RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY. 



125 



spirit of the storm. The introduction of steam power into the 

 national marine must of course greatly modify the character of 

 coast defences ; but we would deem it not only unwise but imbecile 

 to abandon altogether a work which at least makes, if it does not 

 perfectly protect, an important harbor. The city of Vera Cruz, 

 itself, is a regular fortification, and with some important improve- 

 ments and repairs, may not ultimately require San Juan de Ulua to 

 defend it from assault. These two strongholds, combined, under the 

 command of skilful generals and garrisoned with efficient soldiers, 

 would offer a churlish welcome to any modern power either mari- 

 time or military. Their seizure, during the winter months of 

 tempest, would be almost impossible, and their occupation, during 

 the summer would be as fatal, as was unfortunately proved by our 

 troops in the June, July, and August, after the brilliant siege and 

 inglorious surrender. 



The following tabular sketch prepared from Ministerial reports, 

 exhibits the condition of the Mexican forces at this epoch. 



Tabular View of the Re-organization of the Mexican Army 



in 1849. 

 staff of the army. 

 12 Generals of divisions. 13 Captains. 



34 Brigadier generals. 8 Lieutenants and 2d adjudants. 



4 Colonels. 3 Ensigns. 



5 Lieutenent Colonels. — 



1 Commandant of battalion. 80 Total. 



ENGINEER CORPS. MEDICAL STAFF, ACCORDING TO LAW. 



1 Brigadier general. 1 Inspector. 



2 Colonels. 1 Director of hospital. 

 4 Lieutenant colonels. 8 Hospital professors. 

 8* Captains. 40' Surgeons. 



— 40 1st assistant surgeons. 



15 Total. 40 2d 



30 Apprentices. 



18 Surgeons for military colonies. 

 2 Ambulance companies. 



MATERIEL OF THE ARMY. 



In actual service. 



1 Battalion of sappers, . 399 individuals required by law, . 220 

 8 Battalions of infantry, 6000 " " " . 3526 



12 Squadrons of cavalry, .1800 " " " . 1911 



2 Battalions of artillery, 1800 " " " .554 



Required by law, 9999 Only in service, 5211 



