and in case the line of the Rio Grande was secure, to stop the landing of troops at Brazos Santiago, and directed them to proceed without delay to Vera Cruz.
Although Scott recognized the advantage of moving into the interior during the general panic which prevailed after the battle of Cerro Gordo, the discharge of the volunteers made it doubtful whether he could reach the capital. Nevertheless, he determined to proceed as far as Puebla, which town he knew did not hope to resist his progress. Accordingly, on the 6th of May, Quitman was sent from Jalapa at Perote with two of his regiments to join Worth, who was ordered to advance to Puebla. Worth began his movement on the 8th, and arrived without interruption at Amozoc on the 13th. From this place, which was twelve miles distant from Puebla, he sent in a communication to the ayuntamiento, requesting to meet its members to arrange about his occupation of the city. While waiting for the reply a strong force of cavalry was discovered on the 14th, moving through the hills with the evident intention of turning Amozoc; and as Quitman's corps was in the rear, Worth felt some fear for its safety. He at once sent Colonel Garland, with the 2d artillery regiment and two guns of Duncan's battery, supported by the 6th infantry, in that direction. This detachment presently came within range of the Mexicans, and the American artillery, opening fire, quickly dispersed them. This demonstration had been made by Santa Anna. On his arrival at Orizaba he re-formed the troops which he collected, and having organized a system of guerrilla warfare to harass the enemy and interrupt his communications, proceeded to Puebla. There he endeavored to encourage the inhabitants, and excite in them a spirit of resistance, but his effort was vain; the people felt but little confidence in him, and were inclined to submit to the triumphant invaders.[1] He
- ↑ Scott says: 'Puebla. . .stands ready to receive us amicably, or at least courteously.' U. S. Govt Doc., ut sup., p. 954. Vasquez, the bishop of Puebla,
