Chapter XVIII: Section 4: And be it further resolved, That the President of (1)

the United States be authorized and requested to have a medal of
gold procured, with appropriate devices and inscriptions thereon,
and presented to General Taylor, in the name of the Republic, as
a tribute to his good conduct, valor, and generosity to the
vanquished.

Approved July 16, 1846.

_____

_General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army._

To Headquarters, Army of Occupation,
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Camp at Palo Alto, Texas,
Washington, D. C. May 9, 1846.

Sir: I have the honor to report that I was met near this place
yesterday, on my march from Point Isabel, by the Mexican forces,
and, after an action of about five hours, dislodged them from
their position and encamped upon the field. Our artillery
consisting of two eighteen-pounders and two light batteries, was
the arm chiefly engaged, and to the excellent manner in which it
was manoeuvred and served is our success mainly due.

The strength of the enemy is believed to have been about (p. 283)
6000 men, with seven pieces of artillery and 800 cavalry. His
loss is probably at least one hundred killed. Our strength did
not exceed, all told, twenty-three hundred, while our loss was
comparatively trifling: four men killed, three officers and
thirty-seven men wounded, several of the latter mortally. I
regret to say that Major Ringgold, 2d Artillery, and Captain
Page, 4th Infantry, are severely wounded. Lieutenant Luther, 2d
Artillery, slightly so.

The enemy has fallen back, and it is believed has repassed the
river. I have advanced parties now thrown forward in his
direction, and shall move the main body immediately.

In the haste of this report, I can only say that the officers and
men behaved in the most admirable manner throughout the action. I
shall have the pleasure of making a more detailed report when
those of the different commanders shall be received.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. A._, _commanding_.

_____

_General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army._

Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp at Resaca de la Palma, 3 miles from Matamoros,
To 10 o'clock P.M., May 9, 1846.
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honor to report that I marched with the main body
of the army at two o'clock to-day, having previously thrown
forward a body of light infantry into the forest, which covers
the Matamoros road. When near the spot where I am now encamped,
my advance discovered that a ravine crossing the road had been
occupied by the enemy with artillery. I immediately ordered a
battery of field artillery to sweep the position, flanking and
sustaining it by the 3d, 4th, and 5th regiments, deployed as
skirmishers to the right and left. A heavy fire of artillery and
of musketry was kept up for some time, until finally the enemy's
batteries were carried in succession by a squadron of dragoons
and the regiments of infantry that were on the ground. He was
soon driven from his position, and pursued by a squadron of
dragoons, battalion of artillery, 3d Infantry, and a light
battery, to the river. Our victory has been complete. Eight
pieces of artillery, with a great quantity of ammunition, three
standards, and some one hundred prisoners have been taken; among
the latter, General La Vega, and several other officers. One
general is understood to have been killed. The enemy has
recrossed the river, and I am sure will not again molest us on
this bank.

The loss of the enemy in killed has been most severe. Our (p. 284)
own has been very heavy, and I deeply regret to report that
Lieutenant Inge, 2d Dragoons, Lieutenant Cochrane, 4th Infantry,
and Lieutenant Chadbourne, 8th Infantry, were killed on the
field. Lieutenant-Colonel Payne, 4th Artillery,
Lieutenant-Colonel McIntosh, Lieutenant Dobbins, 3d Infantry;
Captain Hoe and Lieutenant Fowler, 5th Infantry; and Captain
Montgomery, Lieutenants Gates, Selden, McClay, Burbank, and
Jordan, 8th Infantry, were wounded. The extent of our loss in
killed and wounded is not yet ascertained, and is reserved for a
more detailed report.

The affair of to-day may be regarded as a proper supplement to
the cannonade of yesterday; and the two taken together, exhibit
the coolness and gallantry of our officers and men in the most
favorable light. All have done their duty, and done it nobly. It
will be my pride, in a more circumstantial report of both
actions, to dwell upon particular instances of individual
distinction.

It affords me peculiar pleasure to report that the field-work
opposite Matamoros has sustained itself handsomely during a
cannonade and bombardment of 160 hours. But the pleasure is
alloyed with profound regret at the loss of its heroic and
indomitable commander, Major Brown, who died to-day from the
effect of a shell. His loss would be a severe one to the service
at any time, but to the army under my orders it is indeed
irreparable. One officer and one non-commissioned officer killed,
and ten men wounded, comprise all the casualties incident to this
severe bombardment.

I inadvertently omitted to mention the capture of a large number
of pack-mules left in the Mexican camp.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. A._, _commanding_.

_____

_General Order Congratulating the Army._

Head Quarters, Army of Occupation,
Resaca de la Palma, May 11, 1846.

The commanding general congratulates the army under his command
upon the signal success which has crowned its recent operations
against the enemy. The coolness and steadiness of the troops
during the action of the 8th, and the brilliant impetuosity with
which the enemy's position and artillery were carried on the 9th,
have displayed the best qualities of the American soldier. To
every officer and soldier of his command, the general returns his
thanks for the noble manner in which they have sustained the
honor of the service and of the country. While the main body of
the army has been thus actively employed, the garrison left
opposite Matamoros has rendered no less distinguished service, by
sustaining a severe cannonade and bombardment for many successive
days. The army and the country, while justly rejoicing in this
triumph of our arms, will deplore the loss of many brave (p. 285)
officers and men who fell gallantly in the hour of combat.

It being necessary for the commanding general to visit Point
Isabel on public business, Colonel Twiggs will assume command of
the corps of the army near Matamoros, including the garrison of
the field-work. He will occupy the former lines of the army,
making such dispositions for defence and for the comfort of his
command as he may deem advisable. He will hold himself strictly
on the defensive until the return of the commanding general.

By order of Brig. Gen. Taylor.
W. W. BLISS, _Act. Adj. Gen._

_____

_General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army._

Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation,
To Camp near Matamoros, May 16, 1846.
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D. C.

"Sir: The main body of the Army of Occupation marched under my
immediate orders from Point Isabel on the evening of the 7th of
May, and bivouacked seven miles from that place.

"Our march was resumed the following morning. About noon, when
our advance of cavalry had reached the water-hole of 'Palo Alto,'
the Mexican troops were reported in our front, and were soon
discovered occupying the road in force. I ordered a halt upon
reaching the water, with a view to rest and refresh the men, and
to form deliberately our line of battle. The Mexican line was now
plainly visible across the prairie, and about three-quarters of a
mile distant. Their left, which was composed of a heavy force of
cavalry, occupied the road, resting upon a thicket of chapparal,
while masses of infantry were discovered in succession on the
right, greatly outnumbering our own force.

"Our line of battle was now formed in the following order,
commencing on the extreme right: 5th Infantry, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel M'Intosh; Major Ringgold's Artillery; 3d
Infantry, commanded by Captain L. N. Morris; two
eighteen-pounders, commanded by Lieutenant Churchill, 3d
Artillery; 4th Infantry, commanded by Major G. W. Allen; the 3d
and 4th regiments composed the Third Brigade, under command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Garland; and all the above corps, together
with two squadrons of dragoons, under Captains Ker and May,
composed the right wing, under the orders of Colonel Twiggs. The
left was formed by the battalion of artillery, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, Captain Duncan's Light Artillery, and
the Eighth Infantry, under Captain Montgomery; all forming the
First Brigade, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap. The
train was parked near the water, under direction of Captains
Grossman and Myers, and protected by Captain Ker's squadron.

"About 2 o'clock, we took up the march, by heads of columns, in
the direction of the enemy, the eighteen-pounder battery
following the road. While the columns were advancing, (p. 286)
Lieutenant Blake, Topographical Engineer, volunteered a
reconnoissance of the enemy's line, which was handsomely
performed, and resulted in the discovery of at least tyro
batteries of artillery in the intervals of their cavalry and
infantry. These batteries were soon opened upon us, when I
ordered the columns halted and deployed into line, and the fire
to be returned by all our artillery. The Eighth Infantry, on our
extreme left, was thrown back to secure that flank. The first
fires of the enemy did little execution, while our
eighteen-pounders and Major Ringgold's artillery soon dispersed
the cavalry which formed his left. Captain Duncan's battery,
thrown forward in advance of the line, was doing good execution
at this time. Captain May's squadron was now detached to support
that battery and the left of our position. The Mexican cavalry
with two pieces of artillery were now reported to be moving
through the chapparal to our right to threaten that flank, or
make a demonstration against the train. The Fifth Infantry was
immediately detached to check this movement, and, supported by
Lieutenant Ridgely, with a section of Major Ringgold's battery
and Captain Walker's company of volunteers, effectually repulsed
the enemy, the Fifth Infantry repelling a charge of lancers, and
the artillery doing great execution in their ranks. The Third
Infantry was now detached to the right as a still further
security to that flank, yet threatened by the enemy. Major
Ringgold, with the remaining section, kept up his fire from an
advanced position, and was supported by the Fourth Infantry.

"The grass of the prairie had been accidentally fired by our
artillery, and the volumes of smoke now partially concealed the
armies from each other. As the enemy's left had evidently been
driven back, and left the road free, the cannonade having been
suspended, I ordered forward the eighteen-pounders on the road
nearly to the position first occupied by the Mexican cavalry, and
caused the First Brigade to take up a new position still on the
left of the eighteen-pounder battery. The Fifth was advanced from
its former position and occupied a point on the extreme right of
the new line. The enemy made a change of position corresponding
to our own, and after suspension of nearly an hour the action was
resumed.

"The fire of artillery was now most destructive; openings were
constantly made through the enemy's ranks by our fire, and the
constancy with which the Mexican infantry sustained this severe
cannonade was a theme of universal remark and admiration. Captain
May's squadron was detached to make a demonstration on the left
of the enemy's position, and suffered severely from the fire of
artillery to which it was for some time exposed.

"The Fourth Infantry, which had been ordered to support the
eighteen-pounder battery, was exposed to a most galling fire of
artillery, by which several men were killed, and Captain Page
dangerously wounded. The enemy's fire was directed against our
eighteen-pounder battery, and the guns under Major Ringgold in
its vicinity. The major himself, while coolly directing the fire
of his pieces, was struck by a cannon ball and mortally wounded.

"In the mean time, the Battalion of Artillery, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, had been brought up to support the
artillery on our right. A strong demonstration of cavalry was now
made by the enemy against this part of our line, and the column
continued to advance under a severe fire from the eighteen-pounders.
The battalion was instantly formed in square, and held ready (p. 287)
ready to receive the charge of cavalry, but when the advancing
squadrons were within close range, a deadly fire of canister from
the eighteen-pounders dispersed them. A brisk fire of small-arms
was now opened upon the square, by which one officer, Lieutenant
Luther, 2d Artillery, was slightly wounded, but a well directed
volley from the front of the square silenced all further firing
from the enemy in this quarter. It was now nearly dark, and the
action was closed on the right of our line, the enemy having been
completely driven back from his position, and foiled in every
attempt against our line.

"While the above was going forward on our right, and under my own
eye, the enemy had made a serious attempt against the left of our
line. Captain Duncan instantly perceived the movement, and by a
bold and brilliant manoeuvring of his battery, completely
repulsed several successive efforts of the enemy to advance in
force upon our left flank. Supported in succession by the 8th
Infantry and Captain Ker's squadron of dragoons, he gallantly
held the enemy at bay, and finally drove him, with immense loss,
from the field. The action here and along the whole line
continued until dark, when the enemy retired into the chapparal
in rear of his position. Our army bivouacked on the ground it
occupied. During the afternoon the train had been moved forward
about half a mile, and was parked in rear of the new position.

"Our loss this day was nine killed, forty-four wounded, and two
missing. Among the wounded were Major Ringgold, who has since
died, and Captain Page dangerously wounded. Lieutenant Luther
slightly so.

"Our own force is shown by the field report to have been 177
officers and 2111 men: aggregate 2288. The Mexican force,
according to the statements of their own officers, was not less
than 6000 regular troops, with ten pieces of artillery, and
probably exceeded that number; the irregular force not known.
Their loss was not less than 200 killed and 400 wounded; probably
greater. This estimate is very moderate, and formed upon the
number actually counted upon the field, and upon the report of
their own officers.

"As already reported in my first brief despatch, the conduct of
our officers and men was everything that could be desired.
Exposed for hours to the severest trial, cannonade of artillery,
our troops displayed a coolness and constancy which gave me
throughout the assurance of victory.

"I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_Brevet Brigadier-General U.S.A._, _commanding_."

_____

_The Secretary of War to Doctor Patterson._

To War Department,
DOCTOR R. M. PATTERSON, December 9th, 1846.
Director of the United States Mint, Philadelphia.

Sir: By a resolution of Congress, approved the 16th of July last,
the President is authorized and requested to have a medal of gold
procured, with appropriate devices and inscriptions thereon, (p. 288)
and presented to General Taylor. Preliminary arrangements are
being made to carry out the object of the resolution, and as soon
as a likeness of the general can be procured, the Department will
be prepared to place the design of the medal in the hands of the
die sinker. In the meantime it is desired to know whether the
work can be executed at the Mint, under your direction, and what
measures it may be necessary to take to insure a speedy
compliance with the resolution. May I request to be furnished
with your views on the subject, with such suggestions as may
facilitate the object contemplated.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Wm. L. MARCY, _Secretary of War_.

_____

_Doctor Patterson to the Secretary of War._

To the Honorable
William L. MARCY, Mint of the United States,
Secretary of War. December 12, 1846.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 9th inst., regarding the execution of the Medal voted by
Congress to General Taylor, and asking me to present "my views on
the subject with such suggestions as may facilitate the object
contemplated."

I comply cheerfully with this request, and recommend the
following measures:

_First._ That a likeness of General Taylor be procured in
profile. A good daguerreotype would answer very well.

_Secondly._ That a medallion of the head and bust be made in wax,
on a plate of about four inches in diameter. Mr. Chapman, of New
York, would be competent to make it.

_Thirdly._ This being done, the remainder of the work required
for making the obverse die can be committed to Mr. Franklin
Peale, the chief coiner of the Mint. A cast is made from the
medallion in iron. This is used as a pattern, and a reduced copy
of it is cut in steel, by the action of an apparatus called a
portrait lathe, which we have in our possession here.

When the likeness is thus cut on the die, the legend is to be
struck in, and will consist, I presume, of the name and title,
MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.

For the reverse, I would recommend that no emblematic design
should be attempted, but that it be composed of a wreath,
enclosing the words:

RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS
JULY 16, 1846.
PALO ALTO
MAY 8, 1846.
RESACA DE LA PALMA
MAY 9, 1846.

The medal awarded General Scott presents an example of that which
is now suggested.

For the dies thus described (hardened and polished complete), (p. 289)
Mr. Peale estimates the whole cost at $600.

For the gold medal the estimate is as follows:

8 oz. fine gold at $20.67 $165.36
Striking and wastage 20.00
Case 5.00
-------
$190.36

Whole cost $790.36

May I venture to make another suggestion? It is, that besides the
medal of gold which is sent to General Taylor himself, there be a
large number of copies struck in bronze, to be distributed in
such manner as may be determined by the War Department.

In this case, it would be necessary to make _hubs_ for the
purpose of replacing the dies when injured.

Including this work Mr. Peale presents the following estimates:

500 bronze medals, at $1.50 $750
500 cases, at $1.00 500
------
$1,250

Mr. Peale asks me to present the medals which are sent with this
letter. That in bronze is for yourself, and that in silver gilt
we request you to give to the President.

They were made by the process recommended in this letter. The
medallion was modelled by Mr. Chapman. You will not fail to
observe that the head and shoulder are in too great relief, the
former to such an extent as partially to overshadow the features
of the face. This is a fault easily avoided in a new medallion.

I beg you to be assured that any services which I can render to
you in this matter are fully at your command.

Very respectfully,
Your faithful servant,
R. M. PATTERSON, _Director_.

No. 60. (p. 290) PLATE LXI.

_September 24, 1846._

Major General Zachary Taylor, [Rx]. Resolution of Congress March
2nd 1847, etc.

MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.

[_Taking of Monterey._]

MAJOR GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. Bust of General Taylor, in uniform, facing the right.

Within a wreath of oak: RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS MARCH 2nd 1847 MONTEREY SEPTEMBER 1846.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Taylor._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to
Major-General Zachary Taylor, his officers and men, for the
fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage which distinguished the
late brilliant military operations at Monterey.

_Resolved_, That the President be requested to cause to be struck
a gold medal, with devices emblematical of this splendid
achievement, and presented to General Taylor as a testimony of
the high sense entertained by Congress for his judicious and
distinguished conduct on that memorable occasion.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be further
requested to cause swords, with suitable devices, to be presented
to Major-General Butler, Major-General Henderson, and to
Brigadier-General Quitman, in testimony of the high sense
entertained by Congress of their gallantry and good conduct in
storming Monterey.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be further
requested to present a sword, with suitable devices, to the
nearest male relative of Brigadier-General Hamer, and to
communicate to him the deep regret which Congress feels for the
loss of a gallant man, whose name ought to live in the (p. 291)
recollection and affection of a grateful country.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to General
Taylor, and through him, to the army under his command.

Approved March 2d, 1847.

_____

_General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army._

Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation,
To Camp Near Monterey, October 9, 1846.
THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have now the honor to submit a detailed report of the
recent operations before Monterey, resulting in the capitulation
of that city.

The information received on the route from Seralvo, and
particularly the continual appearance in our front of the Mexican
cavalry, which had a slight skirmish with our advance at the
village of Ramas, induced the belief, as we approached Monterey,
that the enemy would defend that place. Upon reaching the
neighborhood of the city, on the morning of the 19th of
September, this belief was fully confirmed. It was ascertained
that he occupied the town in force; that a large work had been
constructed commanding all the northern approaches; and that the
Bishop's Palace, and some heights in its vicinity near the
Saltillo road, had also been fortified and occupied with troops
and artillery. It was known, from information previously
received, that the eastern approaches were commanded by several
small works in the lower edge of the city.

The configuration of the heights and gorges in the direction of
the Saltillo road, as visible from the point attained by our
advance on the morning of the 19th, led me to suspect that it was
practicable to turn all the works in that direction, and thus cut
the enemy's line of communication. After establishing my camp at
the "Walnut Springs," three miles from Monterey, the nearest
suitable position, it was, accordingly, my first care to order a
close reconnoissance of the ground in question, which was
executed on the evening of the 19th by the engineer officers,
under the direction of Major Mansfield. A reconnoissance of the
eastern approaches was at the same time made by Captain Williams,
Topographical Engineer. The examination made by Major Mansfield
proved the entire practicability of throwing forward a column to
the Saltillo road, and thus turning the position of the enemy.
Deeming this to be an operation of essential importance, orders
were given to Brevet Brigadier-General Worth, commanding the
second division, to march with his command on the 20th; to turn
the hill of the Bishop's Palace; to occupy a position on the
Saltillo road, and to carry the enemy's detached works in that
quarter, where practicable. The first regiment of Texas mounted
volunteers, under command of Colonel Hays, was associated with
the second division on this service. Captain Sanders, Engineers,
and Lieutenant Meade, Topographical Engineers, were also (p. 292)
ordered to report to General Worth for duty with his column.

At 2 o'clock P.M., on the 20th, the second division took up its
march. It was soon discovered by officers who were reconnoitering
the town, and communicated to General Worth, that its movement
had been perceived, and that the enemy was throwing
reinforcements towards the Bishop's Palace and the height which
commands it. To divert his attention as far as practicable, the
first division, under Brigadier-General Twiggs, and the field
division of volunteers, under Major-General Butler, were
displayed in front of the town until dark. Arrangements were made
at the same time to place in battery during the night, at a
suitable distance from the enemy's main work, the citadel, two
twenty-four pounder howitzers, and a ten-inch mortar, with a view
to open a fire on the following day, when I proposed to make a
diversion in favor of General Worth's movement. The 4th Infantry
covered this battery during the night. General Worth had, in the
mean time, reached and occupied for the night a defensive
position just without range of a battery above the Bishop's
Palace, having made a reconnoissance as far as the Saltillo road.

Before proceeding to report the operations of the 21st and
following days, I beg leave to state that I shall mention in
detail only those which were conducted against the eastern
extremity of the city, or elsewhere, under my immediate
direction, referring you for the particulars of General Worth's
operations, which were entirely detached, to his own full report.

Early on the morning of the 21st, I received a note from General
Worth, written at half-past nine o'clock the night before,
suggesting what I had already intended, a strong diversion
against the centre and left of the town, to favor his enterprise
against the heights in rear. The infantry and artillery of the
first division, and the field division of volunteers, were
ordered under arms and took the direction of the city, leaving
one company of each regiment as a camp guard. The 2d Dragoons,
under Lieutenant-Colonel May, and Colonel Wood's regiment of
Texas mounted volunteers, under the immediate direction of
General Henderson, were directed to the right to support General
Worth, if necessary, and to make an impression, if practicable,
upon the upper quarter of the city. Upon approaching the mortar
battery, the 1st and 3d regiments of infantry and battalion of
Baltimore and Washington volunteers, with Captain Bragg's field
battery, the whole under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Garland, were directed toward the lower part of the town, with
orders to make a strong demonstration, and carry one of the
enemy's advanced works, if it could be done without too heavy
loss. Major Mansfield, Engineers, and Captain Williams and
Lieutenant Pope, Topographical Engineers, accompanied this
column, Major Mansfield being charged with its direction and the
designation of points of attack. In the meantime the mortar,
served by Captain Ramsay, of the Ordnance, and the howitzer
battery under Captain Webster, 1st Artillery, had opened their
fire upon the citadel, which was deliberately sustained, and
answered from the work. General Butler's division had now taken
up a position in rear of this battery, when the discharges of
artillery, mingled finally with a rapid fire of small arms,
showed that Lieutenant-Colonel Garland's command had become
warmly engaged. I now deemed it necessary to support this attack,
and accordingly ordered the 4th Infantry and three regiments of
General Butler's division, to march at once by the left (p. 293)
flank in the direction of the advanced work at the lower
extremity of the town, leaving one regiment (1st Kentucky) to
cover the mortar and howitzer battery. By some mistake two
companies of the 4th Infantry did not receive this order, and
consequently did not join the advance companies until some time
afterward.

Lieutenant-Colonel Garland's command had approached the town in a
direction to the right of the advanced work (No. 1) at the
northeastern angle of the city, and the engineer officer, covered
by skirmishers, had succeeded in entering the suburbs and gaining
cover. The remainder of this command now advanced and entered the
town under a fire of artillery from the citadel and the works on
the left, and of musketry from the houses and small works in
front. A movement to the right was attempted with a view to gain
the rear of No. 1, and carry that work, but the troops were so
much exposed to a fire which they could not effectually return,
and had already sustained such severe loss, particularly in
officers, that it was deemed best to withdraw them to a more
secure position. Captain Backus, 1st Infantry, however, with a
portion of his own and other companies, had gained the roof of a
tannery, which looked directly into the gorge of No. 1, and from
which he poured a most destructive fire into that work and upon
the strong building in its rear. This fire happily coincided in
point of time with the advance of a portion of the volunteer
division upon No. 1, and contributed largely to the fall of that
strong and important work.

The three regiments of the volunteer division, under the
immediate command of Major-General Butler, had in the mean time
advanced in the direction of No. 1. The leading brigade, under
Brigadier-General Quitman, continued its advance upon that work,
preceded by three companies of the 4th Infantry, while General
Butler, with the first Ohio regiment, entered the town to the
right. The companies of the 4th Infantry had advanced within
short range of the work, when they were received by a fire that
almost, in one moment, struck down one-third of the officers and
men, and rendered it necessary to retire and effect a conjunction
with the two other companies then advancing. General Quitman's
brigade, though suffering most severely, particularly in the
Tennessee regiment, continued its advance, and finally carried
the work in handsome style, as well as the strong building in its
rear. Five pieces of artillery, a considerable supply of
ammunition, and thirty prisoners, including three officers, fell
into their hands. Major-General Butler, with the 1st Ohio
regiment, after entering the edge of the town, discovered that
nothing was to be accomplished in his front, and at this point,
yielding to the suggestions of several officers, I ordered a
retrograde movement; but learning almost immediately from one of
my staff that the battery No. 1 was in our possession, the order
was countermanded; and I determined to hold the battery and
defences already gained. General Butler, with the 1st Ohio
regiment, then entered the town at a point farther to the left,
and marched in the direction of the battery No. 2. While making
an examination, with a view to ascertain the possibility of
carrying this second work by storm, the general was wounded and
soon after compelled to quit the field. As the strength of No. 2
and the heavy musketry fire flanking the approach rendered it
impossible to carry it without great loss, the 1st Ohio regiment
was withdrawn from the town.

Fragments of the various regiments engaged were now under (p. 294)
cover of the captured battery, and some buildings in its
front, and on the right. The field batteries of Captains Bragg
and Ridgely were also partially covered by the battery. An
incessant fire was kept up on this position from battery No. 2,
and other works on its right, and from the citadel on all our
approaches. General Twiggs, though quite unwell, joined me at
this point, and was instrumental in causing the artillery
captured from the enemy to be placed in battery, and served by
Captain Ridgely against No. 2, until the arrival of Captain
Webster's howitzer battery, which took its place. In the mean
time, I directed such men as could be collected of the 1st, 3d,
and 4th regiments, and Baltimore battalion, to enter the town,
penetrating to the right, and carry the 2d battery if possible.
This command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, advanced beyond
the bridge "Purisima," when, finding it impracticable to gain the
rear of the 2d battery, a portion of it sustained themselves for
some time in that advanced position; but as no permanent
impression could be made at that point, and the main object of
the general operation had been effected, the command, including a
section of Captain Ridgely's battery, which had joined it, was
withdrawn to battery No. 1. During the absence of this column, a
demonstration of cavalry was reported in the direction of the
citadel. Captain Bragg, who was at hand, immediately galloped
with his battery to a suitable position, from which a few
discharges effectually dispersed the enemy. Captain Miller, 1st
Infantry, was dispatched with a mixed company to support the
battery on this service. The enemy's lancers had previously
charged upon the Ohio and a part of the Mississippi regiment,
near some fields at a distance from the edge of the town, and had
been repulsed with a considerable loss. A demonstration of
cavalry on the opposite side of the river was also dispersed in
the course of the afternoon by Captain Ridgely's battery, and the
squadrons returned to the city. At the approach of evening, all
the troops that had been engaged were ordered back to camp,
except Captain Ridgely's battery, and the regular infantry of the
first division, who were detailed as a guard for the works during
the night, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Garland. One
battalion of the 1st Kentucky regiment was ordered to reinforce
this command. Intrenching tools were procured, and additional
strength was given to the works, and protection to the men, by
working parties during the night, under the direction of
Lieutenant Scarritt, Engineers.

The main object proposed in the morning had been effected. A
powerful diversion had been made to favor the operations of the
2d Division, one of the enemy's advanced works had been carried,
and we now had a strong foot-hold in the town. But this had not
been accomplished without a heavy loss, embracing some of our
gallant and promising officers. Captain Williams, Topographical
Engineers, Lieutenants Terrett and Dilworth, 1st Infantry,
Lieutenant Woods, 2d Infantry, Captains Morris and Field,
Brevet-Major Barbour, Lieutenants Irwin and Hazlitt, 3d Infantry,
Lieutenant Hoskins, 4th Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Watson,
Baltimore battalion, Captain Allen and Lieutenant Putman,
Tennessee regiment, and Lieutenant Hett, Ohio regiment, were
killed, or have since died of wounds received in this engagement,
while the number and rank of the officers wounded gives
additional proof of the obstinacy of the contest, and the good
conduct of our troops. The number of killed and wounded (p. 295)
incident to the operations in the lower part of the city on the
21st is 394.

Early in the morning of this day (21st), the advance of the 2d
Division had encountered the enemy in force, and after a brief
but sharp conflict, repulsed him with heavy loss. General Worth
then succeeded in gaining a position on the Saltillo road, thus
cutting the enemy's line of communication. From this position the
two heights south of the Saltillo road were carried in
succession, and the gun taken in one of them turned upon the
Bishop's Palace. These important successes were fortunately
obtained with comparatively small loss; Captain McKavett, 8th
Infantry, being the only officer killed.

The 22d day of September passed without any active operations in
the lower part of the city. The citadel and other works continued
to fire at parties exposed to their range, and at the work now
occupied by our troops. The guard left in it the preceding night,
except Captain Ridgely's company, was relieved at midday by
General Quitman's brigade. Captain Bragg's battery was thrown
under cover in front of the town to repel any demonstration of
cavalry in that quarter. At dawn of day the height above the
Bishop's Palace was carried, and soon after meridian the palace
itself was taken, and its guns turned upon the fugitive garrison.
The object for which the 2d Division was detached had thus been
completely accomplished, and I felt confident that with a strong
force occupying the road and heights in his rear, and a good
position below the city in our possession, the enemy could not
possibly maintain the town.

During the night of the 22d the enemy evacuated nearly all his
defences in the lower part of the city. This was reported to me
early in the morning of the 23d by General Quitman, who had
already meditated an assault upon those works. I immediately sent
instructions to that officer, leaving it to his discretion, to
enter the city, covering his men by the houses and walls, and
advance carefully as far as he might deem prudent. After ordering
the remainder of the troops as a reserve, under the orders of
Brigadier-General Twiggs, I repaired to the abandoned works and
discovered that a portion of General Quitman's brigade had
entered the town, and were successfully forcing their way towards
the principal plaza. I then ordered up the 2d regiment of Texas
mounted volunteers, who entered the city dismounted, and, under
the immediate orders of General Henderson, co-operated with
General Quitman's brigade. Captain Bragg's battery was also
ordered up, supported by the 3d Infantry; and after firing for
some time at the cathedral, a portion of it was likewise thrown
into the city. Our troops advanced from house to house, and from
square to square, until they reached a street but one square in
rear of the principal plaza, in and near which the enemy's force
was mainly concentrated. This advance was conducted vigorously,
but with due caution, and although destructive to the enemy, was
attended with but small loss on our part. Captain Ridgely, in the
mean time, had served a captured piece in battery No. 1 against
the city, until the advance of our men rendered it imprudent to
fire in the direction of the cathedral. I was now satisfied that
we could operate successfully in the city, and that the enemy had
retired from the lower portion of it to make a stand behind his
barricades. As General Quitman's brigade had been on duty the
previous night, I determined to withdraw the troops to the (p. 296)
evacuated works, and concert with General Worth a combined
attack upon the town. The troops accordingly fell back
deliberately, in good order, and resumed their original
positions, General Quitman's brigade being relieved after
nightfall by that of General Hamer. On my return to camp, I met
an officer with the intelligence that General Worth, induced by
the firing in the lower part of the city, was about making an
attack at the upper extremity, which had also been evacuated by
the enemy to a considerable distance. I regretted that this
information had not reached me before leaving the city, but still
deemed it inexpedient to change my orders, and accordingly
returned to the camp. A note from General Worth written at eleven
o'clock P.M., informed me that he had advanced to within a short
distance of the principal plaza, and that the mortar (which had
been sent to his division in the morning) was doing good
execution within effective range of the enemy's position.

Desiring to make no further attempt upon the city without
complete concert as to the lines and mode of approach, I
instructed that officer to suspend his advance until I could have
an interview with him on the following morning at his
head-quarters.

Early on the morning of the 24th, I received, through Colonel
Moreno, a communication from General Ampudia, proposing to
evacuate the town; which, with the answer, were forwarded with my
first despatch. I arranged with Colonel Moreno a cessation of
fire until twelve o'clock, at which hour I would receive the
answer of the Mexican general at General Worth's head-quarters,
to which I soon repaired. In the mean time, General Ampudia had
signified to General Worth, his desire for a personal interview
with me, to which I acceded, and which finally resulted in a
capitulation, placing the town and the material of war, with
certain exceptions, in our possession. A copy of that
capitulation was transmitted with my first despatch.

Upon occupying the city, it was discovered to be of great
strength in itself, and to have its approaches carefully and
strongly fortified. The town and works were armed with forty-two
pieces of cannon, well supplied with ammunition, and manned with
a force of at least 7000 troops of the line, and from 2000 to
3000 irregulars. The force under my orders before Monterey, was
425 officers and 6220 men. Our artillery consisted of one
ten-inch mortar, two twenty-four-pounder howitzers, and four
light field batteries of four guns each; the mortar being the
only piece suitable to the operations of a siege.

Our loss is twelve officers and one hundred and eight men killed;
thirty-one officers and three hundred and thirty-seven men
wounded. That of the enemy is not known, but is believed
considerably to exceed our own.

I take pleasure in bringing to the notice of the government the
good conduct of the troops, both regulars and volunteers, which
has been conspicuous throughout the operations. I am proud to
bear testimony to their coolness and constancy in battle, and the
cheerfulness with which they have submitted to exposure and
privation. To the general officers commanding divisions,
Major-Generals Butler and Henderson, and Brigadier-Generals
Twiggs and Worth, I must express my obligations for the efficient
aid which they have rendered in their respective commands. I was
unfortunately deprived, early on the 21st, of the valuable
services of Major-General Butler, who was disabled by a wound
received in the attack on the city. Major-General Henderson,
commanding the Texan volunteers, has given me important aid (p. 297)
in the organization of the command, and its subsequent
operations. Brigadier-General Twiggs rendered important services
with his division, and as the second in command after
Major-General Butler was disabled. Brigadier-General Worth was
intrusted with an important detachment which rendered his
operations independent of my own. These operations were conducted
with ability, and crowned with complete success.

I desire also to notice Brigadier-Generals Hamer and Quitman,
commanding brigades in General Butler's division;
Lieutenant-Colonels Garland and Wilson, commanding brigades in
General Twiggs' division; Colonels Mitchell, Campbell, Davis, and
Wood, commanding the Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, and 2d Texas
regiments, respectively; and Majors Lear, Allen, and Abercrombie,
commanding the 3d, 4th, and 1st regiments of infantry; all of
whom served under my eye, and conducted their commands with
coolness and gallantry against the enemy. Colonel Mitchell,
Lieutenant-Colonel McClung, Mississippi regiment, Major Lear, 3d
Infantry, and Major Alexander, Tennessee regiment, were all
severely wounded, as were Captain Lamotte, 1st Infantry,
Lieutenant Graham, 4th Infantry, Adjutant Armstrong, Ohio
regiment, Lieutenants Scudder and Allen, Tennessee regiment, and
Lieutenant Howard, Mississippi regiment, while leading their men
against the enemy's position, on the 21st and 23d. After the fall
of Colonel Mitchell, the command of 1st Ohio regiment devolved
upon Lieutenant-Colonel Weller; that of the 3d Infantry, after
the fall of Major Lear, devolved in succession upon Captain
Bainbridge and Captain Henry, the former being also wounded. The
following named officers have been favorably noticed by their
commanders: Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, and Adjutant Heiman,
Tennessee regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel McClung, Captains Cooper
and Downing, Lieutenants Patterson, Calhoun, Moore, Russell, and
Cook, Mississippi regiment; also Sergeant-Major Hearlan,
Mississippi regiment, and Major Price, and Captain J. Smith,
unattached, but serving with it. I beg leave also to call
attention to the good conduct of Captain Johnston, Ohio regiment,
and Lieutenant Hooker, 1st Artillery, serving on the staff of
General Hamer, and of Lieutenant Nichols, 2d Artillery, on that
of General Quitman. Captains Bragg and Ridgely served with their
batteries during the operations under my own observation, and in
part under my immediate orders, and exhibited distinguished skill
and gallantry. Captain Webster, 1st Artillery, assisted by
Lieutenants Donaldson and Bowen, rendered good service with the
howitzer battery, which was much exposed to the enemy's fire on
the 21st.

From the nature of the operations, the 2d Dragoons were not
brought into action, but were usefully employed under the
direction of Lieutenant-Colonel May, as escorts, and in keeping
open our communications. The 1st Kentucky regiment was also
prevented from participating in the action of the 21st, but
rendered highly important services under Colonel Ormsby, in
covering the mortar battery, and holding in check the enemy's
cavalry during the day.

I have noticed above the officers whose conduct either fell under
my immediate eye, or is noticed only in minor reports which are
not forwarded. For further mention of individuals, I beg leave to
refer to the reports of division commanders. I fully concur in
their recommendations, and desire that they may be considered as
a part of my own report.

From the officers of my personal staff, and of the engineers, (p. 298)
topographical engineers, and ordnance, associated with me,
I have derived valuable and efficient assistance during the
operations. Colonel Whiting, assistant quartermaster-general,
Colonels Croghan and Belknap, inspector generals, Major Bliss,
assistant adjutant general, Captain Sibley, assistant
quartermaster, Captain Waggaman, commissary of subsistence,
Captain Eaton and Lieutenant Garnett, aids-de-camp, and Major
Kirby and Van Buren, pay department, served near my person, and
were ever prompt, in all situations, in the communication of my
orders and instructions. I must express my particular obligations
to Brevet-Major Mansfield and Lieutenant Scarritt, corps of
Engineers. They both rendered most important services in
reconnoitring the enemy's positions, conducting troops in attack,
and strengthening the works captured from the enemy. Major
Mansfield, though wounded on the 21st, remained on duty during
that and the following day, until confined by his wound to camp.
Captain Williams, Topographical Engineer, to my great regret and
the loss of the service, was mortally wounded while fearlessly
exposing himself in the attack of the 21st. Lieutenant Pope, of
the same corps, was active and zealous throughout the operations.
Major Munroe, chief of the Artillery, Major Craig and Captain
Ramsay, of the Ordnance, were assiduous in the performance of
their proper duties. The former superintended their mortar
service on the 22d, as particularly mentioned in the report of
General Worth, to which I also refer for the services of the
engineer and topographical officers detached with the second
division.

Surgeon Craig, medical director, was actively employed in the
important duties of his department, and the medical staff
generally were unremitting in their attentions to the numerous
wounded; their duties with the regular regiments being rendered
uncommonly arduous by the small number serving in the field.

I respectfully enclose herewith, in addition to the report of
division commanders, a field return of the force before Monterey
on the 21st of September; a return of killed, wounded and missing
during the operations, and two topographical sketches, one
exhibiting all the movements around Monterey, the other on a
large scale illustrating more particularly the operations in the
lower quarters of the city, prepared respectively by Lieutenants
Meade and Pope, Topographical Engineers.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
_Major-General U. S. A._, _commanding_.

No. 61. (p. 299) PLATE LXII.

_December 10, 1846._

Somers navis Americana. [Rx]. Pro vitis Americanorum conservatis.

LOSS OF THE UNITED STATES BRIG-OF-WAR SOMERS.

[_for Having Saved the Lives of Americans._]

SOMERS NAVIS AMERICANA. (_The American vessel Somers._) The United States brig-of-war Somers knocked down at sea. Exergue: ANTE VERA CRUZ DEC. 10{TH} 1846. (_Off Vera Cruz, December 10th, 1846._) C. C. WRIGHT. F. (_fecit_).

PRO VITIS AMERICANORUM CONSERVATIS. (_For having saved the lives of Americans._) Three men-of-war's boats, English, Spanish, and French, pulling for the Somers. Exergue: A vacant space for the name of the recipient. ENG. (_engraved_) BY C. C. WRIGHT.

I saw, in 1872, in the office of the chief clerk of the Navy Department, Washington, two small paintings of both sides of this medal. They were signed: Butterworth, pinxit.

CHARLES CUSHING WRIGHT was born in Maine in 1796. He was a bank note engraver and a die sinker, and made several medals, among others those voted to General Taylor for Buena Vista, to General Scott for Mexico, to Colonel Bliss by the State of New York, to General Taylor by the State of Louisiana, to the Volunteers in Mexico by the City of New York, and the Somers medal. He died in New York, June 7, 1854.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 300)

_Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to British, French, and Spanish Officers, etc._

_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States is hereby authorized and requested
to cause suitable gold and silver medals to be prepared and
presented to the officers and men belonging or attached to the
French, British, and Spanish ships of war in the harbor of Vera
Cruz, who so gallantly and at the imminent peril of their lives,
aided in rescuing from a watery grave many of the officers and
crew of the United States brig Somers.

Approved March 3d, 1847.

_____

_Lieutenant Semmes to Commodore M. C. Perry._

To U. S. frigate Raritan,
COMMODORE M. C. PERRY, Anton Lizardo, December 10, 1846.
Second in command, Home Squadron.

Sir: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the loss of the
U.S. brig Somers, late under my command, and of the drowning of
more than half of her crew. The details of this sad catastrophe
are briefly as follows: