Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/474

454 commanded each other in the order of their nearness to Cerro Gordo. The main camp of the Mexican army was situated on level ground at the western base of the Cerro Gordo, and covered by a strong battery on the commanding slope to the north. Some distance in the rear the cavalry under the command of General Canalizo was stationed at Corral Falso. From Plan del Bio an old road led up to the fortifications on the right of the Mexican position. By consulting the accompanying plan the reader will obtain a correct idea of the battle-field.

Strong as was Santa Anna s position, he made a fatal mistake in neglecting to fortify the Atalaya. To the advice of his engineers and the urgent