Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/98

80 The Mexicans still persisting in keeping up a hostile attitude, a position was selected for a permanent encampment, and the American ﬂag planted for the ﬁrst time on the left bank of the Rio Grande.

The construction of defensive works was immedi. ately commenced by General Taylor, in imitation of the example of the Mexicans, who had already erected several batteries and redoubts. Fifteen hundred soldiers were constantly employed on fatigue duty, working day and night with commendable patience and perseverance. Intrenchments were thrown up, and a fort erected, with six bastions, large enough to accommodate a force of two thousand men. Batteries were also completed, and mounted with heavy guns bearing directly upon the public square of Matamoras. The defences of Point Isabel were, in like manner, strengthened as rapidly as circumstances would permit.

Notwithstanding these hostile preparations, no actual collision with the enemy's forces took place for several days, and the impression that there would be no war became generally entertained. In this belief, General