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ravine or hollow that divided the two camps, surrounded the Mexicans, and finished with them from 4 till 7 a. m., on the 20th. There were some Americans in a little hacienda beyond San Antonio, who had been shot at the evening before by Mexicans, but they remained very quiet, not answering the shots, but when Valencia was defeated they attacked the points below where Santa Anna commanded in person, and in a few hours all was lost.
The troops yesterday dispersed, with the exception of the battalions of Independence and Bravo's, which were cut off by the Americans. It is said that many were killed, some escaped, and the rest are prisoners. This is what has happened up to yesterday. To-day what troops remain have gone to the gates of San Antonio Abad and Nino Perdido, and according to the general opinion we shall all, in a few days, be Yankees.IGN. N.
Mexico, Aug. 21, 1847.
Com'g General Don Jose de Ugarte:
My never forgotten Sir and Commander:—On the 19th and 20th the division of Valencia fought and was defeated, as was also some other troops from this place. These events have placed things in a terrible state. I cannot say with certainty to what are we to attribute these misfortunes, as there is a great diversity of opinion on the subject. One thing is certain, that from these reverses our affairs are in a most lamentable state, and it will be very difficult to re-establish them and bring them to the condition in which they were on the 19th. The enemy has lost a great number of men, but ours have lost courage. There are many chiefs, officers and men in the power of the enemy, and many wounded. Until the present time, now 1 p. m., the fire has not been recommenced. The enemy is in many positions of the second line, and our army has retreated to the first line. It is very difficult to form a judgment of these misfortunes, the more so as so many of our officers are so badly spoken of. The enemy has demanded the surrender of the capital. It is said that general Mora and others have gone as conferees. One thing is certain, that our troops have retired to their quarters, and that the lines have been deserted. From this state of things the capital is in a terrible state. It is said that general Paredes is here, and that he and general Valencia are searched for by general Santa Anna, who has ordered Valencia to be shot. In fact, you cannot imagine in what a lamentable condition we are. I have no time to be more particular, and I beg you will have the goodness to present my compliments to Donna G. and Donna C, and the rest of the family, as also to my friends S., F. and C, and you, my beloved commander, can
