Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/82

78 Jalapa runs. There were twenty-four pieces of field artillery besides about fourteen heavy cannon in position. The high and rocky ravine of the river protected their right flank and a series of abrupt and apparently impassable mountains and ridges covered their left. A front attack, which the enemy expected on account of our bravery, must have been fatal to us. General Scott outwitted the One Leg and had a road cut to the right, so as to escape the front fire, and turn his position on the left flank. A deserter from our camp made this known to the enemy, and they sent General La Vega with a large force to aid the left flank.

General Scott, on the 17th of April, to cover his flank movements, sent General Twiggs against the fort on the steep ascent in front, and a little to the left of the Sierra. This expedition was commanded by Colonel Harney, who carried the position under a heavy fire of grape and musketry. This was an important post gained, situated in front and near the enemy's strongest fortification. By great labor, one of our large guns was placed upon the top of the fort, and blazed away at a strong fort in the rear; but with little effect.

April 18th, early in the morning, our army moved to the attack in columns. General Twiggs's division attacked the enemy's left and carried the breast works after a slight resistance, at the point of the bayonet, and completely routed the enemy at that point. Pillow's brigade, accompanied by General Shields's, passed along the Jalapa road with rapidity, and took a position to stop the retreat of the enemy. General Worth moved forward toward the left to aid Twiggs. Twiggs had steep and ough ground to pass over, was constantly exposed to