A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH — OF — COL. NOAH E. SMITH. : ^HiiiiiiiiiiiiiSiliiiiiliiiiiiiilSili GEN. SCOTT'S GUIDE IN MEXICO. A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH COL. NOAH E. SMITH. BY MARTIN A. HAYNES. LAKE VILLAGE, N. H.: REPRINT FROM "LAKE VILLAGE TIMES." 1887. LOCKE & GOULD, PUBLISHERS LAKE VILLAGE TIMES, PRINTERS. BIOGRAPHY. A few weeks ago there died in the vilhige of Laeonia a man with a history. It was he of whom Major Gaines spoke in a speech made in Boston in 1848 : "I have been to New Hampshire. I went there on a pilgrimage. I went there to l)ay my respects and pour out my grat- itude to a New Hampshire man, whom I met in Mexico, or rather who met me; wlio visited me in my dungeon ; who found me 'naked and he clothed me, sick and in prison, and he ministered unto me.' I went there to render him my gratitude for kindness done me in a far-distant land." The man thus pictur- ed was Noah E. Smith. To him the opportunity came to render extraord- inary service to his country — services the importance of which were appre- ciated probably by but few of those among whom he spent the later and un- eventful years of his life. For several years the writer of this was almost daily associated with this grand old gentleman. Our conversation often recuri-ed to his experiences in Mexico, and this sketch is drawn from copious memoranda made at those times with a view of preserving a record too valuable and interesting to be lost — a record which fairly entitles Noah E. Smith to be ranked among New Hampshire's notable sons. BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE. Noah E. Smith was born in Meredith in 1808. His grandparents were among the earliest settlers of the town, riding on horseback from Exeter to their new- home ; the wife upon a pillion, in the fashion of the day, and bearing in her arms an infant. Among the household goods and belongings was apuppy which in that long journey found comfortable conveyance in the capacious pocket of the worthy matron. The couple located upon land at the iiead of Hound Bay, near the j^resent Lake Village Here Noah's father was born, and being the hrst male child born in Meiedith, the town gave him 100 acres of land — the tract now knou n as the "Iladley place," on the west shore of Long Bay. When Noah was ten years old his parents removed to Gilmanton. Here he remained until of age, cast his maiden vote for Andrew Jackson at the hitter's second election to the presidency, then marched away from the paternal roof, seeking his fortune. GOES TO MEXICO. He went to New York city, where a company was bemg organized to operate a stage line from Vei-a Cruz, upon the coast, to the city of Mexico. Led by a spirit of adventure, young Smith joined the enterprise, and as an employe of the company was sent to Mexico. This stage line was a Yankee innovation up- on the old established order of things, and had to meet the bitter prejudice of the ignorant natives, who at first stoned and otherwise assaulted the "foreign devils" and compelled the employment of a guard. Tne company took out Troy coaches and a complement of horses from the States. Native horses were subsequent- ly broken to harness, till then an almost unheard of tiling in Mexico, where mules alone had been used in that manner. The company tii'st opened the line from the city of Mexict> to Puebla, a distance of 80 miles, advertising to make the run in twelve hours. Native prejudice had to be overcome before native custom could be secured. With their mule teams, this had been a three days trip, and Mexicans thought it absolutely im- possible to make the time advertised. But the Yankees accomplished tiie feat. With good Ji?iesse they hired friars and clergymen to ride in the coaches, taking care that ihey were made happy and comfortable by the best suppers to be procured on the route, and soon the prejudices of the Mexicans vanished, and the line became an assured success. It was then extended to Vera Cruz, a distance of ;300 miles from the city of Mexico, and other routes were opened up extending from the city in various directions, until the company had in operation over lUOU miles of line, the most with daily stages, and employing li!UO horses. The drivers were all im- ported Yankees, for however expert Mexicans might be in the saddle, driving was as much out of their line as if they had never seen a horse. In all these operations Smitli's energy and judgment were so marked that he was soon appointed general superin- tendent of tlie lines and executive officer of the company upon the spot. SANTA anna's INAUGURATION. Soon after this appointment he made his first aquaintance with Santa Anna. Tliat great chief was about to be in- augurated as President of the Republic for his lirst term, and in arranging for the parade, officials were sent to the company's oflQ.ce to inquire if they could furnish a driver who could safely handle four horses upon the government carriage, with reins and without out- riders. Smith assured them he could send a man who would drive six horses if they wished them. Although they thought this was impossible, he over- came their fears by assurances that it would be all right, and they contracted for the horses and driver, the price to be $300. Inauguration day came, but Smith's six-horse driver did not. He was delayed by some trouble with l)andits down the line, and Smith, as the best substitute, determined to take the reins himself. A general's full uni- form was sent down for the driver, and he mounted the box in glittering attire — cocked hat, epaulettes, sword, and all the "fixings." Driving to the palace under escort of a squad of cavalry, when arrived there two full generals appeared and took their positions as footmen. Then came Santa Anna, greeted with martial music and the roar of cannon, and was driven to the cathe- dral to hear mass. On the return to the palace, the driver heard an occasional i-emark about about the -'heretic devil,' but Santa Anna was so well pleased with the performance that he sent $100 as a present, and after that used often to send for his "Yankee friend" to drive him out. After operating about three years, the stage line was sold to a company of Mexicans, and Smith was intending to return home. Ikit meanwhile a company was being formed in New York to operate another line, of which Wm. S. Parrott, American Consul at the city of Mexico, was president, and Smith was induced by Parrott to remain as director of tile new line. Tliere was 'a lively rivalry between the two companies. In eleven months the new Ime sank $90,- 000, and the old one $120,000, and then the old company struck its colors and sold out to the new comers. ENTERS BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF. After directing the new line for several years. Smith decided to go into business for himself. He hired the lower part of the monastery of St. Augustine, the friars still continuing to occupy the upper story. The monastery was an immense building, occupying an entire squai-e of the city, and built, in the Spanish style, around an interior court or garden, ornamented with trees, fountains and various decorative de- vices. The ground floor was turned in- to a stable, and Smith at once entered into an extensive and lucrative business in buying and selling horses and mules. Stock raisers in the interior brought in their animals, which he bought by droves, selling in turn to planters from the south. Great numbers were con- signed to him to prevent their seizure by the government for army use. He also dealt in American horses, of which he imported four or five cargoes a year. These being larger and finer than the Mexican animals, were generally bouo-ht by the aristocracy, and pairs were often sold at from $2,000 to $8,000. His "exhibitions" after the arrival of each cargo were attended by elite of the country, even women and children com- ing in their carriages ; and at all times his office elegantly furnished, and adorned with fine paintings of appropri ate subjects, was a popular resort for wealthy and aristocratic lovers of horse 8 flesh. Here, among other notable men, he often met Bankhead, the British Minister, an acquaintance of great service when he was, subsequently, obliged to conceal himself from the Mexican authorities. Smith also had extensive dealings with the Mexican government, and supplied it with many horses for the army. A considerable portion of the cavalry sent to meet Gen. Taylor on the Rio Grande were mounted from his stables. And notwithstanding that ar- bitrary exercises of power and disregard for individual rights was the rule with the military despotism that prevailed, only once did he have serious trouble with the authorities. That was at the time of the Texan war for independence, when an effort was made to get possession of his stables, under the plea that they were wanted for cavalry bar- racks. Gen. Esnorisa, the Mexican Adjutant General, notified him to vacate, but the intervention of Powhattan Ellis, the American Minister, secured a sus- pension of the order and the diplomatic assurance that it was all a mistake. THE OUTBREAK OF HOSTILITIES Between Mexico and the United States found Smith an old resident of the country. Not only had he become prominent in business, but he had estab- lished intimate social relations with the people among whom he dwelt. He had married, and had children and a happy home. He had an extensive acquaint- ance, and was on the most friendly terms with those high in authority . So it happened that probably no American met less of the popular hatred for "Los Gringos" incident to those days of war and war's alarms. He felt his position was one of extreme delicacy, but with his great property interests at stake he could only watch closely the course of events and endeavor to meet emergencies as they might arise. Hostilities com- menced upon the Rio Grande, but still Smith was unmolested. He had no call to make an obtrusive display of sympathy for his own countrymen in the war which had commenced. BEFKIENDS THE ENCAKNACION PKIS- ONEKS. But at length occurred an event which, with a man of his stamp, would no longer permit the wearing of a mask of indifference, and he moved with his ac- customed energy, regardless of con- sequences to himself. This was the arrival of Waj. Gaines and other oliicers of Gen. Taylor's army taken at Encar- nacion, as prisoners of war. At two o'clock one morning Smith's foreman brought to him at his summer house ill Tacubaya — two miles out from the city — the intelligence that seven officers, prisoners from Taylor's army, had just arrived and were quartered in a certain prison. Smith at once mounted his horse and rode into the city. He sought the officer of tlie guard, and learning from him that the report was true, asked to see the prisoners. The officer at tirst refused to admit hmi with- out an order from the commanding general ; but his military scruples melted at the sight of a geld coin, backed by a guarantee that no trouble should come from his courtesy. The visitor was directed to a certain door, which he un- locked and threw open. There, upon the brick floor of that lilthy hole, with no bedding except a single blanket, lay 10 the American pi'isoners. A "good morn- ing !" salutation, pronounced in good round English. brought them to their feet at once, and their visitor pro- ceeded to introduce himself. He took their names and residences, which he promised to send to New Orleans by an English courier. Continuing his in- quiries, he asked if they had a change of clotliing or money, and learned that their entire wardrobe lay in the rags up- on their backs, and that they were pen- niless. He tendered them his services and his purse — told them he would not only use his intluence to get them par- oled. but would send a tailor to make new clothes for them — and offered to leave money for iheir immediate use in the purchase of suitable food. To the sug- gestion that the Mexican government was obliged to furnish them food, he replied that if they knew the Mexican government as well as he did they would get their meals where they could. How- ever, he was at their service ; they could in(]uu'e who he was, and let him know their decision. Tluit afternoon he received a letter accepting his proposal. He called upon his tailor, who promised to put on his whole for(;e and tit the prisoners with new clothing inside of 48 hours ; and at he same time sent them money for their personal expenses. Then he went to the palace to see about the paroles. This required considerable diplomacy. After many Mexican compliments and eva-- sions, the commanding general said he would release the prisoners on bail ; to which Smith replied that the men were not criminals and would not give bail — they could give their word of honor, and that was all soldiers could give. But 11 tliL! general was obdurate, ami SniiLli was obliged to leave him without having made the desired arrangement. His re- sourees were not exhausted, however, i'oi' he solicited the assistance of the British and French INlinisters. These olHcials responded with warm interest, and went in company to the palace. On their return they called at Smith's office with a suggestion that he go up again , piomising if he could not make satis- factory arrangements that they would repeat their visit. He went immediately, and had no further difficulty in arrang- ing the parole. They were simply to report twice a week at head(piarters ; and after giving the re(juired pledge, Smith retui'ned to the prison with the order for release in his pocket. The prisoners wc'e comfortably quartered, Major Gaines being taken to Smith's own house, where he remained until the latter was expelled from the city. The men were prisoners about seven months, and Smith loaned them nearly .flUOO. After the war they deposited the amount loaned, subject to his order, in a Louis- ville bank. After Scott got into Mexico they had a heavy gold-headed cane man- ufactured by a resident English jeweler, upon which was the inscription: *' Ken- lucky 2)risoncrs of tvar to Noah E. Smith, Mexico, 1847" This was carried with pride by its recipient in all the later years of his life. THE (iATH EKING STOKM. But the events of the war moved rapidly. Scott had landed at Vera Cruz, and was marching upon the capital city. Then the Mexican government took measures for the removal of all Ameri- cans. The iirst intimation Smith had 12 was when, one morning, he went into his office and found it lilled with Mex- icans, including many notable and lead- ing citizens. From them he learned that a proclamation was out expellins: all Americans from the city within -iS hours, and ordering them to Morelles, about 300 miles back in the countrj'. The people were greatly excited, but sliowed their friendship for Smith by oftermg to go bail for him if the government would accept it. Some offered him refuge in their houses, but such offers he declined, not wishing to make trouble foi* them with the authorities. Both the English and French Ministers had invited him to take shelter with them in case of trouble;, and when the 48 hours had ex- pived he was safely secreted at the house of the English Minister ; his wife and clerk being the only persons who had knowledge of his place of refuge. Mean- time Count Perez Galviz, one of the wtialthiest and most influential Mexicans, went to the authorities, and by the weight of his influence secured j^er- mission for Smith to return and resume business. Galviz supposed Smith had gone to Morelles, and going to the latter's clerk told him to send word for the return of the refugee. Then Galviz was told Smith could be I'eached easier at the British Minister's, and call in 2: there he found his friend and handed him the order from the Minister of Foreign Relations to come back and re- sume business. "Now." said Galviz, "go back, mount your horse, turn your hat up in front just as you always did, and ride through the streets as usual, and nobody will molest you !" The next morning Smith rode up to his office, through the 1^^ principal street, and received an ovation, the traders and others rushing out to greet him. But he was far from being easy in his mind, or feeiing secure in his position ; so he turned and rode back to liis house. There he remained until afternoon, when the porter announced that an officer wished to see him. It was one of Gen. Lombardini's stafF with an order to report at tlie Palace imme- diat(;ly. The officer was a P^renchman in the Mexican service, and evidently considered the affair a very serious one. To Smith's suggestion that he would be around the next morning, the officer re- plied that he had better return with him, as he had a coach at the door. Me said Lombardini was furious at Smith's re- turn ; and intimated that if the latter had any business to attend to he would wait, —in a manner which told Smith it was his chance for escape. But Smith had no idea of running. He had a document of which it was evident the general had no knowledge; and armed with this, he repaii-ed to the Palace In the most pompous manner the general inquired if Smith had not received his passport for Morelles, and receiving an affirmative answer, asked him how he had dared to come back. In a tantilizing manner Smith replied that he supposed the government wantetl him to, as they had sent for him to come and resume his business, and exhibited his order. The general examined it, said it was all wrong, and required his signature; and when Smith thereupon asked him to sign it, replied: "I will keep the document, and you can come back to-morrow morning at ten o'clock." But Smith was not to be caught in that trap. Taking the paper from the table, he told the general he would keep it, as 14 he might be arrested on his way home, but would leave a copy ; and he dej^arted with his safeguard in his pocket. He did not keep the appointment with Lombarihni at ten o'clock the next morn- ing. Before that hour a proclamation was posted ordering all Americans to leave the city within twenty-four hours, under penalty of arrest without bail. As Smith was then the only American in the city, he knew who Lombardini meant; and realizing the danger of any further etibrts to remain he at once re- turned to his old (juarters at the English Minister's, there to make preparations foe leaving the city and joining the American army, then at Piiebla FJ.EES IN UISGUtSE. The story of Smith's escape and of his subsequent adventures and services cannot be better told than in his own woi"ds as given to and carefully noted by the writer. Once more under shelter of the English legation. 1 immediately began my pre[)ar;itions for escai)e. I sent for an Euiilish servant, Kob., who had been with me many years, and instructed him to have a boat ready on a canal running from the city to Chalco, at eight o'clock that evening. He was to have saddle, bri- dle, anil arms upon the boat. I also sent for a French barber ; and while awaiting his arrival, went to the otRce of the Secretary of Legation, in the same building, and asked hmi for an English passport to Puebla. He repli ed that he had just used his last blank; but he had a passport made tor an Englishman , which very closely answered my de- scription, and he gave it to me. Then the barber came. He cut my lo hair short, jjut on a nice red wig and a moustacho of the same color, and two or three spots like moles on my nose and face. It was a most artistic job. He had been gone but a few minutes when tiie English Secretary of Legation (after- wards Minister at Washington) came in and handed me a package in a large envelope, with a seal about the size of a Boston cracker, and a ribbon. 'J'his was from the Minister, and 1 was direct- ed to place it beneath belt and shirt. If caught and liable to be shot. I was to break the seal and show the contents to my captors. Otherwise I was to return it to the legation unopened. I also had a bundle of dispatches to Gen. Scott, which were to be delivered in person and immediately upon my arrival. These, I afterwards undersUjod, had something to do with efforts which were being made to negotiate a peace. When I was fully arrayed the Sec- retary said he would test the virtue of my disguise, and called the Minister up- on a pretext that an old acquaintance wished to see him in relation to a pass- port. Bankhead looked at me with no sign of recognition. "I have known you — have had many pleasant drives with you on the pleasure grounds," I said. He denied the acquaintance until I laughed ; then said: "Is that you. Smith? Well, your own mother wouldn't know you !" Then he called in his wife, who could not recognize me until told who I was. She expressed the opinion that I would go perfectly safe ; and I felt great conlidence in the efficacy of my disguise. About eight o'clock in the evening I started on the canal boat, rowed by two Indians, down atross Lake Chalco. The 16 whole Mexican army was camped alono^ the shore, but we boldly landed and went through the camps. I passed officers 1 had known for years, but did not speak. My servant told such as seemed inquisitive that I was an English- man, could not speak a word of Si^anish, and was going down to work in a large cotton factory at the foot of the mountains, about live miles away. The factory was an English enterprise, but the agent was a New Jersey man named Robinson. When we arrived at the fac- tory, Robinson was sitting at a table in the office. Like all the others, he did not recognize, me, and when made aware of my identity he said : "You are perfectly safe, I guess." I had liardly made myself known when a company of Mexican cavalry rode into the yard and 2"ave me a terii- ble fright. My first thought was that they had tracked me to this spot. Robin- son ran me into a back room, and then went out to meet the troops. He found their errand was in regard to pro- curing some cotton cloth, so I was still free. My point now was to reach a certain pass or ravine in the mountains, where I liad made arrangements at the English legation for joinhig the legation courier on his way to the coast. The courier always rode with a considerable escort, and the phin was for me to join him at a designated time and place and proceed as one of his party. Robinson soon found me an Indian guide, and we started through the mountains by by- ways and paths, to come out upon the main road, through a side ravine, at the point agreed upon. Before we came upon the road I sent the guide to re- connoitre, and he came back with the alarmingintelligeiicH that the road was full of Mexican cavalry in camp there. VVc took the back track, and through another ravine came out upon the main highway two miles further on. Here we dismounted, and, laying down, I put my ear to the ground. Soon I heard the tramp of horses feet, and remounting. I waited. In a few minutes the courier, Don Rapliael Sanchez, rode up with his escort of a dozen Mexicans. Raphael was a Spaniai-d, and rode under Welling- ton in the Peninsula war in Spain. Wh°n lie saw me he exclaimed: '-My God, Smith ! is that you ? My heart has been in my mouth since I passed that picket, fori thought they had captured and slaughtered you there." A GUEIULLA FKIEND IN NEED. I asked Don Raphael who were of his escort, and who in command. He re- plied that the chief was Bernardo Colin. I knew him— he had worked for me some. Once I had secured his release from prison, where he was serying sentence for highwav robbery. Hi's brother— a tine man— had been in my employ about ten years. I did not know how he would feel towards me, but if favorably I had got the best protection in the country, with him and his gang of guerrillas. I told Don Raphael to feel Colin over and learn his sentiments towards me. Then I rode on ahead, while Raphael, drawing Colin aside from his escort, asked him it he had seen me lately .f— and would he do me a faror if he had a chance ? Colin replied that he would serre me with his life, as I had once done him a favor no other man would. Then Raphael, pointing to me 18 as I rode aliead, said : "That is Smith !" Colin dashed up, gave me a Mexican hug, and said: "Anything I can do for you, command me! I owe you favors I cannot pay." Then I ex^jlained that I was on my way to the American army for j)rotection, and he replied: "There is only one more Mexican picket on the road, and I will pass you through as one of my men." This he did, and I was outside the Mexican lines, but forty miles from Gen. Scott's headquarters. Colin's duty as escort ended at the next post for changing horses, some fifteen miles further on. I made the proposition that if he would continue on and escort me to the American lines, I would pay all the expenses of a change of horses, and $100 for his services. He consulted with his men. They were a little afraid of the Americans, l»ut Colin told them he had confidence in me — I had put myself in his power, and he was not afraid to put himself in mine — he was not afraid to go with me anywhere. I guaranteed that they should not be molested, and that Colin 's name shoukl not appear in the matter, and the bargain was concluded. At the next post, the party was re- }nounted, and pushed on for Puebla, through the second day and into the third night of my journey. We were within about a mile of that city, when, ascending a little rise, we saw a horse- man ahead, in the road, looming u^) like a giant in the moonlight. "There," said Don Raphael, "is one of your Yankees. You answer the challenge !" I did so, rode forward alone, and told the picket it was the English courier. He said he had orders to let him pass. "But," I continued, "/am a Yankee and 19 a runaway from Mexico, and have an ■ escort of ten Mexican giierrillas just be- hind." He allowed the entire party to pass, and told us there were no more pickets until we arrived at the walls of the city. JOINS SCOTT AT PDEBLA. We rode on, into the city, and up to Die palace. I called the officer of the guard, told him I had dispatches for Gen. Scott, and wished to deliver them immediately. He answered that the General had retired and could not be disturbed , but I might leave the dis- ?)atches with him, and he would deliver them in the morning. "But." I replied, "my dispatches are important, and I liave orders from the British Minister to deliver them at any hour and in person." He still demui-red, but when I told him I would thank him for his name, he said : "Waita momen^-I will speak to Gen. Scott." He did so, and was told to show me to the General's room in- stantly. I found the (;eneral in bed, and apologized for disturbing him, when he broke in in his impressive style: "My God, sir, I am a soldier, and if you had not called me you were not worthy of the ti-ust imposed upon you." A eter chatting a few minutes, I told him I did not know but I had committed an indiscretion, for I had bribed a guerrilla chief and ten men to escort me in, and I asked for their protection. He replied: "They shall have it, and I wish you had brought the whoJe Mex- ican army, so as to save me the trouble of marching on the city." I delivered my dispatches, and after a long con- versation, in which I gave him such in- formation as I possessed, he apologized 20 lor his scanty accuniiuuthitions, said he wished he couUl offer me a Ijed, for I must be exhausted after iny forty hours in the saddle. But the best he had to offer was the sofa in the room, which was at my disposal ; and wound up with a joking admonition to consider m^'self under arrest. It can be readily understood that I slept soundly until the next morning, when the servant called me to breakfast, saying the General was waiting for me I found him and his staff at table. He introduced me, and took oiY the arrest, saying a man who could stay in the saddle as I had did not require a guard. After breakfast he asked me to bring up my guerrilla chief and give him an introduction ; which I did ; and after some general conversation — 1 acting as interpreter — the General directetl me to ask Colin if he would not sta}' with us as a spy, he and his men to have eacii $150 a month and rations. Colin re- plied that he would like the money, and would do it if the army was always to be there; "-but," he sagely added, "when the army leaves, where will I be?" After paying Colin bis $100, I told him if he could wait a few hours I could probably get him a couple hundred dollars more ; and I collected letter* for Mexico from merchants and others, with a handsome sum for their delivery . I also told him if he would deliver Maj . Gaines, then a prisoner in the city, at Scott's headquarters, I would pav hint $100. He undertook the commission, and executed it so well that some days after, on entering headquarters, the first man to greet me was Maj. Gaines him- self. 21 BECOMES SCOTX'S (iUIDE AND INTEK- I'KETEK. About a wenk after my esca[)e, Gen. Pierce came up from the coast with re- inforcements, and the array, now num- bering some 10,000 men, resumed its adv^ance on the city of Mexico. Gen. Scott's guide to Puebla had Ijeen a wealthy American merchant named llarrigose, long a resident of Vera Cruz, and he had also been of great service as a hnancial agent, the army being almost destitute of funds. I had been acquaint- ed with him for many years, and almost his tirst remark when he met me at Puebla was : "Smith, I had rather see you than any other man ; you must take this armj- into Mexico.'" I was more than willing to return to the city. My family were there, and all my pr»';erty, and 1 had full faith that the oliv viueriean grit would carry the ar«ny to linal vi(!tory. So it came that I was attached to Gen. Scott's staff as guide and interpreter. I rode with him all the way. Every mile of the route was familiar ground to me. I selected the camping places, and in- variably accompanied the officer of the day in posting guards and pickets. At length we reached the summit of the pass of the Cordilleras, about 40 miles from the city. I knew there was a point not far from the I'oad from which the city could be seen ; and after making a preliminary reconnoisance. I told Gen. Scott if he would ride with me I would show him something he had been looking for. Then we rode out together, and I introduced him to the city of Mexico. The officers of the staff* were called, and all took a good look at the far-away 22 objective point of the campaign, to reacli which was yet to cost so many lives antl so much hard fighting. Then Gen. Scott wanted me to see if I could find a tree spotted by Humboldt as probably marking the highest point of the pass of the Cordilleras. We found a scrub oak which had the appearance of having been spotted, but whether or not it was the Humboldt tree we had no means of determining. That night we struck the valley at the foot of the mountains, and encamped Avithin about four miles of the advanced pickets of the Mexican army. Col. Sumner with his dragoons drove in those pickets and occupied their position Here we first began to have trouble with guerrillas, and one of our reconnoitering parties lost their horses. LEADS A FORAGING EXPEDITION. In the morning the quartermaster antl commissary generals came to me with the information that thej^ were out of forage for the animals and meat for tlie troops, and wanted me to help them. I told them there was plenty of forage in the valley, antl if they would give me a competent escort I would bring it in. But when they suggested "The Forty Thieves" as an escort, I demurred. The "Thieves" were a gang of cutthroats re- leased from prisons at Puebla, who had joined our army as spies. Their leader's name was Chatto Dominguez, and he was a noted bandit. J. told the officers the country was full of Mexican troops, and 1 didn't care to go out to be assassinated — if they would give me Harney's dragoons I vyould go, but not otherwise. At that moment Gen. Scott stepped up and inquired what was wanting. When the situation was explained he exclaim- 23 ed : "My God ! I don't want you assassin- ated ; you shull have what you want;" and said I should have Sumner's drag- oons. He further assented to my sug- gestions to add a couple of light batteries and a company or two of infantry to guard the pack train, which consisted of oOO mules. Sumner was ordered up and directed to escort me wherever I wished to go. The "Forty Thieves" were also added to the column, but I asked Sumner to place them under guard, or they would rob every jjoor man along the road. Having got my escort in order, we started for the hacienda of San Borke, about ten miles distant, the owner of which, Senor Aquilla, was an old ac- quaintance and friend of mine. We were not molested on the route, although at one point we saw a body of the en- emy's cavalry ride out from behind a hill a little off our route. Sumner was anxious for a fight — in fact, rather in- isted on having one — until I pointed out that they were not on our road, and suggcisted that we came out for forage and not to pick a quarrel with the Mex- icans. When we came near the house I noticed there were ladies there. Sumner ordei'ed a halt, and he and I rode up to the house. The first salutation we got was from the wife of the owner of the plantation, whom I had frequently met in the city. "Don Edouardo," she said, "I am not afraid of your troops, as you have American ofiicers with you." Our reputation for protecting private rights had gone up the country before us. I told her my errant. She sent for the "Administrator" (or overseer) of the estate, and I explained to him what I 24 wanted. He replied that he could not sell me a thing, for if he did it would ])robably cost him his life. I replied that I should take it. and would give him an oi'der so that he could draw his money in Mexico. We had a little con- tidcntial talk, in which it was arranged that we should take what we wanted by force. His peons and laborers were collected together, and 1 addressed tliem with a good deal of voice and bluster, telling them if they refused to go It* work we would .shoot them on the spot. They thereui^on went diligently about the collecting of grain — barley. While we weie loading, an Intlian messenger came in from my old friend Colin, — who was lying a short distance away with his gang of guerrillas, — in- viting me to come out and take dinner with him. I sent back word that I was very busy jxist then ; but invited him to come in and take dinner with me — we would crack a bottle of wine together. and I would guarantee hnn protection. He didn't come. Besides the grain, we took about lUO head of cattle which we found grazing at the hacienda. I at lirst tried to buy them of the Administrator, but he said they belonged to the peons on the estate. The Alcalde (or Mayor) was summoned, but after talking with the people he re- ported that they would not sell anyway. Then I informed him that we must take them, but made arrangements with the Admistvator to accompany us to camp» where the cattle were apparised and the money given him to distribute among the people. The "Forty Thieves" were sent to herd the cattle and drive them into camp. THE ADVANCE TOWAKD THE CITY. The following day our jjickets wei-c advanced to the town of Ayotia, on tlie east side of Lake Chalco, and on the main road to the city of xMexico ; and also to the town ot Clialco, more to the west, upon a road leading from Ayotia down into the "hot country." The Mex- icans were exi)ecting that Scott's advance upon the city would be made by the main road, leading up the east side of the lake in a general northerly and westerl} course from Ayotia. and made their arrangeruents accordingly. Power- ful fortilications had been erected at El Penou— about ten miles from Ayotia and an ei|ual distance from the city — an attack upon which it was confidently ex- l)ected would result disastrously to our army. But Scott determined if possible to move upon the city by another route- to pass around the lake to the left and reach the city from the west instead of the east. This route was considered by the IMexicans as absolutely impractiable for tlie movement of an army. (ien. Scott consulted me in regard to it, and I told him there was an old cinidemned road leading fruni <'lialcM iulo the \-allev on tile west side uf liic city. I had tVc- »]uently i)assed over it on horseback, but had my doubts whether it could be made passable for wagons and artilhny. It was a very bad road, leading througli and across ravines, and over pedregal or beds of lava, which made very loose, bad footing. It came into the valley at St Augustine, about ten miles from the city. I was sent out with a reconnoiter- ing party of sappers and miners, and they decided that the road could be made passible and went to work to clear it. The Mexicans had their eyes on the 20 party, of course, tind rolled boulder? down from the mountains,but they did no harm except to make a little more work. A CRITICAL POSITION AT ST. AUGUSTINE. The second day after this reconnoisance — Twiojo-s havmg meanwhile advanced to Chalco — Worth passed him at that place and advanced over the newly opened road to St. Augustine. I was instructed by Gen. Scott to accompany Worth, and to repoi't back to him (Scott) at Chalco that night. On arriving at St. Augustine I found the city filled with the first families of Mexico, who had come out there for safety, not dreaming of an advance in that dii'eetion. Very soon after arriving, I heard my name called from a house I was passing, and rec- ognized a Mrs. Loperana, who asked me to take quarters there for the protection of the family. I accepted an invitation to dinner, and when I reported there at the a2)pointed hour, found some ten'or a dozen ladies from the city, nearly all of whom I kneAV. They were evidently a little uneasy in their minds, but I told them to i)iforni their friends there was nothing to fear, and no one would be molested and no houses entered. Then one of the young ladies — childisli and thoughtless, — rolled out a piece of in- formation that sent the blood tingling into my lingers' ends: "Don Edouardo, you had better stop here with us ; Santa Anna is at San Antonio with 2(),00() men." Her mother adroitly turned her conversation into another channel, but I felt I had information M'hich it was of the utmost importance Worth should know at once. San Antonio was only four miles away, and it was evident Santa Anna had divined or discovered Scott's movement and had moved his army to meet it. So, very soon, I ex- cused myself, with a promise to sleep there that night, and started posthaste for Worth's headquai'ters. On ray way I met a Spaniard who knew me. He wanted to talk business, and said if I would secure him a beef contract he would give me valuable information. I promised to do all I could for him, whereui)on he conlirmed the report I had just heard, — tiiat Santa Anna had moved his army around on tlie other side of the lake from us and was again between us and tlie city. From him I got some idea as to the disposition of Santa Anna's f(n-ces and of liis defences. Also — what was of personal interest to myself — that tlie road between VVortli and Twiggs had been covered with guerrillas so tliere could be no counnunication — and 1 under orders to I'cturn and re[)ort. J gave Worth the information 1 had picked up. and lie at once wrote a dis- patch to Scolt. Calling C'halto Domin- gucz, of the '^Foi'ty Thieves," I gave him the dispatch and told him to take it to Scott. lie left, but returned in about an hour and said it was impossible to get tlH'oui!;h — the road was full of guerrillas. I told him he must take that dispatch through if he considered liis head worth saving — lie must take a road further to the left and get through anyway. So again he went out with his gang, and by making a wide detour was able to reacli Scott about midnight. As I afterwards learned from Maj. Gaiiuis, Scott had heavy patrols out to meet me, and until the arrival of Domin- guez was in great excitement, fearing I had been killed. "My God." he exclaim- ed, "if I have sacrificed poor Smith I shall never forgive myself." On receivin.o- tlio dispatch he immed- iately started on a night march to rein- force Worth, and about sunrise Twiggs' advance entei-ed San Augustine. CONTRERAS. A day or two were now spent in re- coiinoitering the positions of the enemy, which were covered by an immense peil- regal, very ditticult of passage, extend- ing from the mountains clear down to San Antonio. The road to the city of Mexico led from San Augustine, to the right, through San Antonio; but there w-is a bridle path leading across the ped- regal to the left into a village called San Angelo, just beyond the fortilied camps of Contreras — the distance from San Augustine to Contreras being about seven miles. This latter place was the right of Santa Anna's position, and was held by a very heavy force under Gen. Valencia. I was perfectly familiar with almost every foot of tliis territory, und was called by Gen. Scott to explain it with great minuteness, lie decided' to make his main advance across the ped- regal by this path. The movement was one of great dilticulty, but resulted in the carrying of Contreras by Gen. Per- sifer Smith's brigade. His attack was made very early in the morning, tiie troops making a night march over a route which 1 had mapped out as practi- cable. After the capture of Contreras tlie Mexican force— or what there was left of it — retreated to Cherubusco, avillage a short distance to the east, on the road to Mexico. Some three or four thousand prisoners were taken and put into the Convent of Santa Catarina, between Contreras and Cherubusco. During the lighting Gen. Scott and 20 stafriuul followed to within iibout a iiiiU; of Contreras, aiul wlieii the Mexicans re- treated, he followed down the road with the pursuit. Arriving at the convent he directed me to go in. give the Mexican officers his compliments, and tell them he would put on a competent guard and parole them as soon as possible. I found quite a number of general officers in the crowd, and all were in a state of great excitement, for our troops were swarm- ing around the building and they feared for their lives. I gave them Gen. Scott's assurance that the}' were safe, and that the troops were for their protection ; and with a toucii of irony further assured them that tliey would not meet the fate of Fanning's men, who were butchered after they had surrendered. 1 also told them that if they woulil write their names on a sheet of paper I would send it into the city for the re- lief of their families. While they were doing this, I found among the prisoners an old servant of mine, and asked him "how the devil he came there." He said he came out to see the fun, and got caught. I told him if he would carry in the list of names 1 would send him. He assented, and I had him mounted on a Mexican dragoon horse and sent off with the list. I also charged him to see my wife, and bring me out a pair of boots, as mine had been ruined in the sharp pedregal the night before. He executed his mission faithfully, and turned up at headquarters the next morning with the boots and a most welcome note from my wife. INTERVIEW W^ITII GEX. PIERCE. When I came out of the convent Gen. I'ierce's division was just passing. I had had a glance at the General as he came 30 into Puebla, but until tiiis time had no opportunity to speak to iiina. So now I rode up to liim and asiied liim if lie was not Gen Pierce I'rom New Hampshire. He replied that lie was ; whereupon I re- marked that he was the first New Hamp- shire man I had met for many years, and that his father and mine were in the leg- lature together several sessions. He in- quired what part of New Hampshire I was from, and I answered, "Gilmanton." He stopped, looked at me a moment, and inquired, "Are you Noah E. Smith ?" and when I answered that I was, he said he had i^ledged himself to my family that he would find me if I was in the Republic ot Mexico. The Genernl was riding witli one foot out of the stirrup, and I learned that his horse had fallen on liim in tlie petirogal the night before, inliicting a very i)ani- ful sjjrain and Ijruise. After a brief con- versation, he invited me to ride on with him, but 1 replied that I was under orders to return to (jlen. Scott, touched spurs to my horse and road away. liATTLE OF CIIKKUBUSCO When I rejoined Gen. Scott the buttle of Cherubusco was at its height. It was a life and death sti'uggle. and the mus- ketry was simply terrific. The old con- vent of (yherubusco was the central point . Worth was attacking in front, and in the rear of the convent was a big open corn- field. I saw no smoke in that direction, and riding to an Judian village near by 1 asked some of the women if they lunl seen any battery or any troops in the cornfield. They assured me tliey was nothing of that kind there, and I rode back to Scott with my information. The General's nerves were evidently on a high tension. "^ly God," he said, "I 31 have so many irons in tlie tire some oi' them will burn. Mr. Smith, I thank you for your information." lie soon sent me to direct Gen. Pierce and his brigade to and through this same cornfield, and to I'emain and guide him to position. As the brigade tiled past Scott, he rode up to Pierce and said : "Pierce, my dear fellow, you ought to be in your quarters — 3'ou can put but one foot in the stirrup.'' Pierce replied, '•I have one foot in the stirrup — for God's sake don't give the order. General ! This is probably the last great battle we shall have in the Valley, and I want to lead my comnuind." Scott then changed his orders to me so far as to direct '.-apt. Robert E. Lee. of Ins staft', to go in with the brigade ind stay with it, and rei)ort back to head- quarters thr(High me. We reached the cornfield and as we advanced through it Pierce deployed a company as skir- mishers, with orders as soon as they had drawn the fire to fall back into line. They found no battery, but at last, after they had proceeded perhaps three- quarters ol: a mile, were met by a sharp musketry fire and fell back The brigade soon got to work, when Lee told me to report to (ien. Scott what we iiad found. The idea caine into my head that I want- ed to stay where 1 was, and said to Lee : "This is my fight and I want to stop here. All my friends are in the convent, and I want to be in at the death." The convent, we were aware, was manned in part by several companies of voiunteei's from the first families of the city. I had many very dear friends among theni' and wanted to be there to help them when the convent was t;'ken, as it look- ed to me it must be speed'^y. Lee romarked with a tone of authority : "Go instantly — you are worth more to Gen. Scott to-day than any man of his army. Tell Gen. Scott we have got them, but if there are anj- reinforce- ments to spare we would like them." I rej^orted as directed. A few days before, while at Chalco, the bummers, gamblers and camp followers, about 100 in number, had been formed into a pro- A'isional company, and placed under com- mand of Maj. McKinstry, one of the quartermasters. This company was or- dered in as a reinforcement. They seem- ed very reluctant to go, but McKinstry ke2)t them in hand, and I guided them to position. Several men were shot, but they reached the hues and were set to work. Then Lee directed me again to report lo Scott, that we were advancincr, init the men were falling very fast under a cross-lire of musketry, and if he could send any more reinforcements, they were very much needed. Scott told mc to go to the commander of a regiment of lifles — the last reserves — and take them in to Pierce's support. I did as dii'cctcd, but before tJicy were faii'ly in acfimi the .M(!\icans strui-k their colors on the con- vent and the foitross was ours. The fugitives from this fight were chased clear to the (Jity of Mexico by our dragoons, and it was in this jjursuit that Phil. Kearney lost his arm. THE '-ST. PATUICK LEGION" OF UE.SEU- TEllS. After the battle Scott and his staff rode into the convent yard. There we found the men of the St. Patrick Legion herd- eil together in one corner. These fel- lows were all deserters from our army, who had been formed into a battalion in 33 the Mexican service. Thej' were being identified, one by one, by our men ; and I heard, over and over again, such re- marks as, "This man deserted from my company." One of these prisoners took a very philosophical yiew of the situa- tion : "Well, they can't shoot me — I was drummed out at Vera Cruz and stamped 'D' " — "Dead, damned and discharged," as the sailors interpret it. Knowing it was sure death to be taken, this Legion had made a most desperate defence of their position, and had even put a guard upon their colors to prevent their being lowered. They were tried for desertion during the armistice which followed. Harney hail tlie care of them, and was charged with their execution. There were about 70 of tiiem ; and if I recol- lect aright, a jxirt were hung one morn- ing and the remainder the next — the last scjuad while the assault was being made on Chapultepec. They stood in wagons, under a long beam. Harney told them Avhen the JNIexican Hag went down on Chapultepec they would go too— and tliey did. CONCEKNING THE ARMISTICE. The army advanced near to the City of Mexico, when an armistice was entered into. This was proposed by Santa Anna, and was simply a Mexican trick to gain time to strengthen their position. I knew it was from the beginning, and told Scott that what Trist, the American Com- missioner, did was simply time lost. Trist, who was present, said : "You don't have a very high opinion of Mexicans." "No," I said, "You will never have a peace until you have made it inside the walls of the city. I probably know Mexicans as well as you do." Scott and Trist did not hitch horses at all, and the General said to the Commissioner : "Smitli hasn't made a mistake since he joined us at Puebla." The armistice was signed, however, in an Indian hut on the field of Cherubusc). IIEAUQUAKTEKS ESTABLISHED AT TACL- UAYA. Just alter this event, some p]n^lish- men invited me to dinner at a summer club-house near the battletield. 1 went there with a first-class appetite, but was hardly seated at the table when an order- ly came with orders for me to report to Gen. Scott instantly. I gulped down a few mouthfuls, swallowed a glass of sherry, and started. I found that Scott was to make his head(]uarters at the vil- lage of Tacubaya, and 1 was to guide the advance under Gen. Harney — Scott fol- lowing the column in. i made inquiries of the natives along the route, who told me Mexican cavalry had been there in the morning, but had left. Meantime Capt. Lee had reconnoitered the ground near the village and found it unoccupied. 1 escorted Gen. Scott to the Bishop's Palace. This was within point blank range and in full sight of the Castle of Chapulte2:)ec, which was occupied by the Mexicans; and when the General, step- ping to a window, discovered this fact, he seemed somewhat surprised and said : "Well, Smith, you have given me a con- spicuous place for the enemy." The General inquired concernmg dinner, and I had one sent to him from a French restaurant. It was a most elaborate af- fair and so was the bill, which amount- ed to $100. Scott raved and swore about the price, but I told the caterer to keep quiet and it would be paid. Then at a convenient moment I explained to the General that the price was not so extrav- agant consideriug that supplies were veiy dear just then, and that the fellow had made a great spread for a big man ; and Scott came down gracefully and paid the bill My next business was to secure less conspicuous quarters for the Com- mander-in-Chief, and I was successful in securing a furnished house into which Scotl at once removed. HOW BUEAD AND UEEF WEKE SECURED. One of the conditions of the armistice was that supplies for our army were to be drawn from the City of Mexico. I said to Trist, "I will eat everything the train hauls out of the city, except paving stones ; if I don't you may hang me to the tirst lamp post you come to." Trist thought he knew more about it than I did ; but when a train was sent in for provisions, the Greasers pelted it with stones from the tops of the houses and drove it out before it had secured an ounce of food. Then the Quartermas- ter and (,'ommissary Generals called me and wanted to know if there were any supplies they could get. I told them to wait an hour while I reconnoitered. With a sergeant and ten men for escort, I started for four large flouring mills in the vicinity. On my way I met the Ad- ministrator, and inquired if he had any flour on hand. He answered that he had not, but that the mills were full of wheat, I bargained with him to take whatever we wanted, be it more or less, at the rate of $7 per cargo — a cargo being 5 bush. 1 peck. I then asked if that was not his price after it was gi'ound, and he said it was, but he could not ffrind it, as he had orders to that effect from Santa Anna, which it miglit cost him his life to disobev. Uis workmen lived in the vil- lage. bat I cinikl not persuade him to muster them for work. So I went back to our Quartermaster and told him what I had found, and together we went to Gen . Scott for an order to take possession of the mills and put them in operation. An Older was drawn, addressed to the Administrator, saying in substance, that if he did not set the mills in opei'ation we would take possession, put in our own men, and blow the mills up when we got through. I made a translation in Spanish on the back of the document and presented it to the Administrator. When he had I'ead it I said : "Now you put your men to work and I will make you a handsome present. Get your mill- ers here and I will arrange with them.'' The men were summoned and came, but obstinately refused to go to work, not- withstanding 1 assured them double pay. Persuasion failing, I took them to the door, showed them the strong guard which had meantime been posted, and told them they must go to work aod keep the mil's running night and day. They were prisoners for the time and couhl not go out, but their wives would be permitted to bring them food. There- upon they reconsidered their determina- tion and went to work and the army was assured of plenty of liour. Our- teamsters also came for wheat for their horses, with a result that some 50 horses died that night from over feeding. Having plenty of flour, I next looked around to see about getting it made into bread. I went to a French baker and in- quired concerning the capacity of his ovens, but found he could not supply the army by running night and day. He said he knew of three other ovens which he had been trying to hire, but could not. 37 1 told him to eoiiie with me and I would put him ill possession, and from these mills and these ovens om' army was sup- plied with bread until it left Mexico. Next for meat ! Having information that an Alderman of the city, named Floris and living at Tacubaya. had a large herd of cattle a few leagues back from the village, I paid him a visit. He was violently indignant at my proposition to buy his herd — said he ••didn't feed the enemies of his country, and 1 couldn't have a pound of beef." 1 reported at headquarters, and was given a competent escort and instruc- tions to bring the cattle in. I also took -to peons to do the herding, and in a few hours there was plenty of beef in our camp. When Floris heard of this he was furious ; went to Gen. Scott and said I had robbed him. Scott asked if I had not offered to pay him, and on Flcn-is acknowledging that such was the fact, responded : "He did right. Our armv is not going to starve. We will see you paid." Only a few minutes after this inter- view I met Floris on the street, and told him if he would send some men to ap- praise the cattle I would pay him — but only on one condition : that he would send in corn and beans for the Mexican prisoners in our hands. He said: "Do you intend to make us support the prisoners you have taken ?" and I told him. Yes — we had no pi-o visions to spare, and the prisoners must not starve. He was as mad a man as I ever saw, but after some savage talk he agreed to my proposition, and supplied the prison- ers with corn and beans by sending in a pack train from his plantation. I kept that a secret for a few days, but hnally .i8 told the (^uarttirmaster liovv Fluris was supplying his own men. Then Scott got hold of it, but only laughed and said that was an application of a new rule of war. FUNDS FOK THE AKMY. Next the Commissafy came to me with the information that he was entirely destitute of funds, and asked if I coulil get some money for him. The sum he wanted was $2U,00U. I had already drawn every dollar I had on deposit in the city ; but I tuld tne (,'ommissary an English merchant — Mr. Hickson — would be out that afternoon, whom I woultl consult in regard to the matter. I called on Hickson, stated our wants, and told him we would give him a Commissary' s sight draft on New York. He retlected a moment, and then said: •'! will let you have $40,000." 1 went back to the ('ommissary to see whether he would take that sum, and he consented. Hick- son brought out a portion of the money in a carriage thilt afternoon ; and after that we had plenty of money from English houses on the same order. VISITS HIS FAMILY IN THE CITY. Being so near my home and family, I was exceedingly anxious to see them, and at last determined to avail myself of one of the tei-mes of the armistice, which provided that the expelled Americans should be allowed to return to the city and resume their business. Commission- ers and others were constantly passing between the city and camps, and at length I asked Gen. Scott for a passport into the city, which was given me. A young Mexican officer of my acquaint- ance rode into the city with me, and I went directly to my own house, where I 89 remained one night, when friends came and advised me to leave the city, as there was great excitement among the Mexi- cans at my pi-esence, and I was en- dangering not only myself but my family. I went at once for a i^assport to go out, and sent my name into the office ; but 1 observed that wJiile others came, got their papers, and departed, I was kept waiting. At last I spoke to the clerk about it. and he replied that I would probably have to wait some time before I got mine. Meantime some French and German friends clustered about me and told me to get away as soon as I could, for the Mexicans were threatening to assassinate me. I took their advice — walked down to the door very calmly— stepped into m> carriage, and started, not directly for my home but on a circuit about the city. I saw plenty of evidence of the violation of the armistice by the Mexicans, who were erecting fortitications and barricades- some new ones since I came in. During tills ride I wrote a note to Gen. Scott, telling him what was going on ; also of my own predicament, and that I did not consider my life worth a penny. I sent this letter out by a trusty friend, then went back to ray home. About two hours after my return a Mexican sergeant came with a letter for me. The porter told him I was not in, but he would take the letter. I found it was my passport to Tacubaya. Scott, on receiving my letter, had immediately sent a messenger to the Mexican authorities with word that if I was not returned, unharmed, within a certain time he would sack the city. 1 lost no time in mounting my horse and tinding the young officer who had 40 accompauied ine in. He said he would ride with me, and we galloped to the "Gavita Belen," one of the city gates. I presented my passport, but the guard refused to recognize it. They had been instructed not to let me out, even on a passport, for fe-ir I mio^ht forge one. My young friend now rode up and had a conversation with the guard, — probably instructing him that the passport was genuine, for I was allowed to proceed, and glad enough to be out of the toils. THE ARMISTICE BROKE V. On my arrival at Tacubaya I im- mediately presented myself to Gen. Scott, and told him what had happened to myself. Also, that troops were con- stantly arriving and barricades were be- ing erected in the streets. Hajjpening to cast my eye up to the Castle of Chapultepec, 1 saw hundreds of 2)eons, in plain sight, lugging sand bags on their backs to strengthen fortifications ; and calling Scott to the window I direct- ed his attention to the work gomg on in his very face. That night Gen. Scott dispatched Capt. Williams with a flag of truce to give notice that the armistice was ended. I accompanied him as guide and inter- preter. When we reached the Mexican picket we v^^ere hailed with the usual challenge. I replied in Spanish : '-Flag of truce, with dispatches for General Santa Anna !" The sentry responded that we could not pass. I asked him to call the officer of the guard, and soon Col. Boustermante, with whom I was personally acquainted, came up". I in- troduced him to Capt. Williams, and told our business. He reiDlied there were positive orders that no flag of truce 41 should pass that night — he would take oui- dispatches and deliver them to Santa Anna within twenty minutes, but no flag could pass. After consultation with Williams, he gave his dispatches to Boustermante. and we returned after the usual compliment of smoking one of the Colonel's cigars. HOSTILITIES RESUMED. The next morning our people attacked the Molino del Rey, and it was a desper- ate tight. While the attack was being made, Chapnltepec opened on our troops at point-blank range, and matters looked decidedly blue. Scott sent me to Gen. Pillow, who was lying at a hacienda about three miles below, with directions to send up a bi'igade under my guidance. Pillow dispatched Pierce with his brigade, but when they arrived Worth had carried Molino del Rey ; and present- ly Chapultepec stopped all except an occasional shot. But our people were busy for a long time in picking up and caring for the wounded, of which there was a terrible list. A few days after, Chapultepec was carried by storm. I was with Gen. Scott and staff when our flag went up on the castle, and Scott at on(!e started up the hill on which it was situated. As we passed through a gate of the fortress I saw Gen. Bravo, commander of the castle, standing near by. I called Scott's attention to him two or three times, but the General was so excited he did not hear me. But when we arrived at the building on the summit I agaii. told Scott we had passed Bravo at the gate. "But why didn't you tell me?" he said. I responded that I did, but he did not hear me. Then he told me to carry his comoliments to Gen. Bravo and tell him ^2 he would be glad to see him at the castle. I returned, found Bravo, and delivered my message ; offering him my horse to ride up. which he declined. But he went immediately to the castle, where I introduced him to Gen. Scott, with whom he had some minutes' conversation in i-e- gai'd to the disposition of the captui'ed garrison. By night our troi:)ps had captured two of the gates and were inside the walls of the city of Mexico Before morning a commission came out with the intelli- gence that Siuta Anna had evacuated, and turning the city over to Gen. Scott. INTO THE "HALLS OK THE MONTE- ZUMAS." The first thing I knew the followina: morning the General's orderly was shaking me to awake me. He told me to mount and report as quick as my horse would carry me. In a few min- utes I saluted the General, whom I found in full uniform, cocked hat and all. lie was in grand spirits, and told me he wanted nie to show him inlo the city of Mexico. I was given position at the head of fifty dragoons with instructions to keep fifty paces in advance and to measure my distance well. Scott enter- ed the city by the gate of San ('osme, and as instructed I led the column through the principal streets to the Palace, over which the American flag was already floating. It was a proud day for me when in this manner I enter- ed the citj' from which a few weeks be- fore I had been driven into exile A REIGN OF TEKKOH REPRESSED. After showing the (xeneral to Santa Anna's suite of rooms, I asked per- mission to go to my own house and 43 breakfast with my iaraily. He assented, but told me to take an orderly so he would know where to find me if wanted. Major Gaines and the orderly rode down with me. When we entered the second street from the Palace, the first saluta- tion we got was a volley of musketry from the tops of houses on each side. I turned and started for the Palace ; but Gaines, despite my calls, dashed down the street towards my house, which he reached in safety. I soon met one of our infantry patrols, and told them to be careful about exposing themselves in the cross street, as the Mexicans were raking it from the tops of houses. The officer said he would like to get a look at them, and I told him he could be ac- commodated. I went to the corner house and rapped on the big oak door. A servant girl opened the wicket, and I told her to open the door. She said she could not, as she was all alone. I told her slie should not be harmed, but we were coming in if we had to break down the door. After some more talk she opened the door, and the patrol entered and started for the top of the house. [ stopped a few minutes, when three or four Greasers came tumbling down into the street M'ith a bullet or bayonet wound in each, and then I pulled for the Palace to report to Gen. Scott what was going on. Meantime shooting of some nature was going on all over the city. It was for a time the worst day I ever saw. The clergy had let all the criminals loose from the jails and prisons, armed them, and stationed them in church towers and on house tops. They cal- culated that our people would become demoralized and scattered, when Santa u Anna, who was lying at tlie strong fovtitication of Gaudaloupe, four miles out of the city, could dash in and gobble us up. I reported at headquarters what had happened. Even then straggling shots were coming into the Palace windows, from the Cathedral towers, which were full of sharpshooters. I made the re- mark to some of the officers that I wished I M'as commander of the army foi- fifteen minutes. Scott heard it, turned, and inquired: -'What did you say? What would you do?" 1 said: "I beg your pardon. General ; but if I was in com- mand I would notify the Mayor t(j stop this liring in one iionr or I would blow up the Cathedral and sack the city.'' He thought a few moments, then asked if I knew who the Mayor was. I told him I did — Genei'al Bouello — a friend of mine. He asked me if I would take a dispatch to him, and 1 gladiv undertook the mission. The substance of the dispatch was that our troops were tliere on invitation of the city authorities to protect life and property, but the Mexicans were acting in bad faith ; and if the tiring was not stopped at once the oiul, paying $5000 foi" a plat of 80 by 160 feet. 48 hours after the arrival of their vessel and goods, their ready-made store — 40 x 38 feet — was up and in operation, being the first trame building erected in the city. The line of business was groceries and general merchandise. The city was laid out at the confluence of the North and Sacramento I'ivers, and Smith heard a report that the ground was sometimes entirely ovei'flowed. An old Indian who came in said he had fre- quently seen it so, and taking Smith to a button wood tree he pointed out the high water mark thereon. Upon taking a level Smith saw that his own lot was two feet below that mark, so he had button- wood posts set for his building with their tops three feet above . high water. Speculators who had bought atljacent lots complained that his building was set so high it would hurt the sale of other lots ; but Smith told them he bought from the earth to the heavens and should occupy as far as he wanted to. The wisdom of this course was soon demonstrated, for a flood came, and while everybody else was afloat the store of Smith, Bensley & Co. was above the reach of the waters. SMITH AS "judge" AND POLITICIAN. In the provisional city government which was put in operation, Smith was named as one of the Council. The title of "judge" had followed him from the ship, and doubtless created an im- pression that he had earned the title by wearing the judicial ermine in the east. The administration of justice was sum- mary at those times, and not hedged about by the formalities considered in- dis^jensible in the older sections of the country. Still Smith was a little non- plused when a fellow was brought be- fore him, one day, to be tried on a charge of stealing a pair of oxen . He told those having the culprit in charge that he was no judge — that it was only a mock title as applied to him — but it was insisted that he was a good enough judge for that case, and he tried it. The fellow was sentenced to pay a fine, and given 48 hours to get out of town, under penalty of 48 lashes for every day he was lound there after the expiration of that limit. The "judge" subsequently sat on other cases, and doubtless ad- ministered justice in each with the same impartial hand. The election ap))roached in which tlie lieojjle were to vote on the question whether California should l)e a fi'ee or a slave state, and on the same day city otRccrs were-to be elected for Sacra- mento. Smith's standing on the com- munity was shown in the unusual com- pliment of a nomination by both i artie.s for the position of Mayor. These honors were deril 20, 188o. Dear Sir: Your favor of the loth instant has been received. I remember you well, and your valuable services in Mexico during the year 1847. You joined us at Puebla, in August or September of that year, just before our march to the Valley of M. Y''ou were at once attached to General Scott's staff as interpreter and guide, ami by your thorough knowledge of the country and its language you were of great service to the (Jorps of Engineers in procuring a map of the city of Mexico, and giving o7 siK-h iiiformatiou as we needed to facili- tate ouv advance. You were noted also for your courage and zeal. While in that city, before joining us, you were of assistance to the American prisoners there, and you were instrumental, we were afterwards informed, in getting some of our officers in the city paroled by the Mexican authorities. In conclusion, I know no one in civil life who took a part in that campaign better entitled to the kind consideration of the United States (iovex'nment. I am yours, very truly, G. T. BEAUREGARD. Mk. Noah E. Smith, Laconia, N. H. November 14, 1882. Deak Sir : 1 have received your second letter about Noah E. Smith, esq., who indeed rendered such important services to the American prisoners of war in the city of Mexico. (Jolonel Smith was no doubt a bold, generous and patriotic gentleman, and risked al propert} and life for our cause, and deserves well of his country, and should have a pension by all means from the United States. Since you mention his deeds more particularly I recall and identify him, and will do anything I can that is honorable to commend him to the good offices of Congress and the National Government. Please give my kind regards to the Colonel, and believe me, Truly yours, CM. CLAY. Col. T. J. Whipple, Laconia. "OVER the river." Col. Smith lived but about thi'ee years to enjoy tbe substantial I'ecognition made bv the Government. He had passed the allotted age of man, and the infirmities of years pressed upon him with constanth' increasing powei's, until on the eleventh day of April, 1887, he met the grim destroyer. Death, with the same heroic fortitude he had, forty years before, displayed upon the plains of Mexico. 58 The record of Noaii E. Smith's life and services is with its compiler a, labor of love and admiration, and is . made with the sole purpose that the story of one of New Hampshire's most notable and noble sons may not die with him and be forgotten. The author only asks that it be indulgently received as a simple sketch of events too valuable to be lost, with no claims to literary finish or excellence. ^