Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/42

38, drove the enemy before them from house to house, shooting them wherever they saw one of their heads projecting.

Bragg's battery was now ordered into the city and the 3rd Infantry ordered to support it. They moved forward, and when they came within range of the enemy's guns of the citadel, they crossed the field of fire at full gallop and were unharmed. The 3d went under cover, in a circuitous route. On their arrival in the city they found it cleared of the enemy on a line with the cathedral, and within two squares of it. This edifice was in the main plaza, where the enemy had been concentrated. Much bravery was manifested by General's Quitman, Henderson, Lamar, and Colonels Wood and Davis. Several were wounded and a few killed. Bragg's battery was in action with them during the remainder of the day. The fighting was not so severe as it was on the 21st, except in the street running directly from the cathedral. It could not be crossed without passing through a shower of bullets. One of Bragg's pieces had little eflfect in this street as the weight of metal was too light. Bragg's first sergeant by the name of Weightman, was shot while pointing the gun. Our men could only cross, without great danger of being shot, excepting when our piece was pointed at the enemy. Then the Mexicans would fall behind their barricade and our men would cross in squads. As soon as our piece was fired the balls of the enemy came down the street like a shower af hickory nuts.

General Taylor was in town entirely regardless of his person in the midst of danger. This was very imprudent and wrong. He even crossed the street where so many balls were continually passing, and crossed in a walk. A commanding officer ought to look out for himself and