Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/124

118 to-morrow morning, and to have two days' provisions with us. The orders which have just been read to us are as follows:—

The enemy's whole line of entrenchments and batteries will be attacked in front, and at the same time, early in the day, to-morrow probably, before 10 o'clock,

The Second (Gen. Twiggs') Division of Regulars is already advanced within easy turning distance towards the enemy's left. That division has orders to move forward before daylight to-morrow and take up a position across the Main or National Road to the enemy's rear, so as to cut off a retreat towards Jalapa City.

It may be re-enforced to-day, if unexpectedly attacked in force, by regiments one or two taken from Brig.-Gen. James Shields' brigade of volunteers. If not, the two volunteer regiments will march for that purpose at daylight to-morrow morning, under Brig.-Gen. Shields, who will report to Brig.-Gen. David E. Twiggs on getting up with him, or the General-in-Chief if he be in advance.

"The remaining regiments of that volunteer brigade will receive instructions in the course of this day.

"The first division of regulars (Worth's) will follow the movement against the enemy's left at sunrise to-morrow morning.

"As already arranged, Brig.-Gen. Pillow's brigade will march at 6 o'clock to-morrow morning along the route he has carefully reconnoitered, and stand ready as soon as he hears the report of arms on our right—sooner, if circumstances should favor him to pierce the enemy's line of battle at such point—the nearer the river the better—as he may select. Once in the rear of that line, he will turn to the right or left, and attack the batteries in reserve, or if abandoned, he will pursue the enemy with vigor until further orders.

Wall's field battery and the cavalry will be held in reserve on the National Road a little out of way or view and range of the enemy's batteries. They will take up that position at 9 o'clock in the morning.

The enemy's batteries being carried or abandoned, all our divisions and corps will pursue with vigor. This pursuit may be continued many miles, until stopped by darkness or fortified position toward Jalapa City; consequently, the body of the army will not return to their encampment, but be followed to-morrow afternoon, or early the next morning by the baggage-trains for the several corps. For this purpose the feebler officers and men of each corps will be left to guard its camp and effects, and to load up the latter in the wagons of the corps.