Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/351

Rh the opposite bank, from which they had a raking fire upon the advancing columns, and which could only be reached by crossing the bridge. The Mexicans were first driven from the fort by the infantry; the barricade was then breached by the howitzers, and a passage opened by one company of cavalry and two of infantry. The heights beyond were now carried, and the enemy scattered in confusion. The position was a formidable one, but the Mexicans were driven from it, with the loss of only thirty-two men. The assailants, however, were protected to some extent by the darkness; otherwise their loss must have been more severe. The march was resumed on the 13th, and on the 15th they reached Jalapa, with no other annoyance than an occasional discharge of escopetas from the Chaparral along the road.

At Jalapa General Cadwalader was joined by Colonel Childs, with four companies of the 2nd dragoons, the 1st artillery, and the 2nd Pennsylvania. The command left that city on the 18th instant, and on the 20th found the Mexicans posted in considerable force on the heights commanding the Pass of La Hoya, prepared to intercept their progress. Captain Winder, with four companies of the 1st artillery, supported by Major Dimmick, with two additional companies of the same regiment, advanced against the enemy, and drove them precipitately from the hills. Here the routed guerilleros were unexpectedly attacked in the rear by Captain Walker, with his company of mounted rifles, and the battalion of the 1st Pennsylvania, under Colonel Wyn-