sons in the city, and property, and it is clearly understood that no private building or property is to be taken or used by the forces of the United States, without previous arrangement with the owners, and for a fair equivalent.
"8. Absolute freedom of religious worship and ceremonies is solemnly guaranteed."
At the surrender on the 27th, our army were drawn up in two lines, facing each other, and stretching more than a mile. The enemy left the city at ten o'clock, passed between our lines, laid down their arms and colors and marched for the interior. General Worth superintended the evacuation and then entered the city. Our flag was erected over the Plaza and saluted by the guns of the city and squadron. General Worth was appointed Military Governor.
BATTLE OF SIERRA GORDA.
General Twiggs' division of our army arrived, within three miles of the position of the enemy, April 11th, and General Patterson's on the 12th. On the 16th, we had six thousand men ready for action, while the enemy numbered from eight to twelve thousand. They occupied a chain of works along the road, the nearest of which was about a mile and a quarter from General Scott's headquarters, The road over which we had to pass, was barricaded and cut up in every way to impede our progress. Beyond the first fortification there are several others completely commanding the gorge, through which the road to
