Stories of the War of 1812, and the Mexican WarAnonymous
History
Stories of the War of 1812, and the Mexican War
Anonymous
Mexican War, 1846-1848; United States -- History -- War of 1812
Thus General Worth was victorious in
every part of the field, and the enemy were in flight. But the victory
was purchased by the loss of one half of the division. The loss of the
Mexicans in killed, wounded and prisoners was immense.
[Illustration: DUNCAN, AT MOLINO DEL REY.]
[Illustration: CANNONADE AND BOMBARDMENT OF CHAPULTEPEC.]
[Illustration]
STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC.
By the capture of Molino del Rey, and the adjacent works, the castle
of Chapultepec was exposed to attack upon two sides, and General
Scott hastened to form his plan for the storming of it and the gates
of the capital. On the 12th of September, the batteries opened upon
the castle, and with such effect that Santa Anna was prevented from
throwing reinforcements into it. The Mexicans returned the fire, but
as they were not equal to the Americans in gunnery, they did very
little damage. On the 13th, the assault was made. General Quitman,
with one division, advanced upon the northeast side, while General
Pillow, with another division, assailed the height on the west. The
castle was garrisoned by picked troops, well supplied with artillery,
and commanded by the veteran, General Bravo. A determined defence
was therefore expected, and the Americans nerved themselves for it.
Pillow’s troops dashed up the rocky height amid a heavy and
destructive fire from the enemy, and so rapid was the assault that the
Mexicans were driven from post to post, until they had no chance to
fire their mines. General Pillow fell, severely wounded, and General
Cadwalader assumed the command of his division. Ladders were prepared,
the walls of the castle mounted, and the American flag planted upon
them. In the meantime, General Quitman advanced upon the opposite side,
defeated a large detachment of the enemy, and forced his way up the
height, with a rapidity and valor equal to that of the other division.
A portion of his troops arrived in time to storm the walls, and enter
side by side with Pillow’s troops. The Mexicans fought bravely,
even after the Americans had entered the fort. Few of them asked for
quarter, and fewer obtained it; as the victors were exasperated at the
cruelties of the Mexicans at Molino del Rey. A great many prisoners
were taken, and among others, General Bravo. Thus this fine castle,
which the Mexicans had looked upon as impregnable, fell into the hands
of the troops, whose progress no obstacle could check.
[Illustration: STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC.]
[Illustration]
[Illustration: QUITMAN, AT THE BELEN GATE.]
CAPTURE OF THE CITY OF MEXICO.
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