot. The night before, prayers were oflered up in bebalf of each soldier in particular, and for the nation in general; but, the following day we witnessed the catastrophe. ‘How painful to say this! What human power can oppose such a plague? * n I naw the divinity exposed the ‘previous night, I conceived hopes, because I saw we looked to help more powerful than any resource of the enemy. | have seen the result, and this forces mé to believe that it is no- thing less than the chastisement of Heaven, and this is my reason for saying, as have said, that all resistance is useless, although I judge it necessary for the decorum of the nation. 2aThe description which I have attempted to give,though sorrowful in the extreme for Mexican, is nevertheless and I have given it against my will, for 1 would vave wished to save you pain, but you requested the ex- act truth, and I will continue avise you of what may happen. ‘To-day all is tranquil; I hope In God that this calm may not be followed by a storm. JUAN G. Mexico, Aug. 21, 1847. wenn gehen [iikemTiae send yous diary of the events from the 19th to this date, by which you will see the pi- tiable situation in which we are placed, if not by bad faith, at least by the most visible incapacity. SantaAnna is now the object of public execration. The general opinion is, that his enemy, Valencia, is the cause of the death of so many who died by the side of that general, upon whom Santa A: throws the bi: of all, and has even said that wherever he finds him he will have him shot. Those that were in the camp complain that nothing was done but by order of Santa Anns; that he would not allow the least deliberation, from which it resulted that B ‘would not offer even advice, and gave no orders in the matter, se the became fr: 1s Unhappy country! unhappy ourselves! if, in the end, we have to receive in this capital our vanquishers. One idea gives me peat apes adel | to what I have been told, there are only six thousand Yankees left, and although we yet have more than twelve thousand, | will be content to lose another battle, if we have one, as we shall lose, for our soldiers will run; but two thousand more Yankees will be killed, only four thousand will re- main, and with these order cannot be kept in Mexico — We are in the last struggles of the drowned. What a shame, MIGUEL M, [Diary of the War.] August 19, at 9 A.M., a dense cloud of smoke was seen in the hacienda of San Antonio, caused by the fire of our artillery, directed against a column of the enemy who were coming against them. The enemy retreated, and took the route by San Angel. Valencia is situated with his division on the hills of Contrera [i. he route by San Angel) and at about 1 o'clock, P.M, he commenced firiog his artillery, and continued without ceasing until half-past 6, sometimes so rapidly that we counted eight shots per minute, although more commonly only four or five. At6 PM. some unfavorable rumors came to the city; it was said the enemy had taken six es of artil- lery from Valencia,a matter impossible to believe, because from the roof of the house, we could see that, far from with the enemy, who, got fulfilling the rudent hoy | of cux chiefs, took ‘thelr route, e@ ought to Bare retreating, our troops had charged upom the enemy, who was situated ina lower position, and to jay peniepeoae ine hollow, and was not at first to be seen, and the position was only known by the smoke of his firing. 20th. Between 6 and s quarter after, AM., the firing commenced in the same piace as yesterday, the artillery slowly, but the musketry sharply, very sherply. It was heard perfeotly well in the main plaza, and soundedlike the rattle ofa drum. At 10 A.M., we received the news that General Valencia’s brigade, which had sustained iteelf the previous day, had been flanked and attacked in front and on both sides, after first cutting off his re- treat, and of consequence he was completely routed and dispersed, except two hundred and fifty prisoners, who remained in the hands of the enemy, and twenty three Pieces of cannon. [Note—There were over a thousand prisoners } At 11 o’olock the dispersed began to arrive, all cover- ed with mud, some with their uniforms and muskets, others without them, and from that time till about 1, P.M.,the wounded continued to arrive, some in litters, asking mercy of heaven, and others ou foot, with their corpee-like countenances still dropping blood As noon as Santa Anna received notice of ths defeat of Valencia (whom, it is said, he might ha 4 vantagy, but did not, because he sai Valencia to engage in fight) he ord Antonio to be raised, an yan the retreat on altogether without chiefs, and only emp! rT io taking away the cannon from the batterivs. Tbe ene- my, who was observing all of our movements from the hacienda of Coapan, detached a column of about three thousand men oa our left wing, with the object of flank- ing us, and afterwards besieging San Antonio, but we pushed the movement of our troops, in a of the con- fusion, so that the enemy only gained his object in a very emall degree, intercepting « small portion of our nd capturing two pieces of spiked cannon that eft in the hacienda, where, in avery few mome: after the battalions of Hidalgo and Victoria had left it, there were heard the musketry of the enemy, not of the column that had been detached, but of another body that came directly down the road, and soon took the lace. F Following the retreat of our troops, we came to the bridge, where Sante Auna was found fortify 1g himself with activity, and where we were united with the bri- gade of Perez, and we heard the firing at Churubusco, which point was defended by the battalions of Indepen- dence and Bravo, who gave up very soon, and probably are prisoners, The enemy advanced against the bridge, where thi ‘was waintained about an hour; but, in the end we lost, with # great sacrifice of men and an immense quentity of ammunition there and at Churu- busco. From this till half past 2,the battalions of Hi- daigo and Victoria arrived, sunburnt, tired and hungry, their feet all blistered and in desperation, as they had Drought in their guns as they had carried them out [All Mexican accounts agree that thes> two battalions did got fire ashot.J ‘They had had an opportunity, not only to annoy the enemy, but to repulse him, but they never received an order to fire at all. Our troops were at night at the dalaria ‘and Nino Perdido, Some tepeo, others to their barracks, The enemy remained |). possession of the haciendas penn Santeuite, and other towns of the neighhow beod, ne of La Viga, Can- ave gone to Chapul- loss in killed, wounded and ers, four thousand men. The lose cf the epee tetreasnoe We will see the tru [Nore.—The American loess was, altogether, « little over oue thousand men. Avo 2st —This isa of the most sion; friends are looked for—some are found, some are not; of course aflliction and tears are universal. It is said there isa armistice for forty-eight hours, for the purpose of Parving the dead and collecting the wound- ed; and there is some talk about eles of peace Some battalions have retired from the gates to their quarters,and although | understand nothing, | under- stand this levs. ‘The fault is generally Jaid upon Sante Auna; all are incensed, mad against him, even his most admitted friends. 'I believe the devils will take everything, and now | have not doubt the Yankees will enter the city, although it is said they have only six thousand men. Doinas ano Resutts on Tuuaspay ano Faupay, 197H ano 20TH Ava. On Thursday, Gen. Valencia, to impede the progress of the enemy. took a position with bis division, on the hills of the hacienda Atte [nie Magdalena, Contreras, ko.,] where he fought until dusk. Valencia had twenty or twenty-five pieces of artillery, and the Ameri mountain pieces. Gen. Santa Anna went to th Valencia between four snd haif-past four in the after- noon, with four or five thousand men, but he advised Valencia to avoid a fight; but he, thinking his position advantageous, and wishing to encounter the Americans, disreg the advice. During the combat, which gommenced at about two o'clock in the afternoen, the forces under the command of Valencia were separated from those brought down by Santa Anna for his relief; but they had means of communication open, and Valencia asked assistance of Santa Anna, in order to re- sist a new attack from the enemy. Gen. Senta Anns retired with his division to San Angel (four or five miles), quite satisfied, as he expressed himself, that he had saved the republic, for which he was cheered by the troops, who remained at San Angel; but he, not finding a convenient bed at San Angel, continued on, and slept at Churubusoo. On Friday morning, quite early, « new attack was made on Valencia, whose camp was car- ried by the bayonet, and he lost his artillery, and his di- vision was either killed, taken prisoners, or dispersed; but Valencia, of course. saved himself, Santa Anna left San Angel so late in the morning, to return to Va- lenois, that he heard of Valencia’s defeat on his way there to him. Every one that Valencia commit- ted a great fault in not obeying the orders of the com- mander-in-chief; but Santa Anna should have united all his disposable force to assist Valencia, in order to de- stroy the common enemy. Various reflections occur upon the conduct of Santa Anna, who has given orders that Valencia shall be shot wherever he may be found. It is said that Valencia answered retire or avoid a fight with the enemy, that tion advantageous, could not obey the orders of a traitor and a coward, Ke. &e. About noon, a division of the enemy approached, which, it is supposed, was under the order of Scott him- self, to attack San Antonio. Sants Anna ordered the few pieces of heavy ordaance he had there to be spiked, and retired with the light pieces to Churubusco, wherc bloody ent took plave, and it is said that the Americans a great many men. Sante Anna direct- ed the defence of that point with the brigade of Perez (the Ist, 3d, and 4th t infantry, and the 1ith of the lime), the battalions of National Guards, Independence ‘and Bravo, the piquet of St. Patrick, and various other corps. Thé piquet of St. Patrick it is said, was almost totally destroyed. (This piquet, so called, was composed of deserters from the American army, and about eighty of them were taken prisoners, and are now under trial for their lives.) It is not known where the battalions of Independence and Bravo are. The light infantry and the lith regi- ment kept up at the commencement a heavy fire, but on the G papas of the enemy within pistol shot, they fled. Nothing iskaown of Perez. At about 5 o’clook in the afternoon, Sante Anna entered this place with a large body of cavalry, and with nearly all the brigade of Pe- rez, the battalions of National Guards, Hidalgo and Vio- , whioh never burnt a single cartridge; and various other corps. Santa Anna went to the palace, and the troops to their quarters. The result of the actions of this dey has been the loss of 45 pieces of artillery; of the dead, wounded, prisoners and dispersed, we have no certain information. An army of twenty thousand men, and more than fifty pieces ot artillery (I speak of those that were used), has been routed by anot of ni ten thousand, without artillery, and wi the ground, and while we had the advantage of selecting our positions, It is tl clear that our army does not deserve the name of soldiers, and it were better that it did not The incapacity of our generals is asto- nishing, but even more so their cowardice, and that of the greater part of the soldiers, although they are v brave in the commission of brutalities. It is sai among other things, that an unfortunate American offi- cer on horseback approached too close to one of the batteries sgainst his will, his horse having ran away; when within pistol shot he was wounded in foot, and fell, crying out thaé he surrendered; but this did’ not avail him; he was murdered, without being able to op- pose resistance* If we compare the deeds of our sol- diers with their hetecley and fanfaronadss, as they are daily published even in the government journals, one is ashamed, and the few Mexicans who are abroad will hide their faces. Well, then, we now have the valiant General-in-Chief, President of the Republic, &e. &e. &0, again in the palace, and a it many troops in their quarters. We will see what he intends to do with the remainder of the army, without morale, without honor or valor, but yet with a great many ignorant generals, officers, and lead- ers, corrupt, and cowards on the field of battle; but gréat talkers and boasters, only fit to dress for show in their gaudy uniforms. Mexico, Aug. 2, 1847. My never-forgotten and beloved Catita :—Yesterday there was a great fight with the Yankees, which cost a heavy loss to those accursed enemies; nevertheless, the division of Valencia was routed. ‘0-day who knows what will happen? In order that you may not be larmed, I take advantage of these moments to write by to-day’s mail, that you may not miss a letter and grieve over it. The Great Being must hate us. One of my feet has been hurt, and for that reason I have remained in my quarters; but you need not fear, as it is not of importance, my anole being only strained, as my horse fell with me. In consequence of the blow which the greater part of Valencia’s division has suffered, it is thought that trouble is coming, but I think the Mexicans are still in ood resolution Although the Yankees will enter Mex- ico, it does not follow that they will be'the conquerors of the Mexican nation. Through the misfortune, we will be obliged to abandon the capital, ahd these bad men will remain masters of th tory they tread, and the whole nation will rise in # mass and destroy them. Satita, God permits things to go to a certain point, in order to undeceive us, but he afterwards sends consola tion to the afflicted. This eternal and incomprehensi- ble Being will protect us, and send ;us comfort. I only beg you will not afflict yourself, and pray Him to favor me and preserve me. Salute ell my relatives and friend: = you and my children receive the love I always bay for you. P.8. Say to Senora Petra that Andrew escaped in safe- ty, and that the troop to which Francisco belonged did not fight, and also to pray to God for them and for me; also the troops of Morelia did not go into action, and so far they are all well, and God will favor us Do not afflict yourself, Catita; God protects the just and will bring us through in safety. pore myself to and, if permitted, I will try to find means to go to La Piedad or C——. Be prepared to.send for your uncle. Do not show this little piece of paper to any one Destroy it, and keep this to yourself alone. But if you wish to see me, I will sena tor you from the place to which I may go. Be prepared, and I will write to you under the name of G. P. or under that of my god-mother Da. M. for #0 I proposed to you. [The following letter shows the confidence of the Mexioans before the fight:) Mexico, August 19th, 1947. * * * Judging from the’ enthusiasm and posi- tions of our troops, and cur good fortifications, we hope for a complete triumph for the Mexicans, as the enemy’s force is much interior to ours in numbers. [From a Member of Congrens.] Mexico, August 21, 1847. Loved Friend :—The 19th and 20th of August, been to Mexico days of mourning and ignominy, as have lost a great many valiant Mexicans, and our i mense army has been routed by a handful of adven- turers. Weare all choking with grief at such a catas- trophe, and we fear the sad consequences of the triumph of theenemy, The enemy has not yet entered the city, but they are at our very gates, awaiting the answer of oar government, who has already entered into negotia- tions for peace. What will follow this negotiation, God knows! What does the United States want, who knows? Congress cannot assemble, nor will it aesembie; there- fore I shallgoto you in @ few days, as I am anxious to see you and my family. Work for your country. Do not ceas your labor. Do what you can to protect the public institutions, the arts, sciences, industry and agri- oulture, L. B. Mexico, Aug. 20, 1847. To E., (a Member of Congress ) Much Respected and Esteemed Friend :—To-day, after the complete rout of the brilliant northern division, un- der the command of Valencia, who was posted in the tower of San Geronimo, (Contreras,) | hastened to the city to see what I should do with my house. During the day I heard of the death of Guadalupe Pedrigan, The battalions of Victoria and Hidalgo abandoned San Antonio without entering into the fight, but those of Independence and Bravo sustained themselves well at Churubusco, until they were abandoned. The enemy is now at the Hacienda Portalis. The division under Rangel was formed this morning in the Plaza, and order- ¢d to march apd take possesion of a place called Le Viga. Gen. Torn-l, with many etaff officers, have gone to the same place, Gen, Santa Anna just passed here with Gen. Lombardini. ‘The troops have been ordered to their quarters, but bave left the cannons at the gari- tas, prepared to meet * bes”, tT lencia, who occupied an advantageous jis near San Angel, near the factory of a chirmish with some of Scott's troops, who attempted to force their way to Tacubsya on Thursday last. The fire was sustaine? well on our part until dark, without losing an inch ef ground, But on Friday morning the Americans, who were keen, attacked Valencia in the front and on both flanks, forced their wey into his eamp, routing him completely, and remained in possession 0: his artillery and all his munitions of w: 1 cannot ao- count for this result, and ido not gi ou wny further facts, for I prefer to ignore them. 5 Cll Rand the ° ” The battalions of Victoria and Hidalgo abandoned St. Antonio, and were not in the fight. They arrived in the city witbout loss, only suffering from fa- tigue. Gens. Salas, Pedr and Frontera are prisoners. ‘Santa Anna sustained @ heavy fire in his retreat, great injury, but thereby protected the retreat of the . It is also said that Gen. Rin- con is prisoner. . ‘We have yet « respectable body of troops in Mexioo, but Gen, Scott has allowed an armistice, in order to aliow Congress to meet and consider the subject of peace. There is no teiling what will happen to-morrow. Mexieo, Aug. 21, 1947, L, R.—My Doar Unole:—My heart ts oppressed with grief, and [oan give you but & very sight sketoh of the venous © This was Mojor Mills, Méth regiment ef infantry, causing the enem: rt of his art y. But you must bear in mind that faa the troops, which came to his assistance the da; Foie beea there, the result weales yee Lg > i: lagdalena, once in possession of the Americans, they immediately proceeded and attacked our main body of ‘anconquerable Mexicans, who were in their fortitica- tions, and only listened to the musi as they had noartillery with them. two discharges of their musketry, and our troops were put to flight in terrible confusion, and {t is remarkable what a state of fear extended ‘thro tire army. This ciroumstence’ enabled Americans to take possession of our fortifications with the greatest id more so as the National Guards, (Polka’s,) ed with an ignominy FF Of the reported armistice, the writer says :)— It is supposed that it will be favorable to peace, but you must be well aware, that should it be effected, of which 1 have no doubt, it will be a disgrace to the Mexican people. Cc. Mexico, August 21st, 1047. Senorita Dns. M. deJ. M.:— ss : My Dear Young Lad: ‘Yesterday I arrived at home without accident, having escaped the dangers of the fight by privilege, or because the Yankees took ity on us, for, on leaving our camp, such was the ‘disorder ‘and confusion, that if the enemy had attacked us with whi not @ single oneof ts would have been leit. The ralsgave orders, end the camp women screamed, mules would not pu'l, the sold'ers did not wish to rv- treat without fightioy, and General Bravo,our com- mander, would not ellow it, aud at last we escaped, sav- ing some part of our muuitions, but losing much, which could not be removed. The Yankees under- took to out flank us, but meeting with the divi- sion, they commenced a fire, We stood on the defence, and they certainly through pity took the other road,all the time accompanying us on the left. Hardly bad we reached the bridge at Churubusco, when the artillery fire was commenced at that place. General Santa Anne arrived th the moment we passed, and he ordered such of the artillery as was con- venient, should be turned upon the enemy, and that we should continue [to retreat!) On the way w the division of General Perez, which atterwards engage the enemy, und while the action continued we r ed the city. We found Mexico in the greatest consterna- tion, perhaps more for our sakes than for the events of the morning, for! saw that our presence produced the greatest joy, and we were even cheered when it was seen that we bad not met with any loss. It seems impossible that in the space of six hours, eight thousand men should hare been. destroyed, of which not the eighth part were killed. But our troops scarcely saw ® movement of the enemy before they fled, and that without the possibility of stoppingthem. The battalions of Bravo and Independence were attacked in the convent of Churubusco, and taken prisoners, and it is thought that Gorostiza is ofthe number. To-day, about five thousand of the dispersed have been collected, and we have now about twelve thousand men in arms. An armistice, &o , Kc , ko, Avoust 21, 1847. . Old Man :—Although I ama regidor, (a civil officer,) atill I resolved to go to the fight, as I could no longer re- main in the olty taking care of disorderly women and drunkards, | determinea ‘o sec the fa'e ef my unfortu- nate country ; Srneniusedy, on Tuosday last. { received an order from the Minister of War und Government directing me to join Gencral Alcorte az bis aid-de- camp; and on Wednesday moruing I went to the Penop, resolved to endure wll the privations of a cam- paign, and to see in what | could serve my country, ‘The enemy presented himseli on Thursday morning before us, in order to allow their engiacersto make @ reconnoissance of our position, but be did not like the a'ato,and on Sunday night Sante Auva heard that tre enemy had certainly taken the route towards Tialpam (San Augustin) On Monday morning, at 9 o’clock, we commenced our march towards the same Place, (by th id on Tuesday, after an examina- tion of oe Wwe could not make resistance there, and it was resolved that we should take up our position at San Antonio. That ¢ afternoon the Yankees arrived at San Augustin at2P.M. We pr ceeded with the greatest activity to make preparatio: for resistance, and ordered the heaviest pieces of ord- mance to be brought from Penon to San Antonio, and we protected our right flack as much as possible, fear ing that the enemy might take advantage of us in that uarter. We made ditches and redoubts, and General forex’ brigade composed of, 4000 infantry and 700 horse, of the hussars, who were at Jalapa, was ordered to ge around towards Coyoacan (near San Angel.) The 5t! brigade, composed of Victoria, Independence, Hidalgo, and Bravo's were ordered to march to Churubusso ; this brigade was composed of 2,000 men, and generally called Polkas. On Wednesday the Yankees presented them- selves at the hacienda of Coaps, about a fourth of a league from San Antonio. ‘here must have been seven or eight hundred men, and we fired several shots at them with our twenty-four poand piece, and some shells, with a d result. In the meantime, I took a nap at general headquarters, about half o league this side of San Antonio, where Bravo commanded. Day before yesterday, (Thursday.) we continued firing cannon on the enemy, and at about 1 o’clock we obeerved that Valencia, who was posted «t Magdalena to impede the enemy that way, commenced firing cannon. The fire was heavy, when an aid of Valencia’s arrived saying that he was being surrounded, and we sent an aid to Perez, and another to Mexico, to Lombardina, (Minister of War) in order that he might tell Rangel to march with his 2,000 men, together with Perez's brigade, to the . At about half past 3 o'clock in found ourselves in front of the who were taking a position on the left flank of when the enemy, on seeing 5,000 men who came to rein. force Valencia, commenced covering themselves in th bushes, and behind the church of SanGeronimo. How- wmy’s forces in front of Valencia cont:nued to , and he, Valencia, returned their fire with twenty-one pieces of cannon. A little before dusk we received three light pieces we had sent for, and we fired six times with good result. 1 had proposed not to ask where we were going, and what was my astonish- ment when, st night, we were ordered to retire to San Angel, two and a half leagaes distant from Valencia’s camp. We there met Rangel’s division, and ours, together with his, amounted to 12,000 men. ell, old gentleman, instead of marching early the next morning to ths beautiful position we left on the 19th, we did not start till after 6 o’oclock, merely, as it were, to see the destruction of Valencia, and we had not arrived at the position of the previous day, when we met two flying soldiers, at about 7 o'clock, who brought the fatal news of the complete rout of Valencia Then Don Antonio (Sante Anna) gave orders for our return to Mexico, as it was to be made another Troy. Rangel’s er was ordered to take posession of the citadel, and Sants Anna gave Peres and Bravo orders to retire from San Antonio; as San Angel being. taken, we were cut off by the Geri $28 38 can imegine the confusion and the destruction of the mora’e of our army which ‘ved. In moving our artillery and am munition we were put :omuch inconvenience and delay, for, as it ‘had rained the night previous, the wheels stuck in the mud,and the mules, fatigued, could not haul The result was that when the Yankees observed our movemot, sud saw us withdraw our pieces from the embrezures at S'n Antonio, he detached two columns, one by the fudcegal (rough volcantt ground) and the other down the matin road, and co: quently took San Antonio, anit most of Alvare: troops, brought from the South, were made pri soners. Whilst this was goivg on st San Antonio, the same troops which had routed Valencia, were detached in two columns, one of which attacked Churubusco, where, small resistance, the com- panies ,of Independence and Bravo were takeo pri- soners, as also other companies that were out off in their retreat. The other column came down the main road, and attacked the bridge by the eame name,* where our own wag (returning from San Antonio and fast in (he mud) served them as trenchee; and after an ok of Meese | alone they took our position which appeared impregnable,t putting us shamefully to flight, and had the enemy been any other, they would have ne directly into Mexico, for our cursed soldiers, ightened to death, were bellowing through the streets, “ here comes the Yankees.” Finally, Santa Anna re- solved to defend the city atthe first line, and if our soldiers would not run, we had a sufficient number left to defend this unfortunate city. But now they of capitulation, or I know not what. The resuit is thatthe Yankees oan maroh direct- ly into Mexico at any hour they please, owing to the cowardice and of our generals-in-chief Bacsadra, Mora Villamil and Aravjois started at -break thir morning with orders from Pacheco to ask Scott for 30 hours armistice, in order te bury the dead and collect the wounded. Santa Anna became very angry and said, this cursed Pacheco had made & fool of bimselfand com- promised me—which remark, having come to the ears of Pacheoo, he resigned. Some say It was @ pre-concerted affair, i will now give you, my o!d man, my opinion of all this:—Vale: ish-dte ce the hero, but had not elements to hi destroy him, day before yesterday, he tea io to yourself. Valencia ~czived p in fight, but, no’ tanding tbore er to spike hisariiliery acd rettr he remained, and replied that he c strong enough to beat the enemy, nn t his army from the north, (it was from San Luis Potosi) could pot be overcome, mucn less would It retreat before the enemy, From all [ have ssid you will judge the future destiny of our unhappy country. Juan. Mexico, August 21st, 1847. ers, and f necentary, ered himself eng the or Mr Dear F.: + + © As Dwrote to you, you will on Wed. nesday I went to the palace, snd on that mame day arrived at Churubusco. and on Thursdey we went to at Hacienda St. Antonio. Yesterday we were ordered out 4 o'clock in toe morning, aud remained formed in the Hacienda, which was full of mud from the continusd rain during the night, till about 11 e’clook, when we marched, expecting to attack the enemy, for we were told we were surrounded, but by a miracle of God, Jorrin saved the whole battalion; for, had we left fiv: minutes later, our retreat wou'd have been cut off, happened to other corps aaetelps f in ourrear. Our battalion, (that ot Victoria?) and that of Hidalgo, were the only ones to which no accident happened, although some shots were fired at us. All is lost. The enemy is in Churubusco and San Anton'o Atalittle afver 3,we reached Mexico, very much fatigued, as wo came in haste. They sent us to the garito of the Nino Perdido, where we ocoupied the breastwork until 5 o’closk, about which time there was united a respectable number of the dispursed soldiers, who came pouringin on every side. At duek wo were marched to our barracke, and thence dismiseed to our homes, and from that time till now, helfpart 5,P M., we know nothing of what has happened, (i. ¢., of the negotiations, : Mexico, August 21st, 1847. My Drag * * *; It is now 4 o'clock in the afcernoon, snd an armistice ward in throe columns Fe front. and on both tents With the miserable remains of ' ith thecity, * * lew, but we have been most ippose you have heard maoy 4 is no fur- ther oe. be ‘we have been lost by means of a haad- turers of the worst kind) * * © * The battalion of Victoria has not fought. They ss they will fight, but will only obey the orders of their Col. as their generals ran away. Mexico, Aug. 20th, 1847, All {s lost,all. My presentiments never have deceived me—and when I bave been deceived it is wi 1 reasoned with those who reason, and last night it reasonable to confide, and | endeavored to confide, to be- lieve and to persuade myself, although the instinct of presentiment would arise and say —-—— just what hee occurred. You will already have heard of it when you receive this, but perhaps you would wish me to Tepeat i » atone at this moment @ sort of delirium has taken posession of my faculties, and, ia truth, I do not know what to say to you; but what! can, I will say, be it what it may. Yesterday morning Santa Anna ordered Valencia not to fight. Valencia answered that he would fight, as his own and the honor of the nation required it and he did ight with exemp! courage until 7 o’clook in the evening, at which time the firing ceased, when oause it rained, determined to take ylight this morning Valencia was out- flanked by the enemy, in the direction of the insocessi- ble place, the P |. (This is underscored in the original—it refers to broken voloanic grounds.) He was entirely surrounded and on all sides, they fought like lions, Santa Anna coolly observed this, and did not send to our general any assistance, fearing the laurels whioh, against his orders, Valencia wai ; Valencia was overpowered and succum! yet like « brave man. At about 7 o’clock this morning, I, we were defeated at San Antonio and Churubusco.— From these points the regiments of Hidalgo and Victoria were ordered to retire. That of Independence, which was isolated. was cut off by the enemy some of its brave men were killed, as happened to that valuable young men M. De Castro, and others were made prisoners. In the midst of the universal desperation which ns in the capital, because our numerous army has been beaten. in detail by a handful of foreigners. (aithou h brave.) as there have bee n corps of ours ‘which did not fight. owing to the want of disposition by the genoral-in-chief, who has made us suffer the torments of hell, we have seen Santa Anna at dusk, enter the palace, anda multitude of cavalry and infantry, without suspecting until the present moment what it signified; some believing that it ‘was owing to the rain, and inorder to da pleasant night like that of yesterday; others ‘thinking that a capitulation had been a; upon; but the greater part not knowing what opinion to form. I shall put this letter into the mail &o.,and will write again. * * * Every thing is complete confusion,end sometime must pass before I oan judge ofevents. * oe * LJ I do not know what I hi written. Iam crushed by the horrible realization of my presentiments, which have never deceived me, and owing to which I have never been able to have any enth or faith in this war— and for which reason I have not been able to persuade myself to take a part in the war, though I have ardently desired it. Thad penn to say that Santa Auns has given or- ders {cr Valencia to be shot, when he has the sympathies of all in his favor, and Senta Anns bears all the odium, which was net equalled by that of the 6th of December. This is sufficient. Renember me to, kc. ko. Your friend, (Anonymous) [Norx.—The same writer writes the next day, the 21st, and corrects the report in regard to De Castro, and adds :—)* The battalions of Hidalgo and Victoria would have fought had they not been ordered to retire by Santa Anna, and in spite of the order many of them did fight in the defences (works.) b, * 6 * By this mail you are called to Congress, ordered to convene by =anta Anna, who has listened tothe commis- sloners from the United States, on the subject of peace, in virtue of the constitutional powers which he has. ‘When Santa Anna returned to the capital this after- noon, at 4 o'clock, he said that it was tn virtue of an armistice of thirty hours, to gi his wounded; but the truth is, he has already made a peace with Scott, for so the interpreter said to a friend of mine, and your friend N, infers from the despatch ot Sante Anna to pea Inevertheless send you the letter I wrote yesterday. Scott has very much praised the valor of the Mexicans, nd he told A. that he had the best intentions towards is. Come, then, and assist in celebrating the funeral of our country. A revolution may yet take place in favor of Valencia, caused by the peace. The public mind is exceedingly excited, and for this reason it, hape, would not be prudent for you to bring your family. Mexico, August 21, 1847. Assoon asthe Americans had united the other side of Penon, they took the road by Chalco to San Au; Tlalpam, but the most difficuly to wes the stony ground, there being no wagon road it, and it was declared to be impassable. But, each man ht or ten thousand Americans, who had to 8 that way,.took a bag of dirt on his shoulders, so thet on the way, with eight or ten thousand bags of dirt, they went on making the road, so that they all with- out detention, to Tialpam to take Tucabays, by the way of the hills of San Angel. Mexican forces that were in the Penon came and fortified themselves in San Anto- nio and Churubusco, below San Angel, while about seven or eight thousand veterans of cavalry and infan- try, with thirty pieces of cannon, under Valencia, took post beyond San Angel. Gen. Santa Anna was in the point below with the National Guard, so baggy this plan, we had the Americans in San Augustin, the Mexi- cans forming their lines between them and the fae he But now for the fight. On Thursday, the 19th, Americans marohed with the intention to pass above San Angel. Gen. Valencia marched to encounter them, and sustained the action from 4, P. M., till night closed in. The firing was severe; it could be clearly seen from the roof of the house. At night the Americans merub- ed up a ravine or hollow that divided the two camps, surrounded the Mexicans, and finished with them from 4till7,A.M., onthe 20th. There were some Ameri- oan~ in a little hacienda beyond San Antonio, who had been shot at ening before by Me: ut they remained very quiet, not pe jis By gpa but when Valencia was defeated they attacked the points below, where Santa Anna commanded in person, and in a few nthe troops yesierd Gispersed, with th ‘he troops yer ay 5 6 exception of the battalions of Independence and Bravo’s, which were out off by the Americans. is said thet many were killed, some escaped, and the rest are prisone! ‘his is what has happened up to yesterday. To-day, what troops remain have gone to the gates of San Antonio Abad and Nino Perdido, and according to the opinion we shall all, in a few days, be Yankees, [Another Letter—Extract.) A }, 20th. y, at 7, A. M., the Americans took of our ar- \d Our army was so routed that they were en- jiapersed. The fate of Ge . Valencia is unknown. Sante Anna has been compelle: retire upon Mexico, having lost all, ingluding his honor. The Yankees have made many prisoners and taken many cannon. To- tillery, tirely BamwZ. Mexico, August 21, 1847. Come Grnenat Dow Jose pe Ucante : M never forgotten Sir and Commander: —On the 19th and 20th the division of Valencia fought and was de- teated, as were also some other;troops from this place. These events have placed thingsin « terrible state. I cannot say with certainty to what are we to attribute these misfortunes, as there is s great diversity of opinion on the subject. One thing is certain, that from these reverses our affairs are in s most lamentable state, and it will be very difficult t» re-establish them and bring them to the condition in which they were on the 19th. The enemy has lost a great number of men, but our’s have lost courage. There are many chiefs, officers and men in the power of the enemy, amd maaoy wounded. Until the present time, now 1, P.M., the firing bas not been recommenced. ‘The eneny isin many positions of the second line, and our army has retreated to the first line, It is very difficult to form a judgment of the re- sult of these misfortunes, the more so as 80 many of our officers are so badly spoken of. The enemy has deman- ded the surrender of the capital. It is said that Gen. Mora and others have gone as conferees. One thing 1s certain, that our troope have retired to their quarters, and that the lines have been deserted. From this state of things the capital is in @ terrible state. It is said that Gen. Paredes is here, and that he and Gen. Valen- cia are searched for by Gen. Santa Anna, who has ordered Valencia to be abot. In fact, you cannot imagine in what # lamentable condition we are. | have no time to be more particular, and | beg mu will have goodness to present my compliments to Donna G. Donna C., and the rest of the family, as also to my EB and you, my beloved commander, oan dispose of th fections of your subject and faith- ful servant, who, wishing you all happiness, kisses your hand. J.M.G. [The following letter isfrom # Minister of the Govern- ment to a millioaare.} Sen. Don G. M and T — My dear friend —In my last I gave you an idea of the state and positiou of our crmy. Yesterday, at daylight, our right (roferrtog to Valenoia) was completely sur- roundes id routed; and ‘wards the positions on the left (Churubusco, Portalis, &o.) were attacked, to which succeeded a disorderly retreat of our troops, whieh led the victorious enemy to witbin one league of city, where he paused, not to be wanting in’ # pri becoming « wise general, although he might i tered to the very Palace itself. You may imagine the consternation and disorder prevailing in the capital at this time, To-day Don Ig. Moro left the city with the object of proposing « cessation of hostilities, under the pretext of collecting the wounded aai :n exchange of iso although we have but very few ot the Rieter "When fe arrived at the camp of the enemy he was handed a» letter which the Ameri- ean goneral had already prepared, proposing an armistice with « view to enter upon negotiations for peace, which naturally was accepted, and to-morrow it oro and Quijano, who are thecom- the enemy declared his arpose of oo- oupying tl 8 in the immediate vicinity of the — ital, in order to obtein quarters and subsistence for h troops This is the position of affairs to-day. What is to follow you can imagine, for we have no alternative but to enter into arrangements or leave the capital at the meroy of the conquerors. Present my compliments to the Senores ©’s, and trust- ing that you and your family enjoy the best health, please to receive the affections of your attentive servant and friend, who kisses your hand. LR. Mexteo, Aug. 21, 1847, Sr. Don J.M.C.—My Dear Teacher :—At last, yes- terday, we were entirely routed after three battles, Con- treras, San Antonio and Churubusco, and our troops were diaporsed after a horrible slaughter, and the ene my arrived in triumph as far as the hacienda of the Por tale, where they passed the night. The speetacte in this city jay was horrible ; all was tears, confusionand bitterness, and it was pitiable to see the wounded and dispersed coming in, in the afternoon. It is said that Bravo, Perdigan, Zerecero, Perez, Gagoso and others, have been killed. At the present moment, 10 o'clock, there ars some troopa going out, and, according to ap- Pearances Gen, Asate Aans is npg AA ae A army, ab there wre rumors of treaties, | think ie He Mexico, Hug. 21, 1847.