Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/76

72 to invest the place. Four or five regiments of Mexican infantry and cavalry appeared in front of the city, half a mile from our men, and commenced firing upon us. One of our mountain howitzers and some rockets were placed on the hills. A few shots were fired and rockets sent; but without effect, Captain Taylor was ordered to try the six-pounder, which caused the Mexicans to retire behind the hill. One Mexican was killed.

General Worth was successful in taking his position on the right of the investment by 11 o'clock. The line, circumvallating the city, was to run along a chain of sand-hills about 3 miles from the city, ranging from 300 to 1500 feet high, entirely commanding the town and fortifications. The heavy guns from the castle could reach the right wing.

After Worth had taken his position, General Patterson's division took up its line of march, with General Pillow's brigade in advance, in order to form on the left of Worth's division. After proceeding a mile, they met the enemy in a thick chaparral. There was a smart fire for about twenty minutes. The Mexicans retreated. Gen. Pillow had great difficulty in advancing through the chaparral. He proceeded about half a mile farther by 4 p. m., and met the enemy again, in ambuscade. Their fire was heavy upon our men, and General Patterson sent the New York regiment of Shields' brigade to aid General Pillow; but only one New York company arrived, before General Pillow had routed the enemy by a charge. Only two of our men were slightly wounded. A body of the enemy were seen at a little distance, at a house known as a magazine, on the left flank of Pillow's command. A 6-pounder was directed towards them, and a few shots were enough to disperse them. Towards sun-down. Gen. Pillow