regiments over a year previous had not been sent, or at
any rate had not reached the regiments. No general ever paid more
attention or displayed greater interest in the comfort of his men than
General Scott. The quartermaster's and commissary departments were his
never-ceasing care, and he gave constant personal attention to both.

On the matter of assessments he says: "You perceive I do not propose
to seize the ordinary State or city revenue, as that, in my judgment,
would be to make war on civilization, as no community can escape
absolute anarchy without civil government. I shall take care, however,
to see that the means collected within any particular State or city
for that purpose are moderate and reasonable."

Order No. 395 was issued December 31st, specifying the States by name
and the several sums they would be annually taxed. The duties paid at
the gates of the cities, and in passing from one State to another, as
well as the tobacco monopoly and lotteries, were abolished. Governors
and members of the Legislature of the different States, and all
collecting officers then in commission and charged with the collection
of Federal duties of any, were held individually responsible in their
persons and property for the collection and payment of the assessment.
The order, which was a long one and carefully prepared, gave many
details. The last two paragraphs say: "The American troops, in
spreading themselves over this republic, will take care to observe the
strictest discipline and morals in respect to the persons and property
of the country, purchasing and paying for all necessaries and comforts
they may require, and treating the unoffending inhabitants with
forbearance and kindness. The higher honor of the country, as well as
the particular honor of the army, must and shall be maintained against
the few miscreants in our ranks. The laws of war will also be strictly
observed toward all Mexicans who respect those laws. For the treatment
of those atrocious bands of _guerillos_ and armed _rancheros_, General
Order No. 392 of the 12th instant will be rigidly enforced."

To prevent frauds in the payment of dues as assessed, General Orders
No. 8, of January 9, 1848, were issued. The orders referred to and
quoted in part show that General Scott was eminently qualified to
fulfill a position in civil as well as military life. The orders he
promulgated were laws to the Mexicans, and show that his
administration of the civil af