t victories. Compactness, vigilance, and discipline are therefore
our only securities. Let every good officer and man look to these
cautions and enjoin them on all others.

"By command of Major-General Scott.

"H.L. SCOTT,

"_Acting Assistant Adjutant General_."

"HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, NATIONAL PALACE OF MEXICO,

"_September 17, 1847_.

"GENERAL ORDERS NO. 287.

"The general in chief republishes, with important additions, his
General Order No. 20, of February 19, 1847, declaring martial law to
govern all who may be concerned. There are nineteen paragraphs in
the order. (See Ex. Doc. No. 1, Thirtieth Congress, first session,
Senate.) The last seven will be copied.

"13. The administration of justice, both in civil and criminal
matters, through the ordinary courts of the country, shall nowhere
and in no degree be interrupted by any officer or soldier of the
American forces except, first, in case where an officer or soldier,
agent, servant, or follower of the army may be a party; and second,
in political cases--that is, prosecutions against other individuals
on the allegation that they have given friendly information, aid, or
assistance to the American forces.

"14. For the care and safety of both parties in all cities and towns
occupied by the American army, a Mexican police shall be established
and duly harmonized with the military police of said forces.

"15. This splendid capital, its churches and religious worship, its
convents and monasteries, its inhabitants and property, are,
moreover, placed under the special safeguard of the faith and honor
of the American army.

"16. In consideration of the foregoing protection, a contribution of
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars is imposed on this capital,
to be paid in four weekly installments of thirty-seven thousand five
hundred dollars each, beginning on Monday next, the 20th inst., and
terminating on Monday, October 11th.

"17. The Ayuntamiento, or corporate authority of the city, is
specially charged with the collection and payment of the several
installments.

"18. Of the whole contribution to be paid over to this army, twenty
thousand dollars shall be appropriated to the purchase of extra
comforts for the wounded and sick in hospital, ninety thousa