Monterey

mon-te-ra', the leading city of northern Mexico. It is a well paved, attractive city. The flat-topped houses are built of stone in the Moorish style. It is situated in a beautiful valley. It is a mining center of importance. Many Americans have invested capital in the gold, silver, and lead mines of the region. There are several railways. A battle was fought here in 1846 between the forces of General Taylor and the Mexicans. The latter defended themselves in their stone houses. The streets were barricaded. It was necessary to drive them from building to building, until the central plaza was reached. Although the Mexican War, as a whole, cannot escape the imputation of an attack made upon a weak neighbor, the engagement of Monterey reflected credit on the bravery of both armies.