entered the city, and while they were at out occupying the most important points, they were attacked by crowds of leperos, and convicts liberated by the authorities of the state and nation prior to the evacuation of the capital, together with soldiers in disguise, who had not accompanied the army, or had returned after the flight.
Escopetas were fired from half-opened doors and windows, and from the corners of the streets and alleys; and missiles of every description were thrown from the flat roofs of the houses. The Americans suffered considerably at first, from this irregular and annoying fire; Colonel Garland was badly wounded; Lieutenant Sydney Smith and several men were killed; and a number of other officers and men received severe
Puebla, must be observed here. The honor of the army, and the honor of our country, call for the best behavior on the part of all. The valiant must, to win the approbation of God and their country, be sober, orderly, and merciful. His noble brethren in arms will not be deaf to this hasty appeal from their commander and friend.
“6. Major General Quitman is appointed civil and military governor of Mexico.
“By command of Major General Scott.
The leperos of Mexico correspond, very nearly, to the lazaroni of Italian towns and cities. The number in the city of Mexico, in 1823, is estimated, in Ward’s Mexico, at 20,000. The object of these marauders appeared to be to plunder the wealthy citizens, as much as to harass the American troops. During the disturbance, a party of Mexican lancers penetrated a short distance into the city from the north, but were driven back. They were probably sent by Santa Anna, to learn whether any thing could be gained by a return with his forces. A principal reason for his liberating the convicts may have been, the hope that the Americans would be thrown into such confusion, that he would be able to drive them from the city. If he entertained such an expectation, he was very much deceived in regard to the materials of which the American army was composed.
