Page:Vol 5 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/475

Rh of his generals on this matter he turned a deaf ear, telling the former that not even rabbits could ascend the height, and insulting the latter by remarking that cowards nowhere felt themselves safe. A picket of twenty-five men was all the force he chose to post on the important point.

Scott, recognizing the strength of the enemy's front position, resolved to turn his left, and marked the Atalaya as a point on which to plant a heavy battery. Under the direction of the topographical engineers a path was cut with immense labor, out of sight of the enemy, across the chasms and slopes south of the northern ravine, with the object of gaining the Jalapa highway in the rear of Cerro Gordo. This road was pushed forward until, owing to the nature of the ground, it approached within fire of the Mexican lines and was discovered.

On the morning of the 17th Twiggs was ordered to advance along the new line of approach and turn the enemy's left by occupying all the heights in the neighborhood of Cerro Gordo, which might be of advantage. in an attack on that fortification. Having taken up a position to the north of the Atalaya, Lieutenant. Gardner, of the 7th infantry, was sent with his company to reconnoitre a height immediately below it, and presently became sharply engaged with a strong force hastily pushed forward by Santa Anna. He, however, maintained his ground until relieved by Colonel Harney with the rifle regiment, and Colonel Childs with the 1st artillery, who drove the Mexicans back to the Atalaya. Pursuing their advantage, the Americans pushed forward against the latter height, and after a spirited contest carried it. Santa Anna