Carl Nebel, Storming of Chapultepec—Pillow's Attack
Lithograph, 16 7/8 x 22 5/8 in., published in George Wilkins Kendall
and Carl Nebel, The War between the United States and Mexico Illustrated
With a smaller army, General Winfield Scott had to outmaneuver his opponent to maintain the initiative. Lee's leadership at the battles of Contreras, Churubusco, and Chapultepec proved critical to Scott's success. The general considered Lee's night reconnaissance to Contreras "the greatest feat of physical and moral courage performed by any individual . . . pending the campaign." Lee's assignment at Chapultepec was to place four gun batteries where they would have the greatest effect on the enemy and support attacks such as that led by General Gideon Pillow.
Virginia Historical Society, Paul Mellon Collection |
