John A. Quitman - Mexican-American War

Mexican-American War

On July 1, 1846, during the Mexican-American War, Quitman abandoned politics and enlisted in the military with the rank of Brigadier General of Volunteers. He commanded a brigade under Zachary Taylor in northern Mexico.

After the Battle of Monterrey he was sent to join Winfield Scott's expedition. He led the 2nd Brigade in the Volunteer Division at the Siege of Veracruz and On April 14, 1847 he was promoted to the rank of Major General in the Regular Army, and fought at Cerro Gordo.

In the battle Robert Patterson, the division commander, was wounded and command passed to Quitman. Reinforcements arrived from Veracruz including about 300 marines and were organized into a new brigade under Colonel Watson. The Volunteer Division was divided into two new divisions with Shields' and Watson's brigade being designated the 4th Division with Quitman in command. In this new capacity Quitman fought at the battles of Contreras and Churubusco. He commanded the southern assault during the battle of Chapultepec and received the surrender of the citadel within Mexico City.

With the fall of Mexico City, General Scott appointed Quitman as Military Governor of Mexico City during the U.S. occupation, being the only American to rule from in the National Palace. He received an honorable discharge on July 20, 1848, and returned to Mississippi, serving as Governor of Mississippi in 1850 and 1851.