Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/80

74 By this time Gen. Twiggs' division was passing us on their way to Vergara, the other end of the city, where they are to camp at the National road, leading to the city of Mexico. At this time the Mexicans commenced to fire upon Gen. Twiggs' division, when the order charge was given, which was done with a yell and hurrah, driving the Mexicans in every direction. Some never stopped until they got to the gates of the city. This was the last time we saw the Mexicans. In this little engagement Capt. Alburtus, of Company G, Third Artillery, was instantly killed, having his head carried off by a cannon ball. Lieut.-Col. Dickerson, of the Palmetto (South Carolina Regiment), was wounded in the left breast by an escopet ball, and a little drummer boy named Rome, belonging to Company B, First Artillery, had his arm shot off The boy cried.

When Gen. Twiggs heard of this, he remarked that it was only lent and he will make up for it before long.

Several other officers and private men were slightly wounded. Gen. Twiggs then marched on through the sand hills and chaparral to his camp-ground, Vergara, northwest of our camp, without any more trouble.

I now learn that Gen. Scott and his staff landed last evening, and were highly pleased when they heard of the action the troops took since we landed, and complimented our officers and soldiers for their gallantry and good conduct.

At noon Gen. Robert Patterson came up on the sand hill on crutches, addressing the men in a neat and well appropriate speech, saying that it makes his very heart feel good to see the Pennsylvania troops and other boys hold such a good position. At the same time bombs and round shots were flying and bursting over our heads and all around us, fired from Fort Santiago and from the city wall. The General ordered the men to lay down and not expose themselves. So, at this, one of Tennesseean boys cried out:—"Lay down yourself, General, or the Mexicans will presently knock you over." "No, sir," said the General, "my duty requires me to be where