CAPTURE OF MOLINO DEL REY.
Santa Anna saved the capital from immediate assault after the battle of Churubusco, by procuring an armistice for peace negotiations. His real object was to gain time to prepare munitions of war and strengthen the defences of the city. General Scott discovered this, and put an end to the armistice. He then resolved to attempt the capture of Molino del Rey, a strongly fortified and garrisoned foundry. General Worth, with three thousand one hundred and fifty men, was detached for this service. General Worth was ignorant of the great strength of the works, but he made skilful disposition and was determined to succeed. There were three assaulting columns. The first was to assail Molino del Rey, covered by the fire of some heavy artillery. The centre was to consist of five hundred picked men, commanded by Major Wright. The third column was commanded by Colonel M’Intosh, and consisted of the second brigade, supported by Duncan’s artillery. A strong body of troops were held in reserve. On the morning of the 8th of September, the columns advanced to the assault, a tremendous fire from the batteries having shaken the walls of the enemy’s works. The central position was carried after a bloody struggle, in which Major Wright and one half his force were either killed or wounded. The Mexicans had masked batteries, which the Americans could not see till they were within range of them. On the right of the field, the assailants were completely successful, carrying the works, and slaughtering the enemy without mercy. On the left Duncan kept up a heavy fire upon the stone foundry, called Casa Mata. The assault was here repulsed; but Duncan’s artillery restored the fortune of the contest, and compelled the Mexicans to evacuate the foundry, even while they were playing triumphant music for victory. Thus General Worth was victorious in every part of the field, and the enemy were in flight. But the victory was purchased by the loss of one half of the division. The loss of the Mexicans in killed, wounded and prisoners was immense.
DUNCAN, AT MOLINO DEL REY.
CANNONADE AND BOMBARDMENT OF CHAPULTEPEC.
