Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/86

82 Aug. 8th, our army, having received a few re-enforcements, marched towards the capital, and reached Ayotla on the 12th, where there was a strong fortification called St. Pinon. It was reconnoitred and found to be very strong by nature and art. It was thought, that it would be hazardous to attack it, as was anticipated by the Mexicans. Scott here again outwitted Santa Anna, for he found a road south of Lake Charles, opening into that from Vera Cruz, below Ayotla, which would enable our army to pass around the fort; but the march was a very difficult one, for heavy rains had filled the low places so that the soldiers were often obliged to wade. The steep and rugged heights were to be crossed: and the paths and gorges were filled with immense stones, which had been rolled in by the enemy. The men became weary during the day, and the nights were dark and wet, which added to their discouragements.

On the 17th, our advance arrived at San Augustin, a small town about twelve miles south of the capital; General Worth led on his men to take possession of a hacienda near the fortification of San Antonio, for the purpose of attacking that place. They captured the village; but Capt. Thornton was killed in taking a reconnoissance, from a heavy discharge of artillery by the enemy. One or two of our men were wounded. A squadron of artillery and a battalion of infantry were near the redoubt, hoping to make an attack in the afternoon, but a rain set in, and General Scott thought best to withdraw them. Had the batteries of the enemy opened with energy upon this detachment, it would probably have been obliged to retire or been cut to pieces; but fortunately the guns were silent all night.