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eral times, on all which occasions he was refused by Santa Anna, and the order to retire was repeated—on account of which, after the unfortunate result of the engagement, Santa Anna ordered this general to be shot for disobedience. Some assure us there is foundation for this order, for Valencia was very obstinate, and thereby caused the loss of the whole army—still, others do not think so, as, having behaved with valor, saves him from all discreditable imputations.
My opinion is, that Santa Anna should have sent Valencia reinforcements, and should have procured a victory by any means, and after that chastised him for his disobedience of orders. In this manner he would have rendered an important service to the nation, and it would have been a salutary example for generals-in-chief in future. Scott, having destroyed our best troops, the flower of the army, then proceeded with his forces and attacked the main army immediately afterwards—that is to say, those stationed at San Antonio and Churubusco and Mexicalcingo, thereby effecting in one single day the destruction of an army of more than thirty thousand men. This North American general, in a strange country, has fought us in detail and destroyed our large army, a thing which our general should have done with respect to his army.
It is now 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and the enemy has sent in an intimation allowing 48 hours for the evacuation of this city, so that their (his) troops may occupy it. Our troops which with great difficulty have been brought together, do not exceed eight or nine thousand men, with which we can do nothing, as they have lost their morale.
The companies of Bravo and Independence, with the exception of a few killed, are prisoners. Generals Salas and Gorostiza, are prisoners, as also others whose names I do not recollect. As yet I hear of the death of only Gen. Mehia, and of Frontera, Colonel of cavalry. It is also said, but not certainly, that Perdigan was killed. I have just been told that Bravo is a prisoner and also Anaya.
Mexico, Aug. 21, 1847.
J-C.—My much loved and respected friend:—The enemy made his appearance on the 12th near the Penon, which place did not appear disposed to attack, it being too well fortified, and they went around by the way of Chalco. On the 16th they made their appearance at San Augustin Tlalpam, and Valencia immediately took position on the hills of Contreras, near the town of San Angel, with his brilliant division, brought by him from San Luis Potosi, in number 6000 men, perfectly well equipped and furnished with 24 pieces of cannon. This
