ith my first despatch.

Upon occupying the city, it was discovered to be of great
strength in itself, and to have its approaches carefully and
strongly fortified. The town and works were armed with forty-two
pieces of cannon, well supplied with ammunition, and manned with
a force of at least 7000 troops of the line, and from 2000 to
3000 irregulars. The force under my orders before Monterey, was
425 officers and 6220 men. Our artillery consisted of one
ten-inch mortar, two twenty-four-pounder howitzers, and four
light field batteries of four guns each; the mortar being the
only piece suitable to the operations of a siege.

Our loss is twelve officers and one hundred and eight men killed;
thirty-one officers and three hundred and thirty-seven men
wounded. That of the enemy is not known, but is believed
considerably to exceed our own.

I take pleasure in bringing to the notice of the government the
good conduct of the troops, both regulars and volunteers, which
has been conspicuous throughout the operations. I am proud to
bear testimony to their coolness and constancy in battle, and the
cheerfulness with which they have submitted to exposure and
privation. To the general officers commanding divisions,
Major-Generals Butler and Henderson, and Brigadier-Generals
Twiggs and Worth, I must express my obligations for the efficient
aid which they have rendered in their respective commands. I was
unfortunately deprived, early on the 21st, of the valuable
services of Major-General Butler, who was disabled by a wound
received in the attack on the city. Major-General Henderson,
commanding the Texan volunteers, has given me important aid (p. 297)
in the organization of the command, and its subsequent
operations. Brigadier-General Twiggs rendered important services
with his division, and as the second in command after
Major-General Butler was disabled. Brigadier-General Worth was
intrusted with an important detachment which rendered his
operations independent of my own. These operations were conducted
with ability, and crowned with complete success.

I desire also to notice Brigadier-Generals Hamer and Quitman,
commanding brigades in General Butler's division;
Lieutenant-Colonels Garland and Wilson, commanding brigades in
General Twiggs' div