to the position he had won, and sheltering his corps as well as practicable—now awaited the return of daylight, under the guns of the formidable citadel yet to be subdued.
At about four o'clock next morning (Sept. 14), a deputation of the ayuntamiento (city council) waited on General Scott to report that the federal government and the army of Mexico had fled from the capital some three hours before, and to demand terms of capitulation in favor of the church, the citizens, and the municipal authorities. Scott promptly replied that he would sign no capitulation; that the city had been virtually in our possession from the time of the lodgments effected by Worth and Quitman the day before; that he regretted the silent escape of the Mexican army; that he should levy upon the city a moderate contribution, for special purposes; and that the American army should come under no terms, not self- imposed—such only as its own honor, the dignity of the United States, and the spirit of the age should, in his opinion, imperiously demand and impose.
At the termination of the interview with the city deputation, Worth and Quitman were ordered to advance slowly and cautiously (to guard against treachery) towards the heart of the city, and to occupy its stronger and more, commanding points. Quitman proceeded to the great plaza or square, planted guards, and hoisted the colors of the United States on the national palace, containing the halls of Congress and executive apartments of federal Mexico.
Soon after we entered, and were in the act of occupying the city, a fire was opened upon us from the flat roofs of the houses, from windows and corners of streets, by
