with Mexican women and children, to withdraw from the scene of
havoc about them. I shall reply, the moment an opportunity may be
taken, to say: 1. That a truce can only be granted on application
of Governor Morales, with a view to surrender. 2. That in (p. 309)
sending safeguards to the different consuls, beginning so far
back as the 13th inst., I distinctly admonished them,
particularly the French and Spanish consuls, and of course
through the two, the other consuls, of the dangers that have
followed. 3. That although at that date I had already refused to
allow any person whatever to pass the line of investment either
way, yet the blockade had been left open to the consuls and other
neutrals to pass out to their respective ships of war up to the
22d instant; and 4. I shall enclose to the memorialists a copy of
my summons to the Governor, to show that I had fully considered
the impending hardships and distresses of the place, including
those of women and children, before one gun had been fired in
that direction. The intercourse between the neutral ships of war
and the city was stopped at the last mentioned date by Commodore
Perry, with my concurrence, which I placed on the ground that
that intercourse could not fail to give to the enemy _moral aid
and comfort_.

It will be seen from the memorial that our batteries have already
had a terrible effect on the city (also known through other
sources), and hence the inference that a surrender must soon be
proposed. In haste,

I have the honor to remain, Sir, with respect, your most obedient
servant,
Winfield SCOTT.

_____

_General Scott to the Secretary of War._

To the Honorable Head-Quarters of the Army,
William L. MARCY, Vera Cruz, March 29, 1847.
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

Sir: The flag of the United States of America floats triumphantly
over the walls of the city and castle of San Juan d'Ulloa.

Our troops have garrisoned both since 10 o'clock; it is now noon.
Brigadier-General Worth is in command of the two places.

Articles of capitulation were signed and exchanged at a late hour
night before last. I enclose a copy of the document.

I have heretofore reported t