But there was no heartiness in the ebullitions of patriotism thus aroused, and thus manifested. The feeling was short-lived and transient. There was a great Want of discipline in the disorganized mass, composing the Mexican army, of which their officers could not remain ignorant. Supplies were furnished slowly, and with a sparing hand. Santa Anna struggled, in vain, against his destiny; and equally futile were the efforts of his countrymen, now forced to experience the bitter consequences of their party strifes and dissensions, to prevent the triumphant entrance of the American soldiers into their capital.
The utmost activity prevailed in the camp of General Scott after the battle of the 8th of September; and the busy hum of preparation was heard at every hour of the day. Colonel Riley had been stationed at the village, or church, of Piedad, nearly two miles south of the city, with his brigade, and on the 9th instant, the division of General Pillow was also ordered thither. Covered by these corps, the engineer officers made their reconnaissances. In the afternoon of the 8th, Captain Lee, and Lieutenants Beauregard and Tower, proceeded along the Piedad causeway. to a barranca, or ravine, crossing that road, and the Niño Perdido and San Antonio causeways, a little over a mile from the city, and
court-martial over which Colonel Riley presided; and thirty-six by a court over which Colonel Garland presided. Several of the number having deserted previous to the existence of actual war, or presenting circumstances in mitigation of their offence, their sentences were commuted by General Scott. Sixteen were hung at San Angel, on the 10th of September; four at Mixcoac, on the 11th; and thirty, at the same place, on the 13th instant. The execution at Mixcoac, on the 13th,took place while the Americans were storming the height of Chapultepec; and the deserters were required to stand on the gallows, until the colors which they had abandoned were displayed from the castle.
