General Scott’s route to Mexico City passed through the coastal city of Veracruz (Vera Cruz). Using nesting surf boats, 15,000 troops landed out of artillery reach south of the city’s walls on March 9, 1847. U.S. engineers, including Captain Robert E. Lee, ringed the city with earth works and began a siege using heavy artillery. General Juan Landero surrendered on March 25. The Mexican defenders marched out of the city three days later.