fairs of the conquered country was wise,
merciful, and judicious. It was here that General Scott's early legal
training manifested itself. These orders had anticipated the message
of the President which reached him on the 14th in a communication from
the War Department, and in which the President's views were given in
regard to the future prosecution of the war. He was urged to endeavor
to lessen expenses by compelling Mexico to contribute, and see the
necessity of making a peace honorable alike to both countries. Says
the Secretary: "Our object being to obtain acceptable terms, which it
is apprehended can not be speedily obtained without making the enemy
feel he is to bear a considerable part of the burden of war.

"Should there not be at this time a government in Mexico of sufficient
stability to make peace, or should the authority which there exists be
adverse to it, and yet a large and influential portion of the people
be really disposed to put an end to hostilities, it is desirable to
know what prospect there is that the latter could, with countenance
and protection of our arms, organize a government willing to make
peace and sustain relations of peace with us. It is presumed that your
opportunities of knowing the disposition of the people of Mexico will
enable you to furnish your Government with correct information on the
subject, and the President desires to be furnished with your views."

On January 6, 1848, General Scott reported to the Department that his
total force in the Valley of Mexico was fourteen thousand nine hundred
and sixty-four, with only eleven thousand one hundred and sixty-two
fit for duty, measles prevailing mainly among the volunteers. Half of
General Marshall's force at Jalapa was sick, and he reported, December
22d, that he had sent his wagons back to Vera Cruz for medicines and
other supplies. Pachuca was occupied without opposition by Colonel
Jones M. Withers, Ninth Infantry, and General Cadwallader marched,
December 22d, for Lerma and Toluca, the latter the State capital and
thirty-eight miles from the City of Mexico.

On January 13th General Scott reported the unsuccessful efforts of
Colonel Wynkoop's First Pennsylvania Volunteers to capture the Padre
Jaruata, but the same colonel, learning of General Valencia's
whereabouts, made a night march, surprised and captured him and a
colonel of his staff. Colonel Jack Hays made efforts to capture
Jaruata, but also failed. He had an engagement