Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/464

444 in position, the batteries being planted about 800 yards from the beleaguered city. There were, moreover, six 8-inch mortars planted at intervals along the parallel. The Mexicans returned the fire of the enemy with great vigor and precision, but the sunken trenches from which the American mortars played rendered their accuracy of little avail, while, after the range was obtained, the bursting shells of the Americans told with visible effect upon the city. Vessels of the blockading fleet, now under Commodore Perry, drew up near Point Hornos and also opened fire with heavy guns. On the 23d three more mortars were placed in position, and on the following day a naval battery, consisting of three 32-pounders and three 68-pounder Paixhan guns, opened fire. The cannonade on both sides was terrific. Heavy shells crushed through the stone roofs and sides of the houses, scattering ruin around; many portions of the city were set on fire; and no building afforded protection against the deadly missiles, as the round shot tore open its way and the bomb burst open a passage. The Santa Bárbara bastion, against which the naval battery had been directed, was almost rent to pieces, but its fire could not be silenced. Once its flag was shot down and fell outside, but to the admiration of the besiegers, it was recovered by the brave defenders amidst a shower of cannon-balls, and lashed to its place. The naval battery also suffered; its heavy embrasures and strong platform were torn and battered down and its guns dismounted. But the damage sustained by the Americans was small in proportion to that inflicted upon the Mexicans. The scene