Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/327

Rh wounded on the previous day, were immediately ordered to the left, to hold the approaching force in check until the assault commenced, when they were directed to join in it on that flank. The order was faithfully obeyed, in the midst of a withering fire upon the front and flanks of the regiment, from the enemy's batteries and intrenchments. In the meantime Colonel Harney formed the remainder of his troops for the attack, — the 7th infantry on the right, the 3rd infantry on the left, and the 1st artillery in the rear, with orders to support the infantry. A few moments passed in silence, and then the charge was sounded. The welcome note was echoed and repeated along the entire line. As one man, they sprang over the crest of the hill, dashed down the declivity, and ascended the 0pposite height.

The 2nd infantry, Captain Morris, and 4th artillery; Major Gardner, forming the remainder of the second brigade, commanded by Colonel Riley, moved forward at an early hour in the direction of the national road, in order to cut off the retreat of the enemy, under the guidance of Captain Lee, who was supported by a company of the 4th artillery, in command of Lieutenant Benjamin. Their course lay directly across a ravine swept by the Mexican batteries, and they soon became also exposed to an annoying fire of musketry from the hill of Cerro Gordo on their left, upon the western slopes of which the enemy appeared in force. A detachment, consisting of two companies of the 2nd infantry, under Captain Penrose, were promptly deployed as skirmishers, with directions to drive the enemy from the hill at every hazard. Observing that Santa Anna was now rapidly extending his line to the left, to keep open his communications with the rear, General Twiggs