Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/517

Rh the Mexican guns ceased playing towards nightfall, and on the morning of the 1st of October, Santa Anna marched out from the city with his troops, and three pieces of artillery, to meet the reinforcements understood to be hastening up from the coast, to the relief of Colonel Childs. General Rea. remained with his forces, and continued the attack with vigor and zeal. Reinforcements for the column under General Scott were constantly arriving at Vera Cruz, during the summer and fall, and were dispatched as rapidly as possible into the interior, to open his communications, and, if necessary, to join the main body of the army. Colonel Hughes, of the Maryland and District of Columbia volunteers, left Vera Cruz on the 6th of September, with a battalion of his regiment, one company of the 11th and one of the 12th infantry, and 100 Louisiana cavalry — — in all 400 strong — together with two pieces of artillery. The guerilleros were discovered, as usual, at the Hobbers’ Den; but they did not attempt to impede his march. On the 9th instant, the command approached the National Bridge, when the enemy’s heads were seen peeping over the fortifications on the heights. The guns were immediately planted within six hundred yards of the fort, but the Mexicans were found to be posted too high to be reached by their fire; whereupon Colonel Hughes ordered the hill to be carried with the bayonet. Major Kenley moved up in reverse with three companies, — his men laying aside their jackets and knapsacks, and carrying nothing but their arms and canteens. Nearly three hours were spent in climbing the steep ascent, which could only be done by clinging to the roots, and the long trailing vines of the dark purple grape, that were spread all over the hill-side. On reaching the