Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/418

366 Scott, which shone so brightly on the plains of Niagara, more fully aroused than on this occasion. Arrived at Coyoacan, the whole scene of action lay before him. In a few seconds all the officers of his staff were hurrying with his orders to different parts of the field. General Pillow, with the brigade of General Cadwalader, following a reconnaissance by Captain Lee, supported by the rifles, was directed to attack San Antonio in rear. General Twiggs, accompanied by Major Smith, of the engineers, was ordered to follow the company of sappers and miners, supporting Lieutenant Stevens in a reconnaissance, and attack the church of San Pablo, with the brigade of General Smith, and Captain Taylor's battery, followed by the brigade under Colonel Riley. After a brief interval, Gene' al Pierce, though suffering severely from the injury he had received, but still able to keep the saddle, was dispatched by a third road, further to the left, to turn the right flank of the enemy, and gain their rear, with his brigade, and the howitzer and rocket battery, now commanded by Lieutenant Reno; and immediately thereafter, General Shields, with the New York and South Carolina volunteers, forming the brigade under his command, was sent in the same direction, with orders to take command of the left wing. The troops were now all employed; and, almost alone and unattended, General Scott followed closely after the division of General Twiggs for protection.

The orders issued to General Pillow were anticipated by the prompt and energetic movements of General Worth. On returning to his position in front of San Antonio, he determined forthwith to advance upon the works. The first brigade, under Colonel Garland, consisting of the 2nd artillery, Major Galt, 3rd