To illustrate the operations in this basin, I enclose two beautiful drawings, prepared under the directions of Major Turnbull, mostly from actual surveys.
I have the honor to be, Sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant,
Winfield Scott.
General Orders No. 286.
Head-quarters of the Army,
National Palace of Mexico, September, 1847.
The general-in-chief calls upon his brethren in arms to return, both in public and in private worship, thanks and gratitude to God for the signal triumphs which they have recently achieved for their country.
Beginning with the 19th of August, and ending the 14th instant, this army has gallantly fought its way through the fields and forts of Contreras, San Antonio, Churubusco, Molinos del Rey, Chapultepec, and the gates of San Cosmo and Tacubaya or Belen, into the capital of Mexico.
When the very limited numbers who have performed those brilliant deeds shall have become known, the whole world will be astonished, and our own countrymen filled with joy and admiration.
But all is not yet done. The enemy, though scattered and dismayed, has still many fragments of his late army hovering about us, and aided by an exasperated population, he may again reunite in treble our numbers, and fall upon us to advantage if we rest inactive on the security of past victories.
Compactness, vigilance, and discipline are, therefore, our only securities. Let every good officer and man look to those cautions and enjoin them upon all others.