we have entered the city and have a clear road to the plaza. My instructions were to penetrate as far as the Alameda; but owing to the darkness we will establish ourselves where we are, and march on by daylight."
The aide delayed a moment.
"General Quitman forced the Belen gate shortly after one o'clock, general," he said. "But he has been held fast ever since, unable to advance by reason of batteries opposing him. My congratulations to you, sir."
"He was simply to threaten the gate, I understood."
"I had the honor of bearing him those very instructions," laughed the aide; "with the commander-in-chief's compliments. But before I had delivered the message he snapped: 'Tell General Scott I have no time to listen to compliments,' and on he went."
"Well, sir," General Worth responded, "you will please inform Major-General Scott that there is nothing to obstruct my command in a forward movement to the plaza at daybreak."
The Colonel Riley brigade, of the Fourth Artillery, Second and Seventh Infantry, and Taylor's battery, from the Second Division, marched in. This night the Fourth Infantry was quartered in a large house on the main street from the gateway. The men reveled in the luxury of soft beds, thick carpets, and rich food. They searched the rooms for money but found none; and they did nothing worse than pillage a pantry of sweet preserves.
