Page:The War with Mexico, Vol 1.djvu/271

242 and at present behind his natural ardor burned a new flame. His withdrawing from the army in April had injured both his prestige and his relative position, and his motto now was, "A grade or a gravel" His orders were to turn Independence Hill, occupy the Saltillo highway, and so far as practicable carry the works in that quarter; and no doubt he intended to do more rather than less.

Soon taking leave of the road, this command plunged into cornfields and chaparral Progress was difficult and slow. For the benefit of the artillery, ditches had to be bridged or filled and brush fences opened. The enemy promptly observed and understood the movement, and a body of cavalry embarrassed it somewhat. Once they nearly surrounded the General and his staff who were some distance in advance; but after a time, fearing his artillery, they withdrew to the citadel Ampudia himself rode to Independence Hill, watched the blue line a While, ordered one hundred infantry to the summit, and had a 12 — pounder and a howitzer planted there.

By six o'clock Worth made nearly or quite seven miles. He was now on the Topo road; and, halting just beyond the range of the battery on Independence Hill, he pushed a reconnoitring party toward the Saltillo highway. Infantry and cavalry had now been posted, however, in that vicinity. The party was fired upon; and, owing to this, to nightfall and to the torrents of rain, its purpose was not accomplished until the lateness of the hour prevented further operations. With great difficulty the Americans were placed in a fairly defensible position; and without fires, food, blankets or shelter, they lived through the stormy night as best they could By this time the rest of the Mexican cavalry had been withdrawn from its position between the Bishop's Palace and the citadel, and a part of it retired into the town.

Monday, a day of fate, broke heavy, dark and ominous' Dense clouds covered the sky, and for a time a thick mist cut oh" the outlook By about six o'clock Worth moved, however, and, saluted occasionally with harmless grape from Independence Hill, advanced by the Tape road. Anticipating trouble, be arranged the column so as to be ready for prompt action. The Texans led; Captain C. F. Smith and thy light companies of the Artillery Battalion, deployed as skirmishers,