Crosses the Sierra Madre.

it was thought, added a little on his own responsibility, much to the gratification of the governor.

The prefect, bearded in his own den, began to turn a variety of colours: his consternation increased as the citizens of the town crowded into his office, and, by the wildest expressions of delight, testified their pleasure at what was going on. The prefect literally trembled in his shoes, and promised to act better, and honestly point out the hidden treasures. But he prevaricated so constantly, that he was finally dismissed, and ejected from the shadow of the office he still held, and he left the city, it was supposed, to join Arista or some other general in the interior.*

Captain Henry, in his Campaign Sketches, gives an amusing account of the manner in which General Twiggs crossed the Sierra Madre, on his expedition against Victoria, December 16th, 1846. We make an extract from his narrative. He says, "We passed over a lovely country; it was a succession of stony ridges, and basins of the richest kind of soil. We marched along rapidly, and before noon had passed over twelve miles, when we' reached a hill which forbade any chance of our wagons ascending without the assistance of the men. I christened it Disappointment Hill; for we were very anxious to reach Montemorelos, and we saw our march delayed for some time, within sight of the place. We ascended, stacked arms, and marched down again to assist the teams. The artillery got along admirably by hitching twelve horses to a piece; but when the mule teams came, it was entirely another thing. The ascent must

* Our Army on the Rio Grande.

Crossing the Sierra Madre.

have been at least forty-five degrees; certainly one of the steepest hills I ever saw wagons ascend.

General Twiggs assumed the management of the passage in person. Those who know the general cannot but recollect his peculiarities and his faculty of getting more work out of men in a given time than any other officer in the army. A quartermaster stood no chance; his stentorian lungs drowned every one's voice; and his tone of command did not admit of any question. 'Bring on that team, there!' Along comes the team with a company of men hold of its wheels, and every available point. Quartermaster-Drive slowly, a little way at a time, and let your mules blow.' Team commences the ascent; all steam is cracked on and the quartermaster cries 'stop.' 'Stop! the devil!' cries the general, 'who ever heard of such a thing? Crack ahead! speak to your mules, sir, and keep them going as long as they will.' And away goes the team amid cracking of whips and cheering of men. The men. would file on about six feet deep behind, pushing each other along. General, those men are certainly doing no good.' 'You are mistaken, sir; they are keeping the man next the wagon from holding on going up The last to cross was the quartermaster's forge. Well,' exclaimed the general, 'do you think you can get up, lasty, asty, without any men?' O yes, general.' 'Well, on with you.' By the time 'lasty' had ascended twenty feet, the mules commenced backing. teamster, which way are you going? way up the hill.' And amid peals of pany went to the assistance of 'lasty.' With any num

6

hill.'

'Great God! That's not the laughter, a com

His family.

ber of jokes, the general succeeded in crossing the train in an hour and a half."

In the estimation of General Scott, General Twiggs evidently holds a very exalted position. The tributes paid to his valour and conduct in the despatches of the general-in-chief, are of the most warm and decisive, as well as respectful character.

General Twiggs's family has long been famous in the military history of the country. His father, General John Twiggs, rendered services in the revolutionary war, of such importance as to gain him the title of "Saviour of Georgia." His brother, Major Twiggs, and his nephew, Lieutenant Twiggs, son of the major, both fell in the recent operations before the city of Mexico.

o officer has deserved a higher character for all the qualities which constitute a good soldier than General Quitman. He has carved his name in bold characters upon the military records of our country; connected it indissolubly with the victories of Monterey, Cerro Gordo, and the battles of Mexico. At Monterey he was particularly distinguished, and there and in the city of Mexico, his bravery in penetrating the town contributed greatly to secure and hasten victory. The following description of the taking of Fort Teneria at Monterey by his command, will give an idea of the nature of the services he is called on to perform, services only asked of those who know not how to fail.

Taking of Fort Teneria.

"The battle now became furious-the incessant roar of cannon, and the rattling of musketry, told how desperate was the conflict. The cross fire was indeed terrible. On marched Quitman's brigade, led by four companies of the 4th infantry, about four hundred yards in the advance, breasting the dreadful storm which made them stagger, and at once struck down one-third of the officers and men, rendering it necessary for the remainder to retire and effect a junction with the two other companies then advancing. Lieutenant Hoskins, the adjutant, and Lieutenant J. S. Woods, of the 2d, but serving with the 4th, were killed; and Lieutenant R. H. Graham fell mortally wounded. Thus the 3d and 4th both lost their adjutants, who were two of the most noble and accomplished officers in the army. The Mississippians and Tennesseeans steadily advanced, braving the galling fire of copper grape, which swept through their ranks, until the centre of the Mississippi rifle regiment rested about three hundred yards in front of the fort, with the Tennessee regiment formed on the left. It was the crisis, and the storm of battle was now at its height. The order was given to "advance and fire." For thirty minutes their fire was kept up, while the men continued to push forward. The long lines moved until within about one hundred yards of the fort, when they became lost in the volume of smoke that enveloped them. The Mexicans had run up a new flag in exultation, and in defiance of the assault, which was now being made in front and rear, while the deafening fire of their artillery, and the rattling of musketry, seemed more deadly than ever. The brave and chivalric Lieutenant-Colonel McClung then ordered a charge; and calling on the "Tom