Cullouch, quarter-master in the volunteer service, rendered important services before the engagement, in the command of a spy company, and during the affair was associated with the regular cavalry. To Major Warren, 1st Illinois volunteers, I feel much indebted for his firm and judicious course, while exercising command in the city of Saltillo. The medical staff, under the able direction of Assistant-Surgeon Hitchcock, were assiduous in attention to the wounded upon the field, and in their careful removal to the rear. Both in these respects, and in the subsequent organization and service of the hospitals, the administration of this department was every thing that could be wished. Brigadier-General Wool speaks in high terms of the officers of his staff, and I take pleasure in mentioning them here, having witnessed their activity and zeal upon the field. Lieutenant and Aid-de-camp McDowell, Colonel Churchill, inspector-general, Captain Chapman, assistant quartermaster, Lieutenant Sitgreaves, Topographical Engineers, and Captains Howard and Davis, volunteer service, are conspicuously noticed by the general for their gallantry and good conduct. Messrs. March, Addicks, Potts, Harrison, Burgess, and Dusenbery, attached in various capacities to General Wool's head-quarters, are likewise mentioned for their intelligent alacrity in conveying orders to all parts of the field. In conclusion, I beg leave to speak of my own staff, to whose exertions in rallying troops and communicating orders I feel greatly indebted. Major Bliss, assistant adjutant-general, Captain J. H. Eaton, and Lieutenant R. S. Garnett, aids-de-camp, served near my person, and were prompt and zealous in the discharge of every duty. Major Monroe, besides rendering valuable service as chief of artillery, was active and instrumental, as were also Colonels Churchill and Belknap, inspectors-general, in rallying troops and disposing them for the defence of the train and baggage. Colonel Whiting, quartermaster-general, and Captain Eaton, chief of the subsistence department, were engaged with the duties of their departments and also served in my immediate staff on the field. Captain Sibley, assistant quarter-master, was necessarily left with the headquarter camp near town, where his services were highly useful. Major Mansfield and Lieutenant Benham, Engineers, and Captain Linnard and Lieutenants Pope and Franklin, Topographical Engineers, were employed before and during the engagement in making reconnoissances, and on the field were very active in bringing information and in conveying my orders to distant points. Lieutenant Kingsbury, in addition to his proper duties as ordnance officer, Captain Chilton, assistant quarter-master, and Majors Dix and Coffee, served also as extra aids-de-camp, and were actively employed in the transmission of orders. Mr. Thomas L. Crittenden, of Kentucky, though not in service, volunteered as my aid-de-camp on this occasion, and served with credit in that capacity. Major Craig, chief of ordnance, and Surgeon Craig, medical director, had been detached on duty from head-quarters, and did not reach the ground until the morning of the 24th-too late to participate in the action, but in time to render useful services in their respective departments of the staff. I respectfully enclose returns of the troops engaged, and of casualties incident to the battle. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR, Major-General U. S. A. commanding. The ADJUTANT GENERAL of the Army, Washington, D. C. Translation. Summons of General Santa Anna to General Taylor. You are surrounded by 20,000 men, and cannot, in any human probability, avoid suffering a rout, and being cut to pieces with your troops; but as you de serve consideration and particular esteem, I wish to save you from a catastrophe, and for that purpose give you this notice, in order that you may surrender at discretion, under the assurance that you will be treated with the consideration belonging to the Mexican character, to which end you will be granted an hour's time to make up your mind, to commence from the moment when my flag of truce arrives in your camp. With this view, I assure you of my particular consideration. ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. To Gen. Z. TAYLOR, Commanding the forces of the U. S. HEAD-QUARTERS, ARMY OF OCCUPATION, Near Buena Vista, February 22, 1847. SIR: In reply to your note of this date, summoning me to surrender my forces at discretion, I beg leave to say that I decline acceding to your request. With high respect, I am, sir, Your obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR, Major-General U. S. Army, commanding. Senor Gen. D. ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA, HEAD-QUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, March 12, 1847. SIR-The colors of the United States were triumphantly planted ashore, in full view of this city and its castle, and under the distant fire of both, in the afternoon of the 9th instant. Brevet Brigadier-General Worth's brigade of regulars led the descent, quickly followed by the division of United States volunteers under Major-General Patterson, and Brigadier-General Twiggs' reserve brigade of regulars. The three lines successively landed in sixty-seven_surf boats, each boat conducted by a naval officer, and rowed by sailors from Commodore Conner's squadron, whose lighter vessels flanked the boats so as to be ready to protect the operation by their cross-fire. The whole army reached the shore in fine style, and without direct opposition (on the beach), accident, or loss, driving the enemy from the ground to be occupied. The line of investment, according to General Orders No. 47, was partially taken up the same night, but has only been completed to-day, owing to the most extraordinary difficulties:-1. The environs of the city outside of the fire of its guns, and those of the castle, are broken into innumerable hills of loose sand, from twenty to two hundred and fifty feet in height, with almost impassable forests of chapparel between; and 2. Of all our means of land transportation, wagons, carts, pack-saddles, horses and mules, expected to join us from Tampico and the Brazos weeks ago, but fifteen carts and about one hundred draught-horses have yet arrived. Three hundred pack-mules are greatly needed to relieve the troops in taking subsistence alone, along the line of investment of more than five miles, as at present our only depot is south of the city. On the cessation of the present raging norther, which almost stifles the troops with sand, sweeping away hills and creating new, I hope to establish a second depot north of the city, which will partially relieve the left wing of the army. In extending the line of investment around the city, the troops for three days, have performed the heaviest labors in getting over the hills and cutting through the intervening forests; all under the distant fire of the city and castle, and in the midst of many sharp skirmishes with the enemy. In these operations we have lost, in killed and wounded, several valuable officers and men. Among the killed I have to report Brevet Captain Alburtis, of the U. S. 2d infantry, much distinguished in the Florida war as a most excellent officer. He fell on the 11th instant; and Lieutenant-Colonel Dickinson, of the South Carolina regiment, was badly wounded in a skirmish the day before. Two privates have been killed in these operations and four or five wounded; as yet I have not been able to obtain their names. As soon as the subsistence of the troops can be assured and their positions are well established, I shall, by an organized movement, cause each brigade of regulars and volunteers to send detachments, with supports, to clear its front, including sub-bourgs of the enemy's parties, so as to oblige them to confine themselves within the walls of the city. I have heretofore reported that but two-sevenths of the siege train and ammunition had reached me; the remainder is yet unheard of. We shall commence landing the heavy metal as soon as the storm subsides, and hope that the five-sevenths may be up in time. The city being invested, would, no doubt, early surrender but for the fear that if occupied by us it would immediately be fired upon by the castle. I am not altogether without hope of finding the means of coming to some compromise with the city upon this subject. So far the principal skirmishing has fallen to the lot of Brigadier-Generals Pillow's and Quitman's brigades. Both old and new volunteer regiments have conducted themselves admirably; indeed the whole army is full of zeal and confidence, and cannot fail to acquire distinction in the impending operations. To Commodore Connor, the officers and sailors of his squadron, the army is indebted for great and unceasing assistance, promptly and cheerfully rendered. Their co-operation is the constant theme of our gratitude and admiration. A handsome detachment of marines under Captain Edson, of that corps, landed with the first line, and is doing duty with the army. March 13. The enemy, at intervals, continues the fire of heavy ordnance from the city and castle upon our line of investment, both by day and night, but with little or no effect. The norther has ceased, which has renewed our communication with the store-ships at anchor under Sacrificios. We shall immediately commence landing the few pieces of heavy ordnance, with ordnance stores, at hand, and hope soon to have the necessary draught mules to take them to their positions. Any further delay in the arrival of these means of transportation will be severely felt in our operations. I have the honor to remain, sir, &c. &c., Hon. W. L. MARCY, WINFIELD SCOTT. HEAD-QUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE U. S. OF AMERICA, Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, March 22, 1847. The undersigned, Major-General Scott, general-in-chief of the armies of the United States of America, in addition to the close blockade of the coast and port of Vera Cruz, previously established by the squadron under Commodore Connor of the navy of the said States, having now fully invested the said city with an overwhelming army, so as to render it impossible that its garrison should receive from without succor or reinforcement of any kind; and having caused to be established batteries, competent to the speedy reduction of the said city, he, the undersigned, deems it due to the courtesies of war, in like cases, as well as to the rights of humanity, to summon his excellency, the governor and commander-in-chief of the city of Vera Cruz, to surrender the same to the arms of the United States of America, present before the place. The undersigned, anxious to spare the beautiful city of Vera Cruz from the imminent hazard of demolition-its gallant defenders from a useless effusion of blood, and its peaceful inhabitants-women and children, inclusive-from the inevitable horrors of a triumphant assault, addresses this summons to the intelligence, the gallantry, and patriotism, no less than to the humanity of his excellency the governor and commander-in-chief of Vera Cruz. The undersigned is not accurately informed whether both the city of Vera Cruz and the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa be under the command of his excellency, or whether each place has its own independent commander; but the undersigned, moved by the considerations adverted to above, may be willing to stipulate that, if the city should by capitulation, be garrisoned by a part of his troops, no missile shall be fired from within the city, or from its bastions or walls, upon the castle, unless the castle should previously fire upon the city. The undersigned has the honor to tender to his distinguished opponent, his excellency the governor and commander-in-chief of Vera Cruz, the assurance of the high respect and consideration of the undersigned. [Translation.] WINFIELD SCOTT. The undersigned, commanding general of the free and sovereign State of Vera Cruz, has informed himself of the contents of the note which Major-General Scott, general-in-chief of the forces of the United States, has addressed to him under date of to-day, demanding the surrender of this place, and castle of Ulloa; and, in answer, has to say, that the above named fortress, as well as this place, depend on his authority; and it being his principal duty, in order to prove worthy of the confidence placed in him by the government of the nation, to defend both points at all cost, to effect which he counts upon the necessary elements, and will make it good to the last; therefore his excellency can commence his operations of war in the manner which he may consider most advantageous. The undersigned has the honor to return to the general-in-chief of the forces of the United States, the demonstrations of esteem he may be pleased to honor him with. GOD AND LIBERTY! Vera Cruz, March 22, 1847. TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCOTT, JUAN MORALES. General-in-chief of the forces of the United States, situated in sight of this place. U.S. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 13, 1846. [Private and confidential.] allow him to pass freely. Commodore-If Santa Anna endeavors to enter the Mexican ports, you will Respectfully yours, GEORGE BANCROFT. COMMODORE DAVID CONNOR, Commanding Home Squadron. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Vera Cruz, March 29, 1847. SIR:-The flag of the United States of America floats triumphantly over the walls of this city and the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa. Our troops have garrisoned both since 10 o'clock. It is now noon. BrigadierGeneral Worth is in command of the two places. Articles of capitulation were signed and exchanged, at a late hour, night before the last. I enclose a copy of the document. I have, heretofore, reported the principal incidents of the siege up to the 25th instant. Nothing of striking interest occurred till early in the morning of the next day, when I received overtures from General Landero, on whom General Morales had devolved the principal command. A terrible storm of wind and sand made it difficult to communicate with the city, and impossible to refer to Commodore Perry. I was obliged to entertain the proposition alone, or to continue the fire upon a place that had shown a disposition to surrender; for the loss of a day, or perhaps several, could not be permitted. The accompanying papers will show the proceedings and results. Yesterday, after the norther had abated, and the commissioners, appointed by me early the morning before, had again met those appointed by General Landero, Commodore Perry sent ashore his second in command, Čaptain Aulick, as a commissioner on the part of the navy. Although not included in my specific arrangement made with the Mexican commander, I did not hesitate with proper courtesy, to desire that Captain Aulick might be duly introduced and allowed to participate in the discussions and acts of the commissioners who had been reciprocally accredited. Hence the preamble to his signature. The original American commissioners were Brevet Brigadier-General Worth, BrigadierGeneral Pillow, and Colonel Totten. Four more able or judicious officers could not have been desired. I have time to add but little more. The remaining details of the siege; the able co-operation of the United States squadron, successively under the command of Commodore Connor and Perry; the admirable conduct of the whole army-regulars and volunteers-I should be happy to dwell upon as they deserve; but the steamer Princeton, with Commodore Connor on board, is under way, and I have commenced organizing an advance into the interior. This may be delayed a few days, waiting the arrival of additional means of trans. portation. In the meantime, a joint operation, by land and water, will be made upon Alvarado. No lateral expedition, however, shall interfere with the grand movement towards the capital. In consideration of the great services of Colonel Totten, in the siege that has just terminated most successfully, and the importance of his presence at Washington, as the head of the engineer bureau, I entrust this dispatch to his personal care, and beg to commend him to the very favorable consideration of the department. I have the honor to remain, sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant, WINFIELD SCOTT. Hon. W. L. MARCY, Secretary of War. ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION OF THE CITY OF VERA CRUZ AND THE CASTLE OF SAN JUAN D'ULLOA. PUENTE DE HORNOS, Without the walls of Vera Cruz, Saturday, March 27, 1847. Terms of capitulation agreed upon by the commissioners, viz: Generals W. J. Worth and G. J. Pillow, and Colonel J. G. Totten, chief engineer, on the part of Major-General Scott, general-in-chief of the armies of the United States; and Colonel José Gutierrez de Villanueva, Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers, Manuel Robles, and Colonel Pedro de Herrera, commissioners appointed by General of Brigade, Don José Juan Landero, commanding in chief, Vera Cruz, the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa and their dependencies, for the surrender to the arms of the United States of the said forts, with their armaments, munitions of war, garrisons, and arms. 1. The whole garrison, or garrisons to be surrendered to the arms of the United States as prisoners of war, the 29th instant, at 10 o'clock, A. M.; the garrisons to be permitted to march out with all the honors of war, and to lay down |