army better than that. Taylor was brave to the back bone, but imprudent. Capt Henry reminded him that he ought to retire to a safer position; but he said "Take that axe and knock in that door." Our men commenced on the door and the occupant unlocked and opened it, and behold it was an extensive apothecary shop. The doctor (San Juan) treated his visitors to ripe limes and cool water. He said that Ampudia was in the Plaza with four thousand men, and that two thousand were in the citadel. One door was burst open and we saw five genteel looking women who were on their knees with crucifixes pleading for mercy. They were very grateful when they found that their throats were not to be cut. General Taylor expected that General Worth would commence throwing shells into the city, in the afternoon, and perceiving that the field pieces were of little use, ordered these forces to retire to camp. During the day (23rd) the enemy sent in a flag of truce, requesting a cessation of hostilities, that the women and children might be removed. Old Rough and Ready said, "No, it was too late." It was reported that some of the enemy were leaving on pack mules, and undoubtedly many others would have left, had not General Worth taken possession of the Saltillo Road. General Worth on the west side of the city, ordered a heavy gun under Capt. Chapman's company to open on the city. This firing drove the enemy from their lines bordering on the river. About 10 A. M. the 7th Infantry left the redoubt and joined Gen. Worth, at the palace, for the purpose of entering the city. The enemy did not make so great a resistance at the west part of the town as at the east where they were in a larger body, and our men did not suffer so much in the former as in the latter position. There was some loss, however. Capt. M. Kavett, of the 8th Infantry, while marching around the base of the
