Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/350

344 hastened to the support of Co. K, and our company (C) was ordered to follow Co. K, to drive the lancers, and save the balance of Co. K. After which they marched back to our quarters, and all but one (Co. K) were ordered out to escort the train into the city of Puebla.

As soon as the advance of Brig.-Gen. Lane entered the city, by the National Road, a volly of musketry, from a large brick building on the left of the street, was fired upon them. Gen. Lane then ordered Col. Charles Brough's Fourth Ohio Regiment to be brought into line to charge on this building, to be supported by Col. Wynkoop's four companies, of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Capt. Simmon's battery. After which they charged with a hurrah! When near the building they fired a volley into it, which seemed to be well fortified. The enemy now became so confused that they fled out the back way into the street. Our men then shattered down the doors, and broke the windows all to pieces.

This brick building was only one square from our outer picket post, from which, during the siege, the Mexicans kept constantly firing on our men, and succeeded in killing and wounding many of them. The capturing of this building has caused great rejoicing among our men.

In the charge on the building Mr. John Doyal, of Co. B, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, was killed, besides others wounded.

After the capture of this building, the enemy started to street fighting, and our men were fired upon from the houses which had the white flag hanging out of the windows. They, of course, were picked off at every opportunity by our sharpshooters, with a hurrah.

The lancers, who have given us a good deal of trouble, are now on a retreat towards the Alameda Park, firing as they fall back. Our cavalry, consisting of six companies, under command of Major Lally, were ordered into line, and, charging upon the retreating lancers, drove them about a mile beyond