Jackson moving cannon across a ditch.
Soon another cannon was moved across the ditch, and in a few moments the foe was driven back by the rapid firing of these two guns.
By this time, the men storming the castle on the other two sides had fought their way in, and the Mexicans began to fall back upon the City of Mexico.
Orders had been given that when this move took place, the artillery must move forward rapidly and scatter the ranks of the foe. In an instant Jackson’s guns were thundering after the Mexicans, fleeing through the gates into the city.
The next morning, September 14th, the gates were forced and the Americans marched into the city of Mexico.
For his brave conduct in the battle of Chapultepec, Jackson was raised to the rank of major.
In after years, when he was modestly telling of this battle, a young man cried out, “Major, why did you not run when so many of your men and horses were killed?” He replied, with a quiet smile, “I was not ordered to do so. If I had been ordered to run I should have done so.”
Once, when asked by a friend if he felt no fear when so many were falling around him, he said that he felt only a great desire to perform some brave deed that would win for him lasting fame. At that time, his thoughts were chiefly fixed upon the faithful performance of his duty, and gaining honor and distinction thereby.
In the beautiful City of Mexico, the American army now rested from warfare. Some months passed before Jackson’s command was ordered home. His duties being light, he began the study of the Spanish language, and was soon able to speak it well. He greatly enjoyed the fine climate of Mexico, and admired the beauty and grace of her women.