Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/515

Rh had invested the posts they occupied. Yet, notwithstanding their precarious position, they were animated by the best spirit, and, with a bold and determined front, an undoubting confidence, and a courage of mailed proof, they awaited the general assault which they supposed would shortly be made.

On the 23rd instant, a dropping fire was kept up on San José; and a part of the enemy’s forces were sent against Guadaloupe, but they were repulsed with severe loss, and retired in great haste and disorder. A second attempt was made on the convent. in the afternoon of the 24th, by a party about 500 strong, under a general officer, who approached within one hundred and fifty yards of the breastwork, and discharged their pieces. A brisk fire dispersed them in a moment, with the loss of ten men killed, and a much greater number wounded. Fort Loretto remained unmolested, though its guns rendered essential service, in checking the constant shower of bullets poured from the streets and balconies, the house-tops and churches, upon the garrison of San José.

On the 25th of September, Santa Anna summoned Colonel Childs to surrender, informing him that there were 8,000 men in his vicinity, but offering to permit him and his command, if they evacuated the city within a certain time, to join General Scott, or the garrison of Perote. But one reply could be given to the summons; — where duty pointed, there inclination led the