Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/196

180 branches of trees, in order to increase the confidence of the enemy. The cavalry was ordered to fall back upon the line without engaging in action, and the fifty volunteers lately arrived, with the lancers of Yermo commanded by Captain Antonio Bringas, supported by two companies of the Tres Villas regiment under the command of Lieutenant Ramon Reyes, were placed in ambush on a wooded height at some distance from the left flank. Trujillo commanded the centre in person, occupying the level summit which over looks the pass, and on which was planted one of the field-pieces, while Mendívil with the other occupied the front, covering the main approach.

Hidalgo had left the formation of the plan of battle to Allende, and that officer made preparations to surround Trujillo while the main attack was being made in front. For this purpose strong detachments of the better armed Indians, both of foot and horse, were sent by long detours to take possession of various heights commanding Trujillo's flanks, and a force of 3,000 foot and horse was despatched to occupy the road to Mexico in the rear of the enemy. Moreover, a select body of 1,200 of the best disciplined men of all arms was thrown out on the right flank, and took up a position out of range of Trujillo's artillery, and opposite to the place where Bringas was ambushed. The command of the infantry was given to Juan Aldama and Luis Malo, and that of the artillery to Maríano Jimenez, while Allende himself commanded the cavalry.

At eleven o'clock the attacking column, preceded by the four pieces of artillery already mentioned,