under any given circumstances may set aside with impunity every established rule of war.  “All the older officers, who became conspicuous in the rebellion,” says Grant, “I had also served with and known in Mexico.  The acquaintance thus formed was of immense service to me in the War of the Rebellion—­I mean what I learned of the characters of those to whom I was afterwards opposed.  I do not pretend to say that all my movements, or even many of them, were made with special reference to the characteristics of the commander against whom they were directed.  But my appreciation of my enemies was certainly affected by this knowledge."* (* Grant’s Memoirs volume 1 page 192.)

Many of the generals with whom Jackson became intimately connected, either as friends or enemies, are named in Scott’s dispatches.  Magruder, Hooker, McDowell, and Ambrose Hill belonged to his own regiment.  McClellan, Beauregard, and Gustavus Smith served on the same staff as Lee.  Joseph E. Johnston, twice severely wounded, was everywhere conspicuous for dashing gallantry.  Shields commanded a brigade with marked ability.  Pope was a staff officer.  Lieutenant D.H.  Hill received two brevets.  Lieutenant Longstreet, struck down whilst carrying the colours at Chapultepec, was bracketed for conspicuous conduct with Lieutenant Pickett.  Lieutenant Edward Johnson is mentioned as having specially distinguished himself in the same battle.  Captain Huger, together with Lieutenants Porter and Reno, did good service with the artillery, and Lieutenant Ewell had two horses killed under him at Churubusco.

So having proved his mettle and “drunk delight of battle with his peers,” Jackson spent nine pleasant months in the conquered city.  The peace negotiations were protracted.  The United States coveted the auriferous provinces of California and New Mexico, a tract as large as a European kingdom, and far more wealthy.  Loth to lose their birthright, yet powerless to resist, the Mexicans could only haggle for a price.  The States were not disposed to be ungenerous, but the transfer of so vast a territory could not be accomplished in a moment, and the victorious army remained in occupation of the capital.

Beneath the shadow of the Stars and Stripes conqueror and conquered lived in harmony.  Mexico was tired of war.  Since the downfall of Spanish rule revolution had followed revolution with startling rapidity.  The beneficent despotism of the great viceroys had been succeeded by the cruel exactions of petty tyrants, and for many a long year the country had been ravaged by their armies.  The capital itself had enjoyed but a few brief intervals of peace, and now, although the bayonets of an alien race were the pledge of their repose, the citizens revelled in the unaccustomed luxury.  Nor were they ungrateful to those who brought them a respite from alarms and anarchy.  Under the mild administration of the American generals the streets resumed their wonted aspect.  The great markets