Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/413

Rh remained unmolested. A few shots and shells were thrown into the hamlet, but without occasioning any injury. During the night, two pickets were captured, and several Mexicans, who attempted to pass along the road, were also taken prisoners. General Valencia fancied he had completely repulsed the attack on his position, and while he and those around him were holding high revel over their imaginary victory, or dozing away the precious hours of darkness, the Americans were examining the ravines and passes around his camp. Lieutenant Tower twice carefully reconnoitred the ravine between San Geronimo and the hacienda of Ensaldo, which extended up in rear of the hill, and reported that it was practicable, though difficult, for infantry. A prompt decision was now made, and orders were issued to the officers commanding brigades, to have the heads of their columns formed on the path leading through the village to the ravine, at half-past two o'clock on the following morning, in readiness for storming the height of Contreras.

But there was yet one difficulty, — to hold in check the large force hovering on the road to San Angel. The enterprise must not fail, and the troops required for this purpose could not well be spared from the storming party. At this juncture, the aid of General Shields arrived, with the information that his commander had crossed the pedregal with his brigade, consisting of about 600 men. About midnight, General Shields reached San Geronimo, and on being informed of the arrangements for the morning, though the senior officer present, he magnanimously declined interfering with the plans of General Smith, but reserved to himself the double task of cutting off the retreat of General Valencia, and holding the other force in check. —