Scott Occupies Puebla Without Battle

Mexico's second-largest city, Puebla, surrendered without resistance when Scott's advance guard arrived. Scott halted here for three months — waiting for reinforcements to replace departing short-term volunteers and for yellow fever (vómito negro) season to pass on the coast. The halt allowed Santa Anna time to reorganize Mexico's defenses around the capital but was strategically necessary. Scott used the pause to train and consolidate his army.