Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/136

114 only open space, completely covered by his cannon. Such were the dispositions made by the Mexican general at the for the reception of the American army on the road to the relief of the garrison opposite Matamoras.

General Taylor commenced his march about midday on the 9th, and on arriving at the edge of the chaparral, learned that the enemy were in force upon the road in his front. The supply train was secured at its former position, and protected by the battalion of artillery, except the light companies, under Lieutenant Colonel Childs, and the two eighteen-pounders of Lieutenant Churchill, with two twelve-pounders which had not been in the action of the 8th. The wounded officers and men were at the same time sent back to Point Isabel. Captain McCall was then detached with the light companies to feel the enemy. While moving along, he was suddenly ﬁred upon by a masked battery, and lost several of his men. Having reconnoitred the enemy's position, he fell back within reach of support, and sent word to General Taylor.

Lieutenant Ridgely, who had succeeded to the command of Major Ringgold's battery, was now ordered to move forward, supported by the light companies. The 5th infantry and one battalion of the 4th were thrown into the forest on the left, and the 3rd regiment and the other battalion of the 4th on the right, with orders to support the battery, and engage the Mexican infantry. Lieutenant Ridgely advanced at full speed, and immediately opened his fire. The Mexican batteries saluted him, in turn, with a constant roar, which continued for nearly an hour. Most of their balls flew over the heads of his men, otherwise they must have been