his possession from the day before;
that he would levy a moderate tax, and would be governed by no terms
except his own and such only as the honor and dignity of the United
States would require. Early on the morning of the 14th a white flag
was displayed at the Garita de Belen, and General Quitman was
requested to take possession, as the city had been evacuated by the
Mexican army. Leaving a guard at the Belen gate, General Quitman
marched his command and took possession of the citadel. Leaving the
Second Pennsylvania Regiment at the citadel, he marched to the Grand
Plaza, followed by Steptoe's battery. The Marine Battalion was placed
in the National Palace, and the American flag was hoisted from its
summit. Lieutenant G.T. Beauregard was dispatched to notify General
Scott. About eight o'clock the general in chief, accompanied by his
staff, with an escort of cavalry, all in full dress, passed through
the northwestern angle into the Grand Plaza. The line of soldiers
presented arms, lowered colors, and gave the drum beat. General Scott
uncovered in acknowledgment of the salute, dismounted, and passed into
the _porte-cochere_ of the palace, followed by Generals Quitman and
Smith and officers of the staff. He said, "Gentlemen, we must not be
too elated with our success." Then turning, he said: "Let me present
to you the Civil and Military Governor of the City of Mexico,
Major-General John A. Quitman. I appoint him at this instant. He has
earned the distinction, and he shall have it." The general then
ascended the stairway and at once wrote General Order No. 284, as
follows:

"HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,

"MEXICO, _September 14, 1847_.

"1. Under the favor of God, the valor of this army, after many
glorious victories, has hoisted the colors of our country in the
capital of Mexico and on the palace of its Government.

"2. But the war is not yet ended. The Mexican army and Government
have fled, only to watch an opportunity to turn upon us with
vengeance. We must, then, be upon our guard.

"3. Companies and regiments will be kept together, and all stand on
the alert. Our safety is in military discipline.

"4. Let there be no drunkenness, no disorders, no straggling.
Stragglers will be in great danger of assassination, and marauders
shall be punished by courts-martial.

"5. All the rules so honorably observed by this glorious army in