The vessels could not get anywhere near shore, so that everything had to be landed in lighters or surf-boats; General Scott had provided these before leaving the North.
The breakers were sometimes high, so that the landing was tedious.

The men were got ashore rapidly, because they could wade when they came to shallow water; but the camp and garrison equipage, provisions, ammunition and all stores had to be protected from the salt water, and therefore their landing took several days.

The Mexicans were very kind to us, however, and threw no obstacles in the way of our landing except an occasional shot from their nearest fort.

During the debarkation one shot took off the head of Major Albertis.

No other, I believe, reached anywhere near the same distance.