"General Patterson was ordered to march [December, 1846,] from Matamoros to Victoria with three regiments of volunteers, two pieces of artillery, and the engineer company under Lieut. G. W. Smith". (p. 187.)
Vera Cruz."This line of investment, through the chaparral and over the sand hills, was located by Lieut. G. W. Smith, of the engineers, assisted by Lieut. G. B. McClellan, and a roadway along the line was made under the supervision of these two lieutenants with the engineer company and a party of several hundred soldiers". (p. 246.)
Cerro Gordo."On the arrival of the engineer company and train at Plan del Rio [April 17th, 1847], Lieut. G. B. McClellan with a party of ten men reported to General Pillow, and Lieut. G. W. Smith with [the rest of] his men and a portion of the train to General Twiggs".
"That night [17th] one 24-pounder and two 24-pound howitzers were placed in position on the Atalaya, the battery being constructed under the supervision of Lieut. G. W. Smith, assisted by Lieut. John G. Foster of the engineers, the location of the battery having been determined by Capt. R. E. Lee". (p. 286.)
From Puebla to the Valley of Mexico."Riley's brigade was guided by Capt. Lee, assisted by Lieut. John G. Foster with ten men of the engineer company". (p. 287-8.)
"It was the rule with General Scott that one of the only two regular divisions should always be in front. The engineer company headed the column. There was but one company of engineer soldiers in the United States army". (p. 339.)
In the Valley of Mexico."Beyond San Gregorio, the border of Xochimilco was skirted, and here obstructions in the road were first encountered, a ditch having been dug across it, and largestones rolled down from the hillside; but these obstacles were soon overcome by the engineer company with a detail from the leading brigade, while the Mexicans, who were firing from the heights above, were driven off by Colonel C. F. Smith's light battalion". (p. 355.)
Contreras."The engineer company was recalled from Worth, and with a working party of 500 men, was ordered to make the road to Padierna practicable for artillery". (p. 362.)
"When Smith's brigade advanced as described, the engineer company, under Lieut. G. W. Smith, went into action with the Third Infantry of that brigade". (p. 363.)
"General Smith moved to his right and front across thepedrigal, the Rifles, with the engineer company at their head, leading".
"At 2:30 A. M. of the 20th [August, 1847], the troops under General Smith began to form and take their places preparatory to the march which would bring them on Valencia's rear. Leading the Rifles in front of the brigade was the engineer company". (p. 369.)
"The engineer company and the Rifles, being already in position in rear of the Mexican detachment, then rose and firing a volley upon it, and Riley continuing on upon them, they faced about, broke, and fled in the utmost precipitation to the main line in rear, pursued by Riley, the Rifles and engineer company". (p. 70.)
Churubusco."At Coyoacan General Scott joined, having previously ordered his columns to halt there. Lieut. I. I. Stevens, ordered about the same time to advance on the direct road and reconnoitre, was supported by the engineer company under Lieut. G. W. Smith. This reconnaissance covered the Convent of San Pablo in the village of Churubusco". (p. 378-9.)
Chapultepec."Battery No. 1 was constructed under Lieut. G. W. Smith's supervision, and Battery No. 2 under Lieut. G. B. McClellan's. Details were made from Quitman's division to assist the engineer company in the construction of these works, but although directed to report immediately after dark they did not arrive until near 4 A. M., of the 12th; hence these works, which were to have been finished before daylight, were hardly commenced by that time. The engineers were however, indefatigable, and the batteries were completed rapidly". (p. 452.)
City of Mexico."Lieut. G. W. Smith, with the company and train under his command, reported to General Worth on the [San Cosme] causeway, [in the afternoon, September 13th], was informed that the wounding of Lieut. Stevens made him [Smith] the senior engineer of the attack then going on, and was instructed to go to the front, closely and carefully examine the state of affairs,return as soon as practicable, and report the best method of conducting the attack". He reported "that infantry alone on the left of the road could capture the gate, without artillery and with little loss, by making its way through the houses. He was ordered to take the engineer company and tools, return to the front, and carry out the plan proposed". (p. 476.)
"The Mexicans did not remain long in front of Worth; after dark the signal for retreat of one command was given, and being heard by all, they left the buildings and scattered in all directions, their officers being unable to restrain them. In a little while, however, they repaired to the citadel. In one of the pavilions a council was held. Santa Anna presided, explained the untoward incidents of the day, and asked the opinions of those present as to whether or not the defence of the capital should be prolonged. There was discussion and opposition, but, Santa Anna announced his decision in these emphatic words: 'I resolve that this night this city must be evacuated'". (p. 480-1.)
"At 1 o'clock A. M. of the 14th commissioners from the municipal government of the city approached the advanced post of Worth's command, were passed to his headquarters, and by him sent to General Scott's headquarters in Tacubaya". (p. 481.)
"General Worth then directed the two engineer officers, serving with his command, to proceed to the front and with a detachment of infantry and the engineer company, closely examine all strong buildings, and direct operations toward the Main Plaza and National Palace. The senior engineer being directed to make known promptly any indication that the rumored evacuation was incorrect, reported that everything indicated that the Mexican army had abandoned the city". (p. 481.)
Tepe Agualco, Mexico,May 4, 1847.Colonel JOSEPH G. TOTTEN,Chief Engineer,Washington City.Sir:"I have the honor to inform you that, on the 25th of April, First Sergeant Hastings of 'K' Company, Third Artillery, was, by order of General Worth, transferred to the Engineer Corps, subject to the approval of the Commander-in-Chief."Sergeant Hastings has the reputation of being one of the best first sergeants in the army. He was for 7 or 8 years orderly sergeant in the Second Infantry. He is an intimate friend of Sergeant Everett;[6]is a well educated man, very intelligent; a remarkably fine looking soldier, a good drill sergeant."By birth he is an Irishman—he came to this country quite young, and was brought up in Po'keepsie, N. Y."We were very much in want of an orderly sergeant. I think there can be no doubt but we have secured a prize."I would be glad if you would send a Sergeant's warrant for David H. Hastings. I respectfully recommend the following promotions and appointments in the engineer company:Corporal Benjamin W. Coit, acting lance sergeant since 1st of February, to be sergeant from February 1st, 1847:Artificer Charles A. Viregg, lance corporal since 1st of February, to be corporal from February 1st, 1847:Artificer Ethan T. Sheldon, lance corporal since 1st of February, to be corporal from February 1st, 1847:Artificer William A. Noyes, to be corporal from the 18th of April, 1847:"Privates Charles A. Pierce, Jacob T. Smith, Benjamin L. Boomer, Edwin M. Holloway, James Brannan, Joseph A. Mower, David P. Weaver, Thomas Bigley, Seth H. Taylor, and Charles A. Porter, to be artificers from the 29th of March, 1847:"Musician Frederick W. Gerber to be artificer from the 18th of April, 1847:"Privates Augustus B. Hussey, James B. Vansant, and William S. Bliss, to be artificers from the 29th of March, 1847:"Corporal William Bartlett, reduced to the grade of artificer, May 1st, 1847:"Artificer Hiram B. Yeager to be corporal from May 1st, 1847:"Artificer Charles W. Bont reduced to the grade of second class private from May 1st, 1847:"I respectfully call to the attention of the Chief Engineer the fact that, in accordance with his suggestion, I have delayed making the above recommendations, and now urge them as my deliberate opinion. I hope they will be favorably acted upon."My monthly return for April shows a total of sixty-two. My recommendations make, in the company, six sergeants, six corporals, one musician, twenty-three artificers and twenty-six second class privates".Very respectfully,Your obdt. servt.,GUS. W. SMITH,Lieut., Comdg. Engr. Co.
Tepe Agualco, Mexico,May 4, 1847.
Colonel JOSEPH G. TOTTEN,Chief Engineer,Washington City.
Sir:
"I have the honor to inform you that, on the 25th of April, First Sergeant Hastings of 'K' Company, Third Artillery, was, by order of General Worth, transferred to the Engineer Corps, subject to the approval of the Commander-in-Chief.
"Sergeant Hastings has the reputation of being one of the best first sergeants in the army. He was for 7 or 8 years orderly sergeant in the Second Infantry. He is an intimate friend of Sergeant Everett;[6]is a well educated man, very intelligent; a remarkably fine looking soldier, a good drill sergeant.
"By birth he is an Irishman—he came to this country quite young, and was brought up in Po'keepsie, N. Y.
"We were very much in want of an orderly sergeant. I think there can be no doubt but we have secured a prize.
"I would be glad if you would send a Sergeant's warrant for David H. Hastings. I respectfully recommend the following promotions and appointments in the engineer company:
Corporal Benjamin W. Coit, acting lance sergeant since 1st of February, to be sergeant from February 1st, 1847:
Artificer Charles A. Viregg, lance corporal since 1st of February, to be corporal from February 1st, 1847:
Artificer Ethan T. Sheldon, lance corporal since 1st of February, to be corporal from February 1st, 1847:
Artificer William A. Noyes, to be corporal from the 18th of April, 1847:
"Privates Charles A. Pierce, Jacob T. Smith, Benjamin L. Boomer, Edwin M. Holloway, James Brannan, Joseph A. Mower, David P. Weaver, Thomas Bigley, Seth H. Taylor, and Charles A. Porter, to be artificers from the 29th of March, 1847:
"Musician Frederick W. Gerber to be artificer from the 18th of April, 1847:
"Privates Augustus B. Hussey, James B. Vansant, and William S. Bliss, to be artificers from the 29th of March, 1847:
"Corporal William Bartlett, reduced to the grade of artificer, May 1st, 1847:
"Artificer Hiram B. Yeager to be corporal from May 1st, 1847:
"Artificer Charles W. Bont reduced to the grade of second class private from May 1st, 1847:
"I respectfully call to the attention of the Chief Engineer the fact that, in accordance with his suggestion, I have delayed making the above recommendations, and now urge them as my deliberate opinion. I hope they will be favorably acted upon.
"My monthly return for April shows a total of sixty-two. My recommendations make, in the company, six sergeants, six corporals, one musician, twenty-three artificers and twenty-six second class privates".
Very respectfully,Your obdt. servt.,GUS. W. SMITH,Lieut., Comdg. Engr. Co.
The foregoing recommendations were approved and the appointments were received whilst the company was in the city of Puebla.
Soon after the war ended, Sergeants Hastings, Starr and Everett were promoted to be commissioned officers in the "Old Regular Army" of the United States. Later, Sergeant Warren L. Lothrop was given a commission in that army.
[6]Thornton S. Everett was property sergeant of the engineer company; had charge of its train from the time of his enlistment in the company until its return to West Point; and, in addition, had charge, in Mexico, of the general engineer train of the army.
[6]Thornton S. Everett was property sergeant of the engineer company; had charge of its train from the time of his enlistment in the company until its return to West Point; and, in addition, had charge, in Mexico, of the general engineer train of the army.
Transcriber's NoteTypographical errors corrected in the text:Page 8 a changed to atPage 9 Camargo changed to CarmargoPage 10 Camargo changed to CarmargoPage 11 montly changed to monthlyPage 11 chapparel changed to chaparralPage 12 chapparal changed to chaparralPage 12 referrred changed to referredPage 13 extravagent changed to extravagantPage 15 chapparal changed to chaparralPage 20 relinguished changed to relinquishedPage 21 chapparal changed to chaparralPage 22 chapparal changed to chaparralPage 27 chapparal changed to chaparralPage 28 Twigg's changed to Twiggs'sPage 29 chapparal changed to chaparralPage 30 Twigg's changed to Twiggs'sPage 31 hights changed to heightsPage 38 quite changed to quietPage 41 Coyocan changed to CoyoacanPage 44 Coyocan changed to CoyoacanPage 45 Coyocan changed to CoyoacanPage 49 come changed to camePage 52 posession changed to possessionPage 64 amonnts changed to amountsPage 64 seige changed to siegePage 64 indebtness changed to indebtednessPage 66 chapparal changed to chaparral
Transcriber's Note