heavily, notwithstanding their intrenched position, and they had to surrender about 690 prisoners, four guns, and much ammunition.[1] As for the result achieved, this was reduced to the destruction of a few old cannon moulds, and a furnace, the only vestiges of the foundery, and the weakening and demoralization of the Mexican army; but the moral effect was about equalized by the exultation of the people at the apparent repulse of the Americans, and by the dissatisfaction in the invading army at the narrow escape from defeat and the enormous sacrifices for such barren triumphs, when so much direct work still remained to be done. Scott admitted by the subsequent operations his mistake in neglecting to pursue the advantage gained at the mill. The capture of Mexico seemed as remote as ever, and many officers spoke despondently of the necessity to intrench themselves and await reënforcements, believing, in common with many Mexicans, that the cost of further achievements by their reduced number would ruin them.[2] Notwithstanding their defeat, the Mexicans can point with pride to the brave resistance of their soldiers at the casa and molino, and to the noble efforts of leaders like Echeagaray, Balderas, Gelaty, and Leon.[3]
- ↑ Worth places their casualties at the round figure of 3,000, besides 2,000 who deserted after the battle. For a list of his own losses, with names of officers, see his reports in U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 30, Ses. 1, Sen. Ex. 1, p. 365-73. Over 100 horses were killed and wounded. While admitting the bravery of the Mexicans, Ripley, Semmes, and others exalt the Americans, on the ground that they captured an almost unknown intrenched position with inferior numbers; for to the garrison of over 4,000 is naturally added the 3,000 or 4,000 cavalry, and the heavy reënforcements that came too late for anything but a skirmish. Semmes' Campaign, 331. A large stock of powder was carried away by the victors from the casa mata, the remainder being blown up with the building, but so carelessly as to kill a dozen men. Roa Bárcena claims that this was done by shell from the castle.
- ↑ The chief accusers of Scott are, as before, Riley and Semmes. He may be excused somewhat on the ground that the strength of Molino del Rey was unknown; yet Worth warned him that he expected a severe fight. With earlier reënforcements it might have been a comparatively easy task to drive and follow the defeated mill garrison into the castle.
- ↑ Echeagaray 'aún vive,' says Roa Bárcena, Recuerdos, 452. Promotions, medals, and monuments were freely bestowed by a grateful country, as shown by decrees in Méx., Col. Ley. y Dec., 1847, 267-70, 1853, iv. 345-6; Méx. Legisl. Mej., 253, 619-21, 1856, 111-14; Archivo Mex., Col. Ley. y Dec., 516. For additional details concerning the battle, I refer to Diario Gob.,
