Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/78

72 upon us. We, without orders, instantly returned the fire, and all was soon quiet again. In this little skirmish several of our men got wounded, but not dangerously. After a little rest we again marched on until we came to an old stone building which looked as if it had been in ruins for a number of years. Here we lay in ambush, awaiting and expecting that the Mexican cavalry, who had been cut off, would make an attempt to get into the city of Vera Cruz. After lying and waiting for several hours, and finding that the cavalry would not come, we again marched on until we came to a large sand hill, which was partly occupied by the Mexican Lancers and cavalry. This is a prominent point and a good position, it being back of Vera Cruz. Here we halted for a short time and could plainly see the manœuvring of the Mexican Lancers, mounted on spirited horses. Orders now came from Gen. Patterson stating that the sand hill must be taken before night. So we again started and went direct for the sand hill. The First Tennessee Regiment, Col. W. B. Campbell commanding, was this time in the advance during the ascent on the hill. The Castle of San Juan de Ulloa and all the forts around the city of Vera Cruz kept up a constant firing with round shot and thirteen-inch shell, whistling, cracking and snapping through the chaparrals like lightning, but so far have done no damage to our men. The road we had to go on was very narrow, being like all the by roads, a mere Indian pathway. Only two and in some places only one could pass at a time; besides this it was very difficult to ascend the hill on account of numerous thorns. When we got near the top of the hill we were ordered to charge on the Mexicans, which we did with a yell, driving and dispersing the enemy in all confusion. We are now in full possession of the sand hill, and the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. F. M. Wynkoop commanding, were the first ones to plant the flag of our Keystone State on the sand hill, overlooking the city of Vera Cruz. From here can be seen a fine view of the city, and from appearances it looks like a fair city, with plenty of domes. The scenery