"So soon as I had despatched my answer, I supposed not a moment would be lost by the general, who was to attack me at all points with his eight thousand troops. I rode to the different posts, and announced to the troops the demand, the force with which it was backed, and my reply. Their response convinced me that all was safe; that a hard and bloody battle must be fought ere the great captain of Mexico could overcome my little band.

"The point of attack was San Jose, commanded by LieutenantColonel Black, with Captain Ford's company of cavalry, Captain Miller's company of 4th artillery, and four companies of his own regiment, and one hospital, the guard of which was in command of Captain Rowe, of the 9th regiment of infantry.

"A shower of bullets was constantly poured from the streets, the balconies, the house-tops, and churches, upon their devoted heads. Never did troops endure more fatigue by watching night after night, for more than thirty successive nights, nor exhibit more patience, spirit, and gallantry. Not a post of danger could present itself, but the gallant fellows were ready to fill it; not a sentinel could be shot, but another was anxious and ready to take his place. Officers and soldiers vied with each other to be honoured martyrs in their country's

cause.

This is the general character of the troops I had the honour to command, and I was confident the crown of victory would perch upon their standard when the last great effort should be made. Their bold and determined front deprived them of what they anxiously desired.

"On the 30th ultimo, General Santa Anna had established his battery bearing upon San Jose, and opened with much spirit. Having anticipated this movement, I had thrown up a traverse on the plaza, and withdrawn a twelve-pounder from Loreto, by which means I was enabled to answer his shot. Towards night his battery ceased, and on the next morning was withdrawn, together with from three to four thousand of the besieging force, to meet the reinforcements then daily expected at Pinal.

"On the 2d instant, I availed myself of some reduction of the enemy's numbers to make a sortie against certain barricades and buildings, whose fire had become very annoying. One of the expeditions was confided to Captain Small, of the 1st Pennsylvania volunteers. Passing through the walls of an entire square with fifty men, he gained a position opposite the barricade, and drove the

enemy with great loss, they leaving seventeen dead on the ground. The barricade, consisting of one hundred and fifty bales of cotton, was consumed. In this affair Captain Small and his command behaved with great gallantry, and for twenty-four hours were unceas ing in their labours in accomplishing the object, when I sent Lieutenant Laidley, of the ordnance corps, to blow up a prominent building, which was done by that excellent officer in good style, when the entire party was withdrawn, with few wounded.

"At the same time, Lieutenant Morgan, of the 14th regiment, with a detachment of marines, and Lieutenant Merrifield, of the 15th regiment, with a detachment of rifles, attempted to gain possession of certain buildings from which we were receiving a most galling fire. Lieutenant Merrifield entered the buildings; Lieutenant Morgan was not so fortunate. The enemy being present in great force, I directed him to fall back, with the loss of one man killed. On the 5th instant, Captain Herron was detached with his company to take possession of a building from which the enemy had been enfilading the plaza. This he did in a very handsome manner, and to my entire satisfaction, with only a few men wounded.

"Other minor acts of gallantry and good conduct were exhibited by officers and men at San Jose, and from Guadalupe one or two successful sorties were made upon the enemy when engaged in their daily attacks on San Jose.

"From Lieutenant-Colonel Black, the immediate commander of San Jose, and his officers, I have received the most cordial support. Colonel Black, for more than thirty days, was untiring in his efforts and zeal for the safety of that point. Officers and men were at their posts night and day, without regarding the pelting storm; and I cannot say too much in praise of the gallant colonel, his officers and men, before and during the siege."

Immediately after this gallant defence, General Lane arrived at Puebla; but ascertaining that Santa Anna had retired to Atlixco, he pushed forward for that place, leaving Colonel Childs still in command of the post he had so ably defended.

GENERAL CUSHING.

BRIGADIER-GENERAL CALEB CUSHING is a native of Newburyport, in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. He was educated at Harvard University, where he graduated in the year 1817 with very distinguished honours. He afterwards became a tutor in the University, and was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. During his connection with the University he was one of the ablest of the contributors to the North American Review. Abandoning these purely literary pursuits, he studied law, and practised in his native town till the year 1835, when he was elected a member of Congress from his native district, on the Whig ticket. He continued to be a member of the House of Representatives until the year 1843, when he was sent on the mission to China by President Tyler.

After his return he remained retired from public life until April 14th, 1847, when he was appointed brigadier-general in the army. He joined General Taylor during the summer, but was afterwards ordered to Vera Cruz. A number of important duties detained him at this place until after the capture of the Mexican capital, thus preventing him from participating in the toils and dangers of our army. His prompt discharge of every known duty, and his amiability as an officer and companion, have endeared him to all those with whom the fortune of war has placed him.

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COLONEL RILEY.

COLONEL BENNET RILEY is a native of Maryland, and served with distinction in the war of 1812. From the post of ensign of riflemen, to which he was appointed January 19th, 1813, he has risen by regular gradation to his present rank. At Contreros he led the assailing party on both days, and finally carried the work with the bayonet, in a style which has rarely been surpassed. During the whole of those eventful days, his brigade endured hardships, and performed actions, worthy of a place beside the wildest records of chivalry. General Smith thus speaks of it:

"The opportunity afforded to Colonel Riley by his position was seized by that gallant veteran with all the skill and energy for which he is distinguished. The charge of his noble brigade down the slope, in full view of friend and foe, unchecked even for a moment, until he had planted all his colours upon their farthest works, was a spectacle that animated the army to the boldest deeds."

Similar was the conduct of Colonel Riley in the battle along the aqueducts leading to the capital. He stormed some of the enemy's positions, and on the night of December 13th had arrived before the principal gate. He entered Mexico next morning, in company with the commander-in-chief, and still remains at the head of his troops in the capital.

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