Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/527

469 the way with their sabres. The contest was severe and bloody, and the hill-side was strewn with the dead bodies of the Mexican guerilleros. The infantry, nearly exhausted, and panting for breath, having strained every nerve for the last six miles, soon arrived, and the enemy again retreated. The artillery took no part in the skirmishing, as the road was intersected by such deep gulleys that they could only advance at a walk.

Although his horses and men were almost overcome, General Lane followed like a sleuth-hound on the track. Notwithstanding their utmost efforts, his troops were unable to reach Atlixco before the night had set in. The moon Was shining gloriously, however; and its softened light came down pure and clear, through the highly rarified atmosphere of that elevated clime, throwing out the prominent objects in bolder relief, and enveloping the shadows in still deeper gloom. Several shots were ﬁred upon the Americans as they approached the town, but General Lane deemed it unwise to risk a street ﬁght, in a place of which he and his men were so entirely ignorant. He therefore ordered the batteries to be brought up, and to open their ﬁre. A most picturesque sight was now presented, and it might even have been considered beautiful, were it not for the blazing roofs and tumbling walls, the shrieking women and affrighted children. The cannonade was continued for about three-quarters of an hour, and Colonel Brough and Major Lally were then ordered to advance with care and caution. The ayuntamiento soon made their appearance, and begged that the town might be spared. General Lane listened to their request, and suspended his operations. In the morning search was made for