Page:Into Mexico with General Scott (1920).djvu/47

 INTO MEXICO WITH GENERAL SCOTT

I

THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER

"The North Americans! They are getting ready to attack the city!"

"Who says so? Where are they?"

"At Point Anton Lizardo, only sixteen miles down the coast. A great fleet of ships has arrived there, from North America. The sails looked like a cloud coming over the ocean. The harbor is crowded with masts and flags. Yes, they are getting ready."

That was the word which spread through old Vera Cruz on the eastern coast of Mexico, at the close of the first week of March, 1847.

"Well, the castle will sink them all with cannon balls. It will be another victory. We shall see a fine sight, like on a fiesta (holiday). Viva!"

"Bien! Viva, viva!" Or: "Good! Hurrah, hurrah!"

There was excitement, but the news travelled much faster than the Americans, for they seemed to be still staying at desolate Anton Lizardo.

Now, March 9, up here at the city of Vera Cruz, was as fine a day as anybody might wish for. The sun had risen bright and clear above the Gulf of