STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC.

By the capture of Molino del Rey, and the adjacent works, the castle of Chapultepec was exposed to attack upon two sides, and General Scott hastened to form his plan for the storming of it and the gates of the capital. On the 12th of September, the batteries opened upon the castle, and with such effect that Santa Anna was prevented from throwing reinforcements into it. The Mexicans returned the fire, but as they were not equal to the Americans in gunnery, they did very little damage. On the 13th, the assault was made. General Quitman, with one division, advanced upon the northeast side, while General Pillow, with another division, assailed the height on the west. The castle was garrisoned by picked troops, well supplied with artillery, and commanded by the veteran, General Bravo. A determined defence was therefore expected, and the Americans nerved themselves for it. Pillow’s troops dashed up the rocky height amid a heavy and destructive fire from the enemy, and so rapid was the assault that the Mexicans were driven from post to post, until they had no chance to fire their mines. General Pillow fell, severely wounded, and General Cadwalader assumed the command of his division. Ladders were prepared, the walls of the castle mounted, and the American flag planted upon them. In the meantime, General Quitman advanced upon the opposite side, defeated a large detachment of the enemy, and forced his way up the height, with a rapidity and valor equal to that of the other division. A portion of his troops arrived in time to storm the walls, and enter side by side with Pillow’s troops. The Mexicans fought bravely, even after the Americans had entered the fort. Few of them asked for quarter, and fewer obtained it; as the victors were exasperated at the cruelties of the Mexicans at Molino del Rey. A great many prisoners were taken, and among others, General Bravo. Thus this fine castle, which the Mexicans had looked upon as impregnable, fell into the hands of the troops, whose progress no obstacle could check.

QUITMAN, AT THE BELEN GATE.