Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/89

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BATTLES OF MEXICO
85

soldiers passed over the battle-field of the previous day, and the scene which was presented was enough to make the hardy soldier shudder and feel sick in view of the horrors of war. Hundreds lay covered with blood, stiff and cold in death, while others were uttering piteous groans and begged for water. The streams actually run with human blood. What a shocking scene! How surprising that nations will thus imbue their hands in each other's blood!

When the force reached San Pablo, another action commenced, and at the same time Worth's cannon were heard roaring away at Churubusco. The flower of both armies were now engaged in terrible combat. The rattling of the musketry, the clash of arms, and the deafening roar of the cannon and the groans of the dying, made the scene truly awful!

Scott was in the midst of danger encouraging his men, while Worth and Twiggs were cheering their soldiers on. Thus, one of the severest conflicts ever witnessed on this continent, raged with increasing power for two hours. Finally our forces gained full possession of all the works, and the enemy fled in dismay to the city. Worth followed them almost to the gates.

The next morning, a detachment of our men entered Chapultepec without opposition.

Soon after this, Santa Anna sent flags, proposing a suspension of hostilities. Negotiations took place, and the following armistice was adopted, August 20th:


THE ARMISTICE.

The undersigned, appointed respectively, the first three by Major-general Winfield Scott, commander-in-chief of