D. Parker to R. M. Patterson.

War Department.
Washington, D. C., Sep. 21, 1842.
R. M. Patterson, Esq.,
Director of the Mint, Philadelphia.

Sir: In answer to your letter of the 17th instant, in the absence of the Secretary of War, I have to state that $2,500 was appropriated during the last session of Congress for making medals bearing the head of the President, to be given to Indian chiefs. Of this $50 was paid to Mr. Pettrich, and a requisition has this day been made in your favor for $1,500, which the Treasury Department is requested to remit to you as early as practicable.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. Parker, Chief Clerk.

Plate 059b

Plate 059a

Plate 060b

Plate 060a

Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Taylor.

Resolved unanimously by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered to Major-General Zachary Taylor, commanding the army of occupation, his officers and men, for the fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage, which have distinguished the recent brilliant operations on the Rio Grande.

Section 2. And be it further resolved, That Congress sincerely sympathize with the relatives and friends of the officers and soldiers of the army of the United States who so bravely fell in the service of their country on the Rio Grande.

Section 3. And be it further resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to General Taylor, and through him to the army under his command.

Section 4. And be it further resolved, That the President of the United States be authorized and requested to have a medal of gold procured, with appropriate devices and inscriptions thereon, and presented to General Taylor, in the name of the Republic, as a tribute to his good conduct, valor, and generosity to the vanquished.

Approved July 16, 1846.

General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

Headquarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp at Palo Alto, Texas,
May 9, 1846.
To
The Adjutant-General of the Army,
Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honor to report that I was met near this place yesterday, on my march from Point Isabel, by the Mexican forces, and, after an action of about five hours, dislodged them from their position and encamped upon the field. Our artillery consisting of two eighteen-pounders and two light batteries, was the arm chiefly engaged, and to the excellent manner in which it was manœuvred and served is our success mainly due.

The strength of the enemy is believed to have been about 6000 men, with seven pieces of artillery and 800 cavalry. His loss is probably at least one hundred killed. Our strength did not exceed, all told, twenty-three hundred, while our loss was comparatively trifling: four men killed, three officers and thirty-seven men wounded, several of the latter mortally. I regret to say that Major Ringgold, 2d Artillery, and Captain Page, 4th Infantry, are severely wounded. Lieutenant Luther, 2d Artillery, slightly so.

The enemy has fallen back, and it is believed has repassed the river. I have advanced parties now thrown forward in his direction, and shall move the main body immediately.

In the haste of this report, I can only say that the officers and men behaved in the most admirable manner throughout the action. I shall have the pleasure of making a more detailed report when those of the different commanders shall be received.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. A., commanding.

General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp at Resaca de la Palma, 3 miles from Matamoros,
10 o'clock p.m., May 9, 1846.
To
The Adjutant-General of the Army,
Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honor to report that I marched with the main body of the army at two o'clock to-day, having previously thrown forward a body of light infantry into the forest, which covers the Matamoros road. When near the spot where I am now encamped, my advance discovered that a ravine crossing the road had been occupied by the enemy with artillery. I immediately ordered a battery of field artillery to sweep the position, flanking and sustaining it by the 3d, 4th, and 5th regiments, deployed as skirmishers to the right and left. A heavy fire of artillery and of musketry was kept up for some time, until finally the enemy's batteries were carried in succession by a squadron of dragoons and the regiments of infantry that were on the ground. He was soon driven from his position, and pursued by a squadron of dragoons, battalion of artillery, 3d Infantry, and a light battery, to the river. Our victory has been complete. Eight pieces of artillery, with a great quantity of ammunition, three standards, and some one hundred prisoners have been taken; among the latter, General La Vega, and several other officers. One general is understood to have been killed. The enemy has recrossed the river, and I am sure will not again molest us on this bank.

The loss of the enemy in killed has been most severe. Our own has been very heavy, and I deeply regret to report that Lieutenant Inge, 2d Dragoons, Lieutenant Cochrane, 4th Infantry, and Lieutenant Chadbourne, 8th Infantry, were killed on the field. Lieutenant-Colonel Payne, 4th Artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel McIntosh, Lieutenant Dobbins, 3d Infantry; Captain Hoe and Lieutenant Fowler, 5th Infantry; and Captain Montgomery, Lieutenants Gates, Selden, McClay, Burbank, and Jordan, 8th Infantry, were wounded. The extent of our loss in killed and wounded is not yet ascertained, and is reserved for a more detailed report.

The affair of to-day may be regarded as a proper supplement to the cannonade of yesterday; and the two taken together, exhibit the coolness and gallantry of our officers and men in the most favorable light. All have done their duty, and done it nobly. It will be my pride, in a more circumstantial report of both actions, to dwell upon particular instances of individual distinction.

It affords me peculiar pleasure to report that the field-work opposite Matamoros has sustained itself handsomely during a cannonade and bombardment of 160 hours. But the pleasure is alloyed with profound regret at the loss of its heroic and indomitable commander, Major Brown, who died to-day from the effect of a shell. His loss would be a severe one to the service at any time, but to the army under my orders it is indeed irreparable. One officer and one non-commissioned officer killed, and ten men wounded, comprise all the casualties incident to this severe bombardment.

I inadvertently omitted to mention the capture of a large number of pack-mules left in the Mexican camp.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. Taylor,
Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. A., commanding.

General Order Congratulating the Army.

Head Quarters, Army of Occupation,
Resaca de la Palma, May 11, 1846.

The commanding general congratulates the army under his command upon the signal success which has crowned its recent operations against the enemy. The coolness and steadiness of the troops during the action of the 8th, and the brilliant impetuosity with which the enemy's position and artillery were carried on the 9th, have displayed the best qualities of the American soldier. To every officer and soldier of his command, the general returns his thanks for the noble manner in which they have sustained the honor of the service and of the country. While the main body of the army has been thus actively employed, the garrison left opposite Matamoros has rendered no less distinguished service, by sustaining a severe cannonade and bombardment for many successive days. The army and the country, while justly rejoicing in this triumph of our arms, will deplore the loss of many brave officers and men who fell gallantly in the hour of combat.

It being necessary for the commanding general to visit Point Isabel on public business, Colonel Twiggs will assume command of the corps of the army near Matamoros, including the garrison of the field-work. He will occupy the former lines of the army, making such dispositions for defence and for the comfort of his command as he may deem advisable. He will hold himself strictly on the defensive until the return of the commanding general.

By order of Brig. Gen. Taylor.

W. W. Bliss, Act. Adj. Gen.

General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp near Matamoros, May 16, 1846.
To
The Adjutant-General of the Army,
Washington, D. C.

"Sir: The main body of the Army of Occupation marched under my immediate orders from Point Isabel on the evening of the 7th of May, and bivouacked seven miles from that place.

"Our march was resumed the following morning. About noon, when our advance of cavalry had reached the water-hole of 'Palo Alto,' the Mexican troops were reported in our front, and were soon discovered occupying the road in force. I ordered a halt upon reaching the water, with a view to rest and refresh the men, and to form deliberately our line of battle. The Mexican line was now plainly visible across the prairie, and about three-quarters of a mile distant. Their left, which was composed of a heavy force of cavalry, occupied the road, resting upon a thicket of chapparal, while masses of infantry were discovered in succession on the right, greatly outnumbering our own force.

"Our line of battle was now formed in the following order, commencing on the extreme right: 5th Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel M'Intosh; Major Ringgold's Artillery; 3d Infantry, commanded by Captain L. N. Morris; two eighteen-pounders, commanded by Lieutenant Churchill, 3d Artillery; 4th Infantry, commanded by Major G. W. Allen; the 3d and 4th regiments composed the Third Brigade, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Garland; and all the above corps, together with two squadrons of dragoons, under Captains Ker and May, composed the right wing, under the orders of Colonel Twiggs. The left was formed by the battalion of artillery, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, Captain Duncan's Light Artillery, and the Eighth Infantry, under Captain Montgomery; all forming the First Brigade, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap. The train was parked near the water, under direction of Captains Grossman and Myers, and protected by Captain Ker's squadron.

"About 2 o'clock, we took up the march, by heads of columns, in the direction of the enemy, the eighteen-pounder battery following the road. While the columns were advancing, Lieutenant Blake, Topographical Engineer, volunteered a reconnoissance of the enemy's line, which was handsomely performed, and resulted in the discovery of at least tyro batteries of artillery in the intervals of their cavalry and infantry. These batteries were soon opened upon us, when I ordered the columns halted and deployed into line, and the fire to be returned by all our artillery. The Eighth Infantry, on our extreme left, was thrown back to secure that flank. The first fires of the enemy did little execution, while our eighteen-pounders and Major Ringgold's artillery soon dispersed the cavalry which formed his left. Captain Duncan's battery, thrown forward in advance of the line, was doing good execution at this time. Captain May's squadron was now detached to support that battery and the left of our position. The Mexican cavalry with two pieces of artillery were now reported to be moving through the chapparal to our right to threaten that flank, or make a demonstration against the train. The Fifth Infantry was immediately detached to check this movement, and, supported by Lieutenant Ridgely, with a section of Major Ringgold's battery and Captain Walker's company of volunteers, effectually repulsed the enemy, the Fifth Infantry repelling a charge of lancers, and the artillery doing great execution in their ranks. The Third Infantry was now detached to the right as a still further security to that flank, yet threatened by the enemy. Major Ringgold, with the remaining section, kept up his fire from an advanced position, and was supported by the Fourth Infantry.

"The grass of the prairie had been accidentally fired by our artillery, and the volumes of smoke now partially concealed the armies from each other. As the enemy's left had evidently been driven back, and left the road free, the cannonade having been suspended, I ordered forward the eighteen-pounders on the road nearly to the position first occupied by the Mexican cavalry, and caused the First Brigade to take up a new position still on the left of the eighteen-pounder battery. The Fifth was advanced from its former position and occupied a point on the extreme right of the new line. The enemy made a change of position corresponding to our own, and after suspension of nearly an hour the action was resumed.

"The fire of artillery was now most destructive; openings were constantly made through the enemy's ranks by our fire, and the constancy with which the Mexican infantry sustained this severe cannonade was a theme of universal remark and admiration. Captain May's squadron was detached to make a demonstration on the left of the enemy's position, and suffered severely from the fire of artillery to which it was for some time exposed.

"The Fourth Infantry, which had been ordered to support the eighteen-pounder battery, was exposed to a most galling fire of artillery, by which several men were killed, and Captain Page dangerously wounded. The enemy's fire was directed against our eighteen-pounder battery, and the guns under Major Ringgold in its vicinity. The major himself, while coolly directing the fire of his pieces, was struck by a cannon ball and mortally wounded.

"In the mean time, the Battalion of Artillery, under Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, had been brought up to support the artillery on our right. A strong demonstration of cavalry was now made by the enemy against this part of our line, and the column continued to advance under a severe fire from the eighteen-pounders. The battalion was instantly formed in square, and held ready to receive the charge of cavalry, but when the advancing squadrons were within close range, a deadly fire of canister from the eighteen-pounders dispersed them. A brisk fire of small-arms was now opened upon the square, by which one officer, Lieutenant Luther, 2d Artillery, was slightly wounded, but a well directed volley from the front of the square silenced all further firing from the enemy in this quarter. It was now nearly dark, and the action was closed on the right of our line, the enemy having been completely driven back from his position, and foiled in every attempt against our line.

"While the above was going forward on our right, and under my own eye, the enemy had made a serious attempt against the left of our line. Captain Duncan instantly perceived the movement, and by a bold and brilliant manœuvring of his battery, completely repulsed several successive efforts of the enemy to advance in force upon our left flank. Supported in succession by the 8th Infantry and Captain Ker's squadron of dragoons, he gallantly held the enemy at bay, and finally drove him, with immense loss, from the field. The action here and along the whole line continued until dark, when the enemy retired into the chapparal in rear of his position. Our army bivouacked on the ground it occupied. During the afternoon the train had been moved forward about half a mile, and was parked in rear of the new position.

"Our loss this day was nine killed, forty-four wounded, and two missing. Among the wounded were Major Ringgold, who has since died, and Captain Page dangerously wounded. Lieutenant Luther slightly so.

"Our own force is shown by the field report to have been 177 officers and 2111 men: aggregate 2288. The Mexican force, according to the statements of their own officers, was not less than 6000 regular troops, with ten pieces of artillery, and probably exceeded that number; the irregular force not known. Their loss was not less than 200 killed and 400 wounded; probably greater. This estimate is very moderate, and formed upon the number actually counted upon the field, and upon the report of their own officers.

"As already reported in my first brief despatch, the conduct of our officers and men was everything that could be desired. Exposed for hours to the severest trial, cannonade of artillery, our troops displayed a coolness and constancy which gave me throughout the assurance of victory.

"I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"Z. Taylor,
"Brevet Brigadier-General U.S.A., commanding."

The Secretary of War to Doctor Patterson.

War Department,
December 9th, 1846.
To
Doctor R. M. Patterson,
Director of the United States Mint, Philadelphia.

Sir: By a resolution of Congress, approved the 16th of July last, the President is authorized and requested to have a medal of gold procured, with appropriate devices and inscriptions thereon, and presented to General Taylor. Preliminary arrangements are being made to carry out the object of the resolution, and as soon as a likeness of the general can be procured, the Department will be prepared to place the design of the medal in the hands of the die sinker. In the meantime it is desired to know whether the work can be executed at the Mint, under your direction, and what measures it may be necessary to take to insure a speedy compliance with the resolution. May I request to be furnished with your views on the subject, with such suggestions as may facilitate the object contemplated.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Wm. L. Marcy, Secretary of War.

Doctor Patterson to the Secretary of War.

Mint of the United States,
December 12, 1846.
To the Honorable
William L. Marcy,
Secretary of War.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th inst., regarding the execution of the Medal voted by Congress to General Taylor, and asking me to present "my views on the subject with such suggestions as may facilitate the object contemplated."

I comply cheerfully with this request, and recommend the following measures:

First. That a likeness of General Taylor be procured in profile. A good daguerreotype would answer very well.

Secondly. That a medallion of the head and bust be made in wax, on a plate of about four inches in diameter. Mr. Chapman, of New York, would be competent to make it.

Thirdly. This being done, the remainder of the work required for making the obverse die can be committed to Mr. Franklin Peale, the chief coiner of the Mint. A cast is made from the medallion in iron. This is used as a pattern, and a reduced copy of it is cut in steel, by the action of an apparatus called a portrait lathe, which we have in our possession here.

When the likeness is thus cut on the die, the legend is to be struck in, and will consist, I presume, of the name and title, Major-General Zachary Taylor.

For the reverse, I would recommend that no emblematic design should be attempted, but that it be composed of a wreath, enclosing the words:

Resolution of Congress
July 16, 1846.
Palo Alto
May 8, 1846.
Resaca de la Palma
May 9, 1846.

The medal awarded General Scott presents an example of that which is now suggested.

For the dies thus described (hardened and polished complete), Mr. Peale estimates the whole cost at $600.

For the gold medal the estimate is as follows:

8 oz. fine gold at $20.67	$165.36
Striking and wastage	20.00
Case	5.00
	———
	$190.36
Whole cost	$790.36

May I venture to make another suggestion? It is, that besides the medal of gold which is sent to General Taylor himself, there be a large number of copies struck in bronze, to be distributed in such manner as may be determined by the War Department.

In this case, it would be necessary to make hubs for the purpose of replacing the dies when injured.

Including this work Mr. Peale presents the following estimates:

500 bronze medals, at $1.50	$750
500 cases, at $1.00	500
	——
	$1,250

Mr. Peale asks me to present the medals which are sent with this letter. That in bronze is for yourself, and that in silver gilt we request you to give to the President.

They were made by the process recommended in this letter. The medallion was modelled by Mr. Chapman. You will not fail to observe that the head and shoulder are in too great relief, the former to such an extent as partially to overshadow the features of the face. This is a fault easily avoided in a new medallion.

I beg you to be assured that any services which I can render to you in this matter are fully at your command.

Very respectfully,
Your faithful servant,
R. M. Patterson, Director.

Plate 061b

Plate 061a

Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Taylor.

Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to Major-General Zachary Taylor, his officers and men, for the fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage which distinguished the late brilliant military operations at Monterey.

Resolved, That the President be requested to cause to be struck a gold medal, with devices emblematical of this splendid achievement, and presented to General Taylor as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress for his judicious and distinguished conduct on that memorable occasion.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be further requested to cause swords, with suitable devices, to be presented to Major-General Butler, Major-General Henderson, and to Brigadier-General Quitman, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of their gallantry and good conduct in storming Monterey.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be further requested to present a sword, with suitable devices, to the nearest male relative of Brigadier-General Hamer, and to communicate to him the deep regret which Congress feels for the loss of a gallant man, whose name ought to live in the recollection and affection of a grateful country.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to General Taylor, and through him, to the army under his command.

Approved March 2d, 1847.

General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation,
Camp Near Monterey, October 9, 1846.
To
The Adjutant-General of the Army,
Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have now the honor to submit a detailed report of the recent operations before Monterey, resulting in the capitulation of that city.

The information received on the route from Seralvo, and particularly the continual appearance in our front of the Mexican cavalry, which had a slight skirmish with our advance at the village of Ramas, induced the belief, as we approached Monterey, that the enemy would defend that place. Upon reaching the neighborhood of the city, on the morning of the 19th of September, this belief was fully confirmed. It was ascertained that he occupied the town in force; that a large work had been constructed commanding all the northern approaches; and that the Bishop's Palace, and some heights in its vicinity near the Saltillo road, had also been fortified and occupied with troops and artillery. It was known, from information previously received, that the eastern approaches were commanded by several small works in the lower edge of the city.

The configuration of the heights and gorges in the direction of the Saltillo road, as visible from the point attained by our advance on the morning of the 19th, led me to suspect that it was practicable to turn all the works in that direction, and thus cut the enemy's line of communication. After establishing my camp at the "Walnut Springs," three miles from Monterey, the nearest suitable position, it was, accordingly, my first care to order a close reconnoissance of the ground in question, which was executed on the evening of the 19th by the engineer officers, under the direction of Major Mansfield. A reconnoissance of the eastern approaches was at the same time made by Captain Williams, Topographical Engineer. The examination made by Major Mansfield proved the entire practicability of throwing forward a column to the Saltillo road, and thus turning the position of the enemy. Deeming this to be an operation of essential importance, orders were given to Brevet Brigadier-General Worth, commanding the second division, to march with his command on the 20th; to turn the hill of the Bishop's Palace; to occupy a position on the Saltillo road, and to carry the enemy's detached works in that quarter, where practicable. The first regiment of Texas mounted volunteers, under command of Colonel Hays, was associated with the second division on this service. Captain Sanders, Engineers, and Lieutenant Meade, Topographical Engineers, were also ordered to report to General Worth for duty with his column.

At 2 o'clock p.m., on the 20th, the second division took up its march. It was soon discovered by officers who were reconnoitering the town, and communicated to General Worth, that its movement had been perceived, and that the enemy was throwing reinforcements towards the Bishop's Palace and the height which commands it. To divert his attention as far as practicable, the first division, under Brigadier-General Twiggs, and the field division of volunteers, under Major-General Butler, were displayed in front of the town until dark. Arrangements were made at the same time to place in battery during the night, at a suitable distance from the enemy's main work, the citadel, two twenty-four pounder howitzers, and a ten-inch mortar, with a view to open a fire on the following day, when I proposed to make a diversion in favor of General Worth's movement. The 4th Infantry covered this battery during the night. General Worth had, in the mean time, reached and occupied for the night a defensive position just without range of a battery above the Bishop's Palace, having made a reconnoissance as far as the Saltillo road.

Before proceeding to report the operations of the 21st and following days, I beg leave to state that I shall mention in detail only those which were conducted against the eastern extremity of the city, or elsewhere, under my immediate direction, referring you for the particulars of General Worth's operations, which were entirely detached, to his own full report.

Early on the morning of the 21st, I received a note from General Worth, written at half-past nine o'clock the night before, suggesting what I had already intended, a strong diversion against the centre and left of the town, to favor his enterprise against the heights in rear. The infantry and artillery of the first division, and the field division of volunteers, were ordered under arms and took the direction of the city, leaving one company of each regiment as a camp guard. The 2d Dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel May, and Colonel Wood's regiment of Texas mounted volunteers, under the immediate direction of General Henderson, were directed to the right to support General Worth, if necessary, and to make an impression, if practicable, upon the upper quarter of the city. Upon approaching the mortar battery, the 1st and 3d regiments of infantry and battalion of Baltimore and Washington volunteers, with Captain Bragg's field battery, the whole under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, were directed toward the lower part of the town, with orders to make a strong demonstration, and carry one of the enemy's advanced works, if it could be done without too heavy loss. Major Mansfield, Engineers, and Captain Williams and Lieutenant Pope, Topographical Engineers, accompanied this column, Major Mansfield being charged with its direction and the designation of points of attack. In the meantime the mortar, served by Captain Ramsay, of the Ordnance, and the howitzer battery under Captain Webster, 1st Artillery, had opened their fire upon the citadel, which was deliberately sustained, and answered from the work. General Butler's division had now taken up a position in rear of this battery, when the discharges of artillery, mingled finally with a rapid fire of small arms, showed that Lieutenant-Colonel Garland's command had become warmly engaged. I now deemed it necessary to support this attack, and accordingly ordered the 4th Infantry and three regiments of General Butler's division, to march at once by the left flank in the direction of the advanced work at the lower extremity of the town, leaving one regiment (1st Kentucky) to cover the mortar and howitzer battery. By some mistake two companies of the 4th Infantry did not receive this order, and consequently did not join the advance companies until some time afterward.

Lieutenant-Colonel Garland's command had approached the town in a direction to the right of the advanced work (No. 1) at the northeastern angle of the city, and the engineer officer, covered by skirmishers, had succeeded in entering the suburbs and gaining cover. The remainder of this command now advanced and entered the town under a fire of artillery from the citadel and the works on the left, and of musketry from the houses and small works in front. A movement to the right was attempted with a view to gain the rear of No. 1, and carry that work, but the troops were so much exposed to a fire which they could not effectually return, and had already sustained such severe loss, particularly in officers, that it was deemed best to withdraw them to a more secure position. Captain Backus, 1st Infantry, however, with a portion of his own and other companies, had gained the roof of a tannery, which looked directly into the gorge of No. 1, and from which he poured a most destructive fire into that work and upon the strong building in its rear. This fire happily coincided in point of time with the advance of a portion of the volunteer division upon No. 1, and contributed largely to the fall of that strong and important work.

The three regiments of the volunteer division, under the immediate command of Major-General Butler, had in the mean time advanced in the direction of No. 1. The leading brigade, under Brigadier-General Quitman, continued its advance upon that work, preceded by three companies of the 4th Infantry, while General Butler, with the first Ohio regiment, entered the town to the right. The companies of the 4th Infantry had advanced within short range of the work, when they were received by a fire that almost, in one moment, struck down one-third of the officers and men, and rendered it necessary to retire and effect a conjunction with the two other companies then advancing. General Quitman's brigade, though suffering most severely, particularly in the Tennessee regiment, continued its advance, and finally carried the work in handsome style, as well as the strong building in its rear. Five pieces of artillery, a considerable supply of ammunition, and thirty prisoners, including three officers, fell into their hands. Major-General Butler, with the 1st Ohio regiment, after entering the edge of the town, discovered that nothing was to be accomplished in his front, and at this point, yielding to the suggestions of several officers, I ordered a retrograde movement; but learning almost immediately from one of my staff that the battery No. 1 was in our possession, the order was countermanded; and I determined to hold the battery and defences already gained. General Butler, with the 1st Ohio regiment, then entered the town at a point farther to the left, and marched in the direction of the battery No. 2. While making an examination, with a view to ascertain the possibility of carrying this second work by storm, the general was wounded and soon after compelled to quit the field. As the strength of No. 2 and the heavy musketry fire flanking the approach rendered it impossible to carry it without great loss, the 1st Ohio regiment was withdrawn from the town.

Fragments of the various regiments engaged were now under cover of the captured battery, and some buildings in its front, and on the right. The field batteries of Captains Bragg and Ridgely were also partially covered by the battery. An incessant fire was kept up on this position from battery No. 2, and other works on its right, and from the citadel on all our approaches. General Twiggs, though quite unwell, joined me at this point, and was instrumental in causing the artillery captured from the enemy to be placed in battery, and served by Captain Ridgely against No. 2, until the arrival of Captain Webster's howitzer battery, which took its place. In the mean time, I directed such men as could be collected of the 1st, 3d, and 4th regiments, and Baltimore battalion, to enter the town, penetrating to the right, and carry the 2d battery if possible. This command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, advanced beyond the bridge "Purisima," when, finding it impracticable to gain the rear of the 2d battery, a portion of it sustained themselves for some time in that advanced position; but as no permanent impression could be made at that point, and the main object of the general operation had been effected, the command, including a section of Captain Ridgely's battery, which had joined it, was withdrawn to battery No. 1. During the absence of this column, a demonstration of cavalry was reported in the direction of the citadel. Captain Bragg, who was at hand, immediately galloped with his battery to a suitable position, from which a few discharges effectually dispersed the enemy. Captain Miller, 1st Infantry, was dispatched with a mixed company to support the battery on this service. The enemy's lancers had previously charged upon the Ohio and a part of the Mississippi regiment, near some fields at a distance from the edge of the town, and had been repulsed with a considerable loss. A demonstration of cavalry on the opposite side of the river was also dispersed in the course of the afternoon by Captain Ridgely's battery, and the squadrons returned to the city. At the approach of evening, all the troops that had been engaged were ordered back to camp, except Captain Ridgely's battery, and the regular infantry of the first division, who were detailed as a guard for the works during the night, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Garland. One battalion of the 1st Kentucky regiment was ordered to reinforce this command. Intrenching tools were procured, and additional strength was given to the works, and protection to the men, by working parties during the night, under the direction of Lieutenant Scarritt, Engineers.

The main object proposed in the morning had been effected. A powerful diversion had been made to favor the operations of the 2d Division, one of the enemy's advanced works had been carried, and we now had a strong foot-hold in the town. But this had not been accomplished without a heavy loss, embracing some of our gallant and promising officers. Captain Williams, Topographical Engineers, Lieutenants Terrett and Dilworth, 1st Infantry, Lieutenant Woods, 2d Infantry, Captains Morris and Field, Brevet-Major Barbour, Lieutenants Irwin and Hazlitt, 3d Infantry, Lieutenant Hoskins, 4th Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, Baltimore battalion, Captain Allen and Lieutenant Putman, Tennessee regiment, and Lieutenant Hett, Ohio regiment, were killed, or have since died of wounds received in this engagement, while the number and rank of the officers wounded gives additional proof of the obstinacy of the contest, and the good conduct of our troops. The number of killed and wounded incident to the operations in the lower part of the city on the 21st is 394.

Early in the morning of this day (21st), the advance of the 2d Division had encountered the enemy in force, and after a brief but sharp conflict, repulsed him with heavy loss. General Worth then succeeded in gaining a position on the Saltillo road, thus cutting the enemy's line of communication. From this position the two heights south of the Saltillo road were carried in succession, and the gun taken in one of them turned upon the Bishop's Palace. These important successes were fortunately obtained with comparatively small loss; Captain McKavett, 8th Infantry, being the only officer killed.

The 22d day of September passed without any active operations in the lower part of the city. The citadel and other works continued to fire at parties exposed to their range, and at the work now occupied by our troops. The guard left in it the preceding night, except Captain Ridgely's company, was relieved at midday by General Quitman's brigade. Captain Bragg's battery was thrown under cover in front of the town to repel any demonstration of cavalry in that quarter. At dawn of day the height above the Bishop's Palace was carried, and soon after meridian the palace itself was taken, and its guns turned upon the fugitive garrison. The object for which the 2d Division was detached had thus been completely accomplished, and I felt confident that with a strong force occupying the road and heights in his rear, and a good position below the city in our possession, the enemy could not possibly maintain the town.

During the night of the 22d the enemy evacuated nearly all his defences in the lower part of the city. This was reported to me early in the morning of the 23d by General Quitman, who had already meditated an assault upon those works. I immediately sent instructions to that officer, leaving it to his discretion, to enter the city, covering his men by the houses and walls, and advance carefully as far as he might deem prudent. After ordering the remainder of the troops as a reserve, under the orders of Brigadier-General Twiggs, I repaired to the abandoned works and discovered that a portion of General Quitman's brigade had entered the town, and were successfully forcing their way towards the principal plaza. I then ordered up the 2d regiment of Texas mounted volunteers, who entered the city dismounted, and, under the immediate orders of General Henderson, co-operated with General Quitman's brigade. Captain Bragg's battery was also ordered up, supported by the 3d Infantry; and after firing for some time at the cathedral, a portion of it was likewise thrown into the city. Our troops advanced from house to house, and from square to square, until they reached a street but one square in rear of the principal plaza, in and near which the enemy's force was mainly concentrated. This advance was conducted vigorously, but with due caution, and although destructive to the enemy, was attended with but small loss on our part. Captain Ridgely, in the mean time, had served a captured piece in battery No. 1 against the city, until the advance of our men rendered it imprudent to fire in the direction of the cathedral. I was now satisfied that we could operate successfully in the city, and that the enemy had retired from the lower portion of it to make a stand behind his barricades. As General Quitman's brigade had been on duty the previous night, I determined to withdraw the troops to the evacuated works, and concert with General Worth a combined attack upon the town. The troops accordingly fell back deliberately, in good order, and resumed their original positions, General Quitman's brigade being relieved after nightfall by that of General Hamer. On my return to camp, I met an officer with the intelligence that General Worth, induced by the firing in the lower part of the city, was about making an attack at the upper extremity, which had also been evacuated by the enemy to a considerable distance. I regretted that this information had not reached me before leaving the city, but still deemed it inexpedient to change my orders, and accordingly returned to the camp. A note from General Worth written at eleven o'clock p.m., informed me that he had advanced to within a short distance of the principal plaza, and that the mortar (which had been sent to his division in the morning) was doing good execution within effective range of the enemy's position.

Desiring to make no further attempt upon the city without complete concert as to the lines and mode of approach, I instructed that officer to suspend his advance until I could have an interview with him on the following morning at his head-quarters.

Early on the morning of the 24th, I received, through Colonel Moreno, a communication from General Ampudia, proposing to evacuate the town; which, with the answer, were forwarded with my first despatch. I arranged with Colonel Moreno a cessation of fire until twelve o'clock, at which hour I would receive the answer of the Mexican general at General Worth's head-quarters, to which I soon repaired. In the mean time, General Ampudia had signified to General Worth, his desire for a personal interview with me, to which I acceded, and which finally resulted in a capitulation, placing the town and the material of war, with certain exceptions, in our possession. A copy of that capitulation was transmitted with my first despatch.

Upon occupying the city, it was discovered to be of great strength in itself, and to have its approaches carefully and strongly fortified. The town and works were armed with forty-two pieces of cannon, well supplied with ammunition, and manned with a force of at least 7000 troops of the line, and from 2000 to 3000 irregulars. The force under my orders before Monterey, was 425 officers and 6220 men. Our artillery consisted of one ten-inch mortar, two twenty-four-pounder howitzers, and four light field batteries of four guns each; the mortar being the only piece suitable to the operations of a siege.

Our loss is twelve officers and one hundred and eight men killed; thirty-one officers and three hundred and thirty-seven men wounded. That of the enemy is not known, but is believed considerably to exceed our own.

I take pleasure in bringing to the notice of the government the good conduct of the troops, both regulars and volunteers, which has been conspicuous throughout the operations. I am proud to bear testimony to their coolness and constancy in battle, and the cheerfulness with which they have submitted to exposure and privation. To the general officers commanding divisions, Major-Generals Butler and Henderson, and Brigadier-Generals Twiggs and Worth, I must express my obligations for the efficient aid which they have rendered in their respective commands. I was unfortunately deprived, early on the 21st, of the valuable services of Major-General Butler, who was disabled by a wound received in the attack on the city. Major-General Henderson, commanding the Texan volunteers, has given me important aid in the organization of the command, and its subsequent operations. Brigadier-General Twiggs rendered important services with his division, and as the second in command after Major-General Butler was disabled. Brigadier-General Worth was intrusted with an important detachment which rendered his operations independent of my own. These operations were conducted with ability, and crowned with complete success.

I desire also to notice Brigadier-Generals Hamer and Quitman, commanding brigades in General Butler's division; Lieutenant-Colonels Garland and Wilson, commanding brigades in General Twiggs' division; Colonels Mitchell, Campbell, Davis, and Wood, commanding the Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, and 2d Texas regiments, respectively; and Majors Lear, Allen, and Abercrombie, commanding the 3d, 4th, and 1st regiments of infantry; all of whom served under my eye, and conducted their commands with coolness and gallantry against the enemy. Colonel Mitchell, Lieutenant-Colonel McClung, Mississippi regiment, Major Lear, 3d Infantry, and Major Alexander, Tennessee regiment, were all severely wounded, as were Captain Lamotte, 1st Infantry, Lieutenant Graham, 4th Infantry, Adjutant Armstrong, Ohio regiment, Lieutenants Scudder and Allen, Tennessee regiment, and Lieutenant Howard, Mississippi regiment, while leading their men against the enemy's position, on the 21st and 23d. After the fall of Colonel Mitchell, the command of 1st Ohio regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Weller; that of the 3d Infantry, after the fall of Major Lear, devolved in succession upon Captain Bainbridge and Captain Henry, the former being also wounded. The following named officers have been favorably noticed by their commanders: Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, and Adjutant Heiman, Tennessee regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel McClung, Captains Cooper and Downing, Lieutenants Patterson, Calhoun, Moore, Russell, and Cook, Mississippi regiment; also Sergeant-Major Hearlan, Mississippi regiment, and Major Price, and Captain J. Smith, unattached, but serving with it. I beg leave also to call attention to the good conduct of Captain Johnston, Ohio regiment, and Lieutenant Hooker, 1st Artillery, serving on the staff of General Hamer, and of Lieutenant Nichols, 2d Artillery, on that of General Quitman. Captains Bragg and Ridgely served with their batteries during the operations under my own observation, and in part under my immediate orders, and exhibited distinguished skill and gallantry. Captain Webster, 1st Artillery, assisted by Lieutenants Donaldson and Bowen, rendered good service with the howitzer battery, which was much exposed to the enemy's fire on the 21st.

From the nature of the operations, the 2d Dragoons were not brought into action, but were usefully employed under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel May, as escorts, and in keeping open our communications. The 1st Kentucky regiment was also prevented from participating in the action of the 21st, but rendered highly important services under Colonel Ormsby, in covering the mortar battery, and holding in check the enemy's cavalry during the day.

I have noticed above the officers whose conduct either fell under my immediate eye, or is noticed only in minor reports which are not forwarded. For further mention of individuals, I beg leave to refer to the reports of division commanders. I fully concur in their recommendations, and desire that they may be considered as a part of my own report.

From the officers of my personal staff, and of the engineers, topographical engineers, and ordnance, associated with me, I have derived valuable and efficient assistance during the operations. Colonel Whiting, assistant quartermaster-general, Colonels Croghan and Belknap, inspector generals, Major Bliss, assistant adjutant general, Captain Sibley, assistant quartermaster, Captain Waggaman, commissary of subsistence, Captain Eaton and Lieutenant Garnett, aids-de-camp, and Major Kirby and Van Buren, pay department, served near my person, and were ever prompt, in all situations, in the communication of my orders and instructions. I must express my particular obligations to Brevet-Major Mansfield and Lieutenant Scarritt, corps of Engineers. They both rendered most important services in reconnoitring the enemy's positions, conducting troops in attack, and strengthening the works captured from the enemy. Major Mansfield, though wounded on the 21st, remained on duty during that and the following day, until confined by his wound to camp. Captain Williams, Topographical Engineer, to my great regret and the loss of the service, was mortally wounded while fearlessly exposing himself in the attack of the 21st. Lieutenant Pope, of the same corps, was active and zealous throughout the operations. Major Munroe, chief of the Artillery, Major Craig and Captain Ramsay, of the Ordnance, were assiduous in the performance of their proper duties. The former superintended their mortar service on the 22d, as particularly mentioned in the report of General Worth, to which I also refer for the services of the engineer and topographical officers detached with the second division.

Surgeon Craig, medical director, was actively employed in the important duties of his department, and the medical staff generally were unremitting in their attentions to the numerous wounded; their duties with the regular regiments being rendered uncommonly arduous by the small number serving in the field.

I respectfully enclose herewith, in addition to the report of division commanders, a field return of the force before Monterey on the 21st of September; a return of killed, wounded and missing during the operations, and two topographical sketches, one exhibiting all the movements around Monterey, the other on a large scale illustrating more particularly the operations in the lower quarters of the city, prepared respectively by Lieutenants Meade and Pope, Topographical Engineers.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Z. Taylor,
Major-General U. S. A., commanding.