Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/329

Rh courage that could not falter. Animated by the words and heroic bearing of the undaunted Harney, whose tall and manly form was conspicuous to friend and foe, as he cheered his men on to the conflict, the Americans pressed forward with accelerated speed. The fate of the day never for a moment remained in suspense. Within musket range of the breastwork around the tower, they halted to deliver their unerring fire. Again the charge was ordered. Wreaths of mingled smoke and flame encircled the combatants. Anxious eyes were turned in that direction from every quarter. The colors of the 1st artillery, and of the 3rd and 7th infantry, were planted upon the breastwork, but the Mexican standard was still flying. A few rapid volleys were fired — then the crushing steel bore down every thing before it — and the flag which had waved over so many beating hearts in the hour of victory, floated alone upon the height of Cerro Gordo!

Portions of the rifle regiment joined the storming column, and the foremost companies of the 52nd infantry, who had ascended the opposite side of the hill, also reached its summit, in time to participate in the final assault. General Vasquez, the officer in command, was killed in the tower which he had so bravely defended. The hill was thickly covered with the dead and wounded of the enemy; a number were taken prisoners; and the remainder retreated in haste on the Jalapa road. The guns captured in the fort were turned upon its late occupants, and effectively served by Captain Magruder, of the 1st artillery, and Lieutenant Richardson, of the 3rd infantry, while General Twiggs pushed forward in the pursuit with the 4th artillery and 52nd infantry. The second division, under General Worth, reached the position occupied by General Twiggs on the night