Campaigns of the Rio Grande and of Mexico; With Notices of the Recent Work of Major Ripley (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1851 edition. Excerpt: ... the more direct routes. That he was confirmed in his opinion by the result of his reconnaissances after entering the valley, and that in consequence, he fell upon the Mexicalcingo project: and that he was finally induced to revert to the Chalco route in consequence of the advice of Gen. Worth, and the reconnaissance of Col. Duncan. Granting that this route was not practicable for trains, he censures the Mexicalcingo project as in violation of the rules of art and as fraught with danger to the safety of the army. We think that a fair and full view of the whole subject matter will show that Major Ripley has fallen into great mistakes, both as to his facts and his conclusions. The map itself furnished by Gen. Scott to all the division commanders, would seem to be conclusive as to his information, as to the existence of a road round Chalco, and as to his attention not having been withdrawn from it. But othen facts are no less conclusive. The very day of reaching Ayotla, a spy was sent to pass over the road to San Augustin, and the next morning the engineers were sent out with an escort from Twiggs's division to make an ostentatious reconnaissance before the Penon, with the special charge to run no risk, as the object was to amuse the enemy. The road, however, to Mexicalcingo, which at Puebla had been reported to be under water, was found to be hard and good for one or two miles, and the Peones in the vicinity were positive that it was equally good for the whole distance. This introduced a new element into the calculations, and Gen. Scott then began to consider whether Tacubaya could not be reached by this direct and more practicable road. Accordingly, he ordered a particular examination of the Mexicalcingo route the next day. The' escort of the...