Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/77

Rh, by great effort, one of the highest points in the rear of the city, and erected the star spangled banner. The batteries from the town and castle, kept up a continued firing till dark. One shell exploded in front of General Worth and staff.

At 7, (March 11th) General Quitman's brigade was ordered to relieve General Pillow from the place which he occupied during the night. The Mexicans, thinking that our men were deserting the heights, approached and were met by General Quitman, who advanced to the top of the hill. A smart fire was kept up for an hour.

Capt. Davis, of the Georgia regiment, with twenty riflemen, were sent as skirmishers, to move round under the hill and engage the enemy in close quarters. About 200 of the enemy advanced on him, and he held them in check until Colonel Jackson, with the balance of three companies, and Col. Dickerson and his regiment, came to his aid. The enemy were obliged to retire, with the loss of several dead and wounded. We had seven slightly wounded.

At 9, General Twiggs, with his mounted rifles in advance, moved up to take position on the left of the line. It was very difficult as the cannon had to be lifted over sand-ridges by the men, in many cases. The force all reached their destination by the sea-shore, above the town, about sun-down. Thus the city was surrounded by us, our line reaching about eight miles. General Worth occupied the right. General Twiggs the left, and General Patterson the centre.

Our men now commenced placing their heavy batteries in position to open upon the town.

By the 22d, seven ten-inch mortars were in battery,