Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/88

84 At this time, large re-enforcements of the enemy approached Contreras, and General Cadwallader hastened to re-enforce Riley. The contest was now terrific. Neither army would yield an inch of ground.

At four o'clock, General Scott passed along the lines, and was welcomed by an enthusiastic shout. Perceiving the immense strength of the enemy, he ordered General Shields to re-enforce Riley and Cadwallader, and strengthen our army in front of the enemy. Now the battle raged nigher still, and hundreds fell to rise no more. This dreadful carnage was kept up for six hours, when the darkness of night closed the scene, and the cannons ceased their roar. Our men were disappointed, as they expected by that time to have been in the "Halls of the Montezumas." They were obliged to lie upon the cold, wet ground, without blankets, to rest for the night.

At eight o'clock in the evening. General Scott retired to San Augustin, and Twiggs and Pillow went at eleven.

Scott and Worth set out for Contreras early the next morning. Firing was heard, and soon a messenger came, saying that General Worth had carried the whole line of fortifications at Contreras. He planned and executed the undertaking in a skilful manner and with little loss. He took fifteen hundred of the enemy prisoners, including Generals Salas, Blanco, Garcia and Mendoza. He also captured an immense amount of ammunition and camp equipage, and fifteen pieces of artillery, among them the two taken from Capt. O'Brien at Buena Vista; seven hundred of the enemy were killed and many more wounded.

General Scott now sent General Worth to attack San Antonio, while he with a force would go in its rear. The