Soldiers of Conquest Read Online Free PDF

can’t be taken without an unacceptable loss of men. The landing will be a risky endeavor but we shall succeed. Now let us discuss who will lead the first wave of troops ashore, and the following ones.”
    Scott looked at Worth. “General, your two brigades of regulars shall lead the landing. Can you have them ready by tomorrow noon?”
    â€œThank you for the privilege, general. My men are ready now. In fact, the longer we delay, the less fit they’ll be. Every day more men come down with some illness, much of it from the dirty, crowded ship’s holds they must live in.”
    â€œThen you shall be first. Take eight artillery pieces with you for you will in all probability need them.”
    Scott turned to Patterson. “General your volunteers shall be the second party to land.”
    â€œYes, sir,” acknowledge the old general. He looked at Worth and Twiggs, and said proudly, “I know your regulars look down their noses at volunteers, but mine may just surprise you.”
    Scott’s spoke to General Twiggs. “General, your two brigades of regulars shall be the third wave.”
    â€œYes, sir,” replied Twiggs.
    â€œI shall write out your orders and have them to you later today.”
    Scott turned to Totten. “Colonel, we must throw a siege line around the city very quickly to prevent Mexican reinforcements from entering. You will insure ample tools are taken ashore for the men to clear away the brush and trees to do that. Immediately upon completion of the siege line, start your engineers in the construction of the sites for placement of our cannon.”
    â€œYes, sir,” said Totten.
    Conner spoke. “General, my Colonel of Marines has asked for a company of his men be allowed to participate in the landing. I’d be pleased if you would accept three hundred of them. They would be under the command of Captain Watson.”
    Scott smiled for the first time since the meeting had begun. “With much gratitude, commodore.” Scott turned to Patterson. “General, take the Marines under your wing and use them in the best possible way.”
    â€œA pleasure, sir.”
    â€œCommodore Conner, how much covering fire can you give us?”
    â€œI have seven shallow draft gunboats that I can run in very close to provide covering fire with grape and canister if you are attacked while your surfboats are running in to the beach. And all my other ships will be standing by with their heavier guns to help as they can.”
    â€œExcellent. Now to establish a timetable….” General Scott ceased talking and looked out the hatchway to the main deck as a boatswain’s pipe sounded the identifying call of a high-ranking officer coming aboard.
    â€œThat will be the British Commander,” said Scott. “I wish all of you to stay to hear what he has to say. We shall finish our business after he leaves.”
    The young officer of the deck appeared in the doorway and self-consciously saluted the interior of the mess. “Sirs, British Captain Matson and British Consul Giffard are at the gangway and request to see you.”
    â€œCaptain Matson is expected, lieutenant,” Scott said. “And I’m glad to see the British Consul is here. Show them the way.”
    â€œYes, sir.” The lieutenant again saluted the interior of the mess and hastily left.
    Scott smiled with an ironic twist to his lips. “Gentlemen, keep this in mind during any dealings with the British, they are not our friends. The loss of the last war with us still rankles them. They and the French and Spanish objected strongly to our annexation of Texas, and later at Taylor’s march into northern Mexico. The “Morning Herald” of London, which is the British government‘s mouthpiece, and the “Paris Globe” which does much the same work for the French, condemn our campaign against Mexico most strongly. Both have predicted that the United