Our party halted, and I tied a white pocket handkerchief to a stick and, using it as a flag of truce, proceeded on to the town.

Captains Sibley and Porter followed a few hundred yards behind.

I was detained at the guard-house until a messenger could be dispatched to the quarters of the commanding general, who authorized that I should be conducted to him.

I had been with the general but a few minutes when the two officers following announced themselves.

The Mexican general reminded us that it was a violation of the truce for us to be there.