For the terms, so imposed, I refer the department to subsequent
General Orders, Nos. 287 and 289 (paragraphs 7, 8, and 9 of the
latter), copies of which are herewith enclosed.

At the termination of the interview with the city deputation, I
communicated, about daylight, orders to Worth and Quitman to
advance slowly and cautiously (to guard against treachery)
towards the heart of the city, and to occupy its stronger and
more commanding points. Quitman proceeded to the great plaza or
square, planted guards, and hoisted the colors of the United
States on the national palace, containing the halls of Congress
and executive departments of Federal Mexico. In this grateful
service Quitman might have been anticipated by Worth, but for my
express orders, halting the latter at the head of the Alameda (a
green park), within three squares of that goal of general
ambition. The capital, however, was not taken by any one or two
corps, but by the talent, the science, the gallantry, the prowess
of this entire army. In the glorious conquest all had
contributed, early and powerfully, the killed, the wounded, and
the fit for duty, at Vera Cruz, Cerro-Gordo, Contreras, San
Antonio, Churubusco, (three battles,) the Molinos del Rey, and
Chapultepec, as much as those who fought at the gates of Belen
and San Cosmo.

Soon after we had entered, and were in the act of occupying the
city, a fire was opened upon us from the flat roofs of the
houses, from windows and corners of streets, by some two thousand
convicts, liberated the night before by the flying government,
joined by perhaps as many Mexican soldiers, who had disbanded
themselves and thrown off their uniforms. This unlawful war
lasted more than twenty-four hours, in spite of the exertions of
the municipal authorities, and was not put down till we had lost
many men, including several officers, killed or wounded, and had
punished the miscreants. Their objects were to gratify national
hatred, and in the general alarm and confusion, to plunder the
wealthy inhabitants, particularly the deserted houses. But
families are now generally returning; business of every kind has
been resumed, and the city is already tranquil and cheerful,
under the admirable conduct (with exceptions very few and
trifling) of our g