Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/513

Rh some of the neighboring houses, on the citadel of San José, within the protection of which the hospitals had been removed upon the first indications of an outbreak. The fire proceeded from the forces of General Rea, about 4,000 in number, who had entered the town in the course of the day, with a determination, in conjunction with the lower classes of the inhabitants, to force the Americans to abandon their positions.

San José was the head-quarters of Colonel Childs, and the principal dépôt of supplies. The immediate command of the post was intrusted to Lieutenant Colonel Black, who had with him four companies of the 1st Pennsylvania, Captain Ford’s company of dragoons, Captain Miller’s company of artillery, and a battery of mountain howitzers in charge of Lieutenant Laidley, of the ordnance. Two other prominent points in the city, — Fort Loretto, and the Convent of Guadeloupe, — were likewise garrisoned. The latter is the first object of importance that attracts the attention, as you enter the town by the National road, from the east; it is perched on an eminence, on the right, commanding the approaches in that direction, and has a ditch and revêtted wall around it; but, during the siege, it was in a dilapidated condition. Fort Loretto, on the same ridge, but lower, and further to the west, is a regular work, with four barbette batteries. one at each angle, which commands a great part of the city, and rakes the principal street. This was garrisoned by about 350 men, consisting of Captain Kendrick’s company of artillery, Captain Hill's company of the 1st Pennsylvania, and a number of sick who were convalescent, with two twelve-pounder field guns, and a ten-inch mortar — the whole commanded by Major Gwynn, of the 6th infantry. Captain Morehead, of the 1st Pennsylvania,