Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/516

460 way. Colonel Childs assured the Mexican commander, on the same day, that his means were ample; and that, as he had been left to guard the positions held by his troops, he should defend them to the last. He then rode to the different posts, and communicated both the summons and reply to his men, who gave the latter a most cordial and hearty response.

Contrary to the expectations of the American troops, no attack was made on the night of the 25th, or on the following day. On the 27th, the assault was resumed, and a heavy cannonade was opened from San Juan de Dios, and the convents of Santa Rosa, and Santa Monica. A constant fire was now kept up from Fort Loretto, from which the city and the inhabitants suffered severely. Infantry pickets were also detailed from the fort, Who became warmly engaged with parties of the enemy. In the morning of the 29th, Lieutenant Lewis sallied out from Guadaloupe, with a party, and attacked a body of Mexicans firing on San José; after a sharp conflict, in which eight of the enemy were killed, and a great number wounded, a shower of rain compelled him to retire. Another successful sally was made from the same point, in the afternoon, by a party under Lieutenant Bryan.

During the night of the 29th, Santa Anna placed two six-pounders in battery, above the Tivoli, protected by a breastwork of cotton bags, which Opened with much spirit on San José, in the morning of the 30th instant. In anticipation of this movement, Colonel Childs had thrown up a traverse on the Plaza, and withdrawn a twelve-pounder from Fort Loretto, with which he returned the enemy’s fire. Throughout the day the firing was animated and incessant; but, failing to make any impression on the American works,