the storming columns, and his dispositions for the capture of the summit of the Cerro del Obispado prove his efficiency in a most difficult position, and Taylor's discernment in selecting him.
The loss sustained by the Americans was severe, being over 500 in killed and wounded;[1] that of the Mexicans is not known, but it probably far exceeded that of the invaders.[2] As to the bravery of the Mexicans in their defence of Monterey there is no dispute. Taylor admitted that the gallantry displayed was alike creditable to the troops and the nation, and the officers of his army bore ample testimony to it.[3]
With regard to the terms of the stipulation, it caused no little dissatisfaction, not only to the army, but to the United States at large. That the Mexican forces should have been allowed to retire, when every circumstance seemed to assure the necessity of their unconditional surrender, caused general disappointment; and the suspension of hostilities interfered with the plans of the government for the vigorous prosecution of the war. The public press severely criticised the convention, and on the 13th of October Marcy addressed a letter to Taylor which plainly indicated the dissatisfaction of the government. It disapproved of the armistice, and Taylor was instructed to give the requisite notice that it was to cease at once.[4]
- ↑ Taylor in his report of October 9, 1846, places it at 488, namely, 12 officers and 108 men killed, and 31 officers and 337 men wounded. Id., p. 88. But from the official statements published later the number is given as 506, namely, 16 officers killed and 24 wounded, and 126 men killed and 310 wounded. Worth's division only lost 55 in killed and wounded, to which number must be added 22 killed and wounded of Texan volunteers attached to it. Reid's Tex. Rangers, 2:39-51; Niles' Reg., lxxi. 183-4; Fry's Life of Taylor, 262. Ampudia places the loss of the Americans at 1,500. Despues de una defensa brillante en que el enemigo fué rechazado con pérdida de mil quinientos hombres de varios puestos." Bustamante, Nuvo Bernal Diaz, ii. 111. A translation of this report of Ampudia's to the Mexican minister of war will be found in Niles' Reg., lxxi. 186.
- ↑ Worth states that in the several conflicts with his division the enemy's loss was ascertained to exceed 450 men. U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 29, Ses. 2, H. Ex. 4, p. 108.
- ↑ Captain Henry writes: Thus far they have fought most bravely, and with an endurance and tenacity I did not think they possessed.' Campaign Sketches, 209.
- ↑ U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 30, Ses. 1, H. Ex. 60, pp. 355-6. Taylor, in his
