Sketches of the campaign in northern Mexico : in eighteen hundred forty-six and seven / by an officer of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers.

THE CITY EVACUATED BY THE MEXICANS. 213
During the protracted conference of the 24th, and indeed
until the morning of the 25th, we remained under arms.
Pending the negotiation, many citizens came over to our
lines, and offered themselves as prisoners of war. We
declined to be troubled with them, and they joyfully scattered through the surrounding country, as gladl, apparently,
to leave the city as we were to enter it. Large parties of all
ages passed quietly under our guns in the direction of Gaudeloupe, a picturesque village that showed its scattered roofs in
the valley before the city, on the road to Victoria. Others
fording the river behind the town, escaped into the rugged
fastnesses of the Sierra. On the 25th, we took possession of
the citadel, and became masters of the city. A large quantity of ammunition, upward of forty pieces of artillery, and
a considerable amount of tobacco, clothing, and other public
stores fell into our hands. Thus within a week after our
arrival before MIonterey, the more numerous Mexican army
bad been forced into a disgraceful capitulation, and driven
beyond the Sierra Madre, north of which no standard now
floated but that of the United States.
column of the enemy, commanded by General Smith. Our forces struck their flag,
a salute sounded from the ordnance, and our banner fell degraded. The victors
took possession of the fortress, and in hoisting their standard hailed it with hurras
of delight, while we were overwhelmed with humiliation and grief. Our forces
were lodged in the eastern part of the city, not having saved more than their personal effects and six pieces of artillery.
" Thus terminated the defbnse of Monterey. The simple relation of events will
excuse us from all commentary. The judgment of the sensible part of' the nation
will approve this course. * * * * Our generals, with the exception of those
we have honorably mentioned, suffered in the contempt of their enemies a severe
chastisement, probably deserved. When the difficulties of a cotemporary description are removed, the impartial pen of the historian, referring to these transactions, will reveal some names to infamy." —Notesfor the:History of the lar.