Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/463

Rh was again heard thundering at the southern gates. The batteries near Chapultepec, — Lieutenant Andrews relieving Captain Drum, for a short time, with his company of the 3rd artillery, and the Guns of the fortress, were instantly at work. The cannonade soon swelled into a continuous roar, and the solid earth shook with the dreadful concussion. The batteries were kept playing for about two hours, in which time one of the sixteen-pounders, in battery number 1, was disabled; and showers of grape, canister, and shells, were then thrown into the groves and shrubbery around the castle. At eight o'clock, the order to cease firing was given, and the attacking columns moved forward — the guns once more opening, immediately after the advance, and keeping up an incessant fire, over the heads of the assailants, till they were masked.

The American troops had mostly slept on their arms. Though somewhat fatigued, and entertaining, it may be, considerable anxiety as to the result of the approaching struggle, a bright glow was imparted to their cheeks by the confidence and courage that continued to animate them. There were no laggards, — none to falter; and a beaming light sparkled in the eye of him who shook his comrade's hand at parting, and a high-souled daring curled his lip, when he. went forth to battle, bearing with him the premonition of an early death, which, though it saddened the heart, had no enervating power. All felt the importance of the movement. But little over ten thousand in number, they had precipitated themselves into a valley swarming with enemies. Fighting their way through rivulets of blood, — through the intrenchments of Contreras, San Antonio,