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. ATkG late lRatales sSsG&-YS I
Ee'reet C ittsE .cyitssn sx ga e6ieref che to


dgentIeman "a WdshHlgtOn cSfy, dated


CoToAcAN. (near the city of Mexico Sept ls47


The storming of Ihe Fort Contreras, oy Riley's
brigade, composed of lhe 4th artillery, I'd and 7t
Infantry, was think, the most splendid affair of
the whole war, and indeed, that has ever occurred
10 this Country It took place on the mornng OF
the 2Oth August. The brigadge was about 600
strong, and during the morning of the 20,h, before
daylight, succeeded in gaining position in rear
OF the encmy's works, without being discovered
until the columns Of attack were nearly, formed
They sstormed the fort in two columns of attack
the 4lh artillery and part of the Cd infantry
composing one column, and the main part OF the
I'd Infantry and the 7lh forming the other; in the
latter column, the Cd IN 'front.' The storming col
umns marched steadily up the hill at double quick
time, with huzza, under a heavy shower of
grape and round-shot from the Mexican artillery,
and at the point of the bayonet routed the enemy
and drovetheul Though about Z, 900 strong) from
the works. 500 Mexicans were killed, while our
loss was about 60 men in killed and wounded.
How many Mexicans were wounded / cannot
say. We took some 400 or 800 prisoners on
that occasion, besides 27 pieces aofartillery and
any quantity of smalkarms. Only reflect. 900
American soldiers attacking and storming fort
containing 27 pieces of artillery and defended by
1000 soldiers Il is feat unpa aralleled in histo
ry. This the gallant Riley did with his brigade
killing 500, and capturing 1900 prisoners, with
loss of only 90 men. "A braver commander,
and bTayeroT better soldiers never lived than Riley
and his etorming brigade.


Al Cerro Gordo he did good service. la the
first official reports the full credit due him was
accidentally not given him; but he has been done
justice to since, by court Of inquiry Instituted at
ipsfo ond bIyt tho


hope Riley win get a brevet OF brigadier for
Cerro Gordo and of major general for Contreras.
He has nobfy won both and his good service in
olden time. should not be forgotten. I cannot
write you details Of all that has occurred. You
must look to the newspapers and the official reports


The attack on Churubusco on the afternoon Of
the Goth was a bloody affair for US. We lost
nearly 1000 men in killed and wounded. Our
regiment suffered severely; but the entmy were
eventually driven from their works, and we took
900 prisoners and twelve or thirteen pieces Of
artillery. 1t was brilliant affair for our arms.
- .sa. . o -n-'S E-r-


We are awaiting the result of the pending ne.
gotiations between MIR. Trist and Santa Annals
commissioners. We could easily have marched


into the city but as we should have scattered the
concern called governments, and broken it up, it
was deemed best 10 defer our march into the city
until after effort made settle our Difficult
ties without more bloodshed. Santa Anna
think, is personally willing and anxious Tor peace
but he dares not conclude it. Most Of ourfOlks
here think that peace will be concluded in a few
days, but I do not THE result has shown he
judged rightlyl The commissioners are neW in
session, and great professions are madr but
have so little confidence in these contemplate peo.
pie, that have no hopes Of the war ending till
we have destroyed their whole army, taken pos
session of their capital and chief cities, and garr
soncd them, hanged some hundreds Of guerillas,
and logged them in every Stat: Of the republic


Mexico-,his part OF its the finest country in
the world, and were it populated by cur people,
or if il had pretty considerable sprinklng Of the
Yankee, nation, il, would. be perfect
Paradise. Among the higher classes there is
much wealth, and, in their manner Of living, great
luxury. The hacIendas in the neig ghborhood OF
this city are palaces, and the gardens and grounds
attached to them ornamented in magnificent
style. cannot imagine climate more agreea-
ble-neVer too warm or too cold. Fruits OF the
most delicious kind abound at all seasons of the
year; and if our government and laws were ex-
tended over it, would DO willing to spend the
ba lance of my days here. When the war is over, |
many of our army will, no doubt remain in the
country but as long as it is peopled by the mon
grel race which now control its destinies, it will
moi be in better condition; and could not be
induced to take up my abode here, TO be subjected
10 the VIII OF one DAY tnlS, ana the next announcer
military braggadocia. The military, chiefs and
army control entirely, and it really seems 10 me
that this war cannot but be blessing to Mexico, if
for no other reason than tina, it will subvert the
military supremacy as the people have now found
out their ehieflains are a set Of braggars, whom
they nerd not fear, and, if they but resist them,
can easily overcome them. :


Several officers Of our regiment distinguished
Casey, Smith, Vessels, Sar-
dnier, Lyons, Hayden. Steele, Tiden, and others;
bnt cannot do injustice BY Determinations. Eve
ry egiment-all-did their duty noby could
not be permilted to join my company, though
sought 10 do so, and even profered my resignation
of my staff appointment; but was ordered to stay
at San Augustin with the trains. hope for bet
Ter luck next time. -..- -..


l have jnst learned that mail leaves tonight
for Vera Cruz. 1t has been got up by some OF
the officers We pay So dollar. letter. and |
shall send, besides this, one to
There is no certainty of your getting this, as.
though the armstice provides that our mails shall
90 safely,' yet the Mcxicans cannot prevent the
guerias from rohbing. =, -. "'....


We are pleased to see that Sergeant Ryey, the
deserter, was not an Irishmnp, we could not be-
Iieve-he halls from England. The New York
Commercial saws he " was we'll known in this