Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/228

208 undertook to carry the place by assault, and managed to gain a strong foothold. Immediately after, how ever, an explosion occurred, blowing to pieces a number of his men, and a panic ensued, of which the expect ant garrison took advantage to regain possession.

While Canalizo strove to rally his force the federalists sallied in another direction upon his camp, and put to flight the reserve under the inefficient General Cos, The already demoralized main body soon followed the example, and it was only at Altamira, seven leagues