Neill, adjutant of the regiment, who was wounded severely in two places from his magnanimity in attempting to capture a Mexican in stead of killing him. In full run he overtook the retreating Mexican, and placing his sword in front of him, commanded him to surrender, whereupon the Mexican drove his lance into his magnanimous adversary. As the lieutenant wheeled his horse to despatch him, another Mexican charged up and struck him with a lance. However, severely wounded as he was, in two places, he conquered one of his foes, and a corporal came up in time to settle accounts with the other. In this affair Colonel Harney had four wounded and one killed. Lieutenant Judd had one killed; and the Tennesseeans had Messrs. Fox, Long, Woodly, and one other of Captain McCown's company, whose name I could not ascertain, wounded. Mr. Young, a Texan Ranger, who was acting as guide, was also wounded slightly. Nineteen Mexicans were found dead at the bridge behind the breastwork. Colonel Harney killed fifty and wounded about the same number. The Mexican force was near 2000; Colonel Harney's about 500.

Colonel Haskell, Captains Cheatans, Foster, Snead, Lieutenant Judd and all the officers and men in the command are spoken of in the very highest terms by Colonel Harney, for their gallant conduct throughout the whole affair.

General Twiggs was appointed governor of the city of Vera Cruz and castle of San Juan de Ulloa, and under his energetic government, order and tranquillity were soon established. General Scott used every means in his power to conciliate the inhabitants, and inspire them with friendly feelings toward the Americans. After the capitulation he requested a personal interview with those of the garrison, who had distinguished themselves in the defence, and after complimenting them highly for their bravery, he dismissed them without parole. With the same object in view, he issued the following proclamation.

MAJOR-GENERAL Scott, General-in-chief of the armies of the United States of America, to the good people of Mexico.

"Mexicans!—At the head of a powerful army soon to be doubled, a part of which is advancing upon your capital-and with another army with Major-General Taylor, in march from Saltillo toward San Luis Potosi-I think myself called upon to address you.

Mexicans!-Americans are not your enemies, but the enemies for a time, of those men who, a year ago misgoverned you, and brought about this unnatural war between two great republics. We are the friends of the peaceful inhabitants of the country we occupy, and the friends of your holy religion, its hierarchy and its priesthood. The same church is found in all parts of our own country, crowded with devout Catholics, and respected by our government, laws and people.

For the church of Mexico, the unoffending inhabitants of the country, and their property, I have from the first done everything in my power to place them under the safeguard of martial law, against the few bad men in this army.

My orders, to that effect, known to all, are precise and rigorous. Under them several Americans have already been punished by fine, for the benefit of Mexicans, besides imprisonment, and one for a rape, has been hung by the neck.

Is this not a proof of good faith and energetic discipline? Other proofs shall be given as often as injuries to Mexicans may be detected.

On the other hand, injuries committed by individuals or parties of Mexico not belonging to the public forces, upon individuals, small parties, trains of wagons and teams, or of pack mules, or any other persons or property belonging to this army, contrary to the laws of war, shall be punished with rigor; or if the particular offenders be not delivered up to the Mexican authorities, the punishment shall fall upon entire cities, towns or neighborhoods.

Let, then, all good Mexicans remain at home, or at their peaceful occupation; but they are invited to bring in for sale, horses, mules, beef, cattle, corn, barley, wheat, flour for bread, and vegetables; cash will be paid for every thing this army may take or purchase, and protection will be given to all sellers. The Americans are strong enough to offer these assurances, which should Mexicans wisely accept, this war may soon be happily ended, to the honor and advantage of both belligerents. Then the Americans having converted enemies into friends, will be happy to take leave of Mexico and return to their own country."

After the capitulation every thing remained quiet in the city, until the commencement of June, when the movements of Santa Anna,

seemed to indicate an intended attack upon it. The designs of the dictator were however unknown, but it was more probable that he would direct his attention more to the defence of the capital, than to an assault on an impregnable city.

On the 21st of March a detachment of Commodore Perry's fleet, under Captain Hunter, appeared before the town of Alvarado, and demanded its surrender. Notwithstanding the many advantages of the garrison, the demand was complied with, and the town capitulated without firing a gun. The lieutenant was subsequently called to account, and censured for having exceeded his authority and disobeyed orders in this affair. His punishment was a dismissal from the squadron, then actively engaged before the enemy.