Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/105

Rh  army, which lost in the battle only six men. But the gallant Walker, after performing prodigies of valor, and feats of the most daring character, fell in single combat, pierced by the spear of an enraged father who was goaded to actual frenzy by the death of his son, whose fall by the arm of Captain Walker he had just witnessed. The father rushed forward, heedless of all danger, to revenge his child's death, and attacking the Captain with almost irresistible violence, plunged his spear into his body and slew him almost instantly. In this engagement the Mexicans lost 200 men and three pieces of artillery. The latter were thrown into a gully adjoining the town, by the victors. At the battle of Huamantla an interesting struggle occurred between the Indiana Volunteers and a detachment of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, as to who should first reach town and plant the on the walls. Lieutenant Beany and Private Stebbes, of Pennsylvania, were successful.

After the achievement of their object, which was the dispersion of the enemy, for which they were despatched to Huamantla, the Americans evacuated the place and directed their course to Pinal, on the Puebla road, which they reached without any opposition. There meeting with Gen. Lane, the combined American force continued its march upon Puebla.

They found this city in a state of insurrection, and accordingly entered it in platoons—delivering at every step a constant and well-directed fire of musketry, which ceased not till the enemy retired, and order had been restored in every quarter.

Gen. Rea, of whom we heard so much, lately, fled with 400 guerillas towards Atlixco.

General Santa Anna was at Tehuacan de las Grenadas, having been deserted by all his followers, with the exception of 200.



Gen. Lane, with a considerable detachment, after a forced 